According to Bernama news agency, Gen Ariffin was quoted as saying: "I'm not surprised with the report. This is a competition to acquire modern and sophisticated assets."

He said this in response to questions asking him to comment on reports of Singapore's plans to buy up to 100 units of the the supersonic F-35, the world's most advanced fighter jet.

The jet uses stealth technology to avoid detection by radar or infrared sensors.

Speaking at the sidelines of Malaysia's air force service excellence award presentation, he said Malaysia was not lagging behind in terms of military assets. "We have the Sukhoi fighter jets and other sophisticated assets," he said.

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