Royal Malaysian Air Force

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"RMAF" redirects here. For other uses, see RMAF (disambiguation).

Royal Malaysian Air Force
Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia
تنترا اودارا دراج مليسيا
Badge of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.svg
Crest of the Royal Malaysian Air Force
Founded2 June 1958; 63 years ago (1958-06-02) [1]
Country Malaysia
AllegianceYang di-Pertuan Agong
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size15,000 personnel [2]
151 active aircraft [3]
Part ofMalaysian Armed Forces
Motto(s)Malay: Sentiasa di Angkasa Raya
"Always in the Sky"
Colours      
MarchMalay: Perwira di Angkasa
"Warriors in the Skies"
Anniversaries2 June
Engagements
Websitewww.airforce.mil.my
Commanders
Colonel-in-ChiefHM Sultan Abdulllah of Pahang
Chief of the Air ForceGeneral Tan Sri Datuk Seri Ackbal Abdul Samad
Deputy Chief of the Air ForceLieutenant General Dato Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan
Insignia
RoundelRoundel of Malaysia.svg Roundel of Malaysia – Low Visibility.svg
Fin flashTUDM fin flash.svg
FlagAir Force Ensign of Malaysia.svg
Aircraft flown
FighterSu-30MKM, F/A-18 Hornet
HelicopterEC 725, Sikorsky UH-60
PatrolSuper King Air
TrainerBAE Hawk, MB-339, Pilatus PC-7
TransportAirbus A400M, C-130, CASA CN-235, 737

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF, Malay: Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia; TUDM; Jawi : تنترا اودارا دراج مليسيا) was formed on 2 June 1958 as the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Persekutuan Tanah Melayu; تنترا اودارا دراج ڤرسكوتون تانه ملايو). However, its roots can be traced back to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the British Royal Air Force in then colonial British Malaya. Today, the Royal Malaysian Air Force operates a unique mix of modern American, European and Russian-made aircraft.

History[]

Early years[]

Labuan Air Base with CAC Sabre in 1965, today became the main airfield for East Malaysia.

The Malaysian air forces trace their lineage to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed in 1934. They later transformed into the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force (SSVAF) and the Malaya Volunteer Air Force (MVAF) formed in 1940 and dissolved in 1942 during the height of the Japanese advance over Malaya. The latter was re-established in 1950 in time for the Malayan Emergency and contributed very much to the war effort.

On 2 June 1958 the MVAF finally became the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force (RFMAF), this date is celebrated as RMAF Day yearly.

On 25 October 1962, after the end of the Malayan Emergency, the RAF handed over their first airfields in Malaya to the RFMAF, at Simpang Airport; it was opened on 1 June 1941, in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur which was formerly part of Selangor and the national capital city. The first aircraft for the fledgling air force was a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer named "Lang Rajawali" by the then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. Several Malayans serving with the Royal Air Force transferred to the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force. The role played by RMAF was limited initially to communications and the support of ground operations against Communist insurgents during the Malayan Emergency. RMAF received its first combat aircraft with the delivery of 20 Canadair CL41G Tebuans (an armed version of the Canadair Tutor trainer). RMAF also received Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters, to be used in the liaison role.

RMAF Douglas A-4PTM Skyhawk prepared for takeoff.

With the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, the name of the air force was changed to "Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia" or "Royal Malaysian Air Force". New types introduced into service included the Handley Page Herald transport and the De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou. RMAF received Sikorsky S-61A-4 helicopters in the late 1960s and early 1970s which were used in the transport role. RMAF gained an air defence capability when the Australian Government donated 10 ex-Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) CAC Sabre fighters. These were based at the Butterworth Air Base. After the withdrawal of British military forces from Malaysia and Singapore at the end of 1971, a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom was concluded to ensure defence against external aggression. The RAAF maintained two Mirage IIIO squadrons at RAF/RAAF Station Butterworth, Butterworth Air Base as part of its commitment to the FPDA. These squadrons were withdrawn in 1986, although occasional deployments of RAAF aircraft continue.

Modernisation[]

RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKMs seen from top and bottom.

With the withdrawal of British military forces, RMAF underwent gradual modernisation from the 1970s to the 1990s. The Sabre were replaced by 16 Northrop F-5E Tiger-IIs. A reconnaissance capability was acquired with the purchase of two RF-5E Tigereye aircraft. RMAF also purchased 88 ex-US Navy Douglas A-4C Skyhawks, of which 40 of the airframes were converted/refurbished by Grumman Aircraft Engineering at Bethpage into the A-4PTM ('Peculiar To Malaysia'), configuration (similar to A-4M standard). RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States. However, limitations imposed by the US on "new technology" to the region, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM fire-and-forget air-to-air missile, has made RMAF consider purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources. The 1990s saw the arrival of first the BAE Hawk Mk108/208 which replaced the T/A-4PTMs, followed by the MiG-29N/NUB in 1995 in the air superiority role and delivery of the F/A-18D Hornet in 1997 to provide an all weather interdiction capability. In 2003 a contract was signed for 18 Su-30MKMs for delivery in 2007 to fulfill a requirement for an initial order of multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA). A requirement for a further 18 MRCAs remains unfulfilled. RMAF is also looking for an AWACS aircraft, although no firm orders have been placed.

On 8 December 2005, four Airbus Military A400M aircraft were ordered to enhance the airlift capability. By March 2017 all Malaysian A400Ms were delivered to the customer.[4] In late 2006, the Government signed a contract to purchase eight Aermacchi MB-339CMs to add to the eight MB-339AMs already in service.

RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18 Hornet, MiG-29N and BAE Hawk 208 with USAF F-22 Raptor and F-15 Strike Eagle participating in Cope Taufan 2014.

In March 2007, then-Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Najib Razak notified the public that the MiG-29 would continue in service until 2010. Later that year, Najib announced the Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuri helicopter, in service since 1968 with 89 crew members killed in 15 accidents, would be phased out by 2012 and replaced by the Eurocopter EC725.[5] Deputy RMAF Chief Lieutenant General Bashir Abu Bakar told the media after opening Heli-Asia 2007, that tender assessment for the replacement of the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri would occur in early 2008.[6] At the 12th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition 2010,[7] a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed for 12 EC725 helicopters to be supplied to the RMAF.[8]

The RMAF currently has a MRCA replacement program to replace the MiG-29 and F-5 fighters that will be retired by the end of 2015. The MRCA replacement program is currently narrowed down to four types of aircraft (Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab JAS 39 Gripen). Under the program, the RMAF is looking to equip three squadrons with 36 to 40 new fighter aircraft with a budget of RM6 billion to RM8 billion (US$1.84 billion to US$2.46 billion).[9]

RMAF and USN in CARAT exercise.

RMAF also has a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program in pipe line. In December 2017, the RMAF's Brigadier General Yazid Bin Arshad announced it had shortlisted four aircraft types to replace the force's ageing fleet of Beechcraft Super King Air maritime patrol aircraft. The selected types are the EADS CASA C-295 from Airbus, the P-8 Poseidon from Boeing, ATR 72 MP from ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, and the CASA/IPTN CN-235, which could be provided by either Airbus or Indonesian Aerospace, which acquired a licence to produce it.[10]

It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace the Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri.[11]

List of chiefs of the Royal Malaysian Air Force[]

No Name Tenure Begin Tenure End
1 Air Commodore Alexander Vallance Ridell Johnstone 30 November 1957 4 September 1958
2 Air Commodore Nicol Challis Hyde 5 September 1958 31 December 1959
3 Group Captain John Nichol Stacey 1 January 1960 19 May 1963
4 Group Captain C.S.J. West 20 May 1963 13 May 1965
5 Air Commodore Alasdair Mackay Sinclair Steedman 14 May 1965 31 October 1967
6 Air Vice Marshal Tan Sri Dato' Sulaiman Sujak 1 November 1967 31 December 1976
7 Lieutenant General Tan Sri Dato' Dato' Mohamed Taib 1 January 1977 24 August 1983
8 Lieutenant General Tan Sri Dato' Mohamad Ngah Said 24 August 1983 18 March 1990
9 Lieutenant General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Yunus Mohd Tasi 19 March 1990 19 August 1993
10 Lieutenant General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abdul Ghani Abdul Aziz 19 August 1993 10 August 1996
11 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ahmad Saruji Che Rose 10 August 1996 12 June 2001
12 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Suleiman Hj Mahmud 12 June 2001 4 March 2003
13 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad 4 March 2003 4 April 2004
14 General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Nik Ismail Nik Mahmud 4 April 2004 30 October 2006
15 General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Azizan Ariffin 30 October 2006 31 August 2009
16 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Rodzali Daud 1 September 2009 11 September 2014
17 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Roslan Saad 12 September 2014 20 December 2016
18 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Affendi Buang 21 December 2016 1 January 2020
19 General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ackbal Abdul Samad 2 January 2020 current[12]

Source:[13][better source needed]

Ranks[]

Main article: Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces

Until the late 1970s, the Royal Malaysian Air Force used the same officer ranking system as the Royal Air Force. They were replaced by army-style designations and given Malay title equivalents, but the sleeve insignia remained the same mirroring the RAF practice, but all General Officers wear 1 to 5 stars on the shoulder board in addition to the existing sleeve insignia. The list of ranks which are currently used are shown below (in descending order). NCOs and enlisted ranks remained unchanged, and retain their pre-1970s names.

Rank group General/flag officers Field/senior officers Junior officers Officer cadet
Commander-in-Chief Generals Senior officers Junior officers Officer Cadets
Pemerintah Tertinggi Pegawai Tinggi Pegawai Kanan Pegawai Muda Pegawai Kadet
 Royal Malaysian Air Force[14]
  • v
  • t
 Malaysia-Air Force-OF-10.svg Malaysia-Air Force-OF-9.svg Malaysia-Air Force-OF-8.svg Malaysia-Air Force-OF-7.svg Malaysia-Air Force-OF-6.svg Colonel of Royal Malaysian Air Force.png Lieutenant Colonel of Royal Malaysian Air Force.png Major of Royal Malaysian Air Force.png Captain of Royal Malaysian Air Force.png Lieutenant of Royal Malaysian Air Force.png 2nd Lieutenant of Royal Malaysian Air Force.png No insignia
Marsyal tentera udara Jeneral TUDM Leftenan jeneral TUDM Mejar jeneral TUDM Brigedier jeneral TUDM Kolonel TUDM Leftenan kolonel TUDM Mejar TUDM Kapten TUDM Leftenan TUDM Leftenan muda TUDM Pegawai kadet

All officers, with the exception of the Marshal of the Royal Malaysian Air Force apply the Air Force acronym (RMAF, TUDM) to their rank title, to differentiate from their Malaysian Army equivalents. For example, a Colonel in the Air Force would be titled Colonel, RMAF or Kolonel, TUDM in Malay.

Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
Warrant Officers Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Others
Pegawai Waran Pegawai Tanpa Tauliah Kanan Pegawai Tanpa Tauliah Rendah Lain-lain
 Royal Malaysian Air Force
  • v
  • t
 Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Warrant Officer Class 2 Flight Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal No insignia No insignia
Pegawai waran udara I Pegawai waran udara II Flait sarjan Sarjan udara Koperal udara Laskar udara kanan Laskar udara I Laskar udara II Perajurit muda
Warrant officer class I Warrant officer class II Flight sergeant Sergeant Corporal Leading aircraftman Aircraftman first class Aircraftman second class Recruit

Royal Malaysian Air Force regiment[]

The RMAF Regiment is the ground and air defence support unit of the RMAF. The regiment is composed of four sub-units tasked with fulfilling the RMAF's mission. These units are:

PASKAU
PASKAU detachments with dressed in the No.4 Digital Camouflage, tactical gear and ghillie suits parading during the 60th National Day Parade of Malaysia at Sultan Abdul Samad Street, Kuala Lumpur.

The special forces arm of the RMAF is known as PASKAU (a Malay acronym for Pasukan Khas Udara, which loosely translates as 'Special Air Service'). PASKAU was formed in response to a mortar attack by the then Communist Party of Malaya on a DHC-4 Caribou in the 1970s at the Kuala Lumpur Air Base. During peacetime, the unit is tasked with responding to aircraft hijacking incidents as well as protecting the country's numerous RMAF airbases and civilian airports. Its wartime roles include ground designation, sabotaging of enemy air assets and equipment and the defence of RMAF aircraft and bases. This unit is also deployed for counter-terrorism duties as well as Urban warfare/Close quarters combat.

RMAF Provost Unit

This is the military police unit of the RMAF regiment, mandated to provide military police duties in RMAF airbases.

RMAF Infantry

The unit that equipped with firearms for combat duties.

RMAF Ground Air Defence Artillery

This regiment responsible for providing air defense protection by using Ground Base Air Defence (GBAD) to the important places such as airbases as well as RMAF asset.

Aerobatic team[]

Main article: Kris Sakti

The Kris Sakti (English: Magic Dagger) is the aerobatic display team of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It made its debut on 2011 Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show in December 2011. They operated four Extra 300L aircraft.

Squadrons[]

Division Squadron
Aircraft
Airbase
1 Division Royal Malaysian Airforce 1 Division.svg 2 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 2 Squadron.svg Global Express, Boeing BBJ (737-700) Subang AFB
10 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 10 Squadron.svg Eurocopter EC-725 Kuantan AFB
11 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 11 Squadron.svg UAS
12 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 12 Squadron.svg Su-30MKM Flanker Gong Kedak AFB
15 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 15 Squadron.svg BAE Hawk 108/208, Aermacchi MB-339CM Butterworth AFB
16 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 16 Squadron.svg Beechcraft 200T Subang AFB
18 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 18 Squadron.svg Boeing F/A-18D Hornet Butterworth AFB
20 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 20 Squadron.svg Lockheed C-130H Hercules, KC-130T Subang AFB
21 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 21 Squadron.svg CN235-220M, CN235-220M VIP Subang AFB
22 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 22 Squadron.svg Airbus A400M Subang AFB
2 Division Royal Malaysian Airforce 2 Division.svg 1 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 1 Squadron.svg CN-235-220M Kuching AFB
5 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 5 Squadron.svg Eurocopter EC-725 Labuan AFB
6 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 6 Squadron.svg BAE Hawk 108/Hawk 208 Labuan AFB
14 Squadron Royal Malaysian Airforce 14 Squadron.svg Lockheed C-130H Hercules Labuan AFB
Training Division Royal Malaysian Airforce Training Division.svg 1 FTC Royal Malaysian Airforce 1 Flying Institute.svg PC-7 Mk II Alor Setar AFB
2 FTC Royal Malaysian Airforce 2 Flying Institute.svg EC-120B Alor Setar AFB
3 FTC MB-339CM Kuantan AFB

Airfields/Airbases[]

Airbases of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

List:

  • TUDM Butterworth, Penang (RMAF Butterworth), (Base of F/A-18 Hornets)
  • TUDM Kuantan, Pahang (RMAF Kuantan)
  • TUDM Gong Kedak, Kelantan (RMAF Gong Kedak) (Base of Su-30MKMs)
  • TUDM Labuan, Sabah (RMAF Labuan) (Base of BAE Hawks)
  • TUDM Kuala Lumpur (RMAF Kuala Lumpur)
  • TUDM Subang, Selangor (RMAF Subang)
  • TUDM Kuching, Sarawak (RMAF Kuching)
  • TUDM Alor Setar, Kedah (RMAF Alor Setar) (Air Force Academy)
  • TUDM Ipoh, Perak (RMAF Ipoh) (Air Force School)
  • TUDM Bukit Lunchu, Johor (RMAF Bukit Lunchu) (Control and Reporting Post)
  • TUDM Kinrara, Selangor (RMAF Kinrara) (School of Logistic Management; also houses a central hospital facility)
  • TUDM Bukit Jugra, Selangor (RMAF Bukit Jugra) (PASKAU headquarters)
  • TUDM Bukit Ibam, Pahang (RMAF Bukit Ibam)
  • TUDM Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan (RMAF Sendayan)

Incidents and accidents[]

  • Since 1989, around 95 armed forces personnel (most of those are the RMAF) have been killed in 18 crashes involving the ageing type American-made Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuri helicopter.[15] This led the RMAF to purchase the French-made EC725 helicopter to replace it. But with the nation having ordered only 12 of a planned 28 EC725 helicopters as replacements, the RMAF was forced to prolong the life of its Sikorskys.[16] On 21 October 2016, it was reported that a Canadian helicopter company Heli-One will upgrade all Malaysia's Nuri helicopter.[17]
  • In May 2008, two J85-GE-21 engines that power the Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighter jets belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force were reported missing, as of sometime in 2007, from an RMAF warehouse in Kuala Lumpur during Najib's tenure as Defence Minister in Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet. The jet engines belonged to the 12th Squadron (Scorpion) based in Butterworth. The issue became a matter of political dispute,[18] and it was reported a brigadier-general together with 40 other armed forces personnel had been sacked over the incident.[19] Further investigation led to the arrest of two RMAF personnel and a civilian contractor were charged in connection with the theft and disposal of both engines on 6 January 2010.[20] On 5 February 2010, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail revealed that the two missing engines had been found in Uruguay with the help of the Government of Uruguay and the Malaysian government is proceeding with the necessary measures to secure their return. Investigations showed that the engines were taken out of the RMAF base between 20 December 2007 to 1 January 2008 before being sent to a warehouse in Subang Jaya to be shipped out of Malaysia to South America.[21][22]
  • On 26 February 2016, the RMAF Indonesian made-CN-235-220M version were forced to make an emergency landing into mangrove swamps near Kuala Selangor due to engine failure.[23] The aircraft co-pilot sustained a broken left arm during the incident while the rest of the crew managed to escape without major injuries. A fisherman who trying to help the crews out of the aircraft were reported drowned after his foot got stuck in a mud. The black box from the aircraft was found on the next day and sent to Bandung, Indonesia for analysing by Indonesian manufacturer over the cause of the accident.[24]
  • On 21 December 2016, an American-made Beechcraft King Air 200T crashed into Butterworth airbase during its training mission from Subang airbase, killing one pilot while injuring three others.[25]
  • On 14 June 2017, two pilots were killed after a British-made BAE Hawk (Mk 108) crashed at the Pahang - Terengganu border.[26] Previously, several other Hawks had crashed during training missions.[27]

Equipment[]

Main articles: List of equipment of the Royal Malaysian Air Force and List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces

Present development[]

RMAF personnel performing combat air rescue at Cope Taufan 2012.

RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States and Europe. However, RMAF also consider purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources for its modernisation program.[28]

Multi-role combat aircraft[]

As part of the Malaysia's Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program, Malaysia is looking to replace its ageing MiG-29 and F-5 fighters.[29][30] with possibly the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter, JAS 39 Gripen, or the Sukhoi Su-30/35.[31][32][33][34] Dassault Rafale has offered a financial package with a ten-year repayment loan from a French commercial bank and guaranteed by the government of France to assist procurement of their fighter.[35] This offer was countered by BAE Systems' Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen which has offered competitive leasing deals instead.[29][36][37] EADS and BAE Systems has offered to set up joint venture companies for maintenance and repair of the aircraft if it is selected, along with competitive financial support extended by the United Kingdom government.[38]

Russia is ready to offer their jet fighters to meet Malaysia's requirements.[39] The Russian defence export corporation, Rosoboronexport which supplied the Royal Malaysian Air Force with Sukhoi Su-30MKM expressed its readiness to discuss the prospect of establishing joint and licensed production facilities in Malaysia.[40] The Russians have argued that despite some initial advantages especially in terms of meeting the high cost for maintenance, fuel, parts and insurance in the short term, the lessors the aircraft will require frequent checks to be assured that terms of the lease are upheld, and the aircraft will eventually have to be returned after the leasing period is up. As such, leasing fighter aircraft will have significant drawbacks in the defence of sovereignty of the nation.[34] Instead, the Russian offering their Sukhoi Su-35 at lower prices than their western rivals. However, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, the race for new fighter jets has narrowed down to the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon instead.[41]

Following the visit by French President also in early 2017, Malaysia said they remain undecided whether to buy the French fighters although it has become the leader on the list of all jet fighters suggested,[42] with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak assured the French President that they considering to buy.[43] The French government confirmed that negotiation is on the way although no final deal have yet been signed.[44]

Due to the delay in the MRCA program and also increase of China's aggression in the South China Sea dispute, it was believed that there was an immediate requirement for new fighters.[45] Following the visit of Saudi King in early 2017, Malaysia are reportedly seek to buy the excessive Royal Saudi Air Force or other Arab nation jet fighters and helicopters.[46]

Light combat aircraft[]

In 2019, Malaysia formally launches its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program.[47] The major contenders of this project would be the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, HAL Tejas, Yakovlev Yak-130, CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder,[48]L-15 Falcon, Boeing T-7 Red Hawk, and Aero L-39NG.[49] Malaysia is intended to uses this LCA to augment the existing fleet of its multi-role combat aircraft and also to uses it as the fighter lead-in trainer. By the end of 2020, LCA program has been approved by the government and the procurement of the aircraft will start in 2021.[50]

Maritime patrol aircraft[]

Malaysia also urgently need to boost their maritime patrol capability with the new maritime patrol aircraft. In response to this need, Malaysia has launched its Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program. At first, Malaysia is reportedly considering an offer from Japan for the used P-3C Orion maritime patrollers but this intention was cancelled due to high cost for refurbishment and maintenance the used aircraft.[51] In December 2017, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Brigadier General Yazid Bin Arshad announced it had shortlisted four aircraft types to replace the force's ageing fleet of Beechcraft Super King Air maritime patrol aircraft. The selected types are the EADS CASA C-295 from Airbus, the P-8 Poseidon from Boeing, ATR 72 MP from ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, and the CASA/IPTN CN-235, which could be provided by either Airbus or Indonesian Aerospace, which acquired a licence to produce it. The new MPA procurement will start in 2021 after the government has given approval for the Royal Malaysian Air Force for the acquisition of such aircraft in the budget hearing at the end of 2020.[52] In addition, Malaysia also launched its second MPA program which is the conversion of the existing fleet of CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft to the maritime patrol role. This program start at the end of 2020 and this second MPA program intended as the interim solution in order to wait for a new ordered aircraft to be commissioned.[53]

Airborne early warning and control aircraft[]

Malaysia has also planned to acquire airborne early warning and control aircraft. Saab is pitching their airborne early warning and control aircraft, the Global Eye, which is the Bombardier 6000 equipped with Erieye radar system and is looking for local partners in Malaysia for manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul.[54]

Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle[]

As part of the modernization program, Malaysia also intends to acquire MALE UAV. Malaysian government has issues a MALE UAV tender in 2020 and it is expected the procurement will take place in 2021.[55]The major contenders of this project would be the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, TAI Anka, Bayraktar TB2, Safran Patroller, Thales Watchkeeper WK450, Kronshtadt Orion, CAIG Wing Loong and CASC Rainbow.[56]

Utility helicopter[]

In 2007, Najib Razak announced the Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuri helicopter in service since 1968 would be phased out by 2012 and replaced by the Eurocopter EC725.[57] Deputy RMAF Chief Lieutenant General Bashir Abu Bakar told the media after opening Heli-Asia 2007, that tender assessment for the replacement of the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri would occur in early 2008.[58] At the 12th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition 2010,[59] a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed for 12 EC725 helicopters to be supplied to the RMAF.[60] With that, EADS, (the European Aeronautical Defence and Space Company), has pledged 100 million Euros to set up a comprehensive helicopter centre in Subang for an aeronautical academy, training, simulation and a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the Eurocopter EC725 military version and the Eurocopter EC225 civilian model.[61]

Although there was a planned to replace all the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, but due to budget constraints the government only manage to buy 12 Eurocopter EC725. For this reason, Nuri still active in service until 2019. In LIMA 2019, Malaysia also expressed to buy Mil Mi-171 ( modified armed version for Mil Mi-17) from Russia. It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace all the remaining Nuri.[62]

Ground based radar[]

In 2019, it is confirmed that RMAF sought for three new ground based radar. The major contenders of this project would be the Thales Ground Master 400, Selex RAT-31, Giraffe radar and Lockheed Martin TPS-77 MMR.[63]

See also[]

References[]

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  3. ^ See Equipment of the Royal Malaysian Air Force
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  11. ^ "Malaysia grounds a dozen 50-year-old Nuri helicopters". Bernama/zl(mn). 7 January 2020. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  12. ^ "Ackbal Abdul Samad named new Air Force chief | New Straits Times". 3 January 2020.
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  17. ^ Greg Waldron (21 October 2016). "Malaysia S-61 upgrade gathers pace". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
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