RMAF's ‘top guns', past and present, reunite
BUTTERWORTH : They kept the Malaysian airspace secure, from flying post-World War fighter aircraft to new-generation marvels.
These were the country's crème de la crème of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fighter pilots from yesteryear to present, 300 of whom gathered for the first time to reminisce about their glorious flying days.
As was the tradition, military fighter pilots operated not under their actual names but under covert call-signs given by their fellow comrades – Kimosabe, Taro, Hawkeye, Jaguh and Scatman – names rarely known to the public, for obvious reasons.
RMAF chief Gen Asghar Khan Goriman Khan described the reunion of serving and retired fighter pilots as well as weapon sensor officers as 'historic'.
'They took to the skies with courage and determination, not just to defend a young nation but to shape its history,' Asghar said at the 'Fighter Reunion 2025 – Connecting the Past to the Future', held at the RMAF Butterworth air base in Penang.
Present were guest-of-honour and the country's first local RMAF chief Sulaiman Sujak, who turned 91 on March 25, and RMAF deputy chief Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
The reunion took place at the RMAF air base in Butterworth, Penang. (RMAF pic)
Among the former RMAF chiefs present were retired generals Mohd Yunus Mohd Tasi, Abdullah Ahmad, Nik Ismail Nik Mohamed, Abdul Ghani Abdul Aziz, Rodzali Daud, Affendi Buang and Ackbal Abdul Samad.
Asghar reminisced about how they flew sub- and supersonic jets like the CL41G Tebuan, CAC Avon Sabre, A4-PTM Skyhawk, Northrop F-5E Tiger II, BAE Hawk 100/200, MiG-29N Fulcrum, F/A18-D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker.
Reflecting on the RMAF's journey since 1958, with humble beginnings from propeller-driven aircraft and basic infrastructure, Asghar said these fighter pilots had transformed the RMAF into a force to be reckoned with.
He said the 1960s saw the dawn of a new era with the pioneers navigating uncharted skies, patrolling borders and ensuring peace during the Emergency and Confrontation with Indonesia. Then, the 1980s and 1990s brought the RMAF into the jet age.
'The F5E defended our sovereignty, the Hawks became our workhorses, while the MiG-29 gave us dominance in the sky. Then, came the crown jewels – the F/A-18 and Su-30MKM – a masterpiece of precision technology symbolising our arrival on the global stage,' he said.
Asghar briefing Sulaiman (left) on the aerial aerobatic display of F/A18-D and Su-30MKM jets, as Yunus looks on. (RMAF pic)
He added that as they stood on the shoulders of giants, they ought to look to the horizon as the world was changing when engaging in warfare.
'Tomorrow's battles may not be won solely in the skies but in realms that we have yet to master – space, cyberspace and beyond.
'The airspace warfare is upon us, with satellites no longer tools of communication but potential battlegrounds for dominance. Hypersonic missiles and drones are rewriting rules of air defence, while artificial intelligence is reshaping decision-making in combat.
He added that the RMAF must rise to meet these challenges by adapting, innovating and investing in the technologies of tomorrow.
Asghar called on everyone to continue to cultivate the spirit of excellence as pioneers and reminded them that as they navigated the skies of the future, to always remember those who gave them their wings and taught them that success was not just about reaching the peak.
Asghar (foreground, in flying suit) with former and current fighter pilots and other officers at the reunion. (RMAF pic)
'It is in ensuring that others can climb higher. Together, let us honour the past, master the present and conquer the future,' said Asghar.
Meanwhile, Sulaiman said it was 'special' to be able to mingle with the current pilots, in line with the theme 'Connecting the Past to the Future'.
Ghani, on the other hand, said: 'What an amazing reunion comprising Malaysians of all races and creeds – Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians – all one, with no distinction.
Affendi said the reunion was a gathering of the old and young who were trained for dedication, excellence and camaraderie.
The reunion included an exhibition called 'Down Memory Lane' and an aerial aerobatic display of F/A18-D and Su-30MKM jets, culminating with dinner.
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