Latest news with #CAP55
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RMAF must go high-tech to meet evolving threats, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) must prioritise technological capabilities, cyber integration and layered air defence to adapt to evolving global conflicts, say defence experts. Chasseur Group security and defence analyst Munira Mustaffa said Malaysia could draw important lessons from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, where a smaller force has managed to deny air superiority to a more powerful adversary. "Air superiority is no longer about numbers. Ukraine has shown that effective, mobile ground-based air defence systems and strong electronic warfare (EW) capabilities can deny access to contested airspace," she said. Munira was commenting on a statement by new RMAF chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris on Thursday that the air force would adapt its long-term posture based on conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Iran and Israel. Under the Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), the RMAF aims to enhance relevance by shaping its war-fighting capability to ensure threats are deterred and contained. CAP55, among others, calls for the procurement of unmanned aerial systems, airborne early warning platforms, long-range ground-based air defence radars as well as a ground-based air defence system. Munira said the RMAF should focus on several key areas, including investing in mobile and dispersed air defence systems, enhancing joint air-ground integration, expanding offensive and defensive electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and building low-cost counter-drone systems using small, attritable platforms. "These drones have proven to be highly effective at a fraction of the cost of conventional platforms. For a country like Malay-sia, they offer lethality at range, economy of effort, and are well suited to our defensive doctrine. "Malaysia's current defence budget of US$4.8 billion, of which US$1.3 billion is allocated for maintenance and new procurement, means the RMAF will have to compete for limited resources across the armed services," she said. Munira also said the RMAF must adopt a phased and cost-efficient strategy that leverages existing assets while introducing new capabilities. "Rather than chasing expensive single-solution platforms, the RMAF should look at layered, interoperable systems. "Upgrading current assets, tapping into dual-use technologies with the Home Ministry, and seeking regional training and procurement partnerships are all viable options," she added. Cyber defence should be treated as the foundational priority, given the increasing dependence on autonomous and software-driven systems. "A cyberattack could compromise multiple systems, undermining both EW and drone capabilities," she said. She added that electronic warfare should come next, as it accounts for the majority of counter-drone operations and plays a crucial role in neutralising near-term threats. While she acknowledged the importance of conventional air power, Munira said the RMAF's future edge lied in integrating new and traditional capabilities. "The objective is to integrate cyber, EW and drone systems into a cohesive, layered defence structure." Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia defence expert Associate Professor Dr Mohamed Faisol Keling said the RMAF must consider the technological aspects of the current geopolitical conflicts, the influence of major powers and the role of international bodies in conflict resolution. "With a limited budget, focus should be given to more critical sectors rather than areas that can be modified, such as management or lower-cost contracts. "The RMAF should work with various universities and industry players to develop high-technology equipment using local expertise," he said. "Many universities can be brought in to collaborate on developing defence assets that align with our national capabilities. "We can look at how Indonesia is now producing its own defence products through local talent."
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
RMAF tracks global conflicts to stay mission-ready, says new chief
SUBANG: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is closely observing global conflicts to ensure its long-term strategies remain relevant and the force stays prepared for missions, said its newly appointed chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. He highlighted that ongoing conflicts, including those between Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, and Iran and Israel, provide critical lessons for strengthening the RMAF's capabilities under its Air Force Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55). 'I will ensure all CAP55 plans are executed with the new leadership to maintain RMAF as a credible, superior, and full-spectrum air power. If adjustments are needed, we will adapt to current realities,' he told reporters after the retirement parade of outgoing chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan at Subang Air Base. Muhamad Norazlan thanked Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar for their trust in appointing him. He also expressed gratitude to Mohd Asghar Khan for his leadership and service. The ceremony included a flypast by SU-30MKM, F/A-18D, C-130H, A400M, and PC-7 MKII aircraft, along with EC-725 AP helicopters. Meanwhile, Mohd Asghar Khan noted that new assets, including unmanned aerial vehicles, FA-50 combat aircraft, and maritime patrol planes, will be delivered from October 2024 to 2028, boosting RMAF's air defence capabilities. 'Training and human capital development are also prioritised to ensure personnel can operate these assets effectively,' he added.
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
RMAF Monitors Global Conflicts To Stay Relevant And Mission-ready, Says 21st Chief
SUBANG, June 26 (Bernama) – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) closely monitors global security developments to ensure its long-term plans remain relevant and the force stays mission-ready, said its 21st Chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. He said the force has much to learn from ongoing global conflicts, including those between Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, as well as Iran and Israel. He said these international conflicts offer valuable insights for strengthening the air force's long-term planning under its Air Force Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55). 'I will ensure that all plans outlined under CAP55 continue to be implemented in collaboration with RMAF's new leadership, so the force remains a credible, superior and full-spectrum air power. 'However, if changes are necessary, we will adapt accordingly to stay relevant to current realities,' he told reporters after the retirement parade of the 20th Air Force Chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, at Subang Air Base today. Muhamad Norazlan expressed his gratitude to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Malaysian Armed Forces Chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, for their trust, guidance and support in appointing him as the new Air Force Chief. 'With utmost respect and humility, I also extend, on behalf of the entire RMAF, our deepest appreciation and thanks to (General) Mohd Asghar Khan for his dedication, sacrifice, leadership and service throughout his tenure at the helm of the force,' he said. Earlier, Muhamad Norazlan was officially appointed as the 21st RMAF Chief, succeeding General Mohd Asghar Khan, who completed his service in a handing over of duties ceremony witnessed by Mohd Nizam Jaffar. Mohd Asghar Khan received a salute from 24 officers and 403 personnel, accompanied by eight regimental colours representing RMAF units.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RMAF to adapt strategy in response to global tensions, says new chief
SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will draw lessons from global conflicts and adapt its long-term strategy accordingly, said its newly appointed chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. Norazlan said the air force is closely monitoring the tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Iran and Israel. "What the air force is doing is looking at what we can learn from these conflicts. "We will then review whether our plan is aligned or moving in the same direction with what's happening in our surroundings. "If we need to do some adjustment, we will, because we must remain relevant and in tune with current realities," he told a press conference after assuming the command of the RMAF from General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. Norazlan also gave his assurance that all RMAF initiatives under the CAP55 would continue under his leadership. "This is to ensure that the RMAF remains a credible and dominant air power with full-spectrum capability. "First, it's capability development. Second, we want modernisation. Third, it's about human capital development. "We can already see this under the current Madani administration, with the procurement of new assets. These are not just replacements for old platforms, but actual capability upgrades." He added that such efforts require more than just acquisitions, but also strong emphasis on training and operational readiness. "We will focus on this as we work to build capability. When it comes to human resources, we need the right people, well-trained individuals. "This must be prioritised so that the assets we acquire can be optimised to their fullest potential," he said.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
RMAF to get new defence assets from October
SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will begin receiving several new defence assets and systems in stages starting this October, continuing through to the end of 2028. Outgoing RMAF chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan said the acquisitions include unmanned aerial systems (UAS), FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), air defence radars and new helicopters. He said these procurements are part of the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), as outlined in the Defence White Paper, and are expected to significantly boost the nation's overall defence capabilities. "In summary, several systems and platforms such as UAS, FA-50 LCA, MPA, air defence radars and new helicopters are currently in the procurement process and will begin entering the RMAF inventory from October this year, with more to follow in 2026, 2027 and by the end of 2028. "These assets will enhance RMAF's ability to defend our national airspace," he said at the new RMAF chief pinning-of-ranks and change-of-command ceremony at Subang Air Base. Asghar, who is set to end his service this Dec 26, is succeeded by his deputy, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris as the 21st RMAF chief. Asghar said that since taking over leadership of the RMAF on March 7, 2022, various efforts have been undertaken to ensure the airforce remains a credible, modern and capable force in defending the nation's skies. "All the policies and directions laid out in my Commander's Order were based on six core pillars – capability enhancement, organisational excellence, empowerment of personnel, resource management, industry collaboration, and welfare sustainability. "Alhamdulillah, during my tenure, we successfully implemented several of the planned initiatives outlined in CAP55," he said. He added that strengthening the training structure and human capital development was also prioritised, with officers and personnel sent for various courses both locally and abroad to ensure operational readiness remained at the highest level. He said the RMAF's active role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, along with hosting international exhibitions such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 and 2025, had effectively showcased its capabilities on the regional and global stages. These achievements, he said, have elevated the RMAF's standing as a key driver of air defence diplomacy and helped strengthen military ties with friendly nations. Asghar said the welfare of RMAF personnel was never sidelined, with various initiatives implemented, including housing, mental health care and family support programmes. "The well-being of our personnel, who form the backbone of the force, has always been given due attention," he said. Asghar also expressed his appreciation to all RMAF personnel, whom he credited for their unwavering cooperation in ensuring the success of all plans during his tenure as the service's top commander.
