Latest news with #MohamedKhaled


Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
RMN showcases firepower and readiness in maritime exercise
A missile fired from a RMN ship during the Taming Sari Series 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea. KOTA KINABALU (July 29): The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) demonstrated its operational strength and capabilities in defending the nation's maritime interests during the large-scale Taming Sari Series 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea on Tuesday. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who witnessed the event, said the exercise served as a vital platform to evaluate the readiness and competence of RMN assets and personnel in handling conventional maritime threats. 'This exercise is not merely a military routine, but a crucial requirement to ensure our personnel are not only well-equipped with assets but are also capable of defending the country at all times,' he told a press conference after observing missile and torpedo firings at Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2. Among the highlights of the exercise were the successful launches of Exocet missiles from KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as an Exocet SM39 missile from the submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. The RMN's second submarine, KD Tun Razak, carried out a live torpedo launch in a real war configuration. According to Mohamed Khaled, the missile firings were conducted from distances exceeding 30 kilometers, while torpedo launches were within 10 kilometers — effectively testing the tactical and technical capabilities of RMN's primary naval assets. In addition to these vessels, RMN deployed several other ships including KD Seri Indera Sakti, KD Kelantan, KD Selangor, KD Badik and KD Terengganu. The exercise also assessed the current condition of RMN assets — ranging from older ships to new vessels under construction. 'We need to evaluate the effectiveness and operational readiness of these assets regularly,' Mohamed Khaled said. In total, 17 RMN ships, two submarines, two aircraft and three helicopters participated, involving over 1,400 officers and personnel. 'This exercise also reinforces our defense doctrine, which is defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding the nation, the region, and maritime interests,' he added. Mohamed Khaled noted that RMN is undergoing asset modernization through the 15-to-5 transformation plan, which will streamline the fleet into five main ship classes to enhance operational and maintenance efficiency. He emphasized that such exercises must be conducted consistently, as they involve not only technological strength but also the physical and mental endurance of both experienced and new personnel. 'This isn't a new initiative — it has been conducted for a long time — but what makes this year's edition special is the integrated use of all three systems: surface, subsurface, and air,' he said. 'Missile and torpedo firings require meticulous planning and management, as each round is a high-value asset and cannot be used carelessly.' Also present were Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Navy Commander Admiral Tan Sri (Dr) Zulhelmy Ithnain, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, and senior RMN officers.

Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Local Companies Urged To Showcase Homegrown Products At DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (second, left) visits the exhibition site of the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) as part of his three-day official visit to Istanbul. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED From Mohd Adli Shahar ISTANBUL, July 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies have been urged to showcase their own locally developed products at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2026 Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, as part of efforts to strengthen the nation's defence industry. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the exhibition, scheduled to take place in April next year, serves as a key platform to showcase the country's defence and military advancements, as well as to foster collaboration among various industry players. He added that the products on display could include those developed using local technology or through partnerships with foreign companies. 'I hope next year's DSA will be more meaningful by highlighting the participation of Malaysian companies that are now actively establishing themselves in the defence industry. 'Previously, many local participants were merely representatives of foreign firms. However, we hope that next year's edition will also include companies developing their own homegrown technology,' he told reporters here. Mohamed Khaled is currently in Türkiye for a three-day official visit to attend the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 and to inspect the construction of the second batch of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) by defence company Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik (STM). In a related development, Mohamed Khaled said several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian and foreign companies were signed during his attendance at IDEF 2025. He said the MoUs covered various areas, including satellite communication solutions, joint development programmes for defence electronic systems, electronic warfare products, and the production of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.

The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Three LMS taking shapeConstruction in Turkiye proceeding according to schedule
On track: Mohamed Khaled (centre) on a site visit to the shipyard where the second batch of LMS is being built in Istanbul, Turkiye. — Bernama ISTANBUL: The construction of the second batch of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) by Turkish defence firm Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM) at the Istanbul Shipyard is proceeding according to schedule. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the first LMS is expected to be launched next April, followed by the second in June 2026 and the third in August 2026. 'The construction of the second batch of LMS marks the first procurement following the signing of the government-to-government memorandum of understanding for defence acquisitions in June last year. 'The progress of the construction is important because it serves as the benchmark for the new procurement approach by the government,' he told reporters after surveying the ships' construction at the shipyard here on Thursday, Bernama reported. He was accompanied by Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain and a delegation from the ministry. He said that after the vessels are launched into the water, they will enter a critical phase involving integrating various systems to be used on board, before Malaysia takes full delivery of the three ships by the end of 2027. He added that the procurement of the three LMS will be followed by an industrial collaboration programme, which has the potential to impact the local defence industry, including through technology transfer that will be finalised by the end of the year. He also said Turkiye underwent a process of technology transfer from other countries before successfully developing its defence industry. 'Malaysia has the same aspiration. Hopefully, the good bilateral relations and strategic collaboration between both countries can help propel the local defence industry and strengthen national sovereignty,' he said. The second batch of LMS for TLDM is based on the Ada-class corvette design developed by STM, which is equipped for multiple roles. Each of the ships will also be armed with Atmaca surface-to-surface missiles and air defence systems. Earlier, Mohamed Khaled attended the International Defence Industry Fair 2025, which is one of the world's prestigious defence exhibitions, organised by Turkiye's National Defence Ministry at the Istanbul Expo Centre.


New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to receive ANKA MALE-UAS next year
ISTANBUL: Malaysia is expected to receive the Turkish-made ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance-Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) by March 2026, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ANKA MALE-UAS, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is currently undergoing radar system integration and radio communication installation, with the equipment sourced from Germany. "Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) officers who will operate ANKA are currently undergoing training with the supplier. "When we acquire assets like this, operational training is also provided by the supplying company," he told reporters here on Thursday. On the possibility of acquiring additional ANKA MALE-UAS units, Mohamed Khaled said future procurement of defence assets will be decided by the government based on the 13th Malaysia Plan, scheduled to be tabled on July 31. Defence Ministry and TAI signed the contract for the procurement of three units of the ANKA MALE-UAS, along with associated support equipment, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) in May 2023. Malaysia is believed to have selected the ANKA-S variant, capable of operating at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet for 24 to 30 hours, with a payload capacity ranging from 250 to 350 kilogrammes. Beyond Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the advanced ANKA MALE-UAS could also be armed with four MAM Smart Micro Missiles, developed by Türkiye's defence company, ROKETSAN, for precision ground-attack missions. Mohamed Khaled, who concluded a three-day official visit to Turkiye today, attended the 2025 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) and inspected the construction of the second batch of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) by Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM). – Bernama


The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to receive ANKA MALE-UAS drones by March 2026
ISTANBUL: Malaysia is set to receive the Turkish-developed ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance-Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) by March 2026, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The drones, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), are undergoing radar system integration and radio communication installation, with components sourced from Germany. Mohamed Khaled confirmed that Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) personnel are currently training with the supplier to operate the ANKA drones. 'When we acquire assets like this, operational training is also provided by the supplying company,' he told reporters during his visit to Turkiye. The Defence Ministry signed a contract with TAI in May 2023 during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) for three ANKA MALE-UAS units and related support equipment. Malaysia is expected to receive the ANKA-S variant, which can operate at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet for 24 to 30 hours and carry payloads between 250 to 350 kilogrammes. Beyond intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, the ANKA drones can be armed with four MAM Smart Micro Missiles, developed by Turkish defence firm ROKETSAN, for precision ground-attack missions. Mohamed Khaled also inspected the construction of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) by Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM) during his visit to the 2025 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF). Future defence acquisitions will be determined under the 13th Malaysia Plan, set to be tabled on July 31. - Bernama