Latest news with #RMAF
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia reaffirms commitment to global landmine free advocacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, as one of the first landmine-free countries in Asia, remains unwavering in its global advocacy to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by all forms of explosive remnants of war (ERW). Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said Malaysia firmly believed that the harm caused by landmines far outweighs any perceived military utility. This conviction has led Malaysia to take a firm stand and actively support the global effort towards a landmine-free world, including through a defence cooperation programme in demining and mine destruction with different countries. He said the Malaysian armed forces continue to contribute to humanitarian efforts in mine-affected countries such as Cambodia and Bosnia. "While it is true that we are already becoming a landmine-free country, we maintain an unwavering obligation to provide support to the victims of landmines. "In Malaysia, the support was provided through the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department, which offers various forms of assistance and support to veterans, including financial assistance, welfare programmes, and assistance with employment and healthcare," he said in his keynote address during the International Seminar Towards a Landmine-free World - Case of Azerbaijan, here on Monday. Muhamad Norazlan noted that according to the Landmines Monitor 2024 report, at least 5,757 people have been either killed or wounded by landmines and other ERWs worldwide in 2023. In Azerbaijan alone, there have been 3,400 victims of landmines in the last 30 years, with an estimated 1.5 million landmines still hidden. He said this is not just mere statistics, but represents real people whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by these indiscriminate weapons. He hoped such a seminar would serve as a platform to advocate for increased international aid, promote comprehensive victim support, and recognise demining as an essential component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Human Rights Council's Resolution 58/22 on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights. Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Malaysia, Irfan Davudov, said the seminar jointly organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and Azerbaijan's Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights is an example of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. He believes that insights into Malaysia's experience in combating the threat of landmines will be very valuable and useful for the attendees, including the participants from Azerbaijan. – Bernama
Barnama
19 hours ago
- General
- Barnama
Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Global Landmine-free Advocacy
Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces (RMAF) General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris (third, left) and Chairman of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus (third, right) posed for a group photo during the International Seminar: Towards a Landmine-Free World - The Case of Azerbaijan at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces (RMAF) General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris delivers his keynote speech during the International Seminar: Towards a Landmine-Free World - The Case of Azerbaijan at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces (RMAF) General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris delivers his keynote speech during the International Seminar: Towards a Landmine-Free World - The Case of Azerbaijan at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, as one of the first landmine-free countries in Asia, remains unwavering in its global advocacy to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by all forms of explosive remnants of war (ERW). Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said Malaysia firmly believed that the harm caused by landmines far outweighs any perceived military utility. This conviction has led Malaysia to take a firm stand and actively support the global effort towards a landmine-free world, including through a defence cooperation programme in demining and mine destruction with different countries. bootstrap slideshow He added that the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) continue to contribute to humanitarian efforts in mine-affected countries such as Cambodia and Bosnia. 'While it is true that we are already becoming a landmine-free country, we maintain an unwavering obligation to provide support to the victims of landmines. 'In Malaysia, the support was provided through the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department, which offers various forms of assistance and support to veterans, including financial assistance, welfare programmes, and assistance with employment and healthcare,' he said in his keynote address during the International Seminar Towards a Landmine-free World - Case of Azerbaijan, here on Monday. Muhamad Norazlan noted that according to the Landmines Monitor 2024 report, at least 5,757 people have been either killed or wounded by landmines and other ERWs worldwide in 2023. In Azerbaijan alone, there have been 3,400 victims of landmines in the last 30 years, with an estimated 1.5 million landmines still hidden. He said this is not just mere statistics, but represents real people whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by these indiscriminate weapons.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Moroccan Air Force Signs Major C-130 Fleet Upgrade with L3Harris
Marrakech – The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has finalized a contract with American defense contractor L3Harris Technologies for the comprehensive modernization of multiple C-130 aircraft, enhancing Morocco's military transport capabilities. L3Harris announced the agreement on July 14, following an earlier confirmation when the Administration of National Defense formalized the strategic partnership on July 3. The US Embassy's Chargée d'Affaires, Aimee Cutrona, described the deal as 'a milestone moment in the ongoing U.S.-Morocco partnership in defense and aerospace' on her X platform account. According to the official press release, L3Harris will perform extensive modifications, including 'avionics modification, program depot maintenance, engine overhaul and other support efforts' on the Moroccan C-130 fleet. Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3Harris, spoke of the importance of the agreement, stating it 'marks the beginning of a strategic, long-term partnership with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to ensure their fleet is ready for any mission.' L3Harris' aircraft maintenance and modification facility in Waco, Texas, will begin the renovation this year and continue the work through 2029. The upgraded fleet aims to improve aircraft availability for various missions, including tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, and special operations. Rather than replacing its aging C-130 fleet with new aircraft, Morocco has opted for this intermediate approach. According to military sources, this decision aligns with broader strategic planning priorities, considering capabilities already under development and available resources while maintaining reliable air transport capacity. The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that was designed by American manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the 1950s. Known for its robustness and versatility, it performs a wide range of missions, including troop and equipment transport, aerial delivery, refueling, humanitarian missions, medical evacuations, and firefighting operations. The modernization program also addresses security imperatives, particularly following the Guelmim accident in 2011. According to sources, it will enhance avionics and onboard systems, potentially extending the operational lifespan of the aircraft by 15 to 20 years while strengthening Moroccan teams' expertise in managing new-generation equipment. This contract forms part of Morocco's ongoing military modernization strategy. In recent months, the Royal Armed Forces have acquired various new equipment, including up to 600 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles approved by the US in April in a potential $825-million deal. The country is also set to purchase 612 Javelin missiles and 200 launch units from the US in a deal worth approximately $260 million, according to an official notice published in the US Federal Register on May 30. In March, the RMAF also received its first batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing, part of a $440 million contract signed in 2020 for 24 helicopters with an option for 12 more. In February, Morocco secured Chinese-made TB-001K 'Scorpion' drones for reconnaissance and strike missions. During the same month, the country received its first delivery of Bayraktar Akinci drones from Turkey following a 2023 agreement. L3Harris Technologies already supplies smart weapons systems for Morocco's F-16 fighter jets, enabling pilots to double their aircraft's munitions capacity. The new C-130 modernization contract further solidifies the defense relationship between Rabat and Washington, bound by nearly 250 years of history, while enhancing the North African country's regional strategic capabilities. While Moroccan pilots have reportedly tested the C-390 Millennium from Brazilian company Embraer as a potential addition to their transport fleet, the current focus remains on extending the operational life of the existing C-130 aircraft through comprehensive modernization. Tags: Military modernizationThe Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF)
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
RMAF enhances anti-drone capabilities amid rising security threats
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is intensifying efforts to counter drone threats, recognising their increasing role in modern warfare. RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris highlighted the urgency of bolstering defences against unmanned aerial systems, citing their affordability and tactical advantages in recent conflicts. 'We've seen their impact in recent conflicts. RMAF must be prepared with effective counter-drone systems to safeguard strategic assets,' he said during his inaugural address as Air Force Chief at Subang Air Base. The Air Operations Command is evaluating the number of systems needed and identifying priority airbases for deployment. 'These are compact systems, not large-scale like the Iron Dome, but must be strategically positioned to ensure critical infrastructure is protected,' he added. Regarding the ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) from Turkey, Norazlan confirmed delivery is expected by December. 'The aircraft has completed testing and will be delivered to RMAF together with its support systems. Our personnel are currently undergoing training in Turkiye,' he said. The RMAF is acquiring three ANKA units under a contract signed with Turkish Aerospace Industries during LIMA'23. – Bernama
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
RMAF unveils six strategic pillars for future challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has outlined six strategic pillars to strengthen its operational readiness and legacy in facing future challenges. RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris emphasised the need for all personnel to fully understand and implement these strategies across all formations. The six pillars focus on achieving peak capability and readiness, sustaining air defence assets, enhancing personnel excellence, strengthening logistics, refining doctrine and procedures, and ensuring personnel welfare. 'Understanding and internalising these pillars will provide a strong foundation to elevate the force to greater heights,' Norazlan said during his inaugural command address at Subang Air Base. He highlighted the importance of learning from recent global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine, Iran-Israel, and India-Pakistan, to maintain mission readiness. The RMAF will continue monitoring nine strategic targets and seven key programmes under the Capability Development Plan 2055. In a move to promote health and discipline, Norazlan announced the introduction of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a supplementary career development indicator. 'This is not a punitive measure but a way to encourage a healthier lifestyle and military professionalism,' he clarified. A phased fitness programme tailored to different age groups will begin this year. – Bernama
