Latest news with #RMAF
Morocco World
8 hours 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
11 hours 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
11 hours 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
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
RMAF team to inspect Kuwait's F/A-18 hornets in September
SHAH ALAM: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) team will travel to Kuwait in September to inspect F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and related documentation offered by the country. RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said preparations had been made for the evaluation visit as they had received approval from the United States, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), for third-party transfer documentation. "So far, I do not see any issues because we have received approval for the documentation transfer. We have also prepared a team to go there. "They have given us a window to come and inspect the aircraft in September. From that time, the team will need a few weeks, less than a month, to go through the documents because there are things we need to look at. As everyone knows, these are used aircraft," he said at a press conference after his inaugural command to the RMAF. Norazlan said the assessment was necessary to ensure the RMAF can maintain the aircraft in the long run. "We really need to examine many aspects. Buying is one thing, but maintaining it in the future is another. "There is no point in buying in large quantities if we cannot maintain them because we need these aircraft for our operations," he said. On the delivery timeline of the Kuwaiti Hornets, Norazlan said it would depend on Kuwait's own aircraft acquisition. "The delivery timeline is very much subject to Kuwait's acquisition of the F/A-18E and F aircraft. From what I understand, if they receive four, they will hand over four to us. If they receive eight, they will hand over eight," he said. He said that timing remained a key factor. "If it takes five, six, seven years, then maybe it is no longer viable. "For now, our current fighter replacement plan remains relevant for the next 10 to 15 years. The actual replacement will happen after that. Meanwhile, to fill the gap, acquiring the Kuwaiti Hornets is suitable, subject to the evaluation by our team later," he said. Previously, it was reported that Malaysia's bid to acquire F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait had moved a step closer to reality following approval from the United States. Then RMAF chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan confirmed that Washington had granted the necessary clearance for the deal. The long-anticipated deal involves around 30 Hornets, a mix of single-seat F/A-18Cs and twin-seat F/A-18Ds, currently in service with the Kuwaiti Air Force. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had previously said the aircraft, originally acquired by Kuwait in the 1990s, are generally in good condition. During his visit to Kuwait last October, Mohamed Khaled had said the Gulf nation expressed no objections to Malaysia's request to procure its Hornet jets. Malaysia currently operates eight F/A-18D Hornets and 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs in its combat aircraft arsenal.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
RMAF boosts anti-drone capabilities to counter modern threats
SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is stepping up efforts to enhance its anti-drone capabilities amid growing concerns over the threat posed by drones in modern warfare. Its chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, said drones have proven to be a serious threat due to their affordability and effectiveness. "Drones do pose a serious threat. They are cheap and effective. We can see their effectiveness breaking through, so for the RMAF, of course, we need to have a strategy to protect ourselves from such attacks. "We need to build up our anti-drone capability. This system must be able to counter any threats posed by these drones," he said at a press conference after delivering his inaugural command to the RMAF today. Norazlan said the Air Operations Command Headquarters is identifying the number of systems needed and the locations where they should be deployed. "This system is not big. It's not like the Iron Dome or Golden Dome. But we need to ensure that they are positioned at critical installations that would have a major impact if attacked. So these strategic areas will be protected with anti-drone systems, especially if drones become a threat to the RMAF," he said. He added that several locations had been prioritised based on vulnerability. "If the target is a 'soft skin' target, it must be protected because an attack could pose a threat. But if it is a 'hard skin' target, which can defend itself, we may reduce attention there. "For now, we will focus on areas involving RMAF operations. I'm sure the police have their own plans, and so do other agencies. But for the RMAF, having an anti-drone system is a critical requirement to counter small drone attacks," he said. He said drones are easily available and can be modified for harmful purposes, making control and monitoring essential. "Control over their usage must be strengthened so they are not misused by irresponsible parties. We also constantly monitor drone activity. "When we detect any drones flying, we will take immediate action, even to the extent of detaining those operating them. "Sometimes, the threat is not from explosives, but from reconnaissance - gathering information and observing the surroundings. These critical areas should not be exposed to such risks," he said.
