Latest news with #RoyalMalaysianAirForce
New Straits Times
2 days 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
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
7 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
7 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
New Straits Times
7 days 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.
