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New Straits Times
7 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
RMAF chief 'Gunjiz' takes final bow with thunderous air force send-off
SHAH ALAM: Fighter jets roared above the Subang Air Base today as the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) bid a soaring farewell to its 20th chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. Eighteen aircraft took part in the ceremony, held to honour Asghar's service, dedication and sacrifices in the armed forces, particularly the RMAF. The aerial salute featured five PC-7 MKII aircraft flying in formation, followed by four EC-725 AP helicopters, three F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets, three C-130H transport aircraft, two Sukhoi SU-30MKM jets and an Airbus A400M strategic airlifter. A total of 427 officers and personnel, led by Lieutenant Colonel Muhd Faizal Abdul Rahim, also took part in the full ceremonial parade. Asghar, whose call sign is 'Gunjiz', had assumed leadership of the RMAF on March 7, 2022. He said various efforts had been undertaken to transform the service into a credible, modern force capable of defending the nation's airspace. He said several initiatives outlined in the Defence White Paper had been successfully implemented through the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55). Also present were Air Operations commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Masro Kaliwon, Air Education and Training commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Nur Hafis Abdul Karim, and Air Support commander Major General Datuk Ahmad Khusairi Ahmad Fadli. In a symbolic final gesture, Asghar, accompanied by his wife, Puan Sri Bibi Nasratjahan Gulab Khan, boarded a Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet which was ceremoniously towed past the RMAF personnel for a "street-lining" parade. The same aircraft had been flown by Asghar last month during the aerial display segment at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25). He is set to retire officially on Dec 26.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
From sky-gazer to sky-master: 'Sting' owns the airways [WATCH]
LANGKAWI: From the moment he witnessed his first airshow at the age of 11, standing in awe under the roar of fighter jets slicing through the Langkawi sky, Colonel Mohd Norazan Othman knew exactly what he wanted to be. Today, the 46-year-old Langkawi native, known by his call sign "Sting", pilots the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) Sukhoi SU-30MKM, the nation's most advanced multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA). "It all began here in Langkawi. I remember looking up at the fighter jets and telling myself, 'one day I'll fly over this very sky'. "And alhamdulillah, that dream came true," he told the New Straits Times. Norazan fulfilled that childhood vow, performing aerobatics over the island at this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25), the same skies he once stared up at. This year's Lima held a special meaning as Norazan was entrusted to be the backseater with the air force chief, General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, in a high-profile aerobatic display. Their eye-catching aircraft was also draped in a special livery, symbolically named "Toruk Makto", after the mythical flying creature from the science fiction film Avatar. "We say only the chosen few can tame this iron beast. "So, in the RMAF, those who can fly it are considered elite, similar to 'Toruk Makto'," he said. Norazan said he joined the RMAF in 1997, and a decade later, began flying the SU-30MKM Flanker. The aircraft, he said, demands high-level mastery, with its complex systems taking years to fully understand. "To fly the SU-30MKM, you must first qualify as a fighter pilot, and that begins with rigorous academic and flight training. "The systems on board require fast learning and exceptional discipline. It's not for just anyone." Now, he leads the very heart of the nation's Sukhoi operations, as the commanding officer of Gong Kedak air base in Terengganu. Asked what advice he had for young Malaysians, especially those who dream of becoming fighter pilots, Norazan offered a message steeped in experience. "You need strong discipline, mental and physical fitness, and a high level of patriotism. "And don't forget English... all the manuals, training, and systems are in English. You have to be ready," he said.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Lima'25 off to a flying start
LANGKAWI: Three F/A-18D Hornet and three Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets soared over the skies here with a spectacular aerial display. Then, tactical divers from the navy and police parachuted from an aircraft to a stage to hand a black box to the Prime Minister. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim then activated a slot card in the box – and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) was under way. The 17th edition saw a spectacular start with aerial displays by the Royal Malaysian Air Force at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre and a tactical sea demonstration by the navy. Thousands, including local and foreign delegates, came to witness the event, according to Bernama. After the opening act by the Hornets and the Sukhoi, there was a formation and aerobatic air show involving all 25 aerial assets, including six Pilatus PC-7 MK II training aircraft, two A400M transport aircraft, three C130H aircraft and eight helicopters of various types. This was followed by a demonstration of tactical manoeuvres involving boats and jet skis from various maritime enforcement agencies. Another highlight was a coordinated inter-agency maritime capability demonstration, with inter-agency coordinated 'hostage rescue operation' that showcased the combined expertise of the nation's security forces. Pride of the nation: Anwar (in blue) with other ministers and dignitaries at the opening ceremony of Lima'25 at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi. — Bernama The final segment featured a fly-past and sail-past, where aircraft and vessels involved in the demonstration performed a ceremonial pass in front of the main stage, saluting the dignitaries in attendance. The Prime Minister then took part in the fleet review of Lima'25, a naval tradition practised around the world involving the inspection of ships at sea. This year's Lima marks a significant national agenda as part of the government's strategic commitment to position Malaysia as a global hub for maritime and aerospace industries. This year's event brings together 860 exhibitors from 24 countries, with 426 international and 434 local companies. The five-day exhibition, which ends on Saturday, is themed 'Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Achievements'. Lima remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in South-East Asia since its inception in 1991.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lima '25: DPM reflects on Sukhoi flight experience from 15 years ago
LANGKAWI: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminisced about his past experience flying in a SU-30MKM fighter jet, as his presence at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) today brought back vivid memories of the event. In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid recalled boarding the aircraft at the Gong Kedak Air Base in Besut, Terengganu, in 2010, during his tenure as the defence minister, describing it as a memorable and adrenaline-filled moment. "I still vividly remember the heartbeat-pounding moment of sitting in the cockpit of this formidable and respected aircraft. "The pilot's voice, the communication controls, the efficiency of the RMAF personnel – it all feels like it happened just yesterday. "It was an extraordinary experience that gave me immense appreciation for the skills and courage of our air force heroes," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said the Sukhoi SU-30MKM was no ordinary machine and described it as a symbol of the nation's air power. Lima '25 is organised by the Defence Ministry in collaboration with Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), focusing on innovation and enhancing competitiveness among industry players in line with technological advancements. This year's edition is the largest maritime and aerospace exhibition in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991. — BERNAMA
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Air Force Chief wows Lima '25 crowd, personally pilots RMAF Su-30MKM
LANGKAWI: Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan wowed spectators at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) today by taking to the skies in the RMAF's Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jet. Adorned with the distinctive Jalur Gemilang livery known as "Toruk Makto", Asghar, whose callsign is "Gunjiz" showed his finesse in handling the Russian multi-role combat aircraft in a spectacular 12-minute display of advanced aerial manoeuvres. This also marked the first time in Lima's 17-year history that the RMAF chief himself has piloted an aircraft. Asghar was accompanied by Colonel Mohd Norazan Othman, callsign "Sting", as his backseater during the performance. The display showcased the exceptional capabilities of the Su-30MKM, including complex manoeuvres that few other fighter jets can perform. The RMAF said Asghar's direct participation highlighted his leadership and commitment to professionalism, bravery, and excellence within the air force. The Lima exhibition, now in its 17th iteration since its inception in 1991, is scheduled to run for five days starting today.
