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Royal Malaysian Air Force
  • Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia
  • تنترا اودارا دراج مليسيا
Crest of the Royal Malaysian Air Force
Founded2 June 1958;66 years ago(1958-06-02)(founded as the Malayan Auxiliary Air force in 1936)
CountryMalaysia
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size
Part ofMalaysian Armed Forces
Motto(s)
  • Sentiasa di Angkasa Raya
  • ( "Always in the Sky" )
Colours
  • Sky Blue
  • Dark Blue
  • Yellow
March"Warriors in the Skies"
Anniversaries2 June
Engagements
Websiteairforce.mil.my
Commanders
Colonel-in-ChiefHRH Sultan IbrahimofJohor
Chief of Air ForceGeneralTan Sri Dato' SriMohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan
Deputy Chief of the Air ForceLieutenant GeneralDato' Indera Muhamad Norazlan bin Aris
Command Sergeant MajorWarrant Officer I Ahmad Maulana bin Ab Ghafar
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Logo
Aircraft flown
FighterSu-30MKM,F/A-18 Hornet,Hawk 208
HelicopterUH-60,EC 725,AW139
PatrolCN-235MSA,Super King Air
TrainerHawk 108,PC-7,Super King Air
TransportA400M,C-130,CN-235,737
TankerKC-130

TheRoyal Malaysian Air Force(RMAF,Malay:Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia; TUDM;Jawi:تنترا اودارا دراج مليسيا) was formed on 2 June 1958 as theRoyal Federation of Malaya Air Force(Tentera Udara Diraja Persekutuan Tanah Melayu;تنترا اودارا دراج ڤرسكوتون تانه ملايو). However, its roots can be traced back to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the BritishRoyal Air Forcein then-colonialBritish Malaya.The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates a mix of modernAmerican,EuropeanandRussian-made aircraft.

History

Early years

Labuan Air BasewithCAC Sabrein 1965, today became the main airfield forEast Malaysia.

The Malaysian air forces trace their lineage to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of theRoyal Air Force(RAF) formed in 1934. They later transformed into the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force (SSVAF) and the Malayan Volunteers Air Force (MVAF) formed in 1940 and dissolved in 1942 during the height of theJapanese advance over Malaya.The latter was re-established in 1950 in time for theMalayan Emergencyand contributed very much to the war effort.

On 2 June 1958 the MVAF finally became the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force (RFMAF), this date is celebrated as RMAF Day yearly, the Royal title granted by Parliament in honor of its contributions to national defence during the Emergency and the transition to independent status.

On 25 October 1962, after the end of the Malayan Emergency, the RAF handed over their first airfields in Malaya to the RFMAF, atSimpang Airport;it was opened on 1 June 1941, inSungai Besi,Kuala Lumpurwhich was formerly part ofSelangorand the national capital city. The first aircraft for the fledgling air force was aScottish Aviation Twin Pioneernamed "Lang Rajawali"by the then Prime MinisterTunku Abdul Rahman.Several Malayans serving with the Royal Air Force transferred to the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force. The role played by RMAF was limited initially to communications and the support of ground operations against Communist insurgents during theMalayan Emergency.RMAF received its first combat aircraft with the delivery of 20CanadairCL41G Tebuans(an armed version of the Canadair Tutor trainer). RMAF also receivedAérospatiale Alouette IIIhelicopters, to be used in the liaison role.

With the formation ofMalaysiaon 16 September 1963, the name of the air force was changed to "Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia" or "Royal Malaysian Air Force". New types introduced into service included theHandley Page Heraldtransport and theDe Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou.RMAF receivedSikorskyS-61A-4helicopters in the late 1960s and early 1970s which were used in the transport role. RMAF gained an air defence capability when theAustralian Governmentdonated 10 ex-Royal Australian Air Force(RAAF)CAC Sabrefighters. These were based at theButterworthAir Base. After the withdrawal of British military forces from Malaysia and Singapore at the end of 1971, aFive Power Defence Arrangements(FPDA) agreement between Malaysia,Singapore,New Zealand,Australia,and theUnited Kingdomwas concluded to ensure defence against external aggression. The RAAF maintained twoMirage IIIOsquadrons at RAF/RAAF Station Butterworth,Butterworth Air Baseas part of its commitment to the FPDA. These squadrons were withdrawn in 1986, although occasional deployments of RAAF aircraft continue.

Modernisation

RMAFSukhoi Su-30MKM,F/A-18 Hornet,MiG-29NandBAE Hawk 208withUSAFF-22 RaptorandF-15 Strike Eagleparticipating in Cope Taufan 2014.

With the withdrawal of British military forces, RMAF underwent gradual modernisation from the 1970s to the 1990s. TheSabrewere replaced by 16Northrop F-5E Tiger-IIs.A reconnaissance capability was acquired with the purchase of two RF-5E Tigereye aircraft. RMAF also purchased 88 ex-US NavyDouglas A-4C Skyhawks,of which 40 of the airframes were converted/refurbished byGrumman Aircraft EngineeringatBethpageinto the A-4PTM ('Peculiar To Malaysia'), configuration (similar to A-4M standard). RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States. However, limitations imposed by the US on "new technology" to the region, such as theAIM-120 AMRAAMfire-and-forget air-to-air missile, has made RMAF consider purchases fromRussiaand other non-traditional sources. The 1990s saw the arrival of first theBAE Hawk Mk108/208which replaced the T/A-4PTMs, followed by theMiG-29N/NUBin 1995 in the air superiority role and delivery of theF/A-18D Hornetin 1997 to provide an all weather interdiction capability. In 2003 a contract was signed for 18Su-30MKMsfor delivery in 2007 to fulfill a requirement for an initial order of multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA). A requirement for a further 18 MRCAs remains unfulfilled. RMAF is also looking for anAWACSaircraft, although no firm orders have been placed.

On 8 December 2005, fourAirbus Military A400Maircraft were ordered to enhance the airlift capability. By March 2017 all Malaysian A400Ms were delivered to the customer.[3]In late 2006, the Government signed a contract to purchase eightAermacchi MB-339CMs to add to the eight MB-339AMs already in service.

In March 2007, then-Deputy Prime Ministerand Defence MinisterNajib Razaknotified the public that theMiG-29would continue in service until 2010. Later that year, Najib announced theSikorsky S-61A4 Nurihelicopter, in service since 1968 with 89 crew members killed in 15 accidents, would be phased out by 2012 and replaced by theEurocopter EC725.[4]Deputy RMAF Chief Lieutenant General Bashir Abu Bakar told the media after opening Heli-Asia 2007, that tender assessment for the replacement of the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri would occur in early 2008.[5]At the 12th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition 2010,[6]a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed for 12 EC725 helicopters to be supplied to the RMAF.[7]

The RMAF currently has a MRCA replacement program to replace theMiG-29andF-5fighters that were to be retired by the end of 2015. The MRCA replacement program is currently narrowed down to four types of aircraft (Eurofighter Typhoon,Dassault Rafale,F/A-18E/F Super HornetandSaab JAS 39 Gripen). Under the program, the RMAF is looking to equip three squadrons with 36 to 40 new fighter aircraft with a budget of RM6 billion to RM8 billion (US$1.84 billion to US$2.46 billion).[8]

RMAF andUSNinCARATexercise.

RMAF also has a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program in pipe line. In December 2017, the RMAF's Brigadier General Yazid Bin Arshad announced it had shortlisted four aircraft types to replace the force's ageing fleet ofBeechcraft Super King Airmaritime patrol aircraft.The selected types are theEADS CASA C-295fromAirbus,theP-8 PoseidonfromBoeing,ATR 72 MPfromATR,a joint venture between Airbus andLeonardo,and theCASA/IPTN CN-235,which could be provided by either Airbus orIndonesian Aerospace,which acquired a licence to produce it.[9]

It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace the Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri.[10]

Chiefs of the Royal Malaysian Air Force

Main article:Chief of Air Force (Malaysia)

Ranks

Main article:Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces

Until the late 1970s, the Royal Malaysian Air Force used the sameofficer ranking system as the Royal Air Force.They were replaced by army-style designations and given Malay title equivalents, but the sleeve insignia remained the same mirroring the RAF practice, but all General Officers wear 1 to 5 stars on the shoulder board in addition to the existing sleeve insignia. The list of ranks which are currently used are shown below (in descending order). NCOs and enlisted ranks remained unchanged, and retain their pre-1970s names.

Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers Officer cadet
Commander-in-Chief Generals Senior officers Junior officers Officer Cadets
Pemerintah Tertinggi Pegawai Tinggi Pegawai Kanan Pegawai Muda Pegawai Kadet
Royal Malaysian Air Force[11]
 No insignia
Marsyal tentera udara Jeneral TUDM Leftenan jeneral TUDM Mejar jeneral TUDM Brigedier jeneral TUDM Kolonel TUDM Leftenan kolonel TUDM Mejar TUDM Kapten TUDM Leftenan TUDM Leftenan muda TUDM Pegawai kadet

All officers, with the exception of theMarshal of the Royal Malaysian Air Forceapply the Air Force acronym (RMAF,TUDM) to their rank title, to differentiate from their Malaysian Army equivalents. For example, a Colonel in the Air Force would be titled Colonel, RMAF orKolonel, TUDMin Malay.

Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
Warrant Officers Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Others
Pegawai Waran Pegawai Tanpa Tauliah Kanan Pegawai Tanpa Tauliah Rendah Lain-lain
Royal Malaysian Air Force
 Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Warrant Officer Class 2 Flight Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal No insignia No insignia
Pegawai waran udara I Pegawai waran udara II Flait sarjan Sarjan udara Koperal udara Laskar udara kanan Laskar udara I Laskar udara II Perajurit muda
Warrant officer class I Warrant officer class II Flight sergeant Sergeant Corporal Leading aircraftman Aircraftman first class Aircraftman second class Recruit

Royal Malaysian Air Force regiment

The RMAF Regiment is the ground and air defence support unit of the RMAF. The regiment is composed of five sub-units tasked with fulfilling the RMAF's mission. These units are:

PASKAU
PASKAU detachments with dressed in the No.4 Digital Camouflage, tactical gear and ghillie suits parading during the 60th National Day Parade of Malaysia at Sultan Abdul Samad Street, Kuala Lumpur.

Thespecial forcesarm of the RMAF is known asPASKAU(a Malay acronym forPasukan Khas Udara,which loosely translates as 'Special Air Service'). PASKAU was formed in response to amortarattack by the then Communist Party of Malaya on aDHC-4 Caribouin the 1970s at the Kuala Lumpur Air Base. During peacetime, the unit is tasked with responding to aircraft hijacking incidents as well as protecting the country's numerous RMAF airbases and civilian airports. Its wartime roles include ground designation, sabotaging of enemy air assets and equipment and the defence of RMAF aircraft and bases. This unit is also deployed for counter-terrorism duties as well asUrban warfare/Close quarters combat.

HANDAU

HANDAU is the former name given to RMAFspecial forcesPASKAU.HANDAU is presently tasked with on-base security assecurity troopers.They can be called to any special tasks (notably counter terrorism) along with any armed incidents which may occur on base and can be called to assist RMAF provost officers in handling armed incidents. Their roles are not to be confused with the now PASKAU and the RMAF Provost Unit (which is tasked with upholding military law on base) as they primarily serve as on-ground security combat forces (modelled after theUS Air Force Security Forces). HANDAU and PASKAU are now separated into two different units with one serving as a special force of the RMAF and the other as on base security troopers and a ground security combat force. They can be recognised by their standard RMAF berets with the HANDAU cap badge and their vests with the text "HANDAU".

RMAF Provost Unit

This is the military police unit of the RMAF regiment, mandated to provide military police duties in RMAF airbases.

RMAF Infantry

The unit that is equipped with firearms for combat duties. They are tasked as a support element for airforce special forces and arehelibornetrained.

RMAF Ground Air Defence Artillery

This regiment responsible for providing air defense protection by usingGround Base Air Defence(GBAD) to the important places such as airbases as well as RMAF asset.

Aerobatic team

Main article:Kris Sakti

The Kris Sakti (English:Magic Dagger) is the aerobatic display team of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It made its debut on 2011Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibitionin December 2011. They operated fourExtra 300Laircraft.[12]

Main article:Smokey Bandits

The Smokey Bandits is the aircraft aerobatic display team under the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This team operates fiveMikoyan MiG-29fighter aircraft and based inRMAF Kuantan.The team's name is taken from the smoke emissions from two Russian-made fighter aircraft engines when operating at full thrust. The team was first established in 2001.[13][14]

Squadrons

Division Squadron Aircraft Airbase
1 Division 2 Squadron Global Express, Boeing BBJ (737-700) Subang AFB
3 Squadron AgustaWestland AW139 Butterworth AFB
8 Squadron Airbus A400M Subang AFB
10 Squadron Eurocopter EC-725 Kuantan AFB
11 Squadron UAS Labuan AFB
12 Squadron Su-30MKM Flanker Gong Kedak AFB
15 Squadron BAE Hawk 108/208 Butterworth AFB
16 Squadron Beechcraft 200T Subang AFB
17 Squadron Butterworth AFB
18 Squadron Boeing F/A-18D Hornet Butterworth AFB
20 Squadron Lockheed C-130H Hercules, KC-130T Subang AFB
21 Squadron CN235-220M, CN235-220M VIP Subang AFB
2 Division 1 Squadron CN-235-220M Kuching AFB
5 Squadron Eurocopter EC-725 Labuan AFB
6 Squadron BAE Hawk 108/Hawk 208 Labuan AFB
14 Squadron Lockheed C-130H Hercules Labuan AFB
Training Division 1 FTC PC-7 Mk II Alor Setar AFB
2 FTC EC-120B Alor Setar AFB
3 FTC Kuantan AFB

Airfields/Airbases

List:

Equipment

Main articles:List of equipment of the Royal Malaysian Air ForceandList of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces

Present development

RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States and Europe. However, RMAF also considers purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources for its modernisation program.[15]

Multi-role combat aircraft

RMAFSukhoi Su-30MKMsseen from top and bottom.

As a part of the Malaysia's Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program, Malaysia is looking to replace its agingMiG-29andF-5fighters[16][17]with possibly theF/A-18 Super Hornet,Dassault Rafale,Eurofighter,JAS 39 Gripen,Sukhoi Su-30/35or theMikoyan MiG-35.[18][19][20][21][22]Dassault Rafale has offered a financial package with a ten-year repayment loan from a French commercial bank and guaranteed by the government of France to assist procurement of their fighter.[23]This offer was countered by BAE Systems' Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen, which have offered competitive leasing deals instead.[16][24][25]EADSandBAE Systemshas each offered to set up joint venture companies for maintenance and repair of its aircraft if it is selected, along with competitive financial support extended by the United Kingdom government.[26]

Russia is ready to offer their jet fighters to meet Malaysia's requirements.[27]The Russian defence export corporation,Rosoboronexport,which supplied the Royal Malaysian Air Force with theSukhoi Su-30MKM,expressed its readiness to discuss the prospect of establishing joint licensed production facilities in Malaysia.[28]The Russians have argued that despite some initial advantages, especially in terms of meeting the high cost for maintenance, fuel, parts and insurance in the short term, the lessors of the aircraft will require frequent checks to be assured that the terms of the lease are upheld, and the aircraft will eventually have to be returned after the lease period is up. As such, leasing a fighter aircraft will have significant drawbacks in the defence of the sovereignty of the nation.[21]Instead, the Russian are offering theirSukhoi Su-35at lower prices than their western rivals. However, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, the race for new fighter jets has narrowed down to the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon instead.[29]

Following a visit by the French President also in early 2017, Malaysia said they remained undecided whether to buy the French fighter, although it had become the leader on the list of all jet fighters suggested,[30]with Malaysian Prime MinisterNajib Razakassuring the French President that they were considering to buy.[31]The French government confirmed that negotiation was on the way, although no final deal has yet been signed.[32]

Due to the delay in the MRCA program and also anincrease in tensions in the South China Sea,it was believed that there was an immediate requirement for new fighters.[33]Following the visit of the Saudi King in early 2017, Malaysia was reportedly seeking to buy excessRoyal Saudi Air Forceor otherArab nation's jet fighters and helicopters.[34]

In December 2021, Deputy Defense MinisterIkmal Hisham Abdul AzizinformedParliamentthat Malaysia was seeking to purchase theKuwaiti Air Force’sentire fleet of F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets (33 aircraft in total), with the intention of operating the model until 2035.[35]In a March 2023 updated, Defence MinisterMohamad Hasanconfirmed that although several official proposals to procure had been sent to the Kuwait government, no decisions had been made due to frequent changes in theirlegislative administration.[36]However, in June 2023, it was announced by the AmericanDefense Security Cooperation Agencythat the continuation of an existing contract to provide technical and maintenance services to the Kuwaiti Air Force in regards to their F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet had been approved by the US government, therefore ruling out the sale of the 33 aircraft to Malaysia.[37]

Light combat aircraft

In 2019, Malaysia formally launched its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program.[38]The major contenders of this project were theKAI T-50 Golden Eagle,Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master,HAL Tejas,Yakovlev Yak-130,[39]L-15 Falcon,Boeing T-7 Red HawkandAero L-39NG.[40]Malaysia intended to use this LCA to augment the existing fleet of its multi-role combat aircraft and also as a fighter lead-in trainer. At the end of 2020, LCA program was approved by the government and the procurement of the aircraft would start in 2021.[41]In 2021, Russian defence export agency,Rosoboronexport,said Russia would sendMikoyan MiG-35as a contender of the LCA program.[42] India has responded withHAL Tejasmanufactured byHindustan Aeronautics Limitedas a contender which is a full fledged active fighter jet under mass production.[43]It has world class avionics and refined design and sophisticated armaments includingBrahmos.[44][45]Turkey has also sent theirTAI Hürjetas a contender of the LCA program.[46]

In February 2023, it was announced that theMalaysian Ministry of Defencehad chosen theFA-50from South Korea for the new RMAF's LCA/FLIT.[47]In a deal costing an estimatedUS$919 million (which included pilot training and aircraft maintenance)Korea Aerospace Industriesagreed to provide 18 of the fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.[48]KAI chief executive officer Kang Goo-young confirmed that the Royal Malaysian Air Force would be receiving the most advanced 'Block 20' version of the FA-50, which would featureAESA radar,aLink 16tactical data link, the capability forinflight refuelingand aSniper Advanced Targeting Podas standard.[49]

In January 2024, it was reported that the Malaysian Ministry of Defence had agreed to buy 18 additional FA-50 jets, with deliveries to begin after the first batch had been transferred to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.[50]In March 2024, it was reported that six Royal Malaysian Air Force pilots would begin training in early 2026 on the FA-50 at aRepublic of Korea Air Forceairbase inGwangju,with the first 4 aircraft being delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in October 2026 and the remaining 14 to be delivered by the end of 2027.[51]

Maritime patrol aircraft

Malaysia also urgently needs to boost its maritime patrol capability with a newmaritime patrol aircraft.In response to this need, Malaysia has launched its Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program. At first, Malaysia was reportedly considering an offer from Japan for the usedP-3C Orionbut this intention was cancelled due to high cost for refurbishment and maintenance the used aircraft.[52]In December 2017, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Brigadier General Yazid Bin Arshad announced that it had shortlisted four aircraft to replace the force's ageing fleet ofBeechcraft Super King Air.The candidates were theEADS CASA C-295fromAirbus,theP-8 PoseidonfromBoeing,ATR 72 MPfromATR,a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, and theCASA/IPTN CN-235,which could be provided by either Airbus orIndonesian Aerospace,which acquired a licence to produce it. The new MPA procurement would start in 2021 after the government gives approval for the Royal Malaysian Air Force for the acquisition of such aircraft in the budget hearing at the end of 2020.[53]In 2021, the RMAF has confirmed that it will procure six new maritime patrol aircraft to replace its Beechcraft Super King Air.[54]In addition, Malaysia also launched its second MPA program which was the conversion of the existing fleet ofCASA/IPTN CN-235transport aircraft to the maritime patrol role. This program started at the end of 2020 and is intended as an interim solution while waiting for a newly ordered aircraft to be commissioned.[55]

As of March 2022, the procurement process of the MPA is still at the Ministry of Finance level, and there are several candidates (aircraft companies) who have been shortlisted for further action.[56]

In October 2022, the Malaysian government has finalised a tender to procure two maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the country's air force and will soon award a contract for this programme toLeonardo.Malaysia's defense minister,Hishammuddin Husseinmade no mention of the aircraft types in his announcement but Leonardo has proposed itsATR 72MPtwin-turboprop aircraft for Malaysia's requirements.[57]

Airborne early warning and control aircraft

Malaysia has also planned to acquireairborne early warning and controlaircraft. Saab is pitching theirairborne early warning and controlaircraft, the Global Eye, which is theBombardier 6000equipped withErieyeradar system and is looking for local partners in Malaysia for manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul.[58]

Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle

As a part of the modernization program, Malaysia also intends to acquire sixMALE UAV.[59]Malaysian government has issues a MALE UAV tender in 2020 and it is expected the procurement will take place in 2021.[60]The major contenders of this project would be theGeneral Atomics MQ-9 Reaper,TAI Anka,Bayraktar TB2,Safran Patroller,Thales Watchkeeper WK450,Kronshtadt Orion,CAIG Wing LoongandCASC Rainbow.[61]

As of March 2022, it is reported the program is currently undergoing physical evaluation stage which has been shortlisted by the Procurement Board of the Ministry of Defence, and this process is still ongoing.[56]

In October 2022, Malaysia's Defence Minister,Hishammudin Husseinannounced that theTurkish Aerospace IndustriesAnkais selected for the procurement of three MALE-UAS units.[62]

Utility helicopter

In 2007,Najib Razakannounced that theSikorsky S-61A4 Nurihelicopter in service since 1968 would be phased out by 2012 and replaced by theEurocopter EC725.[4]Deputy RMAF Chief Lieutenant General Bashir Abu Bakar told the media after opening Heli-Asia 2007 that tender assessment for the replacement of the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri would occur in early 2008.[5]At the 12th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition 2010,[6]a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed for 12 EC725 helicopters to be supplied to the RMAF.[7]With that,EADS,(the European Aeronautical Defence and Space Company), pledged 100 million Euros to set up a comprehensive helicopter centre in Subang for an aeronautical academy, training, simulation and a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the Eurocopter EC725 military version and the Eurocopter EC225 civilian model.[63]

Although there was a plan to replace all the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, due to budget constraints the government only managed to buy 12 Eurocopter EC725. For this reason, Nuri helicopters were still active in service until 2019. In LIMA 2019, Malaysia also expressed interest to buyMil Mi-171( modified armed version for Mil Mi-17) from Russia. It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace all the remaining Nuri.[10]

In 2021, 4 AgustaWestland AW139 were leased from a Malaysian aviation company,Weststar Aviation,as temporary replacement before the eventual procurement of new 24 helicopters to replace the S-61A4 Nuri.[64]

Ground-based radar

In 2019, it is confirmed that RMAF sought for three new ground-based radar. The major contenders of this project would be theThales Ground Master 400,Selex RAT-31,Giraffe radarandLockheed Martin TPS-77 MMR.[65]

In 2021, it is reported theUS Department of Defensehas 'gifted' an export version ofLockheed Martin TPS-77 MMRto Malaysia in order to provide secure interoperable C3I (Command Control Communications and Intelligence) and Sensor systems supporting U.S. Joint Air Operations to US Government FMS (Foreign Military Sales) customers.[66][67]ThroughLIMA2023, Malaysia has awardedThalesfor the procurement of one unitGround Master 400radar for the RMAF.[68]

Medium-range air defence

In 2021, it was confirmed that RMAF sought for a regiment of medium-range air defence system to improve the national air defence capabilities.[69]The contenders for the program are still unknown.

In 2014, a Malaysian private company signed a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese defence firm to acquire ChineseLY-80medium range air defence missile, but the government of Malaysia did not endorse it.[70][71]

Incidents and accidents

  • Since 1989, around 95 armed forces personnel (most of those are the RMAF) have been killed in 18 crashes involving the ageing type American-madeSikorsky S-61A4 Nurihelicopter.[72]This led the RMAF to purchase the French-madeEC725helicopter to replace it. But with the nation having ordered only 12 of a planned 28 EC725 helicopters as replacements, the RMAF was forced to prolong the life of its Sikorskys.[73]On October 21, 2016, it was reported that a Canadian helicopter company Heli-One will upgrade all Malaysia'sNurihelicopter.[74]
  • On November 9, 2004, aMikoyan MiG-29crashed into an oil palm plantation inKemaman,Terengganu.The pilot survived the crash.[75]
  • In May 2008, two J85-GE-21 engines that power theNorthrop F-5E Tiger IIfighter jets belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force were reported missing, as of sometime in 2007, from an RMAF warehouse in Kuala Lumpur during Najib's tenure asDefence MinisterinAbdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet. The jet engines belonged to the 12th Squadron (Scorpion) based in Butterworth. The issue became a matter of political dispute,[76]and it was reported a brigadier-general together with 40 other armed forces personnel had been sacked over the incident.[77]Further investigation led to the arrest of two RMAF personnel and a civilian contractor were charged in connection with the theft and disposal of both engines on 6 January 2010.[78]On February 5, 2010,Attorney-GeneralAbdul Gani Patailrevealed that the two missing engines had been found inUruguaywith the help of theGovernment of Uruguayand theMalaysian governmentis proceeding with the necessary measures to secure their return. Investigations showed that the engines were taken out of the RMAF base between 20 December 2007 to 1 January 2008 before being sent to a warehouse inSubang Jayato be shipped out of Malaysia toSouth America.[79][80]
  • On February 26, 2016, the Indonesian made-CN-235-220M version were forced to make anemergency landinginto amangrove swampnearKuala Selangordue to engine failure.[81]The co-pilot sustained a broken left arm during the incident while the rest of the crew managed to escape without any major injuries. A fisherman who were trying to help the crews out of the aircraft were reported drowned after his foot got stuck in the mud. Theblack boxfrom the aircraft was eventually found on the next day and was sent toBandung,Indonesia for it to be analyzed by the Indonesian manufacturer over the cause of the accident.[82]
  • On May 17, 2016, an Italian madeAermacchi MB-339crashed into a paddy field near Nenasi, Pahang during its training mission from Kuantan Airbase. Both crew members managed to eject from the aircraft with one suffered from a broken leg during the eject.[83]
  • On December 21, 2016, an American-madeBeechcraft King Air 200Tcrashed intoButterworth airbaseduring its training mission from Subang airbase, killing one pilot, leaving the other three injured.[84]
  • On June 14, 2017, two pilots were killed after a British-madeBAE Hawk(Mk 108) crashed at thePahang-Terengganuborder.[85]Previously, several other Hawks had crashed during training missions.[86]
  • On November 16, 2021, at around 10:07pm, a British-madeBAE Hawk(Mk 108) crashed on the runway of Butterworth Airbase,[87][88]killing one of the pilot while the other survived.[89]

See also

References

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