RMAF chief 'Gunjiz' takes final bow with thunderous air force send-off
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.
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