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

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

New Straits Times13 hours ago

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.

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

New Straits Times

time13 hours ago

  • 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.

RMAF to get new defence assets from October
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Norazlan Aris appointed 21st Air Force Chief
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He succeeds General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retires from service today. 26 Jun 2025 11:31am General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has been appointed as the 21st Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), succeeding General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retires from service today. SUBANG - General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has been appointed as the 21st Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), succeeding General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retires from service today. Norazlan, who previously served as Deputy RMAF Chief, officially assumed the position during a Handover of Duty Ceremony held at the Subang Air Base today, witnessed by Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaafar. Also held was a Promotion Ceremony marking Norazlan's elevation from Lieutenant General to General, as well as a Farewell Parade in honour of the 20th Air Force Chief. Also held during the ceremony was a Promotion Ceremony marking Norazlan's elevation from Lieutenant General to General, as well as a Farewell Parade in honour of the 20th Air Force Chief. Norazlan, 58, who hails from Kota Tinggi, Johor, underwent training as a Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Sungai Besi from 1985 to 1987 before beginning his flight training under the RMAF in 1988 in Alor Setar. Throughout his career, Norazlan has flown various types of fighter aircraft including the Aermacchi MB339A, A4PTM Skyhawk, Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-29N/UB and the Sukhoi 30MKM. He has also held various key positions within the RMAF, including Commander of Gong Kedak Air Base, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Planning and Development, Chief of Staff at the Air Operations Command Headquarters, Air Support Commander, and Air Operations Commander, before assuming the role of Deputy RMAF Chief on 28 June 2022. General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has been appointed as the 21st Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), succeeding General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who retires from service today. Meanwhile, Asghar Khan served in the RMAF for more than 42 years, having joined the force on 18 July 1983 as a Cadet Officer at RMC. He began his career as a fighter pilot in 1985 and has flown combat aircraft such as the A4 Skyhawk, F-5E, MIG-29N, and Sukhoi 30MKM. Asghar Khan had served as the Air Force Chief since March 7, 2022, succeeding General Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad upon his mandatory retirement. - BERNAMA

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