logo
RMAF to adapt strategy in response to global tensions, says new chief

RMAF to adapt strategy in response to global tensions, says new chief

SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will draw lessons from global conflicts and adapt its long-term strategy accordingly, said its newly appointed chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
Norazlan said the air force is closely monitoring the tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Iran and Israel.
"What the air force is doing is looking at what we can learn from these conflicts.
"We will then review whether our plan is aligned or moving in the same direction with what's happening in our surroundings.
"If we need to do some adjustment, we will, because we must remain relevant and in tune with current realities," he told a press conference after assuming the command of the RMAF from General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
Norazlan also gave his assurance that all RMAF initiatives under the CAP55 would continue under his leadership.
"This is to ensure that the RMAF remains a credible and dominant air power with full-spectrum capability.
"First, it's capability development. Second, we want modernisation. Third, it's about human capital development.
"We can already see this under the current Madani administration, with the procurement of new assets. These are not just replacements for old platforms, but actual capability upgrades."
He added that such efforts require more than just acquisitions, but also strong emphasis on training and operational readiness.
"We will focus on this as we work to build capability. When it comes to human resources, we need the right people, well-trained individuals.
"This must be prioritised so that the assets we acquire can be optimised to their fullest potential," he said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

RMAF technical committee decides on air defence procurement, including Black Hawks
RMAF technical committee decides on air defence procurement, including Black Hawks

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

RMAF technical committee decides on air defence procurement, including Black Hawks

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will not proceed with any defence procurement, including Black Hawk helicopters or fighter jets, unless the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) technical committee guarantees operational readiness. He said the government would not sign any contract if it could not be assured of the assets' serviceability. "They will be fully responsible for its operational readiness, and if it cannot be guaranteed, we will not sign. "That is clear," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today. Earlier today, armed forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar confirmed that the purchase of four Black Hawk helicopters worth about RM187 million had been cancelled. The decision followed the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who ordered the Defence Ministry to scrap the plan to buy 30-year-old helicopters. Sultan Ibrahim, as Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, had called for the acquisition to be cancelled. Meanwhile, Anwar said the state of Malaysia's naval assets, revealing that the country is still displaying ships from as far back as 1976. "I went to Langkawi to see the ships. It's true. "Even a ship from 1976 was brought in because we have no other ships. Imagine how I felt, spending billions of ringgit, yet we have no ships. "In 1976, I was still resting in Kamunting, and that same ship is still being used," he said. Anwar said defence procurement must be conducted transparently, free from excessive reliance on agents and political considerations. "Negotiate properly, check the costs, and do not add political considerations or personal interests. "That is why I say procurement must be transparent, we must stop excessive dependence on agents, and we must make the best use of government-to-government (G2G) arrangements," he said. He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who had asked about the number of ships in service that are more than 30 years old.

Malaysian ships from 1976 still being displayed, says Anwar
Malaysian ships from 1976 still being displayed, says Anwar

New Straits Times

time6 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Malaysian ships from 1976 still being displayed, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is still displaying ships from 1976, highlighting the need to be more transparent in procurement of assets, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Responding to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), he said, there must be no excessive dependence on agents when negotiating defence contracts. "I went to Langkawi to see the ships. It's true. Even a ship from 1976 was brought in because we have no other ships. Imagine how I felt, spending billions of ringgit, yet we have no ships. "In 1976, I was still resting in Kamunting, and that same ship is still being used. "I asked why, and they said it was because there were no other ships available. This is a lesson for is why I say procurement must be transparent, we must stop excessive dependence on agents, and we must make the best use of government-to-government (G2G) arrangements. "Negotiate properly, check the costs, and do not add political considerations or personal interests," he said. Shahidan had inquired as to how many ships that Malaysia has which are over 30 years of age. On the question of whether to acquire the Black Hawk helicopters or the F-18 multi-role combat aircraft from Kuwait, Anwar and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khaled said the decision must be made by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) technical committee. "They will be fully responsible for its operational readiness, and if it cannot be guaranteed, we will not sign. That is clear," he said. Earlier today, Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar reportedly said they have cancelled the purchase of four Black Hawk helicopters worth about RM187 million. He said the decision was made after taking into account the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, regarding the acquisition of the assets, Utusan Malaysia reported. Sultan Ibrahim, who is the Supreme Commander of the Malaysia Armed Forces, had ordered the Defence Ministry to scrap its plan to buy 30-year-old Black Hawk helicopters.

Govt beefs up radar, naval assets to secure Sabah waters, South China Sea
Govt beefs up radar, naval assets to secure Sabah waters, South China Sea

New Straits Times

time11-08-2025

  • New Straits Times

Govt beefs up radar, naval assets to secure Sabah waters, South China Sea

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has beefed up its radar capabilities this year, mainly to monitor Sabah's waters and the South China Sea, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the enhancements were part of the ministry's force modernisation plans, which also include acquiring Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) from Turkiye. "All these assets are integrated to ensure our sovereign territory is continuously safeguarded. "We maintain constant operational readiness, with ongoing operations such as those conducted by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, including Ops Daulat Benua," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang). Earlier, Awang had asked about the ministry's plans to mobilise strategic assets to protect Malaysia's territory from frequent encroachment by foreign vessels, noting that current S-band radar systems could be disrupted or jammed as they operate in the 2 to 4 GHz range – a frequency widely used by civilian applications, including Bluetooth and WiFi. Adly said that while the issues raised were technical in nature, all other areas remained under control. "We receive constant reports, and when there are foreign assets or vessels, we coordinate with the relevant ministries. "Defence diplomacy is part of our strategy to protect our sovereignty and territorial waters," he said. He added that the ministry has plans to further enhance its capabilities under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which is still being debated. "This includes strengthening our cyber domain. Previously, we had electromagnetic and cyber divisions; now, we have upgraded to a full cyber command. "We are working on all these aspects to ensure that our nation's sovereignty and security are always protected," he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store