Latest news with #CapabilityDevelopmentPlan2055
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
RMAF unveils six strategic pillars for future challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has outlined six strategic pillars to strengthen its operational readiness and legacy in facing future challenges. RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris emphasised the need for all personnel to fully understand and implement these strategies across all formations. The six pillars focus on achieving peak capability and readiness, sustaining air defence assets, enhancing personnel excellence, strengthening logistics, refining doctrine and procedures, and ensuring personnel welfare. 'Understanding and internalising these pillars will provide a strong foundation to elevate the force to greater heights,' Norazlan said during his inaugural command address at Subang Air Base. He highlighted the importance of learning from recent global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine, Iran-Israel, and India-Pakistan, to maintain mission readiness. The RMAF will continue monitoring nine strategic targets and seven key programmes under the Capability Development Plan 2055. In a move to promote health and discipline, Norazlan announced the introduction of Body Mass Index (BMI) as a supplementary career development indicator. 'This is not a punitive measure but a way to encourage a healthier lifestyle and military professionalism,' he clarified. A phased fitness programme tailored to different age groups will begin this year. – Bernama
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RMAF must go high-tech to meet evolving threats, say experts
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) must prioritise technological capabilities, cyber integration and layered air defence to adapt to evolving global conflicts, say defence experts. Chasseur Group security and defence analyst Munira Mustaffa said Malaysia could draw important lessons from conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, where a smaller force has managed to deny air superiority to a more powerful adversary. "Air superiority is no longer about numbers. Ukraine has shown that effective, mobile ground-based air defence systems and strong electronic warfare (EW) capabilities can deny access to contested airspace," she said. Munira was commenting on a statement by new RMAF chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris on Thursday that the air force would adapt its long-term posture based on conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Iran and Israel. Under the Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), the RMAF aims to enhance relevance by shaping its war-fighting capability to ensure threats are deterred and contained. CAP55, among others, calls for the procurement of unmanned aerial systems, airborne early warning platforms, long-range ground-based air defence radars as well as a ground-based air defence system. Munira said the RMAF should focus on several key areas, including investing in mobile and dispersed air defence systems, enhancing joint air-ground integration, expanding offensive and defensive electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and building low-cost counter-drone systems using small, attritable platforms. "These drones have proven to be highly effective at a fraction of the cost of conventional platforms. For a country like Malay-sia, they offer lethality at range, economy of effort, and are well suited to our defensive doctrine. "Malaysia's current defence budget of US$4.8 billion, of which US$1.3 billion is allocated for maintenance and new procurement, means the RMAF will have to compete for limited resources across the armed services," she said. Munira also said the RMAF must adopt a phased and cost-efficient strategy that leverages existing assets while introducing new capabilities. "Rather than chasing expensive single-solution platforms, the RMAF should look at layered, interoperable systems. "Upgrading current assets, tapping into dual-use technologies with the Home Ministry, and seeking regional training and procurement partnerships are all viable options," she added. Cyber defence should be treated as the foundational priority, given the increasing dependence on autonomous and software-driven systems. "A cyberattack could compromise multiple systems, undermining both EW and drone capabilities," she said. She added that electronic warfare should come next, as it accounts for the majority of counter-drone operations and plays a crucial role in neutralising near-term threats. While she acknowledged the importance of conventional air power, Munira said the RMAF's future edge lied in integrating new and traditional capabilities. "The objective is to integrate cyber, EW and drone systems into a cohesive, layered defence structure." Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia defence expert Associate Professor Dr Mohamed Faisol Keling said the RMAF must consider the technological aspects of the current geopolitical conflicts, the influence of major powers and the role of international bodies in conflict resolution. "With a limited budget, focus should be given to more critical sectors rather than areas that can be modified, such as management or lower-cost contracts. "The RMAF should work with various universities and industry players to develop high-technology equipment using local expertise," he said. "Many universities can be brought in to collaborate on developing defence assets that align with our national capabilities. "We can look at how Indonesia is now producing its own defence products through local talent."
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RMAF's CAP55 plan targets cyber, drone, and electronic warfare capabilities
KUANTAN: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is advancing its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55) to modernise its air defence, focusing on cyber threats, electronic warfare, and drone operations. This strategic initiative aims to enhance operational readiness and modernise the air force to meet evolving security challenges. Its chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan described CAP55 as a blueprint to build an efficient and highly capable air force. "It will be able to address future security challenges, including cyber threats, electronic warfare, autonomous drones, and hybrid conflicts," he told reporters after the RMAF 67th anniversary parade at the Kuantan air base here today. "RMAF will continue to steer forward in enhancing its capabilities and remain ever ready to defend the country's sovereignty." Earlier, in his speech, Asghar Khan said CAP55 involves organisational restructuring, integration of warfare systems, enhancement of training, smart logistics capabilities, and operations based on the concept of multi-domain operations. "In facing the future, the empowerment of human capital is the main pillar. RMAF must produce skilled pilots, innovative engineers, strategic cyber experts, and brave leaders who can make decisions amidst uncertainty," he said. "I want every RMAF member, at all levels, to ensure prudent spending, transparency in project implementation, and reject any form of misconduct," he said. Asghar Khan earlier said Malaysia's bid to acquire F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait has moved a step closer to reality following approval from the United States.
New Straits Times
01-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
RMAF must transform to face future threats, says air force chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) must embrace transformation as a necessity to meet future challenges, said its chief, General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. He said all members of the air force must be fully committed to implementing its strategic development plan, Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55). "Transformation is no longer an option but a necessity. "CAP55 is our strategic development plan that reflects our aspiration to build a lean, networked RMAF. It encompasses transformation across combat capabilities, logistics, training, intelligence, and future warfare systems. "I urge all members of the RMAF to carry out this plan with strong commitment and transparency. "Remember, CAP55 is not for me, but for the future generations who will safeguard our airspace," he said in a special address in conjunction with the RMAF's 67th anniversary today. Asghar also called for the strengthening of human capital development within the force, citing today's multi-faceted threat environment. "Today, we face multi-dimensional threats: cyber attacks, electronic warfare, autonomous drones, and hybrid conflicts. "Readiness is not just about weaponry, but also mindset. Investment in human capital development must be strengthened. "We need competent pilots, engineers, cyber operators, and leaders who are creative and forward-thinking," he said. Asghar said the RMAF's journey since June 1, 1958, had demonstrated its maturity as a credible and modern force. "This anniversary does not just represent our maturity as a key component of the Armed Forces, but also commemorates the spirit of struggle, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of our air force heroes. "Indeed, a lot has been achieved and we must continue to move forward with greater strength. "We are standing on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way for us. The transformation that we envision must be built on strong discipline, continuous training, dedication, and patriotism." Calling for the highest standards of conduct, Asghar also reminded personnel to uphold the principles of integrity and professionalism. "In realising our transformation goals, we must adhere to good governance, high integrity, and efficient resource management. "Safety must never be compromised. Avoid negligence, follow procedures, and ensure every operation, training, and administrative process is carried out professionally," he said. Asghar also added that a balanced work environment and support for families must be strengthened to enhance morale and performance.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
First maritime patrol aircraft to arrive by end 2026
TURIN (Italy): Malaysia is expected to receive its first Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Italian aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo by the end of 2026, with the second aircraft scheduled for delivery three months later, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic). The Defence Minister said they are part of a procurement deal worth nearly RM900mil, finalised in 2023, to strengthen the country's defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. 'As a maritime nation, Malaysia must have assets like these aircraft to carry out patrols. They will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems. 'More importantly, they will be fitted with anti-submarine systems, enabling them to respond to related activities,' he said during a working visit to Leonardo's facility here, Bernama reported. Also present were Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam, Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Goriman Khan, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud and Leonardo Aeronautics Division managing director Stefano Bortoli. Mohamed Khaled said the aircraft, with its airframe built in Toulouse, France, will be outfitted with advanced systems, including anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare capabilities before delivery to Malaysia. He described the procurement as a strategic investment to enhance the Malaysian Armed Forces' (ATM) readiness in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in South China Sea. 'We know the South China Sea presents its own unique challenges, with rising tensions and conflicts, so these acquisitions will greatly aid the country. 'As of now, project progress has exceeded 60% and remains on schedule. We are satisfied with the ongoing work carried out by Leonardo,' he said. The MPA procurement is part of TUDM's acquisition plan outlined under its Capability Development Plan 2055, which envisions the acquisition of six MPAs in phases.
