Latest news with #CapabilityDevelopmentPlan2055
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- 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.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
First maritime patrol aircraft from Italy to arrive by end-2026
Khaled (right) being briefed on the MPA project progress by Bortoli during his working visit to Turin on May 12. – BERNAMApic 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 next year with the second scheduled for delivery three months later, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the aircraft 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, the aircraft 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 on Monday (May 12). Also present were Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Goriman Khan, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud and Leonardo Aeronautics Division managing director Stefano Bortoli. ALSO READ: Defence Minister arrives in Italy for two-day official visit Khaled said the aircraft, with an airframe built in Toulouse, France, will be outfitted with advanced systems before delivery to Malaysia. He described the procurement as a strategic investment to enhance the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) readiness in addressing regional security challenges, particularly the increasingly complex issues in the 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 procurement is part of RMAF's acquisition plan outlined under its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP 55), which envisions the acquisition of six MPAs in phases. The MPAs to be received by the RMAF are designated as P-72M and based on the commercial ATR 72-600 aircraft, which is widely used in South-East Asia, The P-72M's primary roles include anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare missions. Its secondary roles include search and rescue operations, surveillance of Malaysia's maritime zones, joint operations with MAF units, and inter-agency enforcement with other government and security bodies. – Bernama
The Star
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Defence Minister arrives in Italy for two-day official visit
TURIN: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has arrived here Sunday (May 11) for a two-day official working visit to Turin. Arriving at the Malpensa Airport in Milan with a delegation from his ministry, Mohamed Khaled was welcomed by Malaysian Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam; Defence Attaché in Rome, Capt Mohd Kindil Md Akim; and Consul and Trade Commissioner in Milan, Ravidran Manogaran. Also present in the official working visit are Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan and Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud. Mohamed Khaled is scheduled to conduct an industrial visit to the facilities of aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo, besides inspecting the development of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) construction in Turin. The acquisition of the MPA is part of the RMAF's procurement strategy outlined in its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP 55), under which six MPAs are planned to be procured in phases. The phased acquisition of the MPA is being carried out through allocations under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), 13MP and 14MP, with approval for the aircraft procurement as a critical requirement granted under Rolling Plan 4, involving the first-phase purchase of two MPAs worth RM899mil. Mohamed Khaled is also scheduled to depart for Berlin, Germany, on Monday to attend the 2025 United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial forum. - Bernama
