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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
RMN launches Exocet missiles, Black Shark torpedo in South China Sea live-fire exercise
KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) today conducted a live-fire exercise, launching several Exocet missiles and a Black Shark torpedo in the South China Sea to demonstrate the country's readiness to counter maritime threats in its area of operations. The exercise, codenamed TAMING SARI 23/25, involved the firing of surface-to-surface Exocet MM40 missiles by KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as Exocet SM39 missiles launched in coordination with the Perdana-class, Scorpene attack submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was on hand to witness the demonstration. He said the exercise was historic as it marked the first time a Black Shark torpedo had been fired from the submarine KD Tun Abdul Razak. s "For the Exocet missile, the launch was carried out at a distance of more than 30 kilometres while for the Black Shark torpedo, it was at a distance of less than 10 kilometres. The exercise is necessary for us to improve the readiness and capabilities of our armed forces. "This is to ensure that our armed forces are always ready to defend the country," he said after the exercise. Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, Armed Forces Headquarters Chief of Staff Left Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman and other senior Navy officers. Exercise Taming Sari 23/25 was completed together with Exercise KerisMas 28/25 starting from July 8 to 31 from Lumut Naval Base and ending at the Kota Kinabalu Naval Base. The area of operations covered the Malaysian maritime zone in the South China Sea and focused on the RMN's ability to operate in various maritime domains, as well as enhance the interoperability between the units involved. Mohamed Khaled said the exercise involved 15 ships and two submarines from the Navy, supported by assets from the Army, Air Force, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). He said the exercise also aimed to assess the current status of the country's defence assets, especially from Navy, as some of them were old, but were still at an optimal level to achieve the national defence objectives. "So far, all assets are functioning well but this does not mean that we do not have long-term plans. We are aware of the condition of the aged assets. All our services are undergoing a modernisation process under the future force policy." "We need to understand the importance of readiness. Our defence doctrine is not to attack other countries but to develop the ability to defend the country.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
RMN showcases firepower and readiness in maritime exercise
A missile fired from a RMN ship during the Taming Sari Series 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea. KOTA KINABALU (July 29): The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) demonstrated its operational strength and capabilities in defending the nation's maritime interests during the large-scale Taming Sari Series 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea on Tuesday. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who witnessed the event, said the exercise served as a vital platform to evaluate the readiness and competence of RMN assets and personnel in handling conventional maritime threats. 'This exercise is not merely a military routine, but a crucial requirement to ensure our personnel are not only well-equipped with assets but are also capable of defending the country at all times,' he told a press conference after observing missile and torpedo firings at Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2. Among the highlights of the exercise were the successful launches of Exocet missiles from KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as an Exocet SM39 missile from the submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. The RMN's second submarine, KD Tun Razak, carried out a live torpedo launch in a real war configuration. According to Mohamed Khaled, the missile firings were conducted from distances exceeding 30 kilometers, while torpedo launches were within 10 kilometers — effectively testing the tactical and technical capabilities of RMN's primary naval assets. In addition to these vessels, RMN deployed several other ships including KD Seri Indera Sakti, KD Kelantan, KD Selangor, KD Badik and KD Terengganu. The exercise also assessed the current condition of RMN assets — ranging from older ships to new vessels under construction. 'We need to evaluate the effectiveness and operational readiness of these assets regularly,' Mohamed Khaled said. In total, 17 RMN ships, two submarines, two aircraft and three helicopters participated, involving over 1,400 officers and personnel. 'This exercise also reinforces our defense doctrine, which is defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding the nation, the region, and maritime interests,' he added. Mohamed Khaled noted that RMN is undergoing asset modernization through the 15-to-5 transformation plan, which will streamline the fleet into five main ship classes to enhance operational and maintenance efficiency. He emphasized that such exercises must be conducted consistently, as they involve not only technological strength but also the physical and mental endurance of both experienced and new personnel. 'This isn't a new initiative — it has been conducted for a long time — but what makes this year's edition special is the integrated use of all three systems: surface, subsurface, and air,' he said. 'Missile and torpedo firings require meticulous planning and management, as each round is a high-value asset and cannot be used carelessly.' Also present were Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Navy Commander Admiral Tan Sri (Dr) Zulhelmy Ithnain, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, and senior RMN officers.
