Latest news with #MohdAsgharKhan
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Lima '25: Air Force chief gives heartfelt final salute
LANGKAWI: With just a month remaining before he hangs up his uniform, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan chose to bid farewell with a deeply meaningful gesture, a final salute from the cockpit of the SU-30MKM, soaring through the skies of Langkawi for the team he has long regarded as family. More than an aerobatic display for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), the flight was a heartfelt tribute to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the institution that has been his lifeblood, and a powerful reflection of his passion, courage and enduring fighting spirit. Today marked the third consecutive day that the Air Force Chief, fondly known by his call sign, 'Gunjiz', piloted the fighter jet nicknamed Toruk Makto, proudly bearing the Jalur Gemilang livery. Reflecting on his final flight, the Selangor-born pilot shared that his participation in LIMA'25 was driven by a desire to lead by example, especially at a time when the RMAF is facing a shortage of pilots for aerobatic manoeuvres in the event's 17th edition. "For this air show, we're short on aerobatic pilots due to various global circumstances. That's one of the reasons I decided to step in to help fill the gap and support the team,' he said. "…And also, I'm retiring in a month, so I just wanted to have fun,' he added What reignited his desire to return to the cockpit was a series of conversations with his foreign counterparts during their visits to Malaysia, where he learned that some of them were still actively flying. "I hadn't flown in quite a while. But last year, a few of my counterparts from abroad came to Malaysia and mentioned that some generals in their countries were still flying. That got me thinking - so I decided to 'intercept' them,' he said. He also shared that he had made a promise to the Russian Knights, the world-renowned aerobatic team from Russia, that if they returned to perform at LIMA in 2025, he would return to the skies alongside them. On the opening day of LIMA'25 on Tuesday, Mohd Asghar Khan made history as the first RMAF Chief to fly in the air show since the exhibition began in 1991. He opened the aerial demonstration in spectacular fashion, performing breathtaking formations that captivated the thousands of spectators in attendance. Adding a personal touch to the moment, he flew alongside Colonel Sting, whose real name is Col Mohd Norazan Othman, one of his protégés during their time in the MiG-29N squadron. Mohd Asghar Khan began his journey with the Malaysian Armed Forces on July 18, 1983, as a cadet officer at the Royal Military College and started his career as a fighter pilot in 1985. Over the years, he held numerous key positions, including Commanding Officer of No. 19 Squadron (MiG-29N), Commanding Officer of No. 11 Squadron (SU-30MKM), Commander of Gong Kedak Air Base, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Strategy at RMAF Headquarters, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training (J3) at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Commander of the Air Education and Training Command and Deputy Chief of Air Force. He was appointed as the Chief of Air Force on March 7, 2022, succeeding General Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad upon his retirement. - Bernama View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bernama (@bernamaofficial)
The Sun
22-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
LIMA'25: Asghar Khan's final salute, a heartfelt tribute to the airforce
LANGKAWI: With just a month remaining before he hangs up his decorated uniform, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan chose to bid farewell with a deeply meaningful gesture, a final salute from the cockpit of the SU-30MKM, soaring through the skies of Langkawi for the team he has long regarded as family. More than an aerobatic display for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), the flight was a heartfelt tribute to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the institution that has been his lifeblood, and a powerful reflection of his passion, courage and enduring fighting spirit. Today marked the third consecutive day that the Air Force Chief, fondly known by his call sign, 'Gunjiz', piloted the fighter jet nicknamed Toruk Makto, proudly bearing the Jalur Gemilang livery. Reflecting on his final flight, the Selangor-born pilot shared that his participation in LIMA'25 was driven by a desire to lead by example, especially at a time when the RMAF is facing a shortage of pilots for aerobatic manoeuvres in the event's 17th edition. 'For this air show, we're short on aerobatic pilots due to various global circumstances. That's one of the reasons I decided to step in to help fill the gap and support the team,' he said. '...And also, I'm retiring in a month, so I just wanted to have fun,' he said. What reignited his desire to return to the cockpit was a series of conversations with his foreign counterparts during their visits to Malaysia, where he learned that some of them were still actively flying. 'I hadn't flown in quite a while. But last year, a few of my counterparts from abroad came to Malaysia and mentioned that some generals in their countries were still flying. That got me thinking — so I decided to 'intercept' them,' he said. He also shared that he had made a promise to the Russian Knights, the world-renowned aerobatic team from Russia, that if they returned to perform at LIMA in 2025, he would return to the skies alongside them. On the opening day of LIMA'25 on Tuesday, Mohd Asghar Khan made history as the first RMAF Chief to fly in the air show since the exhibition began in 1991. He opened the aerial demonstration in spectacular fashion, performing breathtaking formations that captivated the thousands of spectators in attendance. Adding a personal touch to the moment, he flew alongside Colonel Sting, whose real name is Col Mohd Norazan Othman, one of his protégés during their time in the MiG-29N squadron. Mohd Asghar Khan began his journey with the Malaysian Armed Forces on July 18, 1983, as a cadet officer at the Royal Military College and started his career as a fighter pilot in 1985. Over the years, he held numerous key positions, including Commanding Officer of No. 19 Squadron (MiG-29N), Commanding Officer of No. 11 Squadron (SU-30MKM), Commander of Gong Kedak Air Base, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Strategy at RMAF Headquarters, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training (J3) at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Commander of the Air Education and Training Command and Deputy Chief of Air Force. He was appointed Chief of Air Force on March 7, 2022, succeeding General Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad upon his retirement.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
LIMA'25: Asghar Khan's farewell to airforce
LANGKAWI: With just a month remaining before he hangs up his decorated uniform, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan chose to bid farewell with a deeply meaningful gesture, a final salute from the cockpit of the SU-30MKM, soaring through the skies of Langkawi for the team he has long regarded as family. More than an aerobatic display for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), the flight was a heartfelt tribute to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the institution that has been his lifeblood, and a powerful reflection of his passion, courage and enduring fighting spirit. Today marked the third consecutive day that the Air Force Chief, fondly known by his call sign, 'Gunjiz', piloted the fighter jet nicknamed Toruk Makto, proudly bearing the Jalur Gemilang livery. Reflecting on his final flight, the Selangor-born pilot shared that his participation in LIMA'25 was driven by a desire to lead by example, especially at a time when the RMAF is facing a shortage of pilots for aerobatic manoeuvres in the event's 17th edition. 'For this air show, we're short on aerobatic pilots due to various global circumstances. That's one of the reasons I decided to step in to help fill the gap and support the team,' he said. '...And also, I'm retiring in a month, so I just wanted to have fun,' he said. What reignited his desire to return to the cockpit was a series of conversations with his foreign counterparts during their visits to Malaysia, where he learned that some of them were still actively flying. 'I hadn't flown in quite a while. But last year, a few of my counterparts from abroad came to Malaysia and mentioned that some generals in their countries were still flying. That got me thinking — so I decided to 'intercept' them,' he said. He also shared that he had made a promise to the Russian Knights, the world-renowned aerobatic team from Russia, that if they returned to perform at LIMA in 2025, he would return to the skies alongside them. On the opening day of LIMA'25 on Tuesday, Mohd Asghar Khan made history as the first RMAF Chief to fly in the air show since the exhibition began in 1991. He opened the aerial demonstration in spectacular fashion, performing breathtaking formations that captivated the thousands of spectators in attendance. Adding a personal touch to the moment, he flew alongside Colonel Sting, whose real name is Col Mohd Norazan Othman, one of his protégés during their time in the MiG-29N squadron. Mohd Asghar Khan began his journey with the Malaysian Armed Forces on July 18, 1983, as a cadet officer at the Royal Military College and started his career as a fighter pilot in 1985. Over the years, he held numerous key positions, including Commanding Officer of No. 19 Squadron (MiG-29N), Commanding Officer of No. 11 Squadron (SU-30MKM), Commander of Gong Kedak Air Base, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Strategy at RMAF Headquarters, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training (J3) at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Commander of the Air Education and Training Command and Deputy Chief of Air Force. He was appointed Chief of Air Force on March 7, 2022, succeeding General Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad upon his retirement.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
TUDM chief personally takes to the skies
Soaring high: Jen Mohd Asghar Khan (left) makes history as the first TUDM chief to fly an aircraft at Lima. — Bernama LANGKAWI: Royal Malaysian Air Force chief Jen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan made history by becoming the first chief to fly an aircraft at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) air show in its 37-year history. Jen Mohd Asghar Khan opened the air show from the cockpit of a Su-30MKM fighter jet enthralling thousands of spectators. Equally impressive was the aircraft, known as 'Toruk Makto', which means Rider of the Last Shadow from the movie Avatar, that featured the iconic Jalur Gemilang livery. TUDM said Jen Mohd Asghar Khan, who carried the call sign 'Gunjiz', was in action flying alongside Gong Kedak air base commander Kol Mohd Norazan Othman, who carried the call sign 'Sting'. 'During the 12-minute flight, the aircraft performed various extraordinary manoeuvres, some of which were incapable of being performed by other fighter aircraft, capturing the attention of local and international guests present on the opening day of Lima'25,' the statement said, Bernama reported. It said that Jen Mohd Asghar Khan's direct participation not only reflected his patriotic spirit but also demonstrated the commitment of TUDM's top leadership to uphold professionalism, courage and organisational excellence. Jen Mohd Asghar Khan, who began his career as a TUDM pilot in 1985, also has experience flying A4 Skyhawk, F-5E and MiG-29N fighter aircraft.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Air Force chief Asghar makes history in LIMA ‘25 Air Show flying ‘Toruk Makto'
LANGKAWI: Air Force chief (PTU) Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan made history when he became the first PTU to fly an aircraft in the Lima '25 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition air show since it was held in 1991. In the exhibition themed 'Today's Innovation, Tomorrow's Achievements' which began at 1.30 pm today, Mohd Asghar Khan opened the air show in the cockpit of a Su-30MKM fighter jet featuring the iconic Jalur Gemilang livery known as 'Toruk Makto' (meaning: Rider of the Last Shadow from movie 'Avatar') which enthralled thousands of spectators present. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) said in a statement today that Air Force chief Mohd Asghar Khan, who carried the call sign 'Gunjiz', was in action flying alongside Gong Kedak Air Base commander Col Mohd Norazan Othman, who carried the call sign 'Sting'. 'During the 12-minute flight, the aircraft performed various extraordinary manoeuvres, some of which were incapable of being performed by other fighter aircraft, capturing the attention of local and international guests present on the opening day of LIMA '25,' said the statement. It said that Mohd Asghar Khan's direct participation not only reflected his patriotic spirit but also demonstrated the commitment of the RMAF's top leadership to uphold professionalism, courage and organisational excellence. Mohd Asghar Khan, who began his career as an RMAF pilot in 1985, also has experience flying A4 Skyhawk, F-5E and MiG-29N fighter aircraft. 'Other teams that were also involved in the air show during LIMA '25 were Russian Knight from the Russian Air Force, Jupiter from the Indonesian National Air Force (TNI-AU), GB 1 aircraft from the Gliding Academy, Extra 300L from Aerotree Defence and Services. 'Another RMAF aircraft that was also involved was the F/A-18D Hornet,' the statement said.
