Latest news with #RoyalMalaysianNavy


New Straits Times
12 hours 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
12 hours 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.


New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Firing of Exocet missiles, Black Shark torpedo in Taming Sari exercise in South China Sea
KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) today conducted the firing of several Exocet missiles and a Black Shark torpedo in TAMING SARI 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea to raise the country's maritime defence readiness. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the exercise involved the firing of Exocet MM40 missiles by KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as the firing of Exocet SM39 missiles in coordination from the submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. He said the exercise also made history as it involved submarine KD Tun Razak firing a Black Shark torpedo in a war configuration for the first time. "For the Exocet missile, the firing 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. "It aims to ensure that at all times, in any situation, our armed forces are always competent in defending the country," he said at a press conference after witnessing the exercise here today. Also present were Ministry of Defence secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, Chief of Staff of the Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters Left Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman and other RMN senior officers. Exercise Taming Sari 23/25 was completed together with Exercise KerisMas 28/25 starting from July 8 to 31 from Lumut Royal Malaysian Navy Base and ending at the Kota Kinabalu Royal Malaysian Navy Base. It covers the Malaysian maritime zone in the South China Sea by focusing on the ability to operate in various maritime domains as well as the interoperability capabilities 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. National defence does not only depend on the ownership of assets but also on the ability of our personnel to carry out their responsibilities," he explained. — BERNAMA


The Sun
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Royal Malaysian Navy fires Exocet missiles, Black Shark torpedo in South China Sea drill
KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) successfully fired multiple Exocet missiles and a Black Shark torpedo during the TAMING SARI 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea, marking a significant milestone in the country's maritime defence capabilities. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the live-fire drills were conducted to enhance operational readiness. The exercise saw KD Lekiu and KD Lekir launch Exocet MM40 missiles, while submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman coordinated the firing of Exocet SM39 missiles. Notably, submarine KD Tun Razak made history by deploying a Black Shark torpedo in a combat configuration for the first time. Mohamed Khaled stated, 'For the Exocet missile, the firing 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.' The drills, conducted alongside Exercise KERISMAS 28/25, involved 15 RMN ships, two submarines, and support assets from the Army, Royal Malaysian Air Force, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). The operations spanned from Lumut to Kota Kinabalu, focusing on multi-domain interoperability. The Defence Minister emphasised the need for modernisation, stating, 'We are aware of the condition of the aged assets. All our services are undergoing a modernisation process under the future force policy.' He reiterated Malaysia's defensive doctrine, prioritising national security over offensive capabilities. Senior military officials, including RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, witnessed the exercise, underscoring its strategic importance. – Bernama


Malay Mail
16 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's Navy executes landmark missile and torpedo firings, strengthens defence posture in South China Sea, says defence minister
KOTA KINABALU, July 29 — The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) today conducted the firing of several Exocet missiles and a Black Shark torpedo in TAMING SARI 23/25 exercise in the South China Sea to raise the country's maritime defence readiness. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the exercise involved the firing of Exocet MM40 missiles by KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, as well as the firing of Exocet SM39 missiles in coordination from the submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. He said the exercise also made history as it involved submarine KD Tun Razak firing a Black Shark torpedo in a war configuration for the first time. 'For the Exocet missile, the firing 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. 'It aims to ensure that at all times, in any situation, our armed forces are always competent in defending the country,' he said at a press conference after witnessing the exercise here today. Also present were Ministry of Defence secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, Chief of Staff of the Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters Left Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman and other RMN senior officers. Exercise TAMING SARI 23/25 was completed together with Exercise KERISMAS 28/25 starting from July 8 to 31 from Lumut Royal Malaysian Navy Base and ending at the Kota Kinabalu Royal Malaysian Navy Base. It covers the Malaysian maritime zone in the South China Sea by focusing on the ability to operate in various maritime domains as well as the interoperability capabilities between the units involved. Mohamed Khaled said the exercise involved 15 ships and two submarines from RMN, supported by assets from the Army, Royal Malaysian 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 RMN, 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. National defence does not only depend on the ownership of assets but also on the ability of our personnel to carry out their responsibilities,' he explained. — Bernama