Latest news with #SU-30MKM
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.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
LIMA'25: Asghar Khan's Final Salute, A Heartfelt Tribute To The Airforce
LANGKAWI, May 22 (Bernama) -- 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.
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.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lima '25: DPM reflects on Sukhoi flight experience from 15 years ago
LANGKAWI: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminisced about his past experience flying in a SU-30MKM fighter jet, as his presence at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) today brought back vivid memories of the event. In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid recalled boarding the aircraft at the Gong Kedak Air Base in Besut, Terengganu, in 2010, during his tenure as the defence minister, describing it as a memorable and adrenaline-filled moment. "I still vividly remember the heartbeat-pounding moment of sitting in the cockpit of this formidable and respected aircraft. "The pilot's voice, the communication controls, the efficiency of the RMAF personnel – it all feels like it happened just yesterday. "It was an extraordinary experience that gave me immense appreciation for the skills and courage of our air force heroes," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said the Sukhoi SU-30MKM was no ordinary machine and described it as a symbol of the nation's air power. Lima '25 is organised by the Defence Ministry in collaboration with Global Exhibitions and Conferences Sdn Bhd (GEC), focusing on innovation and enhancing competitiveness among industry players in line with technological advancements. This year's edition is the largest maritime and aerospace exhibition in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991. — BERNAMA
