29-07-2025
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.
