SHAH ALAM: Back in November last year, Malaysian Defence reported on the delivery ceremony of various equipment for the Army. Among the items delivered were 60 binoculars which was contracted to Global Combined Technology Sdn Bhd with a cost of RM3.9 million.
I initially identified the binos as laser range finders based on a tender published in 2021. Checks with industry sources indicated that the binoculars are also laser range finders manufactured by Newcon Optik of Canada.
Thanks to a visit to Eastern Sabah by Raja Muda of Perlis recently, we now have a picture of one of the binoculars out in the wild.
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SEMPORNA, 15 Mac 24 β Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (DYTM) Raja Muda Perlis, Brigedier Jeneral Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail selaku Komander Rejimen 504 Askar Wataniah telah melaksanakan tinjauan operasi ke pulau-pulau di Semporna, Sabah yang melibatkan kawasan operasi Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) pada 14 Mac 24.
Baginda dan delegasi telah melaksanakan tinjauan ke Pos Pulau Danawan, Pos Gabungan Pulau Mataking, Pos Pulau Pandanan dan Pos PGA Bohey Dulang.
Terdahulu, tinjauan yang dinamakan sebagai Eksesais PERBAH adalah merupakan singkatan daripada perkataan Negeri Perlis dan Sabah merupakan satu siri eksesais yang dirasmikan oleh DYTM Raja Muda Perlis. Eksesais ini berkonsepkan Program Jiwa Murni (PJM) bertujuan untuk meneruskan kesinambungan aktiviti di kawasan operasi dengan komitmen bersama oleh Kerajaan Negeri Perlis dan Kerajaan Negeri Sabah.
Kehadiran DYTM Raja Muda Perlis ini memberi semangat dan moral kepada anggota yang sedang bertugas dan baginda turut menyampaikan sumbangan kepada semua anggota bertugas dan penduduk tempatan.
Di akhir tinjauan, DYTM Raja Muda Perlis dan delegasi turut berkesempatan melaksanakan tinjauan dan berbuka puasa di KD Sri Semporna.
I was told most of Newcon Optik binoculars were issued to units operating in border patrol. As the units are rotated around three months the binoculars and similar equipment meant for border patrol are likely to be handed over to the next one. This is unlike firearms which are issued to the units directly.
The number of binoculars procured are also much higher than the ones being sought recently.
β Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (6)
RM3.9 million for 60 units?
Googleing the market price of the LRB 12K, it is within a range of USD17-26k each.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJKlBnSbYAA7kLg.jpg
Looks like we got them cheaper than market prices, which is rare.
BTW those recent tender is for NVG. These Newcon Optik LRB 12K has no NVG/thermal function/capability. Daytime use only.
I know the recent tender is for NVG, it was the numbers that I was alluding to. It will be great if they bought 180 instead of 18. But then it will have to be tendered out instead of a quotation notice....
RM65k a pop for a binocular. Could have gotten a good ISTAR drone with that kind of money.
Hasnan - ''RM65k a pop for a binocular. Could have gotten a good ISTAR drone with that kind of money.''
I fail to see the connection. Both are for very different things. One can also point out that the money can buy quite a bit of body armour or mortars. Relative.
Also, no idea what your definition of ''good ISTAR drone'' as it depends on the fidelity of the sensors, range, vulnerability to jamming/spoofing, etc.
If the functionality of the binocular is night or thermal vision and judge distance, then a good ISTAR drone can deliver that functionality cheaper and more accurate....plus a whole lot more especially distance that can be covered.
Hasnan - ''then a good ISTAR drone can deliver that functionality cheaper and more accurateβ¦.''
This is as spurious as claims that UASs and loitering munitions can replace mortars and arty or as silly as saying we don't need GPMGs as HMGS have greater range.
The handled optic is intended for use by individuals. A UAS is intended for certain roles at greater distances and to be employed in a different manner. Two profoundly different things.