SHAH ALAM: With 2015 ahead of us, what is in store for the Malaysian Armed Forces in the new year? asked one reader. Based on available information, not much really.
Despite my pessimism, 2015 is an important year for the Armed Forces as in June we will find out how much money will been allocated for the next five years for defence procurement under the 11th Malaysian Development Plan (RMK11). We will be very lucky if we can get an allocation of RM20 billion. I believe the amount will not exceed RM18 billion which probably was the allocation within the last five years.
The Army
As reported during the induction of the Gempita, the Army is on schedule to receive at least 34 IFV 25mm in 2015. The majority of the vehicles will be put into service with the 19th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment – the sole mechanised infantry unit equipped with the Gempita. The 19th Btn RMR is expected to attain operational status on the Gempita by early 2016.
Most of the Gempitas with the battalion will be equipped with the 25mm Bushmaster turret variant. The others to be operated by 19th RMR will include among others, the command and control, recovery and engineering variants.
Apart from the IFV 25mm, the two units of the Armoured Corps is expected to receive the Gempita variants equipped with the LCT 30mm and the LCT 30mm/ATGM turrets in 2015. The numbers remained unclear however.
Apart from the Gempita delivery, information about other new equipment meant for the Army is sparse. Delivery of small arms from M4s to pistols is also expected to continue though it is difficult to get numbers.
I am also assuming the delivery of new trucks like the Iveco Eurocargo 4X4 and Weststar 4X4 GS Cargo will continue. Apart from the Ivecos and Weststars, the Army is also expected to get new Tatra 7-tonne trucks as attrition replacements. The 7 tonne Tatra trucks were first deployed in late 2013 for the flood relief operations and this year, 19 were deployed.
There is also talk that the Army is also getting new Light Strike Vehicles for the GGK and Para Brigade but nothing has been confirmed. I am still checking for further details on the make (whether it will be the same for both units or different ones) and the delivery schedule. There is also the possibility that the vehicles will be funded during the next Malaysian plan so delivery could be some years away.
What ever it is, hopefully it will be something off-the shelf -like the Supacat tactical vehicles – known as the Jackal in UK Army service.
Supacat vehicles are not alien to the 10 Para as they are still operating the ATV 6X6 as mortar and cargo carriers. LSVs from US manufacturers are also relevant though they are less likely to be adopted here unlike copies from Europe. The Supacat LSVs are actually a US design adopted for the British forces as does our Uro Vamtacs.
Perhaps they will even go local (CKD) time this around with the Weststar GK-M1 Weapon Platform -fitted with guns (picture above) or a locally manufactured LSV of the Humvee, by DRB Hicom. The SAM launcher vehicle is meant for the requirement for a SHORADs system to replace retired weapons like the Blowpipe. Global Komited, Weststar defence centric subsidiary signed the deal with Thales at DSA 2014 to market the Starstreak SHORAD SAM to the Armed Forces.
Royal Malaysian Air Force
The highlight of 2015 for RMAF will surely be the arrival of the first of its A400M. The only thing not confirmed will be the actual delivery date but it will probably be in March. If it arrived before Lima 2015 – to be held from 17th March to 21st – it will surely take part in the static display. A foreign A400M is expected to take part in the aerial display however.
A second A400M for RMAF is expected to be delivered by late 2015 though no dates has been confirmed yet. One thing that needed to be address this year will be the In Service Support contract for the A400M fleet.
In Europe, Airbus has locked in the contract but here it is expected a local company will team up with the airframe maker for the deal. The EC725 ISS is conducted by BHIC Aerospace, so it is likely that the company will get the deal.
If the contract for the training helicopters is signed at LIMA 2015, we may see the first helicopter in the later part of the year. Apart from this, RMAF is not expected to see any new delivery this year.
The upgrade programmes for the Hercules and Nuri fleet is expected to start this year while it is expected the Hornet upgrades to be completed this year. The decision on the future of Butterworth air base is also expected later in the year.
Royal Malaysian Navy
RMN is not getting any new ships in 2015 which had been the norm for the last few years. The start of the local assembly of the LCS is expected to start in Lumut in March.
Meanwhile, the project to revive the two training ships is on the verge of starting. If the project goes well, the first ship, Gagah Samudera, may well be commissioned by the end of the year.
Hopefully after the yeoman service provided by the fleet Super Lynx helicopters during the current flood crisis, the request for ASW helicopters will be funded during the 11th Malaysian Plan. Unfortunately an ASW configured Super Lynx or MH-60S will be unable to conduct flood relief work as the sub-hunting equipment will take up much of the cabin.
Oh, before I forget, Happy New Year!
— Malaysian Defence
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ozaimi Rafli says:
January 4, 2015 at 4:20 pm
Among the other things that I will suggest to the cabinet if i am the Minister of Defence will be a squadron of Bombardier CL415 for maritime patrol/recce,Anti Piracy and SAR duties!If there’s more money in the coffer,the Japanese made Shinmeiwa would be the other choice,plus adding Anti shipping role to the other capabilities mentioned.But alas …………..i am only a school teacher!
AM says:
January 3, 2015 at 3:30 pm
“The deal was not signed, perhaps LOI was given but it could lapsed without any funding just like the Anoa deal. ”
I didn’t know there was a deal that lapsed. I always thought it was just hot air.
nimitz says:
January 3, 2015 at 11:29 am
Its all about the money,political will and national interest. MAF have its requirements but the system unfortunately is against them.
Azlan says:
January 2, 2015 at 7:17 pm
Gonggok – ”RMAF is paying the price for insisting on a gold plated MRCA with AESA etc.”
It’s called ”keeping up with the times and with technology”. It would be extremely silly and pointless to pay billions for a new generation MRCA but have it fitted with a ”legacy” radar that offers no major advantages over our APG-73s and N011M Bars…. Even if we did as you suggested, in less than half a decade or so [probably less in fact]; the OEMs will probably only be supporting AESA radars as the others will be binned.
Gonggok – ”Look at TLDM, by accepting fitted for but now with and keeping the requirements reasonable it is getting the LCS and the new corvettes.”
This is an apples to kiwi fruit comparison.
The RMN is getting new gear simply because it is felt that there is a greater need to fund the RMN due to the threats we face. Also the RMN did not ”accept” ”fitted for” but ”not with”; nor was it ”reasonable” – it had absolutely no choice in the matter.
kerberosWXIV – ”Have to agree that Malaysia do not need more MBT whose only peace time duty is parade and burning a hole in defense budget…”
We may not have a use for MBTs for actual current threats but this does not mean that the MBTs play no useful role. Experience gained from operating the PT-91s has taught us a lot and goes a long way in shaping our doctrine when it comes to future expansion of
the army or combined arms units.
D.W. – ”I thought there was news of an additional order for the Astros?”
The army has openly stated that it has a need more additional MLRS but that it doesn’t have to be ASTROS. In the 2000’s there was some interest in SMERCH. SME in the 1990’s tied up with the Bosnians for the M-87 Orkan but the deal fell through. My opinion is that we will eventually get a 3rd ASTROS regiment and things will become more interesting when Avibras completes development of its GPS guided round.
kubai says:
January 2, 2015 at 4:50 pm
With the lower fuel price, on the way GST and massive flooding, a lot of 2015 planned items will not go through. I believe, with current budget and lower RM value against US dollars, we can only pay for our current commitments.
Maybe we should just spend money topping up on the current platforms; i.e. Hawk 100s, Lynxs, EC725s, CB90s, etc… Introducing new platforms will be expansive.
We should have gotten those Bruneian F2000s. It was “compatible” to our Lekius…
Gonggok says:
January 2, 2015 at 3:18 pm
RMAF is paying the price for insisting on a gold plated MRCA with AESA etc. Now it simply does not have the airframe numbers it needs. Look at TLDM, by accepting fitted for but now with and keeping the requirements reasonable it is getting the LCS and the new corvettes.
If the RMAF is okay with used platforms (remember there were a lot of used surplus European F-16 MLU were picked up by chile, Pakistan etc) or a more basic aircraft like the JF-17 something could be found in the budget…
Reply
AESA is not the reason the MRCA is expensive.
AM says:
January 2, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Is there any concern that Gong Kedak may flood? I’m sure the British selected the site very carefully. But it is on very low ground between two minor rivers and on the same coastal plain as Kota Baru (40km away). Besut and Jerteh (5km away) have flooded in recent years.
I hope the Flankers and missiles are ready to move as a precaution.
Reply
AFAIK, no. I believe the airfield is ring by higher elevation ground all around it.
D.W says:
January 2, 2015 at 11:43 am
@ marhalim
I thought there was news of an additional order for the Astros?
“Sebanyak 18 unit SPRB Astross II akan dibeli bagi melengkapkan kekuatan Briged Artileri Roket yang ketika ini mempunyai dua rejimen roket jenis yang sama dan sebuah rejimen artileri pengesan.”
Reply
The deal was not signed, perhaps LOI was given but it could lapsed without any funding just like the Anoa deal. That said I could be wrong of course.
kerberosWXIV says:
January 2, 2015 at 7:10 am
Read somewhere that MA is not entirely satisfied with the performance of the PT-91s and not planning to increase the no. of MBTs in service. Have to agree that Malaysia do not need more MBT whose only peace time duty is parade and burning a hole in defense budget…
Guess MRCA and AWAC are going to be still born again in 2015 huh…
Ferret says:
January 1, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Lee Yoke Meng,
Re Armoured units:
The Army has 5 Armoured regts, 1 tracked (tanks) and 4 wheeled. They, including the tanks, are not expected to fight without infantry support. I believe in general, RAC units presently support higher *infantry* formations such as a bde/div.
AFAIK the wheeled units are each attached to an infantry division. Their role is that of a ‘cavalry’ regt ie provide formation recce, screen, flank protection, ‘fire support’ (Sibmas), etc.
We have a mechanised bde but I don’t believe the Army has an ‘Armoured’ formation — the Pendekars and Adnans not withstanding — in the normal sense of the term, yet.
Azlan says:
January 1, 2015 at 5:45 pm
lee – ”As we dont have a credible armoured regiment, the new armoured vehicles would be priority now.”
We have 11th Armoured Regiment – PT-91Ms and Adnans. Why is this not ”credible” in your book? Off course there is a need for more MBTs and the Armour Directorate realises this but it all comes down to priorities. Rather than MBTs which have little or zero peacetime utility, there is a pressing need for stuff like more Cougars and UAVs.
kamal – ”Always wonder y we did not increase the number of the b200t. Its has a decent range of 3300km and at least flir and radar”
The aircraft – due to its size – suffers from weight limitations [which is why we did away with drop tanks and installed wing tip fuel tanks] and is very cramped to operate in for extended periods. Also, range is one thing, endurance is another, especially when the aircraft is fully fueled and fittted with sensors.
… says:
January 1, 2015 at 11:57 am
I thought the purchase for a 3rd regiment to be equipped with the astross to be based in sabah is already a done deal?
Reply
It may be a done deal but allocation is another issue.
kamal says:
January 1, 2015 at 11:11 am
We already operate 6 mpa right? 4 b200t and 2 c130 mpa( though no maritime radar on the charlies)
Always wonder y we did not increase the number of the b200t. Its has a decent range of 3300km and at least flir and radar
Reply
All of the Hercules can be tasked with MPA but with Mark I eyeballs only good for SAR but negligible for surveillance and reconnaissance role. That was the reason I stated previously it will be good if the Hercules is fitted with FLIR turret or wired to accept pods fitted with FLIR turrets at least (during the upcoming upgrade) so at least their roles could be expanded.
lkick says:
January 1, 2015 at 9:16 am
Just want to ask about the additional of Astross II and will be deployed in Sabah. What is the status of the procurement now?
Reply
AFAIK there is no allocation for extra Astros II.
Strength says:
December 31, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Thanks Azlan for the information.
Did not know RMN was looking for something else.
Lee Yoke Meng says:
December 31, 2014 at 10:38 pm
At this moment in time we need armoured battalions to support n spearhead any break throughs 8n the battle field. As we dont have a credible armoured regiment, the new armoured vehicles would be priority now. Only after a proper armoured regiment can we build a second tank battallion. Then more armoured vehicles to raise another armoured regiment. With at least two tank n 6 armoured regiments we can then reconfigure tge forces into tank regiments or armoured formations. Arnoured formations will have one tabk n 3 armoured regs. Tank reg will have two tanks n 1 armoured regs
Azlan says:
December 31, 2014 at 7:37 pm
Strenght – ”In brief, AgustaWetland AW159 Wildcat has emerged as the sole candidate for Malaysia anti sub warfare heli acquisition project.”
The RMN desires something bigger and with more range and endurance.
A traditional problem with fitting a dipping sonar on Mk300s and legacy Lynxs was not only the already limited space but also the amount of available electrical supply. I’m not sure if the issue of adequate electrical supply has been sorted out with the Wildcat. We’ll just have to wait and see how many Wildcat export customers fit dipping sonars to their helos.
Ferret – ”What is the point of TV presenters wearing officers’ uniforms on MAF celebration telecasts? Why are singers allowed to wear uniforms improperly (loreng with high heels) and while being inducted into the TA at that?”
This bullshit started in the 1980’s. One of the first I believe was Wan Zaleha who wore camo and beret for a Majalah Tiga documentary on Gerak Khas. As part of the bodek culture it has become the norm to let everyone wear camo – not only politicians but newscasters and sports figures.
The Sultan of Johore wear his Gerak Khas beret and badge but then he completed the Gerak Khas selection course. As the Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment; Prince Charles wears his Denison and red beret but then he completed P Company.
Reply
It must be noted that some presenters wearing the camo are soldiers, from the PR Department with the rank of Captain or Major.
Azlan says:
December 31, 2014 at 7:21 pm
savvyKL – ” C-295 MPA yes is one of best option for Navy, our Mindef sould buy it ASAP”
What makes you think the CN-295 is the ”best option”? I can argue that an MPA configured CN-235 will make more sense as we already operate the type, have the needed ground infrastructure, including a simulators and it has more than adequate range and endurance for our operational needs. At the moment, the only service ”qualified” to operate MPAs is the RMAF – the RMN has neither the pilots or ground infrastructure. The ideal way would be for the RMAF to operate and own the MPA but for the RMN to have operational control and to have sensor operators come from the RMN – sounds great on paper but in reality there are service issues to iron out.
savvyKl – ” more navy use NH90, due to size and advance technology.”
MH-60Rs and even ASW configured Panthers have technology just as ”advanced” as NH-90.
savyKl – ”just like super lynx just CSAR configure.”
Not true. The Seaspray and FLIR, when combined with Sea Skua, gives it an anti-surface capability, albeit a short range one. Our Mk300s also have an ASW capability but off course target coordinates have to be provided from a ”mothership”.
CSAR configured means ZERO if ones doesn’t have the assets to operate with the heli, which currently only the Yanks do. A good example is the number of assets put in place to support the rescue of Scot Grady.
Ferret – ”I wish the politicians in charge of defence would give due respect to soldiering as a profession”
A lot of it also has to do with our history; compared to Indonesia or even Singapore, where the SAF is viewed more of a national institution when compared to the MAF in Malaysia.
Ferret – ”More than pride, it’s their identity — something very deep and fundamental in the human psyche, something that drove the Malay Regt officers to choose bayonetting over removing their uniforms ”
A very good thing we inherited from the Brits was the regimental system which plays a lot in instilling pride and also unit cohesiveness. Quite a few survivors of Pasir Panjang were save from the bayonet thanks to the efforts of Ibrahim Yaakob of the Kesatuan Melayu Muda.
nanonano – ”Since we have been accustomed to wheeled armoured vehicles since the very beginning and most likely moving towards having more wheeled armoury in the future, we can kiss goodbye to any plan for more tank regiments.”
Army thinking recognises the role of MBTs and acknowledges that in the future there will be a requirement to raise a 2nd MBT regiment but the priority now is to address other areas. It is also felt that the type of threats we are likely to face in the coming years will not necessitate the need to increase the number of MBTs we have – it’s all about priorities and threat perceptions.
Tomahawk says:
December 31, 2014 at 6:58 pm
wut so special abt nh90 which latest seahawk or sea Lnyx not have? It still same old heli design but new avionic and stuff but latest seahawk and sea lynx also have latest avionic. don’t waste money buying something for looks.
mofaz says:
December 31, 2014 at 6:38 pm
The C-925 should have no problem if fitted with Erieye radar , using C-925 as a common platform for both MPA & AEW makes lots of economic sense. The Lahad Datu incursion and lost of MH 370 showed that we need these assests urgently, more than MRCA..additional 12 Cougars Heli also required as the current flood disaster proves that rotary assets are crucial during peace time ..
… says:
December 31, 2014 at 6:37 pm
Other maritime patrol option is the cn-235mpa with thales amascos system similar to the turkish miltem aircrafts.
Nh90… Why do you need a super complicated and expensive heli when cougars and other off the shelf helis are available?
Strength says:
December 31, 2014 at 5:57 pm
“They wish”
mofaz says:
December 31, 2014 at 5:06 pm
A couple of years ago saw in the news Bomba using Mil 17 Heli to fight forest fire in Kedah ..with water bomb sling underneath ..There’s a Bomba Air Wing base in Kepala Batas Sbg Perai but rarely see one flying for trainings or actual missions…
hafizushi says:
December 31, 2014 at 4:41 pm
i hope we buy more helos, and mpa aircraft
SavvyKL says:
December 31, 2014 at 4:03 pm
mofaz …. C-295 MPA yes is one of best option for Navy, our Mindef sould buy it ASAP, but C-295 AEW also best AEW for Value for money but too bad, C-295 AEW is total israel AEW system inside (join partner Airbus/Elta)
Admin….. yes NH90 have problem is past, but also it going to maturity step by step, and more and more navy use NH90, due to size and advance technology. for size event DCNS Gowind L’Adroit 1500 tons helicopter hanger also can fit it NH90. it have automatic folder rear tail and blades. after done just like 5 ton helicopter size， all new Europe warship an fit in NH90 NHF (Navy Helicopter Frigate） no issue . and DCNS already propose NH90 to RMN. no isse for our Gowind LCS store NH90。
AM says:
December 31, 2014 at 2:13 pm
“Some RMR battalions has been reequipped with MIFVs but they have not been officially categorised as mech battalion.”
Strange, battalions with Condor are counted as mechanized. Anyway, official info on our armed forces is lacking. When there is not enough info even to complete a wikipedia article, or keep it up to date, the picture we get really sucks.
Strength says:
December 31, 2014 at 1:49 pm
In brief, AgustaWetland AW159 Wildcat has emerged as the sole candidate for Malaysia anti sub warfare heli acquisition project.
Reported in Combat Aircraft Mag, Vol 16-1Jan015
Reply
They wish!
zul says:
December 31, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Michael…if I am not mistaken 2 bomba mi17 has been stationed at miri airport since mid 2014…I spoke with the pilots and they are on rotation there…most probably because of the bush fires…maybe thats why they are late to assist in the flood relief…
Michael says:
December 31, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Do you have any idea how is Bomba mi-17 status? Any issue complain by Bomba? Do they plan to get more for Sabah and Sarawak?
Reply
No, I dont get much interaction with Bomba. But from the Auditor General report, it is obvious that Bomba Air Wing like APMM is more about prestige than anything else
Ferret says:
December 31, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Marhalim & AM,
I absolutely agree with what you say. Ditto the ‘cringing’ part, Marhalim.
I just want to add a bit to explain my position on the issue.
Re Politicians:
I’m generally wary of politicians being too close to the military for several reasons:
I’m with the school of thought where military strategy is subservient to policy; in other words, military strategy is worked to achieve political goals. The opposite is of course a militarist state like the DPRK.
I’m against politicians, including DM and his deputy, wearing uniforms based on the principle of clear separation of roles viz that of the policy maker and implementer.
In 1969, we were lucky to have 2 men who implicitly understood this perfectly: Tun Razak and Gen Ibrahim. Otherwise we could easily have gone down the route of a third-rate military dictatorship.
I understand that ministers are quite capable of differentiating their roles as politico and cabinet minister but being too enmeshed with the ‘natives’ (like wearing their clothes) makes one unsure of their stand regarding their role.
I believe that by wearing the uniform (combat dress or otherwise) the fine line between policy (politics) and means (military) is blurred in the minds of people in charge of defence. This becomes even more complicated when the policy maker interferes in the operational sphere because of several reasons: personality (micromanager), distrust of military outcomes — which are usually ugly (counting political points), empire building (gaining political supporters), ego, etc.
IIRC Tun Razak, the most innovative of DMs (initiating GGK, MTAT, LTAT, among others) never wore a uniform even when visiting troops. Tun Hussein Onn, a soldier in WW2, never wore a uniform as PM.
Second, there’s the danger of politicising the military. If a Govt MP can join the TA and become a regt commander, why can’t an Oppositon MP do the same? Should the chief minister of a former sultanate insist on wearing the uniform of a general (brig-gen’s no less, albeit wrongly put on and obviously without a commission or an iota of training).
Related to that could be a move to recruit only members of a certain political party into a TA regt commanded by a politician. Conversely, members of an opposition party may decline to join the regt because of political reasons. Or vice versa. This defeats the purpose of a reserve force that is involved in an activity above that of petty partisan politics. This also extends to the regular force.
Of course, there are examples of a politician wearing uniforms ‘successfully’. Churchill resigned his political office post-Gallipoli and went straight to the frontlines in WW1 as a battalion commander thereby putting himself in the line of fire — he actually came under MG fire; but he was a soldier before being a politician. On the other hand, JFK saw action in WW2 but never put on a uniform as C-in-C US armed forces. Only George W Bush put on his flying jacket and look at what that brought.
Re All and sundry:
What is the point of TV presenters wearing officers’ uniforms on MAF celebration telecasts? Why are singers allowed to wear uniforms improperly (loreng with high heels) and while being inducted into the TA at that?
I think, like the Colours, the meaning of uniforms are not actually really understood by many people.
I believe their dress is important to members of the MAF. More than pride, it’s their identity — something very deep and fundamental in the human psyche, something that drove the Malay Regt officers to choose bayonetting over removing their uniforms while being POWs under the Japanese in Singapore. Letting just anybody who does not appreciate the meaning of the uniform wear them cheapens the value of something held very dear by military men and women.
mofaz says:
December 31, 2014 at 9:37 am
How’s the Bomba Mil 17 performance to date , are they involve with the flood disaster relieve efforts currently on going..?
Reply
I just saw one picture of the Mi-17 or 8 one day ago, perhaps they were late to the party.
mofaz says:
December 31, 2014 at 9:34 am
MY should consider EADS CASA C-925 as MPA platform and AEW platform , they are cost effective and relatively low maintainance , SAAB should have no problem installing their AEW radar on the C-925, 6 MPA & 4 AEW should cover our needs..
nanonano says:
December 31, 2014 at 8:11 am
I guess our armour will have to contend with the first and only batch of 48 Pendekars for the rest of its service. Since we have been accustomed to wheeled armoured vehicles since the very beginning and most likely moving towards having more wheeled armoury in the future, we can kiss goodbye to any plan for more tank regiments.
H says:
December 30, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Marhalim,
A400M’s maintenance is a done deal. Basically still under the OEM support. And OEM will not contradict itself.
Lee Yoke Meng says:
December 30, 2014 at 9:02 pm
With the flood showing up our lack of helis, can we assume more helis including chinook may be bought?
Reply
Yes more helos might be bought under RMK11.
SavvyKL says:
December 30, 2014 at 8:49 pm
ASW helicopter easy， get best NH90 NHF with ASW install， still got 7～8 seat can use for CSAR， so for our new Gowind LCS best include with NH90 NHF, can install complete set ASW module, at the same time still have room for CSAR, etc…. if Super Lynx or MH-60S for LCS， it only can select CSAR or ASW. just like super lynx just CSAR configure.
Reply
NH90 is a troublesome helicopter, not worth the trouble to buy them at the moment. Furthermore most of our ships are too small for the NH90.
AM says:
December 30, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Ferret,
In some countries the air force becomes the playground of princes. They see that the hottest aircraft are acquired as their mounts.
Unfortunately in our case, people want to wear the uniform but don’t want to give their financial blessing.
Hasnan says:
December 30, 2014 at 4:09 pm
With the banjir it will remain a wish list…not very popular to spend on defence right now
That 500 million must come from somewhere
… says:
December 30, 2014 at 2:43 pm
As for the nuri’s
Is the plan to transfer them to the army still on?
Reply
Yes once the upgrades are completed.
Syarif says:
December 30, 2014 at 2:42 pm
How about arming the A109 Army helicopter with rocket pods and machine gun?
Have RMAF got all of its new PC7 trainers?
Reply
It will take a while for the guns and pods to be install on the Agustas, so I felt it was better to left them out. The new PC7 MkIIs is expected in early 2016.
Ferret says:
December 30, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Thanks, Marhalim for looking into your crystal ball and for giving us, as always, a succint view of the MAF in the new year.
I guess it’s that time of the year when one goes slightly mad and presents an unsolicited wishlist for the MAF — like the following 😀
Policy.
I wish the politicians in charge of defence would give due respect to soldiering as a profession:
** Read Clausewitz’s ‘On War’ for once or get some bright academic from UPNM to give you a proper or, if you prefer, a ‘refresher’ tutorial on it. ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ is important for ‘carma’ (cari makan) with the PM — we know that — but it’s a business book and likely to go the way of ‘Re-Engineering the Corporation’ or ‘Six Sigma’,
** Publish a Defence White Paper. We have been hankering for it since 2008: https://www.malaysiandefence.com/?p=505 ,
** Stop wearing military uniform when you’re not qualified to wear it. I know about the Askar Wataniah, slogans about ‘rakyat & tentera berpisah tiada’, connecting with the soldiers/sailors/airmen, etc, but does the Transport Minister wear a pilot’s uniform? Of course not, most likely because the TM’s too embarrassed to be taken for a professional, a pilot, when he’s not qualified as one. So too should the attitude be with the profession of arms.
Brass.
I wish the top brass would:
** Set up a Maritime HQ/Amphibious Task Group HQ,
** Combine MTAT & MPAT into a defence academy along the lines of the UK/Australian DAs,
** Find a really good way to use the ‘Gempita’ IFVs. RM 7.5 billion is a lot of money for what in the end might be a battlefield taxi, just like the APCs, but more complicated to fight and maintain,
** Make better use of the academics now wearing ‘sangkut’ ranks and get a proper brief from them on certain business methods to help them talk the same lingo with MoF civil servants on product development, procurements, contracts etc,
** Attend a media course,
** Stop allowing all and sundry to wear the uniform!
Happy New Year.
Reply
Although I cringed whenever I see them wearing the uniform, the Defence Minister and his deputy are entitled to wear the uniform as virtue of their position in the ministry. They cannot wear the uniform once they are no longer with the ministry unless they are accredited with the Wataniah (the PM is the exception to this rule). They can also wear the berets of the Para/GGK (only after they are honoured with them) as long as they are able to wear the uniform. Defence Ministry civil servants – especially the top ones – are automatically members of the Wataniah because of their position hence they are also entitled to wear the uniform plus honourary berets. Some corporate leaders are also Wataniah members so they are also entitled to wear the uniform as long their commissioned are active. Almost all royalties – immediate families of the Sultan or Tengku Mahkota – are honourary soldiers so they can wear the uniform and the honourary berets if they are presented with one. The default beret is the Wataniah one of course. It is an offense under the Armed Forces and Police acts if one wear the uniform of the services without proper accreditation. The Agong is the Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces so he is entitled to wear whatever uniform he wants to wear although it is usually the ceremonial dress.
Rosli Dhoby says:
December 30, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Marhalim, bagaimana dengan projek perolehan pesawat MPA dan kapal sokongan pelbagai guna menggantikan KD Inderapura? Agak-agak dimasukkan di dlm RMK 11?
Seingat saya Indonesia pernah menawarkan untuk menjual CN235 MPA yg dipasang di Indonesia kepada Malaysia tidak lama selepas insiden Lahad Datu.
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the RMK11 wish list will be in another posting. Saya rasa semua aset yang saudara nyatakan mungkin akan tersenarai dalam dalam wish-list ATM. Adakah ianya akan di luluskan? Wallahualam. Seperti RMK sebelumnya hanya suku dari wish list akan di lunaskan jikalau belanjawan yang diluluskan bawah RM20 billion.
zamri jaafar says:
December 30, 2014 at 12:51 pm
just a couple of questions.IT seems that
the 14th batt RMR has been transform into a mech batt .is it just 2 companies or the whole batt.and is it been equipped with the refurbished MIFV ?
In some pics of the GEMPITA IFV delivery a particular pic me..
in the background were raw chassis of 3 tonner which from the look of it are TATA.trucks..Are we getting the TATA trucks as replacement for older HANDALAN trucks ?
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Some RMR battalions has been reequipped with MIFVs but they have not been officially categorised as mech battalion. As the battalions in the peninsula is to be rotated to Sabah as part of the ESSCOm duties, they are working up on the MIFVs. MIFVs are being used in ESSCOM as patrol vehicles. As for the Tata trucks (they look like Isuzu NFS to me) to replace the Handalans, I believe it will be a mix buy this time around between the Ivecos, Isuzu or Tata and Tatras. Why you may ask, the more, the merrier!
ed says:
December 30, 2014 at 11:57 am
What about this http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-12-26/singapore-malaysia-are-buying-aerostats-surveillance
Any confirmation of date?
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I saw the story, it is just confirming the earlier story about the MOU between the US company and its local agent. I have not heard anything yet but the project is under NSC, not Mindef, so it will take a while before any confirmation of the deal. Anyhow even if the project is signed tomorrow, it will be operational in 24 months time or so.
… says:
December 30, 2014 at 11:20 am
Fyi 19th rmr correct title is 19th Royal Malay Regiment, not royal malaysian regiment.
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Yes my bad, corrected.