The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF, Malay: Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia; TUDM; Jawi: تنترا اودارا دراج مليسيا) was formed on 2 June 1958 as the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Persekutuan Tanah Melayu; تنترا اودارا دراج ڤرسكوتون تانه ملايو). However, its roots can be traced back to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the British Royal Air Force in then-colonial British Malaya. The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates a mix of modern American, European and Russian-made aircraft.
The Malaysian air forces trace their lineage to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed in 1934. They later transformed into the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force (SSVAF) and the Malayan Volunteers Air Force (MVAF) formed in 1940 and dissolved in 1942 during the height of the Japanese advance over Malaya. The latter was re-established in 1950 in time for the Malayan Emergency and contributed very much to the war effort.
On 2 June 1958 the MVAF finally became the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force (RFMAF), this date is celebrated as RMAF Day yearly, the Royal title granted by Parliament in honor of its contributions to national defence during the Emergency and the transition to independent status.
On 25 October 1962, after the end of the Malayan Emergency, the RAF handed over their first airfields in Malaya to the RFMAF, at Simpang Airport; it was opened on 1 June 1941, in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur which was formerly part of Selangor and the national capital city. The first aircraft for the fledgling air force was a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer named "Lang Rajawali" by the then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman. Several Malayans serving with the Royal Air Force transferred to the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force. The role played by RMAF was limited initially to communications and the support of ground operations against Communist insurgents during the Malayan Emergency. RMAF received its first combat aircraft with the delivery of 20 CanadairCL41G Tebuans (an armed version of the Canadair Tutor trainer). RMAF also received Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters, to be used in the liaison role.
With the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, the name of the air force was changed to "Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia" or "Royal Malaysian Air Force". New types introduced into service included the Handley Page Herald transport and the De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou. RMAF received SikorskyS-61A-4 helicopters in the late 1960s and early 1970s which were used in the transport role. RMAF gained an air defence capability when the Australian Government donated 10 ex-Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) CAC Sabre fighters. These were based at the Butterworth Air Base. After the withdrawal of British military forces from Malaysia and Singapore at the end of 1971, a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom was concluded to ensure defence against external aggression. The RAAF maintained two Mirage IIIO squadrons at RAF/RAAF Station Butterworth, Butterworth Air Base as part of its commitment to the FPDA. These squadrons were withdrawn in 1986, although occasional deployments of RAAF aircraft continue.
With the withdrawal of British military forces, RMAF underwent gradual modernisation from the 1970s to the 1990s. The Sabre were replaced by 16 Northrop F-5E Tiger-IIs. A reconnaissance capability was acquired with the purchase of two RF-5E Tigereye aircraft. RMAF also purchased 88 ex-US NavyDouglas A-4C Skyhawks, of which 40 of the airframes were converted/refurbished by Grumman Aircraft Engineering at Bethpage into the A-4PTM ('Peculiar To Malaysia'), configuration (similar to A-4M standard). RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States. However, limitations imposed by the US on "new technology" to the region, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM fire-and-forget air-to-air missile, has made RMAF consider purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources. The 1990s saw the arrival of first the BAE Hawk Mk108/208 which replaced the T/A-4PTMs, followed by the MiG-29N/NUB in 1995 in the air superiority role and delivery of the F/A-18D Hornet in 1997 to provide an all weather interdiction capability. In 2003 a contract was signed for 18 Su-30MKMs for delivery in 2007 to fulfill a requirement for an initial order of multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA). A requirement for a further 18 MRCAs remains unfulfilled. RMAF is also looking for an AWACS aircraft, although no firm orders have been placed.
On 8 December 2005, four Airbus Military A400M aircraft were ordered to enhance the airlift capability. By March 2017 all Malaysian A400Ms were delivered to the customer.[3] In late 2006, the Government signed a contract to purchase eight Aermacchi MB-339CMs to add to the eight MB-339AMs already in service.
In March 2007, then-Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Najib Razak notified the public that the MiG-29 would continue in service until 2010. Later that year, Najib announced the Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuri helicopter, in service since 1968 with 89 crew members killed in 15 accidents, would be phased out by 2012 and replaced by the Eurocopter EC725.[4] Deputy RMAF Chief Lieutenant General Bashir Abu Bakar told the media after opening Heli-Asia 2007, that tender assessment for the replacement of the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri would occur in early 2008.[5] At the 12th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition 2010,[6] a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed for 12 EC725 helicopters to be supplied to the RMAF.[7]
The RMAF currently has a MRCA replacement program to replace the MiG-29 and F-5 fighters that were to be retired by the end of 2015. The MRCA replacement program is currently narrowed down to four types of aircraft (Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab JAS 39 Gripen). Under the program, the RMAF is looking to equip three squadrons with 36 to 40 new fighter aircraft with a budget of RM6 billion to RM8 billion (US$1.84 billion to US$2.46 billion).[8]
It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace the Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri.[10]
Until the late 1970s, the Royal Malaysian Air Force used the same officer ranking system as the Royal Air Force. They were replaced by army-style designations and given Malay title equivalents, but the sleeve insignia remained the same mirroring the RAF practice, but all General Officers wear 1 to 5 stars on the shoulder board in addition to the existing sleeve insignia. The list of ranks which are currently used are shown below (in descending order). NCOs and enlisted ranks remained unchanged, and retain their pre-1970s names.
All officers, with the exception of the Marshal of the Royal Malaysian Air Force apply the Air Force acronym (RMAF, TUDM) to their rank title, to differentiate from their Malaysian Army equivalents. For example, a Colonel in the Air Force would be titled Colonel, RMAF or Kolonel, TUDM in Malay.
The RMAF Regiment is the ground and air defence support unit of the RMAF. The regiment is composed of five sub-units tasked with fulfilling the RMAF's mission. These units are:
PASKAU
PASKAU detachments with dressed in the No.4 Digital Camouflage, tactical gear and ghillie suits parading during the 60th National Day Parade of Malaysia at Sultan Abdul Samad Street, Kuala Lumpur.
The special forces arm of the RMAF is known as PASKAU (a Malay acronym for Pasukan Khas Udara, which loosely translates as 'Special Air Service'). PASKAU was formed in response to a mortar attack by the then Communist Party of Malaya on a DHC-4 Caribou in the 1970s at the Kuala Lumpur Air Base. During peacetime, the unit is tasked with responding to aircraft hijacking incidents as well as protecting the country's numerous RMAF airbases and civilian airports. Its wartime roles include ground designation, sabotaging of enemy air assets and equipment and the defence of RMAF aircraft and bases. This unit is also deployed for counter-terrorism duties as well as Urban warfare/Close quarters combat.
HANDAU
HANDAU is the former name given to RMAF special forcesPASKAU. HANDAU is presently tasked with on-base security as security troopers. They can be called to any special tasks (notably counter terrorism) along with any armed incidents which may occur on base and can be called to assist RMAF provost officers in handling armed incidents. Their roles are not to be confused with the now PASKAU and the RMAF Provost Unit (which is tasked with upholding military law on base) as they primarily serve as on-ground security combat forces (modelled after the US Air Force Security Forces). HANDAU and PASKAU are now separated into two different units with one serving as a special force of the RMAF and the other as on base security troopers and a ground security combat force. They can be recognised by their standard RMAF berets with the HANDAU cap badge and their vests with the text "HANDAU".
RMAF Provost Unit
This is the military police unit of the RMAF regiment, mandated to provide military police duties in RMAF airbases.
RMAF Infantry
The unit that is equipped with firearms for combat duties. They are tasked as a support element for airforce special forces and are heliborne trained.
RMAF Ground Air Defence Artillery
This regiment responsible for providing air defense protection by using Ground Base Air Defence (GBAD) to the important places such as airbases as well as RMAF asset.
The Smokey Bandits is the aircraft aerobatic display team under the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This team operates five Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter aircraft and based in RMAF Kuantan. The team's name is taken from the smoke emissions from two Russian-made fighter aircraft engines when operating at full thrust. The team was first established in 2001.[13][14]
RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States and Europe. However, RMAF also considers purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources for its modernisation program.[15]
As a part of the Malaysia's Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program, Malaysia is looking to replace its aging MiG-29 and F-5 fighters[16][17] with possibly the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter, JAS 39 Gripen, Sukhoi Su-30/35 or the Mikoyan MiG-35.[18][19][20][21][22] Dassault Rafale has offered a financial package with a ten-year repayment loan from a French commercial bank and guaranteed by the government of France to assist procurement of their fighter.[23] This offer was countered by BAE Systems' Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen, which have offered competitive leasing deals instead.[16][24][25]EADS and BAE Systems has each offered to set up joint venture companies for maintenance and repair of its aircraft if it is selected, along with competitive financial support extended by the United Kingdom government.[26]
Russia is ready to offer their jet fighters to meet Malaysia's requirements.[27] The Russian defence export corporation, Rosoboronexport, which supplied the Royal Malaysian Air Force with the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, expressed its readiness to discuss the prospect of establishing joint licensed production facilities in Malaysia.[28] The Russians have argued that despite some initial advantages, especially in terms of meeting the high cost for maintenance, fuel, parts and insurance in the short term, the lessors of the aircraft will require frequent checks to be assured that the terms of the lease are upheld, and the aircraft will eventually have to be returned after the lease period is up. As such, leasing a fighter aircraft will have significant drawbacks in the defence of the sovereignty of the nation.[21] Instead, the Russian are offering their Sukhoi Su-35 at lower prices than their western rivals. However, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, the race for new fighter jets has narrowed down to the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon instead.[29]
Following a visit by the French President also in early 2017, Malaysia said they remained undecided whether to buy the French fighter, although it had become the leader on the list of all jet fighters suggested,[30] with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak assuring the French President that they were considering to buy.[31] The French government confirmed that negotiation was on the way, although no final deal has yet been signed.[32]
Due to the delay in the MRCA program and also an increase in tensions in the South China Sea, it was believed that there was an immediate requirement for new fighters.[33] Following the visit of the Saudi King in early 2017, Malaysia was reportedly seeking to buy excess Royal Saudi Air Force or other Arab nation's jet fighters and helicopters.[34]
In December 2021, Deputy Defense Minister Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz informed Parliament that Malaysia was seeking to purchase the Kuwaiti Air Force’s entire fleet of F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets (33 aircraft in total), with the intention of operating the model until 2035.[35] In a March 2023 update, Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that although several official proposals to procure had been sent to the Kuwait government, no decisions had been made due to frequent changes in their legislative administration.[36] However, in June 2023, it was announced by the American Defense Security Cooperation Agency that the continuation of an existing contract to provide technical and maintenance services to the Kuwait Air Force in regards to their F/A-18C/D Hornet fleet had been approved by the US government, therefore ruling out the sale of the 33 aircraft to Malaysia.[37]
Light combat aircraft
In 2019, Malaysia formally launched its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program.[38] The major contenders of this project were the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, HAL Tejas, Yakovlev Yak-130,[39]L-15 Falcon, Boeing T-7 Red Hawk and Aero L-39NG.[40] Malaysia intended to use this LCA to augment the existing fleet of its multi-role combat aircraft and also as a fighter lead-in trainer. At the end of 2020, LCA program was approved by the government and the procurement of the aircraft would start in 2021.[41] In 2021, Russian defence export agency, Rosoboronexport, said Russia would send Mikoyan MiG-35 as a contender of the LCA program.[42] India has responded with HAL Tejas manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as a contender which is a full fledged active fighter jet under mass production.[43] It has world class avionics and refined design and sophisticated armaments including Brahmos.[44][45] Turkey has also sent their TAI Hürjet as a contender of the LCA program.[46]
In February 2023, it was announced that the Malaysian Ministry of Defence had chosen the FA-50 from South Korea for the new RMAF's LCA/FLIT.[47] In a deal costing an estimated US$919 million (which included pilot training and aircraft maintenance) Korea Aerospace Industries agreed to provide 18 of the fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.[48]KAI chief executive officer Kang Goo-young confirmed that the Royal Malaysian Air Force would be receiving the most advanced 'Block 20' version of the FA-50, which would feature AESA radar, a Link 16 tactical data link, the capability for inflight refueling and a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod as standard.[49]
In January 2024, it was reported that the Malaysian Ministry of Defence had agreed to buy 18 additional FA-50 jets, with deliveries to begin after the first batch had been transferred to the Malaysian Air Force.[50] In March 2024, it was reported that six Malaysian Air Force pilots would begin training in early 2026 on the FA-50 at a Republic of Korea Air Force airbase in Gwangju, with the first 4 aircraft being delivered to the Malaysian Air Force in October 2026 and the remaining 14 to be delivered by the end of 2027.[51]
Maritime patrol aircraft
Malaysia also urgently needs to boost its maritime patrol capability with a new maritime patrol aircraft. In response to this need, Malaysia has launched its Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) program. At first, Malaysia was reportedly considering an offer from Japan for the used P-3C Orion but this intention was cancelled due to high cost for refurbishment and maintenance the used aircraft.[52] In December 2017, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Brigadier General Yazid Bin Arshad announced that it had shortlisted four aircraft to replace the force's ageing fleet of Beechcraft Super King Air. The candidates were the EADS CASA C-295 from Airbus, the P-8 Poseidon from Boeing, ATR 72 MP from ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, and the CASA/IPTN CN-235, which could be provided by either Airbus or Indonesian Aerospace, which acquired a licence to produce it. The new MPA procurement would start in 2021 after the government gives approval for the Royal Malaysian Air Force for the acquisition of such aircraft in the budget hearing at the end of 2020.[53] In 2021, the RMAF has confirmed that it will procure six new maritime patrol aircraft to replace its Beechcraft Super King Air.[54] In addition, Malaysia also launched its second MPA program which was the conversion of the existing fleet of CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft to the maritime patrol role. This program started at the end of 2020 and is intended as an interim solution while waiting for a newly ordered aircraft to be commissioned.[55]
As of March 2022, the procurement process of the MPA is still at the Ministry of Finance level, and there are several candidates (aircraft companies) who have been shortlisted for further action.[56]
In October 2022, the Malaysian government has finalised a tender to procure two maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the country's air force and will soon award a contract for this programme to Leonardo. Malaysia's defense minister, Hishammuddin Hussein made no mention of the aircraft types in his announcement but Leonardo has proposed its ATR 72MP twin-turboprop aircraft for Malaysia's requirements.[57]
As of March 2022, it is reported the program is currently undergoing physical evaluation stage which has been shortlisted by the Procurement Board of the Ministry of Defence, and this process is still ongoing.[56]
In 2007, Najib Razak announced that the Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuri helicopter in service since 1968 would be phased out by 2012 and replaced by the Eurocopter EC725.[4] Deputy RMAF Chief Lieutenant General Bashir Abu Bakar told the media after opening Heli-Asia 2007 that tender assessment for the replacement of the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri would occur in early 2008.[5] At the 12th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition 2010,[6] a Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed for 12 EC725 helicopters to be supplied to the RMAF.[7] With that, EADS, (the European Aeronautical Defence and Space Company), pledged 100 million Euros to set up a comprehensive helicopter centre in Subang for an aeronautical academy, training, simulation and a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the Eurocopter EC725 military version and the Eurocopter EC225 civilian model.[63]
Although there was a plan to replace all the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, due to budget constraints the government only managed to buy 12 Eurocopter EC725. For this reason, Nuri helicopters were still active in service until 2019. In LIMA 2019, Malaysia also expressed interest to buy Mil Mi-171 ( modified armed version for Mil Mi-17) from Russia. It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace all the remaining Nuri.[10]
In 2021, 4 AgustaWestland AW139 were leased from a Malaysian aviation company, Weststar Aviation, as temporary replacement before the eventual procurement of new 24 helicopters to replace the S-61A4 Nuri.[64]
In 2021, it is reported the US Department of Defense has 'gifted' an export version of Lockheed Martin TPS-77 MMR to Malaysia in order to provide secure interoperable C3I (Command Control Communications and Intelligence) and Sensor systems supporting U.S. Joint Air Operations to US Government FMS (Foreign Military Sales) customers.[66][67] Through LIMA 2023, Malaysia has awarded Thales for the procurement of one unit Ground Master 400 radar for the RMAF.[68]
Medium-range air defence
In 2021, it was confirmed that RMAF sought for a regiment of medium-range air defence system to improve the national air defence capabilities.[69] The contenders for the program are still unknown.
In 2014, a Malaysian private company signed a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese defence firm to acquire Chinese LY-80 medium range air defence missile, but the government of Malaysia did not endorse it.[70][71]
Incidents and accidents
Since 1989, around 95 armed forces personnel (most of those are the RMAF) have been killed in 18 crashes involving the ageing type American-made Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuri helicopter.[72] This led the RMAF to purchase the French-made EC725 helicopter to replace it. But with the nation having ordered only 12 of a planned 28 EC725 helicopters as replacements, the RMAF was forced to prolong the life of its Sikorskys.[73] On October 21, 2016, it was reported that a Canadian helicopter company Heli-One will upgrade all Malaysia's Nuri helicopter.[74]
In May 2008, two J85-GE-21 engines that power the Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighter jets belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force were reported missing, as of sometime in 2007, from an RMAF warehouse in Kuala Lumpur during Najib's tenure as Defence Minister in Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet. The jet engines belonged to the 12th Squadron (Scorpion) based in Butterworth. The issue became a matter of political dispute,[76] and it was reported a brigadier-general together with 40 other armed forces personnel had been sacked over the incident.[77] Further investigation led to the arrest of two RMAF personnel and a civilian contractor were charged in connection with the theft and disposal of both engines on 6 January 2010.[78] On February 5, 2010, Attorney-GeneralAbdul Gani Patail revealed that the two missing engines had been found in Uruguay with the help of the Government of Uruguay and the Malaysian government is proceeding with the necessary measures to secure their return. Investigations showed that the engines were taken out of the RMAF base between 20 December 2007 to 1 January 2008 before being sent to a warehouse in Subang Jaya to be shipped out of Malaysia to South America.[79][80]
On February 26, 2016, the Indonesian made-CN-235-220M version were forced to make an emergency landing into a mangrove swamp near Kuala Selangor due to engine failure.[81] The co-pilot sustained a broken left arm during the incident while the rest of the crew managed to escape without any major injuries. A fisherman who were trying to help the crews out of the aircraft were reported drowned after his foot got stuck in the mud. The black box from the aircraft was eventually found on the next day and was sent to Bandung, Indonesia for it to be analyzed by the Indonesian manufacturer over the cause of the accident.[82]
On May 17, 2016, an Italian made Aermacchi MB-339 crashed into a paddy field near Nenasi, Pahang during its training mission from Kuantan Airbase. Both crew members managed to eject from the aircraft with one suffered from a broken leg during the eject.[83]
On December 21, 2016, an American-made Beechcraft King Air 200T crashed into Butterworth airbase during its training mission from Subang airbase, killing one pilot, leaving the other three injured.[84]
On June 14, 2017, two pilots were killed after a British-made BAE Hawk (Mk 108) crashed at the Pahang - Terengganu border.[85] Previously, several other Hawks had crashed during training missions.[86]
On November 16, 2021, at around 10:07pm, a British-made BAE Hawk (Mk 108) crashed on the runway of Butterworth Airbase,[87][88] killing one of the pilot while the other survived.[89]
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1972. The Army designated the prototype as the YUH-60A and selected the Black Hawk as the winner of the program in 1976, after a fly-off competition with the Boeing Vertol YUH-61.
The Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) is the aerial warfare force of the Kingdom of Denmark and one of the four branches of the Danish Armed Forces. Initially being components of the Army and the Navy, it was made a separate service in 1950. Its main purpose is to serve as enforcer of Danish airspace and to provide air support to Danish group troops on the battlefield.
The HAL Tejas is an Indian single-engine, 4.5 generation delta wing multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy. Tejas made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service with the IAF in 2015. In 2003, the aircraft was officially named "Tejas". Currently Tejas is the smallest and lightest in its class of supersonic combat aircraft.
The Royal Bahraini Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). Originally formed as the BDF Air Wing in 1976, it became an independent service branch in 1987. The RBAF was involved in combat operations during the Gulf War and the Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war.
The Croatian Air Force is a branch of the Croatian Armed Forces whose primary task is to ensure the sovereignty of the airspace of the Republic of Croatia and to provide aviation support to other branches in the implementation of their tasks in joint operations. Until the decision of the Croatian Parliament in 2018, HRZ was the holder and organizer of the integrated air defense system of the Republic of Croatia. Then the Air Defense (PZO) was separated into the Croatian Army.
RMAF Butterworth is an active Air Force Station of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) situated 4.5 nautical miles from Butterworth in Penang, Malaysia. It is currently home to the Headquarters Integrated Area Defence System (HQIADS), part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition in India, also known as the MRCA tender, was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Defence Ministry had allocated ₹55,000 crore (US$6.9 billion) at 2008 prices for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest defence deal. The MMRCA tender was floated with the idea of filling the gap between its future Light Combat Aircraft and its in-service Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter.
The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, and is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma.
The Pasukan Khas TUDM – it is better known as PASKAU – is the special operations force of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Its main functions are to carry out high-value target protection, ground forward air controller, combat search and rescue and rescuing downed aircrew assignments. PASKAU is also tasked as the principal anti-hijack response force for military and civil aircraft in Malaysia. This task was taken over from Grup Gerak Khas. All PASKAU members are airborne and commando-trained and can be deployed behind enemy lines via air, land and sea to assist in target designation for the Malaysian Armed Forces and RMAF missions.
The Indian Air Force has been undergoing a modernization program to replace and upgrade outdated equipment since the late 1990s to meet modern standards. For that reason, it has started procuring and developing aircraft, weapons, associated technologies, and infrastructures. Some of these programs date back to the late 1980s. The primary focus of current modernization and upgrades is to replace aircraft purchased from the Soviet Union that currently form the backbone of the Air Force.
The Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multirole fighter that is designed by Mikoyan, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter, it is a further development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB fighters. According to a Russian defense industry source, the Mikoyan MiG-35 is essentially an upgraded variant of the MiG-29KR. Many consider MiG-35 a new name given by Mikoyan for marketing. The first prototype was a modification of the aircraft that previously served as a MiG-29M2 model demonstrator given temporary name MiG-35 but a later prototype was a different model with different equipment that served as the base for the MiG-35 as is known today. Mikoyan first officially presented the MiG-35 internationally during the 2017 Moscow air show; the first two serial production aircraft entered service in 2019.
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions. The Rafale is referred to as an "omnirole" 4.5th generation aircraft by Dassault.
The Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) is a security zone in the Malaysian state of Sabah that was launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on 25 March 2013 following persistent attacks by pirates and militants from the southern Philippines that occurred in the eastern part of Sabah especially after the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff. It includes the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau, which is neighbouring to the Philippines.
RMAF Kuantan is an airbase of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It is located in Kuantan, Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia. It shares the runway and other facilities with Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport.
RMAF Labuan is an air force base operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It is located in the Federal Territory of Labuan in East Malaysia. It is collocated with the Labuan Airport.
RMAF Subang is an air force base operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It is located on the edge of Shah Alam, a town in Selangor in Peninsular Malaysia and shares runway facilities with the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.
RMAF Kuching is an air force base operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It is located in Kuching, Sarawak in East Malaysia and colocated with the Kuching International Airport.
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