M’sia not joining military ops - Hishamuddin

Exercise Northern Thunder. Source: Internet

Malaysia will not take part in military operations should Saudi Arabia decide to go on a large-scale war against the Islamic State.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, in saying this, added that Malaysian armed forces personnel based in Riyadh were not involved in “offensive action”.

“They are not designed and not trained to go on the offensive.

“Also, they do not have the required assets. Their main role there is to ensure that the aircraft are serviceable and safe to be used by peacekeeping missions,” he said in reply to Tian Chua (PKR-Batu).

Malaysian Army To Get Used Blackhawks From Brunei

Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk. Source: BorneoBulletin

KUALA LUMPUR: The army is expected to receive four used Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk helicopters from Brunei this year, said army chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.

Raja Mohamed Affandi said those helicopters will strengthen the security in Sabah.

On top of that, he added that the army is also expecting the delivery of 56 units of locally-assembled Armour Vehicles 8x8 (AV8) in stages this year, which will be sent to Sabah.

"So far, we have 27 units of AV8 in Tawau, Sabah. We believe all of these assets including Black Hawks will provide full protection for people in the east of Sabah," said Raja Mohamed Affandi, during a media conference in conjunction with the 83rd Malaysian Armed Forces Day at Wisma Perwira Tentera Darat, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi. (New Straits Times)

Ministry sets up brigade to beef up border security

Source: Asian Border Traveller

LUNDU: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has announced the setup of the Malaysian Army’s five-battalion-strong 31st Border Brigade, which will be based in Bintulu, to tighten border and national security.

The formation of this brigade would strengthen control and security along the borders of Sabah and Sarawak—Kalimantan, Indonesia, stretching 2,019.5km, he said at a press conference after visiting the Joint Border Post of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Indonesian National Army (TNI) at Biawak nere here yesterday.

MD HELICOPTERS TO SUPPLY NEW MD 530G SCOUT ATTACK HELICOPTERS TO MALAYSIA’S MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Mesa, Ariz., February 1, 2015 – MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) is pleased to announce that it succeeded in its bid to supply six (6) MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopters to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense. MDHI will deliver the launch helicopters to Malaysian Army Aviation (Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat; PUTD) beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, with the full fleet to deliver by the end of Q1 2017. 

With this installation, MD Helicopters becomes the only rotorcraft original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to introduce and field two new Scout Attack Helicopter Programs, each within 12-months from award. 

Malaysian Chief of Army visit Pakistan Chief of Army Staff

Rawalpindi - October 5, 2015 - General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Bin Raja Mohamed Noor, Chief of Malaysian Army, called on General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff, at General Headquarters today.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest including defence, training and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation. General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi acknowledged success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and paid rich tribute to sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Army in fight against terrorism.

Earlier on arrival at GHQ, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary. (ISPR)

16th Malaysia, Philippines Joint Army Training focuses on disaster response, management cooperation

CAPAS, Tarlac, September 16 (PIA) -- The ongoing 16th Land Training Activity of Malaysia and Philippine Armies has focused on intensifying cooperation on disaster response and management as the two neighboring nations continue to experience the detrimental effects of climate change.

“Developing a comprehensive disaster response and management strategy is essential in countries frequently hit by calamities. The overarching duties and responsibilities embedded on the bilateral exercise provide an upper hand defending against regional disasters affecting Malaysia and Philippines,” Army Vice Commander Major General Demosthenes Santillan said.

"Malaysian Army strength in Sabah at the optimum level"

Papar: The army strength in Sabah is now at the optimum level following the deployment of nine battalions with more than 3,000 soldiers who are stationed in various places, including in the East Coast of Sabah.

Outgoing Task Force 450 Commander Major General Datuk Masrani Paiman said their presence has further boosted the security level in Sabah and the country.

Deftech select Kent Periscopes for Malaysian AV-8 programme

31 May - DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) selected Kent Periscopes Limited as the provider of periscopes and reversionary sights for the new 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Vehicle (AV-8) programme for the Malaysian Armed Forces. The scope of supply covers all periscopes for installation in the vehicle hull, hatches and where applicable turrets, together with our popular Sabre Sight for the 2-Man turret vehicle variant.

Philippine Army to conduct drills with Indonesia, Malaysia

THE PHILIPPINE Army is conducting two sets of separate bilateral military drills this month with Indonesia and Malaysia, in a bid to enhance the interoperability of their militaries and develop anti-insurgency strategies.

The annual bilateral exercise between the Philippine Army and the Malaysian Army, dubbed the Training Activity Land Malaysia-Philippines (MALPHI), is scheduled from Sept. 9 to 21 at the Peacekeeping Operations Center in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Air Commandos Complete Teak Mint 15-1

Joint HALO jumps durings Exercise TEAK MINT 15-1 (Source: US Air Force)

SUBANG AB, Malaysia -- Members from the 353rd Special Operations Group along with members from the 36th Airlift Squadron conducted multinational and bilateral training during Joint Chief of Staff Exercise Teak Mint 15-1 in Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan, Malaysia, May 26 through June 13.

“This exercise has been a great opportunity for our Airmen to learn,” said Maj. Michael S. Perry, Teak Mint 15-1 mission commander. “For the past two weeks, we had the opportunity to build a mutually beneficial relationship between U.S. and Malaysian Air Forces. Each group came here with a diverse perspective shaped by their unique history. I was happy to see how both countries took full advantage of building partnerships and learning from each other. ”

Dayak Community Urged to Join Army

SIBU, 11 June -- Dayak youths have been encouraged to join the army and carry on the community’s legacy of heroic service and loyalty to the country. 

Malaysian Army chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said the Dayak community being the second largest racial group to serve in Malaysian Army, were feared by the enemy for their bravery and intrepidity. 

Soldiers Learn Survival Skills at Jungle Training Center

US soldier training at the JTC. Source: Hawaii News

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — On a hilltop nestled deep in the Wahiawa jungle, Staff Sgt. Jeff Bermudez, US Army reminded his students, laden with gear and rifles, that despite their imminent task to rappel down a 60-foot drop to flatter ground, they’re lucky.

“A little while ago, it was raining, and this ground would’ve been slicker than goose grease,” he told his trainees, who eyed the rope and small tree they’d soon rely on to buffer gravity.

Bermudez, a cadre instructor, teaches hasty rappel in addition to several other courses, including communications and how to counter improvised explosive devices, at the 25th Infantry Division’s Lightning Academy Jungle Operations Training Center, which is almost two years old.

Malaysian Army Eastern Field Command Celebrates 1st Anniversary

Sabah and Sarawak (Source: Internet)

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Established one year ago, Eastern Field Command (EFC) which covers Sabah and Sarawak recently marked its first anniversary with a celebration at its headquarters at Muara Tuang Military Complex near here.

The highlight of the celebration was a parade involving 90 officers and 830 rank-and-file personnel from the various units under its charge, which was witnessed by EFC commander Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar.

UAE, Malaysia Conclude Joint Military Exercise

UAE Armed Forces (Source: Internet)

ABU DHABI, 2nd April, 2015 – Brigadier Saleh Mohammed Al Ameri, Commander of the UAE Ground Forces, and Lieutenant General Zulkiple Hj. Kassim, Malaysian Army’s Field Commander, have attended the conclusion of the joint military exercise Nimr Al Sahra (Desert Tiger 2) in the UAE.

The joint military training war game underscored the interest the leaders of the UAE and Malaysia have in expanding the avenues of bilateral cooperation in implementation of their common vision for exchanging of expertise and experience, bolstering security and stability, backing international efforts for establishing regional and international peace.

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Receives Commander of Malaysian Army

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently received the Commander of Malaysian Army, General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Bin Raja Mohamed Noor  .

During the meeting, the Commander of Malaysian Army stressed Malaysia's stance towards "Determination Storm" and all measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect its security and the GCC and region security.

The meeting was attended by Abdurrahman Al-Rebiaan, Saudi Deputy Minister of Interior.

Russian Helicopters Delivered 189 aircraft to Asia-Pacific Region in the Past Three Years

Mi-35 from Russian Helicopters (Source: Rostec)

Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, continues to supply helicopters across the Asia-Pacific region, including India. Over the past three years 189 commercial and military aircraft were delivered, which includes Rosoboron export contracts. In 2014 deliveries increased by 11% on 2012, and today more than 1,400 Russian-built helicopters operate in the region.

Finmeccanica to Showcase Helicopters and Aircraft at LIMA 2015

AW189 - The brand-new 8.3 tonne twin-engine helicopter
(Source: AgustaWestland)

Finmeccanica takes part in LIMA 2015, which is held from 17 to 21 March in Langkawi, Malaysia, a dedicated maritime and aerospace event for defence, civil and commercial application and one of the most influential exhibition in Asia.

Finmeccanica, attending the exhibition through its companies AgustaWestland and Alenia Aermacchi, is the leading Group in Italy and among the world’s top players in the design, development, manufacture and support of commercial/military aircraft and helicopters. Finmeccanica, through those companies, is able to represent an aeronautics integrated simulation and training system. 

Cubic Showcases Next-Generation Ground Combat Training Solutions at LIMA 2015

ACMI (Source: Cubic)

Cubic Corporation will showcase and demonstrate an array of military training technologies at the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition to demonstrate its latest Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) innovations and capabilities. 

Bell Helicopter to Exhibit Military and Commercial Aircraft at LIMA 2015

Bell UH-1Y (Source: Bell Helicopter)

SINGAPORE (March 13, 2014) -Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, announced today its plans to exhibit and showcase the Bell UH-1Y and Bell 429 WLG on static display during LIMA 2015, March 17 - 21 in Langkawi, Malaysia.