New copters to give forces more firepower

BY WONG CHUN WAI

MILAN: The Malaysian armed forces will have more firepower when it takes delivery of the 11 A109 light utility helicopters (LUH) equipped with machine guns and rocket launchers.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the first of the Italian-made helicopters would be delivered in November next year.

“The remaining 10 would be delivered one each month after that,” he said after visiting the AgustaWestland helicopter plant in Vergiate, 40km from here.

AgustaWestland, the world’s leading helicopter maker, has signed up with DRM-Hicom Bhd’s Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) to set up an assembly plant in Kepala Batas.

Describing the 10-minute ride on the A109 LUH yesterday as “enjoyable,” Najib said the helicopters would be used for reconnaissance, aerial support and to suppress enemies.

The A109 is the best light twin military helicopter with South Africa and Sweden as the other two buyers.

Among others, Najib, who is also the Defence Minister, said the highly manoeuvrable A109 had the capability to make vertical loops, fly in bad weather, fly at night and reach a maximum cruising speed of 165knots.

Agusta has delivered to the Malaysian navy five of the six Super Lynx 300 MK 100 helicopters it bought for RM678mil and to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department two A109 Power helicopters.

During last year’s Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition, the Government announced it was buying 11 A109M helicopters from Agusta for RM286.3mil.

Yesterday, Najib said the Maritime Enforcement Agency would be operational next year and would also need to be equipped. He said the agency, which would function like the US Coast Guard, would need helicopters with search and rescue capabilities.

He said no decision had been made on the kind of model which the agency would require.

The agency would take over the enforcement of federal laws governing the sea including those on terrorism, piracy, pollution and illegal immigrants.

Najib, who is here on a six-day working visit, will visit Rome tomorrow to observe how the Italian coast guard operates.

DRM-Hicom chairman Tan Sri Salleh Sulong, who accompanied Najib, said his corporation would set up a regional after sales and maintenance centre and assembly plant in Kepala Batas.

He said that for a start, it would be responsible for the maintenance of the Agusta helicopters in Malaysia.

--this will be more firepower for malaysia but then we have better helo in apache longbows still no match malaysia :bounce:

Malaysia to buy more 155m systems in major modernization programme
July 12 2004 at 11:59 AM

The Malaysian army is expected to buy more 155mm artillery systems as part of a major modernization programme.

The army has taken delivery of 28 South African Denel 155mm/45-cal G5 Mk 3 towed artillery systems plus ammunition, including projectiles, charges and fuzes.
These are used in conjunction with an African Defence Systems AS2000 computerised fire-control system. The prime movers for the G5s are German MAN 6x6 cross-country trucks that have been modified by local company DEFTECH for their specialist role.

The service has yet to decide whether to buy more towed weapons and/or self-propelled howitzers (SPHs). Until the G5s were delivered, the largest-calibre artillery systems in Malaysian service were 12 155mm FH-70s supplied in the early 1980s by RO Defence. BAE Systems, RO Defence, has had an agreement for some years with Malaysisn Naval Dockyard for the local assembly and eventual production of the 105mm L119 Light Gun. However, industry sources said that this project is not likely to proceed in the short term as the army focuses on 155mm artillery.
Denel could supply additional 65 Mk 3s or the more recent 155mm/52-cal system. The company is still marketing the 155mm G6 SPH but with a combat weight of 47 tonnes, this may be too heavy for the army's retirement.

A possible alternative is the more recent Denel T5, which mates the upper part of the standard G5/45-cal ordnance with an 8 * 8 cross-country chassis. Using a 155mm Base-bleed projectile, a maximum range of 39km can be achieved, which increases to 54km with the recently introduced Velocity-enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectile (V-LAP). The first T5 system was installed on a Tatra 8x8 chassis. It could, however, be fitted to a variety of other cross-country plat-forms, according to Denel. For trials purposes, the chassis has been fitted with the upper part of the latest G5 155mm/52. This is called the T5-52 and a total of 22 projectiles and charges are carried.

During the Defence Services Asia 2004 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in April, South Korea's Samsung Techwin displayed its 155mm/52-cal K9 Thunder SPH. The K9 Thunder is staying in Malaysia for trials and demonstra­tion purposes before returning to Korea.

It is understood that more than 100 K9s have been built for the Republic of Korea Army and for Turkey. Turkish weapons, given the local name of Firtina are assembled at facilities of the Turkish Land Forces Command. The weapon has also been tested in Spain.

Malaysia has taken delivery of three batches of Brazilian ASTROSII multiple rocket systems and a regiment is now fully operational with three batteries, each with six ASTROS II launchers (JDW 16 January 2002). The army has also received a quantity of Avibras AV - VBL (Viaturas Blindadas Leves) 4 x4 light armoured vehicles. These are to be used in specialised roles within the ASTROS II regiment.

Source:- Janes Defence Weekly 26th May 2004.

Christopher F Foss JDW Land Forces Editor, London

Good info Singa :thumb:

We are so fixated with US-made weaponry that we sometimes forget that other nations too manufacture excellent, and sometimes even better weapon systems than the US.

South Africa is noted for its quality artillery pieces and military vehicles.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has agreed in principle to purchase medium-range surface-to-air missiles from China and in return China will transfer its technology in very short-range air defence system to Malaysia.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the procurement would be made under the 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2009) as part of the continous Armed Forces Modernisation Programme.

"Details of the procurement and offset programme will be finalised later should Malaysia give its full commitment," he told a news conference after witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the matter.

China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CPMIEC) is offering the FN-6 very short-range air defence system to Malaysia should the country purchase its KS-1A, the medium-range surface-to-air missiles.

FN-6, the shoulder-launched missile, has an engagement range capability of 6km and altitute range of 4km while KS-1A, while the vehicle-launched missile has an engagement range of 50km and altitude range of 27km.

The industrial offset programme of the FN-6 offered to Malaysia is inclusive of special test facilities, universal equipment, special tools, manufacturing process document, training and technical support, and capable of an annual output of 100 FN-6 missiles.

The MoU was signed between CPMIEC, SME Ordance Sdn Bhd, the local company to implement the offset programme, and Aneka Bekal Sdn Bhd, a local agent that promoted the programme.

Over the past couple of years, the Armed Forces have been evaluating medium-range surface-to-air missiles and shortlisted the BUK-M1-2 from Russia, SAMP/Aster 30 from France, MIM-23B Improved Hawk and Hawk-Amraam from United States and KS-1A from China.

The medium-range surface-to-air missiles are crucial for reinforcing the layer between short-range air defence systems and manned air combat aircraft.

Malaysia had procured very short-range air defence systems from Russia and Pakistan as well as a short-range air defence missile system from United Kingdom for its air defence requirement during the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001-2005).

The president of CPMIEC, Prof Wang Bingyan, said China had ofered to conclude the KS-1A transaction on flexible payment terms, including counter-trade, barter and deferred payments.

Malaysia is currently focussing on developing its defence technologies towards achieving greater self-reliance as it did not want to remain merely as a consumer of foreign defence technologies.

The MoU was signed by Prof Wang for CPMIEC, Senior Vice President SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd Gen (Rtd) Datuk Seri Mohd Sharom Nordin and Chairman of Aneka Bekal Datuk Muhammad Hamzah.

Also present were Army Chief Gen Datuk Pahlawan Mohd Azumi Mohamed and China's Ambassador to Malaysia, Wang Chungui.

-- BERNAMA

Singa, the SAF should not belittle the KS-1A, this missile system is actually better than the Russian Buk... ;) with altitude range of 26+ km, a few lucky KS could shoot down some of your fancy F-16s...

:beer:

February 26, 2005 21:03 PM E-mail this news to a friend Printable version of this news

Navy Chief: Patrol Vessel Built By PSC-ND Defective

KOTA TINGGI, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The first of the six new generation patrol vessels built by PSC-Naval Dockyard Sdn Bhd under a RM5.35 billion contract for the Royal Malaysian Navy is found to be defective.

Navy Chief Datuk Seri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said the navy detected various technical problems when it undertook sea trials of the "PV1" vessel before its commissioning.

"Firstly, it has technical flaws in the command system and secondly, the training package for officers and personnel to handle the vessel is a bit outdated.

"The vessel should have been handed to us in September but because of the technical defects, the sea trials failed, we've postponed the handover till this July," he told reporters after the commissioning of "KD Sultan Ismail" at the Tanjung Pengelih Navy Base, near here, Saturday.

Present were the Sultan of Johor and Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin.

"KD Sultan Ismail" was previously known as RMN Recruit Training Centre.

Mohd Anwar said the first two vessels under the contract were 98 per cent complete and would be handed over to the navy after the defects were rectified and they passed the sea trials.

"The contract signed provides for sea trials of the system. The system should meet the specifications under the contract. We will not compromise with the specifications stipulated in the contract," he said.

The contract for the delivery of the six vessels was signed between PSC-ND and the government in Sept 1998.

All six are to be built in collaboration with Germany's GNG Group and handed over to the RMN by 2008.

The first two vessels, "PV1" and "PV2" were built at the GNG's dockyard and equipped with various systems in Malaysia while the rest will be built and equipped in Malaysia.

Mohd Anwar denied reports the project had been taken over by the Armed Forces Fund Board.

"PSC-ND is still obligated to complete the six patrol vessels. It is a contract that must be honoured by the company.

He said the remaining four vessels are being built at PSC-ND's dockyards in Pulau Jerejak, Penang and Lumut.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=121201

Malaysian Crews Begin Training in France


(Source : DCN ; dated April 27, web-posted May 3, 2005)


BREST, France --- An official ceremony today marked the arrival of the first contingent of students from the Royal Malaysian Navy to DCI’s (Défense Conseil International) submarine training unit, NAVFCO, in Brest, where they will become fully-trained submariners. The ceremony was organized conjointly by ARMARIS and DCI’s NAVFCO branch, and was held in the presence of Malaysian dignitaries.

On 7 July 2003, ARMARIS signed a contract with the Malaysian government in Kuala-Lumpur for the training of 150 seamen from the Royal Malaysian Navy in submarine handling. This training program, provided by DCI’s NAVFCO branch, will allow Malaysian submariners to acquire the skills needed to safely operate Scorpene Class submarines.

ARMARIS, a joint venture of DCN and Thales, is the French prime contractor for the Malaysian submarine program which will allow the Royal Malaysian Navy to acquire an effective submarine force. It includes the construction of two Scorpene submarines, now being built by the French shipbuilder DCN and its Spanish partner, Navantia (formerly Izar), as well as necessary maintenance for an Agosta Class submarine, the Ouessant, which was withdrawn from active service by the French Navy, to serve as a trainer for Malaysian crews.

The first Scorpene submarine will be delivered to the Royal Malaysian Navy at the beginning of 2008.

ARMARIS, a joint venture of DCN and Thales, is a major player in European naval defence, providing global solutions for navies worldwide. ARMARIS is a prime contractor for international and cooperative naval programs. Its supports the export activities of DCN and Thales Naval France for warships and combat systems.

NAVFCO, the special training branch of DCI (Défense Conseil International), is dedicated to transferring the French Navy’s operational know-how to the friendly navies. Specialized in crew preparation, operational training and technical assistance for naval and aero-naval forces, DCI-NAVFCO has, since its creation, trained over 12,000 officers, naval engineers, submarine officers and specialists. Its services, which are accredited by the French Navy, are adapted to the special naval and aero-naval requirements of its client countries.

-ends-

M'sian Maritime Enforcement Agency To Start Operation In November

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will start operation in November when the recruitment and training of staff is completed, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Saturday.

The deputy prime minister said that it would start operation with 72 ships and boats received in stages from the various maritime agencies.

The Royal Malaysia Police will supply 15 ships and boats, Royal Malaysian Navy (19), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (5), Fisheries Department (12) and Marine Department (21).

The agency would also beef this up with 25 new boats, Najib, who is also defence minister, said in a statement here.

The MMEA, headed by a director-general appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, will be responsible for ensuring the security of the country's maritime zone to protect the maritime interests of Malaysia and other countries.

Its functions and scope, which are placed under the Prime Minister's Department and the responsibility of the deputy prime minister, cover enforcement of the maritime laws and regulations and peace at sea, search and rescue, and preventing and combating crime.

It will also assist in controlling pollution in the maritime areas, air and coastal surveillance as well as provide transportation services to the relevant agencies.

Najib said that for a start, the government had approved 4,035 posts to meet the operational needs in five MMEA regions which will supervise 17 districts and nine bases.

The Northern Region with its headquarters in Langkawi is responsible for three districts -- Bukit Malut in Langkawi, Penang and Lumut -- and three bases in Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah and Kuala Kurau.

Port Klang, Kuala Linggi in Melaka, Johor Baharu and Tanjung Sedili are under the Southern Region (Johor Baharu) with its bases in Batu Pahat and Mersing.

The Eastern Region (Kuantan) is in charge of three districts -- Kuantan, Kemaman and Tok Bali -- with its base in Kuala Terengganu.

Kuching, Bintulu and Miri are under the Sarawak Region (Kuching) and the MMEA base there is Tanjung Manis, Rajang.

Four districts -- Labuan, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau -- are under the Sabah and Labuan Region (Kota Kinabalu) which has two bases in Lahad Datu and Semporna.

Najib said the agency's operations also covered two air stations in Subang and Kota Kinabalu.

The appointments of the agency staff would be made by the Public Services Commission and the compulsory retirement age was 56 except for those who had opted to retire at 55.

He said the government's decision to set up the MMEA through a merger of current assets and enforcement personnel required an exchange of the staff involved to fill the posts created under two service schemes, namely the Maritime Enforcement Officers Service Scheme and the Service Scheme for Maritime Enforcement Officers of other ranks.

The new recruitment would be determined after the completion of the exchange of appointments which would take effect on July 1.

Nine agencies have been identified for the exercise. They are the Royal Malaysia Police (Marine Branch), Royal Malaysian Customs (Marine Prevention), Fisheries Department (Resource Supervision and Protection Division), Royal Malaysian Navy (Ship Personnel); Peninsular Marine Department (Industrial Control Division), Sabah Marine Department (Industrial Control Division); Sarawak Marine Department (Industrial Control Division); Department of Environment (Marine and Water Division) and National Security Division (SWASLA -- Malaysian Sea Surveillance System).

Najib said that the permanent officers and staff of the existing maritime agencies who moved to the MMEA would be offered a new service scheme with the guarantee that they would not be getting less than their current salaries, allowances and benefits which would be treated as a package while those who rejected the option would remain with their present agencies.

Those who opted for the new scheme would be exempted from the physical conditions stated in the service scheme.

He said that salary-wise, each personnel would get not less than one additional increment as well as an MMEA Service Scheme special allowance of RM250 a month besides the existing allowances.

Further information on the MMEA service can be obtained from the MMEA secretariat at telephone number 03-83191000 or 03-83194003, and fax 03-83194000.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia Puts C-130 Upgrades on Hold

by Pulkit Singh
May. 19, 2005

The Malaysian government has decided to put its supposedly high-priority C-130 modernization program on hold following intense lobbying by France to consider the purchase of new Airbus A400M military transports instead.

Malaysian government officials admitted that, due to pressure from some segments of the Royal Malaysian Air Force to acquire eight new Airbus A400Ms from France to meet long-term requirements, the government decided at the last minute to put the C-130 upgrade program on hold. A contract for the C-130 upgrade program was to have been awarded in April.

May 31, 2005 18:28 PM

New Training Aircraft For RMAF


By Nurazira Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- After a spate of incidents involving its trainee pilots the last few years, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is replacing its training aircraft beginning end of the year in line with its acquisition of new fighter jets like Sukhoi, MiG and Hornet.

RMAF Chief Jeneral Datuk Seri Nik Ismail Nik Mohamed said the air force was evaluating a few types of trainer aircraft to replace the PC-7 and MB-339A which were no longer suitable for use in flight training.

"The PC-7 and MB-339A aircraft have been in operation since the early 80s and are in need of major airtime and structural repair to pro-long their life-span.

"The existing avionics equipment and system are also from the 1980s technology," he told a press conference at the RMAF base in Sungai Besi in conjunction with the RMAF's 47th anniversary celebration, Wednesday.

Nik Ismail said in line with the modernisation of RMAF, the latest type of trainer aircraft would be required in the training of its pilots to enable them to handle sophisticated aircraft like F/A-18D, MIG-29N and SU-30MKM.

He said the number of MB-339A aircraft was inadequate to accommodate training needs while the PC-7 aircraft was also unsuitable for training use as it did not have the ejection seat.

Nik Ismail said these were some of the efforts being taken to modernise the force and in keeping abreast with current needs.

He said among the areas which RMAF would focus would be to improve on its warfare capabilities by upgrading existing assets and acquisition of sophisticated air space defence equipment.

He said RMAF's planning and development were based on the National Defence Policy and the Air Power Doctrine.

"Our aim is to strengthen and make RMAF a credible and respectable force," he added.

Nik Ismail hoped that the programme to modernise the Malaysian Armed Forces which was hampered due to the economic recession in 1997 would be given due consideration under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, especially on the plans to replace the Nuri helicopters.

It was initially planned that the Nuri helicopters would be gradually phased out beginning 1998 and some would have their avionics capacity upgraded to ensure they could be used until 2015.

Nik Ismail said the RMAF also gave priority to acquiring aircraft capable of carrying National Search and Rescue and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He said the air force also planned to improve its radar network and to obtain a few mobile systems as "gap-fillers" for areas which did not have coverage or had poor reception.

-- BERNAMA

June 11, 2005 12:24 PM

Malaysia To Take Delivery Of Submarines In 2009

From Jamaluddin Muhamad

CHERBOURG (France), June 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will take delivery of its two Scorpene submarines in 2009, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said here.

He said one of the submarines was expected to arrive in the country in the middle of that year and the other at the end.

Najib, who is also Defence Minister, said the construction of the two submarines was proceeding according to schedule, with 35 per cent of work completed.

He spoke to Malaysian journalists after a visit to the construction site at the DCN dock here, about 300 km from Paris, yesterday.

The two submarines are being built jointly by DCN International, the French shipbuilder, and Izar, the Spanish shipbuilder.

Although the first of the submarines could be ready in early 2009, delivery would only take place in the middle of the year after personnel from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) had completed their training in handling the craft, he said.

Seventy RMN personnel have just started training at the Malaysian Submarine School at the DCN marine base in Brest, about 500 km from Paris.

"The submarine programme enables Malaysia, as a maritime and trading nation, to have the additional capacity required of the RMN.

"Submarines have the force multiplier not found in ordinary vessels. It gives high deterrent value to the country," said Najib.

He also said that the government would not compromise on the quality and the four-year period of training for the RMN personnel who would handle the submarines.

He said the government would not be too anxious to take delivery of the submarines though they would be ready in early 2009.

Asked about media reports that the submarines were scheduled to be completed in 2008, Najib said: "The construction is proceeding according to schedule and they will be completed on schedule. Only the training of the personnel has been delayed a little, due to a delay in the signing of the agreement on the training."

Najib said only 31 crew was required to handle a Scorpene, the world's most sophisticated conventional submarine.

Overall, a total of 156 personnel would undergo training, he said, adding that the additional number was to accommodate the manpower needs of the submarine unit.

Najib also said that the trainees would be given three weeks of leave after every four months of training, contrary to the provision of the original contract where they would be allowed leave only after every eight months of training.

He also said that the government was looking into the payment of a special allowance for submarine crew.

Earlier, Najib visited the RMN trainees in Brest and joined them for Friday prayers at the school.

Nine RMN officers are monitoring the construction of the submarines in Cherbourg.

Asked for the names of the submarines, Najib said they were under consideration. He said the submarines would be based in Teluk Sepanggar in Sabah.

Meanwhile, DCN International Programme Director for the Malaysian submarines project, Philippe Novelli, told Malaysian journalists the forward and hull parts of the two submarines were being built here and the aft part in Cartegena, Spain.

The final assembly for the first submarine would be done here and the final assembly for the second submarine in Cartegena. Construction of the submarines began in 2003 after the Malaysian government finalised the contract to purchase them in June 2002.

Novelli said the diesel- and electric-powered submarines would be equipped with Black Shark torpedoes and SM-99 guided missiles which could be launched from below water.

"They are able to handle anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare," he said.

DCN International provides transfer of technology through training, which includes simulator and a refurbished Agosta submarine used as a platform for training. The Agosta is similar to the Scorpene submarine. The Scorpene's overall length is 66.4 metres and it has a maximum speed of 20 knots and underwater endurance of 45 days.

Also present during Najib's visit were Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Illyas Mohd Din and Malaysia's Ambassador to France Datuk Hamidah Mohd Yusoff.

Later, Najib attended a reception with the Malaysian community here.

-- BERNAMA

First Flight of Malaysian A109 LOH
AgustaWestland
Jun 16, 2005, 09:37

The first of eleven AgustaWestland A109 LOH helicopters ordered by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence performed a successful first flight on 14th June at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy.

The A109 LOH, a version of the well known A109 LUH, was selected in October 2003 as the most cost effective and capable machine after a rigorous competition and evaluation process run by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence. The main roles and missions of the LOH are observation, reconnaissance, tactical transport and area suppression.

The selection of the A109 helicopter by Malaysian Army Aviation followed the aircraft’s success in South Africa and Sweden. A total of 61 A109LUHs have now been ordered, making it the most successful helicopter in its class in the military market.

The A109 LUH is powered by two 711 shp Turbomeca Arrius 2K2 giving it excellent hot and high performance. With a maximum speed of 168 knots and a payload of up to 1.5 tons the A109 LUH is a fast, versatile and capable light twin-engine military helicopter.

10/2/2003 | Agusta Spa

Malaysia Signs Contract for 11 A109s LOH
AgustaWestland has been awarded a contract by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for the supply of eleven Agusta A109 Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) together with an initial product support and training package.
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica and GKN company, has been awarded a contract by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for the supply of eleven Agusta A109 Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) together with an initial product support and training package. The aircraft will be operated by Malaysian Army Aviation. The contract is worth more than 70 Million US$ and includes a substantial package of Transfer of Technology to the Malaysian Industries. The A109 LOH, a version of the well known A109 LUH, has been selected as the best cost effective machine upon a rigorous process of evaluation run by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence against several competitors. The primary purpose of the LOH is to serve as a cost efficient system for observation, reconnaissance, tactical transport and area suppression missions. The selection of the A109 helicopter by Malaysian Army Aviation follows the aircraft’s successes with the South African and Sweden Armed Forces, and established the A109 LUH, with 61 units ordered till now, as the foremost light twin engine helicopter for military utility and advanced training purposes. It provides further testimony of the A109 LUH’s competitiveness, versatility and performance. AgustaWestland is a technology leader in its markets backed by a solid financial pedigree. The Company has an established product portfolio ranging from the innovative 2.5 ton light single-engine A119 Koala to the 15-ton three-engine EH101 helicopter. Other products include the light twin A109 Power, the medium-lift AB412 and AB139, the A129 multi role combat helicopter, the twin engine Super Lynx and the 10 ton NH90, in which Agusta has a 32% stake.



====================================================


US Coast Guard version

The armed MH-68, a dedicated version of the A109 Power in service with the US Coastguard.

An armed version, the MH-68A Stingray, is in service with the US Coastguard's Helicopter Tactical Squadron (HITRON) for drug interdiction.



SPECIFICATION:

AGUSTAWESTLAND A109 POWER LIGHT MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER, ITALY
The A109 Power light multi-role helicopter has been developed by AgustaWestland in Italy. The A109 is built in civil and military versions. The civil family of A109 helicopters includes the A109K2 civil rescue helicopter used by the Swiss rescue service, the A109K2 police helicopter and the A109 Power civil multi-role helicopter. The A109 was originally developed as an ambulance and rescue helicopter to operate in the mountainous regions of Switzerland. The helicopter can fly from critically situated landing spots in adverse climates and from roof helipads in densely populated areas.

The A109 Power first flew in 1995 and entered service in 1997. Over 300 have been ordered for police, EMS (emergency medical), VIP/Corporate and military applications.

An armed version, the MH-68A Stingray, is in service with the US Coastguard's Helicopter Tactical Squadron (HITRON) for drug interdiction. Utility versions have been ordered by the South African Air Force and the Swedish Army.

The A109E Power helicopter can be configured as a passenger helicopter for four or six passengers. The cabin can be quickly converted for an emergency medical evacuation role. It can be fitted with four seats for medical attendants and a litter for a single stretcher patient. A second litter can be stowed in the baggage compartment to the rear of the main cabin.

The helicopters have high engine power, FADEC management, composite rotor head and blades, advanced avionics and cockpit integration providing high performance in terms of speed, range and mission effectiveness.

At the Farnborough Airshow in July 2004, AgustaWestland showed the latest variant, the A109S Grand, a stretched version, which has a maximum take-off weight of 3,175kg and cabin length of 2.3m. The A109S is scheduled for certification early in 2005.

POLICE HELICOPTER
The police helicopter is operational with police forces including those in the UK, Dubai, Italy and China. The cockpit can be equipped with a global positioning navigation system, a weather radar and the customer's choice of frequency modulated secure communications.

The optional equipment includes a forward looking infra-red and a low light level television camera for surveillance, observation and search, a Spectrolab SX-16 searchlight, a retractable MA3 lighting kit and loudspeakers.

The police helicopter can also be fitted with various lifting systems, e.g. a 907kg cargo hook, a variable speed rescue hoist fitted with a 50m cable and capable of lifting 204kg. Safety systems include a rappeling kit, wire strike protection and emergency floats.

CIVIL RESCUE HELICOPTER
The rescue variant of the helicopter first entered service with the REGA rescue organisation in Switzerland. The civil rescue helicopter, designated A109K2, is equipped with a Thales (formerly Sextant) Avionics AFDS 95-1 automatic flight control system (AFCS) and a global positioning system and moving map display supplied by Elbit. The cockpit is night vision compatible. The helicopter has a lifting hook rated at 907kg and Spectrolab SX-16 searchlight.

A109 DESIGN
The helicopter airframe consists of a lightweight aluminium alloy and honeycomb structure with high crashworthiness. Two large sliding doors provide easy access and cargo operation and are in-flight operable. There are two separate pilot's doors. The long tailboom configuration provides high yaw control for operation in strong winds.

The tricycle-type wheeled landing gear is fitted with air and oil shock absorbers for ground mobility and operation on rough terrain. Energy absorbing struts provide increased crashworthiness. A swivelling forward wheel gives easy ground manoeuvrability.

The four-bladed fully articulated main rotor has low vibration, low flicker and reduced noise level characteristics. The main rotor head is made of titanium with composite elastomeric bearings and blade grips. The composite main rotor blades are ballistic tolerant for high survivability and reliability. The rotor is negative-g capable for high manoeuvrability. The tail rotor is a two-bladed stainless steel semi-rigid type.

COCKPIT

The helicopter is equipped with an ergonomically designed glass cockpit with provision for mission dedicated displays and control instrumentation. The A109 Power has single and dual pilot IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capability with a three-axis duplex automatic flight control system (AFCS).

The helicopter can be fitted with either Rockwell Collins ProLine II or Honeywell Silver Crown avionics suite. The navigation systems include an automatic direction finding navigation aid (ADF), distance measuring equipment (DME), a global positioning system (GPS), a radar altimeter, an emergency locator transponder (ELT), a VHF omnidirectional radio ranger (VOR), ground speed meter and inertial location system.

The flight control system includes a collective, cyclic and anti-torque system. The cyclic and collective controls are powered by two hydraulic systems. The anti-torque control system is hydraulically powered. A dual redundant three-axis stability augmentation system is fitted as an option.

An optional Rockwell Collins Cockpit Management System is provided for monitoring and operating different avionics via one or more centrally located control and display units.

ENGINES

The helicopter is powered by two side-by-side Pratt & Whitney PW-206C or Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 engines with Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC). Each engine is equipped with independent fuel and oil systems and independent engine controls.

The transmission system is rated at 900hp for improved high temperature and high altitude performance. For enhanced safety and reliability the helicopter has a 640hp single engine emergency rating and the dry run capability is 30 minutes allowing the pilot the opportunity to find a safe landing spot in the event of oil loss.

FUEL SYSTEM

There are three fuel systems configurations: three cells of 605 litres, four cells of 710 litres and five cells of 870 litres. A crashworthy fuel system, with closed circuit refuelling and self-sealing fuel tanks can be fitted as an option.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

The helicopter is fitted with two independent flight control hydraulic systems, each capable of operating main actuators in case of failure of the other system. The utility hydraulic system has two accumulators (a normal and an emergency accumulator) to operate the rotor brake, the wheel brakes and the nose wheel centring device.

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/agusta/

this should slso be considered by the philippines..its relativly cheap helo :thumb:

Nice. But its European.

Uncle Sam would not let us buy European hardware using their 'financial assistance'.

The USCG normally uses the Stingray in tandems and have snipers onboard with Barrets and SAWs. Have you seen it in BAD BOYS II?

Malaysia says foreign planes may help hunt pirates

By Mark Bendeich and Chaitanya Kalbag
REUTERS

10:10 a.m. June 21, 2005

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia proposed on Tuesday that foreign surveillance planes help to fight piracy in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest sea lanes, in its clearest invitation for international assistance.

Malaysia, along with neighbour Indonesia, has been cool to hints of an international role in policing the waterway but would allow maritime aircraft from nations such as the United States, Japan and Australia to use its domestic airspace.

'It's to be managed as an international effort by the international community,' Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak told Reuters in an interview.

'Perhaps the international community can provide maritime aircraft for 24-hour surveillance over the Straits of Malacca. They can fly these aircraft but the consoles and monitors (inside them) can be operated by Malaysians, Indonesians and Singaporeans.'

Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore guard the strait, which carries a quarter of global trade and nearly all oil imports for Japan and China. There are fears the waterway, already plagued by pirate attacks, could become a target for a terror attack.

The United States and Japan have offered help, but Malaysia and Indonesia in particular have resisted suggestions that foreign forces could operate within their territories. Sovereignty is the paramount concern for the littoral states.

It was widely reported last year that U.S. special forces or the Marines could be used as part of efforts to enhance security in the strait, provoking opposition from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Najib's comments are a departure from previous rhetoric. With piracy attacks rising after a lull following the Dec. 26 tsunami, there is growing pressure on the littoral states to do more.

He added that there could be a central communications post that would receive information from the foreign surveillance aircraft and relay it to naval and maritime police boats being used by the littoral states to patrol their respective waters.

The right of hot pursuit – where one littoral state's patrol boat could cross maritime boundaries while chasing pirates – is still not on the agenda, Najib said.

'The responsibility of the security of the Straits of Malacca primarily rests on the littoral states,' he said. 'The actual interdiction...will be done by Malaysian, Singaporean or Indonesian navy or maritime police patrol boats.

'Whatever we do must not jeopardise the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity,' he added.

RMAF - 1000 hrs of PPRW (Programme for Prevention & Restoration Work)

Malaysia Puts C-130 Upgrades on Hold

Posted on: Tuesday, 19 July 2005, 03:01 CDT

The Malaysian government has decided to put its supposedly high- priority C-130 modernization program on hold following intense lobbying by France to consider the purchase of new Airbus A400M military transports instead.

Malaysian government officials admitted that, due to pressure from some segments of the Royal Malaysian Air Force to acquire eight new Airbus A400Ms from France to meet long-term requirements, the government decided at the last minute to put the C-130 upgrade program on hold. A contract for the C-130 upgrade program was to have been awarded in April.

The 12 C-130 transport fleet is due for complete modernization enabling the fleet to remain operational for another 10 years. A senior Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) official said the freezing of the C-130 upgrade program will adversely affect the fleet's operational capabilities as not enough funds are earmarked for the service to meet its high-priority needs.

The Malaysian government is considering purchasing new A400M military transports (like the one seen here) from France, instead of going ahead with a planned upgrade of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's fleet of C-130 aircraft.

He further noted that as something of an experimental exercise, a contact was awarded in 2004 to local company Airod SDN BHD (Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia), which had teamed with L-3 Spar of Canada to install a new global-air-traffic-management (GATM) suite on one C- 130 aircraft. After trials of the new GATM suite, the Malaysian government had decided in principle to award a full contact to Airod to upgrade the C-130 fleet with new flight-management systems and inertial-navigation and autopilot systems, in addition to the standard GPS system.

The RMAF official said the government should rethink its decision, however, because the existing fleet of 12 C-130s recently went through a tanker-conversion program, from standard-sized C- 130H to the extended-fuselage C-130H-30 configuration. The conversion program was carried out by Airod, with technical support from Lockheed Martin (Marietta, GA). The conversion increases the available cargo space by 33%, and the aircraft's internal cargo- handling system was modified to cover the extension. Under the second part of the upgrade, Lockheed Martin provided Airod with modification kits to equip two C-130Hs with a self-contained air-to- air refueling system. This system is designed as roll-on/roll-off equipment, which allows for an air-to-air refueling capability while preserving the aircraft's ability to function as a transport. Modification of the first of two aircraft was completed in 2003.

Malaysian government officials argue that, for its long-term needs, the country's military should have an air-lifter that can conduct long-range missions and overseas deployments. However, the RMAF official noted that the existing C-130s are proven tankers and are more than adequate for the service's domestic needs. He pointed out the Royal Malaysian Air Force has not only considerable experience operating C-130 but also already possesses the tools, equipment, and trained personnel to support it. He further argued that by adding a new fleet of Airbus A400M military transports will entail immense costs associated with a new aircraft type - the hundreds of thousands of items that need to be stocked up, from spare (and expensive) engines right down to a simple circuit breaker, tools of every description, ground and air equipment, and training (which may mean the purchase of a simulator costing as much as an aircraft if not more) not just of aircrews but ground crews and other support staff. - Pulkit Singh

Copyright Horizon House Publications, Inc. Jul 2005

Interesting info about our neigbor's SF:

------------
Jackie Chan fans would remember watching a special forces team roping down from a Russian Mi-17 helicopter in the movie Who Am I?

What they probably did not know is that the special forces unit were Royal Malaysian Air Force commandos.

When movie officials went looking for stunt men for the task, they sought the real thing: The RMAF’s Paskau (Pasukan Khas Udara) team.

Paskau’s skills go beyond search and rescue (SAR) missions, as the movie proved.

Also called the RMAF Regiment (the term regiment is mainly used by ground forces), Paskau’s operational wing is led by Lt-Kol Mohamad Nazri Dashah.

Based in Jugra, the operational wing is further broken into three squadrons: Tactical Assault, Combat Air Rescue (CAR) and Force Protection.

"Prior to this, the air force had Handau (Pasukan Handal Udara) but the perception of the Handau members was that they were only security guards. Handau mainly handled air base security," said Mohamad Nazri.

"In 1995, Paskau was formed and Handau members were absorbed into the unit. The security of air bases was left to provost marshals. It was then that we started training in earnest as elite forces capable of anything."

Paskau candidates undergo basic training in all of the team’s specialities and are later given a choice of which task team they want to join.

Mohamad Nazri said Tactical Assault squadron members were trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, infiltration and sabotage.

Every mission involves a six-man team with different specialties such as a riflemen, sniper, demolitions expert, communications expert and medics.

Each man carries at least 100kg of gear including his rifle, a side arm, ammunition, rations and other operational gear.

These men will be equipped with light weapons, such as the M4 Carbine, M16A1 assault rifle and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) as a light support weapon.

For Close Quarter Battle (CQB) operations like hostage rescue or counter-terrorism, the primary weapon is the M4 carbine equipped with EOTech Holo sights (hologram sights that maximise the target view).

"The M4 is preferred because of its stopping power. With terrorists these days being better armed, we need the right weapons to neutralise them quickly, especially in a CQB situation," said Mohamad Nazri.

For tasks that need more firepower, the M4 carbine and the M16A1 would be equipped with an M203 40mm grenade-launcher.

As for snipers, the calibre of the weapon varies from task to task.

"If the mission requires us to take down a target, we would need a precision rifle. If it is for perimeter security or counter sniper task, a normal rifle would do."

CAR members are responsible for retrieving downed pilots and information from aircraft behind enemy lines on land and sea. They can be sent in by helicopter or by parachute.

"If a pilot crash lands in the middle of the ocean, we will deploy our Maritime Para Rescue Team (MPRT)," said Mohamad Nazri.

In peace time, CAR members also take part in civilian SAR missions, like the recent helicopter crash in Kapit, Sarawak.

The need for a special regiment arose in 1972.

On par with the best

Paskau training is equal to the best in the world.

Tactical Assault Squadron leader Kapt Anuar Mohd Tajuddin Anuar has been wearing a United States Army Green Beret badge since last year as proof of this.

He passed the six-month course at Fort Benning, Georgia, which has seen many failures.

"Many who undergo the training are fitter than me and bigger than me, but you need to be mentally strong as well," said the officer who has been with the Royal Malaysian Air Force for 13 years.

The badge is inscribed with the Latin phrase De Oppreso Liber which means "freeing the oppressed".

Anuar was equal to the best of his course mates, a fact recognised by those in charge. Despite being a captain in the RMAF, he was put in charge of the Tactical Assault Squadron, a post normally reserved for a major.

"There is not much difference in the training and roles between Green Berets and our special forces units. What makes them better is they are equipped with the latest technology and they are more experienced.

"Technologically, we are behind, but in terms of combat operation capabilities, we have the latest know-how and are on par with the best."

Anuar, whose call-sign is Tango, feels special forces units need to be ahead of conventional armies.

He said special forces could infiltrate and conduct strikes against enemy installations and troops using only a few men.

Anuar’s reasoning of the role of special forces units mirrors that of his commanding officer, Lt-Kol Mohamad Nazri Dashah.

Mohamad Nazri has always sought to have Paskau members equipped with the latest technology.

Technological improvements, however, are not all Mohamad Nazri has in mind. He wants all Paskau members to be at least sergeants.

He is also pursuing the possibility of having other allowances thrown in to attract more into Paskau.

Link

RESCUED: USAF para-jumpers winching up a ‘survivor’ during a joint exercise off Morib.


ALWAYS PREPARED: Maritime Para Rescue Team (MPRT) members simulating an underwater search and rescue mission for a downed pilot.

PASKAU - Pasukan Khas Udara TUDM

PASUKAN KHAS LAUT (PASKAL)- NAVAL SPECIAL FORCES OF RMN














Paskal with sub-skimmer

Grup Gerak Khas (GGK)

Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) is the largest Special Operations Force in Malaysia. It is basically a commando regiment in the Malaysian Army Corps. The mission of the GGK is to provide a squadron to locate, report, harass and disrupt the enemy through long range infiltration as well as operating in close collaboration with guerrilla or partisan forces. GGK will also plan, prepare for, and when directed, deploy to conduct unconventional warfare, internal defence, special reconnaissance and direct actions etc. in support of Government policy objectives within designated areas of responsibility.

GGK continually train to conduct unconventional warfare in any of its forms - Guerrilla / Anti-Guerrilla Warfare, Escape and Evasion, Subversion, Sabotage, Counter Terrorist and their most highly regarded expertise - Jungle Warfare. It has an awesome reputation in operations against the communist terrorists. The troopers are also schooled in direct action operations and special reconnaissance. Currently, there are 3 fully equipped regiments (21st, 22nd & 11st GGK). GGK had seen action in Cambodia, Somalia, western Sahara, Namibia and Bosnia among others.

Mission

Primary mission: Unconventional warfare
Secondary mission: Counter Revolutionary Warfare

Raised and Disbanded

Raised: February 25th 1965

Units

Headquarters
21st Grup Gerak Khas
22nd Grup Gerak Khas
11st Grup Gerak Khas

Headquarters

1965: Majidee Camp, Johore Baharu, Johore
1968: Segenting Camp, Port Dickson
1970: Sungai Udang Camp, Malacca

Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK)- of the Malaysian Police

In those days of communist insurgency, The Royal Malaysian Police had a paramilitary arm called Pasukan Polis Hutan (PPH). They had several battalions and among them was the elite one, known as 69th Commando Battalion or VAT 69. The normal police too had an elite unit - Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK). UTK had a SWAT-like function as well as close protection roles.

The history of VAT 69 began when the Honorable Allahyarham Tun Dr. Ismail who was the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, proposed the formation of a special unit trained for fighting the communist terrorist. It was actually formed in 1969 (hence the name - 69 and the"VAT" part-stood for "Very Able Troops). The establishment of VAT 69 was inline with Royal Malaysian Police requirement to create a small combat unit with the same tactics and technique just like the communist terrorist.

In October 1969, about 1,600 PPH personnel from several battalions volunteered to join VAT 69. After the selection process, only 60 personnel were qualified to undergo basic commando training. As the formation of VAT 69 were highly classified, all training was conducted at Fort Kemar, located deep in the jungle of Perak where transportation are limited to helicopter and small aircraft only.

The first training was supervised by a group of instructors from British SAS (Special Air Service). On completion, only 30 personnel managed to get through. They actually formed the first troop of 69th Commando Battalion. In 1977, New Zealand SAS was involved in training 3 new squadrons of VAT 69. A special course to train VAT 69's own instructors were also conducted. Finally, the expansion program completed in 1980 in which VAT 69 now had 4 fully equipped infantry squadrons with it's own logistic unit.

It was not known when actually the UTK had been formed. UTK were also trained by British SAS and they operate in a very different way from the typical American SWAT teams. They have approximately 100 plus members and the selection phase is so tough that the passing rate was supposedly 20 - 10% only. Even the selection process reflects SAS influence. UTK personnel mostly uses handguns / pistols (Sig-Sauers) and prefer to be in undercover roles. Just like GGK, the UTK were also involved in The 16th Commonwealth Games security measures.

Both VAT 69 and UTK had very good records and they are very low profile, especially - the UTK. As for VAT 69, they were used against the pirates who terrorised the coastal towns of Sabah, one of the states in East Malaysia. After the deployment of VAT 69, the piracy attacks had almost stopped.

After the communist terrorist laid down arms in 1989, VAT 69 had problems finding a proper role. Finally on December 1997, the PPH was renamed as Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) while UTK and 69th Commando Battalion was disbanded and merged. It was then called Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK).

Mission

Primary mission: Long range reconnaissance
Secondary mission: Unconventional warfare, counter revolutionary warfare

Raised and Disbanded

Raised: 1969, 69th Commando Battalion or VAT 69
Raised: Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK)
Disbanded and renamed: December 1997, Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK)
Raised: VAT69 raised again and separated from PGK and given a sand coloured baret, the unit is also maritime capable

Units

69th Commando Battalion or VAT 69
Unit Tindakan Khas (UCK)
Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK)

Paskal

what are these things?

i don't think we have those :armysad: the malaysians special forces are very well equipped.

they look real spiffy, they should send a squad or two to Mindanao, just for combat experience - make em hunt Abu sayyaf terrorist pricks :armywink:

it's a Laser Target Designator...manned by Paskau (Pasukan Khas Udara) TUDM. They also have Sub-Skimmer of different version than those used by Paskal (Pasukan Khas Laut) TLDM. One thing i do notice is, it seems that alls their elite force from Army, Air Force, Navy and even those from the police are air, land and sea capable.

Sat, 29 Apr 2000

KL to build rapid-force camp

The camp in Mersing will have sophisticated training
facilities which will help upgrade the training of army
commandos, says defence minister

PEKAN (Pahang) -- The government has agreed in principle to
build a new Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) camp in Mersing,
Johor, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said
yesterday.

He said the camp, estimated to cost RM250 million (S$112
million), would be built under the Eighth Malaysia Plan.

The camp's master plan had been completed, he told reporters
after presenting diplomas, green berets and commando daggers
to an officer and 172 soldiers who completed a three-month
basic commando training, here.

Datuk Najib said the proposed camp would have sophisticated
training facilities in efforts to upgrade the training and
skills of army commandos.

According to the Malaysian armed forces website, the
country's rapid deployment force was declared operational in
1995, saying that it was the first of its kind in the
region.

The size of a brigade, the unit was unveiled for the first
time in a major exercise which involved all three services
of the armed forces that year.

The aim of the exercise was to showcase the brigade's
capability in conducting an airborne assault on an enemy
held objective and seizing it.

The decision to form a rapid deployment force was taken in
the mid-80s when it was realised that a small well trained
unit, capable of being rapidly deployed within the country's
borders was needed to boost the combat capability of the
army.

The unit would also be able to provide the army with a
number of flexible options in times of crisis.

Speaking to reporters, Datuk Najib said that the Malaysian
government would continue to give attention to boost the
capabilities of the rapid deployment force.

"On the whole, the government is satisfied with the
performance of the army commandos. We believe their role is
valuable in whatever situation," Datuk Najib said.

The minister said the diplomas received by the trainees were
recognised by other countries having rapid deployment forces
as the training given in Malaysia was on par with them.

"We can take pride in the level of difficulties we have set
for our commandos. We'll absorb them later in our missions
to Bosnia or Somalia," he added. -- Bernama...

Police mulls training complex for rapid deployment force - Bakri

IPOH Dec 8 - The Royal Malaysia Police plan to build a training complex for the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) in Sepang, Selangor, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Omar said Monday.

He said the complex would have a site for the force to undergo specialised training to upgrade their capabilities to face whatever eventualities.

"I hope plans to build the complex will receive due consideration from the government," he told reporters after presenting berets to 42 RDF personnel who completed their basic training in Hulu Kinta, near here.

Bakri said the cost of the complex had yet to be decided as the police were waiting for the government's decision.

"It's appropriate we have a specially trained elite force to face threats and to provide protection to the country's leaders when the need arises," he said.

He said Malaysia's RDF was on par with that of the United States.

"What needs to be emphasised is that RDF operatives must undergo continued training to upgrade their skills and to ensure the force's state of readiness," he said.

To assist RDF operatives in discharging their duties efficiently, the government approved RM3.5 million this year to buy sniper rifles with their accessories, he added.

8 RANGER (AIRBORNE)

Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban
which means "fight till death"

HISTORY OF THE RANGER REGIMENT

It all began in 1862 when the Sarawak Rangers were formed by Sir James Brooke as the Sarawak Peace keeping force. It was not until WWII (1941) and the Emergency (1948) that the Iban soldiers that made up the rangers were taken in by the British Goverment to help out in peninsular Malaya. This group of Iban trackers were highly praised by Sir Gerald Templer (1953) for their ability and professionalism in tracking. Sir Gerald Templer once wrote, "The Ibans are the world's best jungle trackers I have come across. They served the country admirably and I have much respect for them". On 15 September 1963, the Sarawak Rangers was disbanded and seconded into the Malaysian Armed Forces after the birth of Malaysia when Sarawak joined Malaysia. This unit was named 1 Rangers Malaysia with the majority of its members from the natives of Sarawak. At about the same time, 2 Rangers Malaysia was formed where its members were mainly from the natives of Sabah.

MULTI-RACIAL UNIT

Today the Ranger units comprises of multi-racial members. The natives of Sarawak and Sabah are the Ibans, Bidayuh, Kadazan, Bajau, Kayan, Kelabit, Kenyah, Bisayah, Lundayah, Murut and others. Together with the Malays, Chinese and Indians, the Ranger Regiment potrays a unique mix of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

IDEAL JUNGLE FIGHTERS

When they joined the British Forces, the Rangers had already established themselves as great trackers. This skills, knowledge and expertise are put to great use in the war against the communist terrorist (CT) in the jungles of Malaya. The CT move in small units, carry out hit and run attacks in towns and then retreat back into the safety of the jungles. The Iban soldiers who grew up in the jungles of Sarawak, (who had learned the skills of tracking from their father for hunting animals from a very young age) were indispensible in this type of warfare. Their ability to track down enemies in the jungles, move fast, and survive for weeks in the jungle without having to come out for food supplies were unique, and they proved to be extremely successful. This is evident from the number of successful missions recorded and the numerous awards for bravery.

GOING AIRBORNE

With the diminishing threat of the Communist Party of Malaya, and forseeing the ending of guerilla warfare in jungles of Malaysia, the infantry units began assuming a different role; that was defending the sovereignty and borders of the country. Newer developments in military strategy called for units that were highly mobile and that could be rapidly deployed to any part of the country where needed. 8 Ranger was chosen as one of the units to join the Airborne Brigade (Rapid Deployment Force). When I joined the unit in 1989, it was still undergoing the training and conversion phase. A member of the Australian Army Technical Advisory Group was attached to the unit providing further assistance and technical advice.

MY RANGER EXPERIENCE 1989/90

It was indeed a change for me, from the quiet life in Temenggor, (Batalion Infantri 303), to the active and highly spirited 8 Ranger unit in Melaka. My duties at the clinic was the same as my previous unit. There were however some extra duties from time to time; like going on 'training exercise' with 8 Ranger, or to stand in for some other doctors for the other units who were going on exercise. This had allowed me to travel to quite a number of places in Malaysia where the soldiers were involved in the exercise. On some exercise I had to walk a lot, in others I travelled in an Army jeep, truck or ambulance.



It also gave me the opportunity to fly in a C-130, which was quite an experience. Thankfully there were no serious accidents while I was on duty, only some sprained ankles from bad landing. It was not only their rifles that the paratroopers carry when they jumped off the plane. Some even had to jump with heavy machine-guns, mortar-launchers and anti-tank weapons. It was not an easy task.



The favourite areas for paratrooper training were the paddy fields in Melaka and Sabah (with the beautiful Mount Kinabalu as the back-drop) and the tobacco fields in Kelantan. It was like a carnival sometimes with the village folks coming out and gathering to watch the paratroopers raining down from the skies.



Another experience that I will remember 8 Ranger was the 'esprit de corps' feeling inculcated in the unit. It was a feeling of brotherhood, where the members of the unit will go all out to help the others who needed it, whether in training, at war or in peace time. I believe that was what made the unit such a successful one and I was proud to be given the opportunity to be part of that team.

'Only a mad man jumps out of a flying servicable aircraft'
- a pilot said that (boy is he wrong!).
ONLY THE BRAVEST!





HEROES OF 8 RANGER

KANANG ak LANGKAU from Simanggang (Sri Aman), Sarawak stands out as the greatest of the war heroes in the Malaysian Armed Forces history. He won two of the nation's highest award for bravery. He was awarded the Pingat Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) for his efforts in tracking and destroying the enemy in Korbu Reserved Forest, Sg. Siput, Perak in 1979. A year later, Sergeant Kanang was awarded the Pingat Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), the highest award for bravery for his effort in February 1980 for successfully engaging and destroying the enemy after tracking them for eleven days in the jungles of Tanah Hitam, Perak. He had since retired from service as Warrant Officer I.

The Senoi Praaq: Malaysia's Killer Elite



The Senoi Praaq is a Malaysian special forces unit originally created in 1956 by the British colonial authorities to fight communism during the Malayan Emergency. The term "Senoi Praaq," which roughly translates as "war people," stems from the Semai language and is the basis of a colorful legend in Malaysia. The unit is largely comprised of non-Malay tribal peoples known collectively as the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia. Jumper details Senoi Praaq inception as a private army and its subsequent development into an affiliate of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) in this fast paced and often graphic account of irregular warfare as it applies to counterinsurgency.

The unit began as a creature of British Military Intelligence and fought in the deep jungle as Special Air Service (SAS) protégés, eventually replacing the latter upon Malaysian independence from Great Britain. They then served as mercenaries employed by the United States Central Intelligence Agency in Vietnam and later fought on Borneo during Malaysia's own undeclared war with Indonesia. Today the unit remains under arms and heads up a large paramilitary apparatus maintained in conjunction with conventional military forces. Malaysia's capacity to project force throughout South East Asia should not be underestimated, Jumper warns. The Senoi Praaq is a unique fighting force upon which Malaysia may rely to preserve her sovereignty.

Philippines is no match to malaysian special forces, these people are very modern and well funded and they also have combat experience. I dont think the Philippines have those equipment for their special forces. Its very expensive. Only rich nations like Malaysia can afford topgrade equipment.

Yiyiyi,

Our Spec Ops are at par with them in terms of weapons, tactics and even a lot better in terms of experience. Except for the laser target designator, nothing much is so unfamiliar with our own.

A lot of our PMAers have also been sent to Fort Benning. Some of our SWAGs even carry the US SEAL badge. The US even prefers to train with us often.





Spiderweb6969,

How come you know much about the Malaysians? :armycheers:

They have to, they consider Malaysia as a possible threat as well as their other neighbors. You got to know your enemy and how to best counter their special capabilities.

That's the setback when you're a country fully equipped, you don't trust anyone anymore. The logic behind the arms race in the region.

x2

:rifle:

YiYiYi whatever yor shitass name means... our spec-ops are highly trained and are probably the most experienced operators in the world and they are also the best equipped soldiers of the AFP. have you seen our LRC, hell i bet not... they are trained and equipped by the US, they have same equiment the US spec-ops use.
you should be carefull what you post in here, your very lucky our moderators havent blocked you yet...
so watch out cuz im cool :armycool: