Malaysian Armed Forces, updates, discussions

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

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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.

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

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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

[Duminus]

Interesting info about our neigbor's SF:

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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

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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.

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PASKAU - Pasukan Khas Udara TUDM

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














Paskal with sub-skimmer

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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

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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)

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Paskal

[didu]

what are these things?

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

[Tormentor]

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