Minister Outlines Future Acquisitions
Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Hishammuddin Hussein, has revealed more details about ongoing and future military acquisition programmes, as the country’s armed forces seek to modernise and bolster their capabilities.
Speaking at DSA 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, Hussein said that the Malaysian Army will acquire new APCs for its Malaysian Battalion 850 (MALBATT 850) peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFILP). He also confirmed army plans to buy logistic support bridges, 155mm SPHs, 3t GS cargo trucks for mobility and logistics, and light anti-tank weapons for the special forces.
Referring to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), the minister noted that the new assets in the pipeline include three AW139 utility helicopters – to be acquired under the Maritime Operations Helicopter (MOH) programme – and three more Littoral Mission Ships (LMS). The latter will part of a second batch, to be equipped with “more sophisticated weapon systems” to complement the service’s four Chinese-made LMS, all of which are operational. Hussein said the LMS ‘Batch II’ procurement is planned for next year, pending approval from the country’s Economic Planning Unit (EPU). He also confirmed that the navy has begun acquiring 13 fast interceptor craft for littoral operations.
As for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the minister pointed out that the Fighter Lead-In Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) programme is under way to replace the service’s ageing Hawk Mk 108/208 light attack/training aircraft by 2026, its MB-339CM jet trainers by 2030, and the MiG-29N/UB that ceased operations in 2017.
A total of 36 new FLIT/LCA platforms are to be acquired in two phases, each of 18 aircraft. The new platforms, which are expected to be used in close air support, battlefield air interdiction, interception, and training roles, are intended to equip one FLIT and two LCA squadrons. The programme is part of the service’s ‘Capability Development Plan 2055’ (CAP55): a long-term force structure transformation and modernisation plan. In addition, the minister said plans are in place to procure three long-range as well as several medium-range air defence radars, MPAs, and UAS, including ISR-capable MALE UAVs.
Malaysia has not yet selected a new aircraft type to meet a pressing requirement for maritime surveillance capabilities, especially in the South China Sea. Instead, the service is having three of its CN-235-220M transport aircraft converted into MPAs by PTDI in Indonesia. The conversion is funded by the United States under Washington’s Maritime Security Initiative, and features the AIMS-ISR mission management system developed by CarteNav.
Hussein also pointed out that the RMAF is in the process of leasing four AW139 helicopters under the ‘Government Operate, Company Own and Maintain (GOCOM)’ process. The medium-lift aircraft are being leased from local company Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd as a stop-gap measure, until the RMAF acquires other platforms to replace its decommissioned S-61 Sea King Nuri aircraft.
Plans for these other platforms are already in place, said Hussein, pointing out that Putrajaya is aiming to procure 24 new helicopters from 2026. According to the minister, 12 are to be bought during the 13th (2026-2030) and the remaining 12 under 14th (2031-2035) ‘Malaysia Plans’.
The service currently operates 12 H225M transport helicopters, which it bought in 2010 after the fatal crash of a Sea King in 2007. It also fields the S-70A in VIP transport configuration.
Gabriel Dominguez in Kuala Lumpur for MON
