Malaysian Armed Forces
Malaysian Armed Forces | |
---|---|
Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (Malay) | |
Founded | 1 March 1933 |
Service branches | |
Headquarters | Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim |
Prime Minister | Anwar Ibrahim |
Minister of Defence | Mohamed Khaled Nordin |
Chief of Defence Forces | General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman |
Personnel | |
Military age | 18 |
Available for military service | 15,919,573, age 18–49 (2023 est.) |
Fit for military service | 13,209,858, age 18–49 (2023 est.) |
Reaching military age annually | 541,943 (2023 est.) |
Active personnel | 113,000[1][2] |
Reserve personnel | 51,600[1][2] |
Expenditures | |
Budget | RM 19.7 billion (US$4.37 billion)
(FY2024) Aegis Malinnov |
Foreign suppliers | |
Related articles | |
History | Military history of Malaysia |
Ranks | Military ranks of Malaysia |
The Malaysian Armed Forces (Abbr.: MAF;
Background
Malaysia's armed forces were created from the unification of military forces which arose during the first half of the 20th century when Malaya and Singapore were the subjects of British colonial rule, before Malaya achieved independence in 1957. The primary objective of the armed forces in Malaysia is to defend the country's sovereignty and protect it from any and all types of threats.[5]
It is responsible for assisting civilian authorities to overcome all international threats, preserve public order, assist in natural disasters and participate in national development programs. It is also sustaining and upgrading its capabilities in the international sphere to uphold the national foreign policy of being involved under the guidance of the United Nations (UN).
Theater of operation
The main theaters of operations were within Malaysian borders, primarily to fight an
- First Emergency (1948–1960)
- An guerrilla war with the Malayan National Liberation Armyorganised by the CPM against the British and Malayan administration.
- An
- Piracy in the Sulu Sea) (1962–present)
- Congo Peacekeeping Mission (1960–1962)
- A contingent of 1,947 personnel were dispatched as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo or ONUC. This contingent was known as the Malayan Special Force to the Congo and their experiences there were later recounted through the drawings of the cartoonist, Rejabhad.
- Sarawak Communist Insurgency(1963–1990)
- An guerrilla war of the Sarawak Communist Organisation (from 1971, the North Kalimantan Communist Party or NKCP) against the British and Malaysian governments to establish an independent nation comprising the states of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. The insurgency ended when the NKCP signed a peace treaty with the Malaysian government in 1990.
- An
- Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation(1963–1966)
- An intermittent armed conflict between Malaysia and Indonesia with skirmishes mainly occurring in Sarawak and Sabah in the island of Borneo. In 1964, armed raids were made on Peninsular Malaysia. Combat eased with the deposing of Indonesia's President Sukarno in 1965 by the Indonesian army and the conflict was declared over by both sides in 1966.
- Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89)
- A low level resurgence of insurgent activity by the armed elements of the CPM from sanctuaries in the Malaysian-Thai border. The insurgency was only ended after the CPM signed a peace treaty with the Governments of Malaysia and Thailand on 2 December 1989.
- Iran/Iraq Border (1988–1991)
- Participated as part of the UN Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) to supervise the Iran–Iraq Warceasefire.
- Participated as part of the
- Namibia (1989–1990)
- Contributed a battalion to the UN Transition Assistance Group(UNTAG) to supervise Namibia's elections and transition to independence.
- Contributed a battalion to the
- Western Sahara (1991–present)
- A contingent of observers under the Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to help implement a ceasefire between the Polisario Front & Moroccoand help promote a referendum on the area's future.
- A contingent of observers under the
- Angola (1991–1995)
- A contingent was sent under the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II(UNAVEM II) to enforce the ceasefire in the Angolan civil war.
- A contingent was sent under the
- Iraq/Kuwait Border (1992–2003)
- A contingent was sent under the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission(UNIKOM) to monitor the demilitarised zone along the Iraq-Kuwait border, deter border violations and report on any hostile action.
- A contingent was sent under the
- Cambodia (1992–1993)
- An observer team was sent under the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia(UNTAC) to aid in the administration of Cambodia and to organise and run elections.
- An observer team was sent under the
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (1993–1998)
- A peacekeeping contingent known as MALBATT Command (Malaysia Battalion) was sent initially under the Stabilisation Force(SFOR) until 1998. Up to 8,000 troops were eventually deployed in this theatre of operations.
- A peacekeeping contingent known as MALBATT Command (Malaysia Battalion) was sent initially under the
- Liberia (1993–1997)
- An observer team of 3 officers was sent under the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) and the Liberian National Transitional Government to implement peace agreements signed between the warring parties in Liberia.
- An observer team of 3 officers was sent under the
- Somalia (1993–1994)
- A contingent known as MALBATT was sent under the United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) to take appropriate action, including enforcement measures, to establish throughout Somalia a secure environment for humanitarian assistance. During its deployment, MALBATT was involved in the Battle of Mogadishu which saw 1 personnel killed in action and 7 others wounded in action during the relief operations to aid the surrounded troops of the United States' Task Force Ranger. On 18 January 1994, Lieutenant General Abu Samah Bin Abu Bakar was appointed the Commander of UNOSOM II forces. His appointment also saw the United Nations revise the mandate of UNOSOM II to stop using "coercive methods" in the discharge of their duties while retaining "some capability to defend its personnel if circumstances so warrant."[6]
- A contingent known as MALBATT was sent under the
- Mozambique (1993–1995)
- A team of observers were sent under the United Nations Operations in Mozambique(ONUMOZ).
- Lahad Datu standoff (2013)
- Deployed in South Lebanon on peace keeping role at present after the withdrawal of Israeli Military forces early 2007 (Invasion of South Lebanon by Israeli Military). Unit also consist of
- Deployed a contingent called Malaysian Medical Team (MASMEDTIM) to Chaman, Pakistan to treat refugees from Afghanistan during the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
- Deployed approximately a brigade-sized force on islands surrounding Sabah waters in Ops Pasir to prevent the recurrence of 2000 Sipadan kidnappings.
- Deployed a contingent to Aceh after the tsunami disaster in 2004.
- Deployed MASMEDTIM to Pakistan during the 2005 quake.
- Deployed in Southern Philippines as a part of monitoring force agreed upon by both the Philippine Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
- Deployed in East Timor/East Leste together with Australian, Portuguese and New Zealand forces at the request of East Timor Government. The first team of 25 soldiers from 10 Para Brigade, Royal Intelligence Corp and Commando Regiment were deployed on a fact-finding mission before being reinforced by another 209 soldiers. (as at 27 May 2006)
Other limited participation under UNPKO are United Nations International Police Force (UNIPTF) since December 1995; United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since June 1999; United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) since October 1999; United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) since September 1999 and United Nations Organisation Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) since February 2000. 18 Malaysian Armed Forces personnel have been killed during UN peacekeeping operations.
Present development
Malaysian defence requirements are assigned to the Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia – ATM). The armed forces has three branches, the Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia – TDM), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia – TLDM) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia – TUDM). Malaysia does not have conscription, and the required minimum age for voluntary military service is 18.[8]
In the early 1990s, Malaysia undertook a major program to expand and modernise its armed forces. However, budgetary constraints imposed by the 1997 Asian financial crisis held back many of its procurements. The recent economic recovery may lead to a relaxation of budgetary constraints and a resumption of major weapons purchases. In October 2000, the Defence Minister also announced a review of national defence and security policy to bring it up to date. The review addressed new security threats that have emerged in the form of low intensity conflicts, such as the kidnapping of Malaysians and foreigners from resort islands located off the east coast of the state of Sabah and the rising risk of territory disputes with several neighbouring countries. Currently, 1.4% of Malaysia's GDP is spent on the military, and employing 1.23% of Malaysia's manpower.[8] Dr Kogila Balakrishnan is the head of the Defence Industry.
Malaysian Army
Since the recovery from the 1997 economic crisis, the army's modernisation program has gained momentum. The acquisition of Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and modern artillery make the Malaysian Army one of the most potent powers in the region.
Following the completion of the New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) program, RMN has moved on to its next program called the Second Generation Patrol Vessel (SGPV). RMN is also looking to purchase more submarines as well as a batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) namely Keris-class littoral mission ship. RMN also planned to add Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS) for its support role. In addition to this, an upgrade program called Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the aging ships will keep the fleet modern with the latest technologies needed.
Royal Malaysian Air Force
The RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States and Europe. However, limitations imposed by the United States on "new technology" to the region made the RMAF consider purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources. Currently, the RMAF operates a unique mix of American, European and Russian-made aircraft.
Forming of Marine Corps
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said in a statement on 10 October 2013, that Malaysia is planning on establishing a marine corps for amphibious operations.[9] The marine corps will be drawn from all three services. The bulk of it being from one of the three parachute battalions of the 10th Parachute Brigade which will consequently be re-designated as a marine battalion. The 9th Royal Malay Regiment (Airborne) and 8th Royal Ranger Regiment (Airborne) have both conducted amphibious warfare training as a secondary mission such as the CARAT exercise with the US Marine Corps (USMC) and other amphibious exercises also conducted with foreign armed forces.[10]
Defence industry
After independence, Malaysia moved forward by establishing and developing its own defence industry. Malaysia has improved its defence industry through its defence companies by locally manufacturing and producing weapons, such as ammunition, rifles, armoured cars, warships and light aircraft including unmanned aerial vehicles for the armed forces. DefTech, Mildef International Technologies and Weststar Defence Industries are among the local companies that emphasize on the maintenance and manufacturing of military land vehicles and the automotive sector. While the Sapura company focuses more on military electronics and systems integration such as; communication systems, tactical systems, command and control systems, training and simulation systems and surveillance systems.[11] Following the Malaysia's National Defence Policy, Malaysian Armed Forces has adopted locally made weapons such as DefTech ACV-300 Adnan, DefTech AV-8 Gempita, DefTech AV-4 Lipanbara, Weststar GK-M1 and Handalan.[12] In January 2021, Mildef International Technologies has launched its new Mildef Tarantula HMAV intended for the local market and export.[13] At the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022, Mildef International Technologies has launched its second armoured vehicle called the Mildef Rentaka 4x4.[14] Another local company, Cendana Auto also introduced its new Cendana Auto Rover which is ready to deliver to the Malaysian Army.
As a country with vast maritime area, Malaysia has long had a great shipbuilding industry since the Malacca Sultanate. During which, the country had been the main shipbuilders in the region. Nowadays, Malaysia houses many shipbuilding companies, giving it its reputation as a country with great maritime expertise and facilities. Through local companies such as
In the aerospace sector, it is no doubt that Malaysia is one of the aerospace hubs in the region. AIROD is one of the only companies to have received a certificate from the United States (US) based defence company, Lockheed Martin as a C-130 MRO centre outside the US. In 2015, the United States Marine Corps awarded AIROD for MRO operations on its 13 units of C-130 aircraft that were based in Japan.[18] Besides the C-130, AIROD also had an expertise in servicing other types of commercial and military aircraft and had served other customers across the region. Like AIROD, another local aerospace company named ATSC has also played an important role in the aerospace industry in Malaysia. This company focuses more on MRO services for Russian-built aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30, MiG-29 and Mil Mi-17. In 2017, ATSC was awarded a contract to do a major overhaul and upgrade on the RMAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fleet.[19] Since the 1990s, Malaysia, through SME Aerospace and CTRM has been manufacturing aircraft components such as wing parts, nacelles, composites structures and helicopter parts for the Airbus company. These include parts for the A320, A330, A350, A380, A400 and Airbus helicopters.[20] Other than that, SME Aerospace also manufactures pylons for the BAE Systems Hawk AJT for worldwide customers.[21] Although Malaysia does not build major aircraft locally or through any partnerships, Malaysia already has experience in building light aircraft such as the SME Aero Tiga and CTRM Eagle Aircraft Eagle 150. In addition to this, CTRM also builds their indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle called the CTRM Aludra.[22]
In 1969, Malaysia set up a firearms manufacturing company,
Malaysia also has its own defence technology research statutory board. The Science Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) is the statutory board under the Ministry of Defence (Malaysia) and is responsible for performing research and development related to defence technologies for the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Malaysian Armed Forces.[26]
International action
The
Malaysia also actively takes part in international exercises such as CARAT,[28] RIMPAC[29] and COPE.[30] Joint exercises and war games also have been held with Brunei,[31]Indonesia,[32]France[33] and the United States.[34] Besides that, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam have agreed to host joint security force exercises to secure their maritime borders and tackle issues such as illegal immigration, piracy and smuggling.[35][36][37]
Previously, there were fears that extremist militants activities in the Muslim areas of the
Equipment
See also
- Malaysian Army
- Royal Malaysian Navy
- Royal Malaysian Air Force
- Malaysia Coast Guard
- Royal Malaysia Police
- Royal Johor Military Force
- Joint Forces Command
- Malaysian National Service
References
- ^ ISBN 1000910709.
- ^ ISBN 9781032012278.
- ^ Grevatt, Jon; Macdonald, Andrew (28 February 2023). "Malaysia proposes strong budget increase with eye on military procurement". Jane's. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ "Arms Transfers". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
- ISBN 978-1477218440.
- ^ UN Chronicle: "Mandate for UNOSOM II revised; 'coercive methods' not to be used – UN Operation in Somalia emphasizes nation building", June 1994
- ^ "UNIFIL Troop-Contributing Countries". UNIFIL. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Malaysian Military statistics". NationMaster. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ "Malaysia to establish a marine corps, naval base close to James Shoal". IHS Jane's 360. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ^ "US Marines and Malaysian Soldier Completed Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise".
- JSTOR 26459817.
- ^ "An Overview The Malaysian Defence Industry".
- ^ "Unifil Contender Out on Show".
- ^ "DSA 2022 Mildef Rentaka".
- ^ "Defence Industrialisation in Malaysia: Development Challenges and the Revolution in Military Affairs".
- ^ "MRSS As Well, Plan B Shorts - Malaysian Defence".
- ^ "Northern Shipyard from Malaysia finalizes construction of four Manta Mk II patrol boats for Nigerian Navy".
- ^ "Airod secures contract to maintain US Navy aircraft". 9 November 2015.
- ^ "First Overhauled Malaysian Su-30MKM Aircraft to Debut at LIMA 19". Defense Aerospace news, exhibitions, contracts and procurement. 25 March 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ "Airbus to keep growing with Malaysia". Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
- ^ "BAE strengthens ties with SMEA, orders more Hawk parts | The Star". www.thestar.com.my.
- ^ "Pesawat UAV Aludra MK helang perisik ciptaan tempatan" [Aircraft UAV Aludra MK 'eagle' local creation spy] (in Malay). UTUSAN MELAYU. 12 December 2007. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
- ^ "Products and Services". Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
- ^ "BERNAMA - Malaysian-Made Pistol To Enter Market By Year-End". 22 April 2016. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016.
- ^ "Janes - LIMA 2023: Edge signs agreement with Ketech Asia to produce rifles".
- ^ "STRIDE Official Page".
- ^ "Australia says major military exercise underway in Malaysia". My Sinchew. 26 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ "U.S. Sailors and Marines Join the Malaysian Armed Forces for CARAT 2015".
- ^ "A First: Malaysia to Deploy Warship for RIMPAC 2018".
- ^ "Cope Taufan".
- ^ Wood, Daniel (20 April 2014). "Brunei, M'sia train in 11th military exercise". The Brunei Times. Archived from the original on 8 December 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- ^ "Indonesia-Malaysia military exercises must continue – defence minister". ANTARA News. 13 September 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ "French Navy FREMM Provence in ASW Exercise with Royal Malaysian Navy in South China Sea".
- ^ "Malaysia, US armed forces in joint exercise". The Star. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
- ^ "Malaysia, Philippines committed to enhancing border security". My Sinchew. 9 August 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ "Piracy in Southeast Asia: Organised Criminal Syndicates or Small Scale Opportunists?" (PDF). Gray Page. April 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ Carvalho, Martin (15 May 2012). "Malaysia, Thailand military exercise to include other agencies, Asean members". The Star. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- ^ a b Pike, John. "Malaysia Intensifies Border Security Following US Warnings". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ Kent, Jonathan (28 April 2004). "Malaysia ups Thai border security". BBC News. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
Further reading
- Robert Karniol, 'Country Briefing: Malaysia,' Jane's Defence Weekly, 25 November 1995, p. 25–40
External links
- Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters Website.Archived 5 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine.
- Perspective from a military personnel in The Liaison (archived 25 October 2004)
- malaysiandefence.com