Malaysian Armed Forces Technology Transformation

Seventy-five years have passed since the Malaysian Army was formed, but transformation continues for the army as it prepares itself for new military technologies future warfare. The army is evolving into a full-fledged, lean conventional fighting force merged with the inherent jungle fighting capability that it has retained. Now, oldest of the three services of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the army has since the 1980s, evolved out of the “force expansion” mode into one of capability building. Much has been done in this regard: mechanisation, the establishment of conventional warfare oriented arms such as the 10 Para Brigade and PAC (Rapid Deployment Force), GAPU (Air Defence Artillery Group) and PUTD (Army Air Wing) with the acquisition of the multi-launch rocket system (MLRS), light observation helicopter (LOH) and main battle tank (MBTs), among other assets. Much has changed since the end of the Malaysian Army’s counter insurgency days.

As it celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 1, 2008, the Malaysian Army remains in a process of transition as it adapts to new concepts and technologies in order to remain relevant, fully aware that military organisations need to transform continually in order to adapt to emerging operational scenarios and foreseeable threats. The role of the army in the defence of Malaysia has taken on greater significance given the dynamic global security landscape. One of the army’s main challenges is to continue to excel in its core competencies as well as to be ready at all times to act against new forms of threats whether conventional or asymmetrical.

Currently, the Malaysian government is engaged in an extended modernisation programme for the army and the rest of the armed forces. The objective is to transform the army from what has been counter insurgency warfare (CIW) force into one that is oriented toward conventional warfare. The focus is on boosting operational readiness. The army is also working towards becoming a lean and versatile instrument of national defence policy and strategy, capable of effectively carrying out its missions in a variety of military and security situations. To this should be added missions of an international or multilateral nature, whether peacekeeping, peace enforcement or humanitarian relief. In this regard, the army has been especially well disposed, the result of the country’s consistent commitment to internationalism, a commitment established ever since the army’s inaugural participation in the United Nations’ operations in the Congo (UNOC, 1960-1963).

The Army has put in place a strategic development plan for the army called “ARMY 2 10 PLUS 10” (Army Two Ten Plus Ten) which means two years to consolidate the present force, developing the consolidated present force until 2010 and subsequently the development of the intermediate force until 2020. The development and design of the objective force will be done after 2020. This comprehensive development plan is formulated based on the reality and trend of the defence budget as well as other constraints. This plan includes a strategy for the defence of homeland mass, present force capabilities, the design of the future force and a comprehensive implementation plan.

New Capabilities

Much of the arms contracts for 2008 were signed during the Defence Services Asia 2008 exhibition held in Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur in April. One of Malaysian biggest conglomerate, DRBHicom Bhd has signed four contracts worth some US$170 million with the government to supply and refurbish land-based vehicles for the military. DRB-Hicom, wholly owned subsidiary DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) signed the agreements to supply 48 units of armoured carrier vehicle 300 Adnan and eight units of ACV-S 120mm mortar carrier for the Malaysian army.

The army is operating some 200 Adnan armoured vehicle, which was manufactured by FNSS of Turkey. Half of the armoured vehicles were assembled locally by Deftech. The company will also supply 87 units of three-tonne Hicom Handalan II GS Cargo trucks for the army. Meanwhile, Deftech’s wholly-owned unit Defence Services Sdn Bhd (DSSB) entered into an agreement with the government for the refurbishment of 21 units of Scorpion and 13 units of Stormer vehicles. The army, in the meantime, is inducting the 48 PT-91M main battle tanks purchased from Poland. By next year, the full complement of the 11th Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps will be operational together with its support vehicles six WZT-4 armoured recovery vehicles, three MID-M armoured engineer vehicles and five PMC-90 Leguan armoured vehicle launcher bridges.