Malaysian Army/Land forces discussions

[OPSSG]

The pack howitzers are far more mobile, in particular in the jungle. If necessary, you can even use transport animals to move these in disassembled form (Germany used to do that with the same OTO M56 until the mid-90s), or in theory move them on your soldiers' backs. You can't really do the same with a towed 155mm cannon, or a self-propelled unit.

Chino & Kato thanks for your comments. With regard to Kato's comments on these pack howitzers, I would like to add that they can also be used as direct fire weapons. Therefore they are formidable not only for their mobility, they are also formidable in a prepared defence position. For more information beyond wiki see: http://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/or/vo0443.htm

I hope Kaybee who created a website on the Malaysian Army (see: http://kbmyaf.co.nr) and an expert on the MAF can let us know if the above list is correct.

 

[qwerty223]

The pack howitzers are far more mobile, in particular in the jungle. If necessary, you can even use transport animals to move these in disassembled form (Germany used to do that with the same OTO M56 until the mid-90s), or in theory move them on your soldiers' backs. You can't really do the same with a towed 155mm cannon, or a self-propelled unit.

IIRC the viets carried pieces of the mortar/howitzers by hand into the deep jungle and eventually burn the colonial french's ass.

 

[OPSSG]

Yup qwerty223 is right.

Their FH-70 155 MM HOWITZER has a burst capability of 3 rounds in 15-20 seconds, 6 rounds per minute for a short period and 2 rounds per minute sustained.

They also have recently acquired the DENEL G5 MK 3 155 MM HOWITZER, which has a burst loader and a complete projectile handling system. This system can hold 6 projectiles in 2 layers, and a small crane which can transfer 3 projectiles at a time from a ground pile to the projectile magazine. A unique feature of the system is that a firing mission can be started with one round in the barrel, one on the loading tray, 6 in the magazine and 3 on the crane. A total of 11 rounds can therefore be fired without any manipulation of ammunition, which is a world first for a towed gun system. It has a firing rate of 6 rounds per minute. With the fully integrated command system and automatic laying system, MRSI (multiple round simultaneous impact) missions can be conducted with minimum operator assistance.

With these 2 types of guns, coupled with their Arthur artillery hunting radar (which Singapore also uses), they are capable of counter battery fire (if it is within range).

 

[weasel1962]

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[swerve]

Actually the 105mm in MA service comprises a number of differing types. There's the model 56 pack howitzer (92-150) which was purchased in 1962 from the UK,

It's an Italian (Oto Melara) product. Perhaps they were from British army stocks.

 

[weasel1962]

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[Mr Ignorant]

In reality we could do with a few more of everything. Peacetime, we're operating standalone half strength Battalions, 105mm Arty are the Oto Melaras, Heavy lift helos are falling from the Sky, Inducting new tank regiments, still in need of outstanding MICVs to replace the 450 plus Condor APCs, Steyr replacement (thankful and timely), there is a need to erect a new air defence network, we have to deal with the MILF heating up our borders on the Celebes Seas, etc, etc, etc

The MH777 155mm made by BAE looks perfect for the Malaysian Army. But still Artillery warfare is a different approach. I doubt if the MAF needs to field more arty, the otos can still work and more importantly can be dismantled and carried by troops. But it would be nice to see an equipment transition for the MAF. Eventually we'll need to replace all the remaining SIkorskys and look into the possibility of operating Chinooks as well.

Anyway, it's all pie in the sky right now.

 

[weasel1962]

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[Twister]

It's look like MAF in process eveluate some new Artillery system especially for SPH system.

While Denel product seem to have advantage, some asset consider in MAF list such as France CAESER & PRC 155mm SPH.

 

[Twister]

Maf Apc

MAF also now eveluate some 8 x 8 APC to replace Condor.

It's believe MAF has been testing some of potential candidate, which is Turkish FNSS PARS. Swedish Mowag Piranha & Finnish LAV Mk. III.

 

[DavidDCM]

The third candidate is the Polish KTO Rosomak, which is a licenced copy of the Patria AMV.
But both the projects that you mentioned are on hold at the moment and will not be funded before 2011. The trials for the 8x8 APC were held in 2006 I think, and the Cesar light SPH was trialed a couple of years ago.

 

[Twister]

How about ex-Soviet variant such as Russian BTR-90 & Ukrainian BTR-3U?

Do they have any potential to be?

 

[DavidDCM]

In theory of course they could do, but Malaysia seems to want a Western vehicle. Thailand against that ordered 96 BTR-3E1, but they openly admitted that their they only bought it because it was the cheapest contender. Western vehicles are often better protected (esp. against mine threats), offer more comfort, but are more expensive. Malaysia wants to replace the Condor and the Sibmas, at least partially.

 

[eckherl]

MAF also now eveluate some 8 x 8 APC to replace Condor.

It's believe MAF has been testing some of potential candidate, which is Turkish FNSS PARS. Swedish Mowag Piranha & Finnish LAV Mk. III.

If they go the Mowag way then the General Dynamics European division will really be celebrating, especially after the announcement that the Swiss is purchasing over two hundred 6X6 and 8X8 with NBC variant models.

 

[Waylander]

Oh what a surprise, the Swiss order Piranhas...

Piranha might be really interesting as it is so widely used these days that getting spare parts for a good price shouldn't be a problem for a long time.

And one can bet that most integrations of new systems are already done by somebody else (the bigger users) which would make upgrading them alot easier.

 

[kato]

Well, iirc the competitor for the NBC vehicles was a kit on the also Swiss-built DURO 6x6... (in cooperation with Rheinmetall).

 

[Twister]

If looking past current 15 years, MAF seem keen to buy Russian or ex-soviet design asset with western config technologies.

Su-30MKM & PT-91M was a good example. Both using western technologies.

 

[eckherl]

Well, iirc the competitor for the NBC vehicles was a kit on the also Swiss-built DURO 6x6... (in cooperation with Rheinmetall).

Should also be the case with the 8X8 NBC recon models also correct.

 

[kato]

Iirc yes, Rheinmetall pretty much has the local market for NBC recon equipment cornered (in Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria...).
The original Swiss planning called for 12 Duro IIIP 6x6 as NBC labs (4 N, 4 B, 4 C) and 12 Piranha 8x8 as SIBCRA/Recon vehicles for each of the two battalions. No idea if they're still buying the Duros or using Piranhas instead for that role, i think there was some questioning of that. Rheinmetall was iirc also originally offering a package solution not based on Piranha at all.

http://www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/vt...ile.tmp/20080930kompzenabcnews2008broschd.pdf
(in German; see page 5)

 

[kotay]

MAF also now eveluate some 8 x 8 APC to replace Condor.

It's believe MAF has been testing some of potential candidate, which is Turkish FNSS PARS. Swedish Mowag Piranha & Finnish LAV Mk. III.

Not meaning to be a wet blanket ... but didn't the Sibmas/Condor 8x8 replacement project get put on hold due to the economic crisis?

It's now slated for the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011 - 2015)

The New Straits Times - Armoured vehicles project deferred to 10th Malaysia Plan