Malaysian Army/Land forces discussions

[DavidDCM]

Permanently based combat units on Kalimantan are if I remember correctly roughly 10 infantry battalions (including a raider battalion), 2 cavalry detachments, 2 artillery battalions, 2 combat pioneer battalions.
The air force has a Paskhas battalion in Pontianak as well. No Marine Corps units are permanently stationed on Kalimantan if my mind serves me right.

(If PT-91's where in East Malaysia, than only temporarily for training purposes, and even that I would not believe without hard evidence.)

 

[STURM]

No Marine Corps units are permanently stationed on Kalimantan if my mind serves me right.

If I'm not mistaken, Ananda, in response to a question from me, memntioned that there is a Korps Marinir detachment at every TNI-AL naval base.

 

[Ananda]

The air force has a Paskhas battalion in Pontianak as well. No Marine Corps units are permanently stationed on Kalimantan if my mind serves me right.

(If PT-91's where in East Malaysia, than only temporarily for training purposes, and even that I would not believe without hard evidence.)

From what I gather from TNI-AL standard personal on each Naval Base, they do maintain at least a unit of Marines in each Naval Based.

In terms of PT-91, TNI-AD are gathering public support for MBT procurement and other expensive toys like Caesar Truck Mounted 155 mm gun. They have to portrait that TNI-AD equipment are behind the regional neighbors. However some General tend to be a little bit vulgar

The Kalimantan land border is an ideal place to show how TNI-AD equipment need to be beef-up to keep parity with neighbor equipment. They can't say they do not have parity with the other land-border. After all what Parity they can be argue against East Timor or Papua New Guinea

 

[STURM]

I think there are several factors at play here.

First of all, the top brass of the TNI-AD feel there is a genuine need to modernise the TNI-AD [and righfully so] as it remains largely equipped and structured to perform low intensity or counter insurgency work [we often forget that from the 1950's the TNI-AD was kept very busy with numerous bush wars fought against various groups throughout the achipelago]. As there is only so much cash to go around, each of the 3 services of the TNI are lobbying to ensure they get their slice of the pie, with each service having their own backers.

Secondly, having seen Sipadan and Ligatan awarded to Malaysia by the ICJ, the last thing the politicans want to see happen next is losing Ambalat, or part of it. Recent events in the Ambalat area in recent years, serve as a very useful justification by the top brass of the TNI and certain polticans to justify the purchase of stuff like MBTs, fighters, etc. And of course, statements by a number of 'nationalists' and and self proclaimed 'experts' concerning Malaysia's 'provocative' actions have also helped.

Malaysia, in contrast has been very silent with regards to beefing up its military presence in Sabah. Apart from a statement by the Malaysian army that additional units are needed in East Malaysia, as a single division is insufficient, and the order for a 3rd ASTROS regiment that will reportedly be based in Sabah, there has been no other news concerning additionnal military assets for East Malaysia.

 

[DavidDCM]

I wouldn't give too much weight to the voices of such groups like hardcore nationalists or dubious defence experts. Such group surely exist in Malaysia as well. But they go unheard due to the short leash which the government keeps on the media.

The TNI modernization is just the way things go. The political class and the military top brass of Indonesia are pragmatic enough not to be pushed by those nationalist groups. But when all your neighbouring countries ramp up on tanks (Malaysia, Singapore and Australia all bought new main battle tanks within the last five years. Thailand as a "semi-neighbour" also plans to do so) then you have to react in some way. Just to keep the balance. Especially as the biggest country in the region.

 

[STURM]

Such group surely exist in Malaysia as well. But they go unheard due to the short leash which the government keeps on the media.

No, similar groups do not exist in Malaysia and it has absolutely nothing to do with a 'short leash' imposed on the media by the government - other much more 'sensitive' issues, that are actually damaging to the government, have been given coverage by the mainstream press. Apart from a few opinions expressed in Malaysian forums/blogs from people who have no idea what they are talking about or people who expressed concerns that increased tensions could lead to war, there have been no similar statements made by any Malaysian 'experts' from think tanks or universities and there have been practically no anti-Indonesian demonstrations by anyone. Compare this to the Indonesian reaction during the Ambalat crisis, where politicans and 'experts' presented their views on prime time T.V. and where TNI officers were interviewed saying that they were ready to 'defend' the country against the 'intruding' Malaysians. Not to mention the demonstrations and the incident when an RMAF C-130 that delivered humanitarian aid to Padang in 2009 was pelted by stones. This sharp contrast is simply because the majority of Malaysians couldn't care less and are complacent when it comes to national security - most don't even know about Ambalat or bilateral problems the country has!

The political class and the military top brass of Indonesia are pragmatic enough not to be pushed by those nationalist groups.

There has been reports that demonstrations in the past by 'nationalist' groups, including the previously unkown Bendera group, have been funded by certain politicans or inviduals with political connections for domestic political reasons. The TNIs top brass off course have more sense than to be swayed by anyone but all this stuff about 'provocative' actions by Malaysia serves as a very useful platform to justify and lobby for funding to buy new gear.

Just to keep the balance. Especially as the biggest country in the region.

Off course, Indonesia has a perfectly legitimate need to modernise the TNI. And it can be argued that the TNI is in much greater need of modernisation as unlike the MAF, which at least went through a rapid modernisation period in the 1990's and a few years ago, has been largely starved of funds to buy new gear, untill recently.

 

[DavidDCM]

You're throwing a few things together here. When a Indonesian politician uses strongman tactics and orchestrates an anti-Malaysian demonstration to gain something within the domestic arena, it does not say anything about the general sentiment within Indonesia. The people in Indonesia are equally clueless and complacent in regards to Malaysia. The pemuda masjid groups in Jakarta that are often the core of such demonstrations know nothing about Ambalat as well, or about Malaysia in general, but they are given a few dollars to rally at the Malaysian embassy and make some noise. It would be a question for the political sciences why this does not occur in Malaysia at the moment, but it's not a general statement about the political situation in both countries, and does not prove that such a thing does not exist or could not happen in Malaysia as well.

One reason is that in Malaysia, the political discourse is much more directed towards purely domestic issues like the ketuanan Melayu topic or BN vs opposition. So rallying against Indonesia does not give Malaysian politicians much to gain. Indonesia against that has much less domestic issues, for example the political divide between parties in Indonesia is not very harsh, so some politicians think it is easier to distinguish themselves for the voters by ranting against Malaysia rather than focusing on domestic issues.

 

[STURM]

You're throwing a few things together here. When a Indonesian politician uses strongman tactics and orchestrates an anti-Malaysian demonstration to gain something within the domestic arena, it does not say anything about the general sentiment within Indonesia. The people in Indonesia are equally clueless and complacent in regards to Malaysia.

Off course I'm throwing a few things together but that's because they are related. I was not suggesting that the behaviour of certain people reflects the general sentiment in Indonesia as the people involved in the demonstrations were a very small fraction of Indonesia's 200 odd million population and off course, the majority of Indonesians have better things to be concerned about. The point I'm trying to make is that percentage wise, based on the respective populations of both countries, a majority of Indonesians, though they may be ''clueless and complacent'' in certain matters, as you indicated, have a much stronger sense of awareness over key national issues involving foreign countries, than the average Malaysian. One of the main reasons is because both countries very have different historical backgrounds/experiences and this is precisely the reason why the TNI occupies a more prominent place in Indonesia and is much more of a national institution than the MAF is in Malaysia. Also keep in mind that there are several longstanding issues that have strained bilateral ties in the past, not just the Ambalat issue, and because of this, reaction against Indonesia tends to be more intense or of a greater ferocity that it would have, had a dispute occured with another country.

One reason is that in Malaysia, the political discourse is much more directed towards purely domestic issues like the ketuanan Melayu topic or BN vs opposition. So rallying against Indonesia does not give Malaysian politicians much to gain. Indonesia against that has much less domestic issues, for example the political divide between parties in Indonesia is not very harsh, so some politicians think it is easier to distinguish themselves for the voters by ranting against Malaysia rather than focusing on domestic issues.

In the very unlikely event that the Malaysian government decided to mobolise public opinion against Indonesia or any other country due to bilateral issues, it would never work as the majority of Malaysians are more concerned about domestics issues that directly effect them. It has nothing to do with the government deciding that nothing would be gained from embarking on such a move but the realisation that no large scale support would be received from the public. Thousands of Malaysians may and have gathered in public for demonstrations over certain domestic issues but they would never gather in the same numbers for a demonstration against a foreign country - unless things had reached a very serious level. If it was up to them, a large part of the poplation would welcome cuts in the defence budget and the postponment of major defence deals - irrespective of whether the MAF was in desperate need of new equipment - to fund more schools, bridges, roads, etc!

 

[YZAL]

Semboyan

Hello everyone! Am new to this site but need assistance. My father, Abdul Latif Mohd Noor (now aged 78) served with the Malayan Special Forces (MSF) to Congo/Zaire in 1960 under "Semboyan". He was in the first batch that was sent to Congo/Zaire under the UN. He left after serving only 7 years as a Technician in the Army. He's now looking for his old army buddies (Mahpol, Jeram, Jamaluddin, Major Krishnan, etc). So does anyone out there knows someone who might know my father? Thanks!

Mechanised BIS
: Each battalion would have about 88 armoured vehicles of various types.
: Similar to BIS, each battalion consists of 6 companies.
: A company has strength of 14 armoured vehicles and organized into 3 platoons.
: A mechanized platoon comprises of 3 Armoured Personnel Carriers and an Armoured Command Vehicle.
: Each APC is a section and carries 8 soldiers normally equipped with HMG, cannon or AGL to provide direct fire support.

3rd Division CAD
: The development is to equip 3rd Division into a full fledge Combined Arms Division.
: When completed, this division will comprise of an armoured brigade (1st Brigade), a mechanized infantry brigade (4th Brigade) and a motorized infantry brigade (7th Brigade).
: The final composition of 1st Armoured Brigade is 2 tank regiments and a mechanized battalion.
: A tank regiment, 11th KAD, has been designated and is being equipped with PT-91M Main Battle Tank, forming the basis of the Armoured Brigade.

Proposed AD
: Recently announced is the due formation of an Army Air Calvary.
: The development of this formation proposed to be equipped with utility, support and attack helicopters in the 9th Malaysian Plan and beyond.
: Malaysian Army Aviation proposed to be enlarged to regimental strength with multiple squadrons, forming 882nd and 883rd Air Wing Squadron.
: It is believed that the army is inclined towards Eurocopter Tiger as the platform of choice for an offensive role. Other potential candidates are AH-64 A/D Apache, A129 Mangusta, and AH-1Z Super Cobra.
: The requirement is for 6 attack helicopters to form a Calvary squadron.
: Army Aviation is looking into air lift capability and with Mi-171 identified as a potential candidate but nothing concrete was confirmed.

Locations :
Army Field Command Headquarters (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
Garrison Headquarters (Terendak Camp, Melaka)

1st Division is based in East Malaysia (1st Division Camp, Kuching, Serawak)
4th Royal Armour Corps (Penrissen Camp, Kuching, Sarawak)
1st Division Artillery HQ
6th Royal Artillery Regiment (Lok Kawi Camp, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)
3rd Infantry Brigade (Penrissen Camp, Kuching, Sarawak)
11th Royal Malay Regiment (Semenggo Camp, Kuching, Sarawak)
13th Royal Malay Regiment (Simanggang Camp, Sri Aman, Sarawak)
511th Territorial Army Regiment (Ria Kompleks Camp, Kuching, Sarawak)
5th Infantry Brigade (Lok Kawi Camp, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)
3rd Royal Malay Regiment (Paradise Camp, Kota Belud, Sabah)
7th Royal Malay Regiment (Kabot Camp, Tawau, Sabah)
22nd Royal Malay Regiment (Seri Kinabatangan Camp, Sandakan, Sabah)
507th Territorial Army Regiment (Bukit Perwira Camp, Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah)
516th Territorial Army Regiment (Kukusan Camp, Tawau, Sabah)
9th Infantry Brigade (Oya Camp, Sibu, Sarawak)
20th Royal Malay Regiment (Sri Miri Camp, Miri, Sarawak)
3rd Royal Ranger Regiment (Oya Camp, Sibu, Sarawak)
510th Territorial Army Regiment (Sri Rejang Camp, Sibu, Sarawak)

2nd Division is based in West Malaysia (Jalan Hospital, Ipoh, Perak)
3rd Royal Armour Corps (Lapangan Terbang Camp, Sungai Petani, Kedah)
2nd Division Artillery HQ (Batu Uban Camp, Pulau Pinang)
3rd Royal Artillery Regiment (Kemunting Camp, Taiping, Taiping, Perak)
22nd Royal Artillery Regiment (Taiping, Perak)
5th Royal Artillery Regiment (Desa Pahlawan Camp, Kota Bharu, Kelantan)
2nd Infantry Brigade (Remelies Camp, Ipoh, Perak)
23rd Royal Malay Regiment (Gua Permai Camp, Ipoh, Perak)
2nd Royal Ranger Regiment (Syed Putra Camp, Ipoh, Perak)
9th Royal Ranger Regiment (Taiping Camp, Taiping, Perak)
303rd Territorial Army Regiment (Pengkalan Hulu Camp, Perak)
304th Territorial Army Regiment (Gerik Camp, Perak)
503rd Territorial Army Regiment (Jalan Tambun Camp, Ipoh, Perak)
6th Infantry Brigade (Sungai Layar Canp, Sungai Petani, Kedah)
2nd Royal Malay Regiment - Malaya Tigers (Sungai Ara Camp, Pulau
Pinang)
6th Royal Malay Regiment (Bukit Pinang Camp, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang)
4th Royal Ranger Regiment (Oran Camp, Perlis)
305th Territorial Army Regiment (Bukit Kayu Hitan Camp, Kedah)
504th Territorial Army Regiment (Bukit Keteri Camp, Kangar, Perlis)
509th Territorial Army Regiment (Lebuhraya Peel Camp, George Town,
Pulau Pinang)
513th Territorial Army Regiment (Jalan Kolam Air Camp, Sungai Petani,
Kedah)
8th Infantry Brigade (Pangkalan Chepa Camp, Kota Bharu, Kelantan)
16th Royal Malay Regiment (Desa Pahlawan Camp, Kota Bharu, Kelantan)
18th Royal Malay Regiment (Sri Pantai Camp, Seberang Takir,
K.Terengganu, Terengganu)
21st Royal Malay Regiment (Pengkalan Chepa Camp, Kota Bharu, Kelantan)
5th Royal Ranger Regiment (Desa Pahlawan Camp, Kota Bharu, Kelantan)
301st Territorial Army Regiment (Batu 11 Camp, Kelantan)
302nd Territorial Army Regiment (Batu Melintang Camp, Kelantan)
506th Territorial Army Regiment (Pengkalan Chepa Camp, Kota Bharu,
Kelantan)
512th Territorial Army Regiment (Padang Midin Camp, Kuala Berang,
Terengganu)

3rd Division is based in West Malaysia.
2nd Royal Armour Corps (Sunggala Camp, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan)
3rd Division Artillery HQ
2nd Royal Artillery Regiment (Kluang, Johor)
4th Royal Artillery Regiment (Sikamat Camp, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan)
7th Royal Artillery Regiment (Kuantan, Pahang)
1st Infantry Brigade (Rasah Camp, Seremban, N. Sembilan)
14th Royal Malay Regiment (Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, Negeri
Sembilan)
15th Royal Malay Regiment (Rasah Camp, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan)
24th Royal Malay Regiment (Rasah Camp, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan)
508th Territorial Army Regiment (Jalan Rasah Camp, Seremban, Negeri
Sembilan)
514th Territorial Army Regiment (Para) (Bukit Beruang Camp, Melaka)
7th Infantry Brigade (Mahkota Camp, Kluang, Johor)
61st Royal Artillery Regiment (Mahkota Camp, Kluang, Johor)
33rd Royal Artillery Regiment (Mahkota Camp, Kluang, Johor)
5th Royal Malay Regiment (Batu Tiga Camp, Kluang, Johor)
10th Royal Malay Regiment (Majidee Camp, Johor Bharu, Johor)
1st Royal Ranger Regiment (Majidee Camp, Johor Bharu, Johor)
501st Territorial Army Regiment (Tebrau Camp, Johor Bharu, Johor)
4th Mechanised Brigade (Batu 10 Camp, Kuantan, Pahang)
7th Royal Ranger Regiment (Mech) (Batu 5 Camp, Mentakab, Pahang)
12th Royal Malay Regiment (Mech) (Daralockwood Camp, Kuantan,
Pahang)
19th Royal Malay Regiment (Mech) (Gubir Camp, Sungai Petani, Kedah)
505th Territorial Army Regiment (Mech) (Teluk Sisik Camp, Kuantan,
Pahang)
1st Royal Armour Corps (Batu 10 Camp, Kuantan, Pahang)

4th Division is based in West Malaysia.
11th Infantry Brigade (Sungei Buluh Camp, Selangor)
4th Royal Malay Regiment - Ghurkha Malaya (Tapah Camp, Tapah, Perak)
8th Royal Malay Regiment (Kuala Lipis Camp, Kuala Lipis, Pahang)
25th Royal Malay Regiment (Bentong Camp, Bentong, Pahang)
502nd Territorial Army Regiment (Sungei Buluh Camp, Selangor)
12th Infantry Brigade (Wardieburn Camp, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur)
31st Royal Artillery Regiment (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
1st Royal Malay Regiment Ceremonial (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
6th Royal Ranger Regiment (Wardieburn Camp, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur) / (
Taiping,Perak)
515th Territorial Army Regiment (Ampang Camp, Kuala Lumpur)

Army Headquarters
Garrison Headquarters (Terendak Camp, Melaka)
Special Forces (Iskandar Camp, Mersing, Johor)
11 RGK (Iskandar Camp, Mersing, Johor)
21 KDO (Iskandar Camp, Mersing, Johor)
22 KDO (Iskandar Camp, Mersing, Johor)
51st Royal Artillery Regiment (Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, Negeri
Sembilan)
34th Royal Artillery Regiment (Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, Negeri
Sembilan)
21st Royal Artillery Regiment (Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, Negeri
Sembilan)
10th Paratroopers Brigade (Terendak Camp, Malacca)
1st Royal Armour Regiment (Para) – Integral Squadron (Terendak Camp,
Melaka)
1st Royal Artillery Regiment (Para) – Integral (Terendak Camp, Melaka)
32nd Royal Artillery Regiment (Para) (Terendak Camp, Melaka)
361st Royal Artillery Regiment (Para) (Terendak Camp, Melaka)
8th Royal Ranger Regiment (Para) (Terendak Camp, Malacca)
9th Royal Malay Regiment (Para) – Paratroopers Tigers (Terendak Camp,
Melaka)
17th Royal Malay Regiment (Para) (Terendak Camp, Melaka)

Air wing Support Elements (Mahkota Camp, Kluang, Johor)
881st Squadron Agusta & Alouette
11th Royal Armour Corps (Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, Negeri Sembilan)

41st Royal Artillery Regiment (Ceremonial)

War Dog Branch (Army Combat Training Centre, Ulu Tiram, Johor)
Arms and Explosive Detection Dog (AEDD).
Casualty Recovery Dog (CRD).

Combat Support Elements
Royal Intelligence Corps (Paya Jeras, Sungai Buluh, Kuala Lumpur)
Royal Engineers Regiment
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Corps
Royal Military Police Corps
Royal Signals Regiment

Support Elements
Royal General Services Corps
Royal Medical & Dental Corps
Royal Logistics Corps
Royal Religious Corps
Royal Ordinance Corps

Training Elements
Army Training Headquarters (Imphal Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
Armed Forces Defence College (MPAT) (Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur)
Defence Storage Depot (Sungei Besi, Kuala Lumpur)
Army Institute of Engineering (IJED) (Si Rusa Camp, Negeri Sembilan)
Royal General Services Training Centre (Volturno Camp, Taiping, Perak)
Territorial Army Training Camp (Jalan Tambun Camp, Ipoh, Perak)
Army Engineering School (Mahkota Camp, Kluang, Johor)
Malaysian Army College (Ulu Tiram, Johor)
National Defence Camp (Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur)
Malaysian Army Academy (ATMA) (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
Royal Malaysian College (MTD) (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
Army Intelligence School (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
Army Signalling School (Sungai Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur)
Army Command Training Headquarters (Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur)
Army Military Police School (Padang Tembak, Kuala Lumpur)
Army Medical Centre (Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan)
Army Training Centre (LATEDA) (Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan)
Army Basic Training Centre (PUSASDA) (Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan)
Army Combat Training Centre (Segenting Camp, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan)

ETC.
Some people speculate the existence of
10th Royal Ranger Regiment
5th Royal Armour Corps (unlikely)

2 unknowns in the battle order
1: the true location of 21st Royal Artillery Regiment ((Paroi Camp, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan) or (Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, Negeri Sembilan)
2: Does 10th Paratrooper Brigade falls under 4th Division or Garrison Headquarters

---

Special Operations
: 3 Regiments constructs (11 RGK, 21 KDO and 22 KDO) known and Special Forces Group.
: A separate Special Forces regiment designated as PASKAL whom are the special naval forces.
: A separate Special Forces regiment designated as PASKAU whom are the special air forces.
: PASKAL and PASKAU are generally independent in terms of command and control from general army structure. However, the Malaysia Armed Forces is currently consolidating the elements of GGK, PASKAL and PASKAU into a single Special Forces Command subordinated to the Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters.
: There are discussions regarding reorganising 11th RGK into an Anti-Terrorist Regiment for clearer and a more defined role.

Armour
: There are 5 Armour Regiments under Royal Armour Corps (1-4 & 11).
: A separate squadron 1st Regiment (subset of Regiment) comprises of Scorpion ACVs are assigned to the 10th Paratroopers Brigades.
: Each regiment comprises of 3 combat squadrons, 1 Headquarters squadron and a reserve squadron usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel ranked officer.
: The army is looking for around 800 8 x 8 wheelers with initial purchase of 98 vehicles to equipped one Cavalry Regiment in 9th Malaysian Plan to replace Condor and Sibmas. Vehicles selected for trial are Rosomak Armored Modular Vehicle, Mowag Piranha III-C and FNSS Pars.
: The army is looking a further 100 Main Battle Tanks, an addition of another 2 tank regiments to complete the formation of an armoured brigade.

Artillery
: There are 16+1 Artillery Regiments under Royal Artillery Regiment (Identified Regiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 21, 22, 31, 32, 33, 34, 361, 51, 61 & 41).
: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7th Regiments are Field Artillery Regiments.
: 21 & 22nd Regiments are Support Regiment
: 51st Regiment is Multiple Rockets Launch Artillery Regiment.
: 41st Regiment is for ceremonial purposes.
: 31, 32, 33, 34, 361st Regiments are Air Defence Artillery Regiments.
: 61st Regiment is a Locating Artillery Regiment.
: Each Regiment is believed to have strength of 3 batteries.

: Provision for 105mm howitzer to replace 105mm pack howitzer currently in service.
: The Army is planning to equip the Air Defense Artillery Group with Passive Surveillance System. Three contending systems are Czec's VERA-E, China's YLC-20 and the Russian's Kolchuga-ME.

: Malaysia Army securing up to 8 120mm advanced self-propelled mortar systems to provide organic firepower to the Mechanized Brigade. Two main contender are French TDA 120mm 120R 2M rifled system and Swiss Ruag Bighorn 120mm recoiling mortar system.
: Ruag system was integrated into the FNSS ACS-S.

: Giat 155mm/52-cal Caesar with its combat weight below 18 tones, length of 10m, air-portable, on road speed of 110km and also shoot and scoot capability has been trialled by the Malaysian Army.
: Caesar is the leading candidate for wheeled system to support the 10th Paratroopers Brigade while Samsung Techwin K9 Thunder as the leading candidate for tracked systems to support the Mechanised Brigade.
: Any purchase would probably be enough to form a regiment each.

: 51st Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the 18 Avibras (ASTROS II MLRS) Keris 300mm Multiple Rocket Launchers.
: 21st and 22nd Royal Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the Denel G5 howitzer Mk 3 155mm Howitzers.
: 61st Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the ARTHUR Artillery Hunting Radar.
: 31st Royal Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the Banshee 400 UAV.
: 34th Royal Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the MBDA Rapier missile JERNAS system.

Reserves
: Territorial Army are of regimental construct segregated into the 300 and the 500 series regiments.
: 500 series regiments are numbered 501-516. 1 regiment per state except Sarawak and Sabah which have 2 regiments comprises of mostly volunteers.
: 300 series regiments are numbered from 301-305 comprises of active reservist.
: The Reserves Armoured Squadrons are the integrated components of the regular units of the Royal Armoured Corps. The Squadrons are presently located at Port Dickson, Kuantan, Sungai Petani and Kota Belud.
: The Reserves Artillery Batteries are integrated components of the regular units of the Royal Artillery Regiment. The Wataniah Artillery Batteries are located in Kota Bharu, Taiping, Melaka, Seremban and Kuala Lumpur.
: The Reserves Signal Squadrons assist regular squadrons Royal Signals Regiment in establishing and maintaining Army communications. Squadrons are located in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Sungei Besi.
: The Reserves Engineer Squadrons provide combat engineering skills alongside regular engineer squadrons. Squadrons are located in Kuala Terengganu, Kajang, Klang and Pulau Pinang.
: The Reserves Military Police Companies are tasked with helping the discipline and law enforcement, based in Pulau Pinang, Kuantan, Sg. Buloh and Kem Genting.
: The Reserves Intelligence unit is an integral part of the regular battalion of the Kor Royal Intelligence Corps is located in Pulau Pinang.
: The Reserves Electrical and Mechanical Engineers maintain two workshops, one in Ipoh and the other in Kuala Lumpur as well as 4 field workshops based in Taiping, Melaka, Kuantan and Kuching

: There was supposed to be reorganization within the constructs of Territorial Army to accommodate the formation of the Border Patrol Regiment, believed to be about 2 to 3 brigades in size to take over the military role to police national borders. One will be deployed up north, Malaysia-Thailand border and another regiment in East Malaysia, Malaysia-Indonesia border.

Air Defence
: KS-1A missile system from China was inclined by the Malaysian Army due to promising manufacturing technology transfer for FN-6 SHORADS. (Due 2007)
: Other systems that have been looked at are Buk-1M-2, Aster 30 SAMP and Hawk-AMRAAM.

Support Elements
: The army is supported by the signalling Corp and has an army air wing of Mi17s and Agusta-Westland A109H.

: There is a plan to progressively acquire a large number of high mobility vehicles for organic troops transport in the restructuring plan for infantry battalions. The army is expected to need around 700 of such vehicles.[/QUOTE]

 

[STURM]

He's now looking for his old army buddies (Mahpol, Jeram, Jamaluddin, Major Krishnan, etc). So does anyone out there knows someone who might know my father? Thanks!

You never know but I very much doubt if anyone here might know you're father as there are only a handful of Malaysians here at DT. I could direct you to a number of Malaysian sites/blogs [maintained by former servicemen] if you're interested.

2: Does 10th Paratrooper Brigade falls under 4th Division or Garrison Headquarters

10 Para is under the direct command of the Army Field HQ, as are the EW battalion and the combat intelligence battalion.

: There are discussions regarding reorganising 11th RGK into an Anti-Terrorist Regiment for clearer and a more defined role. ]

11 RGK has been tasked with anti-terrorist duties from Day One - this unit in terms of structure and roles is the closest the army has to the SAS, the other 2 Gerak Khas regiments are comparable to the Royal Marines, in terms of structure and roles.

& 11): A separate squadron 1st Regiment (subset of Regiment) comprises of Scorpion ACVs are assigned to the 10th Paratroopers]

This unit also operates the Stormer - both the Scorpion and Stormer were previously operated by the 11th Armoured Regiment.

: The army is looking a further 100 Main Battle Tanks, an addition of another 2 tank regiments to complete the formation of an armoured brigade.

There are no plans at the moment for additional MBTs, funds are scare and the army has other urgent priorities.

: Provision for 105mm howitzer to replace 105mm pack howitzer currently in service.

Plans in 1997 to locally manufacture the Royal Ordance 'Light Gun' - to supplement the Model 56 - were shelved. There are no immediate plans to replace the Model 56 as they still have a lot of 'life' in them and spares are easily obtainable. Despite their short range, the army is still happy with its Model 56s - they are easily transportable and deployed [compared to larger guns] due to their size. The Model 56s fired their first shots in anger during the Confrontation [at Nanukan island], were widely used during the 2nd Emergency for indirect fire support and fire and harassment missions, and a battery was deployed during 'Ops Daulat.

[some pics of 'Ops Daulat' below].

: The Army is planning to equip the Air Defense Artillery Group with Passive Surveillance System.

Three contending systems are Czec's VERA-E, China's YLC-20 and the Russian's Kolchuga-ME.

As you're aware, VERA was bought and is operated by GAPU. The YLC-20 was never a serious contender but Kolchuga was. Kolchuga I believe was Ukranian. The grand sounding ''Passive Surveillance System'' apart, VERA is essentially a land based ESM system.

: Malaysia Army securing up to 8 120mm advanced self-propelled mortar systems to provide organic firepower to the Mechanized Brigade. Two main contender are French TDA 120mm 120R 2M rifled system and Swiss Ruag Bighorn 120mm recoiling mortar system.

: Ruag system was integrated into the FNSS ACS-S.

The first TDA was seen at PD last month. There were plans to get 120mm towed mortars in the 1990's but 81mm mortars were bought from Expal instead.

: 51st Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the 18 Avibras (ASTROS II MLRS) Keris 300mm Multiple Rocket Launchers.

The 2 ASTROS regiments have been grouped into the 'Rocket Brigade'.

: 21st and 22nd Royal Artillery Regiment is believed to be assigned with the Denel G5 howitzer Mk 3 155mm Howitzers.

The Regiment that previously operated the FH-70 now operates the G-5s and the Regiment that previously operated the G-5 operates ASTROS.

: KS-1A missile system from China was inclined by the Malaysian Army due to promising manufacturing technology transfer for FN-6 SHORADS. (Due 2007)

The army was never 'inclined' towards the KS-1A it was the government that was 'inclined' .

: There was supposed to be reorganization within the constructs of Territorial Army to accommodate the formation of the Border Patrol Regiment, believed to be about 2 to 3 brigades in size to take over the military role to police national borders. One will be deployed up north, Malaysia-Thailand border and another regiment in East Malaysia, Malaysia-Indonesia border.

5 TA [series 300] regiments were converted into the Border Regiment and are mainly based in the north of Peninsular Malaysia. There are also about 12 TA [series 500] regiments - both the series 300 and 500 regiments saw active duty during the 2nd Emergency, being used mostly for static type duties at places such as the East-West highway and the Temenggor dam.

: The army is supported by the signalling Corp and has an army air wing of Mi17s and Agusta-Westland A109H.

The army never operated Mil-17s. Various publications mistakenly state that the army is a Mil-17 operator because there were plans by SME to get Ulan Ude Mil-17s in the 1990s for the army - the plan was shelved. There was also plans for CTRM to get former Bundeswehr B0-105s - this was also shelved. The only government agency which operates Mil-17s is BOMBA which has a pair of Ulan Ude built, former Kazakhstan examples, in service, as well as 2 Mil-17s that were originally intended for the police.

 

[YZAL]

Thank you

Dear STURM

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I would appreciate it very much if you could direct me to the Malaysian sites/blogs maintained by former servicemen as mentioned by you. Thanks again!




As you're aware, VERA was bought and is operated by GAPU. The YLC-20 was never a serious contender but Kolchuga was. Kolchuga I believe was Ukranian. The grand sounding ''Passive Surveillance System'' apart, VERA is essentially a land based ESM system.



The first TDA was seen at PD last month. There were plans to get 120mm towed mortars in the 1990's but 81mm mortars were bought from Expal instead.



The 2 ASTROS regiments have been grouped into the 'Rocket Brigade'.



The Regiment that previously operated the FH-70 now operates the G-5s and the Regiment that previously operated the G-5 operates ASTROS.



The army was never 'inclined' towards the KS-1A it was the government that was 'inclined' .



5 TA [series 300] regiments were converted into the Border Regiment and are mainly based in the north of Peninsular Malaysia. There are also about 12 TA [series 500] regiments - both the series 300 and 500 regiments saw active duty during the 2nd Emergency, being used mostly for static type duties at places such as the East-West highway and the Temenggor dam.



The army never operated Mil-17s. Various publications mistakenly state that the army is a Mil-17 operator because there were plans by SME to get Ulan Ude Mil-17s in the 1990s for the army - the plan was shelved. There was also plans for CTRM to get former Bundeswehr B0-105s - this was also shelved. The only government agency which operates Mil-17s is BOMBA which has a pair of Ulan Ude built, former Kazakhstan examples, in service, as well as 2 Mil-17s that were originally intended for the police.[/QUOTE]

 

[STURM]

Some updates -

Having previously evaluated the K-9 Thunder and Caesar; Malaysia has accepted an offer for pre-owned U.S. National Guard M-109s offered under Excess Defense Articles [EDA]. According to a report, 30 M-109s will be acquired - 24 to equip 3 batteries and 6 a training battery. The M-109 will be the army's first SPH.

To replace its time expired Starburst MANPADs, the Malaysian army is to receive an unspecified number of Starstreaks, which will also equip the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy. Included in the order are CONTROLMaster 200 radars, as well as Rapid Ranger and Rapid Rover mounts.

A few months ago, the first anti-tank variant of the 8x8 AV-8 was displayed. There are 54 anti-tank variants on order, each to be armed with 4 Ingwe missiles and a 30mm auto-cannon. A total of 257 AV-8s vehicles in 12 configurations have been ordered; the AV-8 being based on the Pars.

The fleet of 26 Scorpions are to have their 90mm Cockerills replaced with a 20mm cannon which will be taken from the 4x4 Condor APCs. Like the Scorpions, the Condor fleet will be refurbished by a local company. A number of Condors will be armed with a M134D mini gun. The Condors have been deployed on UN missions to Bosnia, Namibia, Somalia and the Lebanon. In October 1993, 4 Condors were lost to Somali RPG-7s in Mogadishu's Bakara Market during an operation to rescue U.S. troops of Task Force Ranger who were trapped.

 

[STURM]

Some pics from this year's Ex-Taiha Tombak, a regular exercise held with the New Zealand army. According to the New Zealand Defence Force's site, a light infantry company group deployed to Malaysia for a week. Held at the same time as Ex-Taiha Tombak, was Ex-Suman Warrior, a Five Power Defence Arrangement [FPDA] command post exercise.

 

[STURM]

The Malaysian army has just concluded an exercise which saw the participation of PT-91s and AV-8 8x8s. Seen for the first time was the AV-8 variant armed with a 12.7mm fitted in a OWS.

 

[STURM]

Some pics from this year's Keris Strike, an annual exercise held between the Malaysian and U.S. army. Units participating include the Malaysian Army's 4th Brigade Mechanised, the 21st Special Service Group, the Army's Aviation 881st Squadron and the 165th Military Intelligence Battalion; as well as the U.S. army's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

 

[STURM]

The first local live firing involving Ingwe took place yesterday. Each 2 man LCT turret contains 4 Ingwes and a 30mm auto cannon.

 

[Feanor]

The first local live firing involving Ingwe took place yesterday. Each 2 man LCT turret contains 4 Ingwes and a 30mm auto cannon.

I like the look of the armor on those launch tubes. It's a much better design then some more advanced countries have used. Do you know if there are any plans to incorporate any other weapon systems into the turret? A coax MG or automatic grenade launcher?

 

[STURM]

There is a coaxial MG. On the pic on the right, the port is visible. My only gripe with it is the size of the turret. It looks too large to be on the hull. Another question is why a 30mm when targets are intended to be engaged with the missile from a distance.

Another variant has just the 30mm and coax but no ATGWs.

 

[STURM]

Feanor,

A pic of Ingwe. It does look a bit too long wouldn't you agree?

It's been confirmed that an offer for 29 ex U.S. army M-109A5s has been accepted via the Excess Defence Articles programme.

 

[STURM]

Deals have been signed for 18 LG1 Mk3 105mm howitzers [as replacement for 10 Para Brigade's Model 56s] and 29 ex- U.S. army
M-109 A5s. A new regiment will be refurbished to operate the M-109s which will be refurbished by Loring Industries in Maine prior to delivery. Included in the LG1 deal will be extended range ammo and BACARA ballistic computers. The Thales South Africa Systems AS 4000 fire control has also been selected for use with the LG1.

At HAI Heli-Expo in March; MD Helicopters displayed a Little Bird [6 on order] intended for the Malaysian army.