The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) have received an allocation of RM12 billion this year to purchase assets, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Khalid said the major assets approved this year include the procurement of 105mm howitzers for the army, surface-to-surface missiles for the Navy's KD JEBAT frigate, and 3 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE-UAS).
He noted that the Ministry of Defense will ensure that the progress on the construction of other important assets meets the scheduled timeline, such as the construction of the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS1), which is 96.52% complete, and has started the Harbor Acceptance Test (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Test (SAT).
“The second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS2) has been launched and is currently undergoing adjustment works; as for the third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS3), it is in the final preparation stage, with plans to launch next January.”
“For the construction of the second batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS), the overall construction progress for three ships is expected to reach 13.8% by June this year.”
He said this today (16th) during the New Year's address ceremony by the Defense Minister.
Attendees included the Chief of the Armed Forces, General Tan Sri Mohamad Abdul Rahman, Deputy Defense Minister Adry, and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defense, Datuk Loman.
Mohamad Khalid said that the construction of FA-50 Block 20 "Fighting Eagle" light combat aircraft, procured from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), has reached a progress of 48%, with the first two units to be delivered by October next year.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Defense will receive two Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) in June and September next year, respectively, for maritime surveillance purposes.
He explained that the plan to enhance the asset capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces is one of the top 10 priorities outlined in the Ministry of Defense's plans for this year, aimed at ensuring the defense system meets current demands and challenges.