RMAF Monitors Global Conflicts To Stay Relevant And Mission-ready, Says 21st Chief

SUBANG, June 26 (Bernama) – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) closely monitors global security developments to ensure its long-term plans remain relevant and the force stays mission-ready, said its 21st Chief, General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

He said the force has much to learn from ongoing global conflicts, including those between Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, as well as Iran and Israel.

He said these international conflicts offer valuable insights for strengthening the air force’s long-term planning under its Air Force Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55).

“I will ensure that all plans outlined under CAP55 continue to be implemented in collaboration with RMAF’s new leadership, so the force remains a credible, superior and full-spectrum air power.

“However, if changes are necessary, we will adapt accordingly to stay relevant to current realities,” he told reporters after the retirement parade of the 20th Air Force Chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, at Subang Air Base today.

Muhamad Norazlan expressed his gratitude to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Malaysian Armed Forces Chief, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, for their trust, guidance and support in appointing him as the new Air Force Chief.

“With utmost respect and humility, I also extend, on behalf of the entire RMAF, our deepest appreciation and thanks to (General) Mohd Asghar Khan for his dedication, sacrifice, leadership and service throughout his tenure at the helm of the force,” he said.

Earlier, Muhamad Norazlan was officially appointed as the 21st RMAF Chief, succeeding General Mohd Asghar Khan, who completed his service in a handing over of duties ceremony witnessed by Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Mohd Asghar Khan received a salute from 24 officers and 403 personnel, accompanied by eight regimental colours representing RMAF units.

The event, attended by senior RMAF officers and foreign defence attachés, also featured a flypast of SU-30MKM, F/A-18D, C-130H, A400M and PC-7 MKII aircraft, as well as EC-725 AP helicopters.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Mohd Asghar Khan said several systems and platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, FA-50 light combat aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, air defence radars and helicopters, are currently being procured and will be delivered progressively from October this year until the end of 2028.

“These assets will significantly enhance the RMAF’s capability to defend our nation’s airspace.

“In parallel, efforts to strengthen training structures and human capital development are well underway, with personnel being sent for courses locally and abroad to expand their expertise, ensuring the RMAF is ready to operate these new assets professionally and effectively,” he said.

– BERNAMA