BANTING: Commandos from the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) need to be equipped with sophisticated state of the art equipment, to enhance their operational capabilities.
Newly-minted RMAF chief Gen Datuk Seri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan said this was to ensure the commandos, better known as the Air Special Forces (Paskau), are more dynamic in supporting their air operational capacity.
"This is in line with our development and modernisation programme, including that for Paskau which has a very significant role to enhance the RMAF's overall capability.
"As the RMAF chief, I will ensure this is given due attention in line with our vision and mission," he said after receiving an honorary Paskau 'blue beret' from RMAF Regiment commander Brig Gen Meor Ahmad Kamal Meor Termizi, at the Paskau headquarters in Bukit Jugra, Selangor.
Present were Asghar's deputy Lt Gen Datuk Indera Mohamad Salleh Osman, Air Operations commander Lt Gen Datuk Indera Muhammad Norazlan Aris, Air Education and Training commander Lt Gen Datuk Mohd Shahada Ismail and Air Support commander Brig Gen Masro Kaliwon.
Asghar said the modernisation of Paskau was part of the RMAF's 'CAP55' long-term, capability enhancement development plan.
The 35-year plan, which took off last year, is targeted to fully modernise the RMAF when it matures in the year 2055.
He recalled how the RMAF Regiment had evolved from the previously known Handau into Paskau on April 1, 2002.
"This was done in line with the transformation of the RMAF through the advancement in technology and development of its war strategy.
"Through the years, Paskau's role changed from being a provost physical security and land defence unit for RMAF bases into a special operations-tasked force.
"Its role was also upgraded by the National Security Council to deal with the threat from terrorism," said Asghar.
After 20 years recognition, Asghar was proud to see Paskau standing on level terms with the Armed Forces other elite units like the Army's special operations group and the Royal Malaysia Navy's special forces (Paskal).
"However, Paskau's future should be viewed more constructively to that it does not lag behind in terms of the RMAF's overall modernisation.
"Hence, Paskau ought to feature equally in the acquisition of modern assets to meet the special operational needs of the RMAF, along its 'CAP55' objectives," Asghar said.
He added that Paskau now had the expertise and capability to perform rapid deployment, air rescue and combat operations, special protection, reconnaissance, anti-sabotage, anti-hijacking, target-marking missions and countering asymmetric threats.
Asghar called on Paskau members to safeguard and properly maintain their equipment so that they could be used optimally.