KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has conducted a joint air defence drill with the French Navy to enhance defence diplomacy and operational efficiency between the two countries.
The RMAF said the small-scale exercise was carried out following the port visit of the French Navy's frigate Bretagne to Kota Kinabalu from Sept 4 to 7 last week.
The exercise saw the participation of three BaE Hawk fighter jets from the RMAF No. 6 Squadron while the French Navy deployed its frigate and an NH90 helicopter.
"The exercise was carried out in two phases: Phase One involved coordination briefings between Air Region Command 2 (Mawilud 2), No. 6 Squadron, 330 Squadron Kota Samarahan, the Kota Kinabalu Joint Air Traffic Control Centre (Pukalub KK), and representatives from the French Navy, held via video teleconference (VTC).
"Phase Two consisted of a Ship Strike Exercise (SSX) between the fighter jets and the Bretagne frigate in the designated training waters and a photography session after the exercise was concluded," the RMAF said in a social media post.
The RMAF said throughout the exercise, Mawilud 2 served as the main coordinator with the French Navy, managing all mission briefings and overseeing aircraft movements.
"This collaboration in defence diplomacy enhances operational efficiency and strengthens the capabilities of RMAF personnel in conducting maritime missions.
"The exercise also helped to foster closer air cooperation between the two nations through focused training," it said.