KOTA TINGGI: Malaysia's military air defence capabilities were on full display during the Panah Jaguh Exercise series 2/2024, held at the Tanjung Logok Surface-to-Air Range, here, today.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, accompanied by army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, observed the exercise, which demonstrated the army's readiness to counter air threats and bolster national security.
Air Defence Artillery Group (GAPU) commander Brigadier-General Azhar Mustapha during a detailed briefing, said the drill has been ongoing since Oct 20 and involved 82 officers and 780 personnel from GAPU.
The exercise also included live fire simulations, showcasing a wide array of modern weaponry and tactical assets.
Key military assets such as the Oerlikon 35mm cannon and the Starstreak missile system were deployed during the exercise, using Skyguard radar controls.
The Oerlikon cannon, capable of firing 1,100 rounds per minute, proved its effectiveness in countering aerial threats, including aircraft and drones, and demonstrated its ability to target land and sea threats.
Meanwhile, the Starstreak missile systems — the Rapid Range, and the latest launcher system variant, the Lightweight Multiple Launcher–Next Generation (LML-NG) — are known as some of the fastest Very Short-Range Air Defence systems, reaching speeds of up to Mach 3, integrated with the CM200 radar for comprehensive airspace surveillance within a 250km range.
The LML-NG provides a 24-hour operational capability, as well as the option to be tripod or vehicle mounted, supporting flexibility of deployment.
Other assets showcased included the AV-8 Gempita 30mm variant, ACV 300 Adnan 25mm, and a variety of heavy machine guns, along with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets, providing a robust defence response during the simulations.
Khaled, who participated in the exercise, said it served as a critical component of the Army Training and Evaluation programme, aimed at maintaining the operational readiness of the army's air defence systems.
"By rigorously testing weaponry under real-world conditions, the army ensures that its forces are prepared for potential threats.
"The drill also fostered cooperation and cohesion among the participating personnel, boosting their skills and confidence in handling sophisticated weaponry," he said.
Khaled added that the live-fire exercises not only assessed the army's tactical capabilities but also highlights the force's commitment to continuous improvement and its preparedness in safeguarding the country's sovereignty.
Also present at the event were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali and senior military officials, including Armed Forces chief of staff Lieutenant-General Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad; Army Field West commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri, and army chief of staff Lieutenant-General Datuk Zaidan Atan.
Keywords: Malaysia, news, army, Air Defence Drill, Panah Jaguh Exercise, Tanjung Logok Surface-to-Air Range, Defence Ministry, NST, Malaysia news, GAPU