Thousands Throng RMAF Open Day Celebrations In Kuantan

KUANTAN, June 20 (Bernama) -- Hot weather did not deter thousands of visitors from flocking to the Kuantan Air Base for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Open Day 2026.

The programme, held in conjunction with the RMAF’s 68th Anniversary celebrations and running from today until tomorrow, has attracted people of all ages eager to witness aerial displays and military asset exhibitions up close.

RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said this year’s event was organised on a modest scale in line with the government’s cost-saving measures, but the public would still have the opportunity to view key assets and interact with RMAF personnel.

He said the programme aims, among other things, to strengthen the strategic relationship between the RMAF and the public while providing an opportunity for people to better understand the force’s operational capabilities and advanced defence assets.

“Social media may not provide sufficient information. Through programmes like this, the public can interact directly with RMAF personnel and ask whatever they would like to know.

“As long as it does not touch on matters of national security, personnel and officers can share information, for example on their roles, duties and future acquisitions, so that the public understands the direction of the RMAF,” he told reporters after officiating the programme at the Kuantan Air Base today.

Visitors to the open day can witness flight demonstrations involving several key assets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet, A400M, C-130H, EC725AP/H225M and AW139 helicopters, as well as Helicopter Insertion & Extraction (HIE) exercises and parachute demonstrations by the RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU).

Among the assets on display are the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet, Hawk, A400M, C-130H and CN235 aircraft, in addition to support assets such as Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, Prime Movers and RMAF fire engines.

Elaborating further, Muhamad Norazlan said this year’s celebration is particularly special as members of the public will have the opportunity to experience being on the Kuantan Air Base runway through the RMAF Runway Run 2026, which will take place tomorrow.

“This is a rare opportunity as the public will be able to be on a runway, something they would not normally be allowed to do. We have received about 3,000 registrations, but those who wish to come and add to the excitement of the event are also welcome,” he said.

Meanwhile, the experience of hearing the roar of aircraft engines and watching live aerial displays provided a new experience for visitor Mohd Al Muaimin Khairul Amir, 24, from Arau, Perlis, who was attending the programme for the first time.

He said his visit to the open day was even more meaningful as he was able to spend time with his family, including bringing his mother, Rosnani Itam, 67, who uses a wheelchair, to watch the air show up close.

“I came here to spend time with my family and the experience is very exciting because I get to see RMAF aircraft right before my eyes. Opportunities like this are not often given to the public,” he said.

Throughout the programme, various activities are being held, including career exhibitions, performances by the RMAF Central Band, drumline performances, shows by the Air Force Arts Group, weapons exhibitions and aircraft simulators.

-- BERNAMA