RMAF Scheduled To Receive New Strategic Assets Under 2026 Modernisation Agenda

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is scheduled to receive and operate several new strategic assets this year, which will serve as primary determinants of the country’s long-term air defence capabilities.

Chief of Air Force (CAF) Gen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said this aligns with the force’s role as the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) first responders in upholding the country’s integrated deterrence strategy.

“The assets include three ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), an air defence radar in Bintulu, and two F/A-50M light combat aircraft. The arrival of these new assets is not merely an addition of platforms; it demands comprehensive preparation.

“This includes organisational restructuring, human resource competency development, infrastructure upgrades, the strengthening of doctrines and operating procedures, and bolstering maintenance systems to ensure asset readiness remains at an optimum level,” he said in his 2026 New Year address held at the Air Warfare Centre Auditorium, Air Operations Command Headquarters, Subang Air Base, which was attended by 216 officers and other ranks, including Deputy Chief of Air Force Lt Gen Datuk Nur Hafis Abdul Karim.

The year 2026 marks a critical and challenging phase in the RMAF’s modernisation and transformation agenda, requiring continuous commitment from its personnel to protect national airspace sovereignty amid an increasingly complex security environment, he added.

An operational mindset must be the core of the RMAF’s thinking and work culture to achieve this, he stressed.

“This approach emphasises the ability to optimise the elements of man, machine, and method in an integrated manner, with planning and execution oriented towards mission success and actual field capabilities, rather than just process compliance,” he said.

In his address, Muhamad Norazlan also stressed that the CAF's Six Pillars of Command remain the foundation of the service’s direction, with an emphasis on disciplined, integrated, and accountability-based execution across all levels of leadership.

He said the RMAF’s success is not measured solely by structure or planning, but by the actual capability to operate, support, and sustain assets in real-world operational environments.

Regarding leadership and character development, he outlined four core values, namely firmness, courage, fairness, and wisdom, as the pillars of a professional, high-integrity work culture.

“The RMAF will not compromise on any disciplinary misconduct or legal violations to preserve the dignity and credibility of the service.

“In line with the Defence Minister’s emphasis, the RMAF also prioritises efforts to restore public trust in the MAF, combat corruption without compromise, strengthen integrity and governance systems, and enforce discipline firmly, fairly, and consistently, regardless of rank or position,” he said.

Muhamad Norazlan expressed confidence that, with clear direction, strong leadership values, and the right work culture, the RMAF will remain a credible and relevant air power in facing future security challenges in the interest of the nation and its people.

-- BERNAMA