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Malaysia - the big push
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| 25 November 2005 |
Malaysia - the big push
By Robert Karniol JDW Asia-Pacific Editor
Bangkok
Additional reporting Dzirhan Mahadzir JDW Correspondent,
Kuala Lumpur
Following on from a concentrated period of acquisition activity, the Malaysian armed forces (MAF) should focus much of the forthcoming Ninth Malaysia Plan on putting their new capabilities into service.
Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohd Anwar Bin Hj Mohd Nor, the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), highlights one new priority. "We will now expand the envelope toward area defence capabilities. It's all going to medium-range missiles," he said. Looking beyond the next five-year plan, he added: "After 2010 we envisage improving and enhancing our information warfare and electronic-warfare capabilities and at the same time having a fully developed network of command and control, communication, surveillance and intelligence systems. We intend to maximise technology for quicker reaction and response times to any contingency."
Emphasis on ground forces
The next five-year plan should include the introduction of a medium-range system, with China's KS-1/KS-1A currently favoured over the Russian-made 9K37 Buk-1. These are likely to be supplemented by additional short-range systems: probably China's FN-6, which would be produced locally, or either the Igla or new Igla-S from Russia.
In the longer term, some analysts suggest, the MAF may seek to establish a joint structure to control the co-ordination of ground-based air defence.
Together with air defence, perhaps the army's only other high priority centres on bolstering command and control (C2). This should include new tactical communication equipment and further digitisation.
Otherwise, sources say, the Ninth Malaysia Plan may include provision for additional 105 mm howitzers and multiple rocket systems to further strengthen firepower, the former because the 105 mm Model 56 pack howitzers are nearing the end of their service life.
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