The current COVID-19 situation is likely to result in Malaysia having to limit its defence procurement plans. The impact of the virus is not only expected to cause the economy to contract but will lead to government prioritising funding towards mitigating the impact towards Malaysia’s populace. The effect on defence will only be seen when the 2021 Defence Budget is unveiled in November together with the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) in early 2021. It also remains to be seen if the current Perikatan Nasional government which ousted the Pakatan Harapan government in March this year is able to remain in office until the next General Election in 2023. The outlook is not positive for defence procurement despite the Perikatan Nasional government giving its approval for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to acquire one ground based radar system, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) in 2021. However this may now be stalled.
Due to COVID-19, the Malaysian government initiated the ‘Ops Benteng’ border control operation to prevent illegal entry into Malaysia by land or sea. The operation was initiated due to fears that migrants and refugees illegally entering Malaysia could bring in additional COVID-19 infection clusters. Ops Benteng is a multi-agency operation involving the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Immigration Department. The government has released funding to the Armed Forces for small scale procurements of all terrain vehicles, 4x4 transports, rigid hull inflatable boats and fast interceptor craft, in addition to leasing two helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
Denne historien er fra September/October 2020-utgaven av Asian Military Review.
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Denne historien er fra September/October 2020-utgaven av Asian Military Review.
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SMART MUNITIONS INCREASE MARKET SHARE
Top attack munitions are now widely developed for different artillery calibers with varied ranges.
NEXT GEN NVGS - A CLEAR IMPROVEMENT
Fused and enhanced night-vision technology will make the difference to soldiers fighting at night.
MILITARY ROTORCRAFT DEVELOPMENT - NO MORE ‘STOVEPIPES'
New rotorcraft are going to come with new abilities founded on open systems that provide easier upgrade paths and cheaper through life costs.
INDO PACIFIC UAV DIRECTORY 2021
The development of unmanned aerial vehicles is growing apace, especially in China. New longer range ISR platforms are also on the procurement list of several nations.
TIME TO RESET TRILATERAL RELATIONS
United States President Joe Biden has made it a top priority of his Administration to repair and re-energize global alliances during its first year in power. This is a necessary strategic and political calculus made in light of growing global security, public health, and environmental challenges that will require cooperation and multilateral contributions. President Trump’s ‘America first’ policy did much to undermine confidence in such relationships over his time in office.
SOCPAC KEEN TO SHARE JOINT DOCTRINE AND TRAINING
The return of Great Power competition means that US SOCPAC is more than ever seeking joint training opportunities with regional special forces.
MARINE ENGINE POWER - NOT JUST ABOUT KNOTS
Navies not only want more engine power, there are also coming under increasing pressure to become environmentally conscious.
AMPHIBIOUS FORCES
New amphibious concepts are re-shaping marine forces to break the A2AD defensive line.
SPACE V AIRBORNE ISR OR MIX AND MATCH
Owning satellite based ISR for military use is still an exclusive ‘club’, but airborne ISR still provides that most countries need.
SHIPBUILDING - A NUMBERS GAME
While experience grows among Indo-Pacific naval designers, order numbers remain crucial to keeping costs down and yards in business.
