Editing Malaysian Armed Forces

{{Short description|Combined military forces of Malaysia}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Malaysian Armed Forces
| native_name = {{native name|ms|Angkatan Tentera Malaysia}}
| image = Badge of the Malaysian Armed Forces.svg
| alt = 
| caption = Crest of the Armed Forces
| image2 = Flag of the Malaysian Armed Forces.svg
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = Flag of the Armed Forces
| motto = 
| founded = {{start date and age|1933|3|1|df=yes}}
| current_form = 
| disbanded = 
| branches = {{tree list}}
*{{army|Malaysia}}
*{{navy|Malaysia}}
*{{air force|Malaysia}}
{{tree list/end}}
| headquarters = [[Ministry of Defence (Malaysia)|Wisma Pertahanan]], [[Kuala Lumpur]]
| flying_hours = 
| website = {{URL|https://www.mafhq.mil.my/|mafhq.mil.my}}
<!-- Leadership -->| commander-in-chief = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Commander-in-Chief (Malaysia).svg}} [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]], [[Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor|Sultan Ibrahim]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[Commander-in-Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces|Supreme Commander]]
| chief minister = {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Anwar Ibrahim]]
| chief minister_title = [[Prime Minister of Malaysia|Prime Minister]]
| minister = {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Mohamed Khaled Nordin]]
| minister_title = [[Minister of Defence (Malaysia)|Minister of Defence]]
| commander = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces.svg}} General {{lang|ms|[[Malay styles and titles#Datuk|Datuk]]}} [[Mohd Nizam Jaffar]]
| commander_title = [[Chief of Defence Forces (Malaysia)|Chief of Defence Forces]]
<!-- Manpower -->| age = 18
| conscription = 
| manpower_data = 2023 est.
| manpower_age = 18–49
| available = 15,919,573
| available_f = 
| fit = 13,209,858
| fit_f = 
| reaching = 541,943
| reaching_f = 
| active = 113,000<ref name=IISSp270>{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance| title=The Military Balance 2023| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=15 February 2023| publisher=Taylor & Francis| location=[[London]]| page= 270| isbn=978-1000910704}}</ref><ref name=IISSp281>{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2021| title=The Military Balance 2021| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=25 February 2021| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| page= 281| isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
| ranked = 
| reserve = 51,600<ref name=IISSp270/><ref name=IISSp281 />
| deployed = <!-- Financial -->
| amount = {{currency|19.7 billion|MYR|passthrough=yes}} ({{currency|4.37 billion||passthrough=yes}})
{{small|(FY2024)}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia proposes strong budget increase with eye on military procurement| url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/malaysia-proposes-strong-budget-increase-with-eye-on-military-procurement|publisher=Jane's|access-date=2023-03-05|df=dmy-all|date=2023-02-28|first1=Jon|last1=Grevatt|first2=Andrew|last2=Macdonald}}</ref>
| percent_GDP = <!-- Industrial -->
| domestic_suppliers = {{collapsible list|title=List:|[[DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies|DefTech]]| [[Mildef International Technologies]]|[[Weststar Defence Industries]]|Cendana Auto|[[Sapura Group|Sapura]]|Mindmatics|Ikramatic Systems|[[Lumut Naval Shipyard]]|[[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation]]|[[Destini]]|[[Gading Marine]]|[[Labuan Shipyard and Engineering]]|[[Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering]]|Grade One Marine Shipyard|Shin Yang Group|[[Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Overhaul Depot|AIROD]]|[[Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation|ATSC]]|[[Composites Technology Research Malaysia|CTRM]]|[[SME Aerospace]]|Galaxy Aerospace|[[SME Ordnance]]|Ketech Asia}}
| foreign_suppliers = {{collapsible list|title=List:|{{flag|Brazil}}|{{flag|Canada}}|{{flag|China}}|{{flag|European Union}}|{{flag|India}}|{{flag|Indonesia}}|{{flag|Japan}}|{{flag|Norway}}|{{flag|Pakistan}}|{{flag|Russia}}|{{flag|South Africa}}|{{flag|South Korea}}|{{flag|Switzerland}}|{{flag|Thailand}}|{{flag|Turkey}}|{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}|{{flag|United Kingdom}}|{{flag|United States}}<ref name=trade>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=Arms Transfers|publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|access-date=30 August 2015}}</ref>}}
| imports = 
| exports = <!-- Related articles -->
| history = [[Military history of Malaysia]]
| ranks = [[Malaysian military ranks|Military ranks of Malaysia]]
}}

The '''Malaysian Armed Forces''' ({{Abbr|Abbr.|Abbreviation}}: '''MAF'''; {{langx|ms|Angkatan Tentera Malaysia}}; [[Jawi alphabet|Jawi]]: {{lang|ms-arab|{{Script|Arab|اڠكتن تنترا مليسيا}}}}), are the [[armed forces]] of [[Malaysia]], consists of three branches; the [[Malaysian Army]], [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] and the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]. The number of MAF active personnel is 113,000 along with reserve forces at 51,600.<ref name=IISSp270/><ref name=IISSp281 /> 

The [[Commander-in-Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces|Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces]] is the ''[[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]];'' the King of Malaysia.

== Background ==
{{Main|Military history of Malaysia}}
Malaysia's armed forces were created from the unification of military forces which arose during the first half of the 20th century when Malaya and Singapore were the subjects of [[British Empire|British colonial rule]], before Malaya achieved independence in 1957. The primary objective of the armed forces in Malaysia is to defend the country's sovereignty and protect it from any and all types of threats.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Armed Forces: Instrument of Peace, Strength, Development and Prosperity|last=Babatunde Fagoyinbo|first=Joseph|publisher=Author House|year=2013|isbn=978-1477218440}}</ref>

It is responsible for assisting civilian authorities to overcome all international threats, preserve public order, assist in natural disasters and participate in national development programs. It is also sustaining and upgrading its capabilities in the international sphere to uphold the national foreign policy of being involved under the guidance of the [[United Nations]] (UN).

== Theater of operation ==
[[File:65th Merdeka Day 2022 Picture 15.jpg|thumb|Operatives of [[PASKAL]], [[GGK]], [[69 Commando]] and [[PASKAU]] during the 65th Merdeka Day in Kuala Lumpur.]]
The main theaters of operations were within Malaysian borders, primarily to fight an [[insurgency]] led by the [[Communist Party of Malaya]] (CPM) in what was known as the [[Malayan Emergency|Emergency]]. The only foreign incursion of Malaysian territory in modern times were in World War II by Japan (Malaya was then not a unified political entity and consisted of the British [[Crown Colony]] of the [[Straits Settlements]], and the British [[Protectorate|protected]] [[Federated Malay States]] and [[Unfederated Malay States]]) and during the [[Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation]] by Indonesia under the leadership of President [[Sukarno]]. Operations on foreign soil have mainly been [[Timeline of UN peacekeeping missions|peacekeeping operations]] under the auspices of the United Nations.
* First [[Malayan Emergency|Emergency]] (1948–1960)
*: An [[insurrection]] and [[guerrilla war]] with the [[Malayan National Liberation Army]] organised by the CPM against the British and Malayan administration.
* [[Moro attacks on Sabah|Moro attacks on Malaysia]] (Part of the [[Piracy in the Sulu Sea]]) (1962–present)
* [[Congo Crisis|Congo]] Peacekeeping Mission (1960–1962)
*: A contingent of 1,947 personnel were dispatched as part of the [[United Nations Operation in the Congo]] or ONUC. This contingent was known as the Malayan Special Force to the Congo and their experiences there were later recounted through the drawings of the cartoonist, [[Rejabhad]].
* [[Sarawak Communist Insurgency]] (1963–1990)
*: An [[insurrection]] and [[guerrilla war]] of the Sarawak Communist Organisation (from 1971, the [[North Kalimantan Communist Party]] or NKCP) against the British and Malaysian governments to establish an independent nation comprising the states of [[Sabah]], [[Sarawak]] and [[Brunei]]. The insurgency ended when the NKCP signed a peace treaty with the Malaysian government in 1990.
* [[Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation]] (1963–1966)
*: An intermittent armed conflict between Malaysia and [[Indonesia]] with skirmishes mainly occurring in [[Sarawak]] and [[Sabah]] in the island of [[Borneo]]. In 1964, armed raids were made on [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. Combat eased with the deposing of Indonesia's President [[Sukarno]] in 1965 by the Indonesian army and the conflict was declared over by both sides in 1966.
* [[Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89)]]
*: A low level resurgence of insurgent activity by the armed elements of the CPM from sanctuaries in the Malaysian-Thai border. The insurgency was only ended after the CPM signed a peace treaty with the Governments of Malaysia and [[Thailand]] on 2 December 1989.
* [[Iran]]/[[Iraq]] Border (1988–1991)
*: Participated as part of the [[UNIIMOG|UN Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group]] (UNIIMOG) to supervise the [[Iran–Iraq War]] ceasefire.
* [[Namibia]] (1989–1990)
*: Contributed a battalion to the [[UNTAG|UN Transition Assistance Group]] (UNTAG) to supervise Namibia's elections and transition to independence.
* [[Western Sahara]] (1991–present)
*: A contingent of observers under the [[MINURSO|Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara]] (MINURSO) to help implement a ceasefire between the [[Polisario Front]] & [[Morocco]] and help promote a referendum on the area's future.
* [[Angola]] (1991–1995)
*: A contingent was sent under the [[UNAVEM II|United Nations Angola Verification Mission II]] (UNAVEM II) to enforce the ceasefire in the Angolan civil war.
* [[Iraq]]/[[Kuwait]] Border (1992–2003)
*: A contingent was sent under the [[UNIKOM|United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission]] (UNIKOM) to monitor the demilitarised zone along the Iraq-Kuwait border, deter border violations and report on any hostile action.
* [[Cambodia]] (1992–1993)
*: An observer team was sent under the [[UNTAC|United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia]] (UNTAC) to aid in the administration of Cambodia and to organise and run elections.
* [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] (1993–1998)
*: A peacekeeping contingent known as [[MALBATT]] Command (Malaysia Battalion) was sent initially under the [[UNPROFOR|United Nations Protection Force]] (UNPROFOR) from 1993 to 1995 with deployments at [[Konjic]], [[Jablanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina|Jablanica]] and Pazarić in [[Hadžići]]. Following the [[Dayton Agreement]], forces were redeployed as MALCON Command (Malaysia Contingent) under the [[NATO]] led [[IFOR|Implementation Force]] (IFOR) in [[Operation Joint Endeavor]] with deployments at [[Livno]], [[Glamoč]] and [[Kupres (town)|Kupres]]. MALCON further participated as part of the NATO led [[SFOR|Stabilisation Force]] (SFOR) until 1998. Up to 8,000 troops were eventually deployed in this theatre of operations.
* [[Liberia]] (1993–1997)
*: An observer team of 3 officers was sent under the [[UNOMIL|United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia]] (UNOMIL) to support the efforts of the [[Economic Community of West African States]] (ECOWAS) and the Liberian National Transitional Government to implement peace agreements signed between the warring parties in Liberia.
* [[Somalia]] (1993–1994)
*: A contingent known as MALBATT was sent under the [[UNOSOM II|United Nations Operation in Somalia II]] (UNOSOM II) to take appropriate action, including enforcement measures, to establish throughout Somalia a secure environment for humanitarian assistance. During its deployment, MALBATT was involved in the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]] which saw 1 personnel [[killed in action]] and 7 others [[wounded in action]] during the relief operations to aid the surrounded troops of the United States' Task Force Ranger. On 18 January 1994, Lieutenant General Abu Samah Bin Abu Bakar was appointed the Commander of UNOSOM II forces. His appointment also saw the United Nations revise the mandate of UNOSOM II to stop using "coercive methods" in the discharge of their duties while retaining "some capability to defend its personnel if circumstances so warrant."<ref>UN Chronicle: "[https://archive.today/20120710120327/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1309/is_n2_v31/ai_15715974 Mandate for UNOSOM II revised; 'coercive methods' not to be used – UN Operation in Somalia emphasizes nation building]", June 1994</ref>
* [[Mozambique]] (1993–1995)
* A team of observers were sent under the [[ONUMOZ|United Nations Operations in Mozambique]] (ONUMOZ).
* [[2013 Lahad Datu standoff|Lahad Datu standoff]] (2013)
* Deployed in South Lebanon on peace keeping role at present after the withdrawal of Israeli Military forces early 2007 (Invasion of South Lebanon by Israeli Military). Unit also consist of [[Grup Gerak Khas|GGK]], [[PASKAL]], [[PASKAU]] and [[10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)|PARA]] elements.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://unifil.unmissions.org/unifil-troop-contributing-countries|title=UNIFIL Troop-Contributing Countries|date=2016-03-14|website=UNIFIL|language=en|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref>
* Deployed a contingent called Malaysian Medical Team (MASMEDTIM) to Chaman, Pakistan to treat refugees from Afghanistan during the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
* Deployed approximately a brigade-sized force on islands surrounding Sabah waters in Ops Pasir to prevent the recurrence of [[2000 Sipadan kidnappings]].
* Deployed a contingent to Aceh after the [[tsunami]] disaster in 2004.
* Deployed MASMEDTIM to Pakistan during the 2005 quake.
* Deployed in Southern Philippines as a part of monitoring force agreed upon by both the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine Government]] and [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF).
* Deployed in East Timor/East Leste together with Australian, Portuguese and New Zealand forces at the request of East Timor Government. The first team of 25 soldiers from 10 Para Brigade, Royal Intelligence Corp and Commando Regiment were deployed on a fact-finding mission before being reinforced by another 209 soldiers. (as at 27 May 2006)

Other limited participation under UNPKO are United Nations International Police Force (UNIPTF) since December 1995; United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since June 1999; United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) since October 1999; United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) since September 1999 and United Nations Organisation Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) since February 2000. 18 Malaysian Armed Forces personnel have been killed during UN peacekeeping operations.

== Present development ==
[[File:Compilation of Malaysian Armed Forces.png|thumb|right|300px|alt=Malaysian Armed Forces assets|An examples of Malaysian Armed Forces main weaponry assets. Clockwise from top right: {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|1}}, [[PT-91M|PT-91M MBT]], [[Malaysian Army]] paratrooper with [[M4 carbine|M4A1]], and [[Su-30MKM|Su-30MKM fighter aircraft]].]]
Malaysian defence requirements are assigned to the Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia – ATM). The armed forces has three branches, the [[Malaysian Army]] (Tentera Darat Malaysia – TDM), [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia – TLDM) and the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia – TUDM). Malaysia does not have conscription, and the required minimum age for voluntary military service is 18.<ref name="NationMaster">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/my-malaysia/mil-military&all=1 |title=Malaysian Military statistics |publisher=NationMaster |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, Malaysia undertook a major program to expand and modernise its armed forces. However, budgetary constraints imposed by the [[1997 Asian financial crisis]] held back many of its procurements. The recent economic recovery may lead to a relaxation of budgetary constraints and a resumption of major weapons purchases. In October 2000, the Defence Minister also announced a review of national defence and security policy to bring it up to date. The review addressed new security threats that have emerged in the form of low intensity conflicts, such as the kidnapping of Malaysians and foreigners from resort islands located off the east coast of the state of [[Sabah]] and the rising risk of territory disputes with several neighbouring countries. Currently, 1.4% of Malaysia's GDP is spent on the military, and employing 1.23% of Malaysia's manpower.<ref name="NationMaster"/> Dr Kogila Balakrishnan is the head of the Defence Industry.

===Malaysian Army===
{{Main|Malaysian Army}}
[[File:PT-91M Pendekar.jpg|thumb|[[PT-91 Twardy|PT-91M Pendekar MBT]] of Malaysian Army.]]
Since the recovery from the 1997 economic crisis, the army's modernisation program has gained momentum. The acquisition of Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and modern artillery make the Malaysian Army one of the most potent powers in the region.

===Royal Malaysian Navy===
{{Main|Royal Malaysian Navy}}
[[File:KD Lekiu(FFG30) and KD Jebat(FFG29) with USS George Washington (CVN 73).jpeg|thumb|{{sclass|Lekiu|frigate|1}} of RMN.]]
Following the completion of the [[Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel|New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV)]] program, RMN has moved on to its next program called the [[Maharaja Lela-class frigate|Second Generation Patrol Vessel (SGPV)]]. RMN is also looking to purchase more submarines as well as a batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) namely [[Keris-class littoral mission ship]] and [[Ada-class corvette]]. RMN also planned to add [[Multi-role support ship (Malaysia)|Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS)]] for its support role. In addition to this, an upgrade program called Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the aging ships will keep the fleet modern with the latest technologies needed.

===Royal Malaysian Air Force===
{{Main|Royal Malaysian Air Force}}
[[File:Su30mkm flying at lima two (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Sukhoi Su-30MKM]] of RMAF.]]
The RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States and Europe. However, limitations imposed by the United States on "new technology" to the region made the RMAF consider purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources. Currently, the RMAF operates a unique mix of American, European and Russian-made aircraft.

===Forming of Marine Corps===
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said in a statement on 10 October 2013, that Malaysia is planning on establishing a marine corps for amphibious operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia to establish a marine corps, naval base close to James Shoal|url=http://www.janes.com/article/28438/malaysia-to-establish-marine-corps-naval-base-close-to-james-shoal#.Ul6-Ipea7bc.twitter|publisher=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> The marine corps will be drawn from all three services. The bulk of it being from one of the three parachute battalions of the [[10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)|10th Parachute Brigade]] which will consequently be re-designated as a marine battalion. The [[9th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay Regiment|9th Royal Malay Regiment (Airborne)]] and [[8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment|8th Royal Ranger Regiment (Airborne)]] have both conducted amphibious warfare training as a secondary mission such as the [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT]] exercise with the [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]] (USMC) and other amphibious exercises also conducted with foreign armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/630998/us-marines-malaysian-soldiers-complete-malaysia-united-states-amphibious-exerci/|title=US Marines and Malaysian Soldier Completed Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise }}</ref>

==Defence industry==
{{multiple image| direction = horizontal
 | image1    = ACV 300 Adnan 25mm Bushmaster in display during 2022 MAF's open day in RMAF Kuantan.jpg
 | caption1  = ACV-300 Adnan infantry fighting vehicle.
 | image2    = DefTech AV8 Gempita in display during 2022 MAF's open day in RMAF Kuantan.jpg
 | caption2  = AV-8 Gempita armoured fighting vehicle.
 | width     = 150
}}
{{multiple image
| direction         = horizontal
| image1            = IMDEX 2007 Malaysian ship (523652840).jpg
| caption1          = Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel.
| image2            = RMAF SME MD3-160 MRD.jpg
| caption2          = SME Aero Tiga light aircraft.
| width             = 150
}}
After independence, Malaysia moved forward by establishing and developing its own defence industry. Malaysia has improved its defence industry through its defence companies by locally manufacturing and producing weapons, such as ammunition, rifles, armoured cars, warships and light aircraft including unmanned aerial vehicles for the armed forces. [[DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies|DefTech]], [[Mildef International Technologies]], [[Weststar Defence Industries]] and Cendana Auto are among the local companies that emphasize on the maintenance and manufacturing of military land vehicles and the automotive sector. While the [[Sapura Group|Sapura]], Mindmatics and Ikramatic Systems focuses more on military electronics and systems integration such as; communication systems, tactical systems, command and control systems, training and simulation systems and surveillance systems.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26459817|jstor = 26459817|title = Defence Industrialisation in Malaysia|last1 = Balakrishnan|first1 = Kogila|journal = Security Challenges|year = 2008|volume = 4|issue = 4|pages = 135–155}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/winner-of-muhammad-amin-fcs-tender-revealed/amp/|title=Winner of Muhammad Amin FCS Tender Revealed}}</ref> Following the Malaysia's National Defence Policy, Malaysian Armed Forces has adopted locally made weapons such as [[FNSS ACV-15|DefTech ACV-300 Adnan]], [[DefTech AV8|DefTech AV-8 Gempita]], [[First Win|DefTech AV-4 Lipanbara]], [[Weststar GK-M1/M2]] and [[HICOM Handalan Truck|Handalan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/an-overview-the-malaysian-defence-industry-248|title=An Overview The Malaysian Defence Industry}}</ref> In January 2021, Mildef International Technologies has launched its new [[Mildef Tarantula HMAV]] intended for the local market and export.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/unifil-contender-out-on-show/|title=Unifil Contender Out on Show|date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> At the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022, Mildef International Technologies has launched its second armoured vehicle called the [[Mildef Rentaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/dsa-2022-mildef-rentaka/|title=DSA 2022 Mildef Rentaka|date=28 March 2022 }}</ref> Another local company, Cendana Auto also introduced its new [[Cendana Auto 4x4]] which is ready to deliver to the Malaysian Army.

As a country with vast maritime area, Malaysia has long had a great shipbuilding industry since the Malacca Sultanate. During which, the country had been the main shipbuilders in the region. Nowadays, Malaysia houses many shipbuilding companies, giving its reputation as a country with great maritime expertise and facilities. Through local companies such as [[Lumut Naval Shipyard]], [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation]], [[Destini]] and [[Gading Marine]], Malaysia was able to locally build their own major surface combatants and combat boats such as [[Maharaja Lela-class frigate]], [[Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel]], [[Jerung-class gunboat]], [[Gagah Samudera-class training ship]], [[Sri Tiga-class fast troop vessel]], [[Gading Marine FIC / FAC|Gading Marine G2000-18m class combat boat]] and [[Sandakan Jaya Teknik MPB|Sandakan Jaya Teknik-class boat]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26459817|title=Defence Industrialisation in Malaysia: Development Challenges and the Revolution in Military Affairs|jstor=26459817 |last1=Balakrishnan |first1=Kogila |journal=Security Challenges |date=2008 |volume=4 |issue=4 |pages=135–155 }}</ref> In addition to this, local companies such as [[Labuan Shipyard and Engineering]], [[Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering]], Grade One Marine Shipyard, Shin Yang Group and others were also able to execute minor and major maintenance and overhaul to the naval grade vessels locally, without needing to send them abroad. Some of these great achievements were put on display when Malaysia succeeded in completing major overhaul of its Scorpene-class submarines. The upgrade program was done locally by [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation#Facilities and capabilities|BHIC Submarine Engineering Services]] and [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation#Facilities and capabilities|Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation]] at the RMN submarine base in Labuan, Sabah. Malaysia also already exports their naval vessels to foreign navies such as the Shin Yang Group-made [[Al-Quwaisat-class LST]] to the United Arab Emirates navy and Northern Shipyard / KN Aluminium & Engineering-made P38 Sea Eagles patrol craft and Manta MkII-class fast interdiction combat boat to the Nigerian navy. This particular patrol craft and combat boat was marketed under the Singapore-based company, Suncraft Private Limited.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/mrss-as-well-plan-b-shorts/|title=MRSS As Well, Plan B Shorts - Malaysian Defence|date=13 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/january/9517-northern-shipyard-from-malaysia-finalizes-construction-of-four-manta-mk-ii-patrol-boats-for-nigerian-navy.html|title=Northern Shipyard from Malaysia finalizes construction of four Manta Mk II patrol boats for Nigerian Navy|date=7 January 2021 }}</ref>

In aerospace sector, Malaysia is one of the aerospace hubs in the region. Since 1990, Malaysia has witness a growing in aerospace industry when received a lot of foreign direct investment from major foreign aerospace players. In 1998, [[Boeing]] enters Malaysia aerospace industry by acquired 50% stake in Aerospace Composites Malaysia and set up the plant in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. In 2024, Boeing relaunches this manufacturing facility as Boeing Composites Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/08/1098394/boeing-relaunches-malaysian-plant-making-composite-parts|title=Boeing relaunches Malaysian plant making composite parts, subassemblies of all its commercial aircraft|date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Another two major foreign aerospace company namely [[Spirit AeroSystems]] and [[Honeywell Aerospace Technologies]] also set up their plant in Subang and Penang respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/07/1070697/spirit-aerosystems-divest-subang-operations-airbus-following|title=Spirit Aerosystems to divest Subang operations to Airbus following merger with Boeing|date=1 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/02/127938/honeywell-keen-grow-malaysia|title=Honeywell keen to grow in Malaysia|date=17 February 2016}}</ref> [[Airbus]] and [[BAE Systems]] invested in Malaysian aerospace industry by outsourcing theirs aerostructures components from Malaysian companies. Since 1990s, Malaysia, through [[SME Aerospace]] and [[Composites Technology Research Malaysia|CTRM]] has been manufacturing aircraft components such as wing parts, nacelles, composites structures and helicopter parts for the Airbus. These include parts for the A320, A330, A350, A380, A400 and Airbus helicopters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/12/24/airbus-to-keep-growing-with-malaysia/|title=Airbus to keep growing with Malaysia|access-date=4 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184830/https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/12/24/airbus-to-keep-growing-with-malaysia/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other than that, SME Aerospace also manufactures pylons for the BAE Systems Hawk AJT for worldwide customers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2004/07/22/bae-strengthens-ties-with-smea-orders-more-hawk-parts|title=BAE strengthens ties with SMEA, orders more Hawk parts &#124; The Star|website=www.thestar.com.my}}</ref> Although Malaysia does not build major aircraft locally or through any partnerships, Malaysia already has experience in building light aircraft such as the [[SME Aero Tiga]] and [[Eagle Aircraft Eagle 150|CTRM Eagle Aircraft Eagle 150]]. In addition to this, CTRM also built their indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle called the [[CTRM Aludra]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2007&dt=1212&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Polis_%26_Tentera&pg=te_02.htm |title=Pesawat UAV Aludra MK helang perisik ciptaan tempatan |trans-title=Aircraft UAV Aludra MK 'eagle' local creation spy |language=ms |publisher=UTUSAN MELAYU |date=2007-12-12 |access-date=2018-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304234358/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2007&dt=1212&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Polis_%26_Tentera&pg=te_02.htm |archive-date=2018-03-04 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, [[UPECA Aerotech]] joined the club by manufacturing and supplying  aircraft components for both Boeing and Airbus. In 2021, [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]] open its engineering and design centre in Malaysia to train local engineer and share its technologies in local defence industry and aviation fields.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mida.gov.my/mida-news/turkish-aerospace-opens-its-first-engineering-and-design-office-in-southeast-asia-in-cyberjaya/|title=Turkish Aerospace opens its first engineering and design office in Southeast Asia in Cyberjaya}}</ref> Besides aerostructures manufacturing, Malaysia also expand its [[Aircraft maintenance|MRO]] market share. [[Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Overhaul Depot|AIROD]] is one of the only companies to have received a certificate from the United States (US) based defence company, [[Lockheed Martin]] as a C-130 MRO centre outside the US. In 2015, the United States Marine Corps awarded AIROD for MRO operations on its 13 units of C-130 aircraft that were based in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/airod-secures-contract-maintain-us-navy-aircraft|title=Airod secures contract to maintain US Navy aircraft|date=9 November 2015}}</ref> Besides the C-130, AIROD also had an expertise in servicing other types of commercial and military aircraft and had served other customers across the region. Like AIROD, another local aerospace company named [[Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation|ATSC]] has also played an important role in the aerospace industry in Malaysia. This company focuses more on MRO services for Russian-built aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30, MiG-29 and Mil Mi-17. In 2017, ATSC was awarded a contract to do a major overhaul and upgrade on the RMAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fleet.<ref>{{cite web | title=First Overhauled Malaysian Su-30MKM Aircraft to Debut at LIMA 19 | website=Defense Aerospace news, exhibitions, contracts and procurement | date=25 March 2019 | url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/24522/First_Overhauled_Malaysian_Su_30MKM_Aircraft_to_Debut_at_LIMA_19#.XzDaiVPmg0M | access-date=2020-09-29}}</ref> For other local aerospace players, [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation#Facilities and capabilities|BHIC AeroServices]], [[UMW Holdings#Subsidiaries|UMW Aerospace]], [[UMW Holdings#Subsidiaries|UMW Aero Assets]], [[Destini#Divisions|Destini Prima]], [[Destini#Divisions|Destini Avia Technique]] and Galaxy Aerospace is some of the local company that contributed to the MRO segments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61dc74c4cb0efe2330dd66b3/t/61fdd4fce6479d42cb56fcc7/1644025105806/MalaysianAerospaceIndustryBlueprint2030v12.pdf|title=Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030}}</ref>

In 1969, Malaysia set up a firearms manufacturing company, [[SME Ordnance]] to supply the local armed forces. Starting out by manufacturing ammunition locally, SME Ordnance moved on to also manufacture advanced high-tech firearms. By 1991, SME Ordnance had acquired a licence to manufacture the Austrian-made [[Steyr AUG]] rifles locally. In 2001, SME Ordnance moved on to acquire a licence to locally manufacture the US-made [[M4 Carbine]] assault rifle.<ref name="P&S">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809175621/http://www.epicos.com/epicos/extended/malaysia/ordnance/smeordnance_products.html|archive-date=2011-08-09|url=http://www.epicos.com/epicos/extended/malaysia/ordnance/smeordnance_products.html|title=Products and Services|access-date=22 March 2010}}</ref> Both locally manufactured Steyr AUG and M4 assault rifles are currently used by the Malaysian Armed Forces and other government agencies. Additionally, SME Ordnance also provides a wide range of NATO standard munitions, including 5.56&nbsp;mm to 155&nbsp;mm calibre ammunition, mines, explosions and rockets. Another local firearms company; [[Aegis Malinnov Sdn Bhd|Aegis Malinnov]] also developed indigenous pistols called the [[Malinnov M1P]] intended to be used by Malaysian government agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1237756|title=BERNAMA - Malaysian-Made Pistol To Enter Market By Year-End|date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422223502/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1237756|archive-date=22 April 2016}}</ref> In conjunction of [[Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition|LIMA]] 2023, the [[Edge Group]] in United Arab Emirates had signed an agreement with Malaysian-company Ketech Asia for the production of [[Caracal International|CARACAL]] firearms locally through the transfer of technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/lima-2023-edge-signs-agreement-with-ketech-asia-to-produce-rifles|title=Janes - LIMA 2023: Edge signs agreement with Ketech Asia to produce rifles.|date=25 May 2023 }}</ref>

Malaysia also has its own defence technology research statutory board. The Science Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) is the statutory board under the [[Ministry of Defence (Malaysia)]] and is responsible for performing research and development related to defence technologies for the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Malaysian Armed Forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stride.gov.my/v3/en/|title=STRIDE Official Page}}</ref>

==International action==
The [[Five Power Defence Arrangement]] (FPDA) between [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and the [[United Kingdom]] is a regional security initiative which has been in place for more than 45 years. It involves joint military exercises held between the five countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/38249 |title=Australia says major military exercise underway in Malaysia |publisher=My Sinchew |date=26 April 2010 |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201942/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/38249 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Malaysia also actively takes part in international exercises such as [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/613812/us-sailors-and-marines-join-the-malaysian-armed-forces-for-carat-2015/#:~:text=U.S.%20Sailors%20and%20Marines%20Join%20the%20Malaysian%20Armed%20Forces%20for%20CARAT%202015,-By%20Task%20Force&text=Sandakan%2C%20Malaysia%20%2D%2D%20The%2021st,opening%20ceremonies%20in%20Sandakan%2C%20Malaysia.|title = U.S. Sailors and Marines Join the Malaysian Armed Forces for CARAT 2015}}</ref> [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/a-first-malaysia-to-deploy-warship-for-rimpac-2018/#:~:text=Malaysia%20will%20send%20a%20warship,exercise%20for%20the%20first%20time.&text=Malaysia's%20involvement%20in%20RIMPAC%2C%20which,southern%20California%2C%20is%20not%20new.|title = A First: Malaysia to Deploy Warship for RIMPAC 2018}}</ref> and COPE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/Photos/igphoto/2001572749/|title=Cope Taufan}}</ref> Joint exercises and war games also have been held with [[Brunei]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2014/04/20/brunei-m%E2%80%99sia-train-11th-military-exercise |title=Brunei, M'sia train in 11th military exercise |author=Wood, Daniel |work=The Brunei Times |date=20 April 2014 |access-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208183256/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2014/04/20/brunei-m%E2%80%99sia-train-11th-military-exercise |archive-date=8 December 2014 }}</ref> [[Indonesia]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1284390436/indonesia-malaysia-military-exercises-must-continue-defence-minister |title=Indonesia-Malaysia military exercises must continue&nbsp;– defence minister |work=ANTARA News |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref> [[France]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/march-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/3635-french-navy-fremm-provence-in-asw-exercise-with-royal-malaysian-navy-in-south-china-sea.html|title=French Navy FREMM Provence in ASW Exercise with Royal Malaysian Navy in South China Sea|date=March 2016 }}</ref> and the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/08/25/Malaysia-US-armed-forces/|title=Malaysia, US armed forces in joint exercise|work=The Star|date=25 August 2014|access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref> Besides that, Malaysia, [[Philippines]], [[Thailand]] and [[Vietnam]] have agreed to host joint security force exercises to secure their maritime borders and tackle issues such as illegal immigration, [[piracy]] and [[smuggling]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/43096 |title=Malaysia, Philippines committed to enhancing border security |work=My Sinchew |date=9 August 2010 |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205247/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/43096 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.graypage.com/assets/Piracy-in-Southeast-Asia-Organised-Criminal-Syndicatds-or-small-scale-opportunists.pdf|title=Piracy in Southeast Asia: Organised Criminal Syndicates or Small Scale Opportunists?|work=Gray Page|date=April 2013|access-date=24 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724082702/http://www.graypage.com/assets/Piracy-in-Southeast-Asia-Organised-Criminal-Syndicatds-or-small-scale-opportunists.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2012/05/15/Malaysia-Thailand-military-exercise-to-include-other-agencies-Asean-members/|title=Malaysia, Thailand military exercise to include other agencies, Asean members|author=Carvalho, Martin |work=The Star|date=15 May 2012|access-date=5 November 2014}}</ref>

Previously, there were fears that extremist militants activities in the Muslim areas of the [[Moro conflict in the Philippines|southern Philippines]]<ref name="borders">{{cite web|last=Pike |first=John |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/01/mil-100120-voa05.htm |title=Malaysia Intensifies Border Security Following US Warnings |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=18 September 2010}}</ref> and [[South Thailand insurgency|southern Thailand]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Kent |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3666607.stm |title=Malaysia ups Thai border security |work=BBC News |date=28 April 2004 |access-date=18 September 2010}}</ref> could spill over into Malaysia. In response, Malaysia began to strengthen its border security.<ref name="borders"/>

==Equipment==

{{Main|List of equipment of the Malaysian Armed Forces}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Malaysia}}
*[[Malaysian Army]]
*[[Royal Malaysian Navy]]
*[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]
*[[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency|Malaysia Coast Guard]]
*[[Royal Malaysia Police]]
*[[Royal Johor Military Force]]
*[[Joint Forces Command, Malaysia|Joint Forces Command]]
*[[Malaysian National Service]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* Robert Karniol, 'Country Briefing: Malaysia,' [[Jane's Defence Weekly]], 25 November 1995, p.&nbsp;25–40

==External links==
{{Commons category|Military of Malaysia}}
* [http://www.mafhq.mil.my/index.php/en/ Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters Website].{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505002455/http://www.mafhq.mil.my/index.php/en/ |date=5 May 2014 }}.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041025124121/http://www.coe-dmha.org/Liaison/Vol_3No_1/Feat04.htm Perspective from a military personnel in The Liaison] (archived 25 October 2004)
* [http://malaysiandefence.com malaysiandefence.com]

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