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15/05/2026
Another F/A-18D of Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia No. 18 Squadron is back flying. Caught by Labuan Spotter https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSx8kdQEY/ the M45-08, which underwent LPM-12Y touch-down in Labuan AB, with another Hornet. Looking at the close-up view of the photo shared, one will notice she was armed with an AIM-9 and two SUU-20 bomb dispensers and rocket launchers. Exercise at Kota Belud range perhaps?
ps. Photo rights belong to Labuan Spotter.
14/05/2026
On Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia NSM delivery banned from the Norwegian government, PMX Anwar Ibrahim called his counterpart, PM Jonas Gahr Støre on our disappointment. From PMX Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CQmV8hz6G/
"I conveyed Malaysia’s vehement objection in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre regarding Norway’s unilateral and unacceptable decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, ostensibly to protect Norway’s security.
Malaysia has honoured every obligation under this contract since 2018: scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation. Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith.
I made it plain that this decision will have grave consequences for Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme. It will undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance.
Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner. If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window."
Another exhibitor "secluded" on level 3 of Defence Services Asia 2026 was the HD Hyundai Heavy Industry booth. Aside from their latest destroyer, submarine and MRSS display, a model ship proposed to the Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia Multi-Purpose Command Platform programme was also showcased.
Derived from the Philippine Navy's Rajah Sulayman-class OPV and the Peruvian Navy's HDP-2200 OPV, the 94m MPCP can accommodate the different operational requirements of the Navy. Its capable of carrying mission-modular containers, which range from a sonar to unmanned operation systems. The proposal includes an enlarged stern gate with launch bridge, and a starboard side RHIB launch and recovery system. On the model ship, it's fitted with radar, sensors, communication and weapon systems, and a stern helideck.
The Navy plans to replace its existing Tun Sharifah Rodziah sea base with the MPCP. The envision platform, a Mobile Offshore Base, provides a mobile command, operation and logistics centre to the Navy's forward operations on the East Coast of Sabah. Unlike many other proposals seen, this is perhaps the first OPV-based proposal to the Navy MPCP programme.
Back to Defence Services Asia 2026.
Five vehicles on display at the Mildef International Technologies booth were the newly delivered to Tentera Darat Malaysia, the Volvo FMX Heavy Recovery Vehicle, RIBAT Armoured Rapid Intervention Vehicle, MIRSAD Infantry Section Vehicle and two Tarantulas.
At DSA'26, Mildef confirmed that the government has awarded them a contract for 136 units of the Tarantula HMAV. Rated at NATO’s Stanag 4569 Level 2, the second-generation monocoque chassis design will be delivered in four variants. These are, the 12.7mm Aselsan RCWS, Command and Control, Reconnaissance and Surveillance, and Armoured Ambulance vehicle. We're told that it'll enter production soon, with the first batch of deliveries in the first quarter of 2027.
A second Tarantula in a desert colour scheme was also on display. The significant difference is the ROKETSAN A.Ş.’s twin OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Missiles. This is said to be propose to the Rejimen Artileri Diraja. Why the artillery, I have no idea.
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