The Malaysian Army (;
Jawi: ) is the land component of the
Malaysian Armed Forces
The Malaysian Armed Forces (: MAF; ; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: ), 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 ...
. Steeped in
British Army
The British Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of the United Kingdom. the British Army comprises 73,847 regular full-time personnel, 4,127 Brigade of Gurkhas, Gurkhas, 25,742 Army Reserve (United Kingdom), volunteer reserve perso ...
traditions, the Malaysian Army does not carry the title ‘royal’ () as do the
Royal Malaysian Navy
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN, ; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: ) is the naval arm of the Malaysian Armed Forces. RMN is the main agency responsible for the country's maritime surveillance and defence operations. RMN's area of operation consists of 603,2 ...
and the
Royal Malaysian Air Force. Instead, the title is bestowed on selected army corps and regiments who have been accorded the honour by the ('The King of Malaysia'), who is the
Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
History

The first military units in Malaysia can be traced back to the
Penang Volunteer Rifle raised on 1 March 1861
[1 March is marked as Army Day in honour of the Penang Rifle Volunteers (PRV) raising as the first military unit in the ]Malay Peninsula
The Malay Peninsula is located in Mainland Southeast Asia. The landmass runs approximately north–south, and at its terminus, it is the southernmost point of the Asian continental mainland. The area contains Peninsular Malaysia, Southern Tha ...
. and the
Malay States
The monarchies of Malaysia exist in each of the nine Malay states under the constitutional monarchy system as practised in Malaysia. The political system of Malaysia is based on the Westminster parliamentary system in combination with features ...
Volunteer Rifles which existed from 1915 to 1936. The birth of the modern Malaysian Army came about when the Federal Council of the
Federated Malay States
The Federated Malay States (FMS, , Jawi script, Jawi: ) was a federation of four protectorate, protected states in the Malay Peninsula — Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang — established in 1895 by the British government, and whi ...
passed the
Malay Regiment Bill on 23 January 1933. This allowed the initial recruitment of 25 males for the First Experimental
Malay Company
A company, abbreviated as co., is a Legal personality, legal entity representing an association of legal people, whether Natural person, natural, Juridical person, juridical or a mixture of both, with a specific objective. Company members ...
on 1 March 1933 in the Haig Lines camp in
Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan (, Negeri Sembilan Malay: ''Nogoghi Sombilan'', ''Nismilan''), historically spelled as Negri Sembilan, is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state in Malaysia which lies on the Peninsular Malaysia#Other features, wes ...
. Major G. McI. S. Bruce of the
Lincolnshire Regiment was the first Commanding Officer. By 1 January 1935, the Experimental Company became The
Malay Regiment with a complement of 150 men. A battalion was formed on 1 January 1938 and eventually a second battalion on 1 December 1941. The 1st Bn Malay Regiment was famous for its defence of Opium Hill () in Singapore. The ‘
Battle of Opium Hill’ on 14 February 1942 involved 42 soldiers commanded by Lt.
Adnan Saidi who defended their position against attack from the 18th Division of the Japanese Imperial Army under Lt. Gen. Renya Mutaguchi. After World War II and during the Malayan Emergency, the number of battalions was increased to seven in the early 1950s.
The ('Royal Armoured Corps') can trace its roots to the formation on 1 September 1952 of the Federation Reconnaissance Squadron. It was later merged with the
Federation Regiment to form the Federation Reconnaissance Corps. The name underwent a few transformations from the Malaysian Reconnaissance Corps (16 September 1967), Royal Malaysian Reconnaissance Corps (May 1979) to Royal Cavalry Corps (December 1979) and finally to on 8 December 1986. The
Royal Ranger Regiment's lineage began in 1863 as the paramilitary
Sarawak Rangers. Although the second in the order of precedence, it is the oldest active formation of the Army.
Profile
Flag
The flag of the Malaysian Army, introduced since the inception of the Malaysian Army and still in use today, combines elements of the
Malaysian Flag and the crest of the Malaysian Army. It serves as a symbol of pride and courage for the Malaysian Army.
This flag measures in height and in width. It is flown from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm daily, following specific protocols and honors.
Symbolism
* Crown: Represents the loyalty of the Malaysian Army to His Majesty the
King of Malaysia
The King of Malaysia, officially ''Yang di-Pertuan Agong'' ( Jawi alphabet, Jawi: ), is the constitutional monarch and Figurehead, ceremonial head of state of Malaysia. The office was established in 1957, when the Federation of Malaya gained ...
and to the Malay State Rulers.
* Crescent Moon and Star: Symbolize the commitment of Malaysian Army members to Islam, the official religion of the Federation.
* The words "Allah" and "Muhammad" symbolize God Almighty and the Messenger of Allah.
* Diamonds: Represent the wealth enjoyed by Malaysians.
* 16 rice flower garlands: Depict the 16 corps within the Malaysian Army.
*
Keris Bersilang
Duku Ilang: Symbolises bravery and the unwavering commitment to fight to the last drop of blood.
Organisation and structure
Tactical structure
The Malaysian Army currently has 18 Corps and
Regiment
A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, military service, service, or administrative corps, specialisation.
In Middle Ages, Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of l ...
s. These are grouped into 3 main components — the Combat Element, the Combat Support Element and the Support Elements.
The Corps and Regiments are currently organised into five
divisions
Division may refer to:
Mathematics
*Division (mathematics), the inverse of multiplication
* Division algorithm, a method for computing the result of mathematical division Military
*Division (military), a formation typically consisting of 10,000 t ...
. Three of which (the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Divisions) are based on the Malay Peninsula and placed under Western Field Army Headquarters, while the other two (the 1st Division and 5th Division) are based on Malaysian Borneo and placed under Eastern Field Army Headquarters.
The
21st Special Service Group (the Army's special forces),
10th Parachute Brigade and the two
Army Aviation Regiment are independent formations.
The Western Field Army Headquarters, Eastern Field Army Headquarters and two support commands (
Army Training and Doctrine Headquarters and Army Logistics Administration Headquarters) are placed under Army Headquarters (Army Command).
Chief of army
The current Chief of Army () is General
Datuk ''Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan'', who succeeded General
Tan Sri ''
Mohammad Ab Rahman'' on September 6, 2023, who was also appointed as the new
Chief of Defence Forces (Malaysia) on the same day.
Rank structure
The Malaysian Army uses a rank structure inherited from the
British Army
The British Army is the principal Army, land warfare force of the United Kingdom. the British Army comprises 73,847 regular full-time personnel, 4,127 Brigade of Gurkhas, Gurkhas, 25,742 Army Reserve (United Kingdom), volunteer reserve perso ...
. The
Malaysian Army rank structure has 17 levels from
Private () to
General
A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry.
In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
(). These ranks are divided into 2 main groups —
Officer
An officer is a person who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization. The term derives from Old French ''oficier'' "officer, official" (early 14c., Modern French ''officier''), from Medieval Latin ''officiarius'' "an officer," fro ...
() and Other Ranks () which includes the
Non-Commissioned Officer
A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is an enlisted rank, enlisted leader, petty officer, or in some cases warrant officer, who does not hold a Commission (document), commission. Non-commissioned officers usually earn their position of authority b ...
() ranks.
Officers
Other ranks
Corps and regiments
*
''Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja'' ('Royal Malay Regiment')
*
''Rejimen Renjer Diraja'' ('Royal Ranger Regiment')
*''
Rejimen Sempadan'' ('Border Regiment')
*
''Kor Armor Diraja'' ('Royal Armoured Corps')
*''
Rejimen Artileri Diraja'' ('Royal Artillery Regiment')
*''
Rejimen Semboyan Diraja'' ('Royal Signals Regiment')
*
''Kor Perkhidmatan Am'' ('General Service Corps')
*
''Kor Polis Tentera Diraja'' ('Royal Military Police Corps')
*
''Kor Kesihatan Diraja'' ('Royal Medical Corps')
*
''Kor Risik Diraja'' ('Royal Intelligence Corps')
*
''Kor Perkhidmatan Diraja'' ('Royal Logistics Corps')
*
''Kor Ordnans Diraja'' ('Royal Ordnance Corps')
*
''Rejimen Askar Jurutera Diraja'' ('Royal Engineer Regiment')
*
''Kor Jurutera Letrik dan Jentera Diraja'' ('Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Corps')
*''
Kor Agama Angkatan Tentera'' ('Religious Corps of the Armed Forces of Malaysia')
*''
Rejimen Askar Wataniah'' ('Territorial Army Regiment')
*''
Grup Gerak Khas'' ('Special Service Group')
*''
Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat'' ('Army Air Corps')
Combat elements
*''Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja''
The
''Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja'' ('Royal Malay Regiment') is the most senior regiment of the Malaysian Army. Its ranks are recruited from amongst the
Malay population. The Regiment has 27
battalion
A battalion is a military unit, typically consisting of up to one thousand soldiers. A battalion is commanded by a lieutenant colonel and subdivided into several Company (military unit), companies, each typically commanded by a Major (rank), ...
s. The 1st Battalion, the most senior in the Regiment, currently undertakes ceremonial and Royal Guard duties. The remainder are configured as 20 Standard Infantry Battalions, three Mechanised Infantry Battalions and three Parachute Infantry Battalions. The regiment uses rifle green berets except the three airborne battalions that wear maroon berets.
The 19th Bn Royal Malay Regiment (Mech) was involved in the rescue of U.S.
75th Ranger Regiment and
Delta Force operatives in Somalia during the
Battle of Mogadishu. The unit of 32 Radpanzer
Condor APCs and 113 men from
MALBATT 1 went in with the U.S.
10th Mountain Division
The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) is a light infantry division (military), division in the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. Formerly designated as a mountain warfare unit, the division was the only one of its size in ...
to rescue the trapped Rangers. Four APCs were immobilised and were destroyed by US helicopter gunships. 19 Royal Malay Regiment suffered 1 soldier
killed in action
Killed in action (KIA) is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their personnel at the hands of enemy or hostile forces at the moment of action. The United States Department of Defense, for example, ...
(KIA),
PFC Mat Aznan Awang while 8 others were wounded in action (WIA). PFC Mat Aznan Awang was later promoted posthumously to Corporal and was awarded with ''Pingat
Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa'', the nation's highest gallantry award. In total, 7 officers and 26 NCOs were awarded various medals for their valour during the operation, the highest number of men recommended for medals in a single unit in a single operation.
*''Rejimen Renjer Diraja''
The
''Rejimen Renjer Diraja'' ('Royal Ranger Regiment') is a multi-racial unit organised along similar lines to the
''Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja''. There are currently 11 battalions within this regiment. The Regiment traces its roots to the
Sarawak Rangers and the Sarawak Constabulary, famed jungle trackers who had a deadly reputation during the
Malayan Emergency
The Malayan Emergency, also known as the Anti–British National Liberation War, was a guerrilla warfare, guerrilla war fought in Federation of Malaya, Malaya between communist pro-independence fighters of the Malayan National Liberation Arm ...
and during the
Communist Party of Malaya’s
insurgency
An insurgency is a violent, armed rebellion by small, lightly armed bands who practice guerrilla warfare against a larger authority. The key descriptive feature of insurgency is its asymmetric warfare, asymmetric nature: small irregular forces ...
in Malaysia. The 8th Bn Royal Ranger Regiment (8 Renjer) was the first infantry battalion in the Malaysian Army to undergo conversion into an
airborne battalion. The unit is currently assigned to the elite
10th Parachute Brigade. The Malaysian Army's most decorated soldier, WOI (Rtd)
Kanang anak Langkau was a
Regimental Sergeant Major of 8 Ranger.
*''Rejimen Sempadan''
The ''
Rejimen Sempadan'' ('Border Regiment') is a newly created regiment from the 300 series Territorial Army units in charge of the border. The government announced on 1 July 2006 the formation of a new regiment specifically for border patrol. Members of the regiment will be taken from various regiments and corps, most notably from the ''
Rejimen Askar Wataniah''. It is believed that the army will form about 2 to 3 brigades of this new regiment. The new regiment was officially raised on 9 February 2008 by Najib Razak at Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
*''Kor Armor Diraja''
The
''Kor Armor Diraja'' ''('
''Royal Armoured Corps)'' provides the armour capability for the Malaysian Army. Currently, the Corps consists of 5 battalions (sometimes referred to as Regiments), which are equipped with various
armoured personnel carriers
An armoured personnel carrier (APC) is a broad type of armoured military vehicle designed to transport personnel and equipment in combat zones. Since World War I, APCs have become a very common piece of military equipment around the world.
Acc ...
(AV-8 Gempita, SIBMAS AFSV-90, Condor, ACV-300 Adnan and K-200 KIFV) and light combat vehicles. ''Rejimen ke-11'' of the ''Kor Armor Diraja'' is the sole user of 48
PT-91M Main Battle Tank
A main battle tank (MBT), also known as a battle tank or universal tank or simply tank,Ogorkiewicz 2018 p222 is a tank that fills the role of armour-protected direct fire and maneuver in many modern armies. Cold War-era development of more po ...
s from
Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It extends from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains in the south, bordered by Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, Belarus and Ukrai ...
.
Combat support elements

*''Rejimen Artileri Diraja''
The ''
Rejimen Artileri Diraja'' ''(Royal Artillery Regiment''
')'' is the artillery corps of the Malaysian Army and provides artillery support and local air defence for army units. The regiment is equipped with 36 Brazilian-made
Astros II multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and 28
G5 MkIII towed artillery guns from South Africa.
Air defence
Anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) is the counter to aerial warfare and includes "all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action".AAP-6 It encompasses surface-based, subsurface (Submarine#Armament, submarine-lau ...
is provided using a mix of Swiss
Oerlikon twin 35 mm and Swedish
Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft artillery and missile systems such as the
Jernas and
Starburst from the UK,
Anza from Pakistan,
FN-6 from China and
Igla from Russia. Malaysia committed to purchase
Starstreak V-Shorads missiles from the UK in 2015.
*''Rejimen Semboyan Diraja''
The ''
Rejimen Semboyan Diraja'' ('Royal Signals Regiment') is in charge of
strategic communication,
tactical communications,
electronic warfare and
early warning systems such as
radar
Radar is a system that uses radio waves to determine the distance ('' ranging''), direction ( azimuth and elevation angles), and radial velocity of objects relative to the site. It is a radiodetermination method used to detect and track ...
.
*''Kor Polis Tentera Diraja''
The
''Kor Polis Tentera Diraja'' ('Royal Military Police Corps') deploys as part of the field army, in support of army operations and enforces proper conduct among army personnel. Aside from being responsible for base security, the military police are also tasked with preventing and investigating criminal activities on army property or by military personnel.
*''Rejimen Askar Jurutera Diraja''
The
''Rejimen Askar Jurutera Diraja'' ('Royal Engineers Regiment') is tasked with demolitions, bridge-laying and the repair of military infrastructure, such as
airbase runways
In aviation, a runway is an elongated, rectangular surface designed for the landing and takeoff of an aircraft. Runways may be a human-made surface (often asphalt, concrete, or a mixture of both) or a natural surface (grass, dirt, gravel, ...
or clearing obstacles in emergency situations.
*''Kor Jurutera Letrik dan Jentera Diraja''
The
''Kor Jurutera Letrik dan Jentera Diraja'' ('Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps') is responsible for the maintenance of all vehicles and machinery of the Malaysian Army.
*''Kor Risik Diraja''
The
''Kor Risik Diraja'' ('Royal Intelligence Corps') specialises in
psychological warfare
Psychological warfare (PSYWAR), or the basic aspects of modern psychological operations (PsyOp), has been known by many other names or terms, including Military Information Support Operations ( MISO), Psy Ops, political warfare, "Hearts and Mi ...
(psyops),
surveillance
Surveillance is the monitoring of behavior, many activities, or information for the purpose of information gathering, influencing, managing, or directing. This can include observation from a distance by means of electronic equipment, such as ...
,
intelligence
Intelligence has been defined in many ways: the capacity for abstraction, logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It can be described as t ...
,
reconnaissance
In military operations, military reconnaissance () or scouting is the exploration of an area by military forces to obtain information about enemy forces, the terrain, and civil activities in the area of operations. In military jargon, reconnai ...
and
counter-intelligence
Counterintelligence (counter-intelligence) or counterespionage (counter-espionage) is any activity aimed at protecting an agency's intelligence program from an opposition's intelligence service. It includes gathering information and conducting ac ...
operations. Aside from handling
propaganda
Propaganda is communication that is primarily used to influence or persuade an audience to further an agenda, which may not be objective and may be selectively presenting facts to encourage a particular synthesis or perception, or using loaded l ...
and counter-propaganda, the corps is also tasked with conducting background checks on recruits when they first enroll in any training courses. There are two Army combat elements attached to the ''Kor Risik Diraja''.
Services support elements
*''Kor Ordnans Diraja''
The
''Kor Ordnans Diraja'' ('Royal Ordnance Corps') ensures that all military supplies and ordnance are stored, secured and inventoried properly.
*''Kor Agama Angkatan Tentera''
The ''
Kor Agama Angkatan Tentera'' (KAGAT; 'Armed Forces Religious Corps') performs religious (chaplainry) services for
Muslim
Muslims () are people who adhere to Islam, a Monotheism, monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God ...
,
Christian
A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a Monotheism, monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the wo ...
and, other religions in the Malaysian Armed Forces. It also provides
counselling and conducts ritual prayers on the battlefield.
*''Kor Perkhidmatan Diraja''
The
''Kor Perkhidmatan Diraja'' ('Royal Logistics Corps') is in charge of transporting troops and supplies to the various units of the Malaysian Army.
*''Kor Kesihatan Diraja''
The
''Kor Kesihatan Diraja'' ('Royal Medical Corps') provides training for Army medics and other specialists. It runs the Armed Forces hospitals and provides the battlefield mobile hospitals. The unit has also provided relief MALMEDTIMs (Malaysian Medical Teams) to
Pakistan
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million, having the Islam by country# ...
,
Afghanistan
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the Durand Line, east and south, Iran to the Afghanistan–Iran borde ...
,
Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a territorial dispute, disputed territory in Maghreb, North-western Africa. It has a surface area of . Approximately 30% of the territory () is controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR); the remaining 70% is ...
,
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...
and
Palestine
Palestine, officially the State of Palestine, is a country in West Asia. Recognized by International recognition of Palestine, 147 of the UN's 193 member states, it encompasses the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and th ...
.
*''Kor Perkhidmatan Am''
The
''Kor Perkhidmatan Am'' ('General Service Corps') handles administration, educational matters, public relations and financial management for the entire armed forces.
Elite forces

*''21 Grup Gerak Khas''
The
''21 Grup Gerak Khas'' (21 GGK; '21st Special Service Group') is the Malaysian Army's special forces and commando unit. 21 GGK is one of the two
Elite forces in the Malaysian Army. 21 GGK is the operational home of various specialists and the
Commando
A commando is a combatant, or operative of an elite light infantry or special operations force, specially trained for carrying out raids and operating in small teams behind enemy lines.
Originally, "a commando" was a type of combat unit, as oppo ...
regiment
A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, military service, service, or administrative corps, specialisation.
In Middle Ages, Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of l ...
s, which are capable of conducting
unconventional warfare
Unconventional warfare (UW) is broadly defined as "military and quasi-military operations other than conventional warfare" and may use covert forces or actions such as subversion, diversion, sabotage, espionage, biowarfare, sanctions, propaga ...
or
special operations
Special operations or special ops are military activities conducted, according to NATO, by "specially designated, organized, selected, trained, and equipped forces using unconventional techniques and modes of employment." Special operations ma ...
. One of the known foreign operations involving this regiment was in an attack by Somali militia on a convoy transporting UN Intelligence Chief in
UNOSOM II on 18 July 1994. In the action, two members of the regiment were
killed in action
Killed in action (KIA) is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their personnel at the hands of enemy or hostile forces at the moment of action. The United States Department of Defense, for example, ...
, while another four were wounded. One of the injured men was taken
hostage by the militia and was released nine hours later.
*10th Parachute Brigade
The
10th Parachute Brigade (10 Para Bde; ) is an
elite
In political and sociological theory, the elite (, from , to select or to sort out) are a small group of powerful or wealthy people who hold a disproportionate amount of wealth, privilege, political power, or skill in a group. Defined by the ...
airborne unit tasked with being rapidly deployed inside or outside the boundaries of Malaysia. 10 Para is the key element of the Malaysian
Rapid Deployment Force () and it is Malaysia primary main offensive force in time of war or emergencies.
Army air corps

*''Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat''
The ''
Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat'' ('Army Air Corps') is the
army aviation branch formed around a core of
Royal Malaysian Air Force officers. This new Army formation is tasked with
liaison duties, providing limited transport capabilities,
close air support
Close air support (CAS) is defined as aerial warfare actions—often air-to-ground actions such as strafes or airstrikes—by military aircraft against hostile targets in close proximity to friendly forces. A form of fire support, CAS requires ...
and also air
reconnaissance
In military operations, military reconnaissance () or scouting is the exploration of an area by military forces to obtain information about enemy forces, the terrain, and civil activities in the area of operations. In military jargon, reconnai ...
using light observation helicopters. The unit currently has three squadron, 881 Army Aviation Regiment, 882 Army Aviation Regiment and 883 Army Aviation Regiment. The main Army Air Corps base is located in
Kluang, Johor. As 2019, the Air Corps is equipped with 10
AgustaWestland AW109 light helicopters and 14
Sikorsky S61A-4 medium helicopter. The 882 Army Aviation Regiment will be received new
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk to replaced its aeging Sikorsky S61A-4 while the 883 Army Aviation Regiment has received 6 units of
MD530G light attack helicopter in 2022.
Reserves unit
*''Rejimen Askar Wataniah''
The ''
Rejimen Askar Wataniah'' ('Territorial Army Regiment') forms the second line of Malaysia's defence. Formed by college students, professionals and civilians, it provides support for the regular armed forces of Malaysia and is responsible for the security of key installations in times of conflict. Originally tasked with area and local defence, the ''Rejimen Askar Wataniah'' units have been reconfigured and will perform front line duties alongside regular units when the need arises. ''Rejimen Askar Wataniah'' units, such as armoured squadrons, are integral units of several
''Kor Armor Diraja'' regiments.
Rapid reaction infantry battalion
* ''Batalion Siap Sedia Tentera Darat''
The ''Batalion Siap Sedia Tentera Darat'' (BSSTD; 'Army Rapid Battalion — ARB') is a
combat ready battalion of the Malaysian Army. The ARB can be deployed to overseas conflict areas in short notice under order of the
United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN DPKO). The battalion consists of multiple capabilities, including special operations, armour, infantry and
Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN defence). Currently, the 7th Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment (Mechanised) (7 RRD (Mek)) is assigned as the main combat element for the ARB. The 7 RRD (Mek) is supported by various corps and regiments, including special ops operators from the Malaysian Army counter-terrorism regiment, the ''11th Special Service Regiment''.
Strength
The personnel strength of the Malaysian Army is approximately 80,000 personnel in the Active Army,
[IISS (2012), p. 264] 50,000 in the Active Reserve and 26,600 active and 244,700 reservists in the paramilitary.
The Malaysian Army consists of 5 infantry divisions, 11 infantry brigades, 1 mechanised brigade, 3 border brigades, 1 special forces brigade and 1 airborne brigade composed of:
* 30 light infantry
Light infantry refers to certain types of lightly equipped infantry throughout history. They have a more mobile or fluid function than other types of infantry, such as heavy infantry or line infantry. Historically, light infantry often fought ...
battalions
* 4 airborne infantry (paratrooper) battalions
* 4 mechanised infantry
Mechanized infantry are infantry units equipped with Armoured personnel carrier, armored personnel carriers (APCs) or infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for transport and combat (see also armoured corps).
As defined by the United States Army, me ...
battalions
* 5 armoured battalions (1 tank regiment)
* 1 light tank squadron
* 14 artillery regiments (4 air defence)
* 3 special forces regiments
* 3 field engineer regiments
* 1 construction engineer regiment
* 1 airborne infantry squadron
* 4 military police regiments
* 1 signals regiment
* 1 intelligence unit
* 3 helicopter squadrons
The territorial army includes:
* 16 light infantry regiments[IISS (2012), p. 265]
* 4 specialist engineer regiments
Equipment
Present development
Since the recovery from the 1997 economic crisis, Malaysian Army along with other branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces has regained momentum in its modernising programs.
Firearms
Currently, the American-made M4 carbine is standard issue for all army units while the Steyr AUG is only in limited use by certain units and the former standard issue M16A1 rifle is only use for ceremonial purposes and by Rejimen Askar Wataniah. Both the M4 carbine and the Steyr AUG are locally produced by SME Ordnance although the Steyr AUG rifle is no longer in production. In conjunction of LIMA
Lima ( ; ), founded in 1535 as the Ciudad de los Reyes (, Spanish for "City of Biblical Magi, Kings"), is the capital and largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón River, Chillón, Rímac River, Rímac and Lurín Rive ...
2023, United Arab Emirates EDGE Group had signed an agreement with Malaysian company Ketech Asia for the production of CARACAL
The caracal (''Caracal caracal'') () is a medium-sized Felidae, wild cat native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid areas of Pakistan and northwestern India. It is characterised by a robust build, long legs, a short face, long ...
firearms locally through the transfer of technology.
Tanks
The first major procurement was to set a milestone by building its first ever main battle tank regiment. Malaysian Army received delivery of 48 units PT-91M Pendekar main battle tanks and other tank-based equipment like ARV WZT-4 from Poland with fully completed contract of sale in March 2010. As of 2024, the army is planning to upgrade all PT-91M Pendekar tanks with the planned SLEP program. In 2016, a Malaysian company Etika Strategi Sdn Bhd made an agreement with Rheinmetall and Otokar
Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi A.Ş., also known simply as Otokar, is a Turkish bus and military vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Sakarya, Turkey. Otokar is a subsidiary of Koç Holding.
History
Otokar was founded in 1963 as Turkey' ...
on the possibility of working together on the Turkish joint venture Altay MBT.
Armoured combat vehicles
Malaysian Army is also rapidly mechanising its current inventory - 267 units locally manufactured DefTech ACV-300 Adnan IFVs were acquired by the army in 2004 and 111 units K200 KIFV also purchased from South Korea. Following the procurement of the Pakistani Bakhtar-Shikan ATGM, they were installed on the ACV-300 Adnans. As of 2023, the army will be modernising 60 ACV-300 Adnans in a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). The army planned the SLEP for the entire ACV-300 Adnan and K200 KIFV fleet. The AV4 Lipanbara MRAPs were also manufactured by DefTech for the army and are stationed in East Malaysia ESSCOM area of operations. In 2014, the army also procured the locally produced DefTech AV8 Gempita which is based on the Turkish FNSS Pars and manufactured with FNSS Defence Systems assistance. A Malaysian company AVP Engineering has teamed up with a South Korean defence company Doosan DST to offer Black Fox 6x6 wheeled armoured vehicle if it was selected by the Malaysian government. In 2017, Malaysian Army acquired IAG Guardian armoured vehicle for uses in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon. Malaysian Army planned to add locally made light armoured vehicle in their inventory. In 2019, Malaysian government issues a tender for the new multipurpose light armoured vehicle. The variants sought for this new vehicle is the fitted for radio, mortar carrier, anti-tank guided missile carrier, light assault vehicle and special operation vehicle. This new light armoured vehicle is uses to augment the fleets of URO VAMTAC
The URO VAMTAC () is a Spanish four-wheel drive military vehicle manufactured by UROVESA. Externally it is similar in appearance and design to the Humvee of the United States Military due to similar requirements. More than 2,000 of the vehicles hav ...
and locally made Weststar GK-M1/M2. In August 2020, the Ministry of Defence is preparing for an open competition to find the replacement for the armoured vehicle to replace the Condor APC and SIBMAS IFV. About 250-400 Armoured Fighting Vehicle were requested by the army, specifically in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. As of 2024, the army has put in an order for 136 vehicles of the new Mildef Tarantula HMAV and more than 200 vehicles of the Cendana Auto 4x4 have also been delivered to the army since 2021. In Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 exhibition, Mildef International Technologies has launched its second armoured vehicle called Mildef Rentaka. In same exhibition also, Malaysia signed a contract to purchase Ejder Yalcin for Malaysian Army to be use by the UNIFIL contingent.
Artillery
Despite adding some 28 units of South African G5 Mk III 155 mm howitzers, another major procurement was 18 units of Astros MLRS from Brazil, which delivery was completed in 2006. A second batch of 18 units MRLS was ordered in 2007. The United States reportedly agreed to transfer a total of 29 pieces of M109 howitzer
The M109 is an American 155 mm turreted self-propelled howitzer, first introduced in the early 1960s to replace the M44 and M52. It has been upgraded a number of times, most recently to the M109A7. The M109 family is the most common Western ...
artillery to the Malaysian Army but this deal was cancelled at the last minute. In 2018, Malaysian Army ordered 18 units of Nexter LG1 Mk III 105 mm howitzers. It is reported that in October 2024, Malaysian Army has selected the EVA M2 155 mm SPH as future self-propelled howitzer.
Air defence
There is also a requirement for an upgrade to the current air defence network. However, a dispute between the army and the air force on whether to introduce a mid-range surface-to-air missile
A surface-to-air missile (SAM), also known as a ground-to-air missile (GTAM) or surface-to-air guided weapon (SAGW), is a missile designed to be launched from the ground or the sea to destroy aircraft or other missiles. It is one type of anti-ai ...
system had led to the procurement being put on hold. According to a recent interview of the army's chief of staff, Ismail bin Haji Jamaluddin, the army has no intention of taking over the mid-range air defence role. Malaysian defence company, Weststar Defence Industries and its subsidiary Global Komited, has partnered with British air defence company, Thales
Thales of Miletus ( ; ; ) was an Ancient Greek philosophy, Ancient Greek Pre-Socratic philosophy, pre-Socratic Philosophy, philosopher from Miletus in Ionia, Asia Minor. Thales was one of the Seven Sages of Greece, Seven Sages, founding figure ...
for the distribution of Starstreak surface-to-air missile to the Malaysian Army.
Aircraft
Malaysian Army is now shifting its emphasis on enhancing its air wing. In September 2006, Malaysian Army received its 11th and last Agusta Westland AW109. These helicopters are to initially complement, and ultimately replace, the ageing SA316B Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters. Some of them were to be installed with light arms and to be tasked to a scout observation unit. Furthermore, the army will also receive S61A-4 Nuri multipurpose helicopters after they are retired from RMAF and these will form the backbone of the army's very first air transport units - 881 and 882 squadrons of the army air wing. To boost the security in eastern Sabah
Sabah () is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia located in northern Borneo, in the region of East Malaysia. Sabah has land borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak to the southwest and Indonesia's North Kalima ...
from the attacks by militants in the southern Philippines, especially in the Sulu Sea
The Sulu Sea (; Tausug: ''Dagat sin Sūg''; ; ) is a body of water in the southwestern area of the Philippines, separated from the South China Sea in the northwest by Palawan and from the Celebes Sea in the southeast by the Sulu Archipela ...
, the Malaysian government has purchased a total of six McDonnell Douglas MD-530G light attack helicopters from the United States for the Malaysian Army. In 2023, the army acquired Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as the replacement for the S61A-4 Nuri. Due to delay in contract, there is planned to scrapped the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk acquisition and replaced it with AgustaWestland AW149.
Future soldier system and network centric operation system
The Malaysian Army currently has a soldier modernisation programme called the Future Soldier System (FSS). Under the FSS, The Malaysian Army plans to equip all soldiers with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as Kevlar helmets, Kevlar vests, Oakley goggles and ear protection equipment. The programme also includes arming all the standard issue M4 carbines with SOPMOD kits, as well as equipping soldiers with a Glock
Glock (; stylized as GLOCK) is a brand of polymer- framed, short-recoil-operated, striker-fired, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Austrian manufacturer Glock Ges.m.b.H.
The firearm entered Austrian military an ...
series pistol. Sapura, a Malaysian electronics company, is offering their SAKTI Soldier System concept via work in three areas: Head Sub-System (HSS), Body Sub-System (BSS) and Weapon Sub-System (WSS). The HSS consists of a Helmet–Mounted Micro Camera and night vision capability with a data output, helmet-mounted display and earpiece and microphone. The BSS consists of a controller system, energy unit with a power pack for the communication interface, micro-camera and HMD with a single polymer lithium-ion battery for up to ten hours of operation; a communications interface for secure IP-based radio which from the image is a Thales
Thales of Miletus ( ; ; ) was an Ancient Greek philosophy, Ancient Greek Pre-Socratic philosophy, pre-Socratic Philosophy, philosopher from Miletus in Ionia, Asia Minor. Thales was one of the Seven Sages of Greece, Seven Sages, founding figure ...
radio and finally a navigation unit with a display for blue force tracking and situational awareness, colour digital mapping and terrain and urban profile analysis. The system displayed is visually similar to the Kord Defence SmartGrip RIC developed in partnership with Thales Australia. The WSS consists of a Rifle Control Unit consisting of a five-button wireless controller for one handed use with key features including push to talk for the radio, switching the HMD on and off, turning the HMD brightness up and down as well as video transmission to friendly forces.
The FSS in conjunction with the Network Centric Operation (NCO) System, will give the three branches of the Armed Forces a shared situational awareness, interoperability and a common operating picture via a X-band satellite-based link and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, with hopes to enable self-synchronisation for all three branches. The programme will go through several phases, with Phase 1A (the implementation of the mobile X-band satellite communication linked) and Phase 2 (the demonstration of the capabilities of the FSS with NCO) being successful and operational in 2017. In 2018, during the annual DSA convention, the Malaysian Army showcased a joint exercise between the NCO systems via Army Operations Room and soldiers equipped with FSS systems, where the Army Operations Room coordinated the soldiers doing numerous activities, first being a live firing of a 3-man squad involving the usage of artillery and how precise the accuracy of the artilleries via the FSS and NCO equipment, second being in an Army Training Centre and last being a real simulation operation in East Malaysia. Currently, several combat elements such as the 12th Royal Malay Regiment and the 4th Mechanised Brigade are outfitted with the system. Through the use of this system, the Malaysian Army is able to operate anywhere throughout the world, especially during United Nations Operations.
See also
*Malaysian Armed Forces
The Malaysian Armed Forces (: MAF; ; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: ), 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 ...
**Royal Malaysian Navy
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN, ; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: ) is the naval arm of the Malaysian Armed Forces. RMN is the main agency responsible for the country's maritime surveillance and defence operations. RMN's area of operation consists of 603,2 ...
** Royal Malaysian Air Force
* Malaysia Coast Guard
* Royal Malaysia Police
* Royal Johor Military Force
* Joint Forces Command
Notes
References
;Works cited
*
External links
Malaysian Army Official Website
Malaysian Armed Forces Official Website
Malaysian Ministry of Defence Official Website
{{Authority control
Military of Malaysia
Ministry of Defence (Malaysia)
Military units and formations established in 1933
1933 establishments in British Malaya