Day: May 27, 2017

The Malaysian Army conducted its 2017 edition of the Firepower Training at the Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas with the aim to give exposure to 120 local and 45 foreign participants of the Malaysian Command and Staff Course on the Army’s manouverability and firepower, as well as the importance of ground and air-to-ground fire support planning.

A total of 1,690 personnel from the Army and the Royal Malaysian Air Force were involved in making this training a success.  Assets involved include:

• 6 X 105mm PH L5 Pack Howitzer;
• 18 X 155mm G5 Mk III self-propelled Howitzer;
• 4 X ASTROS II multiple launch rocket system;
• 6 X PT-91M Pendekar Main Battle Tanks;
• 7 X ACV300 Adnan;
• 4 X AV8 Gempita;
• 2 X Agusta A109 LOH;
• 2 X Sikorsky S61A4 Nuri helicopters;
• 2 X F/A18D Hornets; and,
• 2 X BAe Hawk 208s.

In his speech, Major-General Dato’ Hasagaya Abdullah, General-Officer Commanding 3rd Malaysian Combined Arms Division welcomed guests and course participants to the firepower training.  He added that commanders who consider employment of weapon systems should look at the doctrine and tactical concepts to ensure sufficient strength and correct calibre of systems are employed.

Among guests who attended the firepower training were the Chief of Defence Forces Yang Mulia General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi bin Raja Mohamed Noor, the Chief of Army General Dato’ Sri Zulkiple bin Hj Kassim, Deputy Chief of Army Lieutenant-General Dato’ Seri Panglima Ahmad Hasbullah bin Hj Mohd Nawawi, and Deputy Chief of Australian Army Major-General Richard Maxwell “Rick” Burr.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force was represented by Commander of 1st Air Region, Major General Dato’ Mohd Faudzi bin Ahmad RMAF.

Major-General Burr was accompanied by Defence Adviser at the Australian High Commission in Malaysia Group Captain Wendy Horder RAAF.

Later, General Dato’ Sri Zulkiple said that he was very satisfied with the training conducted and results of the training will be scrutinised to address any shortcomings.  He added that despite budget constraints, he is thankful that the Government has provided sufficient funds for the upkeep and operating of available assets as well as for human capital development.