Defence Ministry outlines strategic procurements including air defence systems and support ships to modernise the Malaysian Armed Forces.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defence is planning several major procurements under the 13th Malaysia Plan to modernise the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin outlined key planned acquisitions in the Dewan Negara.
Planned procurements include two batteries of medium-range air defence missile systems and two Multi-Role Support Ships.
The ministry also plans to acquire surface-to-surface missile launcher systems for the 17th Patrol Vessel Squadron.
Other planned items are infantry section vehicles and short-range air defence systems.
Modernisation of 81mm mortar systems and enhanced satellite communication capabilities are also planned.
Mohamed Khaled said the move aligns with the MAF’s phased modernisation planning.
This includes the Army’s Next Generation plan and the Navy’s 15-to-5 Programme.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Capability Development Plan 2055 is also part of the strategy.
“There are many more procurements that I am unable to list one by one,” he said.
Separately, the Health Ministry is studying a legislative framework on sugar advertising.
Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said this aims to control ads promoting excessive sugar consumption.
The Science Ministry is developing a virtual reality space learning module called Planet VR.
Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal said it is expected to be used next year.
The winding-up sessions also covered the tourism and youth and sports ministries. – Bernama
