KUALA LUMPUR (July 29): The Defence Ministry (Mindef) said the procurement of strategic assets for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) worth more than RM6 billion under Budget 2026 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is at various stages of implementation to strengthen the country's defence preparedness.

According to Mindef, the procurement involves all three branches of the ATM — the Malaysian Army (TDM), the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) — with the projects currently at various stages of implementation, including technical evaluation, tender documentation preparation and procurement processes.

"For the Malaysian Army, the government has approved 16 procurement projects worth RM1.573 billion involving short-range air defence systems, tactical communication systems, mobility assets, weaponry and specialised equipment to enhance operational readiness," the ministry said.

The matter was stated in Mindef's written reply published on the Parliament website Wednesday in response to a question from Datuk Bobbey Suan on the status of new asset procurement under Budget 2026.

For the Royal Malaysian Navy, three major procurement projects worth RM2.74 billion have been approved, involving two Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS), a Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) launcher system for the 17th Patrol Squadron vessels, and the replacement of the Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT) system.

The MRSS procurement is currently in the process of obtaining feedback from the identified countries under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, while the SSM and ASTT procurements are expected to be finalised before the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's procurement programme includes two batteries of the Medium Range Air Defence (MERAD) Phase 1 missile system under the 13MP, as well as the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) project for EC725 AP helicopters to ensure the aircraft remain relevant and capable of meeting current operational requirements.

"Both new RMAF asset procurement projects are valued at RM3 billion, and the Letters of Acceptance (LOA) for both projects are expected to be signed in 2027," the ministry said.

Mindef said the ATM's Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) study team is currently conducting technical evaluations of several suitable systems before the procurement process is finalised.

The ministry added that it will continue to closely monitor the implementation of all the projects to ensure the assets are delivered according to schedule.

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