ARMED FORCES READY FOR MODERNISATION OF MILITARY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), which celebrates its 75th anniversary tomorrow, is ready to enter a dimension of modernisation with professionalism.

ATM chief General Abdul Aziz Zainal said the modernisation of the
armed forces was in line with its development capability plan as stated by the
dimension development plan.

He said that among the modernisation programmes were the acquisition of
Agusta A-109H helicopters for the army, submarines and the Sukhoi SU 30 MKM
fighter aircraft.

"It is a first step by ATM to bring about change, in line with our
objective.

In a modern, challenging and dangerous environment, ATM is committed to
ensuring that its personnel are exposed to the latest military and technology
systems," he told reporters in a special interview here recently, in conjunction
with the anniversary celebrations.

ATM's tactical or operational aspects would also be upgraded through the
acquisition of weapons and strategic technological assets to arm the three ATM
branches - Army, Navy and Air Force.

Abdul Aziz said equipments and weapons for the army would be integrated
with
combat and armoured vehicles, artillery and communications equipment.

As for the navy and air force, the weapons would focus more on early
warning
assets, data link, reconnaissance, combat and communications to face a
multi-domain war.

"The equipments being acquired by ATM include the SUKHOI 30 MKM fighter
aircraft, replacements for the Nuri helicopters, Scorpene submarines and
multi-role ships.

"ATM is also upgrading its information technology capability, in line with
the long-term development capability characterised by Real Time Information
Technology."

He said in line with modernisation and future threats, ATM would be
developing a Future Soldier System (FSS) programme for its personnel.

Abdul Aziz however, said the FSS development programme needed a thorough,
systematic and continuous study.

"FSS involves the future warfare concept, current technological
development,
doctrine and sub-systems. The FSS philosophy will focus on tangible and
intangible development, professionalism and knowledge level of ATM
personnel.

"ATM personnel who command this aspect can conduct their duties in a
"network centric" environment, the catalyst for modern conflicts," he said.

He said the acquisition of equipments and weapons was aimed at creating
a versatile armed forces capable of meeting any possibility, adding that ATM was
always committed to safeguarding national security to instill confidence in the
people.

"I am hopeful that the development of ATM can be coordinated with national
development. ATM can be a role model as an organisation that gives priority to
high professionalism.

"The 75th anniversary motto, `Our Commitment, Your Confidence' is ATM's
sacrifice for the country. We will protect the country's security and
sovereignty with all professionalism," he said.

Abdul Aziz said, to ensure stability and national security, ATM cooperated
with security agencies like National Security Council, Police (PDRM), Malaysian
Maritime Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Customs.

Cooperation with the police involved annual operation and training, and its
report was tabled at the annual ATM/PDRM Operation and Training Coordination
Committee.

ATM also has military cooperation and training with foreign countries, via
operations, training and military exercises.

"Bilateral training with foreign countries were Keris Strike Exercise
(Malaysian Army and United States Pacific Command), Cope Taufan (RMAF and
USAAF), Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) and Kekar Malindo
Exercise," said Abdul Aziz