Edliew - DefenceChannel

Edliew - DefenceChannel Welcome to our defence channel, where we present engaging defence-related content and up-to-date defence news from Malaysia. Regards,
Ed Liew
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We are a group of defence enthusiasts while working full-time as digital video producers for the past 30 years. Obviously, we are no experts in the defence matters and most of what we know is hearsay from people in this field, and from articles that we read. Let's just say we fit well in the "palatao" category 😅 Still, we do our best to fact-check. Our interest in defence started when we were invi

ted to pitch for the LIMA'17 media broadcasting assignment. We needed footage for the pitch, so we began our journey in plane spotting. We did not secure the job, but from then on, we continued to make friends with people closely related to the defence world and the Armed Forces. Folks from the Air Force started to engage us for video production work, and we simply offer our assistance whenever possible. Our proudest moments are when we see our work bring smiles to those in the force, and once in a while, we do get a pat on our back for a job well done. This opportunity to learn things that we laymen seldom get to experience and understand regimental life is not everyone's cup of tea. We remind ourselves to keep within our limits, as not everything is meant for public consumption. We are only here to uphold their good image, nothing more. Over the years, we have invested a lot of money into this "hobby", and it saddens us when we see our works get downloaded for others' gain. We only ask that you respect our rights as we too do our best not to download others' work and rather share links of your work. Through our work in the channel, we hope to provide you with a better understanding of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Do let us know what you think of the page and, most importantly, how we could make it better.

Primary stakeholders of Lumut Naval Shipyard, the Kementerian Kewangan, represented by Finance Minister 2, was at helm o...
17/05/2026

Primary stakeholders of Lumut Naval Shipyard, the Kementerian Kewangan, represented by Finance Minister 2, was at helm of PCU MaharajaLela 2501. The visit is the continous governance and ex*****on by the ministry to ensure the successful delivery of the LCS programme to Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia. The minister witnessed the vessel's performance at sea and briefed on the integration and functionality of the ship's Combat Management System. https://www.facebook.com/lumutnavalshipyard/posts/122274616424152127

In a tweet, https://x.com/i/status/2055659964887355711 YB Amir Hamzah highlighted the importance of the LCS programme. The country's strategic maritime defence initiative is progressing under the monitors of the ministry.

ps. Photo rights belong to LUNAS.

Spotted by Aplace2land, the first of four AW189 of Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia is currently undergoing flight...
16/05/2026

Spotted by Aplace2land, the first of four AW189 of Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia is currently undergoing flight test. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KH8zmPL6X/
These four AW189s were funded and ordered ahead of the government's lease-to-buy helicopters programme. Their batch delivery is scheduled to begin later in the year.

ps. Photo rights belong to Aplace2land.

Another F/A-18D of Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia No. 18 Squadron is back flying. Caught by Labuan Spotter https://vt.tik...
15/05/2026

Another F/A-18D of Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia No. 18 Squadron is back flying. Caught by Labuan Spotter https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSx8kdQEY/ the M45-08, which underwent LPM-12Y touch-down in Labuan AB, with another Hornet. Looking at the close-up view of the photo shared, one will notice she was armed with an AIM-9 and two SUU-20 bomb dispensers and rocket launchers. Exercise at Kota Belud range perhaps?

ps. Photo rights belong to Labuan Spotter.

The Malaysian government will sue Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for breach of contract following the delivery ban by the...
14/05/2026

The Malaysian government will sue Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for breach of contract following the delivery ban by the Norwegian government. DefMin Khaled Nordin disclosed 95% for the NSM contract cost (total contract valued at RM571.9) has been paid, and the government is studying steps for a full refund and other costs incurred.

An immediate feasibility study of the Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia LCS Surface to Surface Missile replacement options available is underway. Such an option requires months for the new SSM to be integrated with the LCS systems. However, delivery of the LCS is as per the schedule, minus their missiles.

For full read https://bernama.com/bm/am/news.php?id=2556814

ps. Photo rights belong to Bernama.

On Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia NSM delivery banned from the Norwegian government, PMX Anwar Ibrahim called his counterp...
14/05/2026

On Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia NSM delivery banned from the Norwegian government, PMX Anwar Ibrahim called his counterpart, PM Jonas Gahr Støre on our disappointment. From PMX Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CQmV8hz6G/

"I conveyed Malaysia’s vehement objection in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre regarding Norway’s unilateral and unacceptable decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, ostensibly to protect Norway’s security.

Malaysia has honoured every obligation under this contract since 2018: scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation. Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith.

I made it plain that this decision will have grave consequences for Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme. It will undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance.

Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner. If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window."

Three news pieces from DefMin Khaled Nordin today. From Buletin TV3, the freeze on the Armed Forces development funds ha...
12/05/2026

Three news pieces from DefMin Khaled Nordin today. From Buletin TV3, the freeze on the Armed Forces development funds has been lifted. NST reports, Norwegian government banned the delivery of the NSM in March. DefMin will meet with the Norwegian DefMin in Singapore next month. # Does the government know about the ban and has kept it until now? 🤔 The Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia MRCA programme has been brought forward (slightly for the Sukhoi), with the evaluation process beginning in 2030. Both the F/A-18D and SU-30MKM are expected to retire in 2035. # Building up to a colourful Lima2027 perhaps?

Do check out the news in full.

10/05/2026

Another exhibitor "secluded" on level 3 of Defence Services Asia 2026 was the HD Hyundai Heavy Industry booth. Aside from their latest destroyer, submarine and MRSS display, a model ship proposed to the Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia Multi-Purpose Command Platform programme was also showcased.

Derived from the Philippine Navy's Rajah Sulayman-class OPV and the Peruvian Navy's HDP-2200 OPV, the 94m MPCP can accommodate the different operational requirements of the Navy. Its capable of carrying mission-modular containers, which range from a sonar to unmanned operation systems. The proposal includes an enlarged stern gate with launch bridge, and a starboard side RHIB launch and recovery system. On the model ship, it's fitted with radar, sensors, communication and weapon systems, and a stern helideck.

The Navy plans to replace its existing Tun Sharifah Rodziah sea base with the MPCP. The envision platform, a Mobile Offshore Base, provides a mobile command, operation and logistics centre to the Navy's forward operations on the East Coast of Sabah. Unlike many other proposals seen, this is perhaps the first OPV-based proposal to the Navy MPCP programme.

09/05/2026

Unlike LIMA'25, at Defence Services Asia 2026, STM Defence International was kind enough to give us a general view of their Multi-Role Support Ship proposal to Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia. Specifically designed for TLDM, the exterior view of the MRSS model, it is now up-armed with two Aselsan GOKDENIZ CIWS. Off record, STM have started informal talks with a local shipyard on the program.

With the energy crisis, PMX Anwar Ibrahim administration has cut Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia's funding allocation by RM508 million. At least one of the Navy's strategic programs in RMK13 will likely be pushed back. Will the Navy's two MRSS procurement plans suffer further delay as well?

08/05/2026

Back to Defence Services Asia 2026.

Five vehicles on display at the Mildef International Technologies booth were the newly delivered to Tentera Darat Malaysia, the Volvo FMX Heavy Recovery Vehicle, RIBAT Armoured Rapid Intervention Vehicle, MIRSAD Infantry Section Vehicle and two Tarantulas.

At DSA'26, Mildef confirmed that the government has awarded them a contract for 136 units of the Tarantula HMAV. Rated at NATO’s Stanag 4569 Level 2, the second-generation monocoque chassis design will be delivered in four variants. These are, the 12.7mm Aselsan RCWS, Command and Control, Reconnaissance and Surveillance, and Armoured Ambulance vehicle. We're told that it'll enter production soon, with the first batch of deliveries in the first quarter of 2027.

A second Tarantula in a desert colour scheme was also on display. The significant difference is the ROKETSAN A.Ş.’s twin OMTAS Medium-Range Anti-Tank Missiles. This is said to be propose to the Rejimen Artileri Diraja. Why the artillery, I have no idea.

An update by the NST https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/1434704/norway-missile-snag-blunts-lcs-project-watch on ...
08/05/2026

An update by the NST https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/1434704/norway-missile-snag-blunts-lcs-project-watch on the Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia LCS latest crisis. It's confirmed that "the Norwegian government has imposed stricter technology controls, revoking export approvals for the NSM". With the stalled delivery of the NSM, DefMin Khaled Nordin, in the ministry's official statement, said that Malaysia will engage with the Norwegian government for a solution.

Well, the PCU Maharajalela 2501 is likely to enter service without both her SSM and VL-SAM before a solution is finalised.

ps. No negativity or conspiracy theory in the comment section, please.

08/05/2026

A video played for the KPDN guests by Cendana Auto, caught my attention. It doesn't look like much, thought I'd share it with you guys. During the acceptance trial by the Tentera Darat Malaysia 21 GERUP GERAK KHAS, we were told they requested to drive the SOV, a Toyota 2.8L 4X4 Turbo Diesel vehicle, with a load of over a ton on their 70% steep-gradient test site. The test includes having to stop the vehicle midway before continuing to the top.

This is part of a seven-minute-long video of the SOV endurance test by GGK. Not sure why they edited out the slope test, but I was told that the test was a success. This part of the test site is usually used by tracks vehicle only.

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