Banting: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has received seven JE-470 rescue boats from Japan for use by the RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU) under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) initiative. The acquisition aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the special unit in the nation's waters and enhance the RMAF's readiness in carrying out its responsibilities to defend and safeguard national interests.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RMAF stated that these boats will improve the mobility and efficiency of personnel in conducting RMAF air operations, special forces operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. The initiative is expected to further strengthen Malaysia-Japan strategic defense cooperation, emphasizing the Japanese Government's commitment to supporting regional stability, particularly in maritime surveillance, border control, and security operations.
The boats were handed over by Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki to Air Operations Commander Lt Gen Datuk Masro Kaliwon, representing the RMAF Chief. The handover was witnessed by Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali during a ceremony at the Jugra Air Base in Banting.
The RMAF also mentioned that under OSA, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have received and will continue to receive equipment in stages, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), rescue boats, and Road Cleaning Trucks (RCT). UAVs have already begun to be delivered to the MAF in phases starting September 22 this year, involving the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, and the MAF Headquarters - Cyber and Electromagnetic Defence Division.
The initiative began when the Cabinet meeting on December 1, 2023, agreed for the Malaysian Government to receive assistance from the Japanese Government in the form of a grant worth 400 million yen, equivalent to RM12.63 million. This assistance is meant for the procurement of non-weapon equipment under the OSA programme. Following that decision, the Exchange of Notes agreement was signed on December 16, 2023, between the Malaysian Government and the Japan International Cooperation System.