Langkawi: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) successfully conducted the OSTEX WEST 2026 and SAMUDERA PERKASA 9/26 Exercise, which started on June 14 and concluded today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Western Fleet Command Headquarters' Strategic Communication Division stated that OSTEX WEST is an annual exercise involving almost the entire assets of the RMN Western Fleet. The SAMUDERA PERKASA exercise, on the other hand, is an annual collaboration between the RMN and the MMEA since 2016, involving a smaller portion of assets from both agencies. The combination of both exercises has enhanced cooperation between the two agencies from a small scale to a medium scale.
The closing ceremony of the exercises was held modestly at the Naval Region 3 Headquarters, Langkawi Naval Base in the morning. The event was attended by the Commander of the Western Fleet, Vice Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor, and MMEA acting deputy director-general (Operations), Vice Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah. The exercises involved 10 RMN vessels, three MMEA ships, and an RMN helicopter, with themes centered around maritime warfare and Search and Rescue (SAR).
The statement highlighted the participation of the RMN's Special Warfare Forces (PASKAL) and the RMN's Maritime Special Operations Force. The exercises were conducted at the Lumut Naval Base, the waters off the northern Melaka Strait, and the waters off Langkawi, culminating in closing activities at the RMN Langkawi Base. A significant achievement was recorded when the RMN conducted successful shooting training using aerial targets of the Target Drone type at sea, which is deemed more cost-effective and efficient for training purposes.
In his closing speech, Vice Admiral Baharudin emphasized three important lessons: the core duties of the RMN and MMEA may differ, but their operational areas overlap, necessitating cooperation to ensure maritime security. He noted that the exercises have proven the need for collaboration between the two agencies to secure the country's maritime domain. He also stated that enhancing cooperation through these exercises will shape future generations' perspectives and cooperation levels.
The RMN and MMEA remain committed to strengthening strategic cooperation through continuous training and exercises, aligned with the country's maritime security needs. The successful merger of OSTEX WEST 2026 and SAMUDERA PERKASA 9/26 sets a benchmark for efforts to strengthen synergy among Malaysia's maritime agencies, ensuring the preservation of the nation's maritime interests and sovereignty.