Kuala lumpur: Using non-lethal training ammunition and weapon conversion kits are now seen as critical requirements to enhance the realism and operational efficiency of Close Quarters Battle (CQB) for the country's security forces. Highlighting this global standard, UTM UK International sales director Paul Graham said the company's conversion kits and training munitions are highly versatile, currently supporting between 250 and 300 different types of firearms.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, "We have kits for every serious weapon that is used by the military and law enforcement. These include everything from pistols, submachine guns, rifles and up to belt-fed machine guns," he told Bernama at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 exhibition here. Elaborating further, he noted that the system's exceptional reliability and safety features have made it the preferred choice for over 60 countries worldwide.
Graham said their largest customer is the United States military, while other major users include the French military, as well as armed forces across the Middle East and the Southeast Asian region. "Most serious militaries around the world are using UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) because it is such a useful and realistic training tool. It brings stress into training, it hurts if you get shot, and that inoculation of stress makes it very realistic," he added.
Bringing this technology to the domestic market, Malkraine Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Mohd Amiruddin Jamhari said the UTM system provides an almost 100 per cent realistic shooting sensation with true-to-life weapon cycling. It also boasts a 99.8 per cent reliability rating certified by the US Military, compared to using airsoft or laser tag simulations. Malkraine Sdn Bhd is the authorised distributor of UTM products for the Malaysian market.
"The reason why users need this kind of solution is because without training ammunition, shooters will use airsoft or laser tag. Using airsoft lacks recoil and feedback, so we want to replicate the actual reality situation during training. When using laser tag, you don't feel anything. We do not want our personnel to engage in CQB without physical force because it does not provide a real-life sensation. This solves all those problems as it builds muscle memory," he said.
Besides realism, Mohd Amiruddin said the UTM technology guarantees a 100 per cent safe training environment with zero risk of fatalities, due to its conversion kit mechanism that prevents the firing of live ammunition. "Our conversion kit replaces the actual kit, and the weapon can then only operate using our bullets. Even if a live bullet accidentally enters the magazine, it cannot be fired. It is truly 100 per cent super safe," he explained.
Commenting on the domestic market, he said since officially penetrating the local market in 2020, the UTM system has been widely adopted by local special forces units, with the biggest clients currently being the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Special Forces (PASKAU) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Naval Special Forces (PASKAL). Recognising the effectiveness of the system, Mohd Amiruddin noted that Malkraine records a sales growth pattern of between 20 and 30 per cent annually, with an average consumption of tens of thousands of rounds per training procurement.
"Every year, more departments are using and needing this. Our sales are getting bigger as the use of these training ammunitions expands across various agencies and the entire dimension of the security forces," he added.