(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Malaysian Army conducted a live-fire exercise using the ASTROS II Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) during Exercise “Lembing Sakti” at Tanjung Hantu, Lumut, on May 30, 2024.
The exercise was observed by Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and other senior officers of the Malaysian Army.
According to the Malaysian Army’s social media statement, Exercise “Lembing Sakti” is an annual training event for the Rocket Artillery Brigade, conducted since 2003.
It focuses on coastal defense and includes the Complete Round Proof (CRP) test firing of SS 40 rockets.
This year’s exercise also featured the firing of SS 30 rockets and Base Bleed shells from the 155 mm G5 MK III howitzers, with tracking conducted at Tanjung Hantu using the 61 RAD’s ATHUR radar.
The exercise aimed to assess and evaluate the competency of officers and enlisted personnel in live rocket firing.
It also tested the readiness of the unit, with support from the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, and local enforcement agencies to ensure training safety.
Upon arrival, the Army Chief was greeted by Brigadier General Mohd Tawil Hj Daud, Commander of the Rocket Artillery Brigade, followed by a training briefing by Lieutenant Colonel Rasman Ramlai, Commanding Officer of the 51st Royal Artillery Regiment (51 RAD).
The event included a demonstration of ASTROS II MLRS and 155 mm G5 MK III howitzers, with invited guests experiencing the SS-30 rocket firing firsthand, concluding with a 155 mm G5 MK III howitzer firing.
A total of seven 155 mm rounds, comprising three ILLUM and four Smoke rounds, were fired to test the Base Bleed capability, which has been in the Army’s inventory since 2001.
This was the first time these rounds were fired.
The Base Bleed system on artillery shells can increase firing range by 30 to 35 percent.
Also present were Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General Dato’ Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim, Western Field Commander Lieutenant General Dato Pahlawan Hj Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri, and Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Dato’ Zaidan Atan.
The Malaysian Army procured the ASTROS II MLRS from Brazil’s Avibras, commissioning the first regiment in 2002, followed by a second regiment, bringing the total to 36 launcher vehicles.
This artillery system provides strategic strike capabilities with a range from nine to 90 kilometers, utilizing rockets of various calibers.
The MLRS can cause extensive damage over large target areas, consistent with its name, which stands for Artillery Saturation Rocket System.
All rockets are equipped with High Explosive (HE) warheads, and the launcher tubes on the ASTROS II system are interchangeable to accommodate different rockets.
Additionally, Avibras is reportedly developing the ASTROS 2020 system, which will integrate with the “AVMT-300” cruise missile, extending the range to 300 kilometers. The ASTROS 2020, also known as MK6, will be equipped with new rockets, including the GPS-guided 180mm SS-AV-40G with a 40 km range, and the SS-150 rocket with a 150 km range.
The “AVMT-300” cruise missile, dubbed “Matador,” is considered a cost-effective alternative to the Tomahawk missile.
It features a computer system combined with a laser gyroscope and GPS navigation, providing precise target coordinates.
Each “Matador” can carry a 200kg warhead or cluster munitions, with up to 64 submunitions for anti-personnel or anti-tank operations. — DSA