“Ex Panah Jaguh” Tests the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Readiness to Safeguard National Airspace

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Air Defence Artillery Group (GAPU) of the Malaysian Army (TDM) conducted the Panah Jaguh Exercise (EPJ) Series 2/2024 today at the Surface-to-Air Firing Range (LSBU) in Tanjung Logok, Kota Tinggi, Johor.

According to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the exercise is a live-fire training involving units under GAPU’s command.

It featured participation from 82 officers and 780 personnel of various ranks, under the leadership of GAPU Commander, Brigadier General Azhar Mustapha.

“Through such exercises, we can assess whether the assets we have acquired are effective and suitable, and whether our personnel possess the necessary skills, competencies, and capabilities to operate them.

“Both these aspects are essential to ensure that the challenges and conflicts faced by the nation’s defence can be managed effectively,” the minister said in a post on his Facebook account.

The live-fire training aims to test and enhance the readiness of GAPU units to protect national airspace.

Various weapons and strategies were employed to ensure a high level of preparedness in addressing potential threats.

Since October 20, 2024, the Panah Jaguh Exercise has evaluated several weapons systems, including the 35mm Oerlikon cannon and the Starstreak missile, to gauge air defence capabilities.

Additionally, tactical simulation segments were conducted using Malaysian military assets to assess coordination and strategy in real-life scenarios, ensuring optimal readiness in defending the airspace.

Among the key assets tested were the Gempita armored vehicle, ACV 300 Adnan, G-Wagon Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), GK MK 1 Gatling Gun, General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and Barrett sniper rifles.

Naval support assets such as KD Perkasa and Fast Combat Boats (FCB) from the Royal Malaysian Navy, as well as the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi SU-30MKM aircraft, were also featured, showcasing the interoperability of multiple assets in defence operations.

The Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP) 31 RAD and the annual live-fire exercise of the Air Defence Artillery weapon systems (Arti PU) were conducted to further enhance personnel skills and ensure operational readiness of the weapon systems under various combat scenarios.

The Chief of Army, General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, the Ministry of Defence’s Secretary-General, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, and senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) were present at the event. – DSA