Malaysia Plans Life Extension Program (LEP) for “Pendekar” PT-90M Main Battle Tanks

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, in his response to a Parliament’s oral question on March 25, stated that his ministry plans to undertake a Life Extension Program (LEP) for the Army Main Battle Tank, “Pendekar” PT-90M.

Responding to a question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah), he mentioned that the LEP program is expected to be included in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) or 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“In addition, the Malaysian Army is also planning to implement a Life Extension Programme (LEP) for the Pendekar PT-90M Main Battle Tank and is expected to be included in the 12MP or 13MP,” he said.

Ikmal Hisham, who was the former Deputy Minister of Defence, sought clarification on the Malaysian Army’s plans regarding the future timeline for the “Pendekar” PT-90M main battle tank, taking into account that the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Bumar Labedy from Poland, has ceased production of spare parts for such main battle tanks.

He also wanted to know the future plans for the Polish-made Pendekar PT-90M Malaysian army main battle tanks following the poor performance of similar models during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Mohamed Khaled stated that the Pendekar PT-90M is a crucial offensive asset for national defense and serves as a deterrence element for land defense.

The phased acquisition of the Pendekar PT-90M by the Malaysian Army began from 2007 to 2011, and these assets are operated under the 11th Royal Armor Regiment based at Kem Syed Sirajuddin, Gemas.

“To ensure that the Pendekar PT-90M are operational, the Malaysian government has established a Maintenance and Supply Service Contract,” he said.

He also mentioned that two Pendekar PT-90M main battle tanks replacements were carried out using local expertise to reduce dependence on the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and address the ‘no more production’ issue for certain key components of the main battle tanks.

The maintenance and supply contract is set to expire in September 2024 and will be extended until September 2025.

As another initiative, a joint study involving users, technical teams, and Maintenance and Supply Service Contract holders is underway, Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated.

This study focuses on two Pendekar PT-90M to identify critical issues involving the RENK Transmission, Gunner Laser Range Finder (GLRF) Electronic Components, and Fire Control System Support, he said.

The study began in June 2023 and is expected to be fully completed by March 2024.

With regard to the study, the issue involving OEM problems with assets classified as Obsolete and with no future production is being addressed appropriately through the ongoing study at the Malaysian Army. – DSA