Malaysian Army Embraces Amphibious Future with First-Ever Hovercraft Acquisition

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In a landmark move that signals a shift in the operational doctrine of the Malaysian Army, the force is set to induct hovercraft into its arsenal for the first time in its history.

The delivery of the initial two Hovercraft Fast Interceptors—locally designated SALAMANDER—is scheduled for October this year, marking a significant step forward in the Army’s drive toward greater amphibious versatility and rapid-response capabilities in littoral environments.

Speaking to Malaysia’s national news agency, Bernama, Business Development Manager of IDC Technologies Sdn Bhd Lt Col (Rtd) Shahrulamir Abd Rahman,  the remaining four units will arrive by October 2026, completing the fleet of six vessels under the current acquisition programme.

This hovercraft capability is not merely a novelty; it reflects a growing awareness within the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) of the evolving geo-strategic landscape in the Indo-Pacific.

With intensifying great power competition in nearby waters, the emergence of grey-zone threats, and the increasingly contested maritime spaces of the South China Sea, having fast, amphibious platforms that can operate seamlessly across coastal, estuarine, and riverine terrains is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity.

The SALAMANDERs, based on the Kaiman-class hovercraft developed by Airlift Hovercraft Pty Ltd of Queensland, Australia, are designed for multipurpose deployment across military, SAR (Search and Rescue), and industrial missions.

Rugged, agile, and engineered for harsh conditions, the craft offers the Malaysian Army a new dimension in mobility—bridging the gap between land forces and maritime elements.

The RM20.37 million contract, awarded to IDC Technologies, a Bumiputera defence firm, in January, spans a three-year period and covers not only supply and delivery, but also rigorous testing, commissioning, and the crucial element of operator training.

Shahrulamir noted that the company will provide hands-on training for Army personnel, covering both technical maintenance and operational handling, to ensure seamless integration and mission readiness.

Each SALAMANDER can carry up to 10 personnel—including two operators and eight fully equipped troops—and is built to execute extended operations with a minimum of seven hours’ endurance at cruising speed, without requiring refuelling.

Capable of speeds between 40 and 60 km/h, the hovercraft can transport up to 900kg of cargo, making it well-suited for high-risk missions such as covert insertions, rapid beach landings, and battlefield logistics in denied terrain.

What sets this platform apart is its ability to traverse both water and land, making it an ideal asset for special operations forces (SOF), especially in Malaysia’s complex geography of islands, mangroves, river deltas, and flood-prone areas.

The hovercraft’s ability to glide over swamps, marshlands, shallow estuaries, and submerged roads makes it especially effective for HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) missions and Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW)—both of which are critical in a country frequently affected by monsoon flooding.

From a geo-strategic perspective, the inclusion of hovercraft into the Malaysian Army’s inventory can be interpreted as a signal of intent: an effort to enhance littoral dominance, increase expeditionary mobility, and develop a credible response capability in times of conflict or crisis—particularly within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) and other strategic chokepoints.

Shahrulamir also revealed that IDC Technologies is actively positioning itself for future defence tenders, particularly those involving strategic and dual-use assets that align with the Malaysian Armed Forces’ modernisation roadmap.

With regional militaries investing heavily in amphibious capabilities—from Japan’s rapidly expanding AAV fleet to the Philippines’ planned littoral response units—Malaysia’s acquisition of the SALAMANDER hovercraft underscores a growing trend among Southeast Asian nations to prepare for contested maritime environments and hybrid threats.

In an era where speed, adaptability, and multi-domain readiness define modern warfare, the SALAMANDER may very well be the quiet amphibious disruptor Malaysia never knew it needed—until now.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA