ROYAL MALAYSIAN AIR FORCE (RMAF) • Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia
Air Force 15,000 personnel. Modernization Strategy: Guided by the CAP55 (Capability 55) plan, focusing on replacing legacy platforms with multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) and light combat aircraft (LCA).

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type

• AIRCRAFT 36 combat capable (Active inventory). Total approx. 140+ Aircraft.

Fighter & Fighter Ground Attack with 36 Ftr/FGA ac:

• 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM;
• 11 BAE Systems Hawk 208;
• 7 Boeing F/A-18D Hornet;
• (Note: 18 KAI FA-50 Block 20 are on order, with initial deliveries expected in 2026 to replace legacy trainers/light attack roles)

Special Mission (MPA / ISR) with 8 ac:

• 3 CASA CN235 MPA;
• 2 Leonardo ATR 72 MPA;
• 2 Beechcraft King Air 200 MPA;
• 1 Lockheed Martin C-130H MPA.

Tanker with 4 ac:

• 4 Lockheed Martin KC-130H.

Transport with 19 ac:

• 9 Lockheed Martin C-130H/H-30 Hercules;
• 4 Airbus A400M Atlas;
• 2 CASA CN235;
• 4 Strategic/VIP Transport (including 1 Airbus A319CT, 1 Global Express, 1 F-28, 1 Falcon 900).

Training with 31 ac:

• 20 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II;
• 5 Airbus H120 (Gading Kasturi);
• 4 BAE Systems Hawk 108;
• 2 Beechcraft King Air 350.

• HELICOPTER Total approx. 15 Helicopters.

Multi-Role & Transport (Helicopters) with 15 hel:

• 12 Airbus H225M Caracal (Super Cougar);
• 2 Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk;
• 1 AgustaWestland AW109.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (CISR)

• 3 TAI Anka-S (Heavy CISR - delivered/on order).

Air Defence

• SAM (Point-defence): Starburst; Starstreak.

Armament

• Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM): AIM-9 Sidewinder; AIM-9X Sidewinder II; AIM-7 Sparrow; AIM-120C AMRAAM; R-73 (AA-11 Archer); R-27 (AA-10 Alamo); R-77 (AA-12 Adder).
• Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM): AGM-65 Maverick; Kh-29 (AS-14 Kedge); Kh-31P (AS-17 Krypton); Kh-59M (AS-18 Kazoo).
• Anti-Ship Missiles (AShM): AGM-84D Harpoon; Kh-31A (AS-17 Krypton).
• Precision Bombs: Paveway II (Laser-guided); KAB-500.

Note: By 2026, the Royal Malaysian Air Force is undergoing a pivotal transition. The induction of the FA-50 Block 20 and specialized ATR 72 MPA platforms addresses critical gaps in maritime surveillance and modern pilot training. While the service has faced budgetary constraints, funds have been earmarked for the sustainment of the F/A-18D and Su-30MKM fleets to maintain regional deterrence. Separate aviation wings are maintained by the Malaysian Army (operating AW109 and MD530G) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (operating Super Lynx 300 and AS555 Fennec).