Royal Malaysian Air Force PASKAU
Encyclopedia
The PASukan KhAs Udara (formerly the Malaysian abbreviation known as PASKAU, Special Air Service) is an special counter-terrorism
force and special operations
tactical within the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Its main responsibility is to conduct combat search and rescue missions (CSAR
) and the recovery of downed aircrew. PASKAU is also a fully qualified counter-terrorist assault unit.
It has a specialised Hostage Rescue Team
(HRT) and can be deployed behind enemy lines to assist in target designation for RMAF offensive
missions.
On 24 January 2008, the Sultan of Pahang
, Sultan Ahmad Shah, was made an Honorary Colonel of the unit when he honoured the Honor Beret of PASKAU by Chief of Air Force, General Tan Sri Azizan Bin Ariffin RMAF at RMAF Regiment, Bukit Jugra, Selangor.
agents from outside an RMAF airbase, Kuala Lumpur; it resulted in the destruction of a RMAF DHC-4 Caribou
transport aircraft.
From this incident, a specific directive from the RMAF led to the formation of an operation force for the security of RMAF airbases which was previously the responsibility of the Royal Military Police Corps
(RMPC). An elite force, it was known as Pasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara (English: Air and Ground Defence Force) or by its abbreviation HANDAU; it was established on 1 April 1980. The new force received training from the Royal Malaysian Police Pasukan Gerakan Khas
, (VAT 69 and UTK) anti-terror forces. They also received special training from the British Special Air Service
and the US Special Forces
.
102 squadron was the first unit to take over security duties from the RMPC at RMAF air base, Kuala Lumpur, on 1 April 1980. It was followed by the establishment of ten more squadrons up to 1 March 1987.
The restructuring of the RMAF, (which was based on the modernisation of the British Royal Air Force
), on 1 June 1993, included changing the name HANDAU to Pasukan Khas Udara, (abbreviated to PASKAU). In 1996, the unit strength was increased and its role expanded to include counter-terrorism
, unconventional warfare
and search and rescue missions.
|- bgcolor=#87CEFA
| Branches
| PASKAU branches, responsibility and roles
|}
! style="text-align: center; background: #87CEFA;"|Branch
! style="text-align: center; background: #87CEFA;"|Responsible
! style="text-align: center; background: #87CEFA;"|Roles
|----
| Flight Hostage Rescue Team
| Counter-terrorist force
| The Flight Hostage Rescue Team comes under the Combat Wing Squadron (Skuadron Sayap Tempur); it is the combat arm of PASKAU. Located at RMAF Bukit Jugra, trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, infiltration and sabotage, it can work behind enemy lines to destroy or disable high value targets. It has a Ground Laser Target Designation (GLTD) team to provide forward target acquisition and tracking for attacking aircraft. There is also a Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), that specialises in aircraft hostage rescue operations. Every mission involves a six personnels with different specialties such as rifleman
, sniper
, demolitions expert, communications expert and medic
. These personnel are equipped with light weapons, such as the Colt M4A1, the SIG-553 LB
assault rifle and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). For Close Quarter Battle
(CQB) operations such as hostage rescue or counter-terrorism, weapons used include the Heckler & Koch MP5
submachinegun, Benelli M4 Super 90
shotgun and M4 carbine equipped with EOTech holographic weapon sight
.
|----
| Combat Air Rescue Squadron
| Combat Search and Rescue
| Combat Air Rescue (CAR) Squadron or Skuadron Penyelamat Tempur Udara (SPTU), is capable of mounting a rescue operation behind enemy lines. It consist of 6 CAR detachments operating from air bases with a Rescue Sub-Centre (RSC) at Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Butterworth, Gong Kedak, Kuching and Labuan AFBs. The CAR is also capable of sea rescue through its Maritime Para Rescue Team (MPRT) based in Bukit Jugra.
|----
| Force Protection Squadron
| Airbase Protections
| The Force Protection Squadron or Skuadron Kawalan Medan – SKM provides special protection to high value targets such as air defence radar and forward operating bases. High value target protection not only involves installation but also close or special escort duty. This team is equipped with the Field Intrusion Detection System (FIDS) for zone protection. During the insertion operation into enemy territory, they would be the pathfinders and able to act as Ground Forward Air Controllers (GFAC).
|}
Every officer and man is presented with a light blue beret when he passes the PASKAU basic course and a commando dagger on the successful completion of the PASKAU expert course. They then carry out advanced training which allows them to take part in all operations. PASKAU personnel are tested every twelve weeks. These tests are compulsory.
The tests include:
PASKAU operatives are capable of conducting operations using:-
Tactical
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Insertion Techniques:
Intelligence gathering:
Expertise Oriented:
PASKAU is highly capable of carrying-out hostage rescue operations in any situation and is regarded as the principal anti-hijack response for civil and military aircraft. This task was taken over from Grup Gerak Khas
(Army SOF unit). The unit also took part in special training with the British SAS
and the US Special Forces. On 6 May 2004, only 81 of 198 personnels received their blue berets, including the best trainee Laskar Udara Meor Mohd Nazri Othman, 23, enabling to be absorbed into the PASKAU, having survived the challenging three-month series 07/2004 Basic Commando Training while October, 2007, only 20 of 54 trainees successfully completed a three-month training programme.
From 28 May 2009, PASKAU participated with the United States Air Force
320th Special Tactics Squadron in an underwater search and recovery course as part of a joint training exercise code-named Teak Mint 09-1. Besides the joint training, the USAF presented Barret M82 anti-material rifles for use by the RMAF special team. Teak Mint 09-1 is a joint training exchange designed to enhance United States – Malaysian military training and capabilities.
.
1The US-made M4 Carbine
is replacing the Austrian-made Steyr AUG
service rifle for all three Malaysian Armed Forces including PASKAU operatives.
PASKAU soon became a very important asset to the RMAF. The force normally deploys by air, both in peace and war. The capabilities of PASKAU personnel include:
(ISAF) in Afghanistan. The team which 40 soldiers deployed to assisted the New Zealand Armed Forces in the peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid
at the Bamiyan District, Afghanistan.
), Police General Operations Force Senoi Praaq
, Police Air Wing
, Fire and Rescue Department
, Forestry Department Rangers, Civil Defence Department (JPA3) and local villagers, were deployed in a search and rescue operation after a Sikorsy S61 'Nuri' helicopter of the RMAF went down along with a crew of six near Genting Sempah, in the Genting Highlands. The SAR team located the wreckage on 17 July at 1324hrs with its rotor blades detached. The bodies of all crew members were found in the cabin of the stricken aircraft.
and PASKAL
which were deployed to assist the administrative workload at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Lebanon which 160 soldiers including 3 Malaysian SOF as the Quick Reaction Team.
on 31 May 2006. The remains of the pilot were found on the seabed 28 days after the crash, 150 meters off the coast of Pantai Lanjut, Rompin, Pahang
. The pilot, Captain Nasir Ma Lee, was killed while the passenger, Nazarullah Mohd Sultan, was found alive.
, Johor at around 10:30 am. RMAF Majors Audrey Smith and Damian Sebastian, Sergeants Radzi Abdul Majid and Saad Che Omar were safely recovered while Corporals Hasnul Abdul Rahman and Ayub Sidek perished.
of the Royal Malaysian Police
.
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
force and special operations
Special operations
Special operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
tactical within the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Its main responsibility is to conduct combat search and rescue missions (CSAR
Combat search and rescue
Combat search and rescue are search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones.A CSAR mission may be carried out by a task force of helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, tankers and an airborne command post...
) and the recovery of downed aircrew. PASKAU is also a fully qualified counter-terrorist assault unit.
It has a specialised Hostage Rescue Team
Hostage Rescue Team
The FBI Hostage Rescue Team is the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation's counter-terrorism paramilitary tactical team. The HRT is trained to rescue U.S. citizens and allies who are held by a hostile force, either terrorist or criminal...
(HRT) and can be deployed behind enemy lines to assist in target designation for RMAF offensive
Offensive (military)
An offensive is a military operation that seeks through aggressive projection of armed force to occupy territory, gain an objective or achieve some larger strategic, operational or tactical goal...
missions.
On 24 January 2008, the Sultan of Pahang
Sultan of Pahang
Sultan of Pahang is the title of the constitutional head of Pahang, Malaysia. The current sultan is Ahmad Shah. He is the Head of the Islam in the state and the source of all titles, honours and dignities in the state.-History:...
, Sultan Ahmad Shah, was made an Honorary Colonel of the unit when he honoured the Honor Beret of PASKAU by Chief of Air Force, General Tan Sri Azizan Bin Ariffin RMAF at RMAF Regiment, Bukit Jugra, Selangor.
History
PASKAU can trace its beginnings to the 1970s and a mortar attack by Malayan Communist PartyMalayan Communist Party
The Malayan Communist Party , officially known as the Communist Party of Malaya , was founded in 1930 and laid down its arms in 1989. It is most famous for its role in the Malayan Emergency.-Formation:...
agents from outside an RMAF airbase, Kuala Lumpur; it resulted in the destruction of a RMAF DHC-4 Caribou
De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou
The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou is a Canadian-designed and produced specialized cargo aircraft with short takeoff and landing capability...
transport aircraft.
From this incident, a specific directive from the RMAF led to the formation of an operation force for the security of RMAF airbases which was previously the responsibility of the Royal Military Police Corps
Kor Polis Tentera DiRaja
Kor Polis Tentera DiRaja is the Military Police branch of the Malaysian Army. Called "Redcaps" like their British cousins, Kor Polis Tentera DiRaja, more popularly called just "MPs", keep discipline within the Army ranks and ensure security at Malaysian Army Installations.- History :At the end of...
(RMPC). An elite force, it was known as Pasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara (English: Air and Ground Defence Force) or by its abbreviation HANDAU; it was established on 1 April 1980. The new force received training from the Royal Malaysian Police Pasukan Gerakan Khas
Pasukan Gerakan Khas
The Pasukan Gerakan Khas is an elite high-profile counter-terrorism and special operations tactical unit of the Royal Malaysia Police...
, (VAT 69 and UTK) anti-terror forces. They also received special training from the British Special Air Service
Special Air Service
Special Air Service or SAS is a corps of the British Army constituted on 31 May 1950. They are part of the United Kingdom Special Forces and have served as a model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world...
and the US Special Forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
.
102 squadron was the first unit to take over security duties from the RMPC at RMAF air base, Kuala Lumpur, on 1 April 1980. It was followed by the establishment of ten more squadrons up to 1 March 1987.
| Branch | Base | Year Formed |
|---|---|---|
| 102 HANDAU Squadron | Kuala Lumpur RMAF Airbase | 1 April 1980 |
| 103 HANDAU Squadron | Kuantan RMAF Airbase | 18 November 1980 |
| 104 HANDAU Squadron | Butterworth RMAF Airbase | 10 January 1981 |
| 202 HANDAU Squadron | Ipoh RMAF Airbase | 9 February 1981 |
| 105 HANDAU Squadron | Kuching RMAF Airbase | 7 April 1981 |
| 107 HANDAU Squadron | Alor Setar RMAF Airbase | 7 July 1981 |
| 109 HANDAU Squadron | DEBKAT Subang | 6 August 1981 |
| 204 HANDAU Squadron | Kluang RMAF Airbase | 19 August 1981 |
| 201 HANDAU Squadron | Bukit Jugra RMAF Airbase | 27 August 1987 |
| 208 HANDAU Squadron | Subang RMAF Airbase | 1 September 1987 |
| 106 HANDAU Squadron | Labuan RMAF Airbase | 1 March 1987 |
The restructuring of the RMAF, (which was based on the modernisation of the British Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
), on 1 June 1993, included changing the name HANDAU to Pasukan Khas Udara, (abbreviated to PASKAU). In 1996, the unit strength was increased and its role expanded to include counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
, unconventional warfare
Unconventional warfare
Unconventional warfare is the opposite of conventional warfare. Where conventional warfare is used to reduce an opponent's military capability, unconventional warfare is an attempt to achieve military victory through acquiescence, capitulation, or clandestine support for one side of an existing...
and search and rescue missions.
Organization
Now officially known as the RMAF Regiment, it is better known as PASKAU. Today, it operates directly under Headquarters, Air Operations and is based at Bukit Jugra Air Base, Banting. Below are the three main squadrons of PASKAU under the Operations Branch of the Regiment responsible for special operations.|- bgcolor=#87CEFA
| Branches
| PASKAU branches, responsibility and roles
|}
! style="text-align: center; background: #87CEFA;"|Branch
! style="text-align: center; background: #87CEFA;"|Responsible
! style="text-align: center; background: #87CEFA;"|Roles
|----
| Flight Hostage Rescue Team
| Counter-terrorist force
| The Flight Hostage Rescue Team comes under the Combat Wing Squadron (Skuadron Sayap Tempur); it is the combat arm of PASKAU. Located at RMAF Bukit Jugra, trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, infiltration and sabotage, it can work behind enemy lines to destroy or disable high value targets. It has a Ground Laser Target Designation (GLTD) team to provide forward target acquisition and tracking for attacking aircraft. There is also a Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), that specialises in aircraft hostage rescue operations. Every mission involves a six personnels with different specialties such as rifleman
Rifleman
Although ultimately originating with the 16th century handgunners and the 17th century musketeers and streltsy, the term rifleman originated from the 18th century. It would later become the term for the archetypal common soldier.-History:...
, sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
, demolitions expert, communications expert and medic
Medic
Medic is a general term for a person involved in medicine, especially emergency or first-response medicine, such as an emergency medical technician, paramedic, or a military member trained in battlefield medicine. Also the term is used toward a Nurse in pre-hospital care and/or emergency...
. These personnel are equipped with light weapons, such as the Colt M4A1, the SIG-553 LB
SIG SG 550
The SG 550 is an assault rifle manufactured by Swiss Arms AG of Neuhausen, Switzerland...
assault rifle and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). For Close Quarter Battle
Close quarters battle
Close quarters combat or close quarters battle is a type of fighting in which small units engage the enemy with personal weapons at very short range, potentially to the point of hand-to-hand combat or fighting with hand weapons such as swords or knives...
(CQB) operations such as hostage rescue or counter-terrorism, weapons used include the Heckler & Koch MP5
Heckler & Koch MP5
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar....
submachinegun, Benelli M4 Super 90
Benelli M4 Super 90
The Benelli M4 Super 90 is an Italian semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi S.P.A.-History:On May 4, 1998, the U.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ issued Solicitation #DAAE30-98-R-0401, requesting submissions for a new 12 gauge,...
shotgun and M4 carbine equipped with EOTech holographic weapon sight
Holographic weapon sight
A holographic weapon sight or holographic diffraction sight is a non-magnifying gun sight that allows the user to look through a glass optical window and see a reticle image superimposed at a distance on the field of view...
.
|----
| Combat Air Rescue Squadron
| Combat Search and Rescue
| Combat Air Rescue (CAR) Squadron or Skuadron Penyelamat Tempur Udara (SPTU), is capable of mounting a rescue operation behind enemy lines. It consist of 6 CAR detachments operating from air bases with a Rescue Sub-Centre (RSC) at Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Butterworth, Gong Kedak, Kuching and Labuan AFBs. The CAR is also capable of sea rescue through its Maritime Para Rescue Team (MPRT) based in Bukit Jugra.
|----
| Force Protection Squadron
| Airbase Protections
| The Force Protection Squadron or Skuadron Kawalan Medan – SKM provides special protection to high value targets such as air defence radar and forward operating bases. High value target protection not only involves installation but also close or special escort duty. This team is equipped with the Field Intrusion Detection System (FIDS) for zone protection. During the insertion operation into enemy territory, they would be the pathfinders and able to act as Ground Forward Air Controllers (GFAC).
|}
Training and Expertise
The tests include:
- 160 kilometre walking without stopping
- Australian rappelAustralian RappelAustralian abseiling is the process of descending a fixed rope in a standing position while facing the ground....
- Special Patrol Insertion/ExtractionSpecial Patrol Insertion/ExtractionThe Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction system was developed as a means to rapidly insert and/or extract a reconnaissance patrol from an area that does not permit a helicopter to land. SPIE has application for rough terrain as well as water inserts/extracts...
- Operating a boat capable of 60 km per hour
- Jungle commando basic course
- Special infiltration and reconnaissance course
- Sniper course
PASKAU operatives are capable of conducting operations using:-
Tactical
- Close Quarters Combat – CQC
- Combat diving
- Counter-insurgencyCounter-insurgencyA counter-insurgency or counterinsurgency involves actions taken by the recognized government of a nation to contain or quell an insurgency taken up against it...
- Counter-terrorismCounter-terrorismCounter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
- Counter-sniper tacticsCounter-sniper tacticsCounter-sniper tactics involves tactics used by a sniper against another sniper.The occurrence of sniper warfare has led to the evolution of many counter-sniper tactics in modern military strategies...
- Laser-designation – Using GLTD II, the units 'paint' hostile targets, marking them for attack by air-dropped laser-guided munitions such as the PavewayPavewayPaveway is a generic term for Laser Guided Bombs .Pave or PAVE is sometimes used as an acronym for precision avionics vectoring equipment; literally, electronics for controlling the speed and direction of aircraft...
II LGB (laser-guided bombLaser-guided bombA laser-guided bomb is a guided bomb that uses semi-active laser homing to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than an unguided bomb. LGBs are one of the most common and widespread guided bombs, used by a large number of the world's air forces.- Overview :Laser-guided munitions use a...
) - Marksmanship
- SabotageSabotageSabotage is a deliberate action aimed at weakening another entity through subversion, obstruction, disruption, or destruction. In a workplace setting, sabotage is the conscious withdrawal of efficiency generally directed at causing some change in workplace conditions. One who engages in sabotage is...
- Sang Moo Doo (multi-technique martial arts including AikidoAikidois a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, JudoJudois a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, KarateKarateis a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
and TaekwondoTaekwondoTaekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
) - SniperSniperA sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
s - Unconventional warfareUnconventional warfareUnconventional warfare is the opposite of conventional warfare. Where conventional warfare is used to reduce an opponent's military capability, unconventional warfare is an attempt to achieve military victory through acquiescence, capitulation, or clandestine support for one side of an existing...
- HALO/HAHO – high altitude low opening/high altitude high opening of parachutes
- Hover jump
- Rappelling
- Special Patrol Insertion/ExtractionSpecial Patrol Insertion/ExtractionThe Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction system was developed as a means to rapidly insert and/or extract a reconnaissance patrol from an area that does not permit a helicopter to land. SPIE has application for rough terrain as well as water inserts/extracts...
– SPIE rig
Intelligence gathering:
- Special reconnaissanceSpecial reconnaissanceSpecial reconnaissance is conducted by small units of highly trained military personnel, usually from special forces units or military intelligence organisations, who operate behind enemy lines, avoiding direct combat and detection by the enemy. As a role, SR is distinct from commando operations,...
- Counterintelligence
- Signal intelligence – SIGINT
- Long Range Reconnaissance PatrolLong Range Reconnaissance PatrolLong Range Reconnaissance Patrols, or LRRPs , were special small four to six-man teams in the Vietnam War on highly dangerous special reconnaissance missions deep into enemy territory....
- Providing base security to RMAF installations.
Expertise Oriented:
- Combat Search and RescueCombat search and rescueCombat search and rescue are search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones.A CSAR mission may be carried out by a task force of helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, tankers and an airborne command post...
(The recovery of friendly units from behind enemy lines) - Fighting In Built-Up Areas – FIBUA
- Hostage rescue
- Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain – MOUT
- OBUA – Operations in Built Up Areas
- Special demolitions
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal – EOD
Grup Gerak Khas
The Grup Gerak Khas is a special forces regiment of the Malaysian Army which conducts special operations missions for the Malaysian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence gathering...
(Army SOF unit). The unit also took part in special training with the British SAS
Special Air Service
Special Air Service or SAS is a corps of the British Army constituted on 31 May 1950. They are part of the United Kingdom Special Forces and have served as a model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world...
and the US Special Forces. On 6 May 2004, only 81 of 198 personnels received their blue berets, including the best trainee Laskar Udara Meor Mohd Nazri Othman, 23, enabling to be absorbed into the PASKAU, having survived the challenging three-month series 07/2004 Basic Commando Training while October, 2007, only 20 of 54 trainees successfully completed a three-month training programme.
From 28 May 2009, PASKAU participated with the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
320th Special Tactics Squadron in an underwater search and recovery course as part of a joint training exercise code-named Teak Mint 09-1. Besides the joint training, the USAF presented Barret M82 anti-material rifles for use by the RMAF special team. Teak Mint 09-1 is a joint training exchange designed to enhance United States – Malaysian military training and capabilities.
Role
PASKAU's establishment has increased the RMAF capability in special air operations such as Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR). It must also be capable of securing forward RMAF bases and be able to assist in the execution of airstrikes using specialist weapons. PASKAU consists of specially selected and trained RMAF regiment personnel. The role of this unit is very different from army Grup Gerak Khas; or the Navy PASKALPASKAL
The Royal Malaysian Navy PASukan Khas Laut , commonly known as the PASKAL compose the Special Operations Forces of the Royal Malaysian Navy, employed in direct action and special reconnaissance operations...
.
Weapons
| Light Firearms | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handguns | Shotguns | Submachinegun | Service Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Machineguns | Grenade Launcher |
| Browning HP Browning Hi-Power The Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. It is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale of Herstal, Belgium. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized... |
Remington 870 Remington 870 The Remington Model 870 is a U.S.-made pump-action shotgun manufactured by Remington Arms Company, Inc. It is widely used by the public for sport shooting, hunting, and self-defense. It is also commonly used by law enforcement and military organizations worldwide.-Development:The Remington 870 was... |
B&T MP9 | Bushmaster Carbon 15 Carbon 15 The Carbon 15 is a family of lightweight, magazine-fed Pistols, Carbines, and Rifles developed by defunct USA weapons manufacturer Professional Ordnance, with the design picked up after some time by current manufacturer Bushmaster Firearms.-Overview:... |
Acc Int-A/Warfare Accuracy International Arctic Warfare The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare rifle is a family of bolt-action sniper rifles designed and manufactured by the British company Accuracy International... |
M249 SAW M249 light machine gun The M249 light machine gun , previously designated the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon , and formally written as Light Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249, is an American version of the Belgian FN Minimi, a light machine gun manufactured by the Belgian company FN Herstal . The M249 is manufactured in the... |
M203 |
| Glock 18C | Benelli M4 Super 90 Benelli M4 Super 90 The Benelli M4 Super 90 is an Italian semi-automatic shotgun manufactured by Benelli Armi S.P.A.-History:On May 4, 1998, the U.S. Army Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ issued Solicitation #DAAE30-98-R-0401, requesting submissions for a new 12 gauge,... |
Colt 9 mm SMG | Colt M4A1 M4 Carbine The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,... 1 |
AMP DSR-1 AMP Technical Services DSR-1 The DSR-1 is a compact bolt-action rifle designed, manufactured and marketed by the German company DSR-Precision GmbH and was marketed also by the German company AMP Technical Services as a specialized sniper rifle for police sharpshooters... |
SIG GL 5140 SIG GL 5040 The SIG GL 5040/5140 is a 40 mm grenade launcher, which can be mounted under all SIG SG 550/551 assault rifle models and is operated in single-shot mode.-Users:: The Swiss military in-service designation for the GL 5040 is 40 mm Gewehraufsatz 97.... |
|
| Glock 19 | Mossberg 590 | HK MP5-K | Colt M16A1 Model 653 | Barret M107 | ||
| Glock 34 | HK MP5K-A4 | SIG-553 LB SIG SG 550 The SG 550 is an assault rifle manufactured by Swiss Arms AG of Neuhausen, Switzerland... |
Blaser 93 Tactical Blaser 93 Tactical The Blaser LRS 2 and Blaser Tactical 2 are German sniper rifles, used by German and Dutch police forces as well as the Australian military and special police units. The rifles are manufactured by the German fire arms manufacturer Blaser. The LRS 2 and Tactical 2 rifles are straight-pull bolt-action... |
|||
| Sphinx S3000 Sphinx Systems Sphinx Systems Limited is a small Swiss-based manufacturer of high quality pistols used mainly by special forces, elite police units and sports shooters. The company has been in business since 1876... |
HK MP5SD3 Heckler & Koch MP5 The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar.... |
SIG-553 SB SIG SG 550 The SG 550 is an assault rifle manufactured by Swiss Arms AG of Neuhausen, Switzerland... |
HK PSG-1 | |||
| Steyr AUG Steyr AUG The AUG is an Austrian bullpup 5.56mm assault rifle, designed in the early 1970s by Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co KG . The AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army as the StG 77 in 1977, where it replaced the 7.62mm StG 58 automatic rifle... 1 |
||||||
1The US-made M4 Carbine
M4 Carbine
The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
is replacing the Austrian-made Steyr AUG
Steyr AUG
The AUG is an Austrian bullpup 5.56mm assault rifle, designed in the early 1970s by Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co KG . The AUG was adopted by the Austrian Army as the StG 77 in 1977, where it replaced the 7.62mm StG 58 automatic rifle...
service rifle for all three Malaysian Armed Forces including PASKAU operatives.
Functions
Target marking
To mark a target for an airstrike, such as radar or surface-to-air-missile (SAM) sites, sub-units must be able to infiltrate behind enemy lines. The target can then be 'painted' using GLTD II.Security of Important Assets
The unit must secure critical RMAF areas from enemy ground attack. The task is made harder in forward locations and other hostile environments where the threat level is higher.Search and rescue
Search and rescue missions, on land (on both sides of the lines) and at sea, are the responsibility of PASKAU. A wide variety of circumstances are usually encountered. For instance, when a Sikorsky S61 'Nuri' helicopter crashed on the slopes of Gunung Gerah in November, 1989, reaching the wreckage required abseiling into the jungle. Other SAR missions are shown in the 'Recent Operations' section further down this page.Counter Terrorism
Incidents involving hijacked aircraft and terrorists throughout Malaysia come under the remit of PASKAU. The unit is trained to solve the problem with the least effect on the passengers and aircraft.Capabilities
Flexibility
The group is capable of being deployed independently or as part of a joint task force with other special operations groups.Sustainability
The unit is able to operate independently and conduct special operations for sustained periods without external assistance.Technology
The group has access to high-tech equipment and weaponry to improve its ability to execute complex and demanding special operations.Special training
The group employs specialised physical training that exceeds that of conventional forces. This is to ensure that operators are well-prepared to execute highly demanding SOF-type missions. They are especially suited to classified missions involving small sub-units.Mission and the future
The future direction for PASKAU includes the continuous expansion of the team expertise and roles as well as enhancing the team's effectiveness with newer and more capable equipment.MALCON-ISAF
The special forces included PASKAU, 10 Paratrooper Brigade, Grup Gerak Khas and PASKAL was deployed with other Malaysian contingent to involved the administrative workload at the International Security Assistance ForceInternational Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
(ISAF) in Afghanistan. The team which 40 soldiers deployed to assisted the New Zealand Armed Forces in the peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity...
at the Bamiyan District, Afghanistan.
Genting Sempah Incident
In July 2007, PASKAU, with the 10 Paratrooper Brigade, 22nd Grup Gerak Khas and the Pasukan Gerakan Khas anti-teror police, supported by the United States Navy Air Fleet (from USS Jarrett (FFG-33)USS Jarrett (FFG-33)
, was the twenty-fifth ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates, was named for Vice Admiral Harry B. Jarrett ....
), Police General Operations Force Senoi Praaq
Senoi Praaq
The Senoi Praaq is a unit of the Royal Malaysian Police made up almost entirely of the tribal people of Peninsular Malaysia known as the Orang Asli . The name Senoi Praaq means “war people” or “those who fight” in the Semai language...
, Police Air Wing
Royal Malaysian Police Air Wing Unit
Royal Air Police Unit Malaysia or Unit Udara PDRM in Malay is a special unit of Royal Malaysian Police was a big role in this duties look after national security with through surveillance and patrol from the air and help national security agency another.-History:Established in February 1978, when...
, Fire and Rescue Department
Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department , popularly known as Bomba, is the fire and rescue services agency in Malaysia. The Malay term 'Bomba' is borrowed from the Portuguese word bombeiros which carries the same meaning.- History :...
, Forestry Department Rangers, Civil Defence Department (JPA3) and local villagers, were deployed in a search and rescue operation after a Sikorsy S61 'Nuri' helicopter of the RMAF went down along with a crew of six near Genting Sempah, in the Genting Highlands. The SAR team located the wreckage on 17 July at 1324hrs with its rotor blades detached. The bodies of all crew members were found in the cabin of the stricken aircraft.
MALCON-UNIFIL 2007
PASKAU was part of a contingent which also included the 10th Parachute Brigade, Grup Gerak KhasGrup Gerak Khas
The Grup Gerak Khas is a special forces regiment of the Malaysian Army which conducts special operations missions for the Malaysian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence gathering...
and PASKAL
PASKAL
The Royal Malaysian Navy PASukan Khas Laut , commonly known as the PASKAL compose the Special Operations Forces of the Royal Malaysian Navy, employed in direct action and special reconnaissance operations...
which were deployed to assist the administrative workload at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Lebanon which 160 soldiers including 3 Malaysian SOF as the Quick Reaction Team.
Hawk 208 Crash
On 27 June 2006, PASKAU was involved in the search for Major Muhammad Rohaizan Abdul Rahman after his Hawk 208 fighter crashed into the sea off Rompin, PahangPahang
Pahang is the third largest state in Malaysia, after Sarawak and Sabah, occupying the huge Pahang River river basin. It is bordered to the north by Kelantan, to the west by Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, to the south by Johor and to the east by Terengganu and the South China Sea.Its state...
on 31 May 2006. The remains of the pilot were found on the seabed 28 days after the crash, 150 meters off the coast of Pantai Lanjut, Rompin, Pahang
Bukit Batu Tiban Incident
PASKAU was involved in rescue operations on 28 July 2005, after a Hornbill Skyway Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter crashed in Bukit Batu Tiban, Ulu Baleh, Kapit, near the Sarawak-West Kalimantan border. Three passengers and the pilot died, one passenger survived.Brinchang Incident
On 7 June 2005, 21 PASKAU and 35 VAT 69 Pasukan Gerakan Khas operators were involved in the search for 4 children who were reported to be lost on Fraser's Hill as well as another 2 persons who were lost on Gunung Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands. They were all found three days later.Piper 28 Crash
PASKAU, together with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the 10th Parachute Brigade of the Malaysian Army, were involved on 14 March 2004, in the search and rescue of the occupants of a civilian Piper 28 aircraft which had crashed. The aircraft went down in a heavily forested area 3.2 kilometres south-west of the Langat Dam, SelangorSelangor
Selangor also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity") is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west...
. The pilot, Captain Nasir Ma Lee, was killed while the passenger, Nazarullah Mohd Sultan, was found alive.
PASKAU Boat Capsizing
On 19 January 2003, a fibreglass boat carrying two officers and four servicemen from PASKAU capsized after encountering large waves in stormy conditions. This occurred during reconnaissance operations in the vicinity of Sibu IslandPulau Sibu
Pulau Sibu, also known as Sibu Island, is a small island off Malaysia's eastern coast, facing the South China Sea. It is actually made up of several islands namely Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island....
, Johor at around 10:30 am. RMAF Majors Audrey Smith and Damian Sebastian, Sergeants Radzi Abdul Majid and Saad Che Omar were safely recovered while Corporals Hasnul Abdul Rahman and Ayub Sidek perished.
Bukit Galla Incident
PASKAU with RMP General Operations Forces, the State Forestry Department, the Civil Defence Department (JPA 3), the Department of Civil Aviation and the Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department, were involved on 20 February 1999, in search and rescue operations after a civilian Beachcraft BE-36 aircraft crashed into the slopes of Bukit Galla, Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. The pilot and his passenger, Patrick Dutrey and Natalie Marie Chappate, were killed.Gunung Gerah incident
On 14 November 1989, PASKAU was involved in rescue operations after a TUDM Sikorsky S61 'Nuri' helicopter went down on the slopes of Gunung Gerah and Gunung Bilah near the Kelantan-Perak border. 21 passengers were killed, including 15 policemen from the General Operations ForceGeneral Operations Force
The General Operations Force is the paramilitary arm of the Royal Malaysia Police. The General Operations Force was established in 1948 during the Malayan Emergency by the British Administration when Malaya was a Colony. The Police service was mobilised to the field role, primarily to engage...
of the Royal Malaysian Police
Royal Malaysian Police
The Royal Malaysia Police is a part of the security forces structure in Malaysia. The force is a centralised organization with responsibilities ranging from traffic control to intelligence gathering. Its headquarters is located at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The police force is led by an...
.
In fiction
- In the film EntrapmentEntrapment (film)Entrapment is a 1999 American caper film directed by Jon Amiel and starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.-Plot:Virginia "Gin" Baker is an investigator for Waverly Insurance. Robert "Mac" MacDougal is an international art thief. A priceless Rembrandt painting is stolen from an office one...
(1999), starring Sean ConnerySean ConnerySir Thomas Sean Connery , better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born 25 August 1930), better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy...
and Catherine Zeta-JonesCatherine Zeta-JonesCatherine Zeta-Jones, CBE, is a British actress. She began her career on stage at an early age. After starring in a number of United Kingdom and United States television films and small roles in films, she came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as the 1998 action film The Mask of...
, Flight Hostage Rescue Team from PASKAU together with RMP Pasukan Gerakan Khas pursued the two stars in and around the Petronas Twin TowersPetronas Twin TowersThe Petronas Towers are skyscrapers and twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia...
. PASKAU operators in a RMAF helicopter covered the police counter terrorist force during the pursuit at the end of a scene.
- In 1986, the movie Wira Angkasa (Heroes of the Sky), starring Dato' Yusof Haslam and Sabree Fadzil, depicted PASKAU operators in a CSARCombat search and rescueCombat search and rescue are search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones.A CSAR mission may be carried out by a task force of helicopters, ground-attack aircraft, tankers and an airborne command post...
(Combat Search and Rescue) mission to recover Lieutenant Iskandar, a downed pilot, from behind enemy lines.
Malaysian Special Operations Force
- 10 Paratrooper Brigade
- Grup Gerak KhasGrup Gerak KhasThe Grup Gerak Khas is a special forces regiment of the Malaysian Army which conducts special operations missions for the Malaysian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence gathering...
- PASKALPASKALThe Royal Malaysian Navy PASukan Khas Laut , commonly known as the PASKAL compose the Special Operations Forces of the Royal Malaysian Navy, employed in direct action and special reconnaissance operations...
- Pasukan Gerakan KhasPasukan Gerakan KhasThe Pasukan Gerakan Khas is an elite high-profile counter-terrorism and special operations tactical unit of the Royal Malaysia Police...
Royal Malaysia Police
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