Maritime security issue for Malaysia (choosing the right airborne maritime plat

Abstract

Malaysia has had a maritime air capability since 1980 through the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Although this capability is limited, it is nevertheless intended to be maritime in nature. In 1980, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) was given a responsibility to conduct a maritime surveillance flight over Malaysian EEZ when three Hercules PC 130H Maritime Patrol Aircrafts (MPAs) were bought for the task. As compared with the ship, aircraft weaponry and self-protection were not so important during that time. Sensors, navigation equipments and communication were much more important in achieving effectiveness. In 1994, four Super King Air B200T MPAs that were equipped with better sensors, navigation equipments, communication and a very limited Electronic Support Measure (ESM), were bought to perform the patrol, replacing the PC 130 MPA. Up to recent years, the general idea of maritime air operation, in the RMAF, was that of a few aircraft flying over the importance of maritime air operations. However, Falkland War has triggered RMAF to take a new look at maritime operations. Falkland War is one of the best classic example that showing how important a maritime force to a maritime countries. In this war, although the Royal British Navy is better equipped compared to those Argentines, but the effectiveness of tactics used by the Argentine Maritime Patrol Aircraft brought success to the country. Since Malaysia also falls under the category of Maritime nation due to economic resources that mainly contributed by the marine and also coastline of 4490 km and maritime area of claimant that goes up to 598, 450 km, the country need to take a new look on maritime security.