SHAH ALAM: The Air Force has received seven JE-470 rescue boats from Japan for use by its special forces unit (Paskau) under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) initiative.
In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 1), the Air Force said the seven rescue boats will strengthen the operational capabilities of the special unit in the nation's waters and enhance its readiness in carrying out its responsibilities to defend and safeguard national interests.
"These boats will improve the mobility and efficiency of personnel in conducting air operations, special forces operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
"Through this initiative, Malaysia-Japan strategic defence cooperation can also be further strengthened. This handover not only helps enhance the nation's defence preparedness but also underscores the Japanese government's commitment to supporting regional stability, particularly in maritime surveillance, border control and security operations," read the statement.
The boats were handed over by Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki to Air Operations Commander Lt Gen Datuk Masro Kaliwon, representing the Air Force Chief, witnessed by Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali at a ceremony at the Jugra Air Base in Banting near here on Wednesday.
The Air Force also said that under the OSA, the Armed Forces have received and would continue to receive equipment in stages such as unmanned aerial vehicles, rescue boats and road cleaning trucks.
According to the statement, UAVs have already begun to be delivered to the Armed Forces in phases starting Sept 22, involving the Army (six units), Navy (six units) as well as the Air Force headquarters' cyber and electromagnetic defence division (two units).
"To recap, this initiative began when the Cabinet meeting on Dec 1, 2023 agreed for the Malaysian government to receive assistance from the Japanese Government in the form of a grant worth ¥400mil, equivalent to RM12.63mil.
"This assistance is for the procurement of non-weapon equipment under the OSA programme. Following that decision, the exchange of notes agreement was signed on Dec 16, 2023 between the Malaysian government and the Japan International Cooperation System," the statement said. – Bernama
