Royal Malaysian Air Force

The Malaysia Air Force, officially known as the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), is the air arm of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Established on 2 June 1958, it operates under the Ministry of Defense and is tasked with defending the Malaysian airspace alongside supporting national security operations. The RMAF primarily operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including fighter jets, transporters, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its fighter aircraft include variants of the F/A-18 Hornet, MiG-29, and Su-30MKM. Transport capabilities are provided by aircraft like the C-130 Hercules, A400M Atlas, and CN235. Additionally, RMAF operates helicopters such as the H225M, EC725, and AW139 to support combat, search and rescue, and transport operations. The RMAF is equipped with air defense systems, which include surface-to-air missiles and radar systems, aimed at safeguarding Malaysian airspace. Over the years, the RMAF has actively participated in regional and international exercises, showcasing operational capabilities. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in domestic humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Key facts

Official Name	Royal Malaysian Air Force
Local Name	Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia
Country	🇲🇾 Malaysia
World rank	#59
Active aircrafts	147 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	10
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	43
Training	38
Combat aircrafts	38
Transport	18
Special missions	6
Tankers	4

Aircrafts most used by Malaysian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
PC-7 Turbo Trainer	20	Swiss-made turbo trainer, distinguished by service in over 30 air forces, dating back to the late 1970s.
Su-30 Flanker-C	18	Russian multirole fighter, renowned for deployments since the 1990s, widely used in diverse combat operations worldwide.
Hawk	16	British trainer jet, distinguished in Red Arrows aerobatic team, extensively operational since the 1970s worldwide.
H225M / EC725 Caracal	12	European long-range tactical transport military helicopter, featuring advanced avionics and systems, used for roles including troop transport and special operations.
AW109	11	Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s.
C-130 Hercules	9	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
CN-235	8	Spanish-Indonesian transport aircraft, widespread use in the civil sector, military services, and humanitarian aid, developed during the late 20th century.
F/A-18 Hornet	8	American multirole fighter, prominent during the Gulf War, extensively deployed for ground-attack, fleet defense, and close air support missions.
MB-339	7	Italian trainer aircraft, recognized for its Cold War era inception, extensively deployed for advanced pilot training and light attack roles.
WG-13 Lynx	6	British multi-purpose military helicopter, notable for naval, combat, utility roles, significantly deployed in the Falklands War.

Full inventory in 2024

Malaysian Army Air Corps

Aircraft Type	Model	Active	Ordered
Helicopters	MD530		6
	AW109	11
	S-61	3