| Unit Name: | RMAF Special Forces |
| Native Name: | Pasukan Khas TUDM Arabic: ڤاسوكن خاص تنترا اودارا |
| Country: |  Malaysia |
| Command Structure: | RMAF Regiment |
| Type: | Special forces |
| Size: | 5 squadrons |
| Anniversaries: | 1 April |
| Garrison: | RMAF Jugra Air Base, Selangor |
| Garrison Label: | Headquarters |
| Nickname: | "PASKAU", "RMAF PASKAU", "Komando Tentera Udara" ('Air force's commando') |
| Motto: | Cepat, Senyap, Pasti ('Swift, Stealth, Definite') |
| Colours Label: | Beret |
| Identification Symbol Label: | RMAF Special Forces Insignia |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | Parachutist badge |
The RMAF Special Forces (Jawi: ڤاسوكن خاص تنترا اودارا), better known as PASKAU, is the special forces of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF;).
Its main functions are to carry out high-value target protection, ground forward air controller, combat search and rescue and rescuing downed aircrew assignments. RMAF Special Forces is also tasked as the principal anti-hijack response force for military and civil aircraft in Malaysia. This task was taken over from 21st Special Service Group. All RMAF Special Forces members are airborne and commando-trained and can be deployed behind enemy lines via air, land and sea to assist in target designation for the Malaysian Armed Forces and RMAF missions.[1]
RMAF Special Forces is one of the two combat units comprising the RMAF Regiment .[2]
The RMAF Special Forces were officially established on 1 April 2002, but their lineage traces back to the RMAF Air and Ground Defence Force, better known as HANDAU (an abbreviation of its Malay name), which was an infantry unit of the RMAF.[3]
The RMAF Special Forces traces its lineage back to 1974, following a mortar attack by Malayan Communist Party members outside RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base. Another mortar attack in 1979 damaged an RMAF DHC-4 Caribou transport aircraft. These incidents prompted a specific directive from the Air Force Command to form a new security forces to take over the security of RMAF air bases from the Malaysian Army's Malaysian Military Police Corps (now known as the Royal Military Police Corps).[4]
The unit was drafted at the end of 1976 by Group Captain Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar, Squadron Leader Lai Kiat Meng, and Flight Lieutenant Mior Rosli. Flight Lieutenant Mior Rosli was later selected as the unit's first commanding officer. Corporal Mahazir became the first airman to receive commando training at the Special Warfare Training Centre in Malacca. Subsequently, more officers and airmen were trained, leading to the establishment of the Pasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara (the "Air and Ground Defence Force"), abbreviated as HANDAU, on 1 April 1980. This new force was tasked with the security of RMAF air bases, and the first HANDAU squadron was named 102nd HANDAU Squadron. A small number of Malaysian Army Gerak Khas commandos were attached to HANDAU as the RMAF Air Rescue Team.[5] [6]
The HANDAU was reactivated on 1 June 2020, by the Air Force Command. Existing RMAF Provost Squadrons were restructured, with half of them being designated as HANDAU squadrons. This restructuring expanded their responsibilities beyond military police duties to include roles as air force ground forces and security forces.
On 1 April 1980, the 102nd HANDAU Squadron became the first unit to assume security duties from the Malaysian Military Police Corps at RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base. The RMAF Security Regiment was established as the command headquarters for HANDAU squadrons. From the regiment's establishment until 1 March 1987, ten additional HANDAU squadrons were established.
| Name | Garrison | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 102nd HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base | 1980-04-01 | |
| 103rd HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Kuantan Air Base | 1980-11-18 | |
| 104th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Butterworth Air Base | 1981-01-10 | |
| 202nd HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Ipoh Air Base | 1981-02-09 | |
| 105th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Kuching Air Base | 1981-04-07 | |
| 107th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Alor Setar Air Base | 1981-07-07 | |
| 109th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Aircraft Overhaul Depot (DEBKAT), Subang | 1981-08-06 | |
| 204th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Kluang Air Base | 1981-08-19 | |
| 201st HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Jugra Air Base | 1987-08-27 | |
| 208th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Subang Air Base | 1987-09-01 | |
| 106th HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Labuan Air Base | 1987-03-01 | |
| Combat Air Rescue Team | RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base | 1983 | |
| Rapid Deployment Force | RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base | 1983 |
Since its establishment in 1980, MAREJ has reported directly to the Air Force Command for all operations involving the HANDAU squadrons. As part of the June 1983 reorganisation of the RMAF, MAREJ was transferred under the RMAF Air Operations High Command (now known as the RMAF Air Operations Command) and was also renamed the RMAF Regiment. Additionally, as part of the same reorganisation, two special operations elements were introduced to the RMAF Regiment: the Combat Air Rescue Team (CART;) and the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF;).
In 1993, the HANDAU squadrons were renamed the RMAF Provost Squadrons. These squadrons were tasked with military police duties while also providing security forces for RMAF's air bases.[7]
In 1996, the special operations elements were merged and given a new name: Pasukan Khas Udara (Abbr.: PKU; 'RMAF Special Air Service'). PKU's strength increased, and its role expanded to include counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, and search and rescue missions. The unit also received training from the British Special Air Service and the United States Special Operations Forces for their new roles.
On 17 March 1999, PKU was relocated from RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base to RMAF Jugra Air Base. The RMAF Provost Squadrons were separated from the RMAF Regiment and placed under a new air force law enforcement department, the RMAF Provost Marshal Department. On 1 April 2002, 22 years after HANDAU's establishment, PKU officially changed its name to Pasukan Khas TUDM (: PASKAU; 'RMAF Special Forces').
On 24 January 2008, Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, was appointed as colonel-in-chief of the RMAF Regiment. This honour was bestowed during a ceremony at RMAF Jugra Air Base in Banting, Selangor, where the Chief of Air Force, General Azizan Ariffin (later promoted to Chief of Defence Force in 2009), presented the Blue Beret of RMAF Special Forces to Sultan Ahmad Shah.[8]
RMAF Security Regiment
RMAF Regiment
RMAF Regiment
RMAF Regiment
Today, the RMAF Regiment operates directly under the RMAF Air Operations Command and is based at RMAF Jugra Air Base in Banting. Here are the five main squadrons of RMAF Special Forces:
| Squadron | Responsibility | Roles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Air Rescue Squadron | Land-based combat search and rescue | The Combat Air Rescue Squadron (CARS; Malay: Skuadron Penyelamat Tempur Udara — SPTU) is capable of conducting combat search and rescue operations behind enemy lines. It consists of six flights operating from air bases with Rescue Sub-Centres (RSC) located at RMAF Subang Air Base, RMAF Kuantan Air Base, RMAF Butterworth Air Base, RMAF Gong Kedak Air Base, RMAF Kuching Air Base, and RMAF Labuan Air Base.CARS is equivalent to the U.S. Air Force Pararescue in terms of its capabilities and functions. | |
| Force Protection Squadron | Special protections, security force and counter-terrorism | The Force Protection Squadron (FPS; Malay: Skuadron Kawalan Medan — SKM) provides security for high-value military assets such as hangars, air defence radars, and fire support bases. Their responsibilities include protecting infrastructure and performing close or special escort duties. For area protection, this squadron is equipped with the Field Intrusion Detection System (FIDS). Before 2021, this unit was known as the Field Protection Squadron.[9] Under the Capability Development 55 (CAP55) plan, the RMAF Regiment was restructured in 2021. With the reactivation of the RMAF Ground Defence Force (RMAF HANDAU) in 2020, the responsibility for securing air force bases was shared between RMAF HANDAU's squadrons and the Force Protection Squadron. While the FPS continues to handle security roles, its focus has shifted to sensitive areas and behind enemy lines bases. Additionally, the Hostage Rescue Team, the RMAF Special Forces' counter-terrorist unit previously under the Combat Wing Squadron, was transferred to the FPS. The FPS is equivalent to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron and U.S. Air Force DAGRE in terms of its capabilities and functions. | |
| Special Air Combat Assault Squadron | Pathfinders and forward air controllers | The Special Air Combat Assault Squadron (SACA) provides the RMAF and Malaysian Armed Forces with pathfinders and forward air controllers. This unit, also known as RMAF FAC (Royal Malaysian Air Force Forward Air Controllers), can be deployed behind enemy lines via helicopter or parachute. They use AN/PEQ-1 SOFLAM Ground Laser Target Designation (GLTD) teams for forward target acquisition and tracking for attacking aircraft. Each mission involves six personnel with various specialisations, including cross-trained signallers, medics, weapons specialists, demolition experts, snipers, and boatmen. This squadron was officially created in 2021.[10] Despite being a newly established squadron, it has a long track record as the Ground Forward Air Controller (GFAC), which was previously part of the Combat Wing Squadron. The Combat Wing Squadron was officially disbanded in 2021. This squadron functions similarly to both U.S. Air Force Combat Control Team and U.S. Air Force Special Operations Force Tactical Air Control Party within the Air Force Special Operations Command. | |
| Maritime Para Rescue Squadron | Maritime-based combat search and rescue | The Maritime Para Rescue Squadron is a combat search and rescue squadron specialising in search and rescue operations at sea. They operate from air bases near the ocean. Before 2021, they were known as the Maritime Pararescue Team and were part of the Combat Air Rescue Squadron. Following the reorganisation, the Combat Air Rescue Squadron now focuses on combat search and rescue operations on land and in the jungle. | |
| Special Operations Support Squadron | Combat support | The Special Operations Support Squadron provides all RMAF Special Forces squadrons with combat support. |
Originally established as the Combat Wing Squadron (CWS; Malay: Skuadron Sayap Tempur — SST), this squadron served as the primary combat arm of RMAF Special Forces, with other squadrons focusing on search and rescue and security duties. Based at RMAF Jugra Air Base, this squadron specialises in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, infiltration, sabotage, and covert operations targeting high-value objectives. RMAF Special Forces's counter-terrorist unit, the Flight Hostage Rescue Team (FHRT), specialised in aircraft hostage rescue operations, is part of this squadron.
Under the Capability Development 55 plan, the Combat Wing Squadron was disbanded in 2021, and the responsibilities of this squadron were shared between the Force Protection Squadron and the Special Air Combat Assault Squadron.
See main article: National Special Operations Force (Malaysia). In 2016, the main counter-terrorism operators in Malaysia were consolidated into a single special operations task force. Several commandos from the Flight Hostage Rescue Team (FHRT) of RMAF Special Forces were selected to be part of this National Special Operations Force. However, the National Special Operations Force was disbanded in July 2018.
See main article: Malaysian Special Forces Selection. It is not obligatory for all HANDAU officers and airmen to pass the commando school; however, it is compulsory for those in HANDAU special operations units. Since 1996, completing the basic commando course has been mandatory for any RMAF personnel wishing to join the PKU (the former name for PASKAU). In 1993, the RMAF established their own commando course, the RMAF Commando Course . Before this, commando-trained RMAF Regiment airmen were required to pass the Malaysian Army Basic Commando Course at the Special Warfare Training Centre.[11]
The RMAF Special Forces selection process and training pipeline take place at the RMAF Combat Training School, located at RMAF Bukit Ibam Air Force Base in Pahang. Established in 2018, the school assumed responsibility for the RMAF basic commando course from the RMAF Regiment at RMAF Jugra Air Base since 2019.[12]
Upon graduating the RMAF Commando Course, all participants receive a sky blue beret, light blue lanyard, and Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife. However, achieving operational status requires completing additional special operations courses.[13]
On 6 May 2004, only 81 of 198 personnel who started the three month series 07/2004 Basic Commando training program received their blue berets, including the best trainee Laskar Udara Meor Mohd Nazri Othman, 23. Similarly, in October 2007, only 20 of the 54 trainees successfully completed the three-month training programme.[14] [15]
The course lasts for 12 weeks and has six modules. In this course, trainees will learn land, sea and air insertion, jungle warfare tactics, sabotage and hostage rescue.[16]
RMAF Special Forces operatives are capable of conducting operations using:
During May 2009, RMAF Special Forces 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. The USAF presented Barret M107 anti-material rifles for use by the RMAF Special Forces team.[19] Teak Mint 09-1 is a joint training exchange designed to enhance United States – Malaysian military training and capabilities.[19]
The establishment of RMAF Special Forces has significantly enhanced the RMAF's capabilities in special air operations, including combat search and rescue (CSAR). RMAF Special Forces is also responsible for securing forward RMAF bases and assisting in the execution of airstrikes using specialist weapons. This unit consists of specially selected and trained RMAF Regiment personnel, and its role is distinct from that of the army's Gerak Khas and the navy's PASKAL.
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 forwarding 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 RMAF Special Forces. 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.
Counter-terrorism
Incidents involving hijacked aircraft and terrorists throughout Malaysia come under the remit of RMAF Special Forces. The unit is trained to solve the problem with the least effect on the passengers and aircraft.
All HANDAU personnel (officers and airmen) originally wore the sky blue beret, and all units within the RMAF Regiment, including special operations teams and provost squadrons, later adopted it. Initially, commando-trained members of HANDAU wore the green beret with the Gerak Khas cap badge, mirroring the 21st Special Service Group but with a HANDAU badge backing.[20]
Following their separation from the RMAF Regiment, the RMAF Provost unit transitioned to a navy blue beret, aligning with other conventional RMAF units. The RMAF Provost personnel who were commando-trained then faced a choice: they could either join RMAF Special Forces and relocate to RMAF Jugra Air Base or remain with the Provost unit at their original bases.[21]
RMAF Special Forces team members now solely wear the sky blue beret. Like other Malaysian commando units, they wear the cap badge on the left side, positioned between the eyebrow and ear.
Every commando-trained member of HANDAU received a light blue lanyard, a green beret, and a Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger upon completing their commando training at the Special Warfare Training Centre. The tradition of awarding the light blue lanyard was inherited from the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU, now known as the 21st Special Service Group), which originally adopted it from the 40 Commando, Royal Marines. This tradition was maintained by HANDAU and later by RMAF Special Forces, even after the RMAF began conducting their own commando course in 1993.
Since 2018, the RMAF Combat Training School has been issuing the Fairbairn-Sykes commando dagger to all its graduates, replacing the previous practice of awarding a Glock knife to RMAF Special Forces commandos who completed advanced courses. The Fairbairn-Sykes dagger is considered a prestigious symbol of belonging to an elite commando unit.[22] [23]
RMAF Special Forces commandos wear a shoulder tab embroidered with "PASKAU" on the right shoulder sleeve. Shoulder tabs are synonymous with elite forces in the Malaysian Armed Forces. Prior to the unit's name change in 2002, all RMAF commandos wore a "HANDAU" shoulder tab, as the units that are now part of RMAF Special Forces were previously part of the RMAF Air and Ground Defence Force (HANDAU).
The RMAF Special Forces, as a ground-based unit within the air force, wear tiger-stripe green combat uniforms as their official attire. This tiger-stripe camouflage pattern was previously used by the Malaysian Army until they transitioned to a digital pattern in 2013. Today, the tiger-stripes pattern is still utilised by the RMAF Special Forces and RMAF Ground Base Air Defence to showcase their ground-based combat capabilities.[24] and RMAF Ground Base Air Defence as a identity of their ground base capRMAF Ground Base Air Defence
| Name | Type | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 18C/19/34 | Semi-automatic pistol |  | [25] |
| Sphinx S3000 | Semi-automatic pistol |  | |
| SIG Sauer P226 | Semi-automatic pistol | | |
| Benelli M1014 | Shotgun |  | |
| Mossberg 590A1 | Shotgun |  | |
| Remington 870 Express / MCS | Shotgun | | |
| Brügger & Thomet MP9 | PDW | | |
| Colt 9 mm SMG | SMG | | May be fitted with various different optics. |
| Heckler & Koch MP5A5 / MP5-K / MP5SD6 | SMG |  | Fitted with various different optics and accessories. |
| Colt M4A1 Carbine | Assault-rifle | | Fitted with the M203 grenade launcher, Brügger & Thomet Rotex V suppressor, FAB NFR EX rails, Steiner OTAL-A laser designators, MARS sight and various European-made accessories, similar to SOPMOD accessories. |
| SIG SG 553LB / SB | Assault-rifle | | Fitted with the SIG GL 5040 grenade launcher, Brügger & Thomet suppressor, the EOTech G33 3X Magnifier and EOTech 553 holographic weapon sight optics.[26] |
| Accuracy International Arctic Warfare | Sniper-rifle |  | |
| AMP Technical Services DSR-1 | Sniper-rifle | | |
| Barrett M107A1 | Anti-material sniper-rifle | | |
| Blaser 93 Tactical | Sniper-rifle | | |
| Heckler & Koch PSG-1A1 | DMR | | |
| M249 Squad Automatic Weapon | LMG | | |
| FN Minimi Mk.III | GPMG |  | |
| Milkor M32 MSGL | Revolver grenade-launcher |  | |
| M203A1/A2 Grenade Launcher | Grenade-launcher | | |
| SIG GL 5040 | Grenade launcher | | |
•M16 rifle variant A1 & M653 Carbine - now use for training and ceremony
•Vektor SP1 semi automatic pistol
•Heckler & Koch P9 semi automatic pistol
•Heckler & Koch PSG1 semi automatic rifle
Mobility
RMAF Special Forces is able to be rapidly inserted into an operational area by land, air or sea.
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 commandos are well-prepared to execute highly demanding Spec Ops-type missions. They are especially suited to classified missions involving small sub-units.
The future direction for RMAF Special Forces includes the continuous expansion of the team expertise and roles as well as enhancing the team's effectiveness with newer and more capable equipment.
In March 2013, RMAF Special Forces commandos played a key role in Operation Daulat, a joint operation involving all branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysia Coast Guard special forces. RMAF Special Forces commandos conducted psychological operations by dropping leaflets urging Sulu terrorists to surrender. Additionally, they employed Ground Laser Target Designators (GLTD) to mark enemy targets for airstrikes with laser-guided bombs against terrorist camps in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu.[27]
Malaysia sent troops, including RMAF Special Forces, 10th Parachute Brigade, 21st Special Service Group and PASKAL to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The team which consisted of 40 soldiers was deployed to assist New Zealand Armed Forces in the peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid in the Bamiyan District, Afghanistan.[28]
In July 2007, RMAF Special Forces, with the 10th Parachute Brigade, 22nd Commando Regiment and the Pasukan Gerakan Khas, supported by the United States Navy Air Fleet (from USS Jarrett (FFG-33)), Police General Operations Force Senoi Praaq, Police Air Wing, Fire and Rescue Department, Forestry Department Rangers, Malaysia Civil Defence Force and local villagers, were deployed in a search and rescue operation after a RMAF Sikorsky S61 'Nuri' helicopter went down with a crew of six near Genting Sempah, in the Genting Highlands.[29] [30] The SAR team located the wreckage on 17 July at 1324 hrs with its rotor blades detached. The bodies of all crew members were found in the cabin of the stricken aircraft.[31]
RMAF Special Forces was part of a contingent which also included the 10th Parachute Brigade, 21st Special Service Group 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 special forces as the Quick Reaction Team.[32] [33]
On 27 June 2006, RMAF Special Forces was involved in the search for Major Muhammad Rohaizan Abdul Rahman after his Hawk 208 fighter crashed into the sea off Rompin, Pahang on 31 May 2006. The remains of the pilot were found on the seabed 28 days after the crash, 150m (490feet) off the coast of Pantai Lanjut, Rompin, Pahang.[34] [35]
RMAF Special Forces 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.[36] [37]
On 7 June 2005, 21 RMAF Special Forces and 35 VAT 69 of the Pasukan Gerakan Khas commandos were involved in the search for four children who were reported to be missing on Fraser's Hill as well as another two persons who were lost on Gunung Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands. They were all found three days later.[38]
RMAF Special Forces, together with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the 10th Parachute Brigade, 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 3.2km (02miles) southwest of the Langat Dam, Selangor. The pilot, Captain Nasir Ma Lee Abdullah, was killed while the passenger, Nazarullah Mohd Sultan, was found alive.[39]
On 19 January 2003, a fibreglass boat carrying two senior officers and four servicemen from RMAF Special Forces capsized after encountering large waves in stormy conditions. This occurred during reconnaissance operations in the vicinity of Sibu Island, Johor at around 10:30 am. Major Audrey Smith and Major Damian Sebastian, Sergeant Radzi Abdul Majid and Sergeant Saad Che Omar were safely recovered while Corporal Hasnul Abdul Rahman and Corporal Ayub Sidek perished.[40]
RMAF Special Forces with RMP General Operations Force, the State Forestry Department, the Malaysia Civil Defence Force, the Department of Civil Aviation and the Fire and Rescue Department, were involved on 20 February 1999, in search and rescue operations after a civilian Beechcraft 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.[41]
On 14 November 1989, RMAF Special Forces was involved in rescue operations after a RMAF 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 Force of the Royal Malaysia Police.
The team, along with a group of specialists known as "The Dozen Persons", had the critical mission of repatriating the remains of Malaysian citizens, including crew and passengers, to their families in Malaysia. Additionally, they aimed to recover the flight recorders, crucial for the crash investigation.