KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is playing a greater role in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

Praising the RMAF, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the air force had proven to be a professional and disciplined entity, over the years.

“The RMAF has done credibly in defending the nation’s airspace, providing a shield to protect its people and the country, along its motto of ‘gallantry in the sky’.

“This can only be done with the sheer will and dedication of its personnel who have armed themselves with high-capacity and modern technological knowledge and equipment,” his majesty said in his royal address at the RMAF’s 64th anniversary parade at the RMAF base in Subang, Selangor.

Present were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang and wife Tengku Puteri Seri Teja Puan Sri Tengku Muhaini Sultan Ahmad Shah, and RMAF chief General Datuk Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan and wife Datin Sri Bibi Nasratjahan Gulab Khan.

In line with this year’s anniversary theme ‘Air Power, Shielding Country’s Sovereignty’, the king said it was pertinent to develop the airmen’s capacity to meet the technological advancement and dynamic international geostrategic environment.

“You have to move ahead to continue being a formidable, effective and credible air force, by applying sustainable skills along the evolution of technologies.

“Increase your technology-based capacity to drive you towards high-impact human capital development.

“At the same time, consolidate your physical and spiritual aspects and be focused on your tasks,” the king advised them.

His Majesty added that these traits were crucial to maintain discipline and military ethics to achieve excellence.

“To ensure the RMAF continuously develops its air defence capabilities with time, it needs a comprehensive transformation that is holistic and parallel with the up-to-date military technologies.

“Apart from acquiring the latest technology and aircraft, there is also a need to raise the RMAF’s capacity in engineering, logistics, training and space management,” said the king.

He reminded that such elements were necessary to enhance the nation’s comprehensive defence capabilities, as well as to strengthen the RMAF’s competency at regional and international level.

“I am confident that through such air capacity development and technological transformation, the RMAF will be able to guarantee prosperity, stability, security and economic sustainability of our beloved nation.

“The RMAF has done excellently in regional cooperation initiatives, especially in facing human disaster relief efforts. The RMAF is on track towards the formation of a full spectrum for its future,” said the king.

He added that the RMAF’s success would not have been achieved without the efforts and sacrifices of its commanders, leaders, officers and men in the past six decades.

“Likewise, I also wish to thank the RMAF’s former leaders and veterans who sacrificed their soul and body for the sake of the country.

“So let us move forward together, I pray to God Almighty, to reward them for their uncomparable services,” said his majesty.

Meanwhile, the parade, mounted by 23 officers and 420 other ranks, was led by Lt Col Hassan Basri Tajul Arifin.

The Air Force College in Alor Star, Kedah and Air Force Academy in Ipoh, Perak provided the brass band led by Captain Sabri Hamil.

The king and top brass earlier witnessed an opening fly-past comprised of Sukhoi Su-30MKM, BAE Hawk and F/A-18D Hornet jets, and the Airbus A400M and Pilatus PC-7 MKII aeroplanes.

This was followed by a closing-ceremony fly-past comprising three Eurocopter EC 725 AP – each displaying the Malaysian, Armed Forces and RMAF flags – and two Leonardo AW 139 helicopters.

– NST