If you’ve been following Malaysia’s military exercises, you might have heard about the upcoming Panah Jaguh 2025, set to take place this month. This annual air defence drill is already making waves, thanks to a surprising twist: the Malaysian Army might be bringing in the Astro II Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) to the party, a possibility first highlighted by Edliew – DefenceChannel. Let’s dive into what this means, why it’s a big deal, and what we might see unfold in the South China Sea region.

Panah Jaguh: A Quick Recap

For those new to the topic, Panah Jaguh is Malaysia’s go-to exercise for testing its air defence capabilities. Think anti-aircraft systems like the Starstreak missile and 35mm Oerlikon cannons, with the Army, Navy, and Air Force teaming up to take down simulated aerial threats. Last year’s event (October 24, 2024, in Tanjung Logok, Kota Tinggi, Johor) used remote-controlled aircraft as targets to sharpen their skills (Malaysian Army, 2024). It’s a well-oiled operation, but this year, they’re shaking things up.

The Big News: Astro II MLRS Joins the Fight

On 11 April 2025, Edliew – DefenceChannel shared a post that caught everyone’s attention: they announced the possibility of the Tentera Darat (Malaysian Army) Astro II MLRS taking part in Panah Jaguh 2025, backed by two Arthur radar systems and 36 rocket launchers (Edliew – DefenceChannel, 2025). Now, if you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone—MLRS systems are built for ground targets, not shooting down planes. So, what’s Malaysia up to?

The Astro II, a Brazilian-made system Malaysia has had since 2002, is a beast for artillery support. It can fire SS-30 and SS-40 rockets up to 90 km, and it’s been used in exercises like Lembing Sakti (30 May 2024) for coastal defense (Malaysian Army, 2024; Avibras, 2023). The Arthur radar, on the other hand, is a counter-battery system that tracks enemy artillery, making it a perfect wingman for the MLRS to zero in on targets. But air defence? That’s where things get interesting.

Air Defence or Coastal Defence? Let’s Break It Down

Edliew – DefenceChannel’s post asks a key question: are they using the MLRS for air defence (AD) or coastal defence? Here’s the deal:

• Air Defence: Honestly, the Astro II isn’t built for taking down aircraft. It lacks the targeting tech and munitions for that job—systems like the Starstreak are way better suited. But, the MLRS could play a supporting role by hitting ground targets that enable aerial attacks, like enemy radar or missile launchers. Think of it as a “team player” in a bigger air defence strategy.
• Coastal Defence: This feels more likely. The Astro II can lob high-explosive rockets at ships or landing forces, and with the Arthur radar providing targeting data, it’s a solid setup for coastal defense. Malaysia’s been flexing its maritime muscle lately, especially with tensions heating up in the South China Sea—China’s recent moves around Huangyan Dao are a case in point. The Lembing Sakti exercise last year already showed the Astro II in action for coastal scenarios, so this tracks.

Why This Matters: Malaysia’s Strategic Play

Malaysia’s decision to mix MLRS into an air defence exercise isn’t just a random experiment—it’s a signal. The South China Sea is a hotbed of activity, and with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) happening 20-24 May 2025, Malaysia might be showing off its capabilities to regional partners (LIMA, 2025). Integrating systems like the Astro II into broader defence tactics could be a step toward modernizing their forces, especially as other countries—like Estonia, which just got HIMARS in 2025—are upping their rocket artillery game.

Plus, the Astro II might be due for an upgrade. Newer versions, like the Astros 2020, can fire cruise missiles with a 300 km range (Avibras, 2023). While Malaysia’s using the older model, Panah Jaguh 2025 could be a testing ground for future investments.

What’s Next for Panah Jaguh 2025?

We don’t have the full scoop yet—official details are still under wraps as of 1 May 2025. But if this exercise goes as planned, it could reshape how Malaysia approaches air and coastal defence. Will the Astro II become a staple in future Panah Jaguh drills? Could this lead to new tactics for regional security? And what will international observers at LIMA think of Malaysia’s bold move?

References
Avibras. (2023). Astro II MLRS Technical Specifications. Retrieved from [Avibras website].
Edliew – DefenceChannel. (2025, April 11). Panah Jaguh 2025 Announcement. Facebook.
Estonian Defence Forces. (2025). HIMARS Delivery Announcement. Retrieved from [Estonian Defence Forces website].
LIMA. (2025). Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition Schedule. Retrieved from [LIMA website].
Malaysian Army. (2024). Panah Jaguh 2024 and Lembing Sakti Reports. Retrieved from [Malaysian Army website].
Xinhua. (2025, April 21). China’s Actions Around Huangyan Dao. Retrieved from [Xinhua website].