Editing Malaysian Armed Forces (section)

== Present development ==
[[File:Compilation of Malaysian Armed Forces.png|thumb|right|300px|alt=Malaysian Armed Forces assets|An examples of Malaysian Armed Forces main weaponry assets. Clockwise from top right: {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|1}}, [[PT-91M|PT-91M MBT]], [[Malaysian Army]] paratrooper with [[M4 carbine|M4A1]], and [[Su-30MKM|Su-30MKM fighter aircraft]].]]
Malaysian defence requirements are assigned to the Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia – ATM). The armed forces has three branches, the [[Malaysian Army]] (Tentera Darat Malaysia – TDM), [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia – TLDM) and the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia – TUDM). Malaysia does not have conscription, and the required minimum age for voluntary military service is 18.<ref name="NationMaster">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/my-malaysia/mil-military&all=1 |title=Malaysian Military statistics |publisher=NationMaster |access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, Malaysia undertook a major program to expand and modernise its armed forces. However, budgetary constraints imposed by the [[1997 Asian financial crisis]] held back many of its procurements. The recent economic recovery may lead to a relaxation of budgetary constraints and a resumption of major weapons purchases. In October 2000, the Defence Minister also announced a review of national defence and security policy to bring it up to date. The review addressed new security threats that have emerged in the form of low intensity conflicts, such as the kidnapping of Malaysians and foreigners from resort islands located off the east coast of the state of [[Sabah]] and the rising risk of territory disputes with several neighbouring countries. Currently, 1.4% of Malaysia's GDP is spent on the military, and employing 1.23% of Malaysia's manpower.<ref name="NationMaster"/> Dr Kogila Balakrishnan is the head of the Defence Industry.

===Malaysian Army===
{{Main|Malaysian Army}}
[[File:PT-91M Pendekar.jpg|thumb|[[PT-91 Twardy|PT-91M Pendekar MBT]] of Malaysian Army.]]
Since the recovery from the 1997 economic crisis, the army's modernisation program has gained momentum. The acquisition of Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and modern artillery make the Malaysian Army one of the most potent powers in the region.

===Royal Malaysian Navy===
{{Main|Royal Malaysian Navy}}
[[File:KD Lekiu(FFG30) and KD Jebat(FFG29) with USS George Washington (CVN 73).jpeg|thumb|{{sclass|Lekiu|frigate|1}} of RMN.]]
Following the completion of the [[Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel|New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV)]] program, RMN has moved on to its next program called the [[Maharaja Lela-class frigate|Second Generation Patrol Vessel (SGPV)]]. RMN is also looking to purchase more submarines as well as a batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) namely [[Keris-class littoral mission ship]] and [[Ada-class corvette]]. RMN also planned to add [[Multi-role support ship (Malaysia)|Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS)]] for its support role. In addition to this, an upgrade program called Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the aging ships will keep the fleet modern with the latest technologies needed.

===Royal Malaysian Air Force===
{{Main|Royal Malaysian Air Force}}
[[File:Su30mkm flying at lima two (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Sukhoi Su-30MKM]] of RMAF.]]
The RMAF has traditionally looked to the West for its purchases, primarily to the United States and Europe. However, limitations imposed by the United States on "new technology" to the region made the RMAF consider purchases from Russia and other non-traditional sources. Currently, the RMAF operates a unique mix of American, European and Russian-made aircraft.

===Forming of Marine Corps===
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said in a statement on 10 October 2013, that Malaysia is planning on establishing a marine corps for amphibious operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia to establish a marine corps, naval base close to James Shoal|url=http://www.janes.com/article/28438/malaysia-to-establish-marine-corps-naval-base-close-to-james-shoal#.Ul6-Ipea7bc.twitter|publisher=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> The marine corps will be drawn from all three services. The bulk of it being from one of the three parachute battalions of the [[10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)|10th Parachute Brigade]] which will consequently be re-designated as a marine battalion. The [[9th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay Regiment|9th Royal Malay Regiment (Airborne)]] and [[8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment|8th Royal Ranger Regiment (Airborne)]] have both conducted amphibious warfare training as a secondary mission such as the [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT]] exercise with the [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]] (USMC) and other amphibious exercises also conducted with foreign armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/630998/us-marines-malaysian-soldiers-complete-malaysia-united-states-amphibious-exerci/|title=US Marines and Malaysian Soldier Completed Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise }}</ref>