| RMAF Special Forces | |
|---|---|
| Pasukan Khas TUDM ڤاسوكن خاص تنترا اودارا | |
 Official RMAF Special Forces crest | |
| Founded | 1996; 30 years ago (1996) |
| Country |  Malaysia |
| Branch |  Royal Malaysian Air Force |
| Type | Special forces |
| Size | 5squadrons |
| Part of | RMAF Regiment |
| Headquarters | Jugra Air Base,Selangor |
| Nicknames | "PASKAU", "RMAF PASKAU", "Komando Tentera Udara" ('Air force's commando') |
| Mottos | Cepat, Senyap, Pasti ('Swift, Stealth, Definite') |
| Beret | Sky blue |
| Anniversaries | 1 April |
| Engagements | List
|
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | ColonelMuhammad Mustafa OmarRMAF |
| Notable commanders | Major HjMior RosliRMAF |
| Insignia | |
| RMAF Special Forces Insignia |  |
| Parachutist badge |  |
TheRMAF Special Forces (Malay:Pasukan Khas TUDM,Jawi: ڤاسوكن خاص تنترا اودارا), better known asPASKAU from an abbreviation of its Malay name,[note 1] is the special forces of theRoyal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF;Malay:Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia – TUDM).
Its main functions are to carry out high-value target protection,ground forward air controller,combat search and rescue andrescuing 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 from21st Special Service Group. All RMAF Special Forces members areairborne andcommando-trained and can be deployed behind enemy lines via air, land and sea to assist in target designation for theMalaysian Armed Forces and RMAF missions.[1]
RMAF Special Forces is one of the two combat units comprising theRMAF Regiment (Malay:Rejimen TUDM).[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 amortar attack byMalayan Communist Party members outsideRMAF Kuala Lumpur. Another mortar attack in 1979 damaged an RMAFDHC-4 Caribou transport aircraft. These incidents prompted a specific directive from theAir Force Command to form a newsecurity force to take over the security of RMAFair bases from theMalaysian Army's Malaysian Military Police Corps (now known as theRoyal Military Police Corps).[3][4]
The unit was drafted at the end of 1976 byGroup Captain Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar,Squadron Leader Lai Kiat Meng, andFlight LieutenantMior Rosli. Flight Lieutenant Mior Rosli was later selected as the unit's first commanding officer.Corporal Mahazir became the first airman to receivecommando training at theSpecial Warfare Training Centre inMalacca. Subsequently, more officers and airmen were trained, leading to the establishment of thePasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara (the "Air and Ground Defence Force"), abbreviated asHANDAU, 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.[1][3][5]
The HANDAU was reactivated on 1 June 2020, by theAir Force Command (Malay:Markas Tentera Udara – MTU). ExistingRMAF 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.[2]
On 1 April 1980, the 102nd HANDAU Squadron formally assumed base security duties at RMAF Kuala Lumpur from the Military Police. To oversee the new squadrons, theRMAF Security Regiment (Malay:Markas Rejimen Keselamatan TUDM, abbreviatedMAREJ) was established as the command headquarters. Between 1980 and 1 March 1987, ten additional HANDAU squadrons were raised.[3]
| Name | Garrison | EST. |
|---|---|---|
| 102nd HANDAU Squadron | RMAF Kuala Lumpur | 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 | 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 | 1983 |
| Rapid Deployment Force | RMAF Kuala Lumpur | 1983 |
Since its establishment in 1980, the RMAF Security Regiment reported directly to theAir Force Command (Malay:Markas Tentera Udara – MTU) for all operations involving HANDAU squadrons. Following a major reorganisation of the RMAF in June 1983, the RMAF Security Regiment was transferred to the RMAF Air Operations High Command (Malay:Markas Besar Operasi Udara – MABES, now known as theRMAF Air Operations Command) and was subsequently renamed the RMAF Regiment.[6]
As part of the same reorganisation, twospecial operations elements were established within the regiment: theCombat Air Rescue Team (CART) (Malay:Tim Penyelamat Tempur Udara) and theRapid Deployment Force (RDF) (Malay:Pasukan Gerak Cepat). CART included a small number ofGerak Khas commandos seconded from theMalaysian Army, while the RDF was composed of HANDAU personnel trained in commando skills and stationed at major RMAF bases. The RDF functioned as anair assault unit, capable of reinforcing armed forces units orjungle police paramilitary elements in need of support, while CART specialised incombat search and rescue (CSAR) missions. Both formations are widely regarded as the precursors of the modern RMAF Special Forces.
In 1993, the HANDAU squadrons were redesignated as theRMAF Provost Squadrons. Their role was expanded to include military police duties alongside their primary responsibility for air basesecurity.[6]
In 1996, the Combat Air Rescue Team (CART) and the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) were merged to form a new unit, thePasukan Khas Udara (PKU) (lit. 'Air Special Forces'), also referred to as the "RMAF Special Air Service". The PKU was expanded, and its remit broadened to includecounter-terrorism,unconventional warfare, andsearch and rescue operations. For these new roles, its personnel received training from the BritishSpecial Air Service (SAS) and theUnited States Special Operations Forces.[5]
On 17 March 1999, the PKU was relocated from RMAF Kuala Lumpur toJugra Air Base. At the same time, the RMAF Provost Squadrons were separated from the RMAF Regiment and transferred to the newly establishedRMAF Provost Marshal Department, which assumed responsibility for air force law enforcement.[3]
On 1 April 2002, exactly 22 years after the establishment of HANDAU, the PKU was officially redesignated as thePasukan Khas TUDM (PASKAU), or "RMAF Special Forces".[3][6]
On 24 January 2008, SultanAhmad Shah of Pahang was appointedColonel-in-Chief of theRMAF Regiment and simultaneously becamepatron of the RMAF Special Forces. The investiture ceremony was held at Jugra Air Base, Selangor, where theChief of Air Force,GeneralAzizan AriffinRMAF (laterChief of Defence Force in 2009), presented theblue beret of the RMAF Special Forces to Sultan Ahmad Shah.[7]
1980–1993
1993–2002
2002–2020
2020–2021
Today, the RMAF Regiment operates directly under theRMAF Air Operations Command and is based atJugra Air Base inBanting. Here are the five main squadrons of RMAF Special Forces:
| Squadron | Responsibility | Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Special Air Combat Assault Squadron | Pathfinders and forward air controllers | TheSpecial Air Combat Assault Squadron (SACA) provides the RMAF and Malaysian Armed Forces with pathfinders and forward air controllers. This unit, also known asRMAF 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.[8][9][10] Despite being a newly established squadron, it has a long track record as theGround Forward Air Controller (GFAC), which was previously part of the Combat Wing Squadron. The Combat Wing Squadron was officially disbanded in 2021.[8][9][10] This squadron functions similarly to bothU.S. Air Force Combat Control Team andU.S. Air Force Special Operations Force Tactical Air Control Party within theAir Force Special Operations Command. |
| Combat Air Rescue Squadron | Land-based combat search and rescue | TheCombat Air Rescue Squadron (CARS;Malay:Skuadron Penyelamat Tempur Udara – SPTU) is capable of conductingcombat search and rescue operations behind enemy lines. It consists of sixflights operating from air bases with Rescue Sub-Centres (RSC) located atSubang Air Base,Kuantan Air Base,Butterworth Air Base,Gong Kedak Air Base,Kuching Air Base, andLabuan Air Base.[5] CARS is equivalent to theU.S. Air Force Pararescue in terms of its capabilities and functions. |
| Force Protection Squadron | Special protections, security force and counter-terrorism | TheForce Protection Squadron (FPS;Malay:Skuadron Kawalan Medan – SKM) is responsible for securing high-value military assets such ashangars,air defenceradars, andfire support bases. Their duties include protecting infrastructure and conducting close orspecial escort operations. For area protection, the squadron uses the Field Intrusion Detection System (FIDS). Prior to 2021, this unit was known as theField Protection Squadron.[5][10] As part of the RMAF Regiment's restructuring under theCapability Development 55 (CAP55) plan in 2021, and with the reactivation of theRMAF Ground Defence Force (RMAF HANDAU) in 2020, the responsibility forsecuring air force bases was shared between RMAF HANDAU's squadrons and the FPS. While the FPS continues its security role, its focus has shifted to more sensitive areas and bases behind enemy lines. Additionally, theHostage Rescue Team, the RMAF Special Forces' counter-terrorist unit, which was previously under the Combat Wing Squadron, was transferred to the FPS.[10] The FPS is equivalent to the24th Special Tactics Squadron andU.S. Air Force DAGRE in terms of its capabilities and functions. |
| Maritime Para Rescue Squadron | Maritime-based combat search and rescue | TheMaritime Para Rescue Squadron is acombat search and rescue squadron specialising in search and rescue operations atsea. They operate from air bases near the ocean. Before 2021, they were known as theMaritime 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.[8] |
| Special Operations Support Squadron | Combat support | TheSpecial Operations Support Squadron provides all RMAF Special Forces squadrons withcombat support.[8] |
TheCombat Wing Squadron (CWS;Malay:Skuadron Sayap Tempur – SST) was the primary combat arm of the RMAF Special Forces. While other squadrons focused on search and rescue or security operations, the CWS specialised incounter-terrorism,hostage rescue,infiltration,sabotage, andcovert operations targeting high-value objectives. Based at Jugra Air Base, the squadron included theFlight Hostage Rescue Team (FHRT), a counter-terrorism unit specifically trained for aircraft hostage rescue operations.[5]
As part of theCapability Development 55 plan, the CWS was disbanded in 2021. Its responsibilities were redistributed between theForce Protection Squadron and theSpecial Air Combat Assault Squadron, ensuring continuity of its critical roles in Malaysia's defence strategy.[10]
In 2016, the main counter-terrorism operators in Malaysia were consolidated into a singlespecial operationstask 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.[11]
.jpg)
Originally, passing thecommando school was not mandatory for all HANDAU officers and airmen, but it became compulsory for those inspecial operations units. Since 1996, completing thebasic commando course has been a requirement for any RMAF personnel wishing to join the PKU (now PASKAU). In 1993, the RMAF established its own commando course, theRMAF Commando Course (Malay:Kursus Komando TUDM), replacing the previous requirement for RMAF Regiment airmen to complete theMalaysian Army Basic Commando Course at theSpecial Warfare Training Centre.[12]
The RMAF Special Forces selection and training process takes place at theRMAF Combat Training School atRMAF Bukit Ibam Air Force Base in Pahang. Established in 2018, the school took over responsibility for the RMAF basic commando course from the RMAF Regiment at Jugra Air Base in 2019. Upon graduation, all participants receive asky blue beret, alight bluelanyard, and aFairbairn-Sykes fighting knife. However, achieving operational status requires further special operations training.[13][14]
On 6 May 2004, only 81 out of 198 personnel who started the three-month Basic Commando training program received their blue berets, including the top trainee, Laskar Udara (Aircraftman) Meor Mohd Nazri Othman. Similarly, in October 2007, only 20 out of 54 trainees successfully completed the training.[15][16]
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.[17]
RMAF Special Forces operatives are capable of conducting operations using:
During May 2009, RMAF Special Forces participated with theUnited States Air Force320th Special Tactics Squadron in an underwater search and recovery course as part of a joint training exercise code-namedTeak Mint 09-1. The USAF presentedBarret M107anti-material rifles for use by the RMAF Special Forces team.[20] Teak Mint 09-1 is a joint training exchange designed to enhanceUnited States – Malaysian military training and capabilities.[20]
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 air strikes using specialist weapons. This unit consists of specially selected and trained RMAF Regiment personnel, and its role is distinct from that of the army'sGerak Khas and the navy'sPASKAL.
Target marking
To mark a target for an air strike, such as radar orsurface-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 aSikorsky 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.
Thesky blue beret is the distinctive headgear of the RMAF Special Forces commandos, symbolising their elite status. It features a red RMAF Regiment beret backing (beret flash), withofficers wearing a woven RMAF insignia andother ranks displaying metal insignia corresponding to their rank. The beret is awarded upon successfully completing the rigorousSpecial Forces Selection.[21]
Initially, all HANDAU personnel within the RMAF Regiment wore the sky blue beret, regardless of their role inspecial operations orprovost duties. Commando-trained HANDAU members used to wear agreen beret with theGerak Khas cap badge, similar to the21st Special Service Group but with a red RMAF Regiment backing. After the RMAF Provost Unit split from the RMAF Regiment, they adopted thenavy blue beret, in line with other conventional RMAF units. Commando-trained personnel in the Provost unit had to choose between joining the RMAF Special Forces and keeping the sky blue beret or staying with the Provost unit and wearing the navy blue beret.[22]
Today, the sky blue beret is worn exclusively by the RMAF Special Forces. Like other Malaysian elite units, the cap badge is worn on the left side of the beret, positioned between the eyebrow and ear. The beret-wearing style of all Malaysian special forces has its origins in theRoyal Marines CommandoSnipers.[note 2][14]
In the past, every commando-trained member of HANDAU was awarded a light bluelanyard, along with agreen beret and aFairbairn-Sykes commando dagger, upon completing their commando training at theSpecial Warfare Training Centre. This tradition of the light blue lanyard traces back to the Malaysian Special Service Unit, which adopted it from the40 Commando, Royal Marines, during its founding. The tradition was upheld by HANDAU and later by the RMAF Special Forces, even after the RMAF began conducting its own commando course in 1993.[3]
Since 2018, theRMAF Combat Training School has been issuing theFairbairn-Sykes commando dagger to all its graduates, replacing the previous practice of awarding aGlock knife to RMAF Special Forces commandos who completed advanced courses. The Fairbairn-Sykes dagger is considered a prestigious symbol of belonging to an elitecommando unit.[23][24]
RMAF Special Forces commandos wear a Shoulder flash embroidered with "PASKAU" on the right shoulder sleeve. Shoulder flash 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 flash, as the units that are now part of RMAF Special Forces were previously part of the RMAF Air and Ground Defence Force (HANDAU).[3]
As a ground-based formation within the air force, the RMAF Special Forces wear tiger-stripe camouflagecombat uniforms as their official attire. This green tiger-stripe pattern was originally employed by the Malaysian Army until its replacement by a digital camouflage design in 2013. The pattern remains in service with the RMAF Special Forces and theRMAF Ground-Based Air Defence units, symbolising their ground-combat role.[25]
In July 2025, the RMAF introduced a new camouflage pattern for its special forces. The design, known asVorcamo (short forVersatile Operations Resilient Camouflage), is inspired by theCrye PrecisionMultiCam pattern. Vorcamo is intended to gradually replace the tiger-stripe uniform, which is effective in jungle terrain but less suitable for urban and mixed environments.[26]
An earlier attempt at camouflage standardisation had been made in 2019, when theMalaysian Armed Forces proposed adopting a single camouflage pattern for all of its special forces units. The rationale was that since these units frequently operate together in joint missions, a common combat uniform would ensure greater uniformity and interoperability. The proposed pattern, while derived from MultiCam, incorporated distinctive horizontal elements, and a prototype was publicly displayed byFirst Admiral Dato'Anuar AliasPGBRMN, thenCommanding Officer of theNaval Special Forces, during the 2019 Navy Fleet Open Day. However, no official updates were issued thereafter, most likely due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. The proposal has since been considered obsolete, as the RMAF Special Forces adopted Vorcamo, while the Army's21st Special Service Group opted for the original MultiCam design.[27][28]
Retired weapons
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 Air Force Command has announced plans to allocate at least onehelicopter for the exclusive use of the RMAF Special Forces, primarily for maritimesearch and rescue (SAR) missions and training purposes. The aircraft is intended to be placed on standby atJugra Air Base.[31][32]
Historically, aSikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri helicopter fromNo. 3 Squadron had been permanently stationed at Jugra to support the unit. However, following a fatal crash in 2016, the Nuri fleet was grounded and subsequently retired from service. While the exact timeline for a replacement aircraft has not been disclosed, the allocation has been incorporated into the 13th and 14th Malaysia Plans (Malay:Rancangan Malaysia).[31][32]
On 18 July 2014, after the tragic downing ofMalaysia Airlines Flight 17 overDonetsk,Ukraine, four commandos from the RMAF Special Forces were deployed as security personnel forMalaysia's MH17 Negotiation Team, known as "The Dozen Persons". The four commandos includedMajorMuhammad Mustafa OmarRMAF,Air Force Sergeant Shahrizal Abu Bakar (retired asWarrant Officer II),Air Force Corporal Rosli Mustafa (retired asFlight Sergeant), andLeading Aircraftman Mohd Afendy Ahmad Zaini. The team, accompanied by specialists, covertly enteredseparatist-controlled areas through the warzone to negotiate the repatriation of the remains of MH17 victims, including crew and passengers, and recover theflight recorders essential for the crash investigation.[33]
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, andMalaysia Coast Guard special forces. RMAF Special Forces commandos conducted psychological operations by dropping leaflets urgingSulu 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.[34]
Malaysia sent troops, including RMAF Special Forces,10th Parachute Brigade,21st Special Service Group andNaval Special Forces (PASKAL) toAfghanistan as part of theInternational Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The team which consisted of 40 soldiers was deployed to assistNew Zealand Armed Forces in the peacekeeping missions andhumanitarian aid in theBamiyan District, Afghanistan.[35]
In July 2007, RMAF Special Forces, with the 10th Parachute Brigade,22nd Commando Regiment and thePasukan Gerakan Khas, supported by theUnited States Navy Air Fleet (fromUSS Jarrett (FFG-33)), PoliceGeneral Operations ForceSenoi 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 RMAFSikorsky S61 'Nuri' helicopter went down with a crew of six near Genting Sempah, in theGenting Highlands.[36][37] 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.[38]
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 theQuick Reaction Team.[39][40]
On 27 June 2006, RMAF Special Forces was involved in the search for Major Muhammad Rohaizan Abdul RahmanRMAF after hisHawk 208 fighter crashed into the sea offRompin,Pahang on 31 May 2006. The remains of the pilot were found on the seabed 28 days after the crash, 150 metres (0.081 nmi) off the coast of Pantai Lanjut,Rompin, Pahang.[41][42]
RMAF Special Forces was involved in rescue operations on 28 July 2005, after a Hornbill SkywayBell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter crashed in Bukit Batu Tiban, Ulu Baleh,Kapit, near theSarawak-West Kalimantan border. Three passengers and the pilot died, one passenger survived.[43][44]
On 7 June 2005, 21 RMAF Special Forces and 35VAT 69 of thePasukan Gerakan Khas commandos were involved in the search for four children who were reported to be missing onFraser's Hill as well as another two persons who were lost onGunung Brinchang in theCameron Highlands. They were all found three days later.[45]
RMAF Special Forces, together with theDepartment 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 civilianPiper 28 aircraft which had crashed. The aircraft went down in a heavily forested area 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) southwest of the Langat Dam,Selangor. The pilot, Captain Nasir Ma Lee Abdullah, was killed while the passenger, Nazarullah Mohd Sultan, was found alive.[46]
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 ofSibu Island, Johor at around 10:30 am. Major Audrey SmithRMAF and Major Damian SebastianRMAF, Sergeant Radzi Abdul Majid and Sergeant Saad Che Omar were safely recovered while Corporal Hasnul Abdul Rahman and Corporal Ayub Sidek perished.[47]
RMAF Special Air Service with RMPGeneral Operations Force, the State Forestry Department, theMalaysia Civil Defence Force, theDepartment of Civil Aviation and theFire and Rescue Department, were involved on 20 February 1999, in search and rescue operations after a civilianBeechcraft 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.[48]
On 14 November 1989,Combat Air Rescue Team was involved in rescue operations after a RMAFSikorsky S-61 'Nuri' helicopter went down on the slopes of Gunung Gerah and Gunung Bilah near theKelantan-Perak border. 21 passengers were killed, including 15 policemen from theGeneral Operations Force of theRoyal Malaysia Police.
Despite being the youngest special forces unit in the Malaysian Armed Forces, the RMAF Special Forces has produced individuals who have left an indelible mark on history. Some of the notable members include:
| 1980s | 1996 Merged | 2002 Name change |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Rescue Team of the RMAF Ground and Air Defence Force | RMAF Special Air Service (Malay:Pasukan Khas Udara) | RMAF Special Forces (Malay:Pasukan Khas TUDM) |
| Rapid Deployment Force of the RMAF Ground and Air Defence Force |
| Leadership | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organisation |
| ||||||||||
| Other topics | |||||||||||
| Current |
|
|---|---|
| Defunct | |
