Royal Malaysian Air Force Conducts Exercise Bats Series 16/2025 in Kudat

28 July 2025

KUDAT: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) successfully concluded the highly anticipated Exercise Bats Series 16/2025 at Kudat Airport, Sabah. The annual military exercise, which ran from 21 to 30 July, saw the participation of over 200 personnel and a range of military assets.

Major General Dato’ Haji Norli Hisham Alwi, Commander of the RMAF Region 2, said the exercise focused on strengthening the capabilities of aircraft crews and special forces through simulated night-time operations.

He said, the exercise involved tactical low-altitude helicopter flights, infiltration and extraction drills, and personnel recovery missions such as search and rescue (SAR) and combat recovery operations (CRO). These activities aimed to improve interoperability and operational efficiency between the air force and the Malaysian Armed Forces’ special units.

“The Kudat area was chosen for its strategic geographical advantages, offering safe land and sea surfaces suitable for complex military maneuvers. Covering regions around Banggi Island, Balambangan Island, and Tanjung Kapur, the training incorporated air, land, and maritime operations, reflecting the increasingly multi-dimensional nature of modern military exercises,” he stated.

The exercise saw collaborative efforts involving various assets, including two EC725 and two AW139 helicopters, along with special forces from PASKAU, PASKAL, and GGK. Maritime and land rescue assets, such as boats and ambulances, also participated, coordinated with local agencies like the Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and Kudat Hospital.

In addition to military activities, the RMAF organised a civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) programme engaging 40 school students and community development representatives (UPPM) from Kudat. This initiative aimed to foster closer ties between the military and local communities, raising awareness of the armed forces’ roles in safeguarding national sovereignty.

Major General Norli emphasised that Exercise Bats Series 16/2025 demonstrated the RMAF’s preparedness to face current security challenges and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation.

“This exercise not only enhances our operational capabilities but also promotes unity among various enforcement agencies in Sabah,” he stated.

The successful completion of Exercise Bats Series 16/2025 underscores Malaysia’s dedication to maintaining a robust and ready defence force. The Royal Malaysian Air Force intends to continue such exercises to bolster national security and ensure the sovereignty of Malaysian airspace remains protected.

The RMAF expressed gratitude to the media and local authorities for their support and cooperation throughout the exercise. The joint efforts and positive coverage help promote a unified approach to national defence, fostering a sense of patriotism and community resilience across Malaysia.