The Star Online
More weapons for elite troops
Wednesday October 15, 2003
MALACCA: The Armed Forces' 10th Brigade Paratroopers rapid reaction
force will soon get shoulder-fired missiles as additional
firepower, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
He said the Anza
MK-II surface-to-air missiles were scheduled to be delivered to
the elite team in two or three months.
We find that the team needs to be equipped with more weapons when
deployed in remote areas to defend themselves from enemy attack,
he said, adding that all units in the forces would also get extra
weaponry.
The Pakistan-made Anza MK-II anti-aircraft missile is a portable
shoulder-fired infrared homing system.
Najib was speaking at a press conference after receiving the maroon
beret and honorary airborne wings from the brigade at the Terendak
Camp near here yesterday.
Armed Forces chief Gen Datuk Pahlawan Muhammad Azumi Mohamed was
present.
Brigade commander Brig-Gen Datuk Muhammad Effendi Mustaffa said the
award was given to Najib for his contributions to the development
of the unit, providing him with lifetime membership as well.
Asked if there were plans to set up more elite teams, Najib said
the 4,500-strong team was sufficient now.
The team can respond to our requirements to be mobilised within
short periods of time, either in an hour or five hours depending on
the situation, he said.
On whether there was a revision to the allowance for team members,
he said there was no decision on the matter yet, adding that
revisions were conducted from time to time.
Earlier, Najib inspected the Leading Para Battle Group
parade.
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