Economy Ministry delegation visits RMAF Merad project

KUALA LUMPUR: The Economy Ministry has conducted a site visit to the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) Medium-Range Air Defence Missile System (Merad) project at Gong Kedak Air Base in Kelantan to assess the project site and coordinate key aspects of its development.

The RMAF said the ministry's delegation was led by Security and Public Order Division deputy director Khairil Wari Abd Rani and accompanied by the RMAF planning and development assistant chief of staff, Brigadier General Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar.

"The visit aimed to evaluate the site directly and review factors such as physical layout, environmental considerations, accessibility, existing utilities, and potential constraints that could affect the project's implementation.

"The preliminary assessment is critical to ensure the Merad system is developed in a structured and effective manner while meeting current and future operational requirements," it said in a Facebook post.

The RMAF said the Merad project is expected to enhance layered air defence capabilities, improve operational readiness, and strengthen surveillance and response against air threats.

"The initiative also supports the development of integrated combat capabilities, further reinforcing the armed forces' preparedness for current and future security challenges," it added.

The visit by the Economy Ministry also included stops at the Engineering Branch Hangar and the No. 12 Squadron Su-30MKM Simulation Centre.

Last year, it was reported that the Merad system was among several procurements earmarked to modernise and enhance the armed forces' capabilities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) First Rolling Plan 2026.