SHAH ALAM: Back in January this year, Malaysian Defence reported that the Defence Ministry issued an infographic that the Army had taken delivery of 1,000 VHF section radio set for tactical communications operations. The infographic had a picture of the VHF section radio without naming the make.
Based on the infographic, one can identify it as a Harris tactical radio, and it is likely the Falcon III AN/PRC-152A handheld radios. The graphic also showed that the soldier using the radio being equipped with a tablet as well.
We now know that Mindmatics Sdn Bhd won the tender to supply, deliver, test and commissioned 1,000 VHF section radio beating the incumbent, Sapura Thales Electronics Sdn Bhd (STE). STE was touted as a success story for the Industry Collaboration Programme (ICP) which is part of the government policy to transfer technology to local companies through procurement contracts. It delivered the section radios from 2011 to 2014.
Anyhow, the Defence Ministry has published a tender for the supply, deliver, test and commissioned 555 section tactical radio set for the Army. The tender is valid from today – October 12 to November 2. There are no detailed specifications for the radio sets apart from the number being sought.
The Eperolehan website did published the Army estimates for the tender which is RM49.95 million. Based on the estimate, I am assuming that the cost for the 1,000 section radios awarded to Mindmatics was around RM90 million to RM110 million. I stand to be corrected of course.
With 1,000 Harris radios already delivered, it make sense to order more of them, of course. Especially if they are found to reliable and fuss free in service. The tender, however, will of course reveal what the Army wants though.
Anyhow at LIMA 2023, the Army announced the contracts for the vehicular and manpack radios as well, for the regular units and GGK as well. The radios for the regulars are from Thales while the GGK ones are from Harris.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (33)
there is about 36-48 sections in an infantry battalion
1500 sets of radio will be enough for 31 battalions, basically all of the army infantry battalions will have brand new radios.
As for radios for GGK, adding BLOS SATCOM systems such as the Slingshot should be looked at
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FhCRHUmaMAM6Cul.jpg
This company is interesting. It was reported to have delivered a handful of UASs; has come up with a ESM system and has been awarded a number of cyber security contracts to the MAF. Nice for a change to see a local company offering tangible value rather than just the traditional ''middle man'' or ''agent'' services.
Nice for a change to see a local company offering tangible value rather than just the traditional ”middle man” or ”agent” services. - Azlan
Now this is where the folly will set. Because after this, this company will just be another traditional middle man. Nothing will change.
Akmal - ''Because after this, this company will just be another traditional middle man. Nothing will change.''
Do you know anything about the company? As you said in a previous post: you don't have a crystal ball. BTW I can actually name a few local companies who actually offer added value.
... - ''there is about 36-48 sections in an infantry battalion''
The authorised composition is 4 Companies; each comprising 3 platoons; each in turn comprising 3 sections. Then there's also the Support Company which is organised differently; i.e. Mortar and AT Platoons. I haven't included HQ and other elements.
... - ''basically all of the army infantry battalions will have brand new radios.''
In reality - as opposed to on paper - I have no idea. The Thales/Sapura handled/manpack Section/platoon/company net radios might be replaced partially or supplemented by these new ones.
... - ''As for radios for GGK, adding BLOS SATCOM systems such as the Slingshot should be looked at''
Why only Gerak Khas per see? Other units also have SATCOM; albeit HQ and other elements as opposed to field units.
I'm not familiar with the military radios. Can someone using a Harris radio speak to someone using a Thales radio?
Yes
I singled out GGK for manpack BLOS SATCOM suggestion as that is the unit this article mentions.
Slingshot is currently one of the smallest individual BLOS SATCOM system available.
Of course all other units such as PASKAL or PASKAU will have a benefit using this for communications far behind enemy lines. This system would also be a good fitment on RIBs so there is no LOS communication issues.
https://images.slideplayer.com/13/3971779/slides/slide_3.jpg
... - “Of course all other units such as PASKAL or PASKAU will have a benefit using this for communications far behind enemy lines”
Even when not “far behind enemy lines”. Due to terrain and other issues there are various places in the country which has “gaps” so to speak; radio coverage is an issue. SATCOM is also used in the Spratlys to communicate with Labuan/Sepanggar and also at times carried by RMAF air crew.
"The radios for the regulars are from Thales"
So Sapura wasnt totally cut off after all, tho depending on how many orders they got it might still not be in a secured position just yet.
"local company offering tangible value"
Sapura Thales also offered tangible value when they supplied the radio packs yet they got complacent, its just a matter of time if Mindmatics will follow the same path but from historical precedence, I'd side with Akmal.
No, Sapura did not get the contract. The regular radios are now Harris, the new manpack/vehicular radios are from Thales but they are sourced fromm Traumland. Traumland is also doing the servicing for the old Sapura/Thales radios.