Malaysian Armed Forces unveil 5D plan to bolster defence through 2055

At the 93rd Armed Forces Day, the Malaysian military outlined a comprehensive “5D” doctrine—Diplomacy, Detect, Deter, Deny and Defeat—to guide its Future Force strategy up to 2055. Chief of the Armed Forces Malek Razak Sulaiman emphasized that resilience, rooted in core character, transparent governance and combat readiness, underpins the force’s ability to protect national sovereignty. The second phase of the Future Force programme, running from 2026 to 2030, will prioritize mobility, protection and firepower for the army, alongside new littoral combat and mission ships for the navy and a replacement fighter fleet featuring the FA-50M for the air force.

Additional capabilities include medium-range air-defence systems, expanded radar coverage, and three Anka UAVs already operating from Labuan. Infrastructure upgrades such as a new naval base in Bintulu and a forward operating air base slated for 2028 aim to enhance operational reach in Sabah, Sarawak and the broader maritime region.