Another RIV

BANTING: Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Pasukan Khas Udara or PASKAU is now equipped with RIVs just like the GGK’s Unit Lawan Keganasan (ULK or Counter Terrorist Unit).

Like GGK’s RIVs – one based on the Ford Ranger and the other Nissan Navara – PASKAU’s vehicle is derived from a commercial pick-up truck, the Toyota Hilux 2.5. The vehicle is fitted with a removable ramp and ladder designed and manufactured by boffins from the air force.

The Hiluxs were given by RMAF Colonel-in-Chief, the Sultan of Pahang. The PASKAU RIV was put on display during the Media Day held at RMAF Regiment base in Jugra, here.

PASKAU’s RIV

Although the ramp was an in-house design, it felt much more stable than the ramp fitted on the GGK’s Ranger RIV. I did not climb up the ladder which could reach up to two-storeys high though.

A Nissan Navarra outfitted for counter-terrorist role with a ramp

GGK Rapid Intervention Vehicle, a single cab Ford Ranger fitted with a removable assault ramps and ladder

It is not stable as the Patriot 3 – Mobile Adjustable Ramp System (MARS) displayed last month at GPEC 2013 but it cost only a fraction of that solution.

The Humvee/MARS combo at Deftech booth

Derived from a commercial vehicle, maintenance will be cheaper of course. Like the GGK’s, the PASKAU vehicle is also unarmoured.

Lets hope both the ULK units of the PASKAU and GGK conduct cross-training on their RIVs, so if the order ever comes, the troopers will be ready from the word go.

– Malaysian Defence