Malaysia Komited RM50 Juta (AS$12.1 Juta) untuk SPH 155mm: Pemodenan Artileri Bermula di Asia Pasifik

Malaysia Commits RM50M (US$12.1M) for 155mm SPH: Artillery Modernisation Kicks Off

Malaysia Commits RM50 Million for 155mm SPH: Long-Awaited Artillery Modernisation Kicks Off

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 28, 2025 - : 2:11 pm

Kuala Lumpur has affirmed a substantial initial financial commitment to its long-anticipated 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) acquisition, underscoring a decisive shift towards modernising the Malaysian Army's crucial fire support capabilities. The move highlights Malaysia's growing focus on acquiring highly mobile,...

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Speaking in Parliament, Datuk Adly Zahari, the Deputy Defence Minister, confirmed that RM50 million (US$12.1 million) has been specifically allocated in the 2026 Budget to "continue the procurement of our first 155mm SPH". He noted that this allocation initiates a structured multi-year procurement cycle aimed at replacing the nation’s reliance on legacy towed howitzers. The Deputy Minister further stated that the type of SPH platform has been "finalised based on the tests we carried out", following comprehensive technical assessments involving six competing systems, though the specific manufacturer remains officially unannounced as the programme is currently in the price negotiation stage.

The confirmation of the programme's budget and progress, derived from the official Malaysian Parliamentary Hansard, came as part of a response to points raised during parliamentary debate, notably by opposition figures such as Dato’ Sri Ikmal Hisham bin Abdul Aziz (Member of Parliament for Tanah Merah). Datuk Adly Zahari assured the house that the procurement process is adhering to standard operating procedures and aims to ensure the Malaysian Army receives a "battle-proven system" that thoroughly meets its operational and training requirements.

This investment places Malaysia firmly within the global trend favouring self-propelled artillery, particularly the 155mm calibre, which is experiencing rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific market driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and regional modernisation efforts. Nations across the region are prioritising SPH systems for their superior range, precision, and vital "shoot-and-scoot" capabilities, which dramatically enhance survivability against modern counter-battery fire.

The introduction of a protected, mobile, and long-range SPH platform is set to serve as a transformational force multiplier for the Malaysian Army. It will immediately elevate the nation's capacity for long-range strike and deterrence, enabling the conduct of deep-strike operations beyond 40km, a capability essential for safeguarding critical areas and adapting to a rapidly evolving regional security environment.

Previously, the planned acquisition of the Slovakian-made EVA 155 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) for the Malaysian Army faced sharp scrutiny during parliamentary proceedings on 4 November 2024. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Member of Parliament for Pendang, Datuk Haji Awang bin Hashim, questioned the Ministry of Defence (MinDef)'s decision to pursue the estimated RM800 million (approximately $193.75 million) procurement via a direct negotiation (rundingan terus). Datuk Awang expressed profound concern that the EVA 155 asset may still be in its prototype phase, is not widely utilised globally, and its selection did not align with the Army's existing defence doctrine. A crucial point of technical concern raised was the asset's transportability, specifically whether the SPH could be carried by Royal Malaysian Air Force platforms like the C-130 or A400 aircraft. Furthermore, the MP alleged that the company awarded the SPH contract was the same entity associated with the AW149 helicopter contract.