10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)
The 10th Parachute Brigade, better known as 10 PARA BDE, is special operations capable unit in the Malaysian Army. A brigade-sized force with both airborne and marine capabilities, designed to carry out rapid-response missions within Malaysia or overseas. As the main component of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force, 10 PARA BDE is specially trained to be the first on the ground during emergencies, conflicts, or humanitarian operations.
Unlike regular army units, the 10 PARA BDE operates as an independent combat formation that reports directly to the Chief of Army. It is not part of any field army command structure within the Malaysian Army. In April 2023, a two-star general was appointed to lead the brigade—a move considered a sign of the unit's rising strategic importance, bringing it closer in stature to a full division. Despite this symbolic upgrade, 10 PARA BDE continues to operate under its original brigade structure as of 2025.
10 PARA BDE is unique is that it is the only elite unit in the Malaysian Armed Forces that accepts women. This makes it one of the few inclusive specialised units in the country. The only other elite Malaysian unit to do the same is the Special Actions Unit from the Royal Malaysia Police.
The current commander of this division is Brigadier General Khairul Anwar Soib, who replaced Major General Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal on 4 February 2025.
Etymology
The official Malay name, 'Briged Infantri Ke Sepuluh ParacutIn English, the unit is officially known as the '
The units under this brigade, such as the Royal Ranger Regiment, can be denoted in American English as the '8th Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment' or simply 8 RANGER. Similarly, the special operations unit within this brigade, Pathfinder Company (Para), can be referred to as 'Pathfinder Company '.
History
Established as an infantry brigade
The 10th Infantry Brigade was officially established on 5 October 1979 at Camp Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989). At that time, the brigade was placed under the 2nd Infantry Division. Later, the brigade was relocated to Camp Pengkalan Hulu in Perak to relieve some of the area of operation from the 2nd Infantry Brigade.Downsized to Task Force
The 10th Infantry Brigade was downsized in December 1982 and renamed to Task Force 083, while their area of operations remained unchanged. Since 1 January 1983, Task Force 083 has been assigned responsibility for the area of operations named Operation KOTA Echo/Foxtrot. Members of the task force are rotated among battalions from the Royal Malay Regiment and the Malaysian Ranger Regiment. On 2 May 1984, the task force was placed under the 11th Strategic Division.Reorganised as a Strategic Defence Brigade
On 1 January 1990, Task Force 083 was upgraded back to the strength of a brigade and renamed the 10th Strategic Brigade. During this time, the Communist insurgency in Malaysia had recently ended. The 11th Strategic Division was tasked by the Army Headquarters with strategic defence, requiring them to experiment in planning, doctrine, training, and other areas to ensure the Malaysian Army had an advantage in the event of a new armed conflict. In December 1992, the brigade was relocated from Camp Pengkalan Hulu to Camp Terendak in Malacca.Integrated into the Rapid Deployment Force
In early 1994, the 10th Strategic Brigade was integrated into a new military unit named the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force. Simultaneously, the brigade was unofficially upgraded to an airborne brigade. On 10 October 1994, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, officially announced the establishment of Malaysian Armed Forces' Rapid Deployment Forces, and the 10th Strategic Brigade was officially renamed the 10th Parachute Brigade. Simultaneously, the brigade became an independent military formation directly under the command of the Chief of Army, and the 11th Strategic Division was officially dissolved. As of 2023, the 10th Parachute Brigade is the sole component of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force, supported by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy.Upgraded to the status of special operations-capable
Although initially trained in airborne operations, the battalions under the 10 PARA BDE were originally designated as standard infantry battalions, performing conventional infantry duties. At the time, they were classified by the Malaysian Army as Batalion Infantri Standard or Standard Infantry Battalions in English. However, on 9 October 2020, under the 'ARMY 4NEXTG' plan, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Chief of Army, upgraded 10 PARA BDE's status to special operations-capable. This transformation relieved them of the conventional infantry roles previously assigned to standard infantry battalions, allowing them to focus on more specialised tasks.With this upgrade, 10 PARA BDE now operates at a level comparable to the United States Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group. Their primary focus revolves around air assault operations, airborne operations, and amphibious warfare operations with extended capabilities in special operations light infantry roles or functioning as special operations-capable forces.
Restructure as a special operations-capable with hybrid airborne-marine capability
Malaysia, as a nation in maritime Southeast Asia with a maritime zone, realises the importance of an amphibious military unit such as Marines. In 2013, the Malaysian government expressed its desire to establish a marine corps, but they couldn't decide which military service should be in charge of the marine corps. For instance, while most marine units fall under the navy, there are instances where marine units fall under the army, as seen with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, a part of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.The 10 PARA BDE has been trained as a substitute for the Marines, since the early 2000s. In June 2002, the 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment, underwent training with the United States Marine Corps. In August 2002, the 8 RANGER was deployed to Sabah under Operations PASIR to defend the coastline alongside other Malaysian army units. In 2006, the 10 PARA BDE participated in the CARAT exercise, assuming the role of a Marine unit. Due to conflicts in the South China Sea, in 2022, the Army Headquarters directed the 10 PARA BDE to restructure as a hybrid airborne-marine unit. The new role of the 10 PARA BDE was showcased to the public during the 89th Army Day, with members of the brigade conducting beach raids from the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Mahawangsa.
Potential upgrade to division sized unit
On 17 April 2023, the Chief of Army, General Mohammad Ab Rahman, promoted the 10 PARA BDE commander, Brigadier General Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal, to the rank of Major General. With this promotion, the 10 PARA BDE was unofficially upgraded to a division-sized military unit. This marks the first time, since the establishment of this brigade, that it is led by a major general. As of 2020, the 10 PARA BDE's members exceed 4800 personnel, falling only short of 200 personnel from the division size according to NATO standards.Integration of amphibious and air assault operations
In January 2024, the Chief of Army, General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, announced future development plans for the Malaysian Army. Several units, including the 10 PARA BDE, were identified for inclusion in these initiatives. For the brigade, the programme is officially designated Way Forward 10 Briged , or 10 PARA BDE's Way Forward. The plan places particular emphasis on enhancing the brigade's capability to conduct amphibious and air assault operations.To support the implementation of these concepts, the Army Headquarters engaged with the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps, seeking assistance in areas such as exercise planning, organisational structures, force composition, logistics, and asset deployment. By March 2024, a blueprint for the initiative had been finalised, and implementation commenced within the 10th Parachute Brigade.
In December 2024, the first nucleus cadre of instructors and trainers, designated as the Mobile Training Team, was established. Comprising approximately 20 officers and 108 other ranks, the team underwent retraining in amphibious and air assault operations. The Mobile Training Team now serves as the foundation for training future members of the 10th Parachute Brigade in these specialised roles.
In Series 1/2025, the 10 PARA BDE introduced an experimental pilot version of its selection pipeline, incorporating elements of basic amphibious warfare and basic air assault training. This extended the course duration to six weeks. The brigade headquarters is currently planning to test a seven-week version in the upcoming series, with the most effective structure to be adopted as the official standard in the future.
Establishment of the Amphibious Boat Company
On 1 August 2025, as part of the follow-up to the Way Forward programme, the 10 PARA BDE established a nucleus team for a new amphibious combat formation. The unit, officially designated the Amphibious Boat Company, was created as an experimental element within the brigade to trial the concepts and plans developed since early 2024.The nucleus team serves as a testbed for shaping the brigade's future amphibious role and determining the final structure and functions of the unit. Current plans envisage the company being deployed using hovercraft, Offshore Raiding Craft, and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft, with embarkation and support provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Timeline
- 5 October 1979 – The 10th Infantry Brigade was established at Camp Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur.
- October 1979 – The 10th Infantry Brigade moved to Camp Pengkalan Hulu in Perak and became part of the 2nd Infantry Division.
- December 1982 – The 10th Infantry Brigade was reorganised and became Task Force 083.
- 2 May 1984 – Task Force 083 was placed under the 11th Strategic Division.
- November 1984 – Task Force 083 comprised the 8th Battalion of the Ranger Regiment, which was stationed at Camp Terendak in Malacca.
- 1 January 1987 – The 8 RANGER underwent training as an experimental airborne battalion.
- 1 January 1990 – Task Force 083 was elevated to brigade formation and re-branded as the 10th Strategic Brigade.
- January–November 1992 – Combat support units, including armoured, artillery, engineering, and others, were incorporated into the structure of the 10th Strategic Brigade.
- December 1992 – The 10th Strategic Brigade moved to Camp Terendak in Malacca at the same time that the [9th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay Regiment|Royal Malay Regiment|9th Battalion] and 17th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment were assigned to the brigade.
- 1994 – The Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force was informally established, and the 10th Strategic Brigade was assigned to this force.
- 10 October 1994 – Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, officially established the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force, re-designating the 10th Strategic Brigade as the 10th Parachute Brigade.
- 10 October 1994 – The 10 PARA BDE conducts rapid deployment exercises, collaborating with special forces such as the 21st Special Service Group and Naval Special Forces. Operational support is provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The 1994 Halilintar Exercise featured a scenario where the Rapid Deployment Force, led by the 8 RANGER, reclaimed Langkawi International Airport from an invading force.
- 1 June 1999 – The pathfinder and reconnaissance unit for the 10th Parachute Brigade, officially named the Pathfinder Platoon (Para), was formally established. This unit, initially created on an ad hoc basis since 1995 as a pathfinder task force, now becomes an official part of the brigade.
- June 2002 – A battalion within the 10th Parachute Brigade underwent marines training with the USMC.
- 21 February 2018 – The 18th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment was elevated to an airborne battalion and positioned under the 10th Parachute Brigade. Headquartered at Camp Seberang Takir in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, this unit is assigned the responsibility of covering the east peninsular region.
- 9 October 2020 – Upgraded to the status of specialised light infantry.
- 2022 – The 10th Parachute Brigade assumed the role of marine forces while awaiting the establishment of the Malaysian version of the Marine Corps by the Malaysian Armed Forces.
- January 2024 – The 10 PARA BDE's Way Forward, future plans for the brigade, was introduced.
- March 2025 – A new selection pipeline for the brigade was introduced.
- 1 August 2025 – The Amphibious Boat Company was established.
Roles
As of 2023, the 10 PARA BDE has a multi-spectrum of roles. Its original roles are as an airborne and air assault unit for the Malaysian Armed Forces, similar to the British Army's 16 Air Assault Brigade. The amphibious elements were later added, making the 10 PARA BDE a hybrid airborne-marine unit capable of deployment from sea, air, and land. The five primary objectives of the 10 PARA BDE are as follows:- Operate either independently or as part of a joint force in response to threats occurring within or outside Malaysia.
- Defend and rescue Malaysian citizens and property located abroad.
- Assist law enforcement with any threats occurring within Malaysia.
- Fight insurgency.
- Assist friendly countries in the event of a natural disaster, defending their citizens, or serving as peacekeepers.
Identities
Maroon beret
The maroon beret worn by the 10th Parachute Brigade is known as 'PegasusCap badge
The insignia consists of parachute wings affixed to a black triangle background, with a Keris, featured prominently and pointing downwards.Parachutist badge
The design of the Malaysian military parachutist badge draws inspiration from the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia. For members of the 10 PARA BDE, this badge is referred to as 'Sayap BerdarahPAC shoulder tab
Members of the 10 PARA BDE wear this tab on their left shoulder in both service dress and combat uniforms. The maroon-coloured tab is embroidered with black letters 'PAC', representing the acronym for Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat.Airborne shoulder tab
The tab is similar to the US Army 101st Airborne Division tab, with yellow or gold 'AIRBORNE' letters embroidered on a black background. In the Malaysian Army, it is worn on the left shoulder of the service dress uniform. The black and olive version is worn above the tactical formation patches on the combat uniform.Motto
Tiada Misi Terlalu Sukar, Tiada Pengorbanan Terlalu Besar, Tugas Diutamakan!. The motto is adopted from the motto of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army.Structures
The headquarters of the 10th Parachute Brigade is based at Camp Terendak, Malacca, also known as the 'Home of the Paras'.Current structure
Currently, the 10th Parachute Brigade consists of the following units:Headquarters, 10th Parachute Brigade. At Camp Terendak in Malacca- * 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 9th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 17th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 18th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay. At Camp Sri Pantai in Terengganu
- * 1st Artillery Regiment (Parachute), Royal Artillery. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * Armoured Squadron (Parachute), Royal Armoured. At Camp Syed Sirajuddin in Negeri Sembilan
- * 10th Signal Squadron (Parachute), Royal Signals. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 10th Engineering Squadron (Parachute), Royal Army Engineers. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 361st Air Defence Battery (Parachute), Royal Artillery. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 10th Field Workshop Company (Parachute), Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- *Pathfinder Company (Para). At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * Support Company (Parachute). At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * Medical Company (Parachute), Royal Medicals. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * 10th Logistic Company (Parachute), Royal Logistics. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * Amphibious Boat Company. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * Military Police Platoon (Parachute), Royal Military Police. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
- * Intelligence Cell of the 10th Parachute Brigade, Royal Intelligence. At Camp Terendak in Malacca
Family welfare support
10 PARA BDE's BAKAT oversees the family welfare support for the brigade. The organisation is under the leadership of the spouse of the Commander of 10 PARA BDE, with the commander serving as the patron for this organisation.Selection and training
There are two ways for soldiers in the Malaysian Army to serve in the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force and the 10th Parachute Brigade. The first type is for combat service support, such as logistics, medical, chaplains, and others. These individuals only need to pass the Basic Parachutist Course and qualify as airborne forces. However, soldiers also have the option to challenge themselves by undertaking the full pipeline, culminating in the acquisition of the coveted maroon beret.The second type is the full pipeline, which is mandatory for those who want to be on the front lines with the combat teams or combat support teams. Officers and soldiers in this category need to go through three courses before being awarded the maroon beret and parachutist badge. These courses, collectively known as the Malaysia Rapid Deployment Force Selection pipeline, are as follows:
Preparatory course (2 Weeks)
This course, officially known as the 10th Parachute Brigade Induction Programme, lasts for two weeks and is divided into two types. The first type is designed for other ranks, while the second, known as the 10th Parachute Brigade Junior Officer Induction Programme, is tailored for officers.The course aims to instill discipline, multi-skills, practicality, substance, and action-oriented skills in the candidates. For officers, leadership skills are also included in their curriculum. Throughout the course, candidates undergo physical and mental preparation for subsequent courses in the RDF pipeline. This involves completing a run twice a day at 0700 hrs and 1500 hrs. Candidates need to navigate through an obstacle and endurance course known as Endurance Challenge Tachtlon and undergo marksmanship tests as part of their final assessment for this course.
Basic Parachutist Course (4 Weeks)
This course, also known as jump school or airborne school, is conducted at the Special Warfare Training Centre, Camp Sungai Udang in Malacca. It is compulsory, even for non-combat soldiers such as doctors, nurses, chefs, chaplains, intelligence personnel, and others who are attached to the 10 PARA BDE.The course is divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Theory
The first phase lasts for two weeks, during which candidates are instructed in the correct techniques for parachute jumps. They learn how to land, emergency procedures if the main chute does not deploy or fails to open correctly, how to handle collisions in the air, deploying the second chute, maintaining discipline in the aircraft, landing techniques in challenging conditions, and the correct method for packing the parachute after landing.Every Friday, candidates must pass the following physical tests:
- Running in under 16 minutes
- Rope climbing to a height of
- Performing 6 chin-ups
- Completing 32 press-ups in under 1 minute
- Completing 32 sit-ups in under 1 minute
- Buddy-carrying for
Phase 2: Tower week
The second phase, lasting for one week, involves testing the theories learned in Phase 1 at a high tower. Each candidate is required to carry of equipment for each exercise. The exercises include:- Sitting for 45 minutes in a hot mock aeroplane in full battle equipment
- Jumping from a tower
- Completing an exit tower exercise from a height
Phase 3: Jump week
The final phase of the Basic Parachutist Course, known as the Jump Week, involves candidates being sent to a selected airport. The airport and drop zones are not fixed, with known drop zones including Gong Kedak in Kelantan, Padang Terap in Kedah, and Pontian in Johor. During this week, candidates are required to complete eight jumps, with at least two jumps performed in full battle equipment. In some cases, only seven jumps are needed if weather conditions do not permit. Non-full RDF pipeline candidates receive their parachutist badge in a small graduation ceremony after the last jump, while full RDF pipeline candidates move on to the next course.Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course (6+ Weeks)
The course, officially known as Kursus Asas Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat, is conducted at various locations where units of the 10th Parachute Brigade are based. It was originally held at the Perkampungan Gempita Para in Camp Terendak, Malacca. In later years, the course was decentralised, with responsibility for its conduct rotated among the brigade's units. At present, it is primarily conducted in two locations: Terengganu, where the 18th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para) is garrisoned, and Malacca, which hosts the majority of the brigade's units.The course initially lasted four weeks but was extended to six weeks beginning with Series 1/2025, following the expansion of the brigade's role to include air assault and amphibious operations. Experimental adjustments are ongoing, with a possible extension to seven weeks in future series; the final course length will be determined after evaluation. Previously, air assault and amphibious training were considered advanced and non-compulsory, with candidates only required to go through the theory during selection. These elements have since been integrated into the basic syllabus.
The primary objective of the course is to develop the mental and physical resilience of paratroopers, foster esprit de corps, and reinforce the "Buddy System" as a core principle. Often compared to the United States Army's Ranger Assessment and Selection Programme, the course serves as the Malaysian Army's equivalent gateway to elite airborne service.
The course is also known as Latihan Semangat Waja and the Pegasus Course. It is divided into two phases, designed to progressively test and evaluate candidates' combat readiness.
Phase 1: Camp phase
During this phase, candidates undergo both theoretical and practical training to prepare them for the subsequent phase and their roles within the Malaysian RDF and the 10 PARA BDE. The theories they learn encompass:Airborne Operations: Understanding the principles and tactics involved in parachute-assisted military operations, covering both strategic and tactical aspects of airborne assaultsAmphibious Operations: Learning the strategies and techniques used in military operations that involve both land and water elements, emphasising versatility in deployment.Air Assault Operations: Gaining knowledge and skills related to rapid deployment and assault via helicopters or other air assets, with a focus on speed and flexibility.Phase 2: Field phase
Conducted outside the military camp, the Field Phase is the 10 PARA BDE's version of the United States Navy SEAL's 'Hell Week'. During this phase, candidates undergo a series of demanding challenges designed to assess their physical and mental fortitude. The field phase includes amphibious infiltration, jungle warfare with small unit tactics, long-distance loaded marching by foot, land navigation tests, climbing and ascending mountains, swimming and river crossing, and survival in swamps.Throughout this phase, all theories and training acquired in Phase 1 are put to the test. The field phase simulates real-world conditions, ensuring candidates can apply their knowledge and skills effectively in challenging operational scenarios.
Phase 3: Air assault and amphibious training
The air assault and amphibious phase was introduced in 2025 as part of the expanded role of the 10th Parachute Brigade under the Way Forward plan. In this phase, candidates apply the knowledge acquired during earlier stages of training through practical air assault and amphibious operations.Trainees undergo the Basic Amphibious Warfare Course and the Basic Air Assault Course, which were previously considered advanced and non-compulsory qualifications. The amphibious component is conducted in coastal and beach environments, where candidates train in basic beach raiding tactics and other littoral operations.
The air assault component is conducted at designated training facilities, including tower-based sites where candidates learn insertion techniques such as fast-roping. Plans are in place to incorporate training with real helicopters, providing candidates with live air assault experience. Should this be implemented, the overall course length may be extended from six to seven weeks, although the final structure and duration remain under review by brigade headquarters.
Graduation
The graduation ceremony, originally conducted at Parawood, Camp Terendak, underwent a significant change in 2022. Originally, trainees would swim approximately in murky water, carrying their weapons and equipment, before being bestowed with the maroon beret and the blood wing as symbols of their graduation. The ceremony would conclude with the recitation of the para oath and a para war dance performed by the graduates.However, since 2022, the graduation ceremony has evolved to include a beach raiding exercise. Graduates now participate in this exercise before being officially bestowed with the maroon beret and the blood wing.
Advanced training
After graduating from the RDF pipeline, new members are required to undergo compulsory advanced training courses tailored to their specific specialities within the 10th Parachute Brigade. For instance, graduates assigned to specialised light infantry combat units, like the 9th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, must complete three additional advanced courses:- Rifleman Class II Marksmanship Course
- Rifleman Class I Marksmanship Course
- Military Hand-to-Hand Combat Course
Some of the advanced/specialist training courses include:
- Tactical Air Landing Operations
- Free Fall
- Close Quarters Combat
- Vehicle driver
- HALO/HAHO
- Sniper
- Demolition expert
- Sharpshooters
- Pathfinder
- Airborne combat medic
Equipment
| Name | Type | Origin | Notes | ||||
| Beretta 92FS | Semi-automatic pistol | ![]() Future plansAmphibious assetsUnder the 2024 Way Forward programme, Army Headquarters outlined plans to restructure the 10th Parachute Brigade into a dynamic, multi-role formation with the ability to conduct operations across sea, air, and land. The brigade is intended to serve as a rapidly deployable force capable of insertion from multiple domains.To support these roles, several amphibious assets have been requisitioned, including hovercraft, Offshore Raiding Craft, and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft. The brigade is scheduled to receive six Hovercraft Kaiman, to be built in Malaysia through a partnership between Airlift Hovercraft and IDC Technologies. The locally built variant will be designated the Hovercraft Salamander, with delivery planned to begin in October 2025. As of August 2025, no official specifications have been released regarding the ORC and CRRC models intended for the brigade. With the integration of these assets, the likelihood of establishing a separate Malaysian Marine Corps has diminished, as the 10th Parachute Brigade is expected to fulfil the amphibious role within the Malaysian Army. Potential name changesAs the brigade's capabilities expand beyond its traditional airborne role, consideration has been given to renaming the formation in order to reflect its multi-domain operational role. Proposed changes remain under discussion as part of the wider Way Forward programme.Recent operationsThe unit has been deployed in the following operations:
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Pakistan