The Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia (TUDM)) was formed on 2 June 1958 as the Royal Malayan Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Persekutuan). However, its roots could be traced to the Malayan Auxiliary AF formations of the British Royal Air Force in then colonial Malaya. Today, the Royal Malaysian Air Force operates a unique mix of modern US, European and Russian made aircraft.

The elite arm of the RMAF is known as PASKAU (Malay acronym for Pasukan Khas Udara, loosely means Special Air Unit). In the peacetime, the unit is tasked with responding to aircraft hijacking incidents as well as protecting Malaysia’s numerous offshore RMAF airbase and civil airports. Its wartime roles include ground designation, sabotaging of enemy air assets and equipments and the defense of RMAF aircraft and bases. This unit is also deployed to counter-terrorism duties and also urban CQB.