The Malaysian Army (TDM) is set to receive its first two Hovercraft Fast Interceptors, locally known as ‘SALAMANDER’, in October this year. The remaining four units will be delivered in October 2026 as part of the second phase.
IDC Technologies Sdn Bhd secured the contract for six hovercrafts in January for RM20.37 million, covering supply, delivery, testing, and commissioning for three years.
The company will supply the Kaiman model from Airlift Hovercraft Pty Ltd, an Australian-based manufacturer. Managing the procurement, IDC Technologies Business Development Manager Lt Col (R) Shahrulamir Abd Rahman confirmed that training for technical personnel and operators will be provided to ensure smooth operation.
“This is the first time TDM will be handling and operating hovercrafts,” he told Bernama.
The SALAMANDER can carry 10 personnel, including two operators and eight passengers. As an amphibious asset, it can operate on both land and water with a minimum operational time of seven hours at cruising speed before refuelling.
Capable of high-speed movement across diverse terrains, the hovercraft will support special military operations such as rapid infiltration, landings, and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. It is also suited for Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), including humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR), such as flood rescue operations in difficult-to-access areas like beaches, swamps, and flood-hit zones.
Shahrulamir further revealed that IDC Technologies remains active in bidding for Ministry of Defence tenders and intends to participate in future procurements of strategic assets for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
