Kuala Lumpur, 22 April 2008: Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) is awarded with a contract to design, manufacture, supply, install and commission two units of RADOME by Ministry of Defence Malaysia. These two units of RADOME will be commissioned to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The signing of the contract marked another significant achievement for CTRM and its Group of Companies in diversifying its business activities. With this contract, CTRM will be playing a significant role in the ever competitive but lucrative local defence industry. It will also be a stepping-stone for CTRM to penetrate the regional and eventually the international defence market.

“The contract will require CTRM to manufacture RADOME from scratch. Engineering design and development will be accomplished by CTRM Design and Engineering, while manufacturing will be completed by CTRM Automotive Sdn Bhd,” said Y Bhg Datuk Rosdi Mahmud, CEO of CTRM.

The sphere shape structure, RADOME is built around the radar antenna to protect it from the damaging environment elements, which might disrupt the rotation of the radar that might damage the radar itself.

“The building material must be able to withstand the damaging environmental elements, but at the same time never block the electromagnetic wave emitted by the Radar. The electromagnetic wave is crucial in monitoring the sovereignty of our national airspace, “ adds Rosdi.

For this project, CTRM is applying its knowledge and technological know how of 17 years in composites manufacturing.

The contract of RM14.5 million is significantly signed in conjunction with the current Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2008. CTRM is represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Y Bhg Datuk Rosdi Mahmud and MINDEF is represented by its Secretary General, Y Bhg Dato’ Haji Abu Bakar bin Haji Abdullah. The ceremony is witnessed by The Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak and YB Senator Datuk Wira Syed Ali Al Habshee, the Chairman of CTRM.

The two units of RADOME must be completed in 18 months. The design, manufacture, supply, install and commission of RADOME will for the RMAF radars installation at Bukit Kubong and Western Hill.

CTRM believes that this contract is a step closer for the local defence industry in realising its self-reliance capability. It is also a platform for CTRM to expand defence business to other countries, particularly the South East Asia Region.