Malaysia’s 21st Grup Gerak Khas (21 GGK) joined forces with the Bahrain Royal Guard Special Forces (BRGSF) for the Hamad Tiger Exercise Series 1/24. This intensive joint training exercise was held over two weeks at the strategic base of Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor, from October 7 through October 22. It tested the limits of endurance, skill, and agility of all participants, pushing their combat readiness to new heights.
With an overarching goal of honing special operations capabilities through strategic collaboration, this year’s Hamad Tiger exercise represented a leap in defense partnership and tested a wide range of military skills in high-risk scenarios. The exercise included a high-profile concluding raid demonstration, where forces executed complex maneuvers like the Roll Duck and Raiding Craft Assault operations to showcase the sophisticated skill sets and tactical coordination achieved during the training.
The collaborative exercise underscores the strengthening defense ties between Malaysia and Bahrain. The two nations have shown a deepening commitment to regional stability and mutual security interests, as evidenced by this exercise. Through such initiatives, both Malaysia and Bahrain aim to not only refine their military tactics but also foster a mutual understanding of each other’s defense strategies, which could prove vital in future joint operations.
This growing military cooperation aligns with a broader vision of regional security that Malaysia and Bahrain uphold. By conducting these joint exercises, both countries demonstrate their commitment to bolstering peace and security in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The Hamad Tiger Exercise Series 1/24 was designed to push participants to their limits, testing their skills in strategic planning, execution, and improvisation across different high-risk scenarios. The exercise featured a series of meticulously planned drills, simulations, and tactical operations that reflect real-world combat situations. The primary objective was clear: to enhance the operational capabilities of both forces through rigorous training, while emphasizing collaboration and tactical precision.
According to an update from the 21 GGK’s official social media accounts, each phase of the exercise presented unique challenges that tested the participants’ agility, commitment, and discipline. High-intensity drills focused on building strength, endurance, and resilience—critical attributes for any special forces operative.
The Hamad Tiger series was divided into several core segments, each designed to progressively increase the difficulty and complexity of tasks:
- High-Altitude Insertion Exercises: Early in the training, participants undertook parachute and helicopter drop missions, requiring precision under challenging conditions. These exercises involved both day and night operations, with a focus on stealth, timing, and rapid deployment skills.
- Urban Combat Simulations: To simulate close-quarters combat in an urban environment, special units engaged in mock raids within a constructed “urban battlefield.” This segment demanded intense focus on agility, marksmanship, and rapid response to shifting tactical situations. The aim was to ensure that operatives could adapt quickly in a controlled yet unpredictable environment.
- Counter-Terrorism Drills: Given the unpredictable nature of modern-day threats, a significant portion of the exercise concentrated on counter-terrorism tactics. These exercises simulated hostage rescue missions, threat neutralization, and bomb disposal in high-stakes environments, bolstering the forces’ ability to handle diverse threats under pressure.
- Roll Duck Maneuvers and Raiding Craft Assault: In the concluding stages, participants were challenged with the Roll Duck maneuver and Raiding Craft Assault operations, which required heightened coordination between both nations’ forces. This final raid simulation was a high-stakes demonstration of both forces’ combined skills in swift infiltration and exit strategies, and tactical precision.
The commanding officers of both the 21 GGK and BRGSF shared positive reflections on the collaboration. Malaysia’s Commanding Officer of the 21 GGK commended the exercise’s success in refining skills, building trust, and fostering a resilient alliance that has been years in the making.
“The level of skill, dedication, and professionalism displayed by both forces is a testament to the hard work and commitment of all participants,” said Colonel Amiruddin Badrul, Commanding Officer of 21 GGK. “Exercises like Hamad Tiger are invaluable in preparing us for real-world challenges.”
Colonel Badrul also expressed gratitude to Bahrain’s Royal Guard for their shared commitment to achieving operational synergy. His counterpart from Bahrain, Colonel Khalid Al Fardan, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that exercises such as these are not just tactical engagements but are part of a broader vision to enhance regional security.
“It is critical that we continue these exchanges and push each other to new levels of operational readiness,” said Colonel Al Fardan. “The success of Hamad Tiger Series 1/24 is a promising step toward future engagements.”
The Hamad Tiger exercise is part of a series of joint military exercises that have become a staple in the defense calendar for both countries. These exercises serve multiple strategic purposes. On a tactical level, they provide elite forces with the hands-on experience needed to operate seamlessly in high-pressure scenarios. Strategically, they foster a sense of partnership and trust, which could prove critical in cooperative missions or peacekeeping operations.
With both Southeast Asia and the Middle East facing evolving security challenges, exercises like Hamad Tiger demonstrate the proactive stance Malaysia and Bahrain are taking. Experts note that, by sharing intelligence, tactics, and resources, both countries are better equipped to face threats in their respective regions.
