However, in 1974, a mortar attack by Malayan Communist Party members on the RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base caused some damage.

In 1979, another mortar attack at the same base caused more serious damage, destroying an RMAF DHC-4 Caribou transport aircraft.

By the end of 1976, a team led by Group Captain Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar, Squadron Leader Lai Kiat Meng, and Flight Lieutenant Mior Rosli proposed establishing a dedicated security unit under the RMAF, modelled after the Royal Air Force's RAF Regiment.

Members of the newly reactivated unit were transferred from the RMAF Provost, which still exists but is now limited to military police and close protection roles.

They are trained to participate in airfield seizures, defend air bases and other RMAF facilities, and provide fly-away security.

[note 2] Besides that, there is a small section from the RMAF HANDAU squadrons at each base tasked with close-quarters combat roles.

Trained in urban warfare, their tasks include assisting special forces during capturing and defending airfields.

They act as a rapid reaction force, capable of being deployed quickly from aircraft to execute their missions.

The RMAF Ground Defence Force is also trained in man-hunting techniques, allowing them to operate outside their garrison, track enemies, and engage with them.

[8][7] Members of the RMAF Ground and Air Defence Force have worn the 'HANDAU' shoulder flash on their combat uniforms since the unit's establishment in 1980.

The tab, which is an abbreviation of the Malay name for the RMAF Ground and Air Defence Force, was inspired by the RAF Regiment's "Mudguards" shoulder flash.

[9] When the HANDAU squadrons were reactivated in 2020, the RMAF Ground Defence Force resumed the tradition of wearing the 'HANDAU' shoulder flash.

[9] The RMAF Ground Defence insignia is a badge worn on the front left pocket of any uniform.

[10][11] This 4-week course, known as Kursus Pertahanan Darat TUDM in Malay, consists of three modules designed to expose candidates to the full spectrum of tasks they will face upon graduating from the course.