Langkawi: In a move to enhance Malaysia's logistics and defence capabilities, local company, Aerotree Defence and Services Sdn Bhd (Aerotree) unveiled the DJI Flycart 30, the country's first cargo drone, at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aerotree Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) project director Mohd Aizat Mohd Aris stated that the drone is designed to carry a load of up to 30 kilogrammes, providing an efficient and competitive solution for logistics delivery. The concept for this cargo drone was initiated by Aerotree president and chief executive officer Datuk Halim Othman during the COVID-19 pandemic when logistical challenges and movement restrictions affected all sectors.
Following that, research and development were conducted with the expertise of local engineers, including former military personnel and flight school graduates, supported by technology from China to produce the DJI Flycart 30. Mohd Aizat further explained that the cargo drone is capable of medium-distance logistics deliveries up to 16 km, with a flight duration of approximately 30 minutes. It is also designed to withstand moderate weather conditions, featuring an IP55 rating for splash and dust resistance.
The drone is intended for delivering goods to locations such as ports, military operation sites, and hard-to-reach areas, thereby reducing reliance on human labour. Discussions have also been held with the army regarding the need to deliver supplies to personnel in forest areas, which is a more cost-effective solution compared to using helicopters. Additionally, the target market includes commercial delivery service companies.
However, Aerotree is still awaiting full operational approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), as the drone must comply with safety regulations, altitude limits, operating range, and frequency usage to ensure it does not interfere with commercial aviation systems. Mohd Aizat mentioned that discussions are ongoing with CAAM on how the drone will operate, as it shares airspace with commercial aircraft, and concerns about accountability in case of unexpected incidents, such as a crash near residential areas, are being addressed.
Looking ahead, if operational approval is granted, the company aims to develop a larger drone capable of carrying payloads of up to 200 kg, using the same standard operating procedures (SOPs). LIMA'25 has also provided a valuable platform for the company to promote the drone to the international market, with several countries, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressing interest in acquiring the asset.
LIMA'25, now in its 17th edition, has been held since May 20 and was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event concludes today. This biennial international exhibition remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since its inception in 1991, bringing together 860 exhibitors and 140 official delegations from 46 countries to showcase advancements in the maritime and aerospace sectors.