Labuan: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Labuan Air Base is being strengthened by the deployment of three unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the ANKA UAV system, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, will enhance surveillance capabilities over national waters while the base's infrastructure is being improved to enhance operational readiness and personnel welfare.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, from a tactical perspective, the ANKA system serves as a continuous strategic monitoring asset in the Eastern Region. Its presence strengthens the RMAF's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in monitoring airspace and maritime security, ensuring national sovereignty is safeguarded at the highest level of readiness. Khaled emphasized during a working visit to the RMAF Labuan Air Base in Membedai that the UAVs can operate continuously for over 20 hours without interruption, a task that was impossible for conventional aircraft. He also mentioned the possibility of increasing the number of UAVs from the current three units in the future.
Khaled also provided updates on the infrastructure enhancements, noting that work on replacing the base's damaged asphalt dispersal structures with more durable Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) at No. 14 Squadron of the base, costing RM22.5 million, has reached 51.77 percent physical progress. Additionally, he highlighted the base's Rumah Keluarga Angkatan Tentera (RKAT) project, costing RM57.3 million, which involves the construction of multiple classes of quarters, including Class E and Class G blocks, as well as supporting facilities. Both projects are expected to be completed between April and July.
In conclusion, Khaled stressed that the deployment of the UAV systems, along with the base's infrastructure upgrades, would allow the base to continue playing a critical role as Malaysia's primary air force base in the eastern region, amid evolving security challenges in the South China Sea.