Kuala lumpur: The development of locally-made kamikaze drone, Todak produced by Mindmatics Sdn Bhd has entered its final phase and is ready for its first official test flight next month. Mindmatics project head Syed Firdaus Sayed Rohani said the test flight aimed to test the drone's actual capabilities during operation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syed Firdaus stated that Todak was first displayed to the public at the Defence Services Asia 2024 (DSA 2024). He mentioned that the drone can carry a warhead of up to 0.5 kilogramme with the ability to fly to a target as far as 75 kilometres. Todak was designed as a smart munition with the ability to accurately attack targets, whether stationary or moving.

"It is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and a small-sized fire control unit to increase attack accuracy and has an operating time of up to 40 minutes and this drone reflects the advancement of local capabilities," he explained. Syed Firdaus added that its ability to carry explosive loads and its capability to be launched via a catapult system makes it flexible in various operational scenarios.

Syed Firdaus expressed that Todak was ready to become a new asset or future asset of the defence force to ensure that the national defence is more modern and capable. "Kamikaze drones are no longer an option, but a strategic necessity in facing future threats and the national defence forces need to move in line with these changes to ensure readiness remains relevant," he remarked.