Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is actively working on an official document focused on the advancement of drone and anti-drone defence technology. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign systems and foster a high-tech, competitive defence industry ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari revealed that the document is being prepared by the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) in conjunction with the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS). The research includes developing drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance purposes, with prototypes for three types of aerial drones being created in collaboration with local industry partners.
Adly emphasized that the initiative prioritizes technology development based on local expertise, ensuring self-reliance and stimulating national defence industry growth. His comments were made during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat in response to a query from Datuk Larry Soon @ Larry Sng Wei Shien (PBM-Julau) about the government’s investments in modernizing military assets, particularly drones and laser equipment.
Furthermore, Adly mentioned the procurement of ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) drones from Turkish Aerospace Industries. This acquisition is part of a broader modernization strategy to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and long-range reconnaissance capabilities, especially within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
In response to a supplementary question from Commander (Rtd) Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut) regarding the involvement of veterans in research and development projects, Adly stated that the government plans to engage veterans in the defence sector to continue utilizing their expertise. The policy aims to involve nearly 30 percent of veterans in the defence industry, recognizing the significant investment in their expertise and the potential loss if it ends with retirement.