Malaysia to modernise defence with drone integration, Turkish UAV deliveries expected in 2026
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 5) that the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) had already begun enhancing its operational capabilities under the Fourth Dimension of MAF development plan, which aims to ensure the military remains formidable and respected.
'As part of this roadmap, we are modernising our defence assets, including UAV-related equipment.
'MAF already possesses such capabilities across all service branches - the army, navy and air force - to support both domestic and international military operations,' he said in response to a question from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH–Tebrau).
He added that the RMAF will receive the UAVs from Turkiye under the first phase, with additional acquisitions planned in the 13th Malaysia Plan as part of the air force's broader strategy.
'These procurements are prioritised through several strategic measures, including deliberations by the Armed Forces Development Committee and the Chiefs of Services Committee, to ensure alignment with the Future Forces Development Phase from 2026 to 2030,' he explained.
He said the integration of UAVs and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is expected to enhance Malaysia's defence strength across land, sea and air domains - from firepower and mobility to communication, logistics and aerial surveillance.
Responding to Puah's supplementary question on whether the ministry was open to collaboration with Turkiye and China to develop indigenous UAVs, Adly confirmed that efforts were already underway.
'In 2024, our defence research institute began working with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on this initiative.
'Stride (Malaysia's Defence Ministry R&D Agency) has been the lead developer in this area, and we are identifying more local industry players to complete the ecosystem needed to support a domestic drone defence industry,' he said.
He also noted that the Defence Minister had recently visited Turkiye to explore deeper cooperation in drone and UAV technologies.
Asked by Commander (R) Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN–Lumut) about the military's view on adopting kamikaze drones, Adly said the ministry sees its importance in modern warfare.
'As for kamikaze drones, while our current procurement does not include them, we acknowledge their growing role in modern warfare, beyond surveillance and reconnaissance,' he said.
Adly added that Malaysia was not dismissing any potential defence technologies.
'Moving forward, we will continue strengthening the domestic drone industry as part of our national defence and sovereignty agenda,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
22 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
Books, not body bags: Bung urges ministry action on school bullying
PARLIAMENT | With children being harmed and, in some cases, killed, especially in boarding schools, Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) has sounded the alarm on bullying. Debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in Parliament, the Sabah BN chief urged the Education Ministry to take decisive action and highlighted...
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Wee, Chong clash in Dewan Rakyat over 'daylight robbery' remark
KUALA LUMPUR: A verbal spat erupted in Dewan Rakyat today between two government backbenchers during a debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). The exchange began when Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN–Ayer Hitam) used the word "daylight robbery" regarding a government-linked company and Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Wee's remark prompted Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) to invoke Standing Order 36(12), which states that any member who makes a misleading statement in the House is considered to have insulted the Parliament. Chong argued that the matter Wee cited had already been settled in court. "Earlier, Ayer Hitam said this was tax robbery, that is not correct. This is a court decision," he said. Wee objected to Zhemin's statement, saying that the DAP member of parliament was not a minister and asked him not to interrupt his speech. "Respect me as a people's representative. I want to finish my speech. That's all. The one who answers is the minister, not someone who wants to act like a minister," Wee said. Zhemin, however, insisted he could question the words and examples Wee used, which he claimed were misleading to the Dewan Rakyat. He also urged Wee to withdraw the word "robbery." Wee said Chong could submit a motion to Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to refer the matter to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee. "YB (Zhemin) can make a motion. I am used to this. This is a tactic, and every time I speak, he disturbs me. YB can refer back to Hansard to see what I said," Wee said. The exchange escalated until Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng had to step in. "YB Kampar can write a motion to the Speaker. After that, the Speaker will ask Ayer Hitam to provide a clarification," she said.
Malaysiakini
an hour ago
- Malaysiakini
Allocate funds in 13MP to address Sg Kereh pig farm pollution crisis
PARLIAMENT | Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) called for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to provide an allocation to clean pollution in Sungai Kereh, Penang, from swine farms around the area. In his speech debating the 13MP, Wan Saiful said that the Penang government has failed to tackle the issue. He said the river's surroundings...
