Aerotree Introduces Malaysia's First Cargo Drone, Targeting Logistics, Defence Sectors

By Nazira Hasanah Nasaruddin

LANGKAWI, May 24 (Bernama) -- 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).

Aerotree Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) project director Mohd Aizat Mohd Aris said the drone is designed to carry a load of up to 30 kilogrammes, providing an efficient and competitive solution for logistics delivery.

“The idea to develop this cargo drone originated from Aerotree president and chief executive officer Datuk Halim Othman during the COVID-19 pandemic, when logistical challenges and movement restrictions affected all sectors,” he said.

“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,” he told Bernama here today.

He added 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.

“We have also engaged in discussions 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. In addition, our target market includes commercial delivery service companies.

However, he noted that 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.

“We are currently in discussions with CAAM on how we intend to operate this drone, as it will be sharing airspace with commercial aircraft,” he said.

“If an unexpected incident occurs, such as the drone crashing onto a residential property, questions of accountability arise, especially in areas located near airports.

Touching on long-term plans, he said that 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).

Mohd Aizat added that LIMA’25 has also provided a valuable platform for the company to promote the drone to the international market. So far, several countries, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have expressed 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 199, bringing together 860 exhibitors and 140 official delegations from 46 countries to showcase advancements in the maritime and aerospace sectors.

-- BERNAMA