MINDEF Developing Official Document On Drone And Anti-drone Defence Technology - Adly

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is developing an official document on the development of drone and anti-drone defence technology, to reduce dependence on foreign systems and create a high-technology, competitive defence industry ecosystem.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said that the document is being prepared by the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE), in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS).

“The research includes the development of drones for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance purposes, involving prototypes for three types of aerial drones, developed in collaboration with local industry partners.

“This initiative also emphasises technology development based on local expertise, to ensure self-reliance and stimulate the growth of the national defence industry,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Larry Soon @ Larry Sng Wei Shien (PBM-Julau), who asked whether the government had invested in efforts to modernise the country’s military assets, particularly in the acquisition of drones and laser equipment for national defence.

Adly said that the government is procuring ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) drones, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries, as part of a comprehensive modernisation effort to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and long-range reconnaissance capabilities, particularly within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.

In his reply to a supplementary question from Commander (Rtd) Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut), on whether the ministry planned to involve veterans in research and development (R&D) projects, Adly said that the government also intends to engage veterans in the defence sector, so that their expertise can continue to be utilised.

“There is indeed a policy to involve nearly 30 per cent of our veterans in the defence industry, as the government has invested significantly in developing their expertise. If we allow that expertise to end merely with retirement, it would be a loss to the country,” he said.

-- BERNAMA