Advanced Technologies To Boost MAF Readiness, Match Regional Peers - Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is embracing advanced technologies to ensure the readiness of its assets and personnel remains on par with regional counterparts.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems are being integrated into military operations to support faster and more precise decision-making.

He said the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza has shown the deployment of sophisticated weapon systems, including combat drones, long-range missiles, electronic warfare and unmanned systems across multiple domains.

“These developments pose security risks if left unchecked. The MAF must therefore optimise the adoption of these technologies to preserve its operational capability and remain competitive with regional peers,” he said at the launch of the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper here today.

Also present was Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Mohamed Khaled said the ministry is undertaking new procurements to close the gap in MAF’s force readiness.

He said that while the armed forces already possess substantial capacity and assets, their current level of preparedness is still insufficient to counter increasingly complex modern threats.

“New acquisitions such as the FA-50 light combat aircraft, ATR-72 MPA maritime patrol aircraft, ANKA-S medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system (MALE UAS), the second batch of Littoral Mission Ships, as well as Littoral Combat Ships, will be delivered to the MAF between 2026 and 2030, according to schedule,” he said.

He added that the ministry is implementing the second phase of defence assets procurements, including new weapons such as the Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS), Medium Range Air Defence (MERAD) system and air defence artillery.

“The combination of these assets is crucial to counter modern threats, including long-range missile strikes and the growing use of drones,” he said.

At the same time, Mohamed Khaled stressed that strengthening force readiness also requires the development of the local defence industry, particularly in domestic component production and maintenance.

He said continued reliance on foreign sources for assets, equipment maintenance and logistics not only raises costs but also exposes the defence sector to risks from global supply chain disruptions triggered by international conflicts.

-- BERNAMA