
RMAF enhances anti-drone capabilities amid rising security threats
RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris highlighted the urgency of bolstering defences against unmanned aerial systems, citing their affordability and tactical advantages in recent conflicts.
'We've seen their impact in recent conflicts. RMAF must be prepared with effective counter-drone systems to safeguard strategic assets,' he said during his inaugural address as Air Force Chief at Subang Air Base.
The Air Operations Command is evaluating the number of systems needed and identifying priority airbases for deployment.
'These are compact systems, not large-scale like the Iron Dome, but must be strategically positioned to ensure critical infrastructure is protected,' he added.
Regarding the ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) from Turkey, Norazlan confirmed delivery is expected by December.
'The aircraft has completed testing and will be delivered to RMAF together with its support systems. Our personnel are currently undergoing training in Turkiye,' he said.
The RMAF is acquiring three ANKA units under a contract signed with Turkish Aerospace Industries during LIMA'23. – Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Intellisense Systems Awarded $58 Million U.S. Air Force Contract to Sustain and Procure Tactical Meteorological Equipment
This award extends support for AMWS and IWOS through 2030, delivering mission-critical environmental intelligence to Air Force operations worldwide. TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Intellisense Systems, Inc., a leader in advanced environmental sensing and data solutions, has been awarded a $58 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract by the U.S. Air Force to sustain and procure the Advanced Micro Weather Station (AMWS) and Integrated Weather Observation System (IWOS®) for the Expeditionary Weather Program. This award ensures ongoing contractor logistics support and continued procurement of these cutting-edge weather systems, which provide critical observation, forecasting, modeling, and imagery capabilities to support military operations in diverse environments worldwide. Both AMWS and IWOS are key components of the Air Force's Expeditionary Meteorology (ExMet) Program, delivering rapid, accurate, real-time weather data to enable informed decision-making in the field. The contract was awarded as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III sole-source acquisition, highlighting technology researched and developed by Intellisense Systems and transitioned to long-term operational use to meet user needs. IWOS was developed with funding from eight separate SBIR contracts and $1 million of internal investment, resulting in a low-cost, hand-portable system powered by solar energy, featuring a suite of sensors capable of measuring 24 meteorological parameters. This is an excellent example of an SBIR multiple award winner company building the technical capabilities and critical infrastructure necessary to successfully transition the most advanced technology to the warfighter. The work will be performed at the company's Torrance, California, headquarters and is expected to continue through 2030. 'The Intellisense team is proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force to deliver and support this critical capability for our warfighters,' said Robert Waldo, CEO of Intellisense Systems, Inc. 'We also gratefully acknowledge the support of the SBIR Program, which played a vital role in making this innovation possible.' About Intellisense Systems, Systems, Inc. is a privately held, employee-owned leader in advanced sensing and display solutions supporting a data continuum from acquisition to visualization. Our hardware and software solutions turn raw data into useful information for improved decision-making and process automation. Our services include research and development, design, systems integration, prototyping, production, testing, field support, and training. Headquartered in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, the company occupies 80,000 square feet within our Torrance campus. Our ISO 9001:2015/AS9100D- and AS9110-certified manufacturing facilities include electronics fabrication, unit qualification testing, and volume production with full quality assurance. Media Contact: Annie Duong 3103201827 399667@

The Star
05-08-2025
- The Star
Malaysia to modernise defence with drone integration, Turkish UAV deliveries expected in 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will modernise its defence system by incorporating drone technology as part of a comprehensive upgrade plan, with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) set to receive its first batch of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) beginning 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.


The Star
26-07-2025
- The Star
A few of Stride's ‘gadgets'
HOW does the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (Stride) envision the modernisation of Malaysia's military capabilities – such as through robotics, aerospace, or advanced materials – translating into tangible operational advantages for the country's armed forces in the coming decade? Stride director-general Nor Azlan Mohd Ramli outlines several key initiatives that cover operations in the air, on the ground and at sea as part of the Malaysia's 'Future Force' concept. He says among the key initiatives are Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), co-developed with local industry, which supports missions ranging from surveillance and logistics to potential combat operations. 'Future enhancements will incorporate swarm capabilities and advanced sensor suites.' And apart from the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as border monitoring and in tactical combat missions, in the maritime domain, Stride is developing unmanned maritime systems to conduct mine detection, coastal patrols and anti-piracy operations, expanding Malaysia's autonomous maritime capabilities. At the same time, Nor Azlan says, to complement those efforts, innovations in materials science are also underway. 'The development of lightweight composite materials for military application aims to increase durability, extend platform lifespans, and reduce maintenance costs. For instance, in the field of fabric technology, Stride has developed TropiKamo®, a near-infrared (NIR) camouflage fabric meticulously designed for optimal performance in tropical climates. Engineered to provide effective concealment across both the visible and infrared spectrums, this advanced material significantly enhances stealth capabilities in Malaysia's jungle and semi-urban operational environments, says Nor Azlan. Meanwhile, also in place is Stride's Centre of Excellence for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Technology, which will serve as a national testing hub to certify systems to international standards, improve resilience to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and support the safe integration of electronic and weapon systems. 'By reducing reliance on foreign testing centres, the EMC facility will also help elevate locally developed defence technologies to export-ready standards, thereby reinforcing industrial empowerment and technological independence.' Nor Azlan says between 2025 and 2035, Stride's initiatives are set to deliver measurable impact for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), including improved operational efficiency, cost savings and enhanced deterrence. 'Upgraded C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Recon-naissance) systems will enable seamless coordination across all operational domains.' He stresses that the MAF are expected to possess fully integrated, rapid-response capabilities, enabling effective action against simultaneous threats across multiple operational domains. 'Unmanned systems are anticipated to assume a significant share of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and logistics roles, potentially reducing personnel casualties in high-risk environments. Overall, Nor Azlan says indigenous UAVs and UGVs, coupled with strengthened cyber defence capabilities, will reinforce Malaysia's deterrence posture, supporting missions against piracy, smuggling and territorial incursions. 'Locally developed and tested advanced materials will ensure system reliability in Malaysia's tropical operating environments. 'These advancements will also increase Malaysia's participation in regional initiatives such as Asean and Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) exercises, enhancing defence diplomacy and regional stability.'