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Focus Malaysia
17-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Eyes in the sky: Strengthening Malaysia's defence with AI and drones
AS THE Indo-Pacific region experiences growing instability driven by great power competition, especially in the South China Sea, Malaysia must adapt its defence strategy to respond to emerging threats. Rather than pursuing costly conventional weapons, Malaysia has a unique opportunity to enhance its military readiness through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology. This dual strategy provides a cost-effective, agile, and non-escalatory means of securing national interests while preserving its diplomatic neutrality and regional credibility. Malaysia's defence focus has already begun shifting toward unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In 2025, the Royal Malaysian Air Force acquired three Turkish-made Anka-S drones i.e., medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs equipped with synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and secure satellite communications. Stationed in Labuan, these drones are unarmed and used primarily for surveillance over Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone. This approach allows Malaysia to assert maritime sovereignty, especially in disputed waters, without provoking regional tensions. Malaysia is also working to localise drone development by collaborating with nations such as South Korea and China, while developing domestic UAV production capabilities through partnerships with universities and technical institutions. The goal is to manufacture thousands of drones annually, integrating them into both civilian and military uses. However, drones alone are not enough. The real transformative potential lies in integrating AI into military operations. AI-driven systems can process vast streams of sensor data in real time, enabling rapid detection, classification, and response to potential threats. These include identifying hostile vessels or aircraft, tracking illegal fishing, or detecting suspicious maritime activity. AI can also coordinate multiple drones to operate in autonomous swarms sharing tasks like surveillance, signal jamming, or area denial. This swarm capability provides a force multiplier, allowing Malaysia to cover wide areas of ocean with minimal human input. Further, AI can be used in decision-support systems for military commanders. Inspired by the US Department of Defence's 'Thunderforge' initiative where Scale AI is a key partner, Malaysia could explore similar AI tools to assist in generating operational plans, simulating battlefield scenarios, and prioritising threats, all while ensuring that human decision-makers remain fully in control. This kind of smart command-and-control infrastructure ensures better preparedness and quicker responses, especially in contested or fast-changing environments like the South China Sea. Neighbouring countries offer useful models. Taiwan has developed loitering drones with AI targeting, India's 'Akashteer' programme uses AI to coordinate counter-drone warfare across hundreds of kilometres, and AUKUS nations have tested multi-drone systems that adapt in real-time to electronic warfare. While Malaysia has not yet embraced armed drones, these developments show the technological direction of regional militaries. For Malaysia, a measured approach prioritising surveillance and deterrence while staying within international law is both viable and strategically wise. To fully realise these capabilities, Malaysia must develop a strong national AI-drone ecosystem. This means investing in homegrown research, engineering, and manufacturing. Drone-specific AI frameworks should be developed in collaboration with defence contractors, start-ups, and universities. Ethical frameworks and governance structures must be established to ensure that AI systems remain under meaningful human control, comply with humanitarian law, and avoid misuse. ASEAN's ongoing efforts to shape regional AI norms can guide Malaysia's approach, balancing innovation with responsibility. The future of defence is not just about firepower, it's about information, intelligence, and interoperability. Malaysia must ensure that its drones and AI systems are not siloed, but integrated across naval, air, and ground forces. For example, drone swarms could relay real-time video to navy vessels, while AI systems track and flag suspicious movement along maritime borders. Edge computing devices onboard drones can process data locally, minimising delays caused by remote command centres. This kind of seamless, multi-domain integration is crucial for fast, adaptive operations in a crisis. Importantly, Malaysia must not lose sight of its strategic identity as a neutral and peace-oriented nation. Drones and AI should not be tools of provocation but instruments of vigilance and deterrence. By maintaining unarmed drone deployments, emphasising surveillance over strike capabilities, and using AI for defensive planning, Malaysia can strengthen its position without becoming entangled in the escalating militarisation of the region. This approach allows Malaysia to assert its rights under international law, monitor its waters against encroachment or criminal activity, and coordinate better with regional partners on maritime safety. In the long run, Malaysia can take the lead in shaping an ASEAN-wide doctrine for AI and drone cooperation. This could include shared surveillance protocols, disaster response coordination, and collective counter-UAV strategies. By promoting interoperability, transparency, and civilian-military integration, Malaysia would contribute to regional stability without becoming dependent on any external bloc. As global militaries enter the age of autonomous systems and algorithmic warfare, Malaysia must not be left behind. Through careful investment in AI, drone technology, and regional cooperation, Malaysia can build a modern defence force that is smart, agile, and ethically grounded. The goal is not domination but assurance guarding sovereignty with intelligence, and preparing for conflict without seeking it. In the contested waters and skies of the Indo-Pacific, Malaysia's best defence may lie not in missiles, but in the sharp eyes and fast minds of AI-guided drones. ‒ July 17, 2025 R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Defence News
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Akash Prime successfully tested in Ladakh by Indian Army
To further strengthen the air defence system, the Indian Army has carried out successful trials of the indigenously developed Air Defence System 'Akash Prime' in Ladakh. A senior official confirmed that the Army Air Defence Corps conducted the trials in collaboration with senior scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which developed the missile system. The two-day trial was conducted at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in eastern Ladakh. The Akash Prime scored two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets in the rarified high-altitude atmosphere. Also Read | India's 'Akashteer' system shines in Operation Sindoor, DRDO chief foresees international demand The latest version of the Akash system would form the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air Defence Systems in the Indian Army. Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash system, equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for enhanced precision irrespective of weather and terrain. It was initially used during Operation Sindoor to counter aerial threats from Pakistan, and the results were good, said the official. The Akash air defence system is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile platform designed to protect mobile, semi-mobile and static military installations from a range of aerial threats. It can be deployed at heights up to 4,500 metres and can take down targets at a distance of around 25-30 k.m..
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pakistan's Malfunctioning Drones Found Intact During Operation Sindoor, Reveals India's Defence Chief
India's Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, disclosed on Wednesday that several Pakistani drones launched during the four-day conflict following Operation Sindoor were discovered in completely intact condition, suggesting they may have been non-operational from the start. The revelation came during his address at a workshop in Delhi, where he detailed Pakistan's unsuccessful drone assault on Indian border territories. The cross-border drone attacks were Pakistan's response to India's Operation Sindoor, which was initiated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. During the retaliatory phase, Pakistan deployed numerous unmanned aerial vehicles targeting Indian border states, but their effectiveness proved to be significantly compromised. Chauhan emphasized that Pakistan's drone arsenal consisted primarily of unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, none of which succeeded in causing any substantial damage to Indian military installations or civilian infrastructure. The failed offensive highlighted the limitations of Pakistan's drone capabilities and the effectiveness of India's defensive measures. The Indian military's response involved a comprehensive approach combining both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures to neutralize the incoming threats. The success of these defensive strategies was evident in the high interception rate and the recovery of multiple drones in near-perfect condition, indicating they may have been inoperable upon deployment. The Defence Chief used this incident to underscore the critical importance of indigenous defense technology development, particularly in the realm of counter-unmanned aircraft systems. He stressed that Operation Sindoor demonstrated why domestically developed counter-UAS systems, specifically designed for Indian terrain and operational requirements, are essential for national security. Chauhan highlighted the strategic necessity of self-reliance in defense technology, warning against dependence on foreign systems for crucial offensive and defensive operations. He explained that reliance on imported technologies creates vulnerabilities in national preparedness, limits production scaling capabilities, and results in critical spare part shortages that can compromise operational readiness. The Defence Chief pointed out that recent global conflicts have demonstrated how drone technology can disproportionately alter tactical advantages, making indigenous development even more crucial for maintaining strategic superiority. He emphasized that domestic innovation ensures operational secrecy, reduces costs, and maintains continuous readiness capabilities. Among the indigenous systems that proved their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor was the Akashteer medium-range surface-to-air missile system, developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. This domestically produced defense system played a pivotal role in countering the Pakistani drone threat. The newer Akash NG variant demonstrated exceptional performance by successfully intercepting multiple drone swarms and missile threats during the conflict. With operational speeds reaching Mach 2.5 and altitude engagement capabilities spanning from 30 meters to 20 kilometers, the system proved instrumental in protecting Indian territory from aerial threats. The successful deployment of these indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor validated India's defense technology development strategy and highlighted the effectiveness of domestically produced military equipment. The performance of these systems against real threats demonstrated their reliability and tactical superiority over foreign alternatives. Chauhan's revelations about the intact Pakistani drones also raise questions about the quality and functionality of Pakistan's unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities. The fact that several drones were recovered undamaged suggests potential issues with their launching mechanisms, navigation systems, or overall operational readiness. The incident serves as a testament to India's advancing defense capabilities and the success of its indigenous weapon development programs. The effective neutralization of Pakistan's drone assault while simultaneously recovering intact specimens for analysis provides valuable intelligence about adversary capabilities and tactics. This successful defense operation reinforces the importance of continued investment in domestic defense technology and the development of specialized counter-drone systems. As unmanned aerial vehicle threats continue to evolve globally, India's proven ability to effectively counter such attacks through indigenous systems strengthens its overall defense posture and strategic deterrence capabilities.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Peace-time an illusion, must stay ready for uncertainty: Rajnath Singh
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said peace-time is nothing but an illusion and the country must stay prepared for uncertainty, adding that the performance of locally made weapons and systems during Operation Sindoor has spurred the global demand for India-made military hardware. Defence minister Rajnath Singh addresses the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI) 'Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture. Whether it's stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times,' he said, addressing the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). Operation Sindoor was New Delhi's direct military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike. India launched the operation in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It triggered a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan before the two sides reached an understanding on stopping all military action on May 10. A locally developed air defence control and reporting system, called Akashteer, emerged as the centrepiece of India's air defence grid during the four-day clash; it punctured multiple waves of Pakistani aerial attacks on Indian military installations, airbases and civilian areas by guaranteeing prompt detection and targeting of the incoming threats. The locally produced military hardware that packed a formidable punch during the confrontation with Pakistan included Akash surface-to-air missiles, the Samar (surface-to-air missile for assured retaliation) system, loitering munitions and several counter-drone weapons. 'The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness,' Singh said. Most of the equipment India once imported is now being manufactured locally, he said. 'Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level. Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger (jet) engines right here in India.' In April, Singh said manufacturing aero engines remains a challenge for India and the country is in talks with global firms to develop the critical capability to power fighter planes, drawing attention to a striking technology gap and steps being taken to overcome it. India is in talks with global engine makers such as Safran, GE Aerospace and Rolls Royce to build domestic capabilities. A derivative of the indigenous Kaveri engine, initially planned for fighter planes, is being developed to power armed drones. Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, he called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with multiplier impact. 'Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers,' he said, adding that India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. Even small errors in the DAD's processes can have consequences, Singh said. 'At the place where you are working, if you make even a small mistake, then the soldiers do not get the necessary resources on time. Due to our negligence, there can be a problem in budget allocation and it directly affects operational readiness.'
India.com
04-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Israel has Iron Dome, Arrow, THAAD, Russia has S-400, US planning Golden Dome..., but what is India planning? Army deputy chief makes big statement
(Akashteer: An Indian Air Defence Control & Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited/PTI Image) New Delhi: Since the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has embarked on a mission to modify, improve, and rework the already advanced weapon systems and military hardware. During Operation Sindoor, the supremacy and invincibility of the Indian Armed Forces was clearly visible. Now, the arsenal will be refurbished to make it even more lethal and dangerous for the enemy. What is Indian Army planning? During the four-day clash with Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces were directly pitted against Chinese and Turkish weaponries which it nullified with ease. This has proven to be a valuable experience for India as it studied the weapons supplied by China and Turkey. Now, the forces are crystal clear about their next mission which is to identify the deficiencies and work upon them. This will help India to dictate the terms to the enemy in case of a full-blown war with Pakistan. What did Indian Army say on Operational Readiness? Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, while addressing a gathering at an event 'New Age Military Technologies' organised by FICCI, highlighted that India needs to ramp up its preparations on several counts, including C4 ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and air defence grid. 'An important lesson is the importance of C4 ISR and civil-military functions. There is a lot to be done as far as this is concerned. When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan actually was mentioning that we know that such and such vector is primed and ready for action. We would request you to perhaps pull it back. They were getting live inputs from China. That is one place we really need to move fast,' said Lt Gen Singh. What is C4 ISR? C4ISR stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. It is a military term that refers to a collection of systems and technologies designed to enhance situational awareness, streamline communication, and ensure seamless coordination among various units, ultimately enabling informed and effective decision-making during combat operations. Lt General Singh mentioned how Pakistan was getting help from Chinese satellites. China has deployed several reconnaissance/ surveillance satellites in the past few years compared to India while ISRO has to catch up with Beijing. How equipped is India compared to Israel and America? Israel has a strong air defence system that includes Irone dome, Arrow, David's Sling and America's THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) while the United States is also preparing for a multi-layered air defence system named Golden Dome. As for India, given its vast area and location, it needs an air defence system capable of protecting the whole nation. Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh highlighted the need for a similar, rather more powerful air defence system that can take on both China and Pakistan. 'There is a need for a robust air defence system. Our population centres need to be protected. We don't have the luxury of Israel's Iron Dome and a number of other air defence systems. We don't have such a system as our country is vast and such things cost a lot of money. This time, our population centres were not quite addressed, but next time, we need to be prepared for that,' he said.
