Latest news with #Turkish-made
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM294mil MMEA vessel to arrive in Malaysia by early 2027
KUANTAN: The construction of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) Turkish-made Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed earlier than anticipated. MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the MPMS, which will serve as a mother ship, is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia by early 2027. "Construction began in March this year and had reached 17 percent completion by June, which is about two percent ahead of schedule. The 24-month construction timeline is progressing well, and we anticipate completing the vessel ahead of the original deadline. "If it arrives before the Lima exhibition (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) in 2027, there are plans to showcase the ship at the event," he told reporters after launching MMEA's Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative at SMK Sungai Baging here today. Rosli said the 99-metre-long vessel, which can accommodate 70 crew members and 30 passengers, will be deployed to enhance maritime security and uphold Malaysia's sovereignty in the South China Sea. The ship, capable of operating at sea for up to 30 days without resupply, is currently being built by Istanbul-based Desan Shipyard. MPMS which includes four fast interceptor craft, two unmanned aerial vehicles, a helideck, medical facilities, and a detention centre is built with a cost of RM294 million.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to receive ANKA MALE-UAS next year
ISTANBUL: Malaysia is expected to receive the Turkish-made ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance-Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) by March 2026, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ANKA MALE-UAS, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is currently undergoing radar system integration and radio communication installation, with the equipment sourced from Germany. "Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) officers who will operate ANKA are currently undergoing training with the supplier. "When we acquire assets like this, operational training is also provided by the supplying company," he told reporters here on Thursday. On the possibility of acquiring additional ANKA MALE-UAS units, Mohamed Khaled said future procurement of defence assets will be decided by the government based on the 13th Malaysia Plan, scheduled to be tabled on July 31. Defence Ministry and TAI signed the contract for the procurement of three units of the ANKA MALE-UAS, along with associated support equipment, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) in May 2023. Malaysia is believed to have selected the ANKA-S variant, capable of operating at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet for 24 to 30 hours, with a payload capacity ranging from 250 to 350 kilogrammes. Beyond Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the advanced ANKA MALE-UAS could also be armed with four MAM Smart Micro Missiles, developed by Türkiye's defence company, ROKETSAN, for precision ground-attack missions. Mohamed Khaled, who concluded a three-day official visit to Turkiye today, attended the 2025 International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) and inspected the construction of the second batch of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) by Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM). – Bernama
India.com
22-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Yunus Turns To Pakistan's Ally Turkey: Bangladesh Races To Arm With Tanks, Rockets And Guns Aimed At India?
Bangladesh Turkey Defence Ties: The runway lights at Dhaka's military airport glowed faintly on the evening of July 21. A sleek Air Force aircraft taxied before taking off into the night. Onboard was Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, one of the most powerful men in Bangladesh's interim government, heading to Istanbul, Turkey. This was not a routine visit. It was a quiet but telling signal of something deeper brewing between Bangladesh and Turkey. Behind closed doors in Dhaka, the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus has begun redrawing the nation's military roadmap. And in that plan, Turkey is fast replacing China as the go-to partner for weapons, war machines and battlefield technology. Two Chiefs, One City Earlier this month, Bangladesh's Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan had also flown out of Dhaka. While his itinerary officially marked a private U.S. visit, a crucial segment of his journey placed him in Turkey between July 22 and 25. Both the Navy and Air Force heads being in Istanbul during the same week was not a coincidence. It was a calibrated show of intent. Invited by Turkish military leadership, they are now holding meetings that could redefine Bangladesh's defense ties. Discussions are reportedly centered around arms deals, joint training and strategic cooperation. The focus? Building a new defense spine that is not Chinese. Guns, Rockets and Tanks The early signs of this tilt had surfaced last year when Bangladesh quietly acquired 18 Boran 105 mm howitzer guns from Turkey's MKE Corporation. Those who know the defense corridors in Dhaka say this is only the beginning. There is an active plan to scale that number up to 200 units in the coming years. In the pipeline are Turkish-made TRG-230 and TRG-300 rocket systems, which are designed for high-speed and long-range devastation. Otokar's Tulpar light tanks are also on the wishlist. If deals go through, Bangladesh will gain battlefield mobility it has not had before. A Silent Goodbye to China? China has long been the dominant force in supplying arms to Dhaka. But the mood is shifting. Earlier this month, an official trip by Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman to Beijing was cancelled without much explanation. The visit had been planned under an invitation by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Its quiet withdrawal has set tongues wagging in South Block and beyond. For decades, Beijing had counted Bangladesh among its reliable strategic partners in South Asia. But the new signals from Dhaka suggest that loyalty may no longer be guaranteed. The Man Behind the Curtain Observers in Dhaka say Yunus is shaping a new foreign policy doctrine through the backdoor of military diplomacy. His meetings with Turkish Defense Industry Secretary Haluk Görgün during a hush-hush visit on July 8 were not just ceremonial. Görgün met all three service chiefs. But it was his private conversation with Yunus, arranged discreetly by Bangladesh's military intelligence wing, that raised eyebrows. Sources familiar with the visit say that the mood was warm. Mutual interests were discussed. The tone was strategic, not transactional. A Broader Ideological Bond At the centre of this new closeness lies more than just weapons. There is an ideological undercurrent that aligns Yunus' worldview with that of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Both share a deep admiration for the Islamic world's lost past. Erdoğan dreams of reviving the Caliphate-era influence. Yunus, meanwhile, faces growing pressure from Islamist groups within Bangladesh's political ecosystem. The shift from China's secular and communist approach to Turkey's faith-infused military industrial complex is practical as well as philosophical. What's Next If Bangladesh continues on this path, it may soon sign deals that permanently alter its security alignment in South Asia. Indian defense watchers are already tracking this evolution with unease. The presence of two military chiefs in Istanbul, both negotiating arms deals simultaneously, could well be the start of a strategic triangle between Dhaka, Ankara and Islamabad. For now, the Yunus administration is not saying much. But in the skies above Istanbul and in the corridors of Turkish defense halls, a new kind of partnership is taking shape – one that may redraw regional equations far beyond the Bay of Bengal.
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
Yemen Online
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yemen Online
UAE president visits Turkey to deepen strategic ties with Erdogan
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed traveled to Turkey on Wednesday, according to reports in Emirati media. He is expected to meet with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and there are many issues on the agenda. Burhanettin Duran, communications director for the Turkish presidency, said the two leaders 'are expected to discuss steps to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.' This is a significant visit. Al-Ain media in the UAE said that it 'marks a qualitative shift in relations between the two countries.' It's worth recalling that five years ago, relations were much colder between Ankara and Abu Dhabi. During the Abraham Accords era in 2020, Turkey had even threatened to cut ties with the UAE if it went ahead with normalization with Israel. However, things have changed. Turkey has rekindled its ties with the Gulf, beyond Qatar, which was always a close ally of Ankara. Additionally, Turkey is still hostile to Israel. The UAE has also seen that the accords have not brought it as much as it may have wanted. 'During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will discuss with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan various aspects of cooperation and joint action to serve the development priorities of both countries, in addition to a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest,' al-Ain said on Wednesday. The report goes on to note that 'the two leaders affirmed their countries' keenness to support all efforts and endeavors made to achieve regional peace and stability, which would benefit all peoples of the region.' A historic milestone This is the third visit by the Emirati president to Turkey in four years, following two visits on June 10, 2023, and one on November 24, 2021, which marked a historic milestone and a significant turning point in the course of relations between the two countries, Al-Ain noted. 'During the same period, the Turkish president made five visits to the UAE, the most recent of which was in February 2024, during which he attended the World Government Summit 2024, in which Turkey participated as the guest of honor, crowning the growing relations between the two countries.' There are many important issues ahead to discuss. The countries have economic ties and a partnership agreement. There are numerous memorandums that the countries have signed that are estimated to be worth some $50 billion in trade. 'Erdogan also presented Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a Turkish-made Togg electric car, expressing his pride in the strong relations between the two countries,' Al-Ain shared. Regional countries will be watching closely. Will the visit touch on issues in Syria and the Caucasus? What other issues may be on the agenda? Will they discuss Gaza and what comes next regarding the conflict there? Turkey backs Hamas, and the UAE has generally backed the PA or other ideas for what might come next. Could Ankara and Abu Dhabi have ideas that could help solve the conflict that has dragged on for 648 days?
