Latest news with #maritimeSurveillance
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Strengthening maritime security: Malaysia purchase of Italian maritime patrol aircraft — Phar Kim Beng and Jitkai Chin
JULY 7 — Although Malaysia has about 4675km of coastline length and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Area of more than 334,600 square km, Malaysia's current maritime surveillance relies heavily on Beechcraft Super King Air B200T and CN-235s operated by the RMAF and MMEA. While functional, these assets lack of modern sensors, data-link capabilities, and mission endurance critical to today's complex maritime security environment. In fact, Beechcraft Super King Air B200T, which was first entered service on 1994, was planned to be retired by 2024, after these aircraft reaching their operational lifespan. Seven CN-235 was originally operated as airlifters in 1998, three were upgraded to be Maritime Surveillance Aircraft between 2022–2024, under US Maritime Security Initiative. In recent discussions during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Italy, one of the focal points is the potential procurement of Italian-made maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). Although not explicitly named during the visit by PM in Italy last week, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced two MPAs will be delivered to Malaysia starting from 2026, designated P-72M, based on widely used commercial ATR 72-600 aircraft. Italy's defence industry is among the most reputable in the world. One of the most significant Italian defence footprints in Malaysia is through AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo, which has supplied multiple generations of helicopters to Malaysian authorities. Over the past two decades, Leonardo has deepened its local partnerships, particularly in helicopter maintenance, pilot training, and logistics support. The company has positioned Malaysia as a potential regional hub for rotary-wing platforms, not only strengthens the defence readiness of Malaysia but also fosters local aerospace development and workforce upskilling. Over the past decade, several defence officials and Cabinet members have repeatedly raised alarms over the limited maritime surveillance coverage, especially across the vast EEZ in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. The MPAs offers a modern and multi-role solutions. From environmental monitoring, border surveillance and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions to conduct anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, which can also directly address these gaps, offering long-range, real-time maritime domain awareness with minimal escalation risk. However, according to Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), Malaysia shall need at least six MPAs. The acquisition of the Leonardo P-72M MPAs presents Malaysia with more than just a defence upgrade, because it also offers a unique opportunity for Malaysia to play a more prominent, stabilizing role in safeguarding Asean's maritime domain. With regional waters challenged by piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crimes, there is increasing urgency for collective maritime vigilance. Assume that the P-72M is not much different from existing ATR-72MP, both of them have a range of approximately 4,000km and endurance of 8–9 hours in the sky. Obviously, two P-72M still insufficient to secure the maritime interests of Malaysia 24/7. Mathematically, at least one more required. Nonetheless, advanced surveillance capabilities and NATO-standards of P-72M still enable Malaysia to better support regional initiatives, for example the Eyes-in-the-Sky (EiS) trilateral patrol program. EiS is a multilateral cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore launched in 2005 to secure the Strait of Malacca. Enhanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) capabilities from P-72M allowing Malaysia to contribute more robustly to EiS through greater data sharing, coordination, and early threat detection. Furthermore, as other Asean members, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand operating maritime patrol aircraft of varying capabilities, Malaysia can potentially act as a central hub for joint surveillance exercises and maritime security cooperation — amplifying its influence in the region. That potential can only be materialised, provided the void of insufficiencies of MPAs filled by long endurance UAVs for maritime surveillance. There are limited choices available. But MQ-9B SeaGuardian and Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı from US and Türkiye, with endurance of up to 40 hours and 24 hours respectively, are suitable for Malaysia. In the broader context of Indo-Pacific stability, acquisition of Leonardo ATR 72MP gives Malaysia the capability to deter grey-zone threats and uphold freedom of navigation without provoking military escalation. The aircraft enhances Malaysia's ability to monitor conventional illicit maritime activities such as unregulated fishing, smuggling, and covert incursions — particularly in the South China Sea. Strategically, P-72M also aligns our maritime surveillance architecture with Australia, who is a key regional partner in which their P-8A Poseidon fleet and regional maritime engagement have been shaping Asean's defence dialogue. In addition, Australia's active support for capacity building, technical training, and joint exercises, such as through the Asean-Australia Maritime Exercise (AAMARLEX), can potentially complements the strengths of P-72M. By improving interoperability with Australian and other Nato-compatible assets, Malaysia has greater access to regional multilateral efforts while preserving its non-aligned, diplomacy-first doctrine. Thus, the MPAs not only serves as a sovereign asset; but also a regional bridge to advance the partnership of Malaysia in Indo-Pacific maritime governance. It brings opportunities of training, joint development and technology transfer from Italy, ensuring various authorities gaining not only state-of-the-art capabilities, but also the human capital for sustainable operation and regional leadership. In conclusions, securing our nation's maritime governance and interests cannot rely only on P-72M nor long endurance UAV alone, but a combination of different assets, as well as resources allocated for the well-trained personnel, facilities and maintenance of the assets. Of course, acquisition of P-72M is considered one of the most strategic choices to strengthen Malaysia's maritime surveillance and security posture. Its proven operational effectiveness and interoperability makes it ideal to meet the urgent need of defence modernization. To maximise these benefits, the government need to demonstrate the political determination to ensure transparent and efficient procurement processes, robust long-term support, and engagement with local industries that can elevate their aerospace capabilities. When executed with foresight and strategic planning, the MPAs could become the cornerstone of Malaysia's integrated maritime strategy, enhancing resilience of the nation, regional credibility, and global partnerships. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is the Professor of Asean Studies, Director of Institute of Internationalisation and Asean Studies (IINTAS), International Islamic University of Malaysia and Jitkai Chin, PhD PEng, is the Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Sustainability Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'We Built This to Fly Forever': Engineers Unveil Solar Drone With 224-Foot Wingspan Capable of Month-Long Flights
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Skydweller Aero and Thales unveil a solar-powered drone with a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747, aiming for month-long flights. and Thales unveil a solar-powered drone with a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747, aiming for month-long flights. 🔍 The drone integrates AI-enabled AirMaster S radar for rapid situational awareness across air, land, and sea domains. for rapid situational awareness across air, land, and sea domains. 💡 Powered entirely by solar panels, the drone operates with zero carbon emissions , enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities. , enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities. 🌐 This collaboration highlights growing transatlantic cooperation in aerospace technologies, offering new strategic and commercial opportunities. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the French defense electronics giant Thales and the American aerospace startup Skydweller Aero have unveiled the world's first solar-powered drone capable of month-long flights. This innovative aerial system boasts a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747 and promises to revolutionize long-range maritime surveillance and strategic overwatch. As global tensions in maritime regions escalate, the need for persistent, autonomous systems has never been more critical. This article delves into the remarkable features of this solar drone, its strategic implications, and its potential to redefine surveillance missions. Revolutionary Solar Drone with Boeing 747 Wingspan The Skydweller solar-powered drone stands out with its impressive wingspan, which surpasses that of a Boeing 747. Capable of carrying payloads up to 881 pounds, this drone marks a significant advancement over previous solar UAVs that were limited by their load-carrying capacity. Operating at medium altitudes, the aircraft offers near-permanent surveillance over vast maritime areas, including Exclusive Economic Zones and contested regions. Thales integrates its cutting-edge AirMaster S radar into the drone, enhancing its strategic capabilities. This lightweight, AI-enabled sensor suite, originally designed for manned aircraft, operates in the X-band with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. The combination of AI-driven data processing and advanced radar technology ensures rapid situational awareness across air, land, and sea domains. This integration sets the stage for a new era of autonomous, zero-emission surveillance platforms. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks Month-Long Flights: A New Era for Surveillance The capability for month-long flights is a major breakthrough. The AirMaster S radar system's auto-tuning features allow it to adapt dynamically to changing mission profiles and environmental conditions. This level of autonomy means the drone can remain airborne over regions of interest without needing to return to base or requiring frequent ground interventions. Sébastien Renouard, Thales' Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA, emphasized the significance of this development: 'The combination of Thales' AirMaster S Smart Radar with the MAPS Skydweller changes the paradigm for surveillance missions.' The drone's construction from lightweight carbon fiber and its reliance on solar panels eliminate the need for fossil fuels, dramatically reducing operational costs and environmental impact. With the ability to monitor entire ocean regions, track illegal trafficking, and conduct anti-piracy operations, this platform offers a sovereign, autonomous solution to persistent ISR challenges. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Strategic Implications and Global Cooperation This development highlights the growing transatlantic cooperation in dual-use aerospace technologies. Oklahoma City-based Skydweller Aero, with operations in Spain, has its roots in the Solar Impulse program. Backed by venture capital and private equity, the company focuses on building high-endurance ISR platforms for military and commercial markets. As tensions rise in regions such as the South China Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, AI-enabled ISR platforms like MAPS-Skydweller become crucial. These systems help maintain deterrence, enforce sovereignty, and provide real-time domain awareness. By enabling continuous surveillance and reducing dependency on traditional aircraft, this drone offers strategic flexibility to NATO, EU, and Western-aligned forces. 'Eco-Friendly Solar Cell Shocks the World': Record-Breaking 16.65% Efficiency Ignites Global Race Toward Clean Energy Domination Future Prospects and Technological Advancements The introduction of the Skydweller drone represents a significant leap forward in unmanned aerial systems. Its ability to conduct prolonged missions without human intervention sets a new standard in the industry. The collaboration between Thales and Skydweller Aero has resulted in a technological marvel that not only enhances military capabilities but also opens up new possibilities for civilian applications. This autonomous platform's potential extends beyond military use. It can be adapted for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and commercial surveillance, providing valuable data and insights. As Skydweller continues to innovate, the future of solar-powered flight looks promising, offering sustainable solutions to complex challenges. As we look towards a future shaped by technological advancements, the Skydweller drone stands as a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration. How will this groundbreaking technology influence the global landscape of surveillance and defense in the coming years? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (28)
The Guardian
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Denmark to deploy ‘saildrones' in Baltic to protect undersea cables from Russian threat
Denmark is deploying floating drones on the Baltic Sea to protect undersea infrastructure and bolster maritime surveillance amid the growing threat of hybrid attacks from Russia. The arrival of Saildrone, a California-based company, has prompted criticism in Denmark over forging tighter bonds with the US in such a sensitive area as digital security. The backlash comes amid rapidly changing alliances, evolving technology and ongoing tensions between Copenhagen and Washington after Donald Trump threatened to take over Greenland, which is part of the Danish kingdom. The 10-metre unmanned vessels, known as 'saildrones', resemble sailing boats but are designed solely to collect data. Using onboard AI, saildrones compile data using multiple sensors, cameras and radar to produce a more detailed picture of maritime activity than satellites can provide. The company has previously worked with the US navy, which used its vessels to support counter-drug trafficking and illegal fishing operations. Its arrival in Denmark marks the first time it has been used for defence purposes in European waters. 'The purpose of Saildrone is to give eyes and ears where we previously didn't have eyes and ears,' said Richard Jenkins, CEO of Saildrone. As concerns grow over Russia's so-called shadow fleet – ageing tankers used to circumvent sanctions by transporting crude oil to China and India – saildrones can be used to verify vessel identification and flag unusual movements that may point to undersea sabotage of pipelines or data cables. 'What we're seeing now is commercial shipping fleets being used in military applications,' said Jenkins. 'So whether it's the shadow fleet for Russia trafficking illegal supplies that is getting around sanctions or whether they are trying to do nefarious things like damage infrastructure, we need to be able to track that.' The Danish armed forces are deploying four saildrones in the Baltic for operational testing to improve its capacity for maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering. However, the partnership has raised concerns among Denmark's tech leaders. The software engineer and entrepreneur, David Heinemeier Hansson, told Danish broadcaster DR: 'The problem with American companies is that they have to follow American law, American decrees and the American president. He can demand data at any time, and he can close an account at any time.' Jacob Herbst, head of the Danish Cybersecurity Council, said: 'With the international situation we are currently seeing, you obviously have to think very carefully when choosing American suppliers in this area.' Jenkins said they are not getting classified data in Denmark and that data is fully encrypted. The floating drones can be powered by diesel, wind and solar and can remain at sea for over a year but their average deployment is 100 days. Between 10 and 20 saildrones would be needed to cover the whole of the Baltic.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's first Italian-built maritime patrol aircraft set for 2026 delivery, says defence minister
TURIN (Italy), May 13 — Malaysia is expected to receive its first Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Italian aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo by the end of 2026, with the second aircraft scheduled for delivery three months later, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said both aircraft are part of a procurement deal worth nearly RM900 million, finalised in 2023 to strengthen the country's defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. 'As a maritime nation, Malaysia must have assets like these aircraft to carry out patrols. They will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems. 'More importantly, the aircraft will be fitted with anti-submarine systems, enabling them to respond to related activities,' he said during a working visit to Leonardo's facility here on Monday. Also present were Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Goriman Khan, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud and Leonardo Aeronautics Division managing director Stefano Bortoli. Mohamed Khaled said the aircraft, whose airframe is built in Toulouse, France, will be outfitted with advanced systems including anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities before delivery to Malaysia. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin speaks to the media after conducting an industrial visit to the facility of Italian defence company Turin May 13, 2025. — Bernama pic He described the procurement as a strategic investment to enhance the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) readiness in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in the increasingly complex South China Sea. 'We know the South China Sea presents its own unique challenges, with rising tensions and conflicts, so these acquisitions will greatly aid the country. 'As of now, project progress has exceeded 60 per cent and remains on schedule. We are satisfied with the ongoing work carried out by Leonardo,' he said. The MPA procurement is part of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) acquisition plan outlined under its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP 55), which envisions the acquisition of six MPAs in phases. The MPAs to be received by the RMAF are designated as P-72M and are based on the widely used commercial ATR 72-600 aircraft, which is especially common in Southeast Asia. The P-72M's primary roles include anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare missions. Its secondary roles include search and rescue operations, surveillance of Malaysia's maritime zones, joint operations with MAF units, and inter-agency enforcement with other government and security bodies. — Bernama
