General : Japan’s RM40 Mln Counter-drone System To Be Deployed In Sepanggar And Labuan

KUALA LUMPUR: Japan's RM40 million counter-drone system, provided through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, will be installed at locations such as Sepanggar and Labuan to bolster Malaysia's defenses against potential drone attacks. The need for this system arose due to a changing geopolitical landscape and the necessity to protect Malaysia's land and maritime territories, especially with territorial disputes and competing interests in the South China Sea.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that the country, being a maritime nation, must safeguard not only its land but also its entire maritime domain, including vital waterways like the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. Japan will contribute the C-UAS system valued at RM40 million as part of its 2026 OSA programme, following a pact between Khaled and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi during the latter's recent visit to Malaysia.

Khaled highlighted the strong historical ties between Malaysia and Japan, with defense collaboration gaining traction in recent years due to shifts in Japan's defense strategy. He reiterated Malaysia's wish for the OSA programme to persist and be tailored to meet the nation's priority defense requirements, particularly maritime security.

Malaysia requested that future assistance concentrate on strategic priorities, including enhancing its capacity to secure its maritime domain amidst geopolitical tension and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Khaled underscored that Malaysia's defense readiness hinges not solely on its military assets and personnel but also on dependable partners aiding in building its capabilities.

Japan's OSA programme extends security and defense support to partner nations, and Malaysia was among the first beneficiaries.