Sistem antidron RM43 juta dibekal Jepun akan diletak di Sepanggar, Labuan

The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) is set to receive a C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system, valued at RM43 million, from Japan under the Malaysian Defense Assistance Program (MDAP) for the fiscal year 2026. Malaysian Defense Minister Khaled Nordin announced this during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Tokyo on October 20th.

The primary purpose of the system is to enhance the nation's capability to counter the threat of drone attacks, considering Malaysia's status as a maritime nation responsible for protecting its land and sea territories. Khaled emphasized that the South China Sea is a zone of overlapping territorial claims, particularly involving China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

The C-UAS system will be deployed at strategic locations, including Sepanggar and Labuan. This is the first project of its kind in Malaysia, aiming to boost the country's defense capabilities, especially in monitoring and surveillance. Khaled expressed hope that the MDAP would continue, as it significantly aids Malaysia in building its defense capabilities.

Malaysia has also requested future assistance, focusing on strategic importance, including strengthening maritime defense in the face of geopolitical challenges and overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Defense readiness in Malaysia is not solely dependent on military assets and personnel but also on trusted partnerships. Malaysia has been an early recipient of the program since 2023, and Japan identifies Malaysia as a key maritime ally between the Indian Ocean and East Asia, aside from navigating the Malacca Strait and the southern part of the South China Sea.