Anka-S unmanned aircraft boosts security in South China Sea, says Khaled

PETALING JAYA: The operation of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Anka-S unmanned aircraft system (UAS) marks a strategic leap in strengthening the nation’s defence and maritime surveillance capabilities, says defence minister Khaled Nordin.

He said the UAS is capable of providing operational coverage previously unavailable, particularly in strategic maritime areas, including the South China Sea, Bernama reported.

He said this provides Malaysia a critical edge in gathering information to safeguard national security and sovereignty.

“It provides operational coverage that has never existed before in one of the world’s most contested maritime regions,” he said after officiating the launch of the UAS asset of the No 11 Squadron at the Labuan RMAF air base today.

Defence ministry secretary-general Lokman Hakim Ali, navy chief Zulhelmy Ithnain, air force chief Norazlan Aris and joint forces commander Tengku Fauzi Ibrahim were also present.

Khaled said Malaysia acquired three Anka-S aircraft at a cost of RM423.8 million. This includes ground control stations and two years’ of personnel training.

He said the Anka-S is capable of flying for more than 24 hours at operational altitudes of up to 9.1km, and its deployment at the Labuan air base is intended to strengthen surveillance in the South China Sea.

“In short, with the Anka-S, the RMAF can be the nation’s eyes and ears as it is capable of conducting continuous operations, operating in positions that may be difficult to detect and under all weather conditions.”

Khaled added that the asset is capable of accurately identifying and tracking vessel profiles, enabling the RMAF to plan and deploy assets more efficiently to locations without the need for unfocussed patrols.

He said the use of the Anka-S also helps reduce operational costs compared with deploying fighter aircraft or large maritime patrol vessels solely for surveillance purposes.

“It enables more efficient asset deployment directly to intrusion spots without the need for unfocussed or blind patrols that waste resources.”

Khaled added that the government is considering the acquisition of three additional Anka-S aircraft under a second phase.

He said the Anka-S has the capability to carry weapons, but Malaysia has deliberately chosen not to arm the aircraft as a signal that the country’s defence posture is defensive in nature and not intended to threaten any nation.

Earlier, Khaled also visited the data centre and witnessed a live demonstration of the Anka-S UAS conducting an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission within the operational area.