Drones may be used to safeguard borders

KUALA LUMPUR:

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is developing a doctrine and operational concept for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) so that they can be used effectively and efficiently in protecting the country’s borders.

Deputy Defence Minister Senator Liew Chin Tong said UAV technology was found to be effective in terms of its endurance, long-distance remote operation, as well as its capabilities and advantage due to the many sensors on board.

“MAF acknowledges the importance of UAV technology for current and future needs, as one of the strategies of warfare, as well as enhancing MAF’s ability to monitor the land and maritime boundaries of the country.

“MAF has been using UAVs for surveillance purposes, and had been working with the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia for mapping purposes,” he said during a Dewan Negara session yesterday.

He was replying to Senator Datuk Theodore Douglas Lind on whether “drone” technology would be introduced and used by MAF as a new warfare strategy to remain competitive with the armed forces in neighbouring countries.

Liew said UAV technology would also be used in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance activities in “real time” and integrated into MAF’s Network Centric Operation system, which was being developed.

“This is seen as a multiplying force to strengthen the land monitoring system, as well as the country’s airspace.

“The MAF had the idea for some time to integrate technology in various areas (of its operations).

“The (Defence) Ministry also takes into account the Industrial Revolution 4.0, including the use and operation of UAVs and artificial intelligence.

“All this will be taken into account and implemented accordingly,” he said.