RMN to deploy UAS to tighten maritime security

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LUMUT: In the effort to raise its monitoring capability, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will be acquiring Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) next year.

The capability of the technology as a maritime force multiplier will enable coverage of greater distance as well as area to strengthen national maritime defence preparedness especially in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and areas of national interest.

Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said in line with the 15-5 Transformation Plan of RMN, the usage of UAS was seen as a strategic initiative and approach to meet the current challenging needs, especially in South China Sea.

“On this, the usage of suitable technology is very much in need, more so with the constraint surface ship which we are facing at this moment while awaiting for replacement of assets from time to time.

“The UAS programme is an unmanned aircraft system which is the right and strategic move in the development of RMN’s capability as well as the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) as it is very efficient and effective,” he said when launching RMN UAS Programme at RMN Air Base here yesterday.

In the ceremony, the Navy chief presented the certificate of appointment to Tim Nukleus which has been assigned to supervise and determine the operation of UAS.

Ahmad Kamarulzaman said the programme, in collaboration with the United States through the maritime security initiative (MSI), would raise the level of maritime security and interoperability of the country in the region such as South China Sea and Sulu Sea.

He added the operation of UAS would also provide advantage in terms of lower financial allocation compared to conventional approach being used now.

“It will be a tactical advantage to RMN and it is more effective by channelling visual direct to the operation room,” he said.

Ahmad Kamarulzaman said the UAS programme would be implemented in three stages to ensure it achieved the desired objectives. — Bernama