Defence Minister Khaled Nordin announces ANKA UAV deployment and infrastructure projects to enhance RMAF’s operational readiness in the Eastern Region
LABUAN AIR BASE: The Royal Malaysian Air Force base here is being significantly strengthened through the deployment of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles and major infrastructure upgrades worth nearly RM80 million.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said three ANKA UAV systems, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, will enhance surveillance over national waters.
He stated the UAVs can operate continuously for over 20 hours, a task impossible for conventional aircraft.
“From a tactical perspective, the ANKA system serves as a continuous strategic monitoring asset in the Eastern Region,” Khaled said during a working visit.
He added that their presence strengthens the RMAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities in monitoring airspace and maritime security.
The minister also revealed that the number of UAVs might be increased from the present three units in the future.
This deployment is part of a broader enhancement of the base’s operational readiness and personnel welfare.
Concurrently, a RM22.5 million project to replace damaged asphalt with Pavement Quality Concrete at the base’s No. 14 Squadron is 51.77% complete. A separate RM57.3 million project is constructing Rumah Keluarga Angkatan Tentera quarters and supporting facilities.
Khaled confirmed both infrastructure projects would be completed between April and July this year.
He stressed that the combined upgrades are critical for the base’s role amid evolving security challenges in the South China Sea.
“Its presence strengthens the RMAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in monitoring airspace and maritime security, ensuring national sovereignty is safeguarded at the highest level of readiness,” he said.
The minister concluded that these initiatives ensure the base continues as Malaysia’s primary air force base in the eastern region.