Malaysia plans to build a national combat drone using local skills and foreign tech, aligning with defence policy to reduce reliance on imports.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to develop its own national combat drone to strengthen the country’s aerospace ecosystem and strategic defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposed National Combat Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) would be developed using local expertise, foreign technology and cooperation with friendly nations.
He revealed that during a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador, Iran indicated its willingness to explore technological cooperation in unmanned systems.
“This move could help accelerate the development of Malaysia’s strategic capabilities,” he said.
He added that the effort aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy to reduce foreign dependence and develop local research and development.
The policy also aims to expand technology transfer and bolster the nation’s capacity for self-defence.
Mohamed Khaled emphasised that Malaysia can no longer simply be a consumer of defence technology.
“The time has come to develop, own and innovate its own defence capacities,” he said.
Earlier, the minister received a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia led by deputy vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ali Selamat.
The delegation presented a briefing on the proposed national combat UAS.
