Armed Forces get UAVs, rescue boats worth RM12.36 mil from Japan
KUALA LUMPUR: The security of the region will be further elevated with the most recent handover of RM12.36mil worth of security assistance from Japan to Malaysia - including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to ensure regional security.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that the Malaysian Armed Forces will receive a total of 14 vertical takeoff and landing UAVs and seven rescue boats from Japan costing ¥400mil.
He said this in his speech after the UAV handover and Official Security Assistance (OSA) Initiative Monday (Sept 22) from Japan to Malaysia by the Japanese ambassador Shikata Noriyu.
Also present were Army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and other senior officers from the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces.
“Malaysia and Japan both share the conviction that a stable Southeast Asia benefits not only our citizens, but also the global community.
“Together, our cooperation spans many things including security, humanitarian assistance, cyber resilience and climate security.
“Under OSA 2023 Malaysia is very honoured to be among the first beneficiaries alongside Philippines, Bangladesh and Fiji,” said Khaled.
He said that of the 14 UAVs, six will be to the Malaysian army, another six to the Royal Malaysian Navy and two to the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division.
“Several units have been received while the remainder are on the way.
“In addition, two road leading trucks are currently in the tendering stage and will further complement this assistance package once completed. Equally important is the inventory investment in capacity building.
“Hence, I'm delighted to share that in May this year, 12 of the Malaysian Armed Forces officers had completed UAV training in Japan,” said Khaled.
He further said that Malaysia will continue to receive security assistance next year as Japan has already identified Malaysia as a potential recipient under OSA 2025.
“We will continue to explore new frontiers including but not limited to artificial intelligence, cyber defence and innovation for sustainable peace and prosperity,” said Khaled.
Khaled said that the security assistance was a follow-up from a 2023 visit by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Japan in December 2023 when both countries decided to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Through OSA, Japan provides non-lethal equipment to support the Malaysian Armed Forces to enhance their operational capabilities in regional security and stability.
Speaking to the media after the event, Khaled said that Japan will determine the kind of assets it will provide to Malaysia for security purposes.
“They will determine the type of assets. For example, the Australians would upgrade the Butterworth runway.
“Germany too has enhancement programmes (with Malaysia) along with some asset handovers. With the US, we used to have radar assistance. This is common (partnerships) as everyone understands the importance of this region and the need to meet the challenges,” said Khaled.
During the handover, Noriyuki said that as Malaysia is located in a crucial area for Japan, facing the South China Sea and the Malacca Strait, security cooperation with Malaysia is vital for Japan.
“The level of uncertainty remains high, and the international situation is very volatile. Looking at this Indo-Pacific region, we continue to witness unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, in clear violation of international law, particularly in the East and South China Seas.
“Japan is situated in the most severe and complex security environment," said Noriyuki.
He said the OSA is also to protect and promote Japan’s own national interests, as well as to proactively foster a peaceful, stable and highly predictable international environment based on the rule of law.
The UAVs handed over on Monday (Sept 22) will be utilised for monitoring the coastal areas of Malaysia including the South China Sea, and strengthening maritime security capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces.