Malaysia receives 14 Japanese surveillance drones

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Malaysia on Monday received 14 Japan-made surveillance drones under a bilateral security framework, Bernama News Agency reported.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that six of the drones will be given to the army, six of them will be given to the navy, and two will be allocated to the cyber and electronics division of the armed forces.

“The close ties between Malaysia and Japan are no longer confined to traditional areas, but have now expanded into the field of defense,” the defense minister said during the equipment handing ceremony.

“Both countries share the belief that stability in Southeast Asia benefits not only the people of the region, but also contributes to the well-being of the global community,” he added.

The drones were given under Japan's Official Security Assistance framework, which was launched in 2023 to provide defense equipment to allied nations.

Malaysia, one of the first four countries selected under this framework, is strategically located between the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. Like Vietnam and the Philippines, Malaysia has ongoing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

The aid package, valued at $2.7 million, also includes several rescue boats. This agreement was made in December 2023 during a visit to Tokyo by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.