Malaysia receives Turkish ANKA-S drones to boost South China Sea surveillance

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) has bolstered its maritime surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of three Turkish-made ANKA-S unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The RM423.8 million deal, announced at the Labuan Air Base, includes ground control stations and a two-year training program for TUDM personnel. Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the acquisition represents a strategic leap in strengthening national defense, security, and sovereignty, especially in the contested South China Sea. These Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones are designed for continuous surveillance, capable of flying for over 24 hours at altitudes up to 30,000 feet. Their advanced features allow for precise identification and tracking of ship profiles, enabling more effective and targeted operations. The information gathered by the ANKA-S systems will help identify potential threats, allowing for informed decisions on deploying other assets like fighter jets or naval vessels. This approach is expected to enhance operational effectiveness while reducing costs, as UAV flight hours are significantly lower than those of manned aircraft or large patrol ships. Malaysia chose Turkey as the supplier to maintain its neutral stance and benefit from technology transfer and operational freedom. The government is also considering acquiring three more ANKA-S units in a second phase to expand aerial surveillance coverage. While the ANKA-S can carry weapons, Malaysia will not arm them, adhering to its defensive defense doctrine.