Mindef Prioritises Modern Warfare Expertise Across Multiple Domains - Adly

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is strengthening its expertise in multi-domain warfare to keep pace with modern combat, which involves technologies like combat drones, long-range missiles, electronic and cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Adly Zahari, said the ministry is also focusing on enhancing the security of its main bases and strategic assets through the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). 

Furthermore, he stated that Mindef is intensifying cooperation with regional and international strategic partners through joint training and the sharing of technology and expertise.

“The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have acquired several new assets, such as the Anka-S UAV system, which has enhanced our surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. Currently, the MAF possesses basic capabilities in electronic warfare and short-range air defence to counter specific aerial threats.

“However, it must be acknowledged that capability gaps still exist, particularly in the areas of medium-to-long-range layered air defence, comprehensive Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and the full integration of AI and automation into our Command and Control (C2) systems,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) regarding the current preparedness of MAF assets in facing advanced modern weapon systems.

Adly elaborated that the Defence White Paper guides the MAF's development, outlining a framework to transform it into an integrated, agile, and forward-focused future force.

He explained that this modernisation commitment is detailed in several key documents: the Defence White Paper, Mid-Term Review and National Military Strategy 2.0, which highlight the necessity of strengthening preparedness across air, maritime, land, cyber, and space domains.

He said these efforts encompass both short-term and long-term planning. The government’s two-to-five-year plan involves strengthening integrated, layered air defence, developing more comprehensive C-UAS capabilities, and applying AI to C2 systems.

“For the long term (over five years), the focus will be on developing the local defence industry capabilities in the fields of drones, AI and electronic warfare. The goal is for Malaysia to become a producer, not just a user, of these critical technologies," he said.

-- BERNAMA