Malaysia is poised to significantly enhance its aerial defense capabilities with the anticipated deployment of the Turkish-made ANKA Medium Altitude Long Endurance-Unmanned Aerial System (MALE-UAS) in 2025, according to recent statements from the Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel. This development marks a pivotal step in the modernization of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), reflecting the nation's commitment to strengthening its surveillance and combat readiness amid evolving regional security dynamics. The ANKA MALE-UAS, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is a sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle designed for extended missions, offering Malaysia a strategic edge in monitoring its vast maritime borders and addressing potential threats in the South China Sea and beyond.
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The journey toward this acquisition began in May 2023, when Malaysia signed a contract worth approximately 423.8 million Malaysian ringgit (around 89.4 million USD) with TAI during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition. The deal includes three ANKA-S units, along with associated ground stations and support equipment, tailored to meet the RMAF’s operational needs. Ambassador Yuksel confirmed that the delivery remains on schedule, with the first units expected to arrive this year, aligning with earlier projections from both Malaysian and Turkish defense officials. This timely progress underscores the strong bilateral defense cooperation between Malaysia and Turkiye, a partnership that has grown steadily in recent years.
The ANKA MALE-UAS brings a robust set of capabilities to the RMAF. With an endurance of up to 30 hours and the ability to operate at altitudes reaching 30,000 feet, the drone is well-suited for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its composite structure integrates advanced autonomous flight control systems, enabling waypoint navigation and precise mission execution. Beyond ISR, the ANKA-S variant Malaysia has procured is equipped to carry four MAM (Smart Micro Munition) guided missiles developed by Roketsan, another Turkish defense firm. This armament enhances its capacity for ground strike missions, providing a versatile platform that can transition from monitoring to engagement when necessary. The inclusion of a radar system—reportedly still under integration at the time of the order—along with modified wings and electronic support measures (ESM) payloads, further amplifies its tactical utility. Malaysia’s decision to acquire the ANKA MALE-UAS reflects a strategic response to regional security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes and maritime incursions have heightened tensions. The RMAF plans to deploy these drones from a base on Labuan Island, a location strategically positioned to oversee Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone and counter illicit activities or breaches of sovereignty. This deployment aligns with the broader objectives of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), which includes provisions for acquiring an additional three MALE-UAS systems, signaling a long-term commitment to bolstering aerial defense infrastructure.
The collaboration with Turkiye extends beyond mere procurement. A team of six RMAF personnel has been stationed at TAI’s facilities in Ankara to oversee the assembly process, ensuring that the systems meet Malaysia’s specific requirements. This hands-on involvement highlights Malaysia’s intent to build technical expertise alongside its hardware acquisition. Meanwhile, the ANKA’s proven track record—having logged over 200,000 flight hours with the Turkish Air Force since its introduction in 2010—offers reassurance of its reliability and effectiveness in real-world operations. As Malaysia prepares to integrate the ANKA MALE-UAS into its arsenal, the move positions the nation as a pioneer in Southeast Asia for adopting battle-tested unmanned systems. This enhancement not only strengthens Malaysia’s defense posture but also deepens its technological and diplomatic ties with Turkiye, setting the stage for future collaborations in the aerospace and defense sectors. With delivery imminent, the RMAF stands on the cusp of a transformative leap in aerial capabilities, ready to safeguard national interests with greater precision and reach.