KUALA LUMPUR: Japan will provide Malaysia with a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) worth about RM40 million to strengthen its surveillance capabilities.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the assistance was formalised through an agreement signed with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi under Japan's 2026 Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme.
He thanked the Japanese government for its assistance and continued commitment to defence cooperation with Malaysia.
"Malaysia hopes to continue benefiting from the programme, particularly in strengthening maritime surveillance capabilities and the armed forces' operational readiness," Khaled said.
Malaysia has a long coastline and extensive maritime interests, making surveillance of its waters an important security priority.
Malaysia has received assistance under the programme since 2023, including 14 unmanned aerial vehicles, seven rescue boats and two road-cleaning trucks worth RM12.63 million.
Under the 2025 programme, Japan allocated about RM80 million for Malaysia, including a support vessel for the Royal Malaysian Navy, expected to be delivered in 2029, and equipment for the Asean Observer Team.
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