Malaysia Enlists UASs to Enforce Countermeasures

06 April 2020

Malaysian Chief of Defence Force General Affendi Buang and Inspector General of Police Hamid Bador with the unmanned systems that have been deployed for enforcing the Movement Control Order in Malaysia (photo : MAF)

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) have deployed micro and small-class unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to support enforcement of the government-mandated Movement Control Order (MCO) aimed at addressing the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

A joint media event with Chief of Defence Force General Affendi Buang and Inspector General of Police Hamid Bador was held on 24 March at the Brickfields District Police Headquarters to highlight the UAS types - comprising vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems of various models - being used in this effort.

The RMP revealed that the Drone Unit of the Police Air Wing would be using two DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual micro UAS, while the MAF would also be deploying the same type along with the DJI Matrice 210 small UAS. A third UAS type was also seen in official coverage of the event, namely two FLIR Systems (previously Aeryon Labs) Skyranger R60 small UASs, although it did not specifically identify the type.

It is believed that the Skyranger R60s are on loan as civilian contractors were seen operating them.

Jane's understands that the MAF UASs are operated by its tri-service intelligence branch called the Defence Intelligence Staff Division (DISD).

The Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual micro UAS has been developed by the Shenzhen-based company DJI and features an integral dual visual/thermal camera with 2× optical and 3× digital zoom along with an attachment for optional equipment such as a beacon, speaker or spotlight. Claimed endurance is 25-29 minutes depending on the attachment carried, with an operating ceiling of 19,685 ft (6,000 m) and a line-of-sight (LOS) control range of 8 km depending on the environment. The system also offers encryption for improved security.

(Jane's)