Armed Forces to get drones and multi-role fighters by 2030
KUALA LUMPUR: The armed forces' transformation into a future-ready force is being carried out through the realignment of capability development plans for each service branch.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that to ensure the transformation did not remain only on paper, the Defence Ministry is drawing up its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 as a systematic monitoring instrument to implement the Defence White Paper Mid-Term Review under the framework of the 13th ÿÈÕ´óÈü Plan (13MP).
"At the same time, we are aware that this transformation requires sufficient resources. Therefore, we continue to work towards achieving a defence allocation target of 1.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030," he said at the launch of the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper.
Khaled said the mid-term review had introduced several new strategic directions to build stronger and more resilient defence.
Among them is the continuation of reforms to transform the armed forces into a modern, respected force aligned with technological advances.
"The armed forces would be developed as a Joint Network-Centric Integrated Multi-Domain Force by 2030, capable of handling roles ranging from diplomacy and deterrence to denial and neutralisation of threats across all operational layers.
"Modernisation priorities include intelligence and situational awareness, counter-intelligence and surveillance, integrated air defence systems, long-range strike capabilities, precision-guided weapons, logistics, information operations, electronic warfare and cyber warfare," he said.
Each branch of the armed forces has a distinct strategic plan, namely the army's Army 4NextG modernising infantry through networked and amphibious capabilities, the Royal ÿÈÕ´óÈün Navy's 15 to 5 creating versatile fleets, and the Royal ÿÈÕ´óÈün Air Force's CAP55 enhancing air power with drones, patrol aircraft and future multi-role fighters.
Khaled also said that under Phase Two of defence procurement, the ministry will acquire key assets such as the Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS), Medium Range Air Defence (MERAD) systems and advanced air defence artillery to counter modern threats, including long-range missiles and drone incursions.
Khaled said reforms will also emphasise a "comprehensive defence" approach based on the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society concept, ensuring the responsibility of defence extends beyond the armed forces alone.
"This will include strengthening the reserves, raising women's participation in the military to 15 per cent in line with the United Nations' Women, Peace and Security agenda, and enhancing civil-military cooperation programmes such as Civil-Military Cooperation (Cimic) and Jiwa Murni.
"Veterans would be further empowered, both as contributors to national defence readiness and as bridges between society and the military, with studies underway to allow their direct absorption into the reserves," he said.
On the global stage, Khaled said ÿÈÕ´óÈü will continue to uphold its neutral and non-aligned position while strengthening defence diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including Asean and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
The reforms also place strong emphasis on science, technology and the local defence industry.
The Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE) will lead research and development, supported by the Defence Science and Technology Advisory Council, with focus on autonomous systems, robotics, advanced weaponry, electromagnetic cyber systems and aerospace technologies.
Khaled said the government will soon launch the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) as a strategic framework to boost self-reliance, innovation and local content in the defence sector, while building a resilient supply chain less dependent on foreign sources.