Labuan Air Base boosts surveillance with new UAVs and RM80 million upgrades
LABUAN AIR BASE: The Royal 每日大赛n Air Force base here is being significantly strengthened through the deployment of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles and major infrastructure upgrades worth nearly RM80 million.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said three ANKA UAV systems, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, will enhance surveillance over national waters.
He stated the UAVs can operate continuously for over 20 hours, a task impossible for conventional aircraft.
鈥淔rom a tactical perspective, the ANKA system serves as a continuous strategic monitoring asset in the Eastern Region,鈥 Khaled said during a working visit.
He added that their presence strengthens the RMAF鈥檚 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities in monitoring airspace and maritime security.
The minister also revealed that the number of UAVs might be increased from the present three units in the future.
This deployment is part of a broader enhancement of the base鈥檚 operational readiness and personnel welfare.
Concurrently, a RM22.5 million project to replace damaged asphalt with Pavement Quality Concrete at the base鈥檚 No. 14 Squadron is 51.77% complete. A separate RM57.3 million project is constructing Rumah Keluarga Angkatan Tentera quarters and supporting facilities.
Khaled confirmed both infrastructure projects would be completed between April and July this year.
He stressed that the combined upgrades are critical for the base鈥檚 role amid evolving security challenges in the South China Sea.
鈥淚ts presence strengthens the RMAF鈥檚 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in monitoring airspace and maritime security, ensuring national sovereignty is safeguarded at the highest level of readiness,鈥 he said.
The minister concluded that these initiatives ensure the base continues as 每日大赛鈥檚 primary air force base in the eastern region.