DSOD of Malaysian Armed Forces Acquire Drone

07 Maret 2022

Deftech's UAV lineup, seen Aludra and DJI Mavic (photo : oryxspioenkop)

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Defence Special Operation Division (Bahagian Operasi Pasukan Khas Pertahanan – BOPKP ) has procured 3 unspecified Tactical drones to support its operator’s operations.

The tactical drone is a highly effective instrument of counterterrorism that is used for identifying the threat with intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. The capture of still images and video to gather information about specific targets, which might be individuals, groups or environments.

Sapura CyberQuad (photo : Sapura)

Drone enables surreptitiously gathering information about a target as captured from a distance or altitude. Drone allow security personnel to reduce and deter threats, survey larger areas in less time, and respond more effectively to intruders. The added situational awareness provided to security forces will help minimize risk to personnel, and thermal tracking software can be used to ensure intruders are apprehended.

Prior to this procurement by DSOD, respective special forces units such as the GGK, PASKAU and PASKAL have all operated various types of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) including CTRM/UST Aludra SR-08, SAPURA CyberQuad and DJI Mavic.

Recently General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has introduced a dedicated UAV for its Special Operation Forces (SOF). Designated as the Mojave, it was developed from GA-ASI MQ-9 Reaper short takeoff and landing (STOL) to provide rapid reconnaissance, close air support and armed overwatch capabilities to the SOF.

The Mojave is essentially a beast as it is able to carry up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire air to ground missiles with more than 25 hours endurance.

Perhaps, platform such as the Mojave could be jointly procured in the future for DSOD to further enhance the strategic capabilities of this elite Malaysian SOF unit.

(MFH)