MALAYSIA and Japan today enhanced their defence cooperation following the handing over of 14 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and seven rescue boats worth RM12.6 million.
This was done under Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme and comes at a time when Tokyo becomes more active in international naval procurement and trade.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said of the 14 UAVs, six will be handed over to the Malaysian Army (TDM), another six to the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and two to the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division.
“Some of the units (UAVs) have been received, while the rest are still in the process of being delivered,” he told reporters after receiving the UAVs and boats in Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were the Japanese Ambassador, Shikata Noriyuki and Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, who was acting on behalf of the armed forces chief.
“This relationship is not limited to the ordinary or economic field. But today, this relationship also includes the defence sector.
“This is all happening because all countries understand the fact that in facing the challenges that exist, no country can stand alone.
“Especially for the Southeast Asian region, including the Indo-Pacific region, where we know the South China Sea is an important route contributing to the large world economy,” said Mohamed Khaled.
Meanwhile, Shikata said Malaysia was strategically chosen as one of the first four recipient countries of OSA in 2023.
"The UAVs will be utilised for coastal monitoring, including in the South China Sea.
"This will enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, thereby strengthening Malaysia's maritime security capabilities.
"At the same time, Japan will benefit from a peaceful and stable environment in this region that Malaysia helps maintain," he said.
Shikata had earlier said that through security cooperations with like-minded countries such as OSA and bilateral exercises, Japan has been actively promoting "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," or FOIP.
FOIP, which shares fundamental principles with ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, or AOIP, is to lead the international community towards cooperation rather than division and conflict, based on the rule-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
"We will continue to enhance our cooperation between Japan and Malaysia based on FOIP’s perspective," he added. – September 22, 2025
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