Future tech: Mohamed Khaled (centre) observing a cyber dog during the launch ceremony of the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces needs to keep pace with technological advancements to face increasingly complex modern threats, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister cautioned that with the emergence of sophisticated weapons systems, national defence could be compromised.
“As such, the Armed Forces’ modernisation needs to keep pace with technological advancements.
“Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have shown the extensive use of advanced systems such as combat drones, long-range missiles, electronic warfare and unmanned platforms across various domains,” he said in his speech before launching the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper here yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled said the rise of emerging technologies has begun reshaping military operations by enabling faster and more precise decision-making.
“These developments bring significant risks to national security if left unmonitored.
“Therefore, the Armed Forces must adapt and integrate these advanced technologies to ensure that Malaysia’s operational capabilities remain preserved and on par with regional powers,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled revealed that the ministry is working on new procurements to narrow the military’s readiness gap.
“The acquisitions, which include FA-50 light combat aircraft, ATR-72 maritime patrol aircraft, the ANKA-S medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system, the second batch of Littoral Mission Ships and Littoral Combat Ships, are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2030,” he added.
He stressed that strengthening defence readiness requires developing the local defence industry, including domestic production of components and maintenance.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said the ministry has outlined a new strategic defence direction to strengthen the nation’s resilience against modern-day threats.
“The strategies are based on the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper.
“It stresses the critical role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding national security beyond traditional warfare.
“One of the thrusts is reforming and transforming the Armed Forces.
“It will be developed into a Joint Network-Centric Integrated Multi-Domain Force by 2030, capable of handling diverse operations from diplomacy and surveillance, to deterrence and suppression of threats.
“The new capabilities will cover space and cyber domains, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and smart sensors.
“Procurement plans include the Multi-Role Support Ship, Medium Range Air Defence systems and air defence artillery, aimed at countering long-range missile threats and the growing use of drones,” he added.
Another thrust is emphasising a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“It highlights the importance of both regular and reserve forces.
“Currently, the military comprises 121,000 regular personnel and 34,000 reservists, with the goal of achieving a 1:1 ratio.
“Programmes such as the revamped National Service Training Programme, Reserve Officer Training Unit and Civil-Military Cooperation will be expanded.
“We also aim to increase women’s participation in the military to 15%, in line with the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda. Veterans will also be empowered, with consideration given to integrating them directly into the reserves,” he added.
He noted that the country will continue its policy of neutrality while deepening defence diplomacy through Asean and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
He said strategic partnerships with Western nations and Indo-Pacific stakeholders will also be expanded.
Mohamed Khalid also said another thrust involved enhancing the role of the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute, and setting up the Defence Science and Technology Advisory Council.
“Through the upcoming National Defence Industry Policy, Malaysia aims to build a resilient defence industry supply chain, reduce dependence on foreign sources and push domestic innovation in fields such as robotics, autonomous systems, electromagnetic warfare and aerospace.”
