MALAYSIA will form its first dedicated Cyber and Electromagnetic Defence Command (BSEP) in December as part of a major shift towards a “smart military”, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He said the command, which is being finalised by the Armed Forces, would serve as the “centre of gravity” for national cyber and electromagnetic operations.
Its capabilities will be rolled out in phases under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with the long-term goal of developing a fully capable cyberforce by 2030, he added.
“This move aligns with the Armed Forces’ Future Force concept, which focuses on advanced doctrine, structure and high-technology assets capable of operating in a digital warfare environment,” he added.
Adly said the creation of a dedicated cyberforce would strengthen defence, enable preventive operations and enhance cooperation with regional partners in addressing increasingly complex cyberthreats.
Responding to a question on the ministry’s timeline for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations, Adly said the ministry is focusing on eight key areas, beginning with surveillance across land, air and maritime domains.
He said AI is also being incorporated into military drones, cyberdefence, smart weapons systems, unmanned vehicles, green technology applications, communications, intelligence, training simulators and logistics.
“With complete data and optimised asset usage, AI can significantly enhance ATM’s operational efficiency,” he said, adding that countries such as the United States require all defence personnel to master military drone operations, and Malaysia is moving in a similar direction.
Earlier, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) asked how Malaysia’s defence industry policy, slated for launch in January, will support the transition to advanced technologies and whether research and development capacity would be strengthened across institutions such as Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
Adly said the ministry is consolidating national defence-related industrial capabilities through the National Defence Industry Council, involving universities, research agencies and ministries such as the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
He said the aim is to build domestic expertise while leveraging existing capabilities across sectors.
“When we develop a national defence industry policy, we are not only strengthening the industry but also empowering the expertise that already exists,” he said.
