Malaysia Receives 14 UAVs And Seven Rescue Boats Under Japan’s OSA Initiative

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) – Malaysia on Monday received 14 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and seven rescue boats under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) initiative, further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said six of the UAVs would be allocated to the army, six to the Royal Malaysian Navy, and two to the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) Cyber and Electronics Division.

He added that through the OSA initiative, Japan provides non-lethal defence equipment to partner countries, with Malaysia among the recipients this year, alongside the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Fiji.

“The close ties between Malaysia and Japan are no longer confined to traditional areas, but have now expanded into the field of defence.

“Both countries share the belief that stability in Southeast Asia benefits not only the people of the region, but also contributes to the well-being of the global community,” he told reporters after the equipment handover ceremony here on Monday.

Also present were Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata and Army Chief Gen Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.

Mohamed Khaled said the Japanese-made defence equipment, worth RM12.63 million, was part of an asset acceptance agreement signed in 2023 between the Malaysian government and the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS).

“In addition, this OSA package also includes two road-cleaning lorries, which are currently in the tender stage and will further complete this assistance package,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shikata said Malaysia was selected as one of the four initial recipients of OSA security assistance due to its strategic location near the South China Sea and the Straits of Melaka.

“The international community is currently facing major geopolitical shifts. In this context, it is essential for us not only to strengthen our own capabilities, but also to proactively foster a peaceful and stable international environment based on the rule of law,” he said.

“Cooperation with Malaysia is very important for Japan. These UAVs will be used for coastal monitoring, including in the South China Sea. This move will enhance intelligence, monitoring, and surveillance capabilities, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s maritime security,” Shikata said.

-- BERNAMA