Covid-19: Malaysia enlists UASs to enforce countermeasures

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) have deployed micro and small-class unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to support enforcement of the government-mandated Movement Control Order (MCO) aimed at addressing the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

A joint media event with Chief of Defence Force General Affendi Buang and Inspector General of Police Hamid Bador was held on 24 March at the Brickfields District Police Headquarters to highlight the UAS types – comprising vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems of various models – being used in this effort.

The RMP revealed that the Drone Unit of the Police Air Wing would be using two DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual micro UAS, while the MAF would also be deploying the same type along with the DJI Matrice 210 small UAS. A third UAS type was also seen in official coverage of the event, namely two FLIR Systems (previously Aeryon Labs) Skyranger R60 small UASs, although it did not specifically identify the type.

It is believed that the Skyranger R60s are on loan as civilian contractors were seen operating them.

Jane’s understands that the MAF UASs are operated by its tri-service intelligence branch called the Defence Intelligence Staff Division (DISD).