Malaysia’s first ANKA-S drones from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) mark a strategic milestone, with Labuan Air Base set to become the country’s forward outpost for ISR and strike operations in the South China Sea.
Malaysia’s long-awaited ANKA-S Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE-UAS) drones have made their first appearance on the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) official social media platforms, underscoring the nation’s imminent leap into persistent unmanned surveillance and strike operations over the South China Sea.
The ANKA-S, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), will be inducted into service with the RMAF as part of a government-to-government acquisition sealed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023).
The deal, valued at more than RM400 million (approximately USD 85 million), covers three ANKA-S drones along with ground support equipment, training, and associated infrastructure.
With this acquisition, Malaysia becomes the first Southeast Asian nation to operate the ANKA-S, joining a select group of countries deploying Turkish long-endurance UAVs for strategic reconnaissance and precision missions.
In its latest social media post, the RMAF confirmed that seven officers and 19 personnel had successfully completed the ANKA O-Level Maintenance Course at TAI headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye.
The training, conducted between June 30 and August 15, 2025, covered Mechanical and Engine Systems, Avionics Systems, and Ground Control Systems, preparing Malaysian crews for frontline maintenance of the new platform.
“The course was designed to prepare RMAF engineers and technicians to undertake O-Level maintenance of the ANKA-S, which will enter Malaysian service early next year,” the service stated.
TAI’s Academic Director praised the commitment of Malaysian personnel throughout the course and expressed confidence that RMAF will be able to operate and sustain the advanced UAV system effectively.Unmanned aerial vehicles
He also stressed that maintenance proficiency is critical to ensuring the platform’s operational readiness and long-term combat effectiveness.
According to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysia is scheduled to receive its first batch of ANKA-S drones in February 2026.
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