Lessons from the wars in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East have led Southeast Asian countries to rapidly accelerate efforts to invest in and adopt counter-drone systems.
Malaysia recently unveiled a locally developed interceptor drone, known as “The Ghost.”
Last year, Singapore announced that every recruit entering basic military training will learn how to operate drones and counter drone threats. It also established the Singapore Armed Forces Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Development and Operations group.
Indonesia is pursuing defense collaborations with China Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co Ltd (ALIT), and this potential partnership could focus on drones.
Cambodia used fiber-optic drones against Thailand in the border clashes last year. Following that conflict, Thailand set up an unmanned aerial system (UAS) warfare center and a UAS battalion, tasked with the responsibility to direct, plan, control, oversee and integrate the army’s drone operations.
