Faced with evolving maritime security threats, Malaysia is strengthening its patrol capabilities, including with new aircraft and deeper ties with regional partners.
As part of the upgrades, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is purchasing two ATR 72MPA patrol aircraft developed by Italy’s Leonardo Aerospace and converted three of its CN-235 cargo planes into advanced surveillance aircraft. The latter involved a deal with Indonesian defense firm PTDI and funding from the United States.
“These additional assets would definitely help Malaysia in maintaining its aerial presence over its territorial waters and EEZ [exclusive economic zone],” Adib Zalkapli, managing director of Viewfinder Global Affairs, a geopolitical and public policy advisory firm, told FORUM.
The twin-turboprop ATR 72MPA is the latest specialized version of Leonardo’s regional transport plane. It is designed for missions including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, medical evacuation, and transport of personnel and materiel. The deal is valued at $171.9 million, according to defense analysis firm Janes. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in mid-2026.
The medium-range, twin-engine CN-235 are outfitted with maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical infrared turrets, beyond-line-of-sight communication capabilities and roll-on/roll-off operator station systems, according to the publication Naval News. Conversion work was done in Indonesia by PTDI with support from the U.S. firm Integrated Surveillance and Defense, and an approximately $60 million Maritime Security Initiative grant from the U.S. The three aircraft were delivered in mid-2024 to the RMAF’s Subang Air Base.
Malaysia also is set to acquire three ANKA drones from Turkish Aerospace Industries configured for maritime surveillance.
Malaysia needs enhanced maritime security, in large part, due to its overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly at potential flash points such as the Spratly Islands and Luconia Shoals. The PRC’s aggressive actions, including its demands that Malaysia cease oil exploration and its deployment of patrol boats to monitor Malaysian vessels, have heightened tensions. Also, foreign fishing vessels frequently encroach into Malaysia’s EEZ, causing substantial economic losses. Piracy and other illicit activity in the Singapore and Malacca straits remain threats, despite a decline in such incidents due to coordinated patrols and international cooperation.
Malaysia’s maritime cooperation initiative with Indonesia and the Philippines coordinates sea and air patrols in the Sulu and Celebes seas to deter and counter piracy, armed robbery at sea, and transnational crimes such as smuggling and terrorism.
The Indonesian Navy operates six CN-235s, including two with enhanced equipment and capabilities, Janes reported. The Philippine Air Force, meanwhile, is set to receive two ATR 72 variants in 2025, the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper reported.
“The challenges that Malaysia faces as a maritime country are not unique,” Zalkapli said. “The RMAF needs to protect the country’s marine resources, maintain its presence and control in the EEZ, and ensure its territorial integrity is protected.”
