The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur announced that Royal Malaysian Navy took delivery of the first batch of six American-made ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). A more formal presentation will take place later this year as training commences. The new ScanEagle UAVs will enhance the ability of the Royal Malaysian Navy to defend the country’s territorial integrity. Those were donated by the United States under the Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) programme.
Boeing subsidiary Insitu was awarded an almost $48 million contract for 34 ScanEagle unmanned air vehicles for Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. The order also provides for spare payloads, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, training, technical services, and field service representatives. Malaysia is to receive 12 vehicles, Indonesia 8; the Philippines 8, and Vietnam 6. The release also detailed the costs to each government: Malaysia $19,329,334; Philippines $9,633,665; Vietnam $9,770,120; and Indonesia $9,197,672.
Boeing Insitu ScanEagle is a small, long-endurance, low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing, and is used for reconnaissance. The ScanEagle was designed by Insitu based on the Insitu SeaScan, a commercial UAV that was intended for fish-spotting. A single ScanEagle system reportedly comprises four air vehicles, a ground control station, a remote video terminal and the launch and recovery systems. The drone carries a stabilized electro-optical and/or infrared camera on a lightweight inertial stabilized turret system.
