Govt approves acquisition of 16 VTOL drones for PDRM

Bukit Aman Logistics and Technology Department director Datuk Seri Sahabudin Abd Manan said the projected ceiling is an estimate based on market price surveys for drones with the latest specifications that suit the technical and observation assignments.

"The drones to be procured are high-powered electric drones (powered by batteries) equipped with gyro stabilised cameras (electo optical/infra red) that can fly and record high-resolution visuals (photos, videos and live-streaming) during daytime and nighttime.

"In addition, for each drone procured, the package includes a mobile ground station vehicle equipped with turret tracking antenna system, weather station and portable global navigation satellite system," he said in a statement today.

According to Sahabudin, the drones will be used for assignments involving observation and threat prevention at the country's border areas in an effort to curb intrusion, smuggling and cross-border crime.

Sahabudin said the police valued the government's commitment to ensure they had the latest assets and equipment to ensure that public safety and order can be maintained.

Last Saturday, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim announced that PDRM will take delivery of 16 high-powered drones approved by the government under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Mazlan said the drones will be managed by the Air Operations Force to help boost the security level in border areas throughout the country, especially areas without fences.