By M.A.Kadir

Langkawi, 23 May 2025 – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) have signed a strategic agreement to jointly develop a long-range air defense radar system for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), marking a new milestone in national defense and inter-agency collaboration.

The agreement was inked during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ’25), with MCMC Executive Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din and MINDEF Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali as signatories. The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.

This initiative symbolizes a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s defense readiness and capability through the integration of cutting-edge communications and security technologies into critical military infrastructure. The collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering national security through a whole-of-government (WoG) approach, encouraging synergy across public sector and defense institutions.

Under the agreement, MCMC and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will jointly implement a comprehensive strategic initiative to build a new long-range radar system. The advanced system will significantly strengthen airspace surveillance and control in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia, contributing directly to the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Also present at the signing ceremony were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi bin Md Isa, MCMC Commissioner General (Rtd) Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin, and Major General Dato’ Muhammad Tarminzi bin Hj. Mustapha, RMAF, who represented the Chief of Air Force. Senior officials from both MINDEF and MCMC also attended.

This defense-technology partnership signifies a major step forward for Malaysia in integrating civilian communication expertise with military applications, reinforcing the country’s position in regional security and technological innovation.