Malaysia procures Fulmar surveillance drones from Thales

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 18 (UPI) -- Thales' Fulmar unmanned aerial system is being supplied to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to enhance the agency's surveillance capabilities.

Fulmar, a small fixed-wing UAS, will be installed on six New Generation Patrol Craft now being built by Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering Sdn Bhd.

The Fulmar features automatic detection and tracking systems and an automatic identification system, which will extend the operational capabilities of the Malaysian maritime surveillance fleet.

The range of the catapult-launched drone is about 432 miles.

"As the MMEA seeks to upgrade its surveillance capabilities, the Fulmar provides a competitive solution which complements its state-of-the-art vessels," said Tan Sri Dato' Seri Rodzali Bin Daud, chairman of Destini Berhad. "We are pleased to partner with Thales in further developing the expertise in coastal surveillance in Malaysia."

Thales employees in Malaysia will provide local training and support for the Fulmar starting this year to ensure knowledge transfer for the system's operational and maintenance needs.