UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE WILL BE LAUNCHED EARLY NEXT YEAR - MINISTER

SEMPORNA (Malaysia), Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The ALUDRA UAV (unmanned aerial
vehicle) deployed by the Malaysian Joint Forces in Ops Pasir at Pandanan and
Sipadan Resorts off East Malaysia state of Sabah will be launched early next
year.

Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the UAV was capable of sending data
and photographs to the operation centre for analysis so that quick
follow-up action could be taken.

"Although I am happy with the UAV, I hope that it can be improved
particularly the area of coverage and length of flying time during operations.

"We have to make some improvements so that the UAV is suited to the local
climate, wind circulation and topography," he said after witnessing a test drive
of the ALUDRA UAV here Monday.

Zaid said Malaysia needed six UAV for surveillance and intelligence work to
assist the army, air force and navy in protecting the country's 1,700 kilometre
coastline.

He added Malaysia also had a prototype UAV which did not need a runway to
take-off, thus saving the cost of building infrastructure.

The ALUDRA UAV was manufactured by Unmanned Systems Technology Sdn Bhd
(UST).
--BERNAMA