Malaysia activates ScanEagle squadron
Malaysia stands up a ScanEagle squadron in East Malaysia, followed a day later by the commissioning of a Keris-class vessel.
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) activated its UAV-operating 601 Squadron on 4 March. Equipped with Insitu ScanEagles provided by the US under the Maritime Security Initiative, 601 Squadron is based at RMN Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia.
The first batch of ScanEagles, comprising six UAVs, two launchers, two SkyHooks and three ground control stations, was delivered in May 2020.
However, the RMN only carried out its first UAV operations on 5 February as it wanted US support personnel on hand to provide technical assistance. However, COVID-19 travel restrictions in both countries resulted in American personnel only being able to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
