Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, also known as Malaysian Coast Guard has contracted French company Thales to deliver its unmanned aerial vehicles for the country’s patrol vessels.
The contract will have Thales deliver its Fulmar mini-UAV which will then be installed on six New Generation Patrol Crafts (NGPC), being constructed by Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering.
The maritime design of Fulmar allows the aircraft to take-off and land, whilst the ship is in motion.
With a size of 3.1 meters and weight of 19 kilos, the Fulmar flies to the altitude of 3,000 meters and can achieve a speed of 150 kilometers per hour. According to Thales, it has a range of eight hours due to low consumption and can fly 800 km without refueling.
The aircraft can be used for counter-piracy, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries policing and border surveillance.
Starting in 2016, Thales employees in Malaysia will provide local training and support for the Fulmar throughout the system’s life cycle.