Utilizing unmmanned aircraft system Scan Eagle in enhancing Royal Malaysian Navy capability in maritime surveillance operation

One of the most important RMN mission is to provide an effective surveillance in the maritime area of operation. This responsibility has become more challenging when a surveillance system operates in a complex environment such as in disputed area of Spratly Islands, illegal fishing vessels, kidnap for ransom and piracy within our Exclusive Economy Zone (EEZ). The main issue is on the lack of equipment, limited assets and resources in providing effective surveillance in large area of maritime regions with the size of more than 614,000 square kilometres. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate on the utilization of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Scan Eagle in enhancing RMN maritime operation capability in providing an effectiveness surveillance. This research used qualitative method where primary data are obtained from interview session with personnel in RMN 60 I Squadron, Naval Headquarters Operation and Planning Division and Naval Headquarters Eastern Command. The secondary data are supported from literature review and analysis of previous studies. Both data were analysed using strategic SWOT matrix based on current UAS Scan Eagle operational data for land-based maritime operation. This study found that, there are significant effectiveness in using UAS Scan Eagle as a force multiplier to enhance the RMN capability in maritime surveillance operation.