At the Malaysia Aerospace Summit 2026 (MyAERO), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has unveiled its first locally-made anti-drone system. The Birdie-X system uses lasers to repel drones in the air. It is a collaboration between the RMAF, the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE), and Benua Defence as a low-cost solution to the modern drone threat. Each shot is only hundreds of ringgit per shot, but this might actually not be a bad thing.
It only costs hundreds of Ringgit per shot
According to Birdie-X's creator, Lieutenant Colonel Hairul Zaimy, said that drone-repelling systems such as missiles cost millions of ringgit. Unfortunately, there is no information on the laser power used, whether it is a portable type, whether it can be used on vehicles, or how long it took to develop Birdie-X that has been shared publicly.
Moreover, several laser-based anti-drone systems have been developed over the past 20 years, but they have yet to fully repel laser attacks. For example, the Iron Beam anti-drone laser system developed by Rafael and Elbit Systems in Israel was ineffective during an Iranian attack this year. When it was launched four years ago, the Iron Beam was claimed to be able to shoot down not only drones but also missiles, costing just USD15 (~RM60) per shot.
A big step forward for Malaysia’s defence force
Personally, we feel this is a great progress made by the Malaysian Army (ATM). After all, the cost to acquire new tech and maintenance is rising higher and higher these days. What are your thoughts on the news? Feel free to leave your comments below.
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