LANGKAWI, 22 May 2025 – Malaysia’s defence capabilities took a significant leap forward today as the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officially received a Swift Sea Stalker (S3) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ’25).The handover ceremony, held at the RMN Pavilion in the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), was witnessed by Defence Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. Also in attendance were Deputy Defence Minister YB Adly bin Zahari, Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, and senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).

The handover ceremony, held at the RMN Pavilion in the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), was witnessed by Defence Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. Also in attendance were Deputy Defence Minister YB Adly bin Zahari, Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, and senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).RMN Chief Admiral Datuk (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain represented the Navy in receiving the USV, while Swiftships was represented by Executive Vice President Kristina Paskeviciute.

RMN Chief Admiral Datuk (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain represented the Navy in receiving the USV, while Swiftships was represented by Executive Vice President Kristina Paskeviciute.Swiftships, a defence company based in Los Angeles, USA, contributed the S3 platform to bolster RMN’s maritime warfare capabilities. RMN has already embraced unmanned platforms with the formation of Squadron 601, which operates the ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for maritime surveillance operations.

Swiftships, a defence company based in Los Angeles, USA, contributed the S3 platform to bolster RMN’s maritime warfare capabilities. RMN has already embraced unmanned platforms with the formation of Squadron 601, which operates the ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for maritime surveillance operations.

The S3 USV, an unmanned surface platform, is set to enhance RMN’s operational capacity in reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Equipped with modular payload options, the S3 can be armed to increase its deterrence capabilities in naval warfare scenarios.

This addition marks a strategic milestone in the RMN’s adoption of unmanned technologies and supports the Malaysian Armed Forces’ vision outlined in its Future Force Development Plan.