Malaysia to Deploy Medium-Range Merad Air Defence System by Mid-2030

The procurement of short-range air-defence (Shorad) gear for the Malaysian army and medium-range Merad systems for the Royal Malaysian Air Force has been sanctioned under the 13th Malaysia Plan. Defence Minister Khaled Nordin explained that the acquisitions support a layered air-defence strategy outlined in the Defence White Paper and the armed forces' Air Domain Strategy. Merad is expected to become fully operational by mid-2030, enhancing the ability to detect and respond to complex aerial threats, including fighter jets, cruise missiles and unmanned drones.

The project falls within Phase Two of the Defence Ministry's National Defence Strategic Plan (2026-2030), which targets modern threats such as long-range missiles. Currently, Malaysia relies on very short-range systems that provide limited coverage, prompting the upgrade. The RMAF anticipates that Merad will boost overall readiness and surveillance capabilities.