EMT plans to manufacture UAV in Malaysia

German aviation firm EMT plans to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones in Malaysia by June next year via a local partner.

EMT has roped in Drei Sohne Technologies (Deutschland) Sdn Bhd (DST) as its sole Asian region sales and marketing representative.

"We are planning to send the first of a 15-member technical team to Germany for training soon," DST managing director Azmi Mustapha said.

"The principal team from EMT will also be coming here later to assist us," Azmi added.

DST was established in Kuala Lumpur on December 20 last year. 

It deals in the sales, servicing and marketing of EMT UAV systems for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes such as military operations, border control, search and rescue, disaster management and specialised missions.

Established in 1978, EMT has over 30 years of experience in the UAV systems industry.

 

This ranges from research and development, manufacturing and continuous system improvements using the latest and state-of-the-art German technologies, to real reconnaissance and surveillance missions in the combat fields of Afghanistan, Macedonia, Kosovo and Pakistan in extremely harsh environments.

EMT's growing family of drones covers the range of micro drones, mini drones and larger tactical drones.

DST is identifying a suitable location for the plantwith an initial investment of RM5 million, said Azmi, who has been living and doing business in Germany for 20 years.

He currently jets between Germany and Malaysia, besides visiting other Asian countries as sole distributor of EMT.

"I choose Malaysia as I want the country to be the first to be exposed with this technology that is now being used all around the world.

"It gives me satisfaction to put the country on the world map as one of the manufacturers of drones for the global market," he said.

DST plans to manufacture FANCOPTER, a micro aerial reconnaissance and surveillance system, and ALADIN, a mini aerial reconnaissance system, here.

"We have also received the nod from EMT for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of their drones," Azmi said. 

He said the drones can be used in a variety of situations. They are not only useful for surveillance and piracy control, but also in the event of natural disasters.

"Imagine that you are facing a natural disaster such as flood or landslide. Instead of sending people over there to check out the situation, you can use drones to obtain all the data needed for further action. 

"This will cut the time, cost and, at the same time, ensure the safety of rescue workers," he said.

DST had on April 26 this year done an EMT UAV presentation to the Ministry of Defence. In July, it did a presentation at the Brunei International Defence Exhibition.

Next month, DST will participate in 11th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition that will run from December 6 to December 10.

Business Times