On December 12, 2024, the Malaysian Armed Forces officially received their first delivery of FlyEye unmanned aerial systems (UAS), manufactured by the Polish WB Group. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to enhance its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. The delivery followed intensive training of Malaysian personnel at WB Group’s facilities in Silesia, Poland. Already widely used by the Polish Armed Forces, including the Special Forces and Territorial Defense Forces, the FlyEye is also employed by several foreign militaries, most notably in Ukraine.
The FlyEye is a lightweight tactical drone designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and signal relay missions. Weighing approximately 12 kilograms, it can be easily transported in two backpacks, making it ideal for operations in challenging terrains. The drone requires no additional equipment for deployment: it is launched manually and lands using a combination of a parachute and gliding flight, minimizing the risk of damage. Equipped with a mobile observation head featuring day/night and thermal cameras, it provides optimal surveillance capabilities in all conditions. Additionally, the FlyEye can be fitted with a PERAD radio relay module, extending ground forces’ communication range to up to 100 kilometers. A standout feature of the FlyEye is its compatibility with WB Group’s TOPAZ combat management system, which integrates reconnaissance data to streamline artillery fire coordination and ground operations. While not armed itself, the FlyEye plays a crucial role in target acquisition and identification for artillery systems like the Polish Army’s WR-40 Langusta multiple rocket launchers and Krab howitzers, enhancing the precision of strikes.