HAVELSAN's BAHA unmanned aerial vehicle will be integrated into multi-purpose vessels being constructed by DESAN shipyard for Malaysia's Maritime Safety Agency (MMEA). The first vessel, MPMS-1, is scheduled for delivery in March 2027, with MPMS-2 following in January 2028. During President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Malaysia on February 11, 2025, a letter of intent was signed between HAVELSAN CEO Cenk Kaptanoğlu and Malaysia's Ministry of Interior Secretary-General, initiating the project contract process.

HAVELSAN stands as one of Turkey's leading defense electronics and software companies, specializing in unmanned aerial systems, geospatial information systems, cybersecurity, and command-control platforms. The company develops solutions aligned with Turkey's national technology development vision, addressing requirements of Turkish Armed Forces and allied nations. The BAHA program exemplifies this commitment, delivering an operationally proven system meeting demanding maritime requirements.

BAHA is a cloud-level autonomous platform featuring vertical takeoff-landing (VTOL) capability and fully autonomous mission execution without requiring runway infrastructure. With a maximum takeoff weight of 28 kilograms and 2-kilogram payload capacity, the system presents a compact design: 4-meter wingspan and 2.1-meter length. The platform operates at cruise speeds of 75-80 km/hour, maintains 50-kilometer data link range, and sustains 2-hour endurance. It achieves 10,000-foot ceiling altitude and 8,000-foot operational altitude, functioning across temperature ranges from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius. The integrated EO/IR/LRF camera system enables effective reconnaissance, surveillance, and target detection missions.

Unmanned aerial systems for maritime security operations have become increasingly prevalent among small and medium-sized naval forces. VTOL platforms operating from ship decks provide distinct advantages in confined spaces and enhance operational effectiveness during extended surveillance missions. BAHA's modular architecture accommodates various payload integrations, adapting to diverse mission profiles. The platform executes marking, detection, and intelligence-gathering tasks day and night, even in cloudy conditions, introducing new maritime security capabilities.

Turkey's defense industry exports have experienced significant growth in recent years, with particular strength in unmanned aerial systems and maritime platforms. Turkish companies have secured strong international market positions in these domains. BAHA's procurement by Malaysia demonstrates Turkish defense technology competence in maritime security and expands the regional customer base. The vessel construction by DESAN and aerial systems provision by HAVELSAN create an integrated defense solution.

This Malaysian project carries strategic importance for Turkey's defense sector. DESAN's shipyard investment in the region creates long-term cooperation and technology transfer opportunities. Simultaneously, integrating unmanned systems with ship platforms exemplifies Turkey's system integration and platform development capabilities, positioning the nation as a comprehensive defense technology provider in the Indo-Pacific region.