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Malaysia to Install Radar on Swallow Reef amid Overlapping South China Sea Claims
Malaysia announced a long-range radar system on Swallow Reef and new drones in Labuan to improve monitoring of aircraft movements. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the upgrades on July 20, 2026. South China Morning Post reported the moves amid territorial tensions.
Jul 20, 4:59 AM·1m read1 source
South China Morning PostAudio version
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Malaysia will install a long-range radar system on Swallow Reef, known locally as Pulau Layang-Layang, to give its armed forces clearer surveillance of aircraft movements around the Spratlys, South China Morning Post reported. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated on Sunday that the country has strengthened its position on the reef and will add the radar for stronger surveillance capabilities.
The upgrades include newly operational drones launched in Labuan.
Both measures were announced on July 20, 2026. “From a security perspective, as we all know, we have strengthened our position on Pulau Layang-Layang,” Khaled told reporters after an election campaign launch event in Negeri Sembilan. ” Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Sunday that Malaysia had recently sent a “very strong” diplomatic note to an unnamed country claiming part of its territory.
The steps come as the Philippines revives its claim over Sabah state in Malaysian Borneo and Chinese patrols continue near Malaysia’s offshore energy fields.
