Malaysians were among the loudest who protested against the Israel-Palestine violence, which is why it is only natural to feel a little unease upon hearing that a prototype Israeli ‘intelligence’ plane had reportedly entered Malaysian airspace.
According to a report by Sinar Harian, the plane had allegedly conducted a test flight across Putrajaya airspace, before landing in Singapore.
Defence analyst, Zaki Salleh, shared that although it was a basic and normal flight, the presence of the aircraft, equipped with electronic intelligence hardware, attracted the attention of many.
He added that there is a possibility that the aircraft was testing the latest system and the long-haul flight is to see the effectiveness of the equipment.
“If true as reported, the Boeing 732-400 aircraft with the registration number, 4X-AOO, belonging to the IAI-Elta company is an electronic intelligence aircraft. This plane is used as a testing platform for radar and electronic equipment,”
“It is designed to accommodate maritime patrol slogan intelligence systems, image intelligence, airborne early warning systems (AEW) and commercial aircraft missile protection systems,” he said.
Zaki went on to explain that the sophistication and sensitivity of the various sensing systems, and their presence in Singapore raises questions on its purpose.
Flightradar24 confirmed that the aircraft had landed in the Paya Lebar Airport in Singapore which is now the nation’s military airbase. According, Malaysia Now, it was also a former US military airbase.
Singapore and Israel had formed diplomatic ties following the former’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. Israel has since helped Singapore build up their armed forces, based on reports by The Straits Times.
Soon after the formation of their allegiance, Israel dispatched defence advisors to Singapore, where they were described as ‘Mexicans’ to hide their presence.
Today, their relationship stretches beyond security into trade, culture and research.
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Also read: M’sian Group Allegedly Hacked Into 5,000 Israeli CCTVs Including Residences & Govt Buildings
