Kuala Lampur, June 6 -- The call for Asean to establish a joint and comprehensive drone strategy - one that is integrated from end to end - is not only timely but necessary. As highlighted in The Edge Malaysia's recent analysis, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are no longer the preserve of great powers. Their utility spans civilian, commercial, and military spheres, and for South-east Asia - home to some of the world's busiest sea lanes and most porous borders - drones are fast becoming a critical component of future security management.

Asean member states must recognise that the fragmented and ad hoc development of drone capabilities within the region leaves the bloc vulnerable - not only to transnational threats such as piracy, human tr...