Bolstering Maritime Security Architecture: Technological Emergence As The Advanced

Solution To Enhance The Effectiveness of ASEAN’s Security Cooperation.

Huzaifah Ashraf Jamal, Syuhaida Ismail

Abstract

Maritime security has become a growing concern in Southeast Asia due to the emergence of
non-traditional threats such as illegal fishing and pollution. As a result, maritime security
cooperation has been proposed, catalysing the need for cooperative efforts among ASEAN
states to address these concerns. However, this study found that the lack of continuous
situational awareness and persistent environmental monitoring poses a significant challenge
to current maritime security cooperation’s effectiveness. Incorporating evidence from
reviews and other research, this study has suggested the integration of current technological
emergence with traditional surveillance methods to fill the existing loophole. This paper
concludes that the integration of technology will positively impact the effectiveness of
maritime security cooperation by increasing surveillance efficiency, enhancing decision-
making, and providing real-time data and has served as the advanced solution in bolstering
maritime security architecture in this region.

Keywords: Maritime Security Cooperation, Maritime Security, Satellite, Unmanned Aircraft System,
Integrated Surveillance Systems.

Introduction
In recent years, maritime security concern in Southeast Asia has emerged as a popular topic among the
military and the academic community. It is found that over the past decade, the primary focus of maritime
security has gradually shifted to facing non-traditional threats such the illegitimate extraction of marine
resources and the pollution of the marine ecosystem (Octavia et al., 2020). Today’s non-traditional threats
can no longer be handled by one country alone due to the emergence of new actors makes them also face
the existing threats (Rosnani et al., 2022). Thus, it is proposed that maritime security cooperation is one of
the best solutions to address maritime security architecture. The maritime security architecture can only
function if there is an interconnection between the national and regional levels. It is both an obligation
and a necessity to have maritime security cooperation, as it plays a vital component in setting the suitable
condition of a stable region by providing stability to explore Blue Economy (BE) potential in this region.
“Regional maritime security cooperation could involve navies and/or coast guards in bilateral and/or
regional strategic partnership. Integrated use of ships, maritime aircraft and personnel would facilitate and
improve communication and coordination in combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
and pollution at sea” (Octavian et al., 2020).
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However, it is found that even with the most holistic and comprehensive framework on cooperation
measures, one shortcoming of relying solely on traditional surveillance platforms is the lack of continuous
situational awareness and persistent environmental monitoring providing real-time data for a wide search
area. It is extremely challenging for manned assets to independently monitor tens of thousands or, in some
cases, millions of square kilometres of ocean. Inadequate and obsolete asset conditions due to a lack of
defence spending funds have exacerbated this issue. Spending the budget on infrastructure, education,
healthcare, and other economic and social growth issues has historically taken precedence over defence and
security in this region (Daniel, 2018). Given the best scenario on how this issue affected national security,
it is found that the low budget allocation to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), and particularly to the
Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), will pose a negative impact on Malaysian defence and maritime security,
which eventually will threaten national sovereignty in a significant way (Hamzah et al., 2022).

Even so, it is suggested that one of the best solutions to overcome this challenge is integrating current
technological emergence with traditional surveillance methods to fill the existing loophole. This has been
supported by a study that suggests the existing technology utilisation is one of the important elements to be
promoted in preparing the required steps in maritime security cooperation development in this region
(Octavia et al., 2020). However, the question arises: “How does the integration of emerging technology
positively impact the effectiveness of maritime security cooperation.” Hence, the first sections of this paper
will look into the advantages of technology. The following sections will discuss how integrating existing
technology with traditional surveillance platforms serves as an advanced solution to increase the
effectiveness of maritime security cooperation in bolstering maritime security architecture. The last section
will elaborate on the way forward suggested to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states
to enhance the effectiveness of security cooperation in the Southeast Asia region.

The Technological Emergence Advantages

Satellites, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology have all recently
emerged as formidable tools in the fight against traditional and non-traditional threats all over the world.
Satellites and UAS are relatively cost-effective compared to traditional surveillance platforms, such as
manned aircraft and ships. Also, “surveillance has been one of the largest markets for UAS technology,
particularly when spaceborne technology, manned airborne, and in situ methods are not as efficient for
various reasons, including accessibility, speed, cost efficiency, and operational safety. They can cover
large ocean areas at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, making them a cost-effective alternative
to the limited defence budget” (Mansor et al., 2016).

In addition, satellites and UAS are able to provide continuous coverage of substantial ocean regions.
Satellites can provide a view of the ocean encompassing a large area, enabling them to detect and track
vessels across a wide region. On the other hand, UAS can maintain persistent surveillance over a particular
area for extended periods. It enables surveillance of the maritime domain to be carried out in a manner that

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is both more comprehensive and effective. Director of Andøya Space Defense, Gunnar Jan Olsen
commented on this; "They need to understand what is moving all the way from space until below the seabed.
This is all-domain; the heavens, the universe, the seabed, the ocean. The old way is not enough. Sending
out a plane, a frigate, or the coast guard no longer cuts it. Needs now are about persistent environmental
monitoring providing real-time data" (Jonassen, 2021). These will eventually allow for better situational
awareness of maritime domain activity.

Moreover, satellites and UAS can be equipped with advanced sensors and cameras with detailed imagery.
For instance, according to Vision Sentient (2021), the UAS detection capability will improve by 300 times
more coverage area if fitted with Visual Detection and Ranging (ViDAR) technology, a wide-area
autonomous detection system for electro-optic imagery in the maritime domain. When equipped with
ViDAR, a tactical UAS like ScanEagle (Figure 1), can search an approximately 13,360 square nautical mile
area in 12 hours at 60 knots cruising speed (Navy Recognition, n.d.), which has led to more effective and
efficient decision-making. US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Stratton Captain Bob Little highlighted the
value of UAS ScanEagle, stating that: “Technology like ScanEagle allows USCG to identify and track
contacts (vessels) much farther out or locate those ‘dark targets’ vessels not on radar or transmitting on
Vessel Management System (Insitu Inc, 2021).

Figure 1: ScanEagle UAS. (Source: Ashraf, 2023)

Furthermore, technology will also offer better coordination and collaboration solution. Digital platforms
and web-based applications can improve information sharing and coordination among regional states,
leading to more effective and efficient management of maritime security incidents. The availability of a
cooperatively created picture has a long “dream of naval commanders” who wanted to be able to see what
was over the horizon (Soto, 2010). The emergence of technology in maritime security has transformed the
way we monitor and respond to threats at sea. As technology continues to evolve, we will likely see even
more innovative solutions for maritime security in the future.

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The Advanced Solution to Maritime Domain Awareness
This section will elaborate on how the integration of traditional assets (manned aircraft and ships) with
Integrated Remote Sensing System (IRSS) technology consists of satellite data, Near Real-Time (NRT)
video feed by Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), ViDAR, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, serve
as an integrated surveillance system to provide the most advanced solution to the maritime domain
awareness. ArcticX (a multinational collaboration exercise between several nations and world-leading
innovators in advanced defence technology) has demonstrated the best example of how an integrated
maritime surveillance system enhanced the effectiveness of maritime domain awareness. As illustrated in
Figure 2, ArcticX21 provides complete situational awareness from satellites, Beyond Visual Line of Sight
(BVLOS) UAS and other platforms in monitoring illegal fishing simulations, 'dark target’, oil spills, and
ship/iceberg detection in the Arctic (the world's most inhospitable environments) (IDG web, n.d.).

Figure 2: Illustration of IRSS Capability on ArcticX21 (Source: Jonassen, 2021)

According to Dave Funkhouser from Boeing-Insitu Inc, “The basic idea of ArcticX21 mission is to use
satellites to detect "dark target" ships that are not properly using their AIS transponder. Then, the Integrated
Remote Sensing for Arctic (IRSA) Mission Centre will deploy the UAS to inspect the ship. If something is
suspicious, the UAS will alert the navy or coast guard, who will send a ship or helicopter to perform a Visit
Board Search and Seizure (VBSS)” (personal communication in LinkedIn, Jan 21, 2023). If every fleet in
this region cooperates and utilising this kind of technology could log on to a network-centric and take a
real-time look at what is happening in a given spot, the effectiveness of maritime security cooperation
in bolstering maritime domain awareness could be enhanced. "Although it was designed for the Arctic
region, it is still relevant anywhere else, such as the South China Sea, Straits of Malacca, Riau Archipelago,
etc. The bottom line is that this Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capability can go almost anywhere
worldwide and quickly become operational” (Dave Funkhouser, personal communication in LinkedIn, Jan
21, 2023). The system also successfully identified a real 'dark target' in that mission, a Russian Corvette,
namely BOIKEY 532 (ArcticX IDG, 2022).

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Furthermore, according to research on the topic of “Wide Integrated Surveillance System of Marine
Territory Using Multi-Platform” by (Ryu et al., 2018), it is vital to establish a comprehensive, integrated
surveillance system of maritime territory to reduce damage caused by maritime security threats, marine
pollution and accidents for safe and clean use of marine and maritime ecosystem. The study has introduced
the significance of an integrated maritime surveillance system to maritime surveillance. It also has
identified the characteristics of each platform, namely satellite, UAS, and HF Ocean Radar and has
evaluated its usability for the comprehensive and integrated surveillance system. It is found that the
information characteristics of space-time specific, accuracy and operability, and real-time information
about the wide area provided by this platform is vital and should be provided at all times for maritime
surveillance. The following subsection will discuss the way forward suggested to be implemented by the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states to enhance maritime security cooperation's
effectiveness.

Also, the idea that technological emergence will enhance maritime security awareness also has been
supported by Professor Christian Bueger. In his observations from the International Maritime Security
Conference (IMSC) 2023 held in Singapore, he found that the defence exhibition showcased the rapid
technological advancements reshaping the maritime security landscape. These technological innovations
have the potential to significantly enhance maritime domain awareness and the protection of critical
maritime infrastructure (Bueger, 2023).

The Way Forward

To increase the effectiveness of maritime security cooperation in this region, the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) states are suggested to use technology to combat traditional and non-traditional
threats. If regional states cannot afford to purchase integrated advanced technology like Integrated Remote
Sensing System (IRSS) discussed in the previous section, regional states can start with the current
technology available in the inventory. Several ASEAN states have been blessed with ScanEagle (tactical
UAS) delivery under the Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) programme, and others, like Brunei, have even
purchased their own tactical UAS (Integrator). MSI is a United States (US) government program under the
Department of Defence (DOD) that aims to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities of multiple
ASEAN countries. Therefore, ASEAN countries should together explore and utilise UAS provided under
the MSI programme to enhance the effectiveness of maritime security cooperation.

As a country with extensive experience deploying UAS, the US government, under the supervision of the
Office of Defence Cooperation (ODC), can lead the discussion among regional countries on this issue
through workshops and exercise such as Southeast Asia Cooperation And Training (SEACAT). SEACAT
is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation among Southeast Asian countries and provide
mutual support and a common goal to address crises, contingencies, and illegal activities in the maritime
domain. (U.S. Embassy Malaysia, 2021). To add more value in the future, SEACAT can be a platform to

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discuss the required steps in utilising technology in maritime security cooperation among regional
countries. Moreover, since most of the UAS operator in this region is dominated by drone provided by
Boeing-Insitu, the Indo-Pacific NEXUS Insitu User-held Conference organised by Insitu Pacific serve as
another suitable platform to discuss the collaborative opportunity in this region. According to (Andrew,
2023), the NEXUS conference in Singapore in May 2023 has developed the spirit of cooperation and
facilitated direct Government to Government discussions between current and previous users of Insitu
Pacific UAS products and services. The conference has been an exceptional gathering of industry leaders
and government officials from across the Indo-Pacific region, providing a unique opportunity for
collaboration, where participants can explore new approaches, share best practices, and discuss the latest
technological advancements in the unmanned systems domain.

Also, the timely data provided by the technology platform discussed in the previous subsection will be more
beneficial if regional countries have the best information-sharing system, which has increased the need for
a mission/information-sharing centre mirror to the IRSA Mission Centre in proving network-centric warfare
capability. Going forward, International Fusion Centre (IFC) seems to be the best mechanism for the needs.
The IFC is key in ensuring safe and secure seas through timely and comprehensive information sharing
within regional countries. Over the years, IFC has broadened the range of partnerships to include military
and enforcement agencies and shipping companies. In addition, IFC offers intelligent information-sharing
partnerships and can facilitate the optimal method for utilising timely data from technology assets. The
exchange of information in combatting maritime issues is vital as the actors capitalise on the loophole
between countries (Fairuz, 2020). This will significantly impact maritime security governance, which will
be more coordinated and discovered to be the driving factor in improving maritime security cooperation.

Conclusion
In conclusion, maritime security is a critical concern for the Southeast Asia region, particularly in
addressing non-traditional threats in this region. Maritime security cooperation between navies and coast
guards through bilateral and regional partnerships is necessary to ensure stability and protection of the
maritime domain, including the exploration of Blue Economy potential. The lack of continuous situational
awareness and persistent environmental monitoring is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to
increase the effectiveness of maritime security cooperation. To overcome this challenge, integrating
emerging technology such as satellites, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
with traditional surveillance platforms can provide continuous and persistent environmental monitoring.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states are recommended to utilise technology to
enhance their maritime security cooperation in combatting traditional and non-traditional threats. The
integration of technology will positively impacts the effectiveness of maritime security cooperation by
increasing surveillance efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and providing real-time data and serves as
the advanced solution in bolstering maritime security architecture in this region. While some states may not

6
be able to afford advanced technology like the Integrated Remote Sensing System (IRSS), they can start
with the current technology available in their inventory, such as UAS ScanEagle. Therefore, ASEAN
countries should collaborate to explore and utilise UAS provided under the Maritime Security Initiative
program and engage in multilateral regional exercises and conferences to discuss the required steps for
collaboration among regional countries in utilising technology for maritime security cooperation. A number
of suggestions could be presented to assist regional countries in preparing the required steps in emerging
technology into maritime security cooperation.

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