KUALA LUMPUR April 22, 2026 – Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) today formalised defence-related agreements worth RM3.542 billion at the ongoing Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NATSEC) 2026 exhibition.
Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin officiated the signing and handover ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), where 24 instruments were sealed. These comprise 12 procurement contracts, four Letters of Intent (LOI), and eight inaugural Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) awards valued at approximately RM1.4 billion.
The ICP awards, presented for the first time, were granted to local companies including Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Submarine Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (BSES), Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS), Labuan Shipyard Sdn Bhd, Preston Shipyard Sdn Bhd, Zetro Services Sdn Bhd, Galaxy Aerospace Sdn Bhd, Ketech Asia Sdn Bhd, Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE), and AR Eastern Sdn Bhd.
In his remarks, Khaled Nordin stressed that the initiatives reflect the government’s strong commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s domestic defence industry through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for local firms.
“These efforts align with the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) to progressively build local capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and enhance the country’s strategic autonomy,” he said.
The minister highlighted that the ICP programmes focus on critical areas such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of warships and radar systems, enabling Malaysian companies to handle these domestically instead of sending assets overseas.
He added that the government will continue adapting procurement strategies to current needs, including asymmetric approaches, while advancing into higher-value segments like rockets, missiles, and drones in the future.
The contracts and LOIs also aim to empower the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM/MAF) with enhanced maritime assets and network-centric systems to support future-ready defence preparedness and operational connectivity.
The DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026, running from April 20 to 23 at MITEC, serves as a premier platform for defence and security technology, bringing together exhibitors from around the world and underscoring Malaysia’s role in regional defence diplomacy.
This milestone signing marks a significant push towards self-reliance in the national defence sector.
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