PETALING JAYA: The defence ministry has formalised 24 strategic defence initiatives worth RM3.54 billion aimed at reducing Malaysia’s reliance on foreign defence technology.
The 24 strategic instrument initiatives were signed today during the Defence Services Asia exhibition and National Security Asia 2026 trade show in Kuala Lumpur.
They included 12 procurement contracts, four letters of intent, and eight industrial collaboration programmes.
“This strategic step aims to reduce Malaysia’s dependence on foreign technology through close collaboration between the public and private sectors,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The current focus has shifted from maintenance, repair and overhaul alone towards high-value manufacturing and technological innovation to address an increasingly complex strategic environment.”
It said the industrial collaboration programmes would serve as crucial catalysts to build a sustainable, competitive and high-technology local defence industry ecosystem.
The programmes are expected to generate economic growth and promote long-term autonomy in artificial intelligence investment and innovation, while driving Malaysia towards becoming a regional defence hub.
They will also create high-skill job opportunities and raise the value of Malaysian defence exports while boosting national defence readiness through self-reliance.
“The signing of the initiatives reflects the government’s proactive approach in strengthening national defence capabilities through procurement based on readiness, deterrence and long-term capacity development.
“These efforts are aligned with the evolving dynamics of global security challenges,” the ministry said.
FMT has reached out to the ministry for more details on the companies that signed the deals.
