KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus is strengthening its defence industry footprint in Malaysia through a series of agreements signed at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition, in line with the National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP).
The collaborations involve local partners including Boustead Holdings, AIROD, Global Turbine Asia (GTA) and Ikramatic Systems, covering areas such as military satellite communications, aircraft maintenance, and simulation training.
Airbus said the agreements aim to enhance local capabilities and support long-term sustainment of Malaysia’s defence assets, including future Military Satellite Communication (MilSatCom) systems and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) platforms.
Under the arrangements, Airbus Defence and Space will work with Boustead Holdings on MilSatCom development and training solutions, while also exploring Boustead as a prime contractor for military helicopter sales in Malaysia.
In the maintenance segment, Airbus will collaborate with AIROD to develop MRO capabilities for the A400M military airlifter, and with Global Turbine Asia to expand servicing capabilities for military aircraft engines.
Airbus Helicopters will also work with Ikramatic Systems to explore enhancements to the H225 Full Flight Simulator based at its Subang simulation centre.
Airbus country representative for Malaysia Burhanudin Noordin Ali said the agreements reflect the company’s long-term commitment to growing its industrial footprint and supporting Malaysia’s defence ecosystem through local partnerships.
The group said its aircraft, helicopters, space applications and coastal surveillance systems continue to play a key role in supporting Malaysia’s defence and operational capabilities.
