Malaysia’s premier defence exhibition hits record global turnout, aiming to boost local industry participation and RM1.4 billion in tech transfer deals
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2026 exhibition opens with a record global turnout and a sharp focus on strengthening Malaysia’s domestic defence industry.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the event aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy target of 30% local component usage in defence assets. He expressed confidence this goal is achievable, citing strong local company participation.
“We are confident because many local companies have come forward with products that can be considered by original equipment manufacturers,” Mohamed Khaled told reporters after inspecting preparations at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The 19th edition of the exhibition has attracted 1,456 exhibitors from 63 countries, surpassing the 1,324 companies from 60 nations in 2024. It will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and features 37 national pavilions.
First-time participants include Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Japan and Russia. The minister attributed the last-minute withdrawal of Iranian exhibitors to logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, not political factors.
He confirmed that geopolitical issues, including developments in West Asia and US-Iran talks, would not be discussed to avoid disrupting negotiations. Mohamed Khaled described DSA-NATSEC as a neutral platform reflecting Malaysia’s non-aligned foreign policy.
“Unlike some countries where such exhibitions are attended only by aligned nations, Malaysia provides a neutral platform where countries involved in conflicts are also present,” he said.
A key feature is the participation of 368 Malaysian companies through the newly launched Malaysian Defence Industry Consortium pavilion. The Defence Ministry will also present Industrial Collaboration Programme documents worth an estimated RM1.4 billion to selected firms.
Mohamed Khaled said the ICP is crucial for enhancing national capabilities in maintenance, manufacturing and eventual asset production. The event, themed ‘Empowering Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology’, runs until Thursday.
