368 Malaysian companies participate in DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026, moving beyond agent roles to showcase indigenous defence products.
KUALA LUMPUR: The participation of 368 local companies in the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 exhibition reflects growing industry capability, with more firms now showcasing their own products instead of acting solely as agents for foreign companies.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said although the number is lower than the previous edition, it indicates positive outcomes from the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), which has boosted confidence among local industry players to present their technological capabilities.
“This shows that local companies are becoming more confident and capable of producing their own products, rather than merely serving as agents for foreign firms,” he said at the closing of DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 here today.
Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Armed Forces chief General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
He said participation by local companies is expected to continue increasing, with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) assessing suitable products for future asset procurement.
Mohamed Khaled stressed that the government remains committed to strengthening domestic companies through stricter procurement policies for international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
In line with the DIPN, all maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) activities in Malaysia must be carried out by local companies, without involvement from foreign parties
“In addition, all new asset procurements must include at least 30 per cent local components. This policy has attracted global companies such as Airbus and Thales to form strategic partnerships with local firms,” he said
He also described DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 as highly successful despite geopolitical uncertainties, including the West Asia crisis and rising global oil prices.
The four-day event, which began last Monday, attracted 48,347 corporate visitors, while MINDEF secured 24 contracts and Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) agreements worth a total of RM3.54 billion.
Mohamed Khaled also announced that the next edition, DSA and NATSEC Asia 2028, will be held from April 17 to 20, 2028 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.
