The Malaysian Ministry of Defense has announced the signing of up to 40 defense agreements with various companies during the recent Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition & Conference 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Valued at 7.3 billion Malaysian ringgit ($1.5 billion), the contracts are expected to bolster the country’s military capabilities amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
One of the deals signed was for 18 anti-tank guided weapons from an undisclosed defense firm in Turkey. The medium-range weapons will reportedly be used by infantry battalions within the Malaysian Army to boost their firepower.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will also receive new air surveillance radars for improved monitoring of the nation’s airspace and to maintain its sovereignty.
As for Malaysia’s naval forces, several companies have been tapped to ensure timely maintenance of surface vessels, submarines, and helicopters.
“Contracts for three [Royal Malaysian Navy] vessels – KD Jebat, KD Perak, and KD Baung – have been signed to continue their refit program in collaboration with local shipyards,” the ministry said.
#DSA2024 : MINDEF INK 40 AGREEMENTS WORTH RM7.3 BILLION AT DSA 2024 AND NATSEC ASIA 2024 pic.twitter.com/H4Kbkpk4IY
— MINDEF Malaysia (@MINDEFMalaysia) May 9, 2024
Letters of Intent
Apart from contracts, four letters of intent (LOIs) worth 1.83 billion Malaysian ringgit ($389 million) were signed at the conference.
One of them was for the acquisition of floating pressure turbines for RMAF’s A400M four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.
Another LOI was with BHIC Aeroservices for in-service support related to the EC725 tactical transport chopper.
“In ensuring effective defense collaboration, credible international partnerships must be continuously pursued. Good governance and trust must serve as the bedrock of such a healthy engagement,” Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
The four-day DSA 2024, which started on May 6, brought together over 1,300 companies from 60 countries.
