DSA, NatSec Asia 2026 To Debut Local Defence Industry Alliance Pavilion

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2026 exhibition, scheduled to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from April 20 to 23, will introduce a new Local Defence Industry Alliance Pavilion.

DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman said the new segment is aimed at providing a dedicated platform for local defence industry players to showcase their products and capabilities, in line with the government’s aspiration to expand defence technology exports.

“This is a new alliance where local defence industry players have come together to highlight their capabilities. It aligns with the government’s aspiration to see local companies venture abroad and export their defence technologies,” he said during an appearance on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia today.

Also featured on the programme was Defence Ministry division secretary (Policy and Strategic Planning) Datuk Muhammad Ammir Haron.

Nadzeem added that the 19th edition of the exhibition will also introduce a dedicated Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) arena.

The platform will enable exhibitors to conduct demonstrations and forums with security agencies such as the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force and the Royal Malaysia Police, he added.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ammir said the event is expected to generate an economic spillover of RM700 million, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, aviation and food services.

The biennial exhibition, which covers maritime, aerospace and land defence segments, is projected to be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, spanning 48,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Organisers are targeting 50,000 visitors, including 500 international delegations from 70 countries, as well as 1,400 exhibitors, 400 of whom are local companies.

From an international relations perspective, Muhammad Ammir described the event as a practical platform for regional defence diplomacy, bringing together ministers, military commanders and industry leaders under one roof.

“Imagine if a leader wanted to meet seven counterparts from other countries. It would be difficult to arrange. But here, meeting seven to 10 counterparts becomes much easier, and this in turn enhances regional defence diplomacy,” he said.

He added that the event also aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) launched by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which aims to position Malaysia not only as a consumer of defence technology but also as a producer capable of participating in the global value chain.

 -- BERNAMA