DSA-NatSec 2026 Boosts Local Defence, Sets Record Global Turnout

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NatSec) 2026 exhibition aims to strengthen local industry participation in line with the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), which targets 30 per cent local component usage in defence assets and systems.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said 368 Malaysian companies are participating through the newly introduced Malaysian Defence Industry Consortium pavilion, showcasing a range of products and capabilities.

“The 30 per cent local component target is achievable. We are confident because many local companies have come forward with products that can be considered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after inspecting final preparations at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today. The exhibition opens tomorrow and runs until Thursday.

Also present were Armed Forces Chief Gen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Royal Malaysian Air Force chief Gen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

Mohamed Khaled said the 19th edition of the exhibition, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow, has recorded its highest participation to date, with 1,456 exhibitors from 63 countries, up from 1,324 companies from 60 countries in 2024.

The event, themed ‘Empowering Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology’, will feature 37 national pavilions, including first-time participation from Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Japan and Russia.

On the withdrawal of Iranian exhibitors at the last minute, he said it was due to logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz rather than political factors. Developments in West Asia and ongoing United States-Iran peace talks would also not be discussed at the exhibition to avoid disrupting negotiations.

He said a situation similar to that in the Strait of Hormuz would not occur in the Strait of Malacca, as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore continue to uphold international law and freedom of navigation and trade.

Mohamed Khaled described DSA and NatSec 2026 as a neutral and open platform reflecting Malaysia’s non-aligned stance.

“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 to showcase their products and assets,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the Defence Ministry will present Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) documents worth an estimated RM1.4 billion to selected companies for technology and expertise transfer.

“The ICP is important because it helps enhance national capabilities in maintenance, component manufacturing and eventually producing assets needed by the country,” he said.

-- BERNAMA