M’sia Mulls Defence R&D Cooperation Wth Other Countries - Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The government is considering offers of research and development (R&D) cooperation in the defence industry with several countries, especially Turkey, to strengthen the country's self-defence capabilities and reduce dependence on external forces.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the cooperation involves various aspects including Border Security System, Professional Radio System and Air Defence System.

"The government is committed to strengthening local defence capabilities through a comprehensive approach, including the development of technology, weapons systems and strengthening human capital," he said in response to a question by Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) during the question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat today.

Kamal wanted to know about the government's steps to build self-defence and military capabilities, including the development of local weapons technology and reducing dependence on external forces in facing future threats.

Mohamed Khaled said that among the initiatives being put in place included the empowerment of the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) as a regional centre of excellence and the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) to strengthen the local defence industry ecosystem.

In addition, he said the Ministry of Defence had also restructured the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence Enforcement & Security (MIDES) into the Defence Industry Strategic Council to improve governance and develop a more comprehensive defence sector Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) policy.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) which was framed as a strategic framework to empower local innovation and technology was now in the final stages of preparation and was scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet this August.

-- BERNAMA