South Korea, Malaysia Forge Deeper Defence Collaboration

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- South Korea is aiming to elevate its defence sector relationship with Malaysia beyond a simple "buyer-seller" dynamic by offering a comprehensive package that includes technology transfer, logistics support, and extensive training to enhance Malaysia's defence capabilities.

South Korea’s Vice Minister of Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) Kang Hwan Seug said the Malaysia-South Korea partnership in the defence industry has begun to expand following the signing of the FA-50 aircraft contract, which could lead to a more comprehensive and enduring collaboration in various areas.

"South Korea can be an ideal partner for Malaysia, which is undergoing military modernisation,” Kang told Bernama in conjunction with his three-day visit to Malaysia from Aug 6, where he also attended the Defence Industry Seminar 2024 in Malaysia’s capital Wednesday.

In May last year, Malaysia and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a contract worth almost RM4 billion for 18 FA-50 Block 20 fighters, which have since been designated as FA-50M.

“The South Korean government wishes to go beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship to achieve a comprehensive and reciprocal partnership that includes industrial cooperation programmes such as the ongoing co-development of the FA-50 simulator,” Kang said.

Kang said that increased interoperability and compatibility between South Korean and Malaysian weapons systems through shared supply chains of defence articles would substantially contribute to the national security and military capabilities of both nations.

He also pointed out that cooperation between the two nations can further bolster regional security and bring economic benefits, such as job creation and strengthening Malaysia's defence industrial base.

“As defence industry cooperation is the cornerstone of this bilateral partnership, South Korea hopes to work closely with Malaysia to pave the way for a more prosperous region,” he said.

--BERNAMA