Forcit Defence Eyes Malaysia As ASEAN Entry Point For Mine Systems
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Finland-based defence company Forcit Defence is looking at Malaysia as a potential entry point into the ASEAN market as it seeks to expand beyond its established presence in Europe.
Its vice-president, Hannu Hytti, said Southeast Asia has been identified as a key growth region, with the company positioning its land and naval mine systems for potential deployment in Malaysia.
“We have recognised Southeast Asia as a target market for us, especially for naval mines. We have already started discussions with the Malaysian Navy, (and) there is interest in mine-laying capability,” he told Bernama at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NATSEC) 2026 exhibitions here today.
Hytti said the company is also exploring options to establish a regional presence, including partnerships or collaborations with local entities.
“We need to have some kind of presence here. It could be our own entity or in cooperation with local partners. I think that is necessary. (Malaysia) could be the first area we would like to enter,” he said.
Drawing comparisons between operating environments, Hytti said regional waters in Southeast Asia share similarities with those in Europe, particularly in strategic sea lanes.
He highlighted that the company’s systems cover both naval and land-based applications, reflecting long-standing expertise in area denial technologies developed over decades.
The systems are designed to “listen” to their surroundings, detecting vessels through environmental signals.
“Unlike earlier contact-based designs, such systems do not require direct contact and can be triggered by the approach of a vessel. They use acoustic, magnetic and pressure influences,” he added.
The company also offers land-based mine systems, designed with remote control features that allow operators to manage and monitor deployment, thereby reflecting a shift towards more controlled and network-based capabilities in modern defence systems.
-- BERNAMA
