Signings worth RM7.3bil by Defence Ministry for military asset upgrades

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 40 signings worth RM7.3bil have been made by the Defence Ministry to improve and upgrade military assets.

The signings were made official on Wednesday (May 8) at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2024 exhibition here.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin alongside the military’s top leadership including Malaysian Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman oversaw the signing ceremony.

Of the 40 deals, 17 were letters of acceptance worth RM3.3bil, and seven contracts worth RM1.9bil.

A further RM280mil was also authorised from 10 memorandums of understanding (MOU).

Among the noticeable incoming assets include 18 medium-range anti-tank guided weapons from Turkiye.

"These assets will be used by the infantry to increase the... firepower of the Malaysian Army," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

It added that the Royal Malaysian Air Force would also replace its existing air surveillance radar and air traffic management systems.

"These assets will help the Air Force observe Malaysian airspace to maintain the sovereignty of the nation," the statement read.

Meanwhile, contracts were signed to continue the refit programmes for three Navy ships: KD Jebat, KD Perak and KD Baung.

"The success of the DSA and Natsec 2024 over the last three days also highlights the symbiotic partnerships between the Defence Ministry, Armed Forces and the defence industry as portrayed by today’s signing ceremony," the statement added.