KUALA LUMPUR: Creating a competitive local defence industry will be a major focus of the Defence Ministry this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in his 2025 address at Wisma Perwira here on Thursday (Jan 16) that a framework for the local defence sector would be launched later this year.
“For this year, our main target is to complete the Nation Defence Industry Framework and launch it during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) '25 in May.
"Seeing that the industry must be understood and accepted by the public industry players, the framework must be open and comprehensive,” he said.
He added that public consultations will be conducted as well.
Other aspects the ministry will focus on this year include negotiations for the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“Our negotiations must be serious, (take into account the) long term, and encompass the main and critical elements of defence,” he said.
