KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is boosting its local defence capabilities with the launch of the National Defence Projects aimed at managing the country’s defence satellite systems independently by 2029.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the initiative would be developed alongside several other national defence projects under the newly launched National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN).
The projects include high-tech initiatives such as the development of a local satellite, a defence laser system, loitering munition systems known as kamikaze drones, passive radar production and defence simulators.
"The first project is the development of a local satellite to take over the country’s defence satellite services when the current contract expires in 2029.
"The second is the development of a national defence laser system, the third is the capability to assemble and manufacture land vehicle chassis and the fourth is the capability to assemble, repair and manufacture various weapon systems.
"We will also produce passive radar, loitering munition systems and develop defence simulators," he said during his speech at the DIPN launch on Wednesday (Jan 21).
The DIPN was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Khaled added that the projects are part of DIPN, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and build a self-reliant defence industry.
"These projects will give local companies the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the defence supply chain, develop their capabilities and make our defence industry more competitive and sustainable," Khaled said.
He also highlighted that technology transfers under the Industry Collaboration Programme (ICP) will be carried out aggressively but only to companies capable of producing tangible results to avoid resource wastage.
"We ensure that only local companies that are ready and capable to receive the technology will be given the opportunity. The goal is to ensure the technology is fully utilised, not just stored," he added.
As part of the digital transformation, the Malaysia Defence Industry Portal was also introduced to facilitate applications by local companies for ICP, Research and Development and technology offerings, he said.
"The portal serves as a one-stop hub for collaboration between government agencies, industry players and strategic partners, strengthening the national defence technology ecosystem.
"It will bring all industry partners together on a single digital platform, making information sharing, technology transfers and opportunities for exports and strategic partnerships easier," he said.
