KUALA LUMPUR: Emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming global security and set to redefine the nature of warfare and military power, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said that in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, collective security depends on the ability of nations to understand, adapt and act together.
“Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, quantum and space technologies, hypersonic systems, biotechnology, advanced materials, energy systems and next-generation communications are expected to have a significant impact on future military operations.
“These emerging technologies are disruptive. They are redefining military power, shifting focus from traditional platforms to interconnected, autonomous systems.
“Their convergence creates entirely new paradigms and capabilities for warfare,” he said at the opening ceremony for the Putrajaya Forum held during the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2026 exhibitions yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled noted that recent conflicts have demonstrated how warfare is increasingly shaped by technological capability and integration, prompting the need for a reassessment of how defence power is built.
Focusing solely on highly sophisticated and costly platforms is no longer sufficient for high-intensity conflicts, he said, pointing instead to the growing importance of “attritable mass”, which is deploying large numbers of low-cost, expendable systems such as mass-produced drones.
“In this approach, hardware becomes secondary to the digital backbone, computing infrastructure, data and AI,” he added.
Meanwhile, at another event, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said 40 military veterans are set to benefit from a pilot agricultural programme aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
The programme, a collaboration between the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) and the Defence Ministry will see agricultural land owned by the ministry, being developed and managed to create income-generating opportunities for former Armed Forces personnel.
He said the programme would begin with a 20ha pilot project in Selangor, involving areas such as Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor.
“Should the initial phase prove successful, there are plans to expand the initiative further,” he told reporters after an MOU signing between the ministry and PKPS.
