KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken another step towards strengthening its defence industry following the signing of a strategic partnership between Weststar Group and Australian aerospace and defence technology company Rocket Technologies International Pty Ltd (RTI).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the collaboration marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's efforts to enhance its defence industrial capabilities, particularly in rocket and missile technology.
He said RTI's expertise in the sector would enable technology transfer, research and development (R&D), human capital development, and collaboration with institutions of higher learning.
"The government welcomes and fully supports this strategic partnership as it is in line with the nation's efforts to develop local capabilities in the development and production of rockets and missiles," he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 1).
Mohamed Khaled has witnessed the signing ceremony during his three-day official working visit to Australia.
The agreement was signed by Weststar Group founder and group managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, representing Weststar Defence Industries Sdn Bhd, and RTI founder Allan James Payne.
Mohamed Khaled said the partnership goes beyond manufacturing and includes plans to establish a production facility in Malaysia.
"Rocket production is expected to begin within two years, with the facility eventually expanding into missile production.
"Weststar's investment would also allow Malaysia to become part of RTI's global supply chain, creating new opportunities for local companies to participate in the international defence ecosystem," he said.
He added that the initiative is consistent with the aspirations of the National Defence Industry Policy to strengthen the country's domestic defence industry and build Malaysia's sovereign defence capability.
The minister also expressed appreciation to the Australian government for supporting the collaboration and approving the technology transfer between RTI and Weststar.
He congratulated Weststar for its commitment to investing in the strategic sector, saying the move would not only generate significant returns for the local defence industry but also strengthen Malaysia's long-term sovereign defence capabilities for future generations.
