THE defence industry took a significant step forward this week following a strategic collaboration signed between Weststar Defence Industries Sdn Bhd and Australian aerospace and defence technology firm Rocket Technologies International Pty Ltd (RTI).
The partnership was sealed during Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s three-day official working visit to Australia.
Khaled was also joined by the Malaysian delegation, which included Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Air Force chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, as well as Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officers and representatives from the Defence Ministry (Mindef).
The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The pact was inked by Weststar Group founder and group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim and RTI founder Allan James Payne.
Describing the partnership as a milestone for the nation’s defence industrial base, Khaled said the collaboration would focus on rocket and missile technology – an area where RTI brings established experience and expertise.
“This collaboration will open the door to technology transfer, research and development (R&D), human capital development, as well as cooperation with institutions of higher learning,” he said in an official statement.
“It also goes beyond mere production aspects, encompassing the construction of a production facility in Malaysia, which is expected to commence rocket production within two years before expanding to missile production in the future.”
Khaled noted that Weststar’s investment would also allow Malaysia to plug into RTI’s global supply chain, opening opportunities for local industry players to grow within the international defence ecosystem.
The initiative, he said, is aligned with the aspirations of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) to build a stronger, more sovereign defence capability.
He extended his appreciation to the Australian government for its support and consent in facilitating the partnership and the accompanying technology transfer.
Khaled also congratulated Weststar for its confidence in committing to a strategic sector that stands to benefit the nation’s defence capabilities for generations to come.
Parliament visit
The bilateral dimension of the visit was reinforced over a working lunch with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, marking the pair’s first meeting since the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this May.
The two ministers exchanged views on deepening defence ties between Malaysia and Australia, including further avenues of strategic cooperation.
Khaled again acknowledged Canberra’s backing of the Weststar-RTI partnership and expressed hope that the broader bilateral defence relationship would continue to grow in the interest of regional peace and stability.
The Malaysian delegation was also received at Parliament House in Canberra, where they were welcomed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick.
Khaled was accompanied by Johari and Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Australia Datin Paduka Sharrina Abdullah.
The delegation also met several Australian parliament members, in what Khaled described as a reflection of the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The visit was further marked by two receptions – a dinner hosted by High Commissioner Sharrina Abdullah at Malaysia House and another by Malaysia’s Defence Attaché to Australia, Col Dr Samhasri Samah.
During both receptions, Khaled met Malaysian armed forces personnel currently undergoing training at institutions.
These included the Australian Command and Staff College, Australian War College, Australian National University, Royal Military College and Australian Defence Force Academy.
Aerospace and engineering
Rounding out the visit’s third day, the delegation travelled to the Institute for Space, Defence and Advanced Technologies (ISDAT) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), where they were received by USQ vice-chancellor and president Prof Paul Mazerolle.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on ISDAT’s work centres that focus on applied research, including in the field of composite materials.
They also toured the university’s Advanced Composite Manufacturing and Hypersonic laboratories – both developed in partnership with several defence industry players, including RTI.
Khaled said the visit illustrated how industry is tapping into academic expertise to advance defence technology and products, calling such academia-industry partnerships critical to driving the country’s defence R&D agenda in line with DIPN’s aspirations.
Also present were Muhamad Norazlan, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad, and National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia chief executive officer Prof Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, alongside senior ATM officers and representatives from Weststar and RTI.
