KUALA LUMPUR, 13th May – The 40 agreements worth RM7.3 billion clinched at an international defence and security exhibition, emphasised the inevitability of investing in emerging defence technologies in the 21st century.
Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stressed the importance of considering and strategically adopting environmental, social and governance principles in the investments.
“In ensuring effective defence collaboration, credible international partnerships must be continuously pursued.
“Good governance and trust must serve as the bedrock of such a healthy engagement,” Khaled said at the close of the ‘Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition and Conference 2024’ and the ‘National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024’ at the Matrade Exhibition and Convenction Centre.
The 40 agreements worth RM7.3 billion involving procurement of new assets for the Malaysian Armed Forces, consisted of: seven contracts (RM1.90 billion) and ten memoranda-of- understanding (RM280 million); 17 letters-of-acceptance (RM3.30 billion); four letters-of-intent (RM1.83 billion); and two Corporate Integrity System Malaysia Certificates.
The Malaysian Army will receive 18 units of medium-range anti-tank guided weapons from Turkiye.
“This asset will be for infantry battalions to increase the capability of fire-power,” said a statement.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will replace the existing air surveillance radar and air traffic management system to ensure safe movement of aircraft and the expeditious flow of air traffic.
“These assets will help the RMAF to observe Malaysian airspace to maintain the sovereignty of the nation and to provide the air traffic services with the latest state-of-arrival technology,” it said.
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will diligently ensure maintenance of its current assets – from surface fleet, submarines and helicopters to the highest operational readiness levels.
Contracts for three RMN vessels – KD Jebat, KD Perak and KD Baung have been signed to continue their refit programme in collaboration with local shipyards.
The government is also looking forward to awarding the in-service support contract for the Prime Minister’s-class submarines to ensure operational availability and mission safety.
The RMN currently operates two submarines, the French-made Scorpenes KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Abdul Razak.
“The Defence Ministry is also committed to promote integrity and to combat against corruption by promoting transparency, good governance and good business ethics amongst industry players particularly contractor and service providers who are actively engaged with defence procurement.
“In order to achieve this, we are working closely with the Malaysian Institute of Integrity to encourage industry players to participate in Corporate Integrity System Malaysia certification,” it said.
Among the notable LOI signed with the ministry include Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd, for the stock acquisition of floating pressure turbine for the RMAF’s Airbus A400M aircraft, worth RM392 million.
The ministry also signed a RM378 million LOI with Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation’s Aeroservices Sdn Bhd for in-service support related to the supply and services of EC725 helicopters which will be performance-based. – airtimes.my
#AirTimes #Malaysia #Pertahanan
