Iran Withdraws from DSA & NatSec Asia 2026 Amid Regional Tensions
KUALA LUMPUR, April 19: Iran has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Defense Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2026 exhibition, citing logistical and operational challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the development on Sunday following a walkabout at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), where the high-profile defense expo is set to commence on Monday, April 20.
According to Khaled, Iranian companies had initially expressed readiness to participate in the biennial event but were ultimately forced to pull out due to complications arising from the current situation in their country.
“Even before the conflict escalated, they indicated preparedness. However, given the circumstances now, including challenges related to movement and shipment of equipment, their withdrawal is understandable,” he said.
He stressed that the decision was not politically motivated, but rather a result of practical difficulties. “There is nothing political about this. The situation they are facing has created significant logistical barriers, particularly in terms of travel and transport of defense assets,” he added.
The withdrawal comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including concerns surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route that has been affected by ongoing instability.
Despite Iran’s absence, Khaled noted that participation from other countries remains strong. Major international players including Türkiye, China, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, the United States, India, and South Korea are still set to showcase their defense technologies and capabilities.
China leads this year’s exhibition with the largest pavilion, featuring 192 companies, followed by Türkiye with 87 and the United States with 83 participants.
The 2026 edition also welcomes new national pavilions from Croatia, Finland, Hungary, Japan, and Russia, further highlighting the global scale of the event. In addition, 368 Malaysian companies are participating, reflecting strong domestic industry involvement.
The DSA and NatSec Asia exhibition is one of the region’s largest defense and security platforms, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and military officials from around the world to explore the latest advancements and foster international cooperation.
While Iran’s withdrawal marks a notable absence, the event is expected to proceed with robust international participation amid a complex and evolving global security landscape.