Malaysia Unveils National Defence Industry Policy to Boost Local Capability and Technological Independence
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22: Malaysia has officially launched the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), a strategic framework designed to strengthen the country’s self-reliance, technological advancement, and innovation in the defense sector. The policy was unveiled yesterday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and aligns with the Defense White Paper to reduce reliance on foreign resources and expertise while enhancing local capabilities.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Defence Minister Khaled Nordin outlined the six strategic pillars guiding the implementation of DIPN: increased investment, technological sovereignty and innovation, development of local supply chains, human capital empowerment, transparent governance, and sustainable economic growth.
The minister highlighted the role of STRIDE (Science Technology Research Institute for Defence) as the lead agency in defense research and development. STRIDE will spearhead public-private partnerships, collaborate with higher education institutions, conduct innovation readiness assessments for the Malaysian Armed Forces, and oversee the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) to ensure technology transfer to local industries.
Looking forward, DIPN sets ambitious targets, including ensuring at least 30% local content in defense procurement, strengthening local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and prioritizing emerging technologies such as drones and modern warfare solutions.
“The policy aims to build a sovereign, competitive, and technologically advanced defense industry ecosystem in Malaysia,” Minister Nordin said, emphasizing that these efforts will enhance national security while fostering local innovation and economic growth.
With DIPN, Malaysia seeks to position its defense industry as both self-reliant and globally competitive, ensuring that the nation can meet evolving security challenges while reducing dependence on foreign expertise.