Government change likely to impact Malaysian defence procurements
The discovery by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed’s newly elected government that Malaysia has a MYR1 trillion ($251.7 billion) debt is likely to impact ongoing and future defence programmes.
The government is yet to announce what measures will be taken to address this debt, but defence is likely to be one area where spending curbs will occur since these largely do not have a direct impact on the Malaysian public.
It is highly likely that the MYR2.6 billion plan for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to purchase four maritime patrol aircraft will be one of the first programmes postponed, if
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform
Singapore spends about 3.5% of GDP on defence and the section’s budget sits on high on the proportion of national spending. The country is investing in uncrewed technology, medium- and long-range fires and new submarines and ships with the hunt also on for new maritime patrol aircraft.
-
World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026
At this year's IDEF in Istanbul, Shephard spoke to World Defense Show (WDS) CEO Andrew Pearcey about his event's strategic role in Saudi Arabia, its themes and new features for 2026 and how it has grown since its launch in 2022.
-
Ireland to increase defence capital spending by more than half to $2 billion
Ireland has struggled to meet its defence needs in the face of historical underinvestment, current limited funding and its status as a neutral country. Flush with bonus but possibly unreliable tax receipts, the government has committed additional defence capital spending for the rest of the decade.
-
France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend
The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.
-
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.