Malaysian defence update: Key programmes under spotlight at DSA 2024
A RMAF Airbus H225M helicopter under tow at RMAF Subang. The RMAF will be expected to begin a programme to acquire 12 medium lift helicopters to join the 12 H225M helicopters in service, although the 12 new helicopters may not necessarily be additional H225Ms. (Photo: Dzirhan Mahadzir)
The Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur from 6–9 March will feature updates on Malaysia’s defence programmes, including the signing of Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships and procurement plans for medium lift helicopters.
The status of several Malaysian defence programmes will be expected to be addressed during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition, held from 6–9 March in Kuala Lumpur. These will include signing for three Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships, announcing the formal requirement for 12 medium lift helicopters, determining the status of the Malaysian Army’s Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) requirement and the status of the Army’s programme of leased Blackhawk helicopters.
Companies were invited to tender for the Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ship in 2023 with the Malaysian government finally deciding to procure the ships via government-to-government negotiation.
In a 13 March
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show]()
Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
-
![Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh]()
Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh
The delivery of the Stryker infantry fighting vehicles will form one piece of the country’s effort to re-equip its forces, which includes F-16 fighter jets and new air defence systems.
-
![Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine]()
Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine
A June 2024 agreement with Ukraine for Rheinmetall to provide 10 KF41s along with the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the country has moved a step closer, with the factory now built and a contract signed.
-
![First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027]()
First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027
The new Rheinmetall facility will supply barrels for UK RCH 155 howitzers and Challenger 3 tanks while also opening up potential export opportunities, providing a currently absent national capability.
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
