KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- The local defence industry must continue to be strengthened to enhance its capabilities, technology and competitiveness, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said national defence is not merely about procuring assets, but also about developing the local defence industry to strengthen the country's sovereign capability and self-reliance.
Mohamed Khaled said efforts to strengthen the sector are also vital to ensure it contributes directly to national economic growth.
"This is why the Defence Ministry wants the local defence industry to continue improving its capabilities, technology and competitiveness, thereby contributing to the national economy.
"The ministry will continue to support the development of the local defence industry, in line with the aspirations of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) and the country's strategic needs," he said in a Facebook post today.
Earlier, Mohamed Khaled visited SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd (SMEO) in Batu Arang, Selangor, to inspect the facilities and capabilities of the local defence company in producing and supplying various types of ammunition.
He noted that with an 85-hectare (210-acre) integrated ammunition manufacturing complex, SMEO is capable of producing small, medium and large-calibre ammunition, as well as grenades and pyrotechnic products, in addition to carrying out ammunition restoration work.
-- BERNAMA
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