Budget 2026: Defence Ministry Focuses On Modernising MAF

SUNGAI PETANI, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The RM21.7 billion allocation to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) under Budget 2026 will allow for the modernisation of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), aligning with its objectives to protect national sovereignty.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the allocation, which represents a 2.92 per cent increase compared to this year, is timely for ensuring the MAF's readiness to face traditional and non-conventional security challenges.

"This is consistent with the findings of the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper, which underscores the need to upgrade the MAF assets using new technologies. This is particularly important as we face various challenges, including those in the South China Sea", he said.

He said this after launching the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) Wira Tour 2025: Northern Edition at the Lapangan Terbang Camp here today.

Mohamed Khaled also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his attention to the welfare of MAF personnel and for recognising their contributions and roles in national defence.

Mohamed Khaled said that RM800 million has been allocated for the construction and maintenance of housing quarters for MAF personnel, an increase from the RM600 million allocated this year.

On defence asset modernisation, he said MINDEF will begin receiving 18 FA-50 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in early 2027, to be stationed at the Kuantan Air Base in Pahang. Therefore, it is necessary to build new housing for personnel at the base.

Yesterday, while tabling Budget 2026, the Prime Minister announced that the construction of Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) at Kuantan Air Base, with an RM500 million allocation, would benefit nearly 800 military personnel.

The RM21.7 billion allocated to MINDEF includes RM6 billion for the maintenance and acquisition of defence assets, specifically covering the procurement of Medium-, Short-, and Very Short-Range Air Defence systems, two Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), and 10 Malaysian Battalion Force (Malbatt) vehicles.

-- BERNAMA