National Defence Industry Policy to Be Launched Soon - Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) will be launched soon following its approval by the Cabinet yesterday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

He said the DIPN serves as a strategic framework to strengthen the nation’s defence industry through innovation and technological advancement.

“The policy will chart the growth of the local defence industry with emphasis on increasing domestic content and achieving self-reliance in strategic defence sectors,” he said at the launch of the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper here today.

Also present was Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Mohamed Khaled emphasised that the advancement of science and technology is no longer foreign to the defence sector but a critical necessity.

“As part of this effort, the ministry will empower the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) to spearhead research and development in the sector.

“To support STRIDE’s role, the ministry will also establish the Defence Science and Technology Advisory Council, which will provide strategic direction for defence technology at the national level,” he said.

He added that STRIDE, in collaboration with academia and industry players, is expected to ensure the Malaysian Armed Forces are equipped with modern and relevant technology in line with current needs.

Mohamed Khaled said the ministry would also strengthen the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), which focuses on key areas such as autonomous and robotic systems, weapon systems, cyber-electromagnetic capabilities and aerospace systems.

“Malaysia must build a resilient supply chain to reduce dependence on external sources. Stronger collaboration between the government, universities and local companies will be central in achieving this goal,” he said.

-- BERNAMA