Thales Ramps Up Security Business In Malaysia With Localisation Push

By Fatin Umairah Abdul Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- French aerospace and defence company Thales Group is intensifying its push to grow its security business in Malaysia, targeting expanded collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs while accelerating localisation to tap into the rising demand for cybersecurity and digital identity solutions.

Thales Malaysia and Brunei country director Florian Riou said the group is focusing on strengthening its commercial footprint through new local partnerships and the rollout of advanced technologies, positioning Malaysia as a key market for its regional growth strategy.

“We are actively seeking partners to further localise activities and deliver state-of-the-art solutions, particularly in cybersecurity and digital identity,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 here.

Riou said Malaysia remains a strategic market for Thales, where the group has been present since 1981 across aerospace, defence, space, cybersecurity and digital sectors.

He added that participation in DSA and NATSEC provides an opportunity to strengthen engagement with local partners and end-users, while identifying new areas of cooperation.

“Localisation is key for us. We will continue working with strong local partners and champions such as Weststar Group and Advanced Defence Systems Sdn Bhd to expand our footprint,” he said.

On April 22, Thales announced a partnership with Advanced Defence Systems to establish a local assembly line for its new-generation SYNAPS (V/UHF) software-defined radios in Segamat, Johor, to strengthen Malaysia’s industrial capabilities and technological sovereignty.

Riou said the group is committed to long-term investment in Malaysia, noting that more than 11,000 tactical radios have been delivered to date.

“Under the current plan, we aim to deliver 6,000 additional radios to the Malaysian Armed Forces over the next six years,” he added.

He said Thales has also signed a key agreement with Weststar Group covering radar and defence-related activities, further reinforcing its local presence.

However, he declined to disclose details on the group’s market share and the value of the partnerships.

On external risks, Riou said ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and oil price volatility have not impacted the group’s operations.

“We are monitoring the situation closely, but our business is not dependent on oil supply,” he added.

-- BERNAMA