Defence Ministry Outlines Eight Focus Areas For 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- The Defence Ministry has set eight focus areas to boost national defence readiness, governance and capabilities in 2026 amid growing security and geopolitical challenges.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the focus areas include continuing Malaysia’s role in ASEAN, managing threats in the South China Sea, developing the local defence industry, modernising Armed Forces assets, strengthening comprehensive defence, supporting personnel and veterans, and launching the ministry’s new strategic plan.

“The first priority is to maintain the momentum of achievements and initiatives from last year’s ASEAN chairmanship,” he said at the Defence Minister’s 2026 New Year Address at Wisma Perwira today.

Mohamed Khaled said the second focus area is managing South China Sea threats, rife with uncertainty and grey zone tactics that could threaten national sovereignty.

He said the ministry will also prioritise developing the national defence industry to strengthen local capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign sources, including via the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN).

He said the ministry will also continue modernising and strengthening national defence assets in line with Future Forces aspirations, including new acquisitions and strategic procurements, noting that several new defence assets are expected this year to further strengthen and safeguard national sovereignty.

“Major assets expected include four Fighter Lead-In Trainer–Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA), three Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE-UAS), and five Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) boats.

“This year, we will also begin acquiring new strategic assets, including Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems, Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) systems, a Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS), and Medium Range Air Defence (MERAD) systems,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled said the ministry will prioritise veterans’ welfare, including direct funding and partnerships for training and second-career opportunities.

He said the ministry will also launch new plans to enhance its capabilities, including the National Defence Strategic Plan (PSPN) 2026-2030 and the Defence Capacity Blueprint (RTKP).

The 2026 Budget allocated RM21.74 billion to the Defence Ministry, up 2.9 per cent from 2025, of which RM6 billion is earmarked specifically for acquiring Armed Forces assets and equipment.

Mohamed Khaled said the ministry is also implementing an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework to address gaps with private-sector governance and adopt more advanced, proven systems.

“Let us quickly find ways to adopt best governance practices to elevate our authority to a higher, respected level,” he said, calling for a special task force to be set up immediately to guide the ministry in developing an ESG framework suited to national defence needs.

-- BERNAMA