Malaysia Aims to Learn From Saudi Defence Industry Model to Reduce Foreign Reliance, Says Defence Minister

RIYADH, Nov 6 — Malaysia aims to study Saudi Arabia’s model for developing its local defence industry, in line with the government’s efforts to continue strengthening the country’s defence industry.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the visit by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) today provides an opportunity for Malaysia to study the approaches and models used to strengthen its defence capabilities.

“We can indeed learn a great deal from SAMI’s efforts. For Malaysia, it is important that we recognise the need not to be overly dependent on other countries in defence matters,” he said.

“National security and defence are closely linked to sovereignty. Excessive reliance on foreign countries could affect our independence and sovereignty,” he told Bernama.

Earlier, Mohamed Khaled accompanied Sultan Ibrahim on a visit to SAMI’s facilities in conjunction with His Majesty’s four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, which began on Monday.

Also accompanying the King were his sons — Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj.

Mohamed Khaled said that the visit allowed the ministry to observe aeronautical capabilities, including local air asset maintenance efforts.

“The Saudi Arabian government has a policy requiring that 50 per cent of the country’s defence needs be fulfilled domestically.

“SAMI is one of the Saudi government’s key initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment and capabilities, thereby ensuring the nation can be self-reliant in meeting its defence and security needs,” he said.

Established in 2017, SAMI aimed to advance Saudi Arabia’s defence industry strategy by localising military manufacturing and developing advanced defence systems, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

SAMI operates through its five main sector units, namely aviation and space, defence systems, advanced electronics, land systems and marine systems.

Since its establishment, SAMI has achieved several major milestones aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s self-sufficiency in military industries through cutting-edge technologies and the kingdom’s top talent. — Bernama