Bridging Forces: Malaysia and Türkiye Forge Strategic Defence Partnership

25 July 2025

ISTANBUL:  In a significant advancement for bilateral defence cooperation, the Coalition of Defence Industry (Malaysia) [CDI(M)] and Savunma ve Havacılık Sanayii İmalatçılar Derneği (SASAD) formalised a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the prestigious International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Türkiye, Istanbul.

The landmark MoU was signed in the presence of Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and the President of the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) of Türkiye, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün.

The collaboration, signed by Osman Okyay, Chairman of the Board of SASAD, and Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Dato’ Mohd Radzi, President of CDI(M), signals a high-level commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation across land, air, maritime, and digital domains with a focus on joint research and development, capacity building, and the sharing of market intelligence.

“This MoU is more than just a document; it is a strategic bridge between two dynamic defence ecosystems. It paves the way for Malaysian and Turkish companies to co-develop, co-innovate, and co-compete globally,” said Osman.

The initiative aims to facilitate industry-academia-government engagement to future-proof the defence workforce and build capabilities. It involves organising regular strategic dialogues, bilateral seminars, and industry exhibitions to promote networking and showcase technological advancements.

Additionally, a dedicated bilateral industry club will be established to connect Malaysian and Turkish defence companies with high cooperation potential.

Periodic information meetings, held at least every three months, will focus on collaborative projects and opportunities for cooperation between Turkish and Malaysian defence firms.

“This partnership exemplifies Malaysia’s growing role as a credible, capable, and collaborative defence industry player in the global defence arena. Through collaborations like this, Malaysia is not only elevating its industrial capabilities but also reinforcing its role as a trusted contributor to regional and global security.

Together with SASAD, we are building bridges of trust and opportunity,” said Dato’ Nonee Ashirin.

The foundation of this strategic defence partnership is anchored in the shared vision of both nations to advance technological sovereignty and strengthen industrial resilience. Turkey’s track record in fostering a thriving public-private defence ecosystem presents a compelling model for Malaysia as it will accelerate the development of Malaysia’s industrial base.

More than a bilateral initiative, it also unlocks high impact opportunities in strengthening regional operational readiness. Hence, the signing of this milestone agreement will hopefully herald a new era in Malaysia–Turkey relations.