KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2026 –
Today, at the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026), held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Advanced Defence Systems Sdn Bhd (ADS) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key strategic partners, including French based defence company KNDS France (KNDS), Thales Six GTS France SAS (Thales) together with several local companies. It was a significant milestone in strengthening collaborative synergy, driving innovation and enhancing local capabilities within the defence sector.
This iniative supports the objectives of Malaysia’s National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) which is focused on reducing reliance on foreign technologies, increasing local content to at least 30% and fostering greater self – reliance through the development of technology and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Furthermore, ADS’s move to align with the DIPN also serves as a strategic driver in transforming Malaysia from a technology consumer into a producer and exporter of defence products, in line with current demands and operational requirements of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
The collaboration between ADS and KNDS aims to strengthen regional defence capabilities, particularly involving the 105mm LG1 MKIII artillery system and the Caesar® 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH).
Additionally, this partnership underscores ADS’s growing competency in driving the Assembly, Integration and Testing of the 105mm LG1 MKIII artillery system in Malaysia. Locally assembled and integrated, the system will adhere to stringent international standards, thereby delivering enhanced capability and reliability in support of national and regional security objectives. This clearly demonstrates that the operational deployment of the KNDS developed 105mm LG1 MKIII is a true game changer in fire support capability.
Meanwhile, the signing of a second MoU, involves ADS and Thales, which facilitates the offering of High Frequency (HF) XL tactical radio communications systems to Malaysia under the ADS portfolio. This radio is designed to provide resilient tactical communications while enabling fast and efficient data transmission rates.
The HF XL system will directly enhance the army’s long range communication capabilities, particularly in challenging operational environments while ensuring secure, stable and resilient communication continuity in support of both tactical and strategic operations.Other than that, the system also enhances resilience against electronic interference (jamming) and enables the transfer of large data files such as images and video streaming.
This partnership further strengthens the collaboration between ADS and Thales in Malaysia, despite having a track record of delivering more that 10,000 radio units to the MAF over the past 25 years.
Another product which is to be assigned to ADS is the Synaps – H where it is the handheld version of the Synaps Networking SDRV/UHF radio family designed to provide unmatched agility to the dismounted commanders. With its backside mission module option, it is also a communication gateway for better coordination with various frontline units of the modern battlefield.
The collaboration between these two (2) companies also includes the establishment of a local assembly line for radio products at the ADS facility. This Transfer of Technology (TOT) will further increase the scope and capabilities of ADS as a company which aims to become a local Subject Matter Expert (SME), starting with assembly, parts integration, inspection and maintenance for the said products.
Strategic collaborations will also be implemented with various local companies to support ADS’s initiative to create a local company programme. Companies included in this plan are Alkhaliq Global Sdn Bhd, Zatech Engineering Services Sdn Bhd, PBZ Sdn Bhd, Shafleena Venture Sdn Bhd, Pacific Oil Seals Sdn Bhd and CB Hoses & Piping Sdn Bhd. They are part of the establishment of the regional Centre of Excellence (CoE) for the 105mm LG1 programme, which aims to localise the production of parts and spares under ADS.
On the other hand,companies like Teq Armada Sdn Bhd, Delta Masis (M) Sdn Bhd, Camar Telecommunication System Sdn Bhd, One Precision Engineering & Services Sdn Bhd and Cutz Technologies Sdn Bhd are included as local companies to support the setting up of a tactical radio assembly line in Malaysia that is aimed on strengthening national technological capabilities, thereby bolstering Malaysia’s overall defence capabilities under DIPN.
All parts that are produced by ADS and its local companies are sent for testing and certification at the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE), in accordance with the established standards. This is a crucial part to ensure that all of the components are of high quality, reliable and suitable for operational use.
Major Idris Bin Yeop Hamzah (R), General Manager of ADS, signed on behalf of ADS, while Mr. Amaury de Poncins represented KNDS while Thales was represented by Mr Florian Riou. The ceremony was witnessed by the Honourable Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, the Minister of Defence Malaysia.
This MoU reflect the shared commitment between ADS, KNDS, Thales, and several local companies in strengthening security and enhancing the capabilities of Malaysia’s defence forces. ADS hopes that this MoU will serve as a catalyst for the development of a more sustainable, competitive, and high-technology driven local defence industry.