Turkish Aerospace Industries is aiming to deepen its defense presence in Malaysia through new cooperation projects following the successful completion of its ANKA UAV deliveries. Speaking on the sidelines of DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu said relations with Malaysia remain strong and that the company is continuing to work on new opportunities in both unmanned aerial systems and the HÜRJET jet trainer program.

DSA 2026 is being held from April 20 to 23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur, where TAI is showcasing examples of its products and capabilities. The event is one of Asia’s major defense exhibitions, giving the company an important platform to reinforce its visibility in the region.

One of the most notable moments at the exhibition was the visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the TAI stand. According to Anadolu Agency, Anwar signed the full-scale mock-up of the HÜRJET trainer displayed there, signaling high-level interest in the aircraft and in the broader relationship between TAI and Malaysia. This last point is an inference based on the prime minister’s stand visit and the featured display.

Demiroğlu said the company had completed the delivery of three ANKA unmanned aerial vehicles for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, describing the project as a major success for TAI. He also emphasized the importance of the company’s office in Malaysia, which he said now has more than 120 employees and serves as a bridge between the two countries by helping TAI access local engineering talent and infrastructure.

Taken together, these developments suggest that Malaysia is becoming more than just an export destination for TAI. With completed ANKA deliveries, an expanding local office, and continued work around HÜRJET and UAVs, the country appears to be evolving into a broader strategic partner for Turkish aerospace cooperation in Southeast Asia. This final point is an inference based on Demiroğlu’s remarks and TAI’s current footprint in Malaysia.