The Turkish defense industry strengthened its global presence at the LIMA 2019 Exhibition held in Langkawi, signing 10 significant cooperation documents with Malaysian institutions and companies. These agreements—finalized during the first three days of the event, which were open exclusively to industry professionals—mark strategic steps that will bolster Turkey’s technological influence, export capacity and regional partnerships. The Turkish delegation, led by Presidency of Defense Industries President İsmail Demir and Deputy Minister of National Defense Muhsin Dere, highlighted the high-level diplomatic and economic importance of the exhibition.

One of the most notable aviation-related agreements was signed between Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) and the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association, covering product and information exchange as well as joint production initiatives. In rocket and ammunition technologies, ROKETSAN formalized cooperation with Pyrotechnical Ordnance Malaysia, paving the way for collaboration on rocket propellants and explosive materials. In small arms production, TİSAŞ signed a memorandum enabling technology transfer and joint manufacturing of the Zigana PX-9 pistol in Malaysia.

In the naval sector, Istanbul Shipyard signed a cooperation agreement with Boustead Langkawi Shipyard, while SEFT Ship Design, Kuala Lumpur University and Malaysia’s Technology Depository Agency joined forces through a goodwill agreement aimed at joint ship design and construction. These developments are expected to open doors for Turkish companies to take part in ship and boat production projects in Malaysia.

During the exhibition, leading Turkish defense companies—including TUSAŞ, ASELSAN, STM, HAVELSAN, ASFAT and TAIS—showcased a wide variety of systems, ranging from UAVs and helicopters to electronic warfare solutions, naval platforms and a broad portfolio of guided missiles and mini munitions. Turkish Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur Merve Safa Kavakcı emphasized that while Malaysia is familiar with Turkey through cultural links, the country is only recently beginning to fully recognize Turkey’s advancements in defense technologies. She noted that these new agreements mark an important step in strengthening bilateral strategic relations.