South Korea, Malaysia Sign Defense Pact on Weapons Development
South Korea and Malaysia have signed a defense cooperation agreement to expand joint work on weapons development and military modernization.
The agreement sets up a direct government-to-government framework for collaboration on Malaysia’s defense modernization, including projects for fighter jets, naval ships, and missile systems.
It also opens the door for joint research and development, co-production of military equipment, and joint marketing to other countries.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Commissioner Seok Jong-geon and Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin during a bilateral summit held alongside the ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
‘Key’ Partner
DAPA emphasized that the deal “is the result of long-standing trust and effort,” noting that it marks only the second defense industry agreement Malaysia has signed with another country.
The agency added that Seoul aims to be a “true partner” in strengthening Malaysia’s military capabilities and supporting regional stability.
Defense cooperation between the two nations began with South Korea’s export of K200 infantry fighting vehicles to Malaysia in 1993.
In 2023, Korea Aerospace Industries signed a $920-million contract to deliver 18 FA-50 light combat aircraft to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
“Malaysia is a key country in Southeast Asia, and is a key location for maritime logistics, including the Strait of Malacca. It is located in a strategic location and has high growth potential,” DAPA said.
“In order to introduce economic weapons systems and strengthen domestic defense capabilities, the country is moving away from the existing cooperation centered on the West and selecting South Korea as a new key partner, pursuing cooperation diversification.”
