LANGKAWI: Momentum is already building ahead of the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) and the 4th National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia 2026), with nine leading companies confirming their participation. These early commitments reflect growing industry confidence and underscore the continued relevance of both events as premier platforms for defence and security engagement in the region.
The contracts were exchanged during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. The event was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, YBhg. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali; Chief of Defence Force, YBhg. General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar; Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, along with other dignitaries.
“This milestone sets the tone for what is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition of DSA and NATSEC Asia to date,” said Nadzeem Abdul Rahman, Executive Director of DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd. “These signed commitments speak volumes about the standing of DSA and NATSEC Asia on the international stage, and the trust industry players place in us to deliver meaningful engagement, visibility, and tangible business outcomes.”
He added, “As governments and industry stakeholders grapple with evolving threats and rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced computing—they seek platforms that offer more than exposure. They want relevance, credibility, and results. That is exactly what we aim to deliver.”
The companies that have formalised their participation include:
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Ada Vinci Global Sdn. Bhd. (AVG)
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Advance Defence Systems Sdn. Bhd.
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Cendana Auto Sdn. Bhd.
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IDC Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
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Mega Arms Sdn. Bhd.
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Nizra Group
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Rohde & Schwarz
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Weststar Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd.
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VR Universal Sdn. Bhd.
Minister of Defence YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin welcomed the strong early response, describing it as a testament to the events’ enduring importance and Malaysia’s growing role as a regional hub.
“For over three decades, DSA has been a cornerstone of the global defence calendar. Meanwhile, NATSEC Asia, now in its fourth edition, continues to expand its relevance in the national security domain,” he said. “These events have long served as critical platforms for governments, industry leaders, and defence professionals to collaborate on pressing security challenges.”
He continued, “I commend the companies here today for their early commitment. Their participation affirms not only their confidence in the event but also their trust in Malaysia as a centre for defence and security dialogue and innovation.”
Held biennially with the support of Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs, DSA and NATSEC Asia are unique in bringing together national policy, international cooperation, and industrial innovation. The 2024 edition saw record participation, with 1,324 companies from 60 countries and 588 foreign VVIP delegations from 45 nations—the highest in the event’s history.
A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the CBRNE ARENA, a fully integrated exhibition and networking zone focused on the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNe) sector. Officially launched at LIMA 2025 by the Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, the arena underscores the strategic urgency of addressing complex and evolving threats. It will feature state-of-the-art exhibits, live demonstrations, and expert-led discussions to enhance global preparedness, crisis response capabilities, and innovation within the sector.
DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 will return to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 20–23 April 2026, under the theme “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology.” Companies keen to connect with decision-makers, showcase their innovations, and help shape the future of regional defence and security are encouraged to secure their participation early.
For more information, visit www.dsaexhibition.com.
