Malaysia And France Strengthen Defence Industry Ties With Landmark MoU Signing

On 9 July 2025, Malaysia’s Coalition of Defence Industry (CDI‑M) entered a pivotal agreement with three leading French defence industry associations—the French Association of Maritime Industries (GICAN), the Land and Air-Land Defence & Security Industries Group (GICAT), and the Aeronautics & Space Industries Group (GIFAS). This significant move aims to elevate bilateral defence industrial collaboration.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to France. It was witnessed by Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.

3Gs: From the left: Mr. Frederic Parisot, CEO of GIFAS,  Mr. Nicolas Chamussy, Chairman of GICAT, Mr. Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of Gaztransport & Technigaz, Vice President of GICAN, Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Binti Dato’ MOhd Radzi, President of CDI (M) and Executive Chairman, GTA.

The signing of this landmark MoU between the four parties in Paris occurred in the presence of Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, who accompanied Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on this official visit.

Witness: From the left Captain Zainol bin Ahmad RMN, Lieutenant General Gael Diaz de Tuesta, YAB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Dato' Muhammad Ammir bin Haron, En Mohd Nizam bin Mohd Khir.

A Unified Vision for Innovation and Security

The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors such as aerospace, maritime, land and defence systems, and advanced technologies. Key objectives include:

• Exchange of technical and policy insights via seminars and dialogues

• Establishment of a bilateral industry club

• Joint technology and capacity-building initiatives

• Collaboration among training institutions and industry players

• Access to regional and global market opportunities

• Regular high-level stakeholder and government engagement

  
  

Mutual Commitments to Growth

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Nonee Ashirin, President of CDI (M) and Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia, described the MoU as a crucial step in strengthening Malaysia’s defence sector through global collaboration. She emphasized its role in boosting innovation, skills development, and international market access.

Representing France, Philippe Berterottière, President of GICAN, highlighted Malaysia’s growing importance in the defence sector. He stressed the MoU’s goal of building long-term partnerships based on trust and shared success.

GICAT Chairman Nicolas Chamussy noted the partnership’s potential to align French expertise with Malaysia’s defence priorities, particularly in land and air systems.

GIFAS CEO Fréderic Parisot pointed to aerospace as a vital area of cooperation. He mentioned that joint research and training would drive future capabilities.

Lieutenant-General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta, France’s National Armaments Director, stated that the partnership supports flexible industrial models. These models can be led by either French or Malaysian firms, similar to the ongoing Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme.

Long-Term Strategic Impact

This collaboration marks a decisive step toward building Malaysia’s defence industry into a self-reliant, innovation-driven sector aligned with national and regional security goals. It also underscores France’s enduring strategic partnership in supporting Malaysia’s industrial maturity and defence ecosystem development.

As knowledge-sharing and technology transfer progress, Malaysian companies are expected to emerge as credible global partners. This will contribute to economic growth, technological advancement, and enhanced national defence readiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the agreement between Malaysia’s Coalition of Defence Industry and French associations represents a significant milestone in enhancing Malaysia's defence capabilities. The collaboration is set to foster innovation and strengthen the defence sector, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the regional and global defence landscape.

This partnership not only aims to improve national security but also seeks to unify the defence industry in Malaysia. The commitment to joint initiatives and knowledge exchange will pave the way for future advancements, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive in the evolving global defence arena.

The Coalition of Defense Industry Malaysia aims to be the leading force in growing and unifying Malaysia's defense sector, working to strengthen national security and position the country as a key player in the regional and global defense landscape.

For more information, visit CDI-M.