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)—in a significant move to elevate bilateral defence industrial collaboration.

The signing ceremony, held in Paris, was hosted during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to France and 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 today took place in the presence of the Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin who accompanied the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim on an official visit to France.

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 lays out 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 key 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 and 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, especially in land and air systems.

GIFAS CEO Fréderic Parisot pointed to aerospace as a vital area of cooperation, with joint research and training set to drive future capabilities.

Lieutenant-General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta, France’s National Armaments Director, said the partnership supports flexible industrial models, whether led by 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, contributing to economic growth, technological advancement, and enhanced national defence readiness.