US aims to boost defence and technology cooperation with Malaysia
US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan said the US is willing to assist Malaysia's homegrown defence capabilities through technology, partnerships and longstanding military cooperation.
"We want Malaysia to have as much capacity as possible to ensure its own security and defend its sovereignty. Whatever promotes that is very much in our interest.
"We believe that US companies, technology, and partnerships can be helpful for what Malaysia is trying to achieve. There's a long history of working together, and in general, the Malaysian military has been quite satisfied with US platforms.
"It's also worth noting that US-origin equipment remains among the most reliable and easiest to maintain in Malaysia's inventory. We see that as a sign there's room to do more, and we hope Malaysia continues to see the US as a key partner," he told the New Straits Times during an interview at the sidelines of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25).
Kagan also acknowledged the complexity of defence procurement decisions but stressed the urgency of boosting Malaysia's capacity in light of "a very changing and concerning threat environment," including increasing encroachments into Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and territorial waters.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday said that while Southeast Asia remains peaceful and economically vibrant, countries must not take security for granted.
Speaking at the Lima'25 reception dinner, Anwar stressed the need for preparedness and adaptability to shifting geopolitical and industrial landscapes, describing LIMA as a strategic platform to forge long-term partnerships.
Touching on Lima '25, Kagan the event offered a useful platform for engagement, the US-Malaysia defence relationship extended far beyond it.
"Even if Lima didn't exist, we would still have an incredibly broad and deep level of security cooperation. But we are happy to support Malaysia's aspirations and use Lima to demonstrate our commitment," he said.
This support, Kagan said, can be seen through the US' strong presence at Lima '25, with static displays of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, the F/A-18E Super Hornets and a flypast of fighter jets from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
He also expressed confidence in Malaysia's key role as an anchor of regional stability.
"Malaysia plays a very critical role as a maritime nation, as a country that borders both the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, which are both extraordinarily important as zones for free navigation and commerce.
"And so Malaysia's position and how Malaysia handles its position is extraordinarily important. We believe that it is very much in everyone's interest for countries to make clear our commitment to respect for the UN Convention and Law of the Sea, including the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal decision, and the importance of unfettered freedom of navigation and overflight in the region and a rejection of unilateral and unsubstantiated claims," he said.
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