Latest news with #FA-50M
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
NADI embraces next-gen defence assets
LANGKAWI: National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI) and its subsidiaries wrapped up a strong showing at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25). NADI cemented its position in Malaysia's defence and aerospace sectors with the signing of more than 40 agreements. Its group president, Datuk Edron Hayata Ahmad, said NADI's priority was to highlight local capabilities in looking towards the future. "Aircraft and defence technology is constantly evolving, and NADI must embrace digitalisation to stay ahead. "We are preparing ourselves for the next generation of defence assets, and that's why our theme this year is digitalisation," he told the New Straits Times. Edron said NADI has been participating in Lima for quite some time and that the group's presence reflects the commitment to supporting the national defence industry, the assets it relies on, the end users and the government as a whole. "We are deeply invested in Lima and while the returns are sometimes hard to quantify, the benefits, both tangible and intangible, are significant. "We're proud to represent Malaysian industry and to serve as one of the flagbearers of the nation's aerospace and defence sectors, both to the public and to delegates attending the exhibition." NADI's foothold at the exhibition is also aligned with the clarion call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Lima '25's reception dinner, calling on participants to use the exhibition as a platform to learn, share and witness the latest advancements in defence and security technology. Anwar had said this as Lima had evolved into one of the world's foremost exhibitions in the defence, maritime and aerospace sectors, especially in light of rapid developments in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Among NADI Group's impactful signings were a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between Airod Sdn Bhd and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore collaboration opportunities for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's FA-50M light combat aircraft. The agreement enables both parties to evaluate business prospects involving the FA-50M fleet, including its engines and installed systems. This is in line with Malaysia's aim to localise defence support services for cost-efficiency and operational readiness. Airod said the NDA allows for the exchange of proprietary information to identify mutual areas of interest. It positions the company to potentially become a key MRO partner for the FA-50M, further strengthening its longstanding support for RMAF aircraft. NADI, through its subsidiary Airod Techno Power Sdn Bhd, also entered into a strategic collaboration with Ghost Robotics Corporation, a United States-based firm renowned for its cutting-edge quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGV), to advance defence robotics capabilities in Malaysia. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) focuses on developing and integrating Ghost Robotics' autonomous platforms into Malaysia's defence, homeland security and enterprise operations. This includes deploying advanced sensors, AI software and real-time communication systems for situational awareness. Airod Techno Power said the partnership aims to push Malaysia to the forefront of defence robotics by blending high-performance mechanical systems with innovative digital technologies. The initiative reflects the group's broader commitment to digitalisation and emerging tech. It also saw SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd and Wilayah Arms Sdn Bhd formalise a RM4.19 million supply agreement for 4.76 million rounds of 9mm ammunition, supporting both defence and civilian law enforcement training and operational needs. The agreement involves staggered deliveries over 12 months and signals a boost for the local defence manufacturing base. It also ensures greater supply chain reliability by reducing dependence on foreign procurement channels. NADI, through Airod, also signed a MoU with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia aimed at collaborating on aircraft structural integrity (ASI) research, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and advanced aerospace diagnostics. The partnership combines UPNM's academic and engineering expertise with Airod's industry experience to jointly develop next-generation aircraft monitoring systems. It also aims to enhance national defence readiness through homegrown innovations in aerospace technology and AI applications.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lima '25: Airod, KAI sign NDA on FA-50M collaboration
LANGKAWI: Airod Sdn Bhd and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to explore potential collaboration on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) FA-50M light combat aircraft. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25), paves the way for both parties to evaluate business opportunities involving the FA-50M, its engines and installed components. Airod, in a statement, said the NDA will enable the exchange of proprietary information to identify areas of mutual interest, particularly in supporting the RMAF's newly acquired fleet. Both companies acknowledged the strategic importance of the FA-50M programme and expressed commitment to combining Airod's extensive local expertise in MRO with KAI's capabilities as the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft. National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI) group president Datuk Edron Hayata said the agreement marked a key milestone in Airod's efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the RMAF's FA-50M fleet. "We are pleased to formalise our discussions with KAI through this NDA. The RMAF's acquisition of the FA-50M is a significant development, and Airod is eager to explore how our local expertise can contribute to the long-term support and sustainability of this advanced platform for Malaysia's defence." Meanwhile, KAI executive vice president Park Gyung Eun said the NDA reflected the company's strong relationship with Malaysia and the RMAF. "This NDA with Airod is a crucial first step in identifying potential synergies and collaboration opportunities that will ensure the efficient and effective support of the FA-50M fleet in Malaysia. We look forward to a productive dialogue with Airod," he said. At Lima '23, the Defence Ministry signed a contract for the acquisition of 18 FA-50M, valued at roughly RM4 billion. The FA-50Ms will replace the ageing BAE Systems Hawk 108/208 aircraft, which have been in service with the RMAF since 1995.
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Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[From the Scene] S. Korean defense firms make mark in Southeast Asia at LIMA 2025
Missile-maker LIG Nex1 and aircraft producer KAI draw attention from Southeast Asian countries with affordable, adaptable solutions By Hwang Joo-young and Joint Press Corps LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Southeast Asia's largest defense exhibition opened Tuesday on the island of Langkawi, with South Korea emerging as a dominant presence amid growing regional demand for cost-effective, adaptable, and combat-proven weapons systems. The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, or LIMA 2025, kicked off its five-day run with some 510 exhibitors from 25 countries. Among them, South Korean defense firms Korea Aerospace Industries and LIG Nex1 drew particular attention for their growing regional presence and offerings that closely align with local defense needs. On the opening day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the KAI booth, where CEO Kang Goo-young briefed him on the FA-50M's active electronically scanned array radar, aerial refueling capabilities and delivery timeline. 'You'll be able to see the FA-50M flying over Langkawi at the next LIMA,' Kang told the prime minister. In 2023, Malaysia signed a contract to procure 18 FA-50M jets, marking the country's first-ever purchase of Korean-made fighter aircraft. The jets are scheduled for delivery in 2026. KAI, in particular, is rapidly expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia — a trend that is also drawing interest from global defense partners. European missile manufacturer MBDA mounted its Brimstone air-to-ground missile on a mock-up of the FA-50, signaling its intent to align with Korea's growing platforms. 'Markets like Indonesia and Malaysia, where KAI is already active, are strategically attractive entry points for us,' said Savio Babu, MBDA's airborne technical executive. Babu also cited Indonesia's role in the KF-21 program and Malaysia's potential follow-up FA-50 order as key reasons MBDA is promoting compatibility with KAI aircraft — aiming to appeal to both current and prospective users. LIG Nex1, meanwhile, attracted attention with its naval surface-to-air missile system K-SAAM, branded as Haegung in Korea. The company, which recently opened a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, is actively pursuing opportunities across Southeast Asia, where maritime security needs are on the rise. Designed to defend warships from incoming threats, Haegung is currently under review by the Malaysian Navy. 'Haegung is gaining traction because of our strengths in delivery timelines, technology transfer, and long-term maintenance support,' an LIG Nex1 official said. High-ranking officers from the Vietnamese Navy also visited the booth and inquired about integrating Haegung into smaller vessels. A formal presentation on the company's full shipborne combat system was requested, the official added. 'There's a view in the industry that once a country starts showing serious interest in a system, its neighbors tend to take notice — and often follow,' the LIG Nex1 official said. 'In such cases, if a South Korean defense firm gains a foothold in one country, that success could serve as a bridgehead into the broader Southeast Asian market.' Meanwhile, major US players such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing were notably absent from this year's exhibition, which some observers interpret as a reflection of shifting dynamics in the region's defense procurement priorities. Another industry official at the event, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the absence of these traditional defense giants underscores how tightening budgets and growing operational demands are pushing many buyers in the region to seek affordable, field-tested solutions with flexible support structures — rather than high-end, legacy systems. 'You can see countries like Iran, China and Russia also marketing aggressively here,' the source added. 'Southeast Asian countries are less concerned with geopolitical blocs and more focused on securing the right capabilities on the right terms.' flylikekite@
