DSA 2026 gains momentum with industry support

Momentum is rapidly building ahead of the 19th edition of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) and the 4th edition of National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia 2026), following the formal confirmation of participation by nine major industry players. The announcement, made during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, reflects a renewed surge in global confidence towards Malaysia’s premier defence and security platforms.

In a ceremony witnessed by top Malaysian defence officials, including Defence Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief of Defence Force YBhg. General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, leading companies such as Ada Vinci Global Sdn. Bhd., Weststar Defence Industries, Rohde & Schwarz, and Advance Defence Systems Sdn. Bhd. exchanged contracts confirming their participation.

“This milestone sets the stage 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 contracts reflect the stature of DSA and NATSEC Asia on the international stage, and the trust that key players place in our platform to deliver meaningful engagement, visibility, and business outcomes.”

Minister Mohamed Khaled echoed these sentiments, calling the early support “a testament to the events’ enduring value” and praising the companies for their trust in Malaysia as a key regional hub for security engagement. “I commend the companies here today for their early commitment. Their participation signals growing momentum as we head towards what promises to be the most impactful edition yet,” he said.

A legacy of strategic engagement

Held biennially with the support of Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs, DSA and NATSEC Asia have long served as pivotal platforms for global defence discourse. The 2024 edition attracted a record-breaking 1,324 companies from 60 countries and hosted 588 foreign VVIP delegations — the highest attendance in its history.

“For over three decades, DSA has stood as a cornerstone of the global defence calendar,” said Minister Mohamed Khaled. “While NATSEC Asia, now in its fourth edition, continues to expand its relevance in the national security domain.”

The strong institutional backing and comprehensive scope of both events have positioned them as key junctions where policymakers, industry leaders, and defence professionals converge to shape regional and global security strategies.

New CBRNE Arena

A central feature of the upcoming 2026 edition will be the newly introduced CBRNE ARENA — a specialised zone dedicated to the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNe) sector. The segment was officially launched by the Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan during the LIMA 2025 sidelines event.

This purpose-built arena is expected to showcase the latest innovations in detection, response, and mitigation technologies, with live demonstrations and expert-led forums aimed at bolstering global preparedness and resilience.

“As governments and industry leaders confront evolving threats and fast-moving technological change with the proliferation of AI and more powerful computing, they are looking for platforms that offer more than just exposure. They want relevance, credibility, and outcomes. That is precisely what we aim to deliver,” said Nadzeem.

Eyes on Kuala Lumpur for April 2026

Set to take place from 20 to 23 April 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, the theme for the upcoming edition — “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology” — reflects the increasingly tech-driven nature of defence and security readiness.

The early commitments by nine companies are just the beginning of what organisers anticipate will be a record-setting turnout in terms of both participation and strategic engagement. Businesses aiming to connect with decision-makers, launch new technologies, and influence the regional defence agenda are encouraged to secure their place early.

More information is available at www.dsaexhibition.com.