Kuala lumpur: Airbus is set to expand its defence and space footprint in Malaysia through a series of signings and key announcements scheduled to take place at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 exhibitions this week.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Airbus president for Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley stated that the company will be signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Boustead Holdings Bhd, Airod Sdn Bhd, and Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA). These agreements aim to foster local skills and expertise through collaboration with Malaysian partners.
Stanley emphasized that the agreements reflect Airbus's commitment to Malaysia, highlighting the company's role as a trusted partner in knowledge sharing and long-term cooperation across various platforms. He noted that this alignment with Malaysia's National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP) demonstrates Airbus's continued support for the country's defense sector.
Zakir Hamid, head of Asia-Pacific at Airbus Defence and Space, mentioned that the collaboration with Boustead will focus on developing local capabilities in the space domain, while partnerships with Airod and GTA will enhance technical, engineering, and digital capabilities in Malaysia.
In terms of market share, Vincent Dubrule, head of Airbus Helicopters for Asia-Pacific, indicated that Airbus holds a leading position in the civil helicopter segment within the region, excluding India and China, with a market share of approximately 40 to 45 percent. In the military segment, the region is significantly influenced by the United States, with Airbus holding about 15 percent of the market share in military helicopters.
Airbus did not disclose specific details about the partnerships or the investments involved. However, the company has a substantial presence in Malaysia, with over 80 civil, parapublic, and military helicopters in service, alongside four heavy-lift aircraft and two satellites, MEASAT-3b and MEASAT-3d.
Airbus and Malaysia have maintained a strategic partnership for more than 40 years. Airbus's annual procurement value in Malaysia exceeds RM1.5 billion, supporting approximately 5,000 Malaysian jobs.