Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is set to explore Saudi Arabia's defence industry model to enhance its own local defence capabilities, as part of the government's ongoing efforts to fortify national security.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin highlighted the significance of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's visit to the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI). This visit presents a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to learn from Saudi Arabia's methods of bolstering its defence sector.

'We can indeed learn a great deal from SAMI's efforts. For Malaysia, it is important that we recognise the need not to be overly dependent on other countries in defence matters,' Mohamed Khaled stated. He emphasized the link between national security and sovereignty, warning that excessive reliance on foreign nations might compromise Malaysia's independence.

During the visit, which forms part of a four-day state trip to Saudi Arabia, Sultan Ibrahim was accompanied by his sons, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj. The visit allowed Malaysian officials to gain insights into SAMI's aeronautical capabilities and local air asset maintenance efforts.

Mohamed Khaled noted that Saudi Arabia's defence policy mandates that 50 percent of its needs be met domestically. SAMI plays a crucial role in diminishing the kingdom's reliance on foreign defence resources, thereby enabling self-reliance in security matters. Established in 2017, SAMI aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by aiming to localize military manufacturing and develop advanced defence systems.

Operating across five main sectors-aviation and space, defence systems, advanced electronics, land systems, and marine systems-SAMI has achieved significant milestones since its inception, contributing to Saudi Arabia's military self-sufficiency through innovative technologies and local expertise.