Kuala lumpur: The National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) will be launched soon following its approval by the Cabinet yesterday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said. He stated that the DIPN serves as a strategic framework to strengthen the nation's defence industry through innovation and technological advancement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the policy will chart the growth of the local defence industry with emphasis on increasing domestic content and achieving self-reliance in strategic defence sectors. This announcement was made by Mohamed Khaled at the launch of the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper. The event was also attended by Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the advancement of science and technology is now a critical necessity for the defence sector. As part of the initiative, the ministry aims to empower the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) to lead research and development in the sector. To bolster STRIDE's efforts, the ministry plans to set up the Defence Science and Technology Advisory Council, which will offer strategic direction for defence technology at the national level.

He further mentioned that STRIDE, in collaboration with academia and industry players, is expected to ensure that the Malaysian Armed Forces are outfitted with modern and relevant technology in accordance with current needs. Additionally, the ministry intends to enhance the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), focusing on areas like autonomous and robotic systems, weapon systems, cyber-electromagnetic capabilities, and aerospace systems.

Mohamed Khaled emphasized the necessity for Malaysia to build a resilient supply chain to minimize dependence on external sources, noting that stronger collaboration between the government, universities, and local companies will be essential in achieving this objective.