Kuala lumpur: Weststar Group is actively seeking to expand its presence in Malaysia's defence sector, capitalizing on the upcoming Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 exhibitions. The defence segment currently represents approximately 25% of the group's overall business.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the CEO of Defence Industries Sdn Bhd, Weststar's defence arm, Datuk Arsad Abd Salam, revealed that the group has, so far, exported vehicles only to Timor-Leste and Brunei within the ASEAN region. Weststar, primarily recognized for its significant role in offshore helicopter transportation, automotive, and defence industries, is now strategically aiming to enhance its visibility alongside global industry leaders.
Arsad emphasized the company's commitment to reducing dependency on foreign-sourced solutions by engaging in technology transfer and localization programs. This strategic approach is designed to empower local industry players, allowing them to acquire expertise in high-end maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. "We don't merely want to be agents (of other companies). Our goal is to be an industrial partner that contributes to the development of our national defence ecosystem," Arsad stated during an interview at the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 exhibitions.
Furthermore, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Wan Hasmar Azim Wan Hassan highlighted the shift in modern warfare, noting the increasing dominance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially in light of ongoing conflicts in West Asia. He stressed that UAVs have become the primary focus in warfare, with military agencies spearheading the development of necessary doctrines and specialties for this new era of defence technology.
"We need to understand what they need. To provide that, we position ourselves accordingly. That is why we (Weststar) have UAVs, ground vehicles, and helicopters," Wan Hasmar Azim explained. Both Arsad and Wan Hasmar Azim reiterated that Weststar's business model is concentrated on developing long-term capabilities rather than pursuing short-term commercial gains.