MALAYSIA is set to enter the rocket manufacturing sector within the next two years following a strategic defence partnership between Weststar Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd. and Australian aerospace and defence technology company Rocket Technologies International Pty. Ltd. (RTI), in a move aimed at strengthening the nation's self-reliance in advanced defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the collaboration would establish rocket production facilities in Malaysia before expanding into missile manufacturing, while accelerating the transfer of advanced technology, research expertise and industrial capabilities to the local defence sector.
He said the partnership represented far more than a manufacturing venture, serving as a long-term platform for developing Malaysia's indigenous defence industry through technology transfer, research and development, workforce training and collaboration with higher education institutions.
"RTI possesses extensive experience and expertise in this field. Its collaboration with Weststar will create opportunities for technology transfer, research and development, human capital development and partnerships with institutions of higher learning.
"This collaboration extends beyond manufacturing. It includes the establishment of production facilities in Malaysia, with rocket production expected to commence within two years before expanding into missile production in the future," he said in a statement issued during his three-day official working visit to Australia.
Khaled witnessed the signing of the strategic agreement between Weststar Group, through Weststar Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd., and RTI at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The agreement was signed by Weststar Group founder and Group Managing Director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim and RTI founder Allan James Payne.
The Defence Minister welcomed the investment, describing it as fully aligned with the government's objective of developing Malaysia's domestic capability in rocket and missile design, development and manufacturing.
He said Weststar's investment would also position Malaysia within RTI's global supply chain, creating new opportunities for local companies to participate in the international defence ecosystem.
"This will open further opportunities for Malaysian industry to expand within the global defence supply chain," he said.
Khaled added that the collaboration supports the aspirations of the National Defence Industry Policy, which places strong emphasis on strengthening local defence manufacturing capabilities while enhancing Malaysia's sovereign defence capacity.
He also expressed appreciation to the Australian Government for supporting the strategic partnership and facilitating technology transfer between RTI and Weststar.
The minister added that the investment would deliver long-term benefits not only to Malaysia's defence industry but also to future generations through the development of high-value technology and advanced manufacturing expertise.
During the visit, Khaled also held bilateral discussions with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening existing defence cooperation and exploring new strategic opportunities beneficial to both countries.
He said Malaysia and Australia remained committed to deepening defence ties in support of regional peace, security and stability.
The Malaysian delegation also received an official welcome at Parliament House in Canberra from Speaker of the House of Representatives The Hon. Milton Dick MP. The delegation included Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Malaysia's High Commissioner to Australia, Datin Paduka Sharrina Abdullah.
Khaled said such engagements reflected the enduring commitment of both countries to further strengthen their longstanding friendship and strategic partnership.
The delegation also visited the Institute for Space, Defence and Advanced Technologies (ISDAT) at the University of Southern Queensland, where they were briefed on research involving aerospace technologies, composite materials and hypersonic systems developed through collaboration between academia and the defence industry.
Khaled said Australia's model of integrating universities with defence industry partners could serve as a valuable reference for Malaysia as it strengthens its own defence research and development ecosystem under the National Defence Industry Policy. - July 4, 2026
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