Kuala lumpur: The Defence Ministry has set eight focus areas to boost national defence readiness, governance, and capabilities in 2026 amid growing security and geopolitical challenges.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the focus areas include continuing Malaysia's role in ASEAN, managing threats in the South China Sea, developing the local defence industry, modernising Armed Forces assets, strengthening comprehensive defence, supporting personnel and veterans, and launching the ministry's new strategic plan.
The first priority is to maintain the momentum of achievements and initiatives from last year's ASEAN chairmanship, as highlighted by Mohamed Khaled during the Defence Minister's 2026 New Year Address at Wisma Perwira today.
He emphasized that managing South China Sea threats is the second focus area, which is fraught with uncertainty and grey zone tactics that could threaten national sovereignty.
The ministry will also focus on developing the national defence industry to bolster local capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign sources through the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN).
Further, the ministry plans to continue modernising and strengthening national defence assets in line with Future Forces aspirations, which includes new acquisitions and strategic procurements. Mohamed Khaled noted that several new defence assets are expected this year to further strengthen and safeguard national sovereignty.
Major assets expected include four Fighter Lead-In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA), three Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE-UAS), and five Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) boats.
Additionally, new strategic assets will be acquired, including Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems, Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) systems, a Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS), and Medium Range Air Defence (MERAD) systems.
The welfare of veterans is also a priority, with plans for direct funding and partnerships for training and second-career opportunities.
The ministry will launch new plans to enhance its capabilities, including the National Defence Strategic Plan (PSPN) 2026-2030 and the Defence Capacity Blueprint (RTKP).
The 2026 Budget allocated RM21.74 billion to the Defence Ministry, marking a 2.9 per cent increase from 2025, with RM6 billion specifically earmarked for acquiring Armed Forces assets and equipment.
Mohamed Khaled mentioned that the ministry is implementing an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework to address gaps with private-sector governance and adopt more advanced, proven systems. He called for a special task force to be set up immediately to guide the ministry in developing an ESG framework suited to national defence needs.