PARIS, 6 November 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia is exploring opportunities to strengthen defence cooperation with France and international industry players through its participation in Euronaval 2026, a major international maritime defence exhibition held in Paris.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) participated in the 30th edition of Euronaval, held from 3 to 6 November at Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
The exhibition was officially opened by French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, following an opening address by Euronaval President Pierre Éric Pommellet.
The event highlighted the importance of military readiness, strengthening defence industrial capabilities and enhancing international cooperation amid evolving global security challenges.
The Malaysian delegation was led by MINDEF Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Dato’ Abdul Hadi Omar, accompanied by Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Zulhelmy Ithnain and representatives from Malaysian defence companies BSES and LUNAS.
During the exhibition, the delegation held discussions with Lieutenant General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta, Director of International Cooperation and Exports at France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).
The engagement focused on strengthening Malaysia-France defence cooperation through government-to-government (G2G) arrangements, including opportunities to enhance the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
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Discussions also touched on the anticipated visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Malaysia, scheduled for 16 to 17 November 2026.
MINDEF representatives also met officials from international defence companies, including Fincantieri, KNDS, Thales, Airbus and MBDA, to explore strategic partnerships, technology transfer and opportunities for Malaysian companies to participate in international defence projects.
These engagements align with Malaysia’s National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), which aims to strengthen technological capabilities, develop local expertise and reduce dependence on foreign defence technologies.
Malaysia also promoted the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2027, scheduled for 20 to 24 April 2027, and Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2028, scheduled for 17 to 20 April 2028 in Kuala Lumpur.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia, the participation reflects MINDEF’s efforts to expand international defence partnerships, strengthen industrial cooperation and enhance Malaysia’s domestic defence capabilities – The Capital Post
