TOKYO, 21 October 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia and Japan have agreed to expand bilateral military training and explore closer defence industry cooperation following Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s official working visit to Japan from 18 to 20 October 2026.
During a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, both countries agreed to broaden military training activities to include cybersecurity and explore further maritime security cooperation.
Discussions also covered government-to-government (G2G) defence procurement arrangements, with an emphasis on technology transfer and strengthening Malaysia’s domestic defence industry capabilities.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) 2026 agreement with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
The agreement involves a Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) package valued at ¥1.65 billion, approximately RM40 million, aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s ability to respond to unmanned aerial threats.
Mohamed Khaled also held discussions with Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) to explore opportunities for defence technology collaboration.
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The visit included a tour of Toshiba’s defence facilities to assess potential cooperation in technology development and the production of defence components in Malaysia.
The engagements highlighted both countries’ interest in strengthening defence capabilities, protecting national sovereignty and supporting regional peace and stability.
The visit also took place ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan in 2027.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia, the visit reflects the two countries’ continued commitment to strengthening strategic defence and security cooperation – The Capital Post
