From 14-18 February 2025, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, Minister of Defence of Malaysia undertook a Working Visit to the UAE, among others to attend the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2025) and Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025).
During the visit, YB Minister of Defence paid a courtesy call on the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, where both sides discussed on strengthening existing relations and improving defence cooperation. YB Minister of Defence was accompanied by H.E. Tengku Dato’ Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Chief of Defence Forces of Malaysia, General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Chief of Army of Malaysia as well as senior officials.
At the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025, YB Minister of Defence witnessed the submission ceremony for Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA) 2026 participation contracts, where DSA formalized agreements with UK-based ADS and European multinational MBDA.
Additionally, YB Minister of Defence met with Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB). As an institution under the Office of the President of the Republic of Türkiye, SSB oversees the country’s defence industry and military technology development. The Minister also attended the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CARACAL, an Abu Dhabi-based company under EDGE Group, and local firm Ketech Asia.
Beyond engagements with national leaders and global defense industry players, YB Defence Minister visited several local and international defence companies participating in IDEX and NAVDEX 2025. This included government-owned defence suppliers from Türkiye, Qatar, and the UAE, which specialize in joint strategic asset development, as well as the transfer of expertise and technology.