Artillery Competition Intensifies At Trade Show

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence has signalled a renewed focus on modernising its tactical artillery capabilities as the Defence Services Asia 2026 exhibition opened today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. A critical requirement for the Malaysian Army remains the acquisition of modern 105mm towed howitzers to replace ageing assets and enhance the mobility of its rapid deployment forces. Global original equipment manufacturers have descended upon Kuala Lumpur to present their latest solutions, each aiming to secure a definitive contract that has seen various delays and re-evaluations over the past several procurement cycles.

​Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasised during the exhibition launch that Malaysia is moving beyond being a mere consumer of foreign military hardware. He stated that the ministry now mandates a 30 per cent local component requirement for all major defence asset procurements to bolster the domestic industrial base. This policy shift has forced international bidders to form strategic alliances with local partners, ensuring that any selected 105mm artillery system involves significant technology transfer and local assembly. The focus on indigenous participation aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy, which seeks to integrate Malaysian firms into the global high-value supply chain for defence components.

Official Reports

​According to official reports from Bernama and corporate statements released by KNDS at the event, the competition for the light gun requirement has narrowed down to a few primary contenders. One of them, KNDS, in collaboration with Advanced Defence Systems Sdn Bhd, is promoting the 105LG light towed gun, a system that already has a historical footprint within the Malaysian Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi is aggressively marketing the Boran howitzer, highlighting its digital fire control systems and light weight. South Korean industrial giant Hyundai WIA has also maintained its position in the race with the KH178, banking on the strong existing bilateral defence ties between Putrajaya and Seoul.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Procurement

​KNDS has positioned itself as the frontrunner by leveraging its long-term presence in the Malaysian market and its established partnership with local industry players. The 105LG is marketed as the world’s lightest 105mm gun, designed specifically for helicopter-borne operations and rapid repositioning in demanding jungle or mountainous terrain. Amaury de Poncins, the Director of Global Export Business Development at KNDS, noted that the system provides technological excellence and flexibility that matches Malaysia’s current operational needs. The company is offering a package that includes simple software updates to enhance radio performance and anti-jamming algorithms without requiring hardware modifications.

​The Turkish challenge remains formidable as MKE presents the Boran as a combat-proven and highly portable solution. The Boran system is designed to be deployed via helicopters or light vehicles, making it an ideal candidate for Malaysia’s 10th Parachute Brigade. Turkish firms have seen a surge in success within the Southeast Asian market, often offering competitive pricing and generous technology transfer packages. The Boran features an integrated fire control computer and a panoramic telescope, which reduces the time required for the first shot to less than 60 seconds. This speed is viewed as a vital asset for modern counter-battery environments where speed translates directly to survivability.

The East Asian Contender

Hyundai WIA continues to offer the KH178 as a robust and reliable alternative, drawing on South Korea's extensive experience in mass-producing artillery for its own high-intensity theatre. The KH178 is an evolutionary design that focuses on durability and ease of maintenance, factors that are highly regarded by the Malaysian Army’s logistics corps. While it may face stiff competition on the weight front compared to the 105LG, its range and reliability remain strong selling points. The South Korean government has also supported this bid by setting up a dedicated promotion booth at DSA 2026 to facilitate high-level discussions between the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Korean aerospace and defence executives.

​Local Industry Integration Mandate

​The introduction of the Malaysian Defence Industry Consortium pavilion at the event highlights the government’s commitment to self-reliance. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged global players to strengthen ties with Malaysian manufacturers, noting that the nation is ready to contribute to the global defence asset supply chain. This mandate means that the winner of the 105mm howitzer competition must demonstrate a clear roadmap for local manufacturing. Advanced Defence Systems Sdn Bhd and other local entities are expected to play a lead role in the assembly, testing, and future maintenance of the selected systems, ensuring that the Malaysian Army is not entirely dependent on foreign original equipment manufacturers for long-term sustainment.

​Beyond the tactical benefits of the guns themselves, the procurement decision will likely reflect Malaysia’s broader geopolitical strategy. Maintaining a balance between European, Turkish, and East Asian suppliers allows Malaysia to diversify its equipment sources and avoid over-reliance on any single power bloc. The ongoing competition at DSA 2026 serves as a microcosm of the larger shift in Southeast Asian defence procurement, where the demand for high-technology assets is balanced against the need for industrial offsets and local economic growth. As the exhibition progresses, industry observers expect further announcements regarding the final shortlisting or the signing of letters of intent for these critical artillery systems.

Catalyst for Industrial Trnsformation

The Malaysian Army’s artillery modernisation programme is more than just a hardware upgrade; it is a catalyst for industrial transformation. With 368 Malaysian companies participating in the exhibition, the platform provided by DSA 2026 allows the Ministry of Defence to compare, assess, and evaluate these systems in real-time. Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin reiterated that the platform is a neutral trade show that enables Malaysia to select the best technology to safeguard national sovereignty. The final decision on the 105mm howitzer will likely set the tone for future land system acquisitions, prioritising those who can offer the best blend of tactical performance and local industrial participation.