KNDS Showcases Military Robotics and Artillery at DSA 2026

KNDS Strengthens Strategic Defense Ties In Malaysia

Our Bureau - : Apr 19, 2026 - : 6:56 pm

KNDS has officially commenced its high-profile participation at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing a sophisticated portfolio of artillery and military robotics. The European land defence leader is utilizing the biennial event to reaffirm its long-standing industrial commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. Central to this showcase is the group's strategic partnership with the Malaysian authorities, which remains a cornerstone of its regional export strategy.

The display at DSA 2026 focuses heavily on the integration of unmanned systems and advanced communication nodes within modern land warfare. KNDS is presenting the global debut of its PHORIO tactical radio alongside its combat-proven CAESAR self-propelled artillery. These technologies represent a shift toward high-intensity combat solutions that prioritize mobility, precision, and secure data transmission in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.

According to the official KNDS press release issued on 19 April 2026, the group’s engagement in Malaysia is anchored by its successful delivery and local assembly of the 105LG light towed gun. This collaboration with local industrial partner Advance Defense System Sdn Bhd (ADS) serves as a primary benchmark for KNDS’s ability to support domestic defense manufacturing policies. The partnership highlights the importance of technology transfer and local sustainment in the Malaysian defense ecosystem.

Strategic Artillery Partnerships

The relationship between KNDS and the Malaysian Army reached a significant milestone in 2018 with the selection of the 105LG artillery system. Recognized as the lightest 105mm gun in the world, the system provides essential flexibility for helicopter-borne and airborne operations in the diverse terrain of Southeast Asia. By partnering with ADS, an established Malaysian integrator founded in 2005, KNDS has ensured that its artillery solutions are deeply embedded within the local military infrastructure.

Advanced Robotic Communications

A major highlight of the Kuala Lumpur exhibition is the first public unveiling of PHORIO, a tactical radio solution engineered specifically for remote-controlled robotic systems. This software-defined radio (SDR) architecture provides secure, high-performance communications across land, air, and sea platforms. PHORIO is designed to handle the complex constraints of modern battlefields where radio waves are frequently disrupted or subject to electronic warfare. The system enables the simultaneous transmission of command and control data, high-definition video streams, and voice communications.

Scalable Electronic Warfare

The PHORIO system offers significant longevity for armed forces through its fundamentally scalable design. Because the radio utilizes SDR architecture, military operators can enhance performance or integrate new anti-jamming algorithms through software updates rather than costly hardware modifications. This capability is particularly vital for teleoperated weapons, where maintaining a reliable link in the face of modern electromagnetic threats is essential for operational success. Such innovations reduce obsolescence cycles and allow for incremental capability improvements throughout the equipment's lifecycle.

Precision Munition Innovations

KNDS is also showcasing an extensive range of ammunition designed to meet the demands of high-precision firing in complex environments. The MATARIS loitering munitions represent a new generation of smart ordnance capable of remote guidance with unmatched flexibility. Additionally, the 155mm BONUS and KATANA rounds provide advanced strike capabilities. The BONUS shell can detect and neutralize armoured vehicles, while the KATANA offers fire-and-forget precision for modern artillery units.

Regional Defence Implications

The participation of KNDS at DSA 2026 underscores its commitment to the National Defence Industry Policy of Malaysia. With over 11,000 employees and a massive 2024 revenue of approximately US$4.05 billion (€3.8 billion), the group remains a dominant force in European and global land defence. Amaury de Poncins, the Director of Global Export Business Development, noted that the 105LG howitzer exemplifies the technological excellence the company brings to its regional partners. This presence signals a continued European interest in securing a leading role within the evolving Asia-Pacific security architecture.