Roketsan Expands Strategic Presence at DSA 2026

Turkish Missile Giant Roketsan Bolsters Southeast Asian Ties

Our Bureau - : Apr 20, 2026 - : 8:30 pm

The Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition opened today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone for regional security cooperation. This nineteenth edition of the biennial event has recorded its highest participation to date, hosting 1,456 exhibiting companies from 63 nations. Turkish defence champion Roketsan has emerged as a cornerstone of the exhibition, presenting an extensive array of combat-proven technologies tailored for the Asia-Pacific theatre. The company aims to transition from traditional supply roles into deep-rooted strategic partnerships with regional allies.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, officially inaugurated the event, which runs from 20 to 23 April 2026. This year's theme, Empowering the Capability and Resilience of Technology Miners, reflects a broader regional shift towards industrial self-reliance and the adoption of emerging technologies. For Roketsan, the exhibition serves as a critical junction to showcase its full spectrum of rocket and missile systems. These range from precision-guided munitions for unmanned platforms to sophisticated long-range air defence batteries and naval warfare solutions.

History of Cooperation

Official statements from the event organisers and reports from Bernama confirm that Roketsan is leveraging DSA 2026 to consolidate its standing as a primary technology partner for the Malaysian Armed Forces. This presence is underpinned by a existing history of cooperation, including the impending delivery of the Karaok man-portable anti-tank guided missile system. The CEO of Roketsan, Murat İkinci, emphasised that the exhibition provides a vital platform for transforming collaborations into concrete industrial steps. He noted that the company’s objective remains the assertion of its defence capabilities on the international stage while strengthening ties with friendly and allied nations.

Precision Strike and Naval Dominance

A focal point of the display is the versatile family of Smart Micro Munitions, specifically the MAM-C, MAM-L, and MAM-T variants designed for unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). These systems have gained global recognition for their operational efficiency in various modern conflicts. Complementing these are the Cirit laser-guided missile and the Çakır cruise missile, which offer high-precision strike capabilities against a variety of land and sea targets. The Atmaca anti-ship missile also features prominently, highlighting Roketsan’s ability to provide robust maritime denial capabilities for littoral states in the South China Sea.

Integrated Air and Land Defence

The exhibition showcases a tiered approach to air defence, ranging from the Sungur short-range system to the Hisar-O RF and the flagship Siper Long-Range Air and Missile Defense System (Block I and II). These systems are designed to counter a spectrum of modern aerial threats, providing a comprehensive protective umbrella for critical national infrastructure. On the ground, the anti-tank missile suite—comprising the Karaok, Omtas, and Umtas—provides versatile solutions for modern infantry and armoured units. The Karaok, in particular, represents a significant upgrade for regional forces seeking fire-and-forget capabilities in a lightweight package.

Strategic Regional Integration

Beyond individual platforms, Roketsan is presenting the Midlas National Vertical Launcher System and the Alka Directed Energy Weapon System, indicating a move toward future-combat environments. These technologies align with Malaysia’s National Defence Investment Policy, which seeks to integrate at least 30 per cent local content in defense procurement. By showcasing these advanced systems in Kuala Lumpur, Roketsan signals its readiness to engage in technology transfer and joint development initiatives. This strategy not only supports the modernisation of regional militaries but also fosters the growth of the local defence industrial base across Southeast Asia.