Weststar Defence Industries has entered into a Strategic Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Australian aerospace and defence technology company Rocket Technologies International (RTI) to establish new joint venture companies in Malaysia and Australia focused on sovereign aerospace and defence capability development.
The agreement was formalised between The Weststar Group Founder and Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, and Rocket Technologies International Founder, Allan James Payne, during a signing ceremony held at the National Convention Centre Canberra, witnessed by Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Malaysia; Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence Malaysia; and Her Excellency Datin Paduka Sharrina Abdullah, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Australia.
Under the Strategic JVA, the parties will establish dedicated joint venture entities in both Malaysia and Australia to develop and deliver critical sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities, including:
- Manufacturing and assembly of integrated defence systems, civilian satellite systems and specialised government satellite solutions incorporating local design and content;
- Provision of rocket testing, certification and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services;
- Development of orbital and sub-orbital launch capabilities; and
- National industry development initiatives involving workforce education, technical training and industry-supported research and development (R&D) collaborations with leading aerospace and defence universities in Malaysia and Australia.
The partnership is also expected to contribute significantly towards bilateral trade and economic growth between Malaysia and Australia, with long-term commercial potential estimated to exceed US $10 billion (approx. A $14.5 billion) through future aerospace, defence, satellite and advanced technology programs.
Syed Azman described the agreement as a transformational milestone in strengthening sovereign industrial capabilities and strategic technology cooperation between Malaysia and Australia.
“This Strategic Joint Venture Agreement represents more than a business partnership. It reflects a long-term commitment towards building sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities, creating high-value industries and strengthening technological collaboration between Malaysia and Australia," Syed Azman said.
“We believe this collaboration will create meaningful opportunities for industry growth, talent development, innovation and economic value creation for both nations while contributing towards regional capability enhancement and long-term strategic cooperation."
Payne said the collaboration marks an important step in advancing regional aerospace and defence innovation through trusted international partnerships.
“This partnership combines the industrial strengths, expertise and long-term vision of both organisations to develop advanced sovereign capabilities that will support future industry growth, technology advancement and regional cooperation between Australia and Malaysia,” he said.
The Strategic JVA further reinforces the growing momentum of the Malaysia–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), particularly in the areas of economic prosperity, defence industry collaboration, advanced technologies, education and innovation.