PETALING JAYA: The Weststar Group, through Weststar Defence Industries Sdn Bhd, has signed a landmark joint venture agreement (JVA) with Australian aerospace and defence technology company Rocket Technologies International Pty Ltd (RTI) to establish joint venture companies in Malaysia and Australia focused on the development of sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities.
The strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment by both parties towards strengthening Malaysia–Australia cooperation in advanced aerospace, defence technologies, industrial development and long-term economic growth.
The agreement was formalised between Weststar Group founder and group managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, and RTI founder Allan James Payne in a ceremony held at the National Convention Centre Canberra, witnessed by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Australia Datin Paduka Sharrina Abdullah.
Under agreement, the parties will establish dedicated joint venture entities in 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.
The deal includes the provision of rocket testing, certification and maintenance, repair and overhaul 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 expected to contribute significantly to bilateral trade and economic growth between Malaysia and Australia, with long-term commercial potential estimated at exceeding US$10 billion (RM40.9 billion) through future aerospace, defence, satellite, and advanced technology programmes.
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.
“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,” he said.
James 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.”
The agreement reinforces the growing momentum of the Malaysia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in economic prosperity, defence industry collaboration, advanced technologies, education, and innovation.
The collaboration is expected to generate new opportunities for local industry participation, high-skilled employment, research commercialisation and sustainable industrial ecosystem development across both countries.
