K-Defense Showcases Its Strength in Southeast Asia

'DSA 2026' Opens in Malaysia
23 Korean Companies Participate in Asia's Largest Defense Exhibition

Korean defense companies are ramping up their efforts to penetrate the Southeast Asian market by participating in ‘DSA 2026’, the largest defense industry exhibition in Asia, currently taking place in Malaysia.

Integrated Korea Pavilion set up at the 'DSA 2026' exhibition hall. Photo by Korea Defense Industry Association

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the Agency for Defense Development, and the Korea Defense Industry Association are operating the Integrated Korea Pavilion at the ‘DSA 2026’ exhibition held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from April 20 to April 23 (local time), providing support for Korean companies seeking to expand into the Southeast Asian market.

Hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, DSA 2026 serves as a platform for international defense cooperation, bringing together more than 1,400 companies and government and military officials from over 60 countries. A total of 23 Korean companies are participating, including major prime contractors such as LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and regional firms.

The Integrated Korea Pavilion, jointly organized by DAPA, ADD, and KDIA, features eight promising Korean small and medium-sized enterprises in the defense sector showcasing their technological capabilities.

The main exhibits include battlefield awareness and detection equipment, intelligent command and control systems, tactical mobility and operational execution devices, and power sustainment and maintenance equipment. Products targeting the operational and maintenance needs of major Southeast Asian countries currently pursuing military modernization are also on display.

Jung Gi-young, Head of the Future Defense Program Department at DAPA, told reporters at the exhibition, “Southeast Asian countries are actively working to modernize their weapon systems,” adding, “Korea offers an optimal solution, satisfying both rapid delivery and cost-effectiveness, which has drawn considerable interest in the region.”

Within the Integrated Korea Pavilion, customized one-on-one business meetings between overseas buyers and Korean companies are being organized in collaboration with the local office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Beyond simple promotion, the pavilion also supports practical business matching and export contracts.

Kim Tae-gon, Cooperation Officer at DAPA, stated, “Participation in DSA 2026 will be a significant milestone for our defense companies to expand their market share in Southeast Asia and establish a sustainable foundation for cooperation. We will continue to operate the Integrated Korea Pavilion at major global exhibitions in countries such as France and Poland, further expanding the reach of K-Defense.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.