DSA 2026 & NATSEC Asia 2026 Continue Supporting Malaysia’s Defence Diplomacy, Industry Development 

DSA Exhibition and Conference gears up for its two upcoming exhibitions next year – the 19th edition of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition & Conference (DSA 2026) and the fourth edition of National Security Asia 2026 (NATSEC Asia 2026), Asia’s premier national security exhibition. Both will be held concurrently on Apr 20-23, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

On Tuesday, Asian Defence Journal sat down with the company’s executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman, to gain early insights into what to expect in 2026, the strategic direction of the event, and how it continues to support Malaysia’s defence diplomacy and industry development. 

ADJ: DSA and NATSEC Asia have grown steadily in size and impact over the years. Could you share with us what the main themes or focus areas will be for the 2026 edition, and how it will build upon the successes of 2024?

NAR: DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 will continue to strengthen their position as leading platforms in the defence and national security ecosystem by focusing on key priorities such as regional defence cooperation, technological advancements and resilience in national and homeland security.

For the 2026 editions, we are placing special emphasis on emerging domains including space defence, integrated command and control systems, and unmanned technologies. These focus areas build upon the momentum of the successful 2024 edition, which saw high-level delegations, strong industry participation, and insightful engagements across both military and non-military domains. Our objective is to further enhance the strategic value of the exhibitions in supporting national capability development and international collaboration.

ADJ: What are the early responses or commitments from international exhibitors and delegations for DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026, and how do you see the event playing a role in further boosting regional participation?

NAR: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We are already witnessing strong interest from returning exhibitors and new participants, including key defence and security players from all around the globe. We had very good participation overall for the last edition, which was a historical record on its own. We had about 1,300 companies, 34 national pavilions and around 48 national participations. We had over 600 delegations from 41 nations, which all in all, contributed to the success of the event. 

We will try to aim for 10% more participation for these upcoming events, probably 1,400 companies. At this moment, about 65% of our target has been achieved. We invited over 70 nations, and we have gotten confirmation from countries such as the USA, UK, Turkey, China, South Korea, Australia with even participation requests from Russia and Iran. We are progressing in the right direction and we should be able to reach our target.

Regional participation continues to grow as well, with ASEAN member states recognising DSA and NATSEC Asia as pivotal platforms for engagement. The events support not only business opportunities but also strategic dialogues that are crucial for fostering regional security cooperation and interoperability.

Firstly, we hope to achieve more overall participation and secondly, we want to expand beyond it. We have extended an invitation to all the South Asian nations as well and to all the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.  Next, we will also extend to the African nations.

ADJ: The global defence landscape is constantly evolving, particularly with the rise of dual-use technologies and cyber defence. How is DSA 2026 curating its exhibitor profile and conference tracks to reflect these emerging priorities?

NAR: DSA 2026 is themed “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology”, focusing on innovation in cyber defence, AI and unmanned systems. Our exhibitor profile includes cutting-edge solutions in cybersecurity, robotics, and dual-use tech, among others.

A key highlight is the UAV, Drone & Robotic Pavilion, which showcases autonomous systems and AI applications for modern defence. There are also tech talks, forums, and live demos to promote collaboration on future threats and solutions. It’s all about connecting global stakeholders to tackle evolving challenges through technology.

Tomorrow (May 21) at noon, we are going to launch a sub-segment called chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear and explosive or CBRNE-Arena at DSA 2026. It is a purpose-built, fully integrated exhibition and networking zone dedicated exclusively to the CBRNE sector which is designed to bring together global industry leaders, government agencies, and solution providers, offering a platform to present groundbreaking technologies, share knowledge, and engage with strategic partners.

We will also be introducing a new sub-segment called the Firearms and Tactical Gears, to focus on small weapon manufacturers, ammunition manufacturers, tactical gears manufacturers to come in and put them all together in the same arena.

ADJ: Can you elaborate on how DSA and NATSEC Asia are positioning themselves as more than just trade shows – specifically as platforms for government-to-government and industry-to-government engagement?

NAR: One of our strategic priorities has always been to offer value beyond the exhibition floor. DSA and NATSEC Asia serve as important platforms for structured G2G and G2B engagements. With the support of the Ministry of Defence Malaysia and Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, we facilitate official delegations, bilateral meetings, and closed-door briefings that allow for direct interaction between policymakers, procurement officials, and industry players. These high-level interactions strengthen defence diplomacy, enable procurement discussions, and contribute to the overall policy dialogue at both national and regional levels.

ADJ: Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what is your vision for the role of DSA and NATSEC Asia in promoting Malaysia as a hub for defence, security, and strategic dialogue in Southeast Asia?

NAR: Our vision is for DSA and NATSEC Asia to be at the centre of strategic thinking and collaboration in the region and beyond. By continuously enhancing the quality of participation, dialogue, and content, we aim to position Malaysia not only as a host but as a facilitator of regional security cooperation and industry development.

The events are designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and decisionmakers to shape the future of defence and national security in a rapidly changing world. We believe Malaysia’s strategic location, neutral diplomacy, and growing industry capabilities make it an ideal venue for such high-level engagements.

Also tomorrow (May 21), we will have a contract handover ceremony which is going to be participated by nine companies confirming their participation in DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026. The event will be officiated by the Minister of Defence along with Chief of Defence Forces, Secretary-General, and Chief of Army, highlighting how the exhibition has gained a lot of momentum and early participation confirmation. We have received interest from local and international companies, which have made bookings and reservations.