Nadzeem Rahman, DSA Executive Director

WITH the 19th Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 and National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia) 2026 exhibitions just round the corner, Asian Defence Journal posed a few pre-event questions to DSA Exhibition and Conference executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman.

ADJ: The 2024 editions of DSA and NATSEC Asia saw the participation of 1,324 companies from 60 countries, including 588 foreign “highly-ranked” delegations from 45 nations, and over 9,000 foreign visitors. What were the numbers you initially expect for this year’s DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026 exhibitions?

NAR: For 2026, our initial projections were set with a clear objective to build on a strong momentum of the previous edition while maintaining the quality and strategic value of participation. We are pleased that the responses for this year have exceeded those expectations, with almost 10% registering 1,456 participating companies from 62 countries. In terms of VIP delegations, we are expected to welcome 600 VIPs from 45 countries, alongside some 50,000 trade visitors from 114 countries, further reinforcing the event’s position as a key meeting point for global defence and security stakeholders. From our experience organising DSA over the past few decades, success is not measured by numbers alone. What remains equally important is the calibre of participation, particularly the presence of senior official delegations, decision-makers and leading industry players who are able to engage meaningfully on capability development, partnerships and procurement.

ADJ: Had the events in West Asia (or “Middle East”) not flared up, do you think more defence and security firms would have signed up to participate in the DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026?

NAR: It would be reasonable to assume that, had the situation in West Asia not escalated, there may have been even greater participation from certain defence and security companies at DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026. Major geopolitical developments often influence defence industry priorities, including the allocation of budgets, deployment commitments, production schedules, and exhibition planning. When conflicts or heightened tensions occur, many companies are naturally required to prioritise operational support, government contracts, and urgent capability requirements over international exhibitions.

That said, the global defence industry is highly resilient and adaptive. Despite the developments in West Asia, the overall response to DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026 has remained very encouraging. The event continues to attract strong international participation, including country pavilions, leading defence manufacturers, and security solution providers from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. This reflects the industry’s recognition that platforms like DSA & NATSEC Asia remain essential for long-term strategic engagement, partnership building, and market expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. In many ways, the current global security environment has reinforced the importance of exhibitions such as DSA & NATSEC Asia. Governments, Armed Forces and Police Forces are reviewing their defence readiness, modernisation plans, cyber defence capabilities, and resilience strategies. This makes international defence exhibitions not just commercial platforms, but also important strategic forums for dialogue, cooperation, and technology exchange. Therefore, while geopolitical developments may have influenced the participation of some companies in the short term, the broader outlook for DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026 remains very positive. The continued strong support from international exhibitors and delegations demonstrates the event’s longstanding reputation as one of Asia’s most important defence and security exhibitions, and a key meeting point for industry leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers.

ADJ: Will you be stepping up your marketing and sales efforts to attract new participants (firms and/or countries) for the 2028 edition of your events?

NAR: We have always maintained a continuous engagement approach, constantly engaging with existing partners and potential new participants across different regions. To strengthen our global reach and industry connectivity, we actively participate in key international defence exhibitions worldwide. These strategic engagements allow us to foster bilateral relationships, attract high-level delegations and encourage international participation. Our outreach spans major markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, where we continue to see strong and growing interest in collaboration and capability development. For the 2028 edition, we will continue to build on these efforts by deepening our engagement in regions with emerging capabilities and increasing demand for partnerships and technology exchange. At the same time, our focus remains on ensuring the quality and relevance of participation, which has been central to DSA’s standing as a trusted platform for meaningful engagement.