Now that the DSA 2026 is over, what are the key take aways of the show, from my lense:-
1) The organisers claimed a total of RM 3.54 Bil worth of deals were concluded. Among them 12 (contracts), 4 x Letter of Intent and 6 x Industrial Collaboration Program(ICP). Hence devoid of any major "big ticket" items. Hopefully the above are not "recycled" deals from LIMA 2025 or even DSA 2024.
2) Based on my chats with some "like minded" people be it from the Ministry, Military, Journals or mere enthusiast like me. The elephant in the room seems to be the SPH, Towed Artillery, AV4, and AV6.
3) The Mildef AV4 worth RM 1.2 bil for 136 vehicles were supposed to be inked, as the LOI, was already issued last year. Whereas the contention between CSG's EVA and KDNS Caesar for 155mm SPH seems to be illusive, albeit rumour of the contract already awarded.
The much needed AV6 to replace the Sibmas and beef up some of the void left by AV8 Gempita seems to be anyone's guess. (Side Note: We tend to champion 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 for such a small standing Army with miniscule budget. Whereas advance nation has ditched the Medium Armour (6x6) for a well balanced 4x4 (light) and 8x8 (heavy) composition.
4) Adnan and MICV upgrade, the 2024 DSA was filled with this theme, with "pretenders" of Defence Industries pitching for the upgrade. However rumours has it, that only MICV (formerly Daewoo KIFV), would be considered for upgrade. One must understand that ADNAN is more modern with Advance Fire Control Solution, entered service at least a decade after KIFV and more importantly fielded in large numbers (224).
The rationale to upgrade an assets that seem to have more service life left, as opposed to a relic seems to be lost with the Army and powers to be.
Despite both Adnan and KIFV sharing its DNA to the proliferated and proven M113. Even the much needed announcement whether MICV or Adnan is going to be upgraded, the silence seems to be deafening.
5) Naval segment, the euphoria of LMSB2 and MRSS can be felt during DSA 2026. With shipyards from Italy, France, China, Korea and Turkey joining the fray for the coveted contract. However with user requirement blurry and incoherent budgeting details, the confusion could be seen in the models proposed. From Light carrier masqueraded as MRSS to Commercial Hull pitched as LPD, I don't blame the OEMs, as its free for all.
6) Unmanned Systems, AI, Robotics...appears to be the buzz words. With some showcasing the deadly Shahed 136 look alike as a "home grown" Loitering Munition to Multi media practitioner without understanding the concept of "Time Sensitive Targeting" talking about AI.
The cluelessness could be gauged as soon as they open their mouth. A simple questions of "Targeting solution" based on multiple sensors , what are the algorithms used for priority Targeting....would draw a blank look from the presenter....well at least, that's what the bespoke dressed local player appeared to me.
7) Airpower, called me biased due to my altered ego as Lord Flashheart of Blackadder. However the Air Force seems to be spot on. We saw the serial No 001 FA-50 with Chief of Air Staff proudly standing beside it. The MPA is on schedule, ANKA is operational, AW149 (medium lift)due for leasing, Air Defence Radar in progress. The razor focus of RMAF and their transparency can be seen with their RFI for MERAD. The OEM is clear and based on my conversation with the Chinese, Russian, Korean and European, unanimously agreed they are clear of "what expected of them, based on the Air Staff Requirement". One could witness the sync in the OEM display for Medium Range Air Defence, KM-SAM II, HQ9 and S300....no S400, Thaad, Pac 3, unlike other service where variation could be daunting.
There is no guessing like other service, where anything goes. I even saw Hyundai Wia displaying a mounted 105mm Howitzers, how wild is that or was it an insult to our requirements for 155mm SPH. With the absence of airtight specification and requirement is speculative.
Largest number of agricultural entities participation in DSA. As someone who participated for this event since 1998, its shows the dilution of its core business. While one can argue the "agricultural aspect", is only to comply ICP. My question, are we dearth of local defence SMEs for direct offset in defense, that we need to satisfy indirect Offset, agriculturally.9) Finally the statement from the Ministers themselves to use "future superlative" of 2030. What happened to "localisation of at least 80% by 2020" based on the resolution adopted by Mides in 1990s. I guess its must be somewhere in the "dustbin", only for politicians to come up with a new vision. With intermittent gap in the policy for pursuit of "self indulgence" rather "self reliance", its back to square one.
10) Assymetrical warfare, well it maybe a jargon given by either MIDAS or some officers who just completed his/her MTAT/MPAT/KETAHANAN thesis on the subject matter. One must understand that Iran employment of such "strategy", was not based on lip service but decades of understanding the complexities of warfare subject to their own limitations to draw the maximum yield cognizant of their own weakness.
We have not reached that level of maturity or austerity to adapt "asymmetric" in a span of two weeks. Yes one may look intellectual but if someone press you further on the "multiple dimensions of Assymetrical warfare and its lexicon to technology", you might be a laughing stock.
Conclusion.
The words of Shakespeare "much ado about nothing", is apt to denote the show. We must understand OEMs spent their time, effort and resources to showcase their "toys", the least we can do is be "coherent" about our planning or at least what we are going to "procure".
With nation states around the periphery "enhancing their defence capabilities with bigger budget". It's only a matter of time before our defence show loses its luster.
Those in the corridors of power for the defence of the realm have to be straightforward, direct and above all...honest about what they want.
The days of "Generals, with gorged and ceremonial medals trying to hoodwink or intimidate the people are over.....now a young 16 year old gamer could could conduct "table top" exercise on computers with ease, while simulating an Alpha Strike...
The state of our military is more pomp and pageantry without the punch.
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