Thales Strengthens Partnership with Malaysian Armed Forces Through Advanced Radio and Battlefield Systems Deployment

Thales Strengthens Partnership with Malaysian Armed Forces Through Advanced Radio and Battlefield Systems Deployment © Thales

(IN BRIEF) Thales has announced a major expansion of its tactical communications capabilities for the Malaysian Armed Forces, including the establishment of a local assembly line for SYNAPS software-defined radios in Johor, the supply of more than 100 advanced radios for army vehicles, and the introduction of airborne radio systems for the Royal Malaysian Air Force. These initiatives support Malaysia’s broader defence strategy to strengthen industrial sovereignty and modernize its military capabilities. The local assembly facility will enable technology transfer and domestic production, while the deployment of advanced communication systems will enhance coordination, interoperability, and operational effectiveness across land and air forces. In addition, Thales is contributing to the AV4 armoured vehicle programme with digital battlefield management solutions. Together, these developments reflect a comprehensive effort to upgrade Malaysia’s defence infrastructure, improve mission readiness, and support long-term growth of the country’s defence industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 23-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales has announced a series of new initiatives to expand its tactical communications capabilities for the Malaysian Armed Forces, reinforcing its long-standing presence in the country and supporting Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its domestic defence industry. The developments span local manufacturing, land-based communications systems, and airborne radio capabilities, aligning with Malaysia’s National Defence Industry Policy aimed at boosting industrial sovereignty and technological self-reliance by 2030.

A key element of the initiative is the establishment of a local assembly line for next-generation SYNAPS software-defined radios in Segamat, Johor, in collaboration with Advanced Defence Systems. This facility will support the production of over 1,000 radios over the next six years, tailored to the operational requirements of Malaysian forces. The move represents a significant step in transferring technical expertise and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, while enhancing operational readiness through advanced communication systems designed for modern, collaborative combat environments.

© Thales

In parallel, Thales will supply more than 100 advanced radios to the Malaysian Army as part of its Self-Propelled Howitzer programme. The equipment includes VHF, HF, and SYNAPS-H radios, as well as SquadNet systems, marking the introduction of several new technologies into Malaysia’s defence infrastructure. These systems are intended to improve coordination and communication among frontline units, contributing to increased effectiveness and safety in operational scenarios.

The company is also contributing to the AV4 armoured vehicle programme by providing proof-of-concept solutions for its Battlefield Management Systems and radio technologies. This effort supports the broader modernization of Malaysia’s armoured vehicle fleet, integrating advanced digital communication and command capabilities into military operations.

Beyond ground forces, Thales is extending its expertise into aerial communications by supplying 16 airborne radios for helicopters operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Delivered in partnership with Weststar, the deployment marks the company’s first airborne radio installation in Malaysia, enabling secure and interoperable communication across multiple operational domains.

Florian Riou emphasized that the initiatives reflect decades of collaboration with Malaysia and highlight the growing trust in Thales’ communication technologies. He noted that enhancing interoperability across land and air operations is increasingly critical in addressing evolving security challenges.

Overall, the projects underscore Thales’ commitment to supporting Malaysia’s defence modernization efforts while contributing to the development of a more self-reliant and technologically advanced domestic defence sector.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

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SOURCE: Thales