DSA 2014 Starts Tomorrow

Marhalim Abas
April 13, 2014

Defence Shows, Deftech
SHAH ALAM: DSA 2014 – billed as Asia’s largest defence show – officially starts tomorrow at the PWTC, Kuala Lumpur. Some 1,000 exhibitors are taking part in the four-day show, the biggest number since it started back in 1988.

This time around, a section of the show had been reserved for the Asean Defence Industry Council though ironically only two companies from an Asean country, both Thais – Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co and CH Paisar – are taking part. Chaiseri is taking part via its local agent, Kembara Suci Sdn Bhd.

PT Pindad which has been trying to sell its Anoa 6X6 for the last four years is conspicuously absent this time around.

It appears that US companies are making the bulk of the DSA participation this year with even a USMC Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopter being displayed at the show. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was quick to point out the participation of senior US officials (among them USMC commandant General James Amos) for the show, completely missing the fact that the UK is sending a more senior delegation including Philip Dunne, the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology and CDF General Sir Nick Houghton.

Of course, major international companies like BAE Systems, MBDA and Airbus Helicopters are among the exhibitors taking part in DSA 2014.

Anyhow, word is that no major contracts will be announced or signed at the show as in previous years. Apart from the maintenance and support contracts for RMAF Cougars (announced earlier) the rest are under wraps at the moment but don’t expect fireworks on Tuesday when the signing ceremony will be held.

Deftech – the show biggest exhibitor by floor count – will be displaying the AV8 equipped with the Denel 30mm turret this time around together with the 25mm Sharshooter turret variant.

Also to be displayed is the AV6 APC – the 6X6 variant of the PARS. The appearance of the AV6 together with the Otokar 6X6, Iveco 6X6 and the Panhard 6X6 is a clear indication that the replacement programme for the Army’s long serving Condor is about to begin earnest.

Anyhow, if you are free on the last weekend of April, head down to Lumut for the RMN Open Day on 26 and 27th.

Malaysian Defense