By Sharen Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: The Weststar Group and Australia's Rocket Technologies International Pty Ltd (RTI) have formed a strategic joint venture (JV) expected to unlock commercial opportunities exceeding RM42 billion through future aerospace, defence, satellite and advanced technology programmes in Malaysia and Australia.
The partnership, through Weststar Defence Industries Sdn Bhd, will see the two companies establish JV entities in Malaysia and Australia to develop sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities, deepening bilateral cooperation in advanced technologies while supporting long-term industrial and economic growth.
The JV agreement (JVA) was signed by The Weststar Group founder and group managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim and RTI founder Allan James Payne at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
The signing was witnessed by Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul, Speaker of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat; Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysia's Defence Minister; and Datin Paduka Sharrina Abdullah, Malaysia's High Commissioner to Australia.
Under the agreement, the parties will focus on the manufacturing and assembly of integrated defence systems, civilian satellite platforms and specialised government satellite solutions with local design and content.
They will also provide rocket testing, certification and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, while developing orbital and sub-orbital launch capabilities.
In addition, the partnership will support workforce development through technical education, industry training and research and development partnerships with leading aerospace and defence universities in Malaysia and Australia.
Syed Azman described the agreement as a major milestone in strengthening sovereign industrial capabilities and strategic technology cooperation between the two countries.
"This Strategic Joint Venture Agreement represents more than a business partnership. It reflects a long-term commitment towards building sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities, creating high-value industries and strengthening technological collaboration between Malaysia and Australia.
"We believe this collaboration will create meaningful opportunities for industry growth, talent development, innovation and economic value creation for both nations while contributing towards regional capability enhancement and long-term strategic cooperation," he said.
Payne said the partnership marks an important step in advancing regional aerospace and defence innovation through trusted international collaboration.
"This partnership combines the industrial strengths, expertise and long-term vision of both organisations to develop advanced sovereign capabilities that will support future industry growth, technology advancement and regional cooperation between Australia and Malaysia," he said.
The JVA aligns with the growing momentum of the Malaysia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in defence industry cooperation, advanced technologies, innovation, education and economic development.
The collaboration is also expected to create new opportunities for local industry participation, high-skilled employment, research commercialisation and the development of sustainable aerospace and defence ecosystems in both countries.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/07/1477421/weststar-rocket-technologies-targets-over-rm42bil-aerospace
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