BAE Systems ready to assist Malaysian govt in acquiring defence products

KUALA LUMPUR: British defence solutions provider giant, BAE Systems Plc is ready to provide financial assistance to the Malaysian government in acquiring defence products.

BAE Systems (International) Ltd South East Asia managing director, John Brosnan said though such assistance may not be required in view of the country’s robust economic backdrop and good predicted growth this year, the company was working closely with the United Kingdom (UK) Credit Export Agency and UK Export Finance to ensure a competitive financing structure, in case of a need.

He said the company was confident of securing government contracts soon, as BAE Systems had been in Malaysia for 50 years, with a proven track record of jobs with the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“We are very confident in working hard to ensure that the equipment we supply are in the best possible condition.

“We are also working with local industry partners to ensure maintenance of the equipment can be done locally,” said Brosnan.

As the world’s largest international defence supplier, he said the company had established good relationships or contacts, but would not take this for granted.

“To win contracts in business and most industries, you have to provide what the customers need. Our focus is very much on tailoring solutions to meet specific requirementsandmakingproducts as affordable as possible.

“In the last few years, we have been focused on equipment upgrades and the business model includes technology transfer and establishing local partnerships to ensure things can be done locally.

“We have been working on programmes with the air force, navy and army, and these are the type of contracts we’re looking at right now,” Brosnan said.

He also said the strong relationship with the Malaysian ArmedForcesandtheindustrywas because BAE Systems provided good equipment and able to meet requirements, which also includes cyber security offerings.

According to Brosnan, the company’s cyber security business in Malaysia was its biggest technology transfer element.

“BAE Systems has established a cyber defence company in the country with a workforce of 350, which would likely double in the future.

“All staff at the cyber security company here are Malaysian nationals and young professionals. We are looking to expand technology transfer.

“Additionally, we have also included our combat aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon for the Royal Malaysian Air Force multi-role combat aircraft programme in our offer. Should the Typhoon be selected, we will create another 20,000 jobs,” he said.

BAE Systems is the largest supplier to the Malaysian Armed Forces and employs over 500 people through its local operations, which includes a cyber- engineering centre and naval guns joint venture with Boustead Heavy Industries Bhd and BHIC Bofors Asia Sdn Bhd. — Bernama