Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are preparing to sign a bilateral defence cooperation agreement as part of a working visit by Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that began on February 7, 2026. The accord is expected to formalise enhanced military and security ties between the two countries and will be concluded during a high-level meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.

The planned agreement comes as both nations seek to deepen defence cooperation in areas such as military training, knowledge sharing and the defence industry.

In addition to the core defence pact, several memoranda of understanding involving Malaysian defence industry companies are expected to be signed during the visit or at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, which runs from February 8 to 12 and attracts defence leaders and firms from around the world.

Malaysia’s engagement with Riyadh reflects a longer trajectory of strengthening security and defence relations, building on earlier discussions about collaboration in military expertise, defence technology and intelligence sharing.

Malaysian officials have previously emphasised the importance of learning from established models of defence industrial development, including those championed by Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to bolster Malaysia’s own defence capabilities and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

The new defence cooperation agreement is expected to further institutionalise bilateral ties and support capacity-building initiatives, while facilitating closer strategic dialogue and practical cooperation.

As Malaysia’s defence leadership participates in the World Defence Show, Riyadh will host a range of international delegations and exhibitors, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for defence diplomacy and security engagement.

The agreement signals both countries’ intent to broaden security cooperation amid a shifting global environment and evolving regional challenges.