KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's advancement in the aerospace industry will be accelerated with Turkiye's help, says the Defence Minister.

Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin noted that the launch of Turkish Aerospace Malaysia's new office was a step in the right direction to bolster local talent and make Malaysia a recognisable name in the industry.

“Turkish Aerospace took 50 years to get where it is.

"With its support and willingness to share technology, maybe we won't need 50 years," he told reporters after the closing ceremony of Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Exhibition (Natsec) Asia 2024 here on Thursday (May 9).

“What we are doing with Turkish Aerospace can be a benchmark for other fields and industries in the defence sector. We want to move in that direction,” he added.

Turkish Aerospace Malaysia, a subsidiary of the Turkish aerospace and defence company, began operations in 2022 and launched its new office in Cyberjaya earlier on Thursday.

On another matter, the minister said events such as DSA and Natsec facilitated communication and talks between countries in fostering peace.

“(These are platforms) for everybody, especially those in the defence industry, to meet and share ideas that could indirectly promote and ensure global peace and security.

“At the same time, what is also important is that we are able to enhance our defence diplomacy.

“It’s not just about promoting and selling your weapons, it’s more than that," he said.