DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd,[1] officially known as DEFTECH,[1] is a Malaysian defence contractor involved in the development, manufacture, supply, deliver and commissioning of armoured, non-armoured, and logistic vehicles for the military and homeland security. DEFTECH is also a supplier of specialised vehicles and commercial buses.[2]
DEFTECH divisions includes DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (DEFTECH), Defence Services Sdn Bhd (DSSB), DEFTECH Systems Integration (DSI), DEFTECH Unmanned Systems (DUS) and DEFTECH Aviation (DAV).[3]
History
On 17 October 1996, DEFTECH, a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM was incorporated to contribute towards Malaysia's industrialisation and self-reliant defence aspirations.
In 2001, DEFTECH established its armoured vehicle production in Pekan, Pahang at a cost of RM70 million to prepare for the collaboration with FNSS of Turkey to manufacture and supply the ACV-300 Adnan family of vehicles to the Ministry of Defence. The successful partnership translated into additional order for the vehicles.
Between 2011 and 2014, DEFTECH spent 500 million ringgit to upgrade its infrastructure, equipment and manpower to prepare for the development and production of the AV8 Gempita.[4][5]
In 2014, DEFTECH acquired Composites Technology Research Malaysia under a multi million worth contract.[6][7]
Divisions
Engineering Division and Corporate HQ
DEFTECH's corporate headquarters are located in a purpose-built office complex in Section 15 Shah Alam, Selangor. It is collocated in the same area as DEFTECH's Engineering Division.
In June 2004, DEFTECH established its Engineering Division.
DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (DEFTECH)
The headquarters located at Shah Alam, Selangor while the assembly plant is located at Pekan, Pahang, in 2001 under ACV-300 Adnan manufacture program.[8] The plant is situated on a 25.6-acre site and has a covered work area of approximately 180,000 sq feet. The plant is manufactures of all armoured vehicles and was upgraded in 2014 to prepare for the production of the AV8 Gempita.[9]
Products
Theres are some major products by DEFTECH. Others than civilian products such as machine, bus and truck, DEFTECH majorly focus on defence product especially in land system technology.
Military
DEFTECH ACV-300 Adnan
In 2001, DEFTECH collaborated with FNSS to produce the ACV-300 Adnan for the Malaysian Army. DEFTECH was nominated by the government as the recipient of the Transfer of Technology package. On 21 April 2008, DEFTECH signed a contract with the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for the delivery of 48 additional units of ACV-300 Adnan and 8 units of ACV-S 120mm Mortar Carrier. A total of 267 units were produced by DEFTECH.[16]
DEFTECH AV8 Gempita (8x8)
In June 2011, the Turkish Company FNSS signed a 'letter of offer and acceptance' by DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies (DEFTECH) for the assistance of design and development of the vehicles. The AV8 vehicle selected by the Malaysian military was based on the FNSS-designed
External links
References
- DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies, Universiti Pertahanan inks MoU to collaborate on R&D in automotive, UAV technologies | New Straits Times 29 March 2022^
- DEFTECH retrieved 24 November 2014^
- Defence – DRB-HICOM Berhad retrieved 8 August 2020