DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies

DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd, commonly known as DEFTECH, is a Malaysian defence and security-technology company within the DRB-HICOM Group. It was incorporated on 17 October 1996 as a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM, with a strategic role in Malaysia’s industrialisation and ambition to develop greater national self-reliance in defence production. The company’s principal activities include the development, manufacture, assembly, supply, delivery, commissioning, integration, and support of armoured vehicles, non-armoured vehicles, military logistics vehicles, specialised security vehicles, and commercial buses. DEFTECH’s industrial base is centred on its corporate and engineering activities in Shah Alam, Selangor, and its armoured-vehicle manufacturing facility in Pekan, Pahang. The Pekan plant was established in 2001 in preparation for cooperation with Turkey’s FNSS on the ACV-300 Adnan tracked armoured vehicle. The facility occupies a substantial industrial site and was subsequently expanded to support more advanced vehicle-production work. DEFTECH has also developed maintenance and support capabilities through Defence Services Sdn Bhd, which operates a dedicated facility in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan for third- and fourth-line maintenance of armoured vehicles and for turret production associated with the AV8 Gempita programme. The company’s most prominent land-systems programme is the AV8 Gempita, an 8x8 armoured vehicle family derived from the FNSS Pars platform. Under arrangements involving technology transfer, design and development assistance, and logistics support, DEFTECH became the Malaysian industrial partner responsible for producing and supporting a vehicle family with multiple configurations. The Gempita programme marked a major step in Malaysia’s domestic armoured-vehicle manufacturing capability and entered Malaysian Army service in 2014. DEFTECH also produced the ACV-300 Adnan and related variants, developed the AV4 Lipanbara 4x4 high-mobility armoured vehicle with Thailand’s Chaiseri, and introduced lighter tactical and recovery vehicles for military and government users. Beyond armoured vehicles, DEFTECH manufactures or supplies military trucks, recovery vehicles, buses, and other specialised platforms. Its HICOM Handalan logistics trucks have been supplied in significant quantities to the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and in smaller numbers to overseas government customers. The company has also presented newer products such as a light tactical vehicle, an armoured heavy recovery vehicle, and the Aludra EE unmanned aerial vehicle. DEFTECH’s wider structure includes Defence Services Sdn Bhd, DEFTECH Systems Integration, DEFTECH Unmanned Systems, and DEFTECH Aviation. Systems Integration focuses on electronic systems, engineering, integration, repair, and related technical services. The unmanned-systems business develops and provides UAV products and services. DEFTECH Aviation covers aerospace and composite-technology activities and provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for selected military, government, and commercial aircraft. In 2014, DEFTECH acquired Composites Technology Research Malaysia, strengthening its connection to Malaysia’s aerospace and composite-manufacturing sector. The company’s business model combines domestic defence procurement, industrial participation, technology transfer, fleet sustainment, and selected commercial or export-oriented work. Its principal customer base is associated with the Malaysian Armed Forces, homeland-security agencies, public transport organisations, and other government users. DEFTECH is therefore positioned less as a consumer-facing brand than as a national industrial and defence-systems platform whose value lies in local manufacturing, integration, lifecycle support, and the development of Malaysian engineering capability.

DEFTECH was incorporated on 17 October 1996 as a wholly owned DRB-HICOM subsidiary. Its creation reflected Malaysia’s effort to build a stronger domestic industrial base and reduce reliance on imported defence equipment through local manufacturing, engineering, and technology-transfer programmes. The company’s first major manufacturing foundation was established in 2001, when it created an armoured-vehicle production facility in Pekan, Pahang. The plant supported cooperation with FNSS of Turkey for the manufacture and supply of ACV-300 Adnan tracked armoured vehicles to the Malaysian Ministry of Defence. The programme established DEFTECH as a significant Malaysian land-systems manufacturer. A later contract signed in 2008 added 48 ACV-300 Adnan vehicles and eight ACV-S 120mm mortar carriers; the company is reported to have produced 267 vehicles in the broader Adnan family. DEFTECH expanded its engineering capability in June 2004 and subsequently developed several specialist divisions. Defence Services Sdn Bhd became responsible for higher-level maintenance of armoured-vehicle fleets and for turret-related production. DEFTECH Systems Integration developed Malaysian capabilities in electronic-system design, integration, engineering, repair, and support. The unmanned-systems business grew from an earlier CTRM-related unmanned-systems activity, while DEFTECH Aviation focused on aerospace, composite technologies, and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The company’s most important industrial transformation occurred through the AV8 Gempita programme. In 2011, DEFTECH entered an arrangement with FNSS for design and development assistance involving an 8x8 vehicle based on the Pars platform. The programme included technology transfer and logistics support, and resulted in a Malaysian-produced family of vehicles in multiple configurations. Between 2011 and 2014, DEFTECH invested heavily in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to prepare for production. The AV8 Gempita was formally inducted into Malaysian Army service in December 2014. In the same year, DEFTECH acquired Composites Technology Research Malaysia, strengthening its position in aerospace and composite manufacturing. The company later broadened its vehicle portfolio with the AV4 Lipanbara, developed with Thailand’s Chaiseri; a light tactical vehicle launched in 2021; the Aludra EE UAV unveiled in 2022; and an armoured heavy recovery vehicle shown at DSA 2024. DEFTECH has also maintained a substantial non-armoured and commercial portfolio. Its HICOM Handalan trucks serve military logistics requirements and have been supplied to Malaysia and overseas government customers. In 2010, the company won a contract to deliver 150 buses to Prasarana, Malaysia’s public-transport operator. Overall, DEFTECH has evolved from a vehicle-assembly and defence-manufacturing subsidiary into a broader defence, aerospace, systems-integration, unmanned-systems, and lifecycle-support group.

1. 2024Armoured heavy recovery vehicle revealed

   The company presented an 8x8 armoured heavy recovery vehicle at DSA 2024.

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2. 2022Aludra EE unveiled

   DEFTECH displayed the Aludra EE unmanned aerial vehicle at DSA 2022.

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3. 2014AV8 Gempita enters service

   The AV8 Gempita was officially inducted into Malaysian Army service.

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4. 2014Aerospace and composites capability expanded

   DEFTECH acquired Composites Technology Research Malaysia.

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5. 2011AV8 Gempita programme launched

   DEFTECH and FNSS began cooperation on the design, development, technology transfer, and support framework for the AV8 8x8 vehicle family.

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6. 2010Public-bus contract awarded

   DEFTECH won a contract to supply 150 buses to Prasarana Malaysia.

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7. 2008Additional Adnan vehicles contracted

   The company signed a contract for additional ACV-300 Adnan vehicles and ACV-S mortar carriers for Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence.

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8. 2004Engineering Division established

   DEFTECH created an Engineering Division to expand its in-house technical and product-development capabilities.

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9. 2001Pekan armoured-vehicle plant established

   DEFTECH established its armoured-vehicle manufacturing facility in Pekan, Pahang, in preparation for the ACV-300 Adnan programme.

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10. 1996DEFTECH incorporated

    DRB-HICOM incorporated DEFTECH as a wholly owned subsidiary to contribute to Malaysia’s industrialisation and defence self-reliance objectives.

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A Malaysian defence-industrial platform focused on indigenous vehicle manufacturing, technology transfer, systems integration, fleet sustainment, and aerospace-related support for military, homeland-security, government, and selected overseas customers.

• ACV-300 AdnanTracked armoured vehicle2001

  The ACV-300 Adnan is a tracked armoured vehicle manufactured by DEFTECH in cooperation with FNSS for the Malaysian Army. The programme included technology transfer and established the Pekan plant as a core Malaysian armoured-vehicle production site. The wider family included standard armoured personnel-carrier configurations and related variants, including the ACV-S 120mm mortar carrier.

• AV8 Gempita8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle2014

  The AV8 Gempita is an 8x8 multi-purpose, multi-mission armoured vehicle family based on the FNSS Pars platform. DEFTECH produced the vehicle in Malaysia under an industrial arrangement involving design assistance, technology transfer, and logistics support. The family was developed in 12 configurations for Malaysian military requirements and entered Malaysian Army service in 2014.

• AV4 Lipanbara4x4 high-mobility armoured vehicle2015

  The AV4 Lipanbara is a 4x4 high-mobility armoured vehicle developed through cooperation between DEFTECH and Thailand’s Chaiseri. It is based on the Chaiseri First Win design and was adapted to Malaysian infantry and armed-forces requirements. The programme represented DEFTECH’s expansion into lighter wheeled armour alongside its larger tracked and 8x8 platforms.

• DEFTECH Light Tactical Vehicle4x4 light tactical vehicle2021

  DEFTECH’s light tactical vehicle is a 4x4 platform offered in multiple configurations for different military, emergency, and government missions. A notable proposed configuration is an ambulance intended for Malaysia’s civil-defence and health-related agencies. Its design broadens DEFTECH’s portfolio toward lighter and more adaptable tactical mobility.

• HICOM HandalanMilitary logistics truck

  The HICOM Handalan is a family of multipurpose 4x4 logistics trucks produced for military transport and support duties. It is among DEFTECH’s highest-volume vehicle lines, with documented deliveries to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and smaller overseas orders for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Royal Australian Air Force.

• DEFTECH Light Recovery Vehicle4x4 recovery vehicle

  The Light Recovery Vehicle is based on an Isuzu FTS 33H chassis and is intended to support the recovery and field maintenance of military vehicles. Its role complements DEFTECH’s larger armoured and heavy-recovery platforms by providing a lighter support option.

• Armoured Heavy Recovery Vehicle8x8 armoured recovery vehicle2024

  Shown at DSA 2024, the Armoured Heavy Recovery Vehicle uses a Volvo 8x8 chassis and a high-output Volvo diesel engine. Its equipment includes a front bulldozer blade, heavy recovery crane, and winch. The displayed configuration also included a 7.62mm machine gun for defensive purposes.

• Aludra EEUnmanned aerial vehicle2022

  Aludra EE is an unmanned aerial vehicle displayed by DEFTECH at the DSA 2022 convention. It represents the company’s unmanned-systems activity and its effort to complement ground-platform manufacturing with aerial surveillance and related autonomous-system capabilities.

• DEFTECH busesCommercial and public-transport buses2010

  In addition to defence products, DEFTECH supplies specialised and commercial buses. In 2010, it won a contract to deliver 150 buses to Prasarana, Malaysia’s public-transport operator, demonstrating the company’s participation in non-military vehicle manufacturing.

• 2022Unveil Aludra EE UAVProduct launch

  DEFTECH’s unmanned-systems activities formed part of its effort to diversify beyond vehicle manufacturing.

  What changed. The company displayed the Aludra EE unmanned aerial vehicle at DSA 2022.

  Aftermath. The unveiling increased the visibility of DEFTECH’s UAV and autonomous-systems portfolio.

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• 2021Launch light tactical vehicleProduct launch

  DEFTECH aimed to extend its product range beyond larger armoured platforms into lighter, configurable tactical vehicles.

  What changed. The company introduced a 4x4 light tactical vehicle in several mission configurations, including an ambulance version.

  Aftermath. The vehicle provided a platform for potential military, civil-defence, and health-agency applications.

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• 2014Acquire Composites Technology Research MalaysiaM&A

  DEFTECH sought to broaden its industrial capabilities into aerospace and composite technologies.

  What changed. The company acquired Composites Technology Research Malaysia.

  Aftermath. The acquisition expanded DEFTECH’s connection to aerospace manufacturing and composite-technology activities.

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• 2011Enter technology-transfer partnership for AV8 GempitaStrategy

  Malaysia sought a domestically produced 8x8 armoured vehicle while building local engineering and manufacturing capacity.

  What changed. DEFTECH entered an arrangement with FNSS for design and development assistance based on the Pars 8x8 platform, with technology transfer and logistics support.

  Aftermath. The arrangement led to the AV8 Gempita family and strengthened DEFTECH’s position as Malaysia’s principal armoured-vehicle manufacturer.

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• 2024Armoured heavy recovery vehicle displayed at DSA

  DEFTECH revealed an 8x8 armoured heavy recovery vehicle using a Volvo chassis, with a recovery crane, winch, front bulldozer blade, and defensive weapon station.

  Product launch
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• 2022Aludra EE unmanned aerial vehicle unveiled

  DEFTECH presented the Aludra EE UAV at the Defence Services Asia exhibition, broadening its publicly displayed portfolio beyond ground vehicles.

  Product launch
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• 2021DEFTECH unveils a light tactical vehicle

  DEFTECH introduced a 4x4 light tactical vehicle in multiple configurations, including an ambulance variant intended for government and emergency-service applications.

  Product launch
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• 2015DEFTECH receives AV4 Lipanbara contract

  DEFTECH received a Malaysian Armed Forces contract for 4x4 high-mobility armoured vehicles developed in cooperation with Thailand’s Chaiseri.

  Product launch
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• 2014DEFTECH acquires Composites Technology Research Malaysia

  DEFTECH acquired Composites Technology Research Malaysia, expanding its connection to aerospace and composite-technology activities.

  M&A
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• 2014AV8 Gempita enters Malaysian Army service

  The AV8 Gempita was formally inducted into Malaysian Army service at a ceremony held at DEFTECH’s Pekan facility.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2011AV8 Gempita industrial partnership begins

  FNSS and DEFTECH entered an arrangement covering design and development assistance for Malaysia’s AV8 8x8 armoured vehicle programme, including technology-transfer and logistics-support elements.

  Product launch
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• 2008DEFTECH signs additional ACV-300 Adnan supply contract

  The company signed a Malaysian Ministry of Defence contract for 48 additional ACV-300 Adnan vehicles and eight ACV-S 120mm mortar carriers.

  Product generation
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• 2001Pekan armoured-vehicle plant established

  DEFTECH established armoured-vehicle production in Pekan, Pahang, ahead of its cooperation with FNSS on the ACV-300 Adnan programme.

  Product launch
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• 1996DEFTECH incorporated as a DRB-HICOM defence subsidiary

  DRB-HICOM incorporated DEFTECH as a wholly owned subsidiary to support Malaysia’s industrialisation and domestic defence-capability objectives.

  Other
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1. DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies