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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to increase defence allocation in Budget 2027, citing the need to maintain military readiness and improve personnel welfare amid an improving economic outlook.
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Malaysia's Public Accounts Committee has mandated quarterly progress reports on the Littoral Combat Ship programme to address mounting delays. The controversial RM11.22 billion naval acquisition faces further setbacks following Norway's cancellation of missile export licences.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a £15 billion defence funding increase on Tuesday, lifting annual defence spending to £80 billion by 2029. The plan prioritises drone technology, autonomous weapons, and modernising the Royal Navy with AI-integrated systems.
Malaysia's defence minister says the cost overrun from cancelling a Norwegian missile deal cannot be determined until officials decide on their next steps.