Russia Returns to Malaysia Defense Show, Iran Withdraws Due to Logistics Blockade
Russia returned to the 2026 Malaysia Asia Defense Show after a two-year absence, drawing attention. Meanwhile, Iran abruptly withdrew due to logistics issues caused by the Middle East situation. The exhibition is one of Asia's largest defense and homeland security shows, with 1456 military industry companies from 63 countries participating.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 21:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 21:32 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 00:52 (3h 20m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Huang Tzu-chiang, Kuala Lumpur, 21st) The 2026 Malaysia Asia Defense Show (DSA) and Asia National Security Exhibition (NATSEC Asia) are underway. This year, 1456 military industry companies from 63 countries are participating, with Russia, which was absent two years ago, returning to exhibit; Iran, which had planned to participate, withdrew at the last minute due to logistics blockades caused by the Middle East conflict.
The 19th Asia Defense Show (DSA) and the 4th Asia National Security Exhibition (NATSEC Asia) kicked off on the 20th at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), lasting for 4 days, providing a platform for exchange and cooperation in defense and security for various countries.
As global geopolitical tensions escalate, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The "New Straits Times" reported that Iran withdrew from this year's exhibition at the last minute due to logistics problems caused by the Middle East conflict.
Malaysian Defense Minister Khaled Nordin stated that Iran's withdrawal was not due to political factors, but rather practical operational difficulties involving the transportation and delivery of military assets.
He said that Iran had initially expressed interest in participating, but the relevant companies ultimately withdrew due to logistics difficulties, including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and other factors affecting logistics.
He pointed out that the Asia Defense Show is a neutral platform and does not include international conflicts as part of its official agenda, but various countries may still touch upon related issues in bilateral talks or closed-door meetings for informal discussions.
Exhibitors pointed out that the recent continuous tensions in the Middle East, the unclear situation between the United States and Iran, and the persistent shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have created uncertainties for some military equipment transportation and supply chains, becoming one of the background factors of concern for all parties during the exhibition.
The Asia Defense Show is held every two years and is considered one of Asia's largest and best-organized defense and homeland security exhibitions. Russia was one of the largest exhibitors at the 2022 Defense Show, was absent in 2024, and its return to exhibit this year became one of the focuses of this year's exhibition. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150421
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(Central News Agency reporter Huang Tzu-chiang, Kuala Lumpur, 21st) The 2026 Malaysia Asia Defense Show (DSA) and Asia National Security Exhibition (NATSEC Asia) are underway. This year, 1456 military industry companies from 63 countries are participating, with Russia, which was absent two years ago, returning to exhibit; Iran, which had planned to participate, withdrew at the last minute due to logistics blockades caused by the Middle East conflict.
The 19th Asia Defense Show (DSA) and the 4th Asia National Security Exhibition (NATSEC Asia) kicked off on the 20th at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), lasting for 4 days, providing a platform for exchange and cooperation in defense and security for various countries.
As global geopolitical tensions escalate, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The "New Straits Times" reported that Iran withdrew from this year's exhibition at the last minute due to logistics problems caused by the Middle East conflict.
Malaysian Defense Minister Khaled Nordin stated that Iran's withdrawal was not due to political factors, but rather practical operational difficulties involving the transportation and delivery of military assets.
He said that Iran had initially expressed interest in participating, but the relevant companies ultimately withdrew due to logistics difficulties, including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and other factors affecting logistics.
He pointed out that the Asia Defense Show is a neutral platform and does not include international conflicts as part of its official agenda, but various countries may still touch upon related issues in bilateral talks or closed-door meetings for informal discussions.
Exhibitors pointed out that the recent continuous tensions in the Middle East, the unclear situation between the United States and Iran, and the persistent shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have created uncertainties for some military equipment transportation and supply chains, becoming one of the background factors of concern for all parties during the exhibition.
The Asia Defense Show is held every two years and is considered one of Asia's largest and best-organized defense and homeland security exhibitions. Russia was one of the largest exhibitors at the 2022 Defense Show, was absent in 2024, and its return to exhibit this year became one of the focuses of this year's exhibition. (Editor: Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150421
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.