India’s Samtel and Malaysia’s ATSC forge strategic pact to bolster fighter jet support
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India’s Samtel Avionics and Malaysia’s Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC) have entered into an exclusive long-term partnership to provide advanced support for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Su-30MKM fighter jet fleet.
The agreement was formalised at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), marking a significant move in Indo-Malaysian defence collaboration.
The alliance will see the two companies jointly managing repairs, upgrades, and the ongoing maintenance of avionics systems, not only for the Su-30MKM aircraft but potentially for other platforms operated by the RMAF. Samtel will also become the sole provider of vital systems such as cockpit displays and automated test equipment, reported NDTV.
“This partnership is a significant milestone in our global growth journey,” said Puneet Kaura, Managing Director and CEO of Samtel Avionics. “It aligns perfectly with our vision of providing indigenous, world-class avionics solutions to allied nations while fostering long-term industrial partnerships. Through ATSC's strong local footprint and our technology leadership, we are confident of delivering exceptional value to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.”
ATSC serves as Malaysia’s primary hub for managing all Russian-origin military assets and is a key subsidiary of National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI). Samtel, on the other hand, is a leading private player in India’s defence technology ecosystem, renowned for its durable electronics designed for land, air, and rail platforms.
The collaboration is designed not just for operational excellence, but also for long-term technology sharing and workforce development. Samtel plans to transfer critical skills and technical expertise to Malaysia, enabling local teams to manage high-end systems independently over time.
“We have worked with Samtel before, and we're excited to take this relationship to the next level,” said Lt Col Dato Mohd Fadzar Bin Suhada, CEO of ATSC. “This deal helps Malaysia strengthen its defence posture while also growing ties with a strategic partner like India.”
The agreement arrives at a time of growing defence ties between the two countries.
India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024, with a renewed focus on areas like defence research, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The two nations also recently concluded the 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, underlining their shared interest in joint military training and Indian defence manufacturing.