More than 56 delegations from over 35 countries gather for IMDEX Asia maritime defence event

Key Concepts:

• Maritime security
• Economic security
• Cyber attacks on ships
• Underwater drones
• Undersea data cables
• Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)
• Rules-based order
• International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference Asia (IMDEX Asia)
• International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC)

IMDEX Asia and the Importance of Maritime Security

The 14th edition of the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference Asia (IMDEX Asia) brought together over 56 delegations from more than 35 countries. Senior Minister of State for Defense Zaki Muhammad emphasized the event's significance in fostering mutual understanding and dialogue to address maritime challenges.

Emerging Threats in the Maritime Domain

Zaki Muhammad highlighted the evolving security landscape, noting that navies play a crucial role not only in traditional security domains like piracy but also in economic security and communications. He specifically mentioned emerging threats such as:

• Cyber attacks on ships: The increasing reliance on digital systems makes ships vulnerable to cyber attacks.
• Underwater drones: The use of underwater drones poses new challenges to maritime security.
• Vulnerability of Undersea Infrastructure: The increasing dependence on critical underwater infrastructure, such as data cables and energy cables, makes them potential targets for disruption. He noted that over 95% of internet traffic is carried on seabed data cables, and more countries are using undersea energy cables. This growing reliance increases the potential for disruption.

The Role of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)

Zaki Muhammad emphasized the continued relevance of long-standing accords like the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), established in 1971, in uniting countries to achieve peace and security. Naval leaders from member nations reaffirmed their commitment to the FPDA and emphasized its strategic importance.

Priorities for a Secure Maritime Environment

Zaki Muhammad outlined key priorities for ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment:

• Preserving and strengthening the rules-based order: Maintaining a rules-based order is essential for stability and predictability at sea.
• Maintaining peace in a challenging security landscape: Addressing the complex and evolving security challenges requires a commitment to peace.
• Cooperation and dialogue: Cooperation and dialogue are essential for building constructive relationships and reducing the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation at sea.

The Importance of Open and Inclusive Dialogue

Zaki Muhammad stressed the importance of open and inclusive dialogue at a strategic level to build confidence among policymakers. He noted that the larger maritime community takes the lead from these policymakers. He made these remarks at the 9th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), held in conjunction with IMDEX Asia 2025.

Conclusion

The key takeaways from the event are the increasing complexity of maritime security challenges, the importance of international cooperation and dialogue, and the need to address emerging threats such as cyber attacks and underwater drones. The continued relevance of established frameworks like the FPDA and the emphasis on a rules-based order highlight the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the maritime domain.