Marhalim Abas, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, covers Southeast Asian defense. He has worked as a journalist specializing in Southeast Asia defense and security since 1994, initially with the New Straits Times newspaper.
The Philippines Air Force will return at least one grounded UH-1 helicopter to service within five weeks as the service begins receiving parts donated by Japan.
Singapore will retire its 60 F-16s by 2030, a government presentation suggests, implying that acquisition of F-35 Lightnings will be completed in the 2020s.