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 Indonesian Navy has received two Airbus AS565 Mbe Panther anti-submarine helicopters and a single Beechcraft Super King Air 350i twin turboprop transporter.
Two Korean Aerospace Industries T-50 light trainers have finally been delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force after a delay caused by damage suffered in bad weather.
Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions from Japan for maritime patrol, and fighters including secondhand Boeing F/A-18 Hornets are among the candidates as the Malaysian government seeks to bolster its defense capabilities.
