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.
After four major arms purchases this year, the Thai military government is set to sign on for a fifth this month—a deal for four Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
Singapore has offered to send a detachment of UAVs for surveillance or reconnaissance in operations against militants claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State in the southern part of the Philippines.
