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.
Airbus is attempting to line up a commercial operator for the A400M Atlas airlifter, signing an agreement under which an Indonesian state airline will study a possible order.
Malaysia is not ready to buy the Dassault Rafale, despite a renewed push by France to persuade the country to choose the fighter for a current requirement.
