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 three ships will be fitted with MBDA VL MICA surface-to-air missiles and a new CMS developed by state-owned PT LEN and Thales, two industry sources tell Aerospace DAILY.
The Philippines defense department will decide in December on the type of multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft to be purchased by the air force, its chief says.
