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 Defense Department is likely to choose the Saab JAS-39 Gripen for its air force’s multirole fighter requirement, the defense secretary says.
The Bell 412EPI is back in contention for a Philippine requirement for 16 helicopters, despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s politically driven cancellation of an order for the type in February.
