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.
Indonesia has contracted with Korea Aerospace Industries for three KT-1B turboprop trainers and upgrades that will take its TA-50 training jets close to the FA-50 light-attack standard.