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.
Malaysia has awarded a $153 million contract to Kongsberg for an undisclosed number of Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs) to arm six light frigates under construction.
Leonardo is demonstrating two British AW159 helicopters in Malaysia as part of a campaign to meet a long-outstanding requirement for anti-submarine rotorcraft.
