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 Indonesian Navy has received two Airbus AS565 Mbe Panther anti-submarine helicopters and a single Beechcraft Super King Air 350i twin turboprop transporter.
Indonesia has signed a US$77 million contract with Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg to supply Nasams – the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System medium-range air defense system.
Indonesian participation in the KAI KF-X fighter program remains doubtful, following a high-level visit to Jakarta in as many weeks without evident result.
