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.
Despite obsolescence issues with its air defense radars, Malaysia has been unable to pay for replacements and is opting for repairs to its current systems.
Wealthy and well-armed Singapore tends to not to shirk at paying for expensive military equipment. That factor could help the Poseidon as it assesses patroller options.