Covid-19 and Asean’s growing military arsenal

IN Asia, the 10- member Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( Asean), well aware of its limitations and priorities, is keeping apace with military procurement and even weapons development programs to ensure that it will not be left behind in all kinds of defense preparedness.

Philippines. Military modernization program in terms of naval and aerial platforms is well marked in the Philippines. The Philippine Air Force received two attack helicopters last year donated by Jordan while the Philippine Navy commissioned two Wildcat helicopters, eight Korean amphibious assault vehicles and three more multipurpose attack craft this year. The second and final Jose Rizal-class multirole frigate began sea trials in November last year. To be known as the BRP Antonio Luna, the warship is armed with two tripletube torpedo launchers as well as surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles capable of carrying out a variety of missions e.g., antiair warfare, anti-surface warfare and electronic warfare operations.

Indonesia. With a defense budget equivalent to $8.9 billion, the Indonesian Navy launched its first ever submarine boat assembled in the country. Likewise, an Indonesian state-owned aerospace (PT Digantara Indonesia) unveiled a prototype of an indigenously developed medium- altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle. The country is seeking to acquire more assets to bolster its external territorial defense and internal security. These assets include a locally built modern medium weight tank and more transport aircraft, tanker aircraft, frigates and submarines.

Malaysia. A Malaysian warship was handed over by China as the first of four littoral mission ships on order for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The service will also be fielding 12 unmanned aerial vehicles from the United States.

As for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the service expects to formally launch a procurement effort for a light combat aircraft/ fighter lead- in trainer to replace several of its current platform types in the near future.

Thailand. A new helicoptercapable landing platform dock is scheduled for delivery this year. The Royal Thai Navy also commissioned its first South Korean made multipurpose frigate and its second capable off- shore patrol vessel.

The Royal Thai Air Force, on the other hand, will equip its fleet of 12 T-50th aircraft with radar systems, radar warning receivers and countermeasures dispenser system.

Singapore. Singapore has the most potent military among Asean countries. The Royal Singapore Navy received its eighth and final littoral mission vessel to be augmented by new multirole combat vessels while its Air Force has new multirole tanker transports taking over the role of providing airtoair refueling, airlift support and aero- medical evacuation.

The armed forces’ capability transformation road map envisages new capabilities to underpin the country’s defense from 2030 onwards. In fact, its Hunter armed fighting vehicle will be accompanied by a self- propelled caliber weapon system that will offer a higher rate of firepower and reduced manpower requirements.

Vietnam. Last year, Vietnam received six boat patrol vessels from the US and is scheduled to field an unmanned aerial vehicle as part of a ramp-up of its airborne maritime surveillance capabilities. Expected this year is a highendurance cutter also from the US.

Myanmar. The Myanmar Navy commissioned its first ever land platform dock amphibian assault ship named UMS Mottama. Seven more vessels, including a new coastal transport ship, two fast patrol boats, two seagoing tugs and two riverine patrol vessels were also commissioned. Two missile corvette and