Reference News, August 2 report - According to the Australian Lowy Institute website on July 31, a wave of air force modernization is sweeping Southeast Asia, marking a profound shift in the region's defense posture. From Indonesia, Malaysia to the Philippines and Thailand, governments across the region are heavily investing in new fighter jets.

This regional air force modernization process began against the backdrop of years of underinvestment and reliance on outdated aircraft.

Many Southeast Asian countries are still using some old aircraft, such as Vietnam's Su-22 fighters (transferred by the Soviet Union to Vietnam in the 1980s), Indonesia's F-16 fighters (bought several in the late 1980s), and Malaysia's Hawk jets (purchased from the UK in the 1990s).

These aircraft are becoming obsolete in the face of high-speed, complex military operations that rely on information technology and networked communications to improve decision-making and operational efficiency. To address this, governments are seeking more modern fighter jets to replace their aging fleets.

For example, Indonesia is undertaking a large-scale fleet upgrade, planning to purchase 64 Rafale fighters from France, and dozens more from South Korea, Turkey, and the United States. Malaysia also plans to upgrade its fleet, purchasing aircraft from South Korea and second-hand U.S. aircraft from Kuwait. Singapore, meanwhile, plans to acquire more F-35 fighters, including the vertical takeoff and landing variant.

Purchasing fighter jets from sources other than Russia and the United States seems to be a trend among Southeast Asian countries.

South Korea has become a favored choice for Southeast Asian countries looking to upgrade their air forces. The Philippines is adding 12 more FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea, doubling its FA-50 fleet.

European suppliers are not lagging behind either. Thailand added 12 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets made in Sweden, while the Czech Republic provided 12 L-39NG aircraft to Vietnam.

These procurement plans indicate that Southeast Asian countries are striving for air force modernization, while avoiding the United States as their main supplier. Cost is a factor driving this shift, as U.S.-made weapon platforms tend to be more expensive. Southeast Asian countries must carefully balance defense spending with pressing social and economic needs. While high-profile fighter jet purchases make headlines, many air force modernization efforts remain hindered by unstable funding sources, inefficient bureaucracies, and logistical challenges.

Additionally, issues related to sustainability—such as maintenance, pilot training, and spare parts—are often less highlighted than the procurement itself. Malaysia is an example. It was reported that out of 28 Russian aircraft Malaysia possessed in 2018, only four were operational.

Moreover, supply chain security issues cannot be overlooked. Many new aircraft procurement plans signal a strategic shift among Southeast Asian countries aimed at reducing over-reliance on any single foreign power. In this context, diversifying military partnerships has become a strategic necessity rather than a luxury. European arms suppliers such as France and Sweden, along with South Korea, have become attractive partners, offering flexible payment terms and less political baggage compared to the United States.

Indonesia is a typical example. In the late 1990s to 2005, the United States imposed an arms embargo on Indonesia over allegations of human rights violations in East Timor. Since then, Jakarta has sought to expand its weapons suppliers at the expense of interoperability.

However, Singapore is an exception. Since retiring British-made Hunter jets in the early 1990s, the Singapore Air Force has mainly relied on U.S.-made aircraft. Since then, Singapore has operated only U.S.-made weapon platforms, including the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft, F-5E Tiger II fighter jets, F-16 fighters, and F-15 fighters. Therefore, Singapore's use of U.S.-made F-35A and F-35B fighter jets in its air force modernization plan continues this tradition.

In conclusion, Southeast Asia's air force modernization is not just about acquiring advanced fighter jets or missiles. It reflects a deeper desire for national autonomy and strategic deterrence. As regional threats evolve into high-tech warfare, the region's defense capabilities must also evolve accordingly. The future challenge is to ensure that modernization becomes a force for stability, not a catalyst for conflict. (Translated by Ma Dan)

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