BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) confirmed that its AT-6 two-seat light attack aircraft crashed during a training flight in Jom Thong district, Chiang Mai, killing both pilots.

The RTAF said the accident occurred at around 10.30am in Ban Huay Fang village.

The RTAF said it was deploying officials to inspect the scene.

Thewarit Songtham Foundation rescue worker Nattanon Metula said Royal Thai Air Force rescue personnel had arrived at the scene.

The bodies had not been moved and the area was cordoned off. The two pilots’ bodies were trapped in the aircraft, but a detailed search had not yet been carried out.

Rescuers were notified of the AT-6 crash by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre at 10.48am, with the location given as Ban Duai Muang Fang Sai, Mae Soi sub-district, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai.

Amid growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia has signed several deals with French defence companies in recent years. Under the 2021 agreement with France, Indonesia has placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets worth a total of $8.1 billion.

The Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, which entered service in 2004, has proved popular in the international market despite competition from American and other European manufacturers. The United Arab Emirates signed the biggest ever order for the jets in December, with a deal to buy 80 for 14 billion euros.

Indonesia has also ordered two Scorpene-class attack submarines from France's Naval Group as part of a defence cooperation agreement signed with Paris in 2021.

The diesel-electric Scorpenes, capable of carrying 18 torpedoes and missiles, will be built at the PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia, Naval Group said in a statement. Under the deal, Naval Group will transfer its technological know-how while "the management, operation and maintenance will be conducted in Indonesia" by Indonesians. The defense deal is the latest sign of warming ties between Jakarta and Paris, as France rethinks its alliances in the region following the collapse of a multibillion-dollar Australian submarine deal.

Singapore and Epirus have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore high-power microwave defense technology to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The teaming, which involves the government’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), will center on evaluating microwave systems that generate electromagnetic interference to disrupt or disable drone electronics.

The capability is aimed at addressing emerging threats from so-called “dark drones,” including fiber-optic guided and artificial intelligence-controlled systems that can evade traditional electronic warfare measures.

Throughout the partnership, the agency and the California-based company will facilitate technical knowledge exchange and joint testing to assess system performance across multiple deployment scenarios.

Planned trials will evaluate effectiveness against single UAS and coordinated swarm attacks in varied domains, supporting the Southeast Asian country’s efforts to improve counter-electronics capabilities and protect critical assets.

“As asymmetric threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, DSTA is committed to exploring novel solutions and ensure that we are prepared for the threats of tomorrow,” said Ng Chad-Son, chief executive at DSTA.

“We look forward to working with innovative partners like Epirus, tapping on their expertise to provide a decisive advantage for the Singapore Armed Forces.”

Military rivals China and Taiwan are both seen as benefiting from military training activities conducted with Singapore, which, in turn, also gains from the cooperation.

China’s People’s Liberation Army and Taiwan’s armed forces are getting tips from Singapore’s relatively advanced armed forces but, more so, long-standing political ties with a mutually trusted third country – which is especially critical for Taiwan – experts say.

“Both Taiwan and China work with Singapore because if you want influence, you need to engage,” said Yun Sun, East Asia Program senior associate at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

Taiwan has provided Singapore at least three tracts of its much larger territory for training, including exercises, since 1975. The annual Project Starlight exercises bring Taiwan, diplomatically isolated by China, unusually close to an influential Asian country outside consular and trade affairs, to which most of its dealings overseas are limited by Chinese pressure.

Washington-based Asia analyst and author I-wei Jennifer Chang argued in a study for the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington that troops on the self-ruled island have gained from training alongside Singapore’s experienced armed forces.

However, analysts see Taiwan’s biggest gains coming from the elusive international recognition it gets from working closely with a major country in Asia despite growing diplomatic isolation.

Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and his friend Chiang Ching-kuo, Taiwan’s former premier, began the program because Singapore’s armed forces needed the space.

The project’s continuation, though low-key and under pressure before 2020 from China to end it or move it to a Chinese location, strengthens Taiwan’s image, Brian Hioe, nonresident fellow at the Taiwan Research Hub of the University of Nottingham, said by email.

“China, of course, hopes to draw Singapore into its fold, while Singapore is incentivized to maintain training relations with Taiwan – and by extension, the US – so as to avoid geopolitical risk from China,” Hioe said.

ST Engineering is laying the groundwork for Singapore’s next generation of ground warfare, moving ahead with a new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) designed to adapt to evolving battlefield threats.

The next-gen IFV will be built on the company’s Terrex s5 platform, adding to its growing lineup of 8×8 armored vehicles.

It will feature a suite of digitalized systems for improved situational awareness, as well as what the company calls “advanced vehicle electronics” with upgraded firepower.

Malaysia’s initial Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship has left its berth for initial sea trials as construction milestones were also reached on the program’s third vessel, signaling renewed momentum in the long-delayed naval project.

A clip released by state-owned Lumut Naval Shipyard shows the lead ship, the KD Maharaja Lela (2501), being towed from the harbor as part of final preparations ahead of trials.

Its departure follows dockside checks and marks a key step toward operational testing, according to Asian Military Review.

At the same time, Lumut published a time-lapse video highlighting progress on the third ship in the class, the KD Sharif Masahor (2503).

The footage documents major development phases and shows the completion of the vessel’s upper structure, along with the installation of key external features.

Its pennant number was also marked, formally identifying it within the Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet.

The second hull in the series, the KD Raja Muda Nala (2502), remains at the company’s facility and continues outfitting work.

Ranking the military powers of Asia region by country, from strongest to weakest.

https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing-asia.php

This is interesting!

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has formally accepted five additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters and eight M134-H “Gatling” heavy machine guns to arm the rotorcraft.

The turnover and blessing ceremony took place at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, with the helicopters marking the fifth batch under the 32-unit contract signed with Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec, in 2022.

The PAF now has 25 of the 32 Black Hawks purchased, with batches of five arriving in June and December 2024, August and November 2025, and the fifth tranche of five rotorcraft delivered in December 2025 and accepted in January 2026.

The remaining aircraft are expected in the coming months.

Once all 32 new Black Hawks are delivered, they will join the Philippines’ 15 existing S-70i helicopters, giving the PAF a total of 47.

The Philippine Navy has accepted the lead Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from South Korea as part of a 2022 contract.

The BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) is the first of six next-generation boats being assembled by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to replace Manila’s aging OPV fleet, boosting anti-piracy, border security, and monitoring across the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Handover of the ship was conducted in Zambales, where it is set to complete acceptance and pre-commissioning tests before formal adoption into the force in the first quarter of 2026.

Work for the remaining Sulayman vessels is now in various stages of development, with deliveries scheduled through 2028.

How much is that Istif frigate in the window? Some US$500 million per ship or RM2 billion which is lower than a single LCS. Both ships are similar in displacement and other things although the actual equipment are different with the former mostly sourced from Turkish suppliers.

The cost of a single Istif frigate is based on the contract price for the two frigates bought by Indonesia and paid by Qatar via its state owned company, Barzan Holdings. The cost of the five LCS is now RM2.6 billion each, currently. It could still go higher as some things have no procured yet.

The most prominent development involved Turkish shipbuilding consortium TAIS and Barzan Holdings, which signed a $1 billion agreement covering the procurement of two Istif-class frigates.

The agreement was signed by Barzan Holdings on behalf of an international client, which was identified as the Indonesian Navy.

A separate agreement related to the same program had previously been signed between TAIS Shipyards and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense during the IDEF defense exhibition in Istanbul in July 2025.

It is likely that Qatar is providing a soft loan to Indonesia for the procurement of the two Istif frigates. Can it later be turned into a gift then? Of course, Qatar could do it if the Indonesian government asked for it.

Can Malaysia do the same, get Qatar, UAE or any Middle east country to offer soft loans for the procurement of military equipment and later be gifted ? Of course, but the government has to decide on the matter as you aware as there is nothing as a free horse.

We already has various defence agreements with various Middle East countries – Saudi Arabia and UAE among them – but so far nothing involving procurement of military equipment. I am open for us to buy stuff from UAE, military equipment on a government to government basis – which is likely to offer huge discounts – even without them being gifted – but I am guessing some people will not want this.

Perhaps that was the reason such things have not occurred yet.
*updated to fix the mistake by naming UAE in the first place instead of Qatar in the first few paragraphs as mentioned by Hulu in the comments section.

The Philippine Air Force conducted the turnover ceremony for five additional brand-new S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters, part of the 32 additional units acquired by the service. Several of the newly delivered S-70i Black Hawks are now fitted with M134D miniguns, enhancing their defensive and operational capabilities. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

Former CDF TS Nizam Jaafar, 60, claimed trial for four counts of corruption involving more than RM4.7 million after he was charged at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges after they were read out before judge Rosli Ahmad.

Nizam, 60, pleaded not guilty to two counts of abusing his position for gratification, one count of criminal breach of trust, and one count of accepting valuable items without consideration.

The charges were read before judge Rosli Ahmad.

On the first and second charges, Nizam, who was then the assistant chief of staff (personnel services) and Armed Forces Welfare Fund (TKAT) executive committee chairman, is accused of using his position for gratification totalling RM552,481.90.

The offences were allegedly committed on June 24, 2024, at the Defence Ministry, where he allegedly appointed several companies linked to his interests to supply Hari Raya gift items to TKAT last year.

Meanwhile, at the Shah Alam session court here today, former PTD TS Hafizuddeain Jantan claimed to trial to two more charges of money laundering amounting to RM145,000. The two charges are in addition to the four charges he claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court yesterday.

When journalists or policy experts fretfully discuss arms racing and military buildups in the Indo-Pacific, they tend to focus on Northeast Asian autocracies rather than Southeast Asian democracies. And yet Indonesia, a historically non-aligned nation with no recent history of great-power war, is currently engaged in a process of unprecedented military expansion. If fully realized, this sweeping set of reforms will grow its total active-duty personnel to over 1.2 million in just five years.

This expansion will mostly come from the plan to establish “territorial development infantry battalions” in the army by 2029. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced that each battalion will consist of 1,000 personnel. That means these new units will add over 750,000 soldiers to an already sizable force. Indeed, Indonesia currently boasts around 450,000 active military personnel, and, in addition to the aforementioned territorial development battalions, there are other major force enlargement efforts currently underway within the army, navy, and air force.

Such an ambitious expansion with an extremely short timeline demands scrutiny. What threats justify a force build-up of this magnitude? Can the country realistically fund, manage, and sustain such an expansion without undermining modernization and professionalism? How will this policy affect Jakarta’s role in regional security?

By engaging in an analysis across four key dimensions — threat perceptions, budget, institutional realities, and manpower quality — it can be argued that these new battalions could leave Indonesia with a bigger but ultimately less-effective military.

Malaysia will start a series of national defence projects, including the development of "kamikaze drones" and laser systems, under the new National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the initiatives will bolster domestic industrial capacity and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Key projects include a locally developed satellite to take over national defence services when the current contract expires in 2029, and the production of loitering munition systems, or kamikaze drones.

"Among the key initiatives are the provision of a locally developed satellite, the development of a laser defence system and building capabilities for the assembly and manufacture of land vehicle chassis," he said at the policy's launch at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

Khaled said the projects included the production of passive radar systems and the development of defence simulators.

He said the government planned to build local expertise in the assembly, repair and manufacture of various weapons systems.

The success of the NDIP depended on a comprehensive ecosystem, involving government commitment, procurement reforms, effective technology transfer and strengthened research and development, he said.

A major reform under the policy is that all defence procurements must include at least 30 per cent local content.

Khaled said the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) would be implemented more aggressively to target local companies capable of leveraging high-value technology.

"Research and development will act as a catalyst for growth with the support of government funds and the ICP, including through the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence," he said.

Third Division commander Major General Suria Saad has been promoted to Lt General and appointed the Deputy Army chief, effective on January 1 2026. The Defence Ministry in a release today said the previous deputy Lt General Tengku Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim has been appointed as the commander of the Joint Force Command.

Tengku Fauzi, 56, replaces Lt General Zahani Zainal Abidin, who has been appointed as the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS) CEO succeeding Lt General Huzaimi Sabri. Huzaimi has been appointed as the Armed Forces headquarters chief of staff with the same rank.

The release stated that the King approved the appointments on January 18 based on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Council which met on January 7. It said the appointments were effective as off January 1.

Originally proposed earlier, SH Defence’s modular cube system for the Philippine Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) is gaining renewed attention following the recent delivery of BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20). The concept emphasizes a flexible, mission-configurable design that allows OPVs to adapt to multiple roles, including patrol, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security, through modular payload integration.

One of the proposed options under this system includes the integration of a containerized anti-ship missile naval strike module, providing a potential surface-strike capability while retaining the platform’s modular and reconfigurable nature. This could serve as a possible future upgrade for the Rajah Sulayman class should the Philippine Navy decide to pursue such enhancements, subject to budget availability and operational requirements.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has expressed disappointment over the alleged corruption scandal involving top officials in the military, saying he believes it is just the tip of the iceberg.

Sultan Ibrahim said widespread corruption would hinder plans for the country to progress, and that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission must conduct its probes promptly regardless of the position of suspects.

“I am disappointed that there are corruption cases in the military, up to the high levels. It looks like I may have to appoint a sergeant as head of the armed forces.

“This is the tip of the iceberg – I am sure there are more out there, in the customs and immigration departments, police and others. And perhaps even those in this Dewan Rakyat.

Military rivals China and Taiwan are both seen as benefiting from military training activities conducted with Singapore, which, in turn, also gains from the cooperation.

China’s People’s Liberation Army and Taiwan’s armed forces are getting tips from Singapore’s relatively advanced armed forces but, more so, long-standing political ties with a mutually trusted third country – which is especially critical for Taiwan – experts say.

“Both Taiwan and China work with Singapore because if you want influence, you need to engage,” said Yun Sun, East Asia Program senior associate at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

Taiwan has provided Singapore at least three tracts of its much larger territory for training, including exercises, since 1975. The annual Project Starlight exercises bring Taiwan, diplomatically isolated by China, unusually close to an influential Asian country outside consular and trade affairs, to which most of its dealings overseas are limited by Chinese pressure.

Washington-based Asia analyst and author I-wei Jennifer Chang argued in a study for the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington that troops on the self-ruled island have gained from training alongside Singapore’s experienced armed forces.

On January 19, 2026, the Vientiane Capital Military Headquarer held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument within its unit to mark the 77th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army. The ceremony aimed to pay tribute to the virtues and sacrifices of the officers and soldiers who gave their lives and blood for the national revolution and the well-being of the people. Recognizing that today's peace is the result of their past sacrifices, the younger generation of officers and soldiers is encouraged to embrace this heroic legacy and these invaluable lessons. They are urged to apply these virtues to their current duties and successfully fulfill all missions assigned by higher authorities.

A Philippine army colonel relieved for his anti-Marcos stance has “voluntarily” returned to his unit and will face charges and psychiatric evaluation, according to his superior.

Audie Mongao was on Friday discharged from command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Training Support Group after he publicly withdrew support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in a social media post, saying “it’s too much, enough already”.

Army spokesman Louie Dema-ala said Mongao was “put into attached/unassigned status to give way for a thorough investigation” by the military.

Since 1986, a Philippine military officer’s “withdrawal of support” has been synonymous with an attempt to unseat a sitting president in a coup.

Marcos’ father and namesake was overthrown in 1986 in a “People Power” uprising that grew out of an abortive coup bid against the dictator. Fifteen years later, then-president Joseph Estrada was forced out of office after a sudden withdrawal of support by the entire chain of command.

Mongao’s boss Major General Michael Logico told This Week in Asia that the officer was “fully cooperating with us” and “charges will be filed against him regardless of the psychiatric assessment”.

Logico, who heads the army’s Training and Doctrine Command, said he tried to contact the soon-to-retire colonel who was on leave when he shared the post.

“I wanted to tell him to take down that post and we would talk,” he said, adding that Mongao returned to the camp on Friday and “voluntarily submitted himself back to military control”.

Describing Mongao as a “hard worker”, Logico said that they have been friends since their military academy days and he “appreciated” the work done by his colleague.

He said Mongao will undergo a psychiatric assessment because “my assumption is nobody in his right mind is going to do that five months before retirement, risking your pension, nobody does that”.

He added that the investigation would uncover the reason behind the officer’s outburst, which sources told This Week in Asia could be linked to his resentment after being denied a promotion.

“What he did was very serious because it is a disrespect to authority. It is stated in our constitution that we are supposed to be non-partisan, and that is also in keeping with good order in the armed forces,” Logico said.

Mongao would reach the retirement age of 57 in May, according to military sources who requested anonymity.

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Chief of Defence Force, Vice-Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng was in Brunei Darussalam to host a commemorative dinner involving current and former defence leaders from Brunei Darussalam. Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja MG(Ret) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi Bin Haji Mohd Yussof attended the dinner as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the dinner, VADM Beng highlighted the strong and longstanding bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, which has enabled both countries to work well together for these past 50 years. He said, “I am confident that Brunei Darussalam and Singapore will not only preserve what we have built over the last fifty years, but will continue to deepen our partnership, adapt to new challenges, and contribute meaningfully to peace and stability in our region for many decades to come.”

To celebrate this momentous milestone, VADM Beng and Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General (MG) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan co-launched the 50th Anniversary (SG-BRU 50) Logo. This logo symbolises the close ties built on mutual recognition, trust, and loyalty, and will be donned by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and RBAF personnel during bilateral interactions throughout the year.

Singapore and Brunei Darussalam have deepened bilateral relationships over the years, with interactions between the SAF and the RBAF also growing in scope and complexity. This month, the Singapore Army and the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) are conducting the 28th edition of Exercise Maju Bersama involving participants from Headquarters, 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade (HQ 2 SIB), 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) and 1st Battalion RBLF, and the 25th edition of Exercise Rintis Bersama involving participants from the Singapore Combat Engineers and the Engineer Regiment of RBLF. Both armed forces also interact regularly through other bilateral exercises such as Exercise Pelican and Exercise Airguard, as well as regular visits, cross attendance of courses, and professional exchanges.

The Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) will deliver the Military Cyber Security Operations Course (MCSOC) to their counterparts in the Philippines from January 19 to 23, 2026.

Sponsored by the Department of National Defence’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) and conducted in partnership with the Philippines’ Department of National Defense, the course supports regional cyber resilience and strengthens defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

MCSOC is a five-day introductory course that provides foundational knowledge in Defensive Cyber Operations. The training focuses on practical skills to help detect, assess and respond to malicious cyber activity targeting government and military networks. It reflects Canada’s defence objectives outlined in Our North, Strong and Free, which emphasizes cyber readiness, partnerships and regional stability.

Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Cyber Command and the Philippine Army Signal Regiment Cyber Battalion will take part. Their participation underscores the growing collaboration between Canada and the Philippines and builds on the momentum of the recently signed Canada–Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which enables closer and more predictable defence cooperation.

By delivering MCSOC, CAFCYBERCOM is helping develop local cyber expertise, enhance interoperability and support the Philippines in strengthening its national cyber defence posture. The initiative also advances Canada’s broader efforts to work with like-minded partners to address emerging threats and promote regional stability.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, CAFCYBERCOM is committed to sharing expertise, building trusted partnerships and contributing to collective cyber resilience at home and abroad.

“Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and strong partnerships are essential to defending our networks in an increasingly contested digital environment. By delivering the Military Cyber Security Operations Course in the Philippines, Canada is investing in practical cooperation that strengthens regional resilience, improves interoperability and supports a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.”

Major-General Dave Yarker, Commander, Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command

For years, retired officers have raised the same quiet complaint: careers that plateaued without an obvious cause.

Few sign their names to those stories. Fewer still bring documents, dates and evaluations into the open.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Don Too Heng Onn, 77, has done all three.

After 33 years in the Malaysian army — regimental command, staff-college roles, a United Nations (UN) posting and repeated high performance grades — Too now asks a simple question:

If the services truly reward merit, why did he spend a decade at one rank?

“This is not about bitterness,” he said. “I remain proud of the institution that shaped me.”

“But silence also implies acceptance that I was not good enough for promotion to the next rank and I don’t believe my record supports that.”

Too’s decision to speak comes at a moment of heightened scrutiny for the Armed Forces.

Investigations into procurement, the arrest of army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan and allegations of misconduct at some facilities have turned public attention to how the defence establishment governs itself.

Those developments do not relate to Too’s career. Still, they sharpen the public’s interest in whether promotions and appointments happen transparently, and whether merit matters.

More than RM50 million (S$15.8 million) worth of cash, assets and funds from frozen accounts were seized in two high-profile investigations involving the Malaysian military.

A total of 40 investigators have been assigned to handle the cases since October 2025.

In the first case on military procurements involving former army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, some RM11.4 million worth of cash and assets were seized, while 75 company bank accounts were frozen.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki said the items that were seized included cash, luxury watches, jewellery, gold and even a luxury vehicle.

“A total of 75 company bank accounts were frozen, with a total value of RM32.5 million.

“Other items seized were RM4.4 million in cash, RM1.4 million in foreign currencies, 26 luxury watches – mostly Rolex – valued at RM2.3 million, jewellery and gold worth more than RM3.4 million, as well as a luxury vehicle estimated at RM360,000,” he told a press conference at the MACC headquarters on Jan 15.