AFP
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently released its annual survey of the world’s largest arms importers and exporters. But, sadly, the think-tank missed an opportunity to analyze trends in Southeast Asia.
While arms imports and modernization continue, it would be unfair to call it an arms race.
Some countries are building up their naval and air assets, but most militaries in Southeast Asia remain land centric and largely focused on internal security.
Overall, the region’s countries are cost-conscious about their imports. They often shop for bargains, and thus acquire systems or parts that do not work well with one another.