What Accounts For The Modernisation Of Armed Forces In Southeast Asia Case Study

What accounts for the modernisation of armed forces in Southeast Asia?

Since the nuclear revolution, end of Cold War, Southeast Asian (SEA) militaries have been modernising rapidly. It is an indication that SEA armed forces are changing towards more complex international context. The reasons behind such behaviour are because of the changes in globalisation, technology, urbanisation, climate change and natural disasters. Modernisation of armed forces in SEA is accounted for with countries enhancing their existing capabilities, being forward looking by consistently developing state-of-the-art equipment and having many agreements across borders to address strategic concerns. However, these acquisitions development do not mean there is an arms
The conditions for a full-blown arms race might not be considered yet.[footnoteRef:4] During the Asian financial crisis in 1997 to 1998, SEA economy was not performing well and hence, led to a dip in defence spending. Many military assets such as planes and ships purchased then are still used today. The assets are very old and have not been replaced since then. Therefore, during this period of time when the economy is doing well, many Southeast Asia countries should take the opportunity to purchase or upgrade their military equipment. According to Bills Edgar of HIS Jane’s, this is not a strategic arms race but rather it is all about modernisation. In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami took away many people lives and most of them were from Indonesia. It was clearly shown that Indonesia armed forces lacked the right military equipment to restore and rebuilt from the disaster in the shortest possible time. At this juncture, the increase in defence spending can be considered a period of modernization for the SEA militaries.[footnoteRef:5] Moreover, the military equipment are not being bought in very large numbers to affect the regional balance of power.[footnoteRef:6] [4: John O’Callaghan. (2012 October 07). Southeast Asia
Indonesia Air Force also plans to expand its fleet of spy planes to support naval operations against illegal fishing, smuggling of goods and other border incursions. Particularly when China declared that the water around Natunas, which lies within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone, is part of her “traditional fishing grounds”.[footnoteRef:11] China’s actions will definitely cause knee-jerk reaction not only to Indonesia but also to the rest in SEA. Those affected countries will also consider strengthening their military presence to deter China’s actions. [11: Francis Chan. (2017 April 01). Indonesia beefs up air and sea defences. The Straits Times. Retrieved from