TAIPEI — In much of Southeast Asia, budgets are smaller and ambitions more limited compared with neighbors to the north, and many countries are trying to rid themselves of much older equipment. But Singapore and Vietnam are generally better equipped and have more extensive plans.

Malaysia: Shifting Plans

Tight budgets are forcing Kuala Lumpur to alter some planned procurements.

“One casualty was a program to purchase a batch of up to 18 multirole combat aircraft,” said Carl Thayer, a specialist on Southeast Asian security issues at the Australian Defence Force Academy. “Malaysia is reportedly considering leasing options.”

Read more: http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140413/DEFREG03/304130015/Tighter-Budgets-Limit-Southeast-Asian-Plans