Gordon Arthur is an Asia correspondent for Defense News. After a 20-year stint working in Hong Kong, he now resides in New Zealand. He has attended military exercises and defense exhibitions in about 20 countries around the Asia-Pacific region.
A service committee deliberated for ten months before recommending the plane, though government approval is still required before a contract can be signed.
Marines have established a yearly presence in Australia’s Northern Territory. The rotation commander spoke to Military Times about this year's mission.