Gordon Arthur
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.
All Stories By Gordon
Philippines shores up defenses with increased military spending
Defense leaders in Manila are beefing up the country's defenses as China asserts itself over disputed claims in the South China Sea.
S. Korea flies its most capable Surion helicopter variant yet
Korea Aerospace Industries’ production line for the Surion helicopter is receiving a shot in the arm thanks to the development of two new versions.
Western defense companies size up Vietnam’s military market
American and European contractors were out in full force for the country's biennial defense expo in Hanoi in December 2024.
Japan passes record defense budget, while still playing catch-up
Approved on Dec. 27, 2024, the upcoming defense budget beginning April 1 is up 9.4% to a record 8.7 trillion yen, the equivalent of $55.1 billion.
Asia-Pacific nations boost amphibious naval fleets to repel China
Tokyo, for example, is alarmed at the vulnerability of its southwest archipelago to Chinese intrusion.
Taiwan gets US Abrams tanks, hardening final defenses in an invasion
The Abrams represents a significant step up in terms of firepower and protection compared to Taiwan's current fleet of decades-old M60 and M48 tanks.
India commissions Russian-built warship amid enduring ties with Moscow
India has been trying to diversify its weapons portfolio, as Russian-made equipment permeates the country's armed forces.
Japan selects the T-6 Texan II as its new trainer aircraft
The aircraft will be built in the United States rather than license-produced in Japan.
