Latest from Chen Chuanren

Asia Flight Services has had to respond to changes to its core business from outside forces including military coups and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Korea’s fifth-generation fighter has been developed partly in conjunction with Indonesia, although its continued participation is under question.

The ROK Army is looking to modernize its gunship fleet through the acquisition of an “Apache-class” helicopter to replace its aging Bell AH-1S Cobras.

Links between Korean and Israeli industry are growing, particularly in the field of unmanned air systems.

The Republic of Korea is in the market for loitering munitions that can be used in manned-unmanned teaming operations.

Indonesia’s air force hopes to acquire a new fleet of multi-role fighters, along with tankers, transports, UAVs, air defense radars and AEW aircraft.

Korea intends to replace its current TPS-77 equipment with longer-ranged radars being developed by LIG Nex1.

Slaying Vipers and culling Tigers, the Apache has been selected to answer the Australian Army Aviation Corps attack helicopter requirement.

The Philippines Air Force has begun operating the Black Hawk, having received its first batch of six in November.

The ongoing search for a new multi-role fighter has led the Indonesian defense ministry to France, where a sizeable deal for the Rafale is in negotiation.

The latest fighter loss is the second for the Republic of China Air Force in the past few weeks, and the fourth this year.

As well as being cleared for a potential sale to Taiwan, the maritime version of the SkyGuardian is also being demonstrated to Japan’s Coast Guard.

The long-range missile and multi-spectral reconnaissance pod would both enhance Taiwan’s ability to conduct operations against mainland China.

Japan’s Self-Defense Force is requesting funding to increase the effectiveness of its air defenses in the light of North Korea bolstering its firepower.

Having previously signaled its intentions to acquire T-6s for the training role, the Royal Thai Air Force has firmed up its acquisition.

China has mounted a series of large-scale aerial exercises over the Bashi Channel in response to the visit to Taiwan of a U.S. delegation.

Embraer’s light attack turboprop is expected to join OV-10 Broncos operating in the close support/counter insurgency role.

The ability to respond rapidly to both external and internal threats is driving a program to renew the Philippines air force’s transport fleet.

Although not confirmed by the manufacturer, it seems that Thailand has selected the Beechcraft T-6 and AT-6 to answer training and light attack needs.

The Singaporean training detachment at Oakey in Queensland is scheduled to receive the bulk of the new CH-47F helicopters that are to be delivered shortly.

Better theater situational awareness, expanded missile defenses, armed UAVs and a light aircraft carrier are on Seoul’s shopping list.

The successor to the Harbin SH-5 amphibian in People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) service is making progress toward service entry.

In its ongoing search for an F-5 replacement the Indonesian air force has shown interest in the Austrian Typhoons, whose future is far from certain.

The Asian Business Aviation Association hopes general aviation and business aviation stakeholders will seize the current opportunity to expand.

The nation-state is working to ensure both arriving and departing passengers and crews are negative for CORVID-19.

The operator is seeing some benefits from the restrictions on airline travel.

The virus will likely affect the Chinese economy and others, but how much remains to be seen.

The successful introduction into service of the Xian Y-20 heavy transport has freed China from reliance on the Il-76 airframe for fighter support aircraft.

Helicopter rideshare program Ascent is talking to eVTOL aircraft developers about service entry in Asia, while stepping up carbon offsetting.

New trainers, transports, and a replacement for older Thai Air Force F-16s are to be purchased over the coming years, along with improved air defenses.