Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates –12 March 2026: Dr. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, Research Fellow at the Rabdan Security & Defence Institute (RSDI), delivered an online lecture at the invitation of the Institute for Strategy and Defense Studies (IESD) in Lyon, France.
The lecture examined military modernisation and transformation in Southeast Asia, with particular focus on the evolving role of airpower in regional defence strategies. Dr. Yaacob highlighted key drivers of defence modernisation, including initiatives such as the Indonesian Air Force’s acquisition programmes and the Singapore Armed Forces’ Transformation Programme.
The presentation also explored the operational roles of airpower, including air defence, Close Air Support (CAS), maritime strike capabilities, and anti-submarine warfare, while addressing the growing role of drones and the influence of major powers in shaping Southeast Asia’s defence environment.
The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer discussion with participants from the European defence and academic community.
