From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
HMS Prince of Wales arriving into Singapore in 2025. (Photo: British High Commission)
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
Britain’s military relationship with Southeast Asia stretches back decades, from Singapore’s role as a key Royal Navy (RN) base during the colonial era to its continued participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). As conflicts in Europe and the Middle East reshape global security priorities, London increasingly views Southeast Asia as strategically important to protecting international trade, strengthening regional resilience and expanding defence partnerships.
That growing importance is reflected in the creation of the post of British Defence Staff (Southeast Asia), established in 2023 and held by Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen, who also serves as defence adviser at the British
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans]()
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.
-
![US Marine Corps aims to make drones as commonplace as rifles on the battlefield]()
US Marine Corps aims to make drones as commonplace as rifles on the battlefield
The USMC is transforming drones into standard equipment through major funding increases, standardised training, new doctrine and rapid battlefield adaptation, with nearly $820 million requested for UAS programmes in FY2027.
-
![FIA 2026: Tekever targets British Army’s Project Nyx with hydraulic-powered AR6 drone]()
FIA 2026: Tekever targets British Army’s Project Nyx with hydraulic-powered AR6 drone
As Tekever positions its newly revealed UK-sovereign, autonomous heavy-lift drone family for the British Army's Project Nyx, the company is also eyeing an international future for the capability.
-
![New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement]()
New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme Light Mobility Vehicle requirement is designed to replace the British Army’s ageing fleet of Land Rovers with a vehicle with a Gross Vehicular Mass of less than 3,500kg. It could be for as many as 6,000 vehicles.
-
![FIA 2026: KAI showcases vision for crewed and uncrewed hybrid fighter formation]()
FIA 2026: KAI showcases vision for crewed and uncrewed hybrid fighter formation
As Korea Aerospace Industries sets out its two-tiered, crewed-and-uncrewed hybrid future air formation, Defence Insight analyses how much it could cost to fulfil the ambition.
-
![FIA 2026: Post-Gripen strategy takes shape as Sweden accelerates current fleet]()
FIA 2026: Post-Gripen strategy takes shape as Sweden accelerates current fleet
Major General Jonas Wikman said Sweden had accelerated procurement of Taurus missiles and Gripen E capability as its air force adjusts to NATO membership and rethinks its future combat air strategy.
