As the US and Russia’s influence wavers, Southeast Asia is turning to Germany for defense partnerships, with the country stepping up its diplomacy through deals and deployments. Germany’s commitment to freedom of navigation operations and regional forums demonstrates its dedication to defense cooperation in the face of growing competition.
Southeast Asia Taps Germany’s Defense Industry Amid US-Russia Uncertainty
Southeast Asian countries are increasingly looking to European powers, particularly Germany, for security partnerships amid growing tensions with traditional allies like the US and Russia. As a result, Germany is stepping up its defense diplomacy by signing deals, deploying warships, and joining regional forums.
Stretching over 4.5 million square kilometers, Southeast Asia is a vast region comprising 11 countries.
The region is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the South China Sea to the north.
The diverse geography of Southeast Asia includes tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and low-lying deltas.
Climate varies from tropical to temperate, with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.
Strengthening Defense Ties
Germany’s agreement with the Philippines this month expands cooperation on cybersecurity, armaments, logistics, and peacekeeping duties. The arrangement was signed in Berlin by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. This move follows a visit by Pistorius to Manila last year.
A Growing Trend
The Philippines has secured several new defense deals over the past 12 months, including an agreement with New Zealand last month. It expects to sign a similar deal with Canada this year. The country has also signed reciprocal access agreements with Japan and will soon begin negotiations with France for a visiting forces agreement.
Diversifying Security Arrangements
Southeast Asian states have accused Chinese vessels of taking ‘aggressive actions‘ towards them over disputed territory in the South China Sea. At the same time, growing doubts about US security guarantees under the Trump administration have created an opportunity for European powers to fill the gap.
China has been increasingly assertive in its foreign policy, engaging in a series of aggressive actions that have raised concerns globally.
These include territorial disputes with neighboring countries, such as India and Japan, and the construction of military bases on artificial islands in the South China Sea.
Additionally, China's cyberattacks and espionage activities have targeted numerous countries, including the United States.
The country's assertive stance has led to increased tensions with Western nations, sparking debates about its intentions and global influence.
Europe’s Role in Southeast Asia
Germany’s deployment of two warships to the Indo-Pacific region in 2024 demonstrated Berlin’s commitment to freedom of navigation operations. The country’s participation in regional forums, such as the ASEAN Defense Minister Meeting (ADMM), has also shown its dedication to defense cooperation.
Germany's military deployment involves participation in international peacekeeping missions and NATO operations.
The country contributes troops to the United Nations' Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission in the Sinai Peninsula, as well as to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
Germany also participates in EUFOR missions in Africa, such as Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition, German forces contribute to the NATO Response Force, a high-readiness force capable of rapid deployment.
The country's military budget allocates significant funds for modernization and equipment upgrades.
Competition and Capacity Challenges
However, European armaments companies will face ‘stiff competition‘ from traditional suppliers like the US and new players like South Korea and Turkey. Germany’s supply capacity is a bigger problem than global demand, according to Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington.
A Niche Player?
Abuza believes that Germany’s defense industrial base will struggle to become a significant player in the Southeast Asian arms market due to its limited capacity. However, smaller items like H&K machine guns and other small arms may be an exception.
European Powers Step In
Other Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, are considering purchases of European weaponry, mostly from France. French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to the region will further demonstrate Europe’s commitment to security cooperation.
Conclusion
Southeast Asia is increasingly looking to European powers like Germany for security partnerships amid US-Russia uncertainty. As a result, Germany is stepping up its defense diplomacy by signing deals, deploying warships, and joining regional forums. However, European armaments companies face stiff competition from traditional suppliers and limited capacity challenges that may hinder their growth in the Southeast Asian arms market.
