The Malaysian Prime Minister just gave Putin the red carpet treatment while handling U.S. jets and Russian attack helicopters in the same expo—a master class in geopolitical juggling that should have Washington scrambling.
At a Glance
- Malaysia hosted its largest defense exhibition featuring 102 aircraft and 35 naval ships where both U.S. and Russian military hardware competed for attention
- Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim openly described his country’s relationship with Russia as “special” after reviewing Russian military equipment and recently meeting with Putin
- The U.S. deployed F/A-18E fighter jets, C-130J transport aircraft, and the USS Nimitz carrier group to showcase commitment to the region
- Russia is aggressively marketing its Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jets to Southeast Asian countries, directly competing with American defense offerings
- Malaysia just announced its largest-ever helicopter leasing program—opting for Italian-made Leonardo helicopters instead of American or Russian options
America and Russia Flex Military Muscles in Malaysia
Once again, we’re witnessing the spectacle of American tax dollars being spent to project military power halfway across the world while our own southern border remains wide open. The Biden administration dispatched the USS Nimitz carrier group, F/A-18E Super Hornets, and various other military assets to Malaysia’s Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, all in an elaborate courtship dance for influence in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Russia wasn’t sitting idly by—they showed up with their latest Su-57E stealth fighters and attack helicopters, demonstrating that U.S. sanctions haven’t exactly crippled their defense industry as we’ve been repeatedly told.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating—or infuriating, depending on your perspective—is how Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is playing both sides masterfully. After personally inspecting Russian military hardware at the exhibition, he casually described Malaysia’s relationship with Russia as “special.” This comes shortly after his visit to Moscow where he met face-to-face with Vladimir Putin. Remember how the Biden administration keeps telling us Putin is isolated on the world stage? Apparently, nobody bothered to inform Malaysia about that particular talking point.
The Battle for Southeast Asian Military Contracts
While American officials were busy delivering lofty speeches about “a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Russia was cutting to the chase by aggressively marketing its latest military hardware. The Russians showcased their Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jets, which they’re quick to highlight have actual combat experience—a subtle dig at America’s F-35 program and its seemingly endless technical issues. They also brought their Su-35S fighters for impressive aerial displays, along with Ka-52E and Mi-28NME attack helicopters that are already popular in the region.
“In this segment, the company will feature the latest Russian Su-57E fifth-generation fighter, which will be of interest for both representatives of the Malaysian Royal Air Force and other Southeast Asian countries.” – press office
The irony in all this is that despite both superpowers putting on their best military fashion show, Malaysia just announced its largest government rotorcraft leasing program featuring… Italian-made Leonardo AW149 helicopters. That’s right—after both America and Russia pulled out all the stops, Malaysia opted for a third option, signing a deal for up to 28 European helicopters. If that doesn’t perfectly encapsulate the frustrating reality of American foreign policy expenditures, I don’t know what does. We’re spending billions projecting force globally while getting beaten in actual contracts by the Italians.
American Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Global Military Theater
Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, in typical military diplomatic speak, described Malaysia as “a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific.” But what exactly are American taxpayers getting for this partnership? The Biden administration has sent billions upon billions in military aid to Ukraine and continues expensive military demonstrations worldwide, while Americans struggle with inflation and crumbling infrastructure at home. Our massive carrier strike groups cruise around Southeast Asia impressing foreign dignitaries, but they can’t seem to deter illegal crossings at our southern border.
Meanwhile, Putin seems perfectly capable of maintaining Russian influence despite years of Western sanctions. His statement about Russia and Malaysia being “bound by long-standing traditions of friendship and mutual understanding” wasn’t just diplomatic pleasantry—it was a direct challenge to American influence in the region. And judging by Malaysia’s warm reception of Russian military hardware, that challenge is being well-received. For all our talk about isolating Russia on the world stage, they seem to be doing just fine finding friends and potential customers for their military equipment.
“Russia and Malaysia are bound by long-standing traditions of friendship and mutual understanding. We have always strived to consider each other’s interests, work as partners, and build cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and we continue to do so.” – Russian President Vladimir Putin
The Bigger Picture: American Foreign Policy Adrift
This Malaysian defense exhibition perfectly illustrates the current state of American foreign policy—expensive, showy, and ultimately ineffective. We’re spending billions deploying carrier strike groups and advanced fighter jets around the globe while our southern border remains an open invitation to illegal entry. The Biden administration talks endlessly about defending democracy abroad while neglecting the security and economic interests of American citizens at home. And despite all our diplomatic and military flexing, countries like Malaysia are still perfectly comfortable maintaining “special” relationships with Putin’s Russia.
If there’s one lesson to take from this entire spectacle, it’s that American taxpayers deserve better return on investment from our foreign policy. Projecting military power halfway around the world means nothing if we can’t secure our own borders or translate that power into actual influence and contracts. Perhaps it’s time to focus less on impressing Malaysian officials with carrier strike groups and more on addressing the very real problems facing everyday Americans. But don’t hold your breath waiting for this administration to figure that out.
