CTO Newsletter


News and analysis of offset and countertrade, twice a month, 24 times a year. Log in and search our archives to find the trade intelligence you need.

Our online database provides 24 months’ worth of issues. Researchers and long-term subscribers who would like to access older issues are welcome to reach out at subs@cto-offset.com.

Please note that the search bar does NOT recognise spaces. Please use _ instead. For instance, Saudi Arabia may be searched as Saudi_Arabia.

Volume 2024

 
21 October 2024
Volume 42, Issue 20

Main headlines from this issue

Boeing to pay Embraer $150m for abandoning aviation deal

As a result of withdrawing from a proposed aviation deal in April 2020, Boeing will pay Embraer a gross amount of USD150m. The collaboration began in July 2018, when Boeing and Embraer signed a Master Transaction Agreement (MTA). The conclusion of the arbitration process was announced on 16 September.

Dassault Aviation goes solo in setting up MRO venture in India

Dassault Aviation is independently setting up an MRO subsidiary in India, after reports in July suggested that it was abandoning its partnership with Reliance Defence on the project. The new venture, Dassault Aviation MRO India (DAMROI), will focus on providing tailor-made support products and services for India’s fleet of Dassault fighter aircraft such as the Rafale and Mirage-2000.

Ukraine advances defence co-production with European firms

Ukraine plans to launch development and production projects with European partners as it focuses on developing local manufacturing capabilities for ammunition and drones. Local firm Ukrainian Armored Vehicles (Ukrainian Armor) will collaborate with the Czech holding Czechoslovak Group (CSG), while Ukraine expects to launch co-production with Slovakia’s Way Industries, and the Netherlands will invest in drone development with the country.

Offsets to contribute €1bn to Dutch submarine project

Industrial cooperation will generate EUR1bn for the Dutch maritime industry against the supply of four submarines to the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Netherlands signed a delivery agreement with France’s Naval Group on 30 September covering the procurement.

Saab to open tenth facility in the US

Saab is partnering with the State of Michigan to establish a USD75m facility for the local production of munitions in Grayling. Saab’s investment, announced on 24 September, will create 70 local jobs. Once open, the factory will conduct final assembly and integration of shoulder-fired munitions and precision guided systems.

Korea to purchase Polish weapons for the first time

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense signed a deal with Poland on 2 October to purchase Warmate 3 Kamikaze drones, marking Korea’s first weapons purchase from Poland. The agreement was finalised with Polish defence firm WB Group’s subsidiary, WB Electronics, during the Korea Army International Defense Exhibition held in Gyeryong on 2–6 October.


08 October 2024
Volume 42, Issue 19

Main headlines from this issue

Peru releases updated offset-related definitions

The Peruvian Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) released a supreme decree, the Ministerial Resolution No. 00960-2024-DE on 11 September, to modify its existing General Directive No. 018, which regulates offsets in Peru. The decree is expected to be approved by the end of this year. The three-page document clarifies that new definitions of “Industrial Cooperation” and “Industrial Participation” need to be included in the Peruvian offset policy.

Turkish firm to localise operations ahead of UK Army tender

Nurol Makina has opened a new facility in the UK through its local subsidiary, Nurol Makina UK (NMS UK). The facility in Tachbrook Park, Leamington Spa, will focus on producing protected patrol vehicles for both the UK and for export. The UK facility is expected to employ up to 150 people, and will form part of NMS UK's phased approach to increase the UK-based content of its vehicles to more than 50 percent.

Northrop to transfer tech to Lithuania for IFV ammunition

Northrop Grumman signed an MoU with Lithuania’s MoD and Ministry of Finance on 23 September, formalising its intention to support Lithuanian industry in producing medium-calibre ammunition for Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Under the MoU, Northrop will share with Lithuania technologies related to advanced manufacturing expertise. The US prime is also negotiating the establishment of a local production line and a joint venture for its 30mm-calibre ammunition.

Ukraine to produce Czech weapons with local content

In an attempt to increase its presence in Ukraine, Czech arms supplier AKM Group-CZ has opened a representative office in Kyiv. The office, registered on 27 August, marks the company’s fourth representative office in the world outside of the Czech Republic.

Thales Australia to facilitate rifle production in Denmark after decades

Lithgow Arms, a subsidiary of Thales Australia, and Denmark’s Våbenfabrikken have announced a strategic cooperation to establish a new Danish industrial capability. The two sides signed an MoU on 17 September which will enable Denmark to locally manufacture military assault rifles for the first time since the 1960s.

PTDI to reassemble and customise Airbus helicopters for Indonesia

Indonesia has ordered four Airbus H145 helicopters as part of a training modernisation programme for the Indonesian Air Force (IDAF). Airbus signed an agreement with the IDAF and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), under which the Indonesian firm will manage reassembly and will complete integration of the mission equipment alongside other customisation work at its facility in Bandung.


20 September 2024
Volume 42, Issue 18

Main headlines from this issue

Potential ITAR amendment could “maximise innovation” among AUKUS partners

The US State Department published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) on 20 August to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in order to further facilitate defence trade between the three AUKUS countries. The IFR introduces a licence exemption for the majority of defence trade conducted between the three partners and is designed to “harness and maximise the innovation power” residing in their defence industrial bases.

Offset requirements leave single bidder for UK’s helicopter contract

Leonardo Helicopters has emerged as the sole bidder for the UK’s ongoing New Medium Helicopter requirement after Airbus Helicopters and Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky withdrew from the competition ahead of a 30 August deadline, both citing an inability to meet offset requirements.

Australia to become maintenance hub with new aircraft hangar

A four-bay aircraft hangar for the local maintenance of Australia’s fleet of Boeing 737 military aircraft is being constructed in Adelaide. South Australian urban development agency Renewal SA, the principal contractor, has appointed BESIX Watpac as the design and construction contractor for the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh Base, a BESIX Watpac spokesperson told CTO.

Local shipbuilder to construct Colombian frigate with tech transfer

The Netherlands’ Damen Shipyards Group and Colombian state-owned shipbuilder COTECMAR have inked a deal to construct Colombia’s first indigenously built frigate. Under the contract signed on 11 August, Damen will transfer technology and provide technical support and components to COTECMAR.

KNDS to transfer ground defence technology to Indonesia

Franco-German defence company KNDS Group has pledged to transfer knowledge and technology to Indonesia to enhance its defence sovereignty. The transfer will be related to ground defence and will include medium- to large-calibre ammunition.

China’s Norinco signs tech transfer and training deal with Mali

Chinese defence contractor China North Industries Corporation (Norinco Group) has signed a cooperation deal with the Malian Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs to provide transfer of technology, military equipment, and training in defence to the West African country.


06 September 2024
Volume 42, Issue 17

Main headlines from this issue

Supreme Court of Canada issues decision on 2008 offset dispute

The Supreme Court of Canada has issued a decision relating to letters of credit associated with an offset dispute case between Canada’s Bombardier and the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence. The offset dispute is linked to Greece’s purchase of ten firefighting amphibious aircraft from Bombardier in November 1998.

Poland’s WISŁA Phase II progresses with local production contract

RTX’s local subsidiary, Raytheon Polska, signed an agreement with Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. (HSW) on 12 August to produce 48 M903 launchers for six Patriot air defence batteries in Poland. HSW will act as a subcontractor to Raytheon for the delivery of the systems to the Polish Armed Forces.

Kongsberg to establish missile factory in Australia

Norway’s Kongsberg will build a facility in Australia to manufacture and maintain its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), through a transfer of technology. Backed by an AUD850m (USD576m) investment from the Australian government, the facility will be the first outside Norway to produce these weapons.

Turkey and Spain discuss jet swap

Turkey and Spain have reached an advanced stage of negotiations over a military aircraft swap. If finalised, Turkey will acquire Airbus A400M military jets in exchange for its domestically produced Hürjet training aircraft. The potential swap deal is valued at around EUR720m (USD793m).

TATA to establish vehicle manufacturing plant in Morocco

Indian defence manufacturer Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has completed all administrative procedures and entered the implementation phase to establish a military vehicle manufacturing plant in Morocco. To this end, Tata has established a new entity in Morocco called Tata Advanced Systems Maroc Construction.

Kazakhstan localises oil and gas production

Kazakhstan is planning to localise three oil and gas production facilities this year in collaboration with global manufacturers. The Central Asian country is focusing on increasing local content in oil and gas equipment to support and promote domestic manufacturing and local suppliers.


19 August 2024
Volume 42, Issue 16

Main headlines from this issue

India amends Defence Acquisition Procedure to provide opportunities for startups

India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which will be reviewed after one year. The amendments include changes in costs, payments, and procurement procedures to include Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and startups in bidding processes to promote technology procurement from them.

India to buy additional Scorpénes with 60 percent indigenous content

The Indian Navy will acquire three additional Scorpène-class submarines from France’s Naval Group. The French prime will partner with Bharat Electronics Limited to integrate an indigenous combat management system into the submarines. The new submarines will be built locally by Mazagon Dockyards Limited with 60 percent Indian content.

Local industry to build radar components for Spanish frigates

Lockheed Martin awarded purchase orders to Spanish companies to build components for its SPY-7 radar on 24 July. The US prime is collaborating with Indra Sistemas, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, and the Institute of Marine Sciences on the radars that will be fitted on Spain’s F-110 frigates, which are being built by Navantia.

Boeing fulfils ITB commitment in Canada through indigenous firm

Boeing has awarded Canada’s Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation, an investment of USD9.4m for the construction of a manufacturing training centre. This forms part of Boeing’s wider USD44.5m investment in British Columbia, as part of the US prime’s Industrial and Technological Benefit commitment to deliver the P8 Poseidon Aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Malaysian firm to upgrade Hanwha’s K200 vehicles

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a teaming agreement with Malaysia’s Cendana Auto to upgrade their ageing K200 tracked IFVs. The Malaysian Ministry of Defence said that the contract, announced on 2 August, would include a technology transfer to support Malaysia’s MRO capabilities in armoured vehicles.

Future Leopard tanks to involve Czech industry

The Czech Republic will receive an additional 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one Büffel 3 armoured vehicle from Germany. The Czech MoD plans to sign an industrial cooperation agreement with KNDS later this year to ensure local industry involvement in the development, production, and lifecycle management of these tanks.


05 August 2024
Volume 42, Issue 15

Main headlines from this issue

UK launches a Strategic Defence Review

Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2024–2025 on 16 July. Key issues covered in the review are to include an assessment of the UK’s domestic defence technological and industrial base. The review, which will be due in the first half of 2025, will also identify and recommend changes to foster new investment and greater economic growth for the UK.

Offsets to determine winner of Thai fighter jet contract

The Royal Thai Air Force has recommended to the Thai Government that Saab’s Gripen E be selected over Lockheed Martin’s F-16 jet to replace its ageing fleet of F-16s at the Korat RTAF Base. However, this does not mean that Saab has won the contract. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on 16 July that he wanted to see the offset offers from both Saab and Lockheed before finalising the winner.

Indian submarine tender makes headway after several delays

An Indian contract to build six submarines for its navy has boiled down to a competition between two joint ventures. German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), in partnership with defence shipyard Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), is competing with Spanish shipyard Navantia, which is bidding in partnership with Indian engineering giant Larsen and Toubro (L&T). The first submarine must have a minimum of 45 percent indigenisation, with indigenous content going up to 60 percent by the sixth submarine.

Korea offers aircraft production in Peru

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed an MoU with Peruvian firm SEMAN for the local production of 250 components and parts for the FA-50 light combat aircraft (LCA). Under the agreement, SEMAN will conduct work on the joint production of the aircraft’s machinery and sheet metal.

Australian SME to receive tech transfer on British vehicles

Alkath Group, an Australian engineering SME, has entered a partnership with UK-based MSubs Ltd to develop maritime autonomous system capabilities. This cooperation, announced on 23 July, will focus on R&D activities in uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) with a transfer of technology to the SME.

Defence partnerships bolster Czech - Ukrainian ties

As part of Czech–Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations, two subsidiaries of firearms company Colt CZ Group SE signed ammunition and firearms production agreements with the Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI) on 16 July. The Czech Republic and Ukraine also signed a ten-year security cooperation agreement on 18 July.


22 July 2024
Volume 42, Issue 14

Main headlines from this issue

US Supreme Court dismisses Blenheim appeal

On 17 June, the US Supreme Court dismissed an appeal case by Blenheim Capital Holdings, who had claimed that Lockheed Martin, Airbus Defence and Space SAS, South Korea’s DAPA, and the South Korean government had conspired to cut Blenheim out of an F-35 fighter jet offset deal. The dismissal brings an end to the lawsuit filed in December 2020, which alleged that DAPA and the two defence manufacturers had conspired to exclude Blenheim from the offset deal that it had designed and developed.

Rheinmetall-Leonardo JV bid for land vehicle development in Italy

Rheinmetall and Leonardo have signed an MoU to establish a 50/50 joint venture to bid for the Italian Army’s new armoured vehicle contracts. Announced on 3 July, the joint venture will be headquartered in Italy with final assembly lines, homologation testing, delivery activities, and logistic support based in-country, leading to an Italian workshare of 60 percent.

MBDA and Kongsberg withdraw from Swiss tender with offset requirement

MBDA and Kongsberg have withdrawn from a USD738m Swiss tender for the procurement of a medium-range ground-based air defence. The Swiss Federal Office for Defence Procurement, armasuisse, confirmed in a statement on 5 July that this leaves Diehl's IRIS-T system as the only potential bidder. MBDA and Kongsberg informed armasuisse that they would not be submitting offers for the tender due to time constraints.

JV to locally maintain S-400 systems amid delivery delays

Russia and India are finalising an agreement to establish a joint venture for the maintenance and repair of S-400 air defence systems in India. Russian state-owned enterprise Almaz Antey is in the final stage of negotiations with an undisclosed Indian company for the establishment of the facility. Almaz Antey will provide the technology needed for the task to the Indian partner, as well as offering technical support to establish the necessary infrastructure for the venture.

Italian vehicles to be produced in Brazil with local content

Brazil signed a contract with Italy’s Iveco Defence Vehicles Latin America (IDV LATAM) to acquire 420 Light Multirole Vehicles (LMVs). As part of the deal, IDV will manufacture LMV-BR2 Guaicurus vehicles at its Brazilian facility in Sete Lagoas. Several components of the LMV will be manufactured in Brazil, and tools for maintaining the vehicle platform will also be procured locally.

Thales to establish military communications JV in Egypt

Benha Electronics signed a cooperation agreement with France’s Thales Group on 15 July to establish a joint venture in Egypt. Thales and Benha Electronics S.A.E. will cooperate in the fields of training and R&D towards the production of communication devices and signalling systems.


05 July 2024
Volume 42, Issue 13

Main headlines from this issue

French SMEs highlight offset challenges, focus on finding “right” local partners

At Eurosatory, French small and medium-sized businesses Aresia, Etienne Lacroix, and Ouvry highlighted the opportunities and challenges associated with offsets in defence procurements, noting technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) as major hurdles and stressing the importance of finding the “right” long-term local partners for successful offset fulfilment.

Thales bolsters partnerships with the UAE and Ukraine

France’s Thales Group signed four agreements at Eurosatory with Emirati and Ukrainian companies, namely the UAE’s KATIM and Ukraine’s Joint-Stock Company Ukrainian Defence Industry and FRDM.

UAV production and maintenance site launched in France

Austria’s Schiebel Group announced on 20 June that it has established a new subsidiary named Schiebel Aéronaval SAS and opened a new facility in Toulon, France, that will focus on the local production and maintenance of Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial vehicles for the French Navy.

India, US discuss Stryker and Javelin co-production at iCET dialogue

India and the US are discussing the joint production of Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs) and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell announced during an online briefing. The discussion formed part of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) dialogue held in New Delhi on 17 June.

Joint venture in Australia to support AUKUS submarine development

To accelerate the development of Australia’s nuclear submarine capabilities under the AUKUS partnership, US shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and British prime Babcock are forming H&B Defence, a joint venture in Australia. Headquartered in Canberra, the joint venture will collaborate with government, industry, and academic stakeholders in Australia to develop a skilled local workforce.

SIG SAUER bolsters UK operations with new small arms facility

Swiss-German firearms manufacturer SIG SAUER is hoping to bolster its operations in the UK ahead of a British requirement for new small arms. Dr Duncan Stewart, director of business and programme development, said that the company is looking to move beyond earlier small-scale operations in the UK market and is expanding its investment through a local maintenance and support facility, SIG UK.


21 June 2024
Volume 42, Issue 12

Main headlines from this issue

ITAR “flaws” and AUKUS Pillar II barriers to persist despite proposed amendments

A proposed rule to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) was published by the US Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) last month to advance the goals of the trilateral AUKUS partnership between the US, the UK, and Australia. The new rule proposes to amend ITAR and introduce an exemption that will reduce export authorisation requirements for defence articles, services, and brokering activities for authorised users in the UK and Australia.

EDGE & Adani sign cooperation agreement amidst growing UAE-India ties

EDGE Group, UAE’s state-owned defence conglomerate, signed a cooperation agreement with India’s Adani Defence and Aerospace on 11 June to establish a “global platform” leveraging the two defence giants’ defence and aerospace capabilities. The two parties will explore the establishment of R&D facilities in both India and the UAE as a part of the deal.

Norway to assemble, repair and export German tanks, while tank deal in Italy risks collapse

While Norway is set to assemble 37 Leopard 2 tanks locally for the first time, an Italian deal to procure the tanks is at risk of collapsing because of an impasse over technology transfer between industry partners.

KNDS sets up subsidiary in Ukraine, signs agreements with local firms

On 7 June, the Franco-German prime KNDS announced the setting-up of a new subsidiary, KNDS Ukraine, which will produce military equipment and ammunition in Ukraine. KNDS Ukraine will work with local firms to set up equipment maintenance, manufacture spare parts, and produce 155mm artillery shells domestically. The new unit is expected to be established by the end of the month.

Thales and PT LEN to launch a joint venture in Indonesia

France’s Thales has signed an agreement with Indonesia’s state-owned defence electronics company PT LEN Industri (Persero) to launch a joint venture. As part of the deal, signed on 30 May, the two firms will establish a centre of excellence and work together on air surveillance radars and command & control (C2) systems. They will also undertake the co-development of a national air operations centre.

Hanwha Ocean builds local partnerships for Canadian submarine project bid

Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has signed an MoU with Canadian provider of propulsion system integration services, Gastops, to explore domestic and international collaborative opportunities within the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The prime also signed a Teaming Agreement with Canadian firm CAE and an MoU with Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies.


07 June 2024
Volume 42, Issue 11

Main headlines from this issue

Peru to consider offsets as evaluation factor in contracts, new decree to regulate projects

Peru is seeking to boost its defence industry by adopting a shift from offsets to industrial cooperation and has introduced two changes to its industrial compensation regulations in this process. Firstly, offset proposals will be used as evaluation factors in foreign contracting processes. Secondly, a decree will be issued to establish guidelines for direct and indirect offsets, as well as industrial cooperation.

Colombia explains updated offset policy, new decree to be introduced

A new decree will be introduced to improve offset implementation in Colombia, identify productivity gaps, and foster sustainable growth through strategic projects within the framework of Colombia’s re-industrialisation policy. On 27 May, the MoD issued Resolution No. 2029, which establishes the Defence Sector Committee for the analysis and approval of industrial and social offset projects submitted by foreign suppliers.

Romanian industries form defence partnerships at BSDA exhibition

Romanian defence companies signed collaboration agreements with foreign suppliers from Europe and South Korea on the sidelines of the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) Exhibition, held in Bucharest on 22–24 May. Milrem Robotics, MBDA, and Hanwha Aerospace are collaborating with local entities Digital Bit, IAR Brasov, and the Elie Carafoli National Institute for Aerospace Research, respectively.

UAE orders patrol vessels from EDGE-Fincantieri joint venture

The UAE Coast Guard has signed a EUR400m (USD435m) deal to acquire ten offshore patrol vessels (OPV) from Maestral, a joint venture established between Emirati conglomerate EDGE Group, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. This announcement of the agreement and the formal launch of Maestral took place on 20 May.

India to locally assemble controversial missile systems

India is set to receive another batch of the Igla-S air defence systems from Russia’s Rosoboronexport. According to media reports, Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) will assemble these systems in India under a transfer of technology from the Russian prime. ADSTL will assemble the sights, launchers, and batteries in India, but some local media reports suggest that these parts may even be locally manufactured in India.

South Australian firms to participate in the AUKUS supply chain

The state government of South Australia announced a programme with American shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) to enable the participation of local suppliers in the AUKUS nuclear-powered armed submarine supply chain. The agreement connects South Australian suppliers to HII’s Supplier Capability Uplift Program.


24 May 2024
Volume 42, Issue 10

Main headlines from this issue

Brazil will continue to offer flexibility in offset practice to its Armed Forces

While the Brazilian MoD made no policy update announcement, representatives from the MoD and the armed forces maintained a positive outlook towards offsets. Brazil’s army, navy, and air force operate as separate entities, each with their own offset authorities, requirements and implementation mechanisms. While they all follow one overarching offset policy, this setup allows flexibility for the forces to determine their specific priority areas and project requirements.

Korea moves towards parts manufacturing as foreign suppliers are hesitant to transfer tech

South Korea is moving on from requesting technology transfer and will instead rely on industrial cooperation in the form of parts manufacturing. Kim Seok, director of South Korea’s DAPA, announced during the GICA conference that this shift to industrial cooperation will see Korea’s focus on parts manufacturing and export by local companies as offset benefits in foreign defence procurements.

Hyundai Rotem partners with Peruvian industry on armed vehicles

Peru’s FAME S.A.C formalised a contract with a consortium between South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Rotem and STX Corporation on 20 May. Collaboration under the USD60m contract will commence under a joint venture partnership model. The agreement will include the transfer of knowledge and technologies, and an assembly plant will be set up at FAME’s Lurigancho-Chosica facility.

Corvus opens office in South Korea to facilitate ToT for Redbacks

Australia’s Corvus Technology Solutions, announced this month the inauguration of its office in Seoul on 5 March. The office will oversee technology transfer from South Korea for the local production of In-Arm Suspension Units (ISUs) as part of Australia’s procurement of AS-21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The new office is expected to create around 40 technical jobs.

Completion of five offset projects approved under Poland’s WISŁA Phase I

The Polish MoD officially approved the completion of five projects by Lockheed Martin under Phase I of the WISŁA programme on 6 May. The American prime partnered with local industry partners on the transfer of technology and component manufacturing related to the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. The five approved offset projects were completed by WZE and WZL-2.

Hensoldt UK to supply surveillance & navigation systems for FSS vessels

Hensoldt UK has been selected by Navantia UK to provide radars, and surveillance and navigation systems to the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA’s) three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships. Through this contract announced on 2 May, Hensoldt UK will create at least 50 highly skilled jobs and sustain an additional 150 within the company and the UK supply chain.


03 May 2024
Volume 42, Issue 09

Main headlines from this issue

Australia releases first-ever National Defence Strategy and updated Investment Programme

The Australian government released its first-ever National Defence Strategy and its updated Integrated Investment Programme on 17 April. The documents set out a revised approach for the Australian Defence Force following the release of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.

Hanwha continues offset heavy K9 collaboration with Polish industry

Hanwha Aerospace is making progress in its cooperation with the Polish defence industry through a comprehensive and offset-heavy programme relating to the K9 howitzers. Poland has commissioned a modified variant of the self-propelled howitzers from Hanwha, which will now be fitted with subsystems supplied by local Polish companies.

Rheinmetall to establish artillery factory in Lithuania amidst investment reforms

Rheinmetall will establish a new factory in Lithuania for the production of 155mm artillery shells. The ammunition produced in Lithuania will also be exported. Once completed, the facility will be the only 155mm ammunition plant in the Baltics.

Austrian company to collaborate with Dutch OEM on LTVs

The Austrian MoD signed a contract with Dutch OEM and manufacturer of light tactical vehicles, Defenture BV, for the delivery of Ground Force vehicles for its Special Operations Forces. Under the contract signed on 8 April, Defenture will collaborate with local vehicle construction company Achleitner Gruppe to deliver and provide service support for the LTVs.

Spanish company to locally produce PAC-3 missile components

Lockheed Martin has deepened its collaboration with Spanish multinational engineering company, Grupo Oesía. The two companies signed an MoU on 16 April for the future production of Lockheed’s PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile segment enhancement components in Spain. Lockheed will transfer know-how and assistance to Tecnobit - Grupo Oesía to facilitate the local production of the missile parts.

Leonardo to localise MRO as Nigeria seeks tech transfer from foreign suppliers

Italy’s Leonardo is expanding its operations in Africa, with plans to use Nigeria as a base to carry out M-346 jet maintenance services for its regional clients. Leonardo will provide maintenance support for a minimum of 25 years for Nigeria’s fleet of M-346s. Leonardo will also use its physical presence in Nigeria as a maintenance hub to carry out services for other customers in Africa.