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Volume 2024
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MBDA and Kongsberg have withdrawn from a USD738m Swiss tender for the procurement of a medium-range ground-based air defence.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Main headlines from this issue
Canadian Defence Policy Update released, ITB to apply to newly funded capabilities
The Canadian government released its Defence Policy Update (DPU), Our North, Strong and Free, on 8 April. The DPU builds on the 2017 document, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE), which outlined plans for projects and new investments amounting to CAD164bn (USD118bn) over 20 years. The Canadian government intends to update the DPU every four years.
Australian companies seek US collaboration under AUKUS alliance
Australian defence companies such as NIOA Group, EOS Defence Systems and 3ME Technology are aiming to expand their presence in the US market, underpinned by the increased opportunities for collaboration driven by the trilateral AUKUS defence partnership between the US, the UK, and Australia. Challenges over technology transfer, however, remain a concern for industry partners.
Finnish and Czech companies join F-35 supply chain
Two future F-35 Lightning II customers are being added to Lockheed Martin’s supply chain for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft as its deployment across Europe accelerates. Local industry partners in Finland and the Czech Republic have successfully obtained workshare as part of their respective F-35 procurements.
Indonesia to locally produce submarines with tech transfer
Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL and France’s Naval Group will collaborate to boost the Indonesian Navy’s submarine capabilities. Indonesia awarded the contract to the Naval Group–PT Pal consortium on 28 March for the delivery and local production of two Scorpène-class submarines.
Turkish arms company to establish joint venture in Congo
Turkish arms company Ateşçi is investing in a Congolese joint venture with state-owned mining explosives company, Africaine d’explosifs (Afridex) for the local production of munitions of various calibres. A new ammunition production line will be installed at the Afridex site in Likasi, Democratic Republic of Congo, where production of Ateşçi's products is expected to begin in July.
Embraer collaborates with Chile on local production and MRO
Brazilian aerospace company Embraer announced the signing of two industrial and services cooperation agreements with Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile (ENAER) on 11 April. The agreements have been signed for the A-29 Super Tucano and the C-390 Millennium aircraft. They cover the local manufacture of aircraft parts, as well as the establishment of a new service centre in Chile.
Main headlines from this issue
New Australian Defence Strategy while detailed, may be ineffective
The Australian government released its first-ever Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) on 29 February. The strategy, essentially an internal review of the Australian Industrial Capability (AIC) policy, aims to provide recommendations and a detailed implementation plan to help grow Australia’s domestic defence industrial base. However, it has attracted criticism for failing to narrow down Australia’s defence priorities or define specific levels of local content in foreign procurements.
Local facilities set up in India despite tech transfer concerns
India has recently bolstered defence partnerships with international companies, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Brazil’s Taurus Armas S.A., both of which have launched entities and facilities in the country. These developments however, have materialised after facing challenges in securing technology transfers from foreign suppliers.
Romania demands offsets, attracts sole bid from Otokar
As Romania struggles to invite bids for its light armoured tactical vehicles (ATBTU) procurement, Rheinmetall is building a gunpowder factory in the country in collaboration with the European Commission.
Dutch submarine contract awarded to Naval Group attracts criticism
The Dutch government has provisionally selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to deliver its Barracuda submarines as part of the Netherlands’ Walrus-class replacement programme. The company will collaborate with Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC to deliver a “renewed submarine capacity”.
Swiss industry reaps indirect offset benefits from F-35 procurement
Switzerland’s local industry will receive offset benefits as part of its procurement of 36 F-35A Lightning II aircraft. Mercury Mission Systems International SA announced on 21 March that it will be expanding on the manufacturing of defence technologies at its facilities in Geneva, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. The collaboration, valued at CHF40m (USD45.6m), will particularly focus on embedded computing technologies.
Korean company outbids Western suppliers for Peruvian contract
Peru has selected South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) as its preferred partner for the local production of naval ships. The conglomerate will collaborate with Servicios Industriales de la Marina S.A. (SIMA), a local Government-owned shipyard, to build a frigate, a patrol vessel, and two landing ships for the Peruvian Navy.
Main headlines from this issue
No offsets for Germany or EU, but no alternative strategy either
“Offset, in general, is harmful; it hurts competition [and] doesn’t drive innovation in the defence industry,” Lutz Holländer, acting head of the German Federal Ministry of Defence’s (BMVg) Defence Industrial Base, said in his presentation at DKF’s spring conference in Berlin. “But we acknowledge the fact that it is there and it's strong and kicking, despite all efforts to abolish it.”
EU releases first defence strategy ahead of DKF
The European Commission released the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) on 5 March, a strategy that builds on the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) to support “greater competitiveness, responsiveness and resilience” in the EU over the next decade. Presenters at the DKF spring conference offered their view on the changing landscape of defence in Europe, and the role of offsets in the region.
Ukraine expands collaboration with European defence firms
Ukraine is progressively expanding its localisation collaborations with European partners as it continues to enhance its defence industry. Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is currently negotiating with UDI on the creation of joint ventures for ammunition production. Meanwhile, Rheinmetall announced plans to establish at least four new production plants in the country. Additionally, other German and French suppliers have also revealed partnerships with Ukrainian counterparts, particularly in drone and ground equipment.
Saab builds manufacturing unit in India with 100 percent FDI
Saab has received approval from the Indian government to make a 100 percent foreign direct investment in the country for the local production of its Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems. Saab started the construction of a manufacturing unit in Jhajjar, Haryana, on 4 March. Production of the weapon systems is scheduled to commence next year.
EDGE and INDRA to set up JV for radar production in the UAE
EDGE Group and INDRA announced on 4 March the signing of a joint venture agreement for the development and manufacturing of radar systems in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi–based JV will have access to a non-NATO, non-EU pipeline of orders of nearly 300 advanced radar solutions valued at EUR2bn (USD2.2bn).
Plausible Japan collaboration with AUKUS invites criticism
Earlier this month, the members of the trilateral security partnership AUKUS, invited Japan to collaborate with them on the development of future defence technologies. On 2 March, the US discussed with its AUKUS partners the possibility of inviting Japan to collaborate. If the collaboration were to proceed, Japan would be the first country invited to work in the AUKUS framework.
Main headlines from this issue
UK releases new procurement strategy, but no concrete procurement plans
The UK MoD released a new defence procurement strategy on 22 February, developed in collaboration with defence practitioners and industry stakeholders. Under the strategy, the MoD aims to enhance collaboration and innovation across uncrewed systems for its armed forces.
Turkish defence suppliers secure deals with KSA
Turkish defence suppliers Ramsa Defence, Havelsan, and TAI have secured deals with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) against the backdrop of the WDS. Concurrently, new information was released regarding agreements signed between SAMI and Baykar last year.
Northrop signs eight offset projects with Poland for WISLA Phase II
Phase II of Poland’s WISŁA programme will begin following the Polish Ministry of National Defence and US defence prime Northrop Grumman signing an offset agreement encompassing eight projects collectively valued at approximately USD75m. Under the agreement signed on 20 February, Northrop will transfer technology to Polish industry, which will then manufacture, integrate, and test components of the IBCS systems.
Slovakia begins local production of Patria vehicles
Slovak engineering company CSM Industry has successfully begun the local production of Patria 8x8 armoured vehicles through a transfer of technology. Apart from CSM, over 40 Slovak companies are slated to participate in the project. The contract involves a 43 percent local industry participation level.
Ukraine signs localisation agreements with German partners
Ukraine recently signed several industry cooperation agreements with German companies during the Munich Security Conference. Agreements were signed with Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) to cooperate on anti-tank weapons, with MBDA Deutschland to explore air defence collaboration opportunities, and with Rheinmetall to establish a joint venture focused on ammunition production in Ukraine.
KNDS and Leonardo to deliver ‘Italianised’ Leopard Tanks
Italy is embarking on a 14-year project to develop an ‘Italianised’ version of the Leopard tanks. The Leopard 2A8 procurement programme involves the purchase of 132 tanks from KNDS. Leonardo is the local partner under the USD9bn deal and will manufacture the tanks at its facility in La Spezia.
Main headlines from this issue
New US industrial strategy emphasises four priority areas
The U.S. Department of Defense released its National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) on 11 January 2024. This strategy document will guide the DoD’s engagement, policy development, and investment over the next three to five years. Separately, the DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DUI) released its “DUI 3.0” strategy on 7 February.
Korean defence suppliers secure Saudi contracts at World Defense Show
Making the most out of WDS 2024, South Korean arms manufacturers Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, Kia Corporation, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and LIG Nex1 have secured deals with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lockheed and Boeing awarded Australian aircraft support contracts
Australia has awarded three support and maintenance contracts amounting to AUD830m (USD540m) to Lockheed Martin and Boeing for its fleet of Black Hawks, Apaches, and Chinooks.
Progress on US drone sale to India after diplomatic delays
The USD4bn General Atomics MQ-9B drone sale to India is finally moving forward. The sale received approval from the U.S. State Department on 1 February after a hold-off in December because of diplomatic concerns. GA has been informed of the sale, following the completion of the State Department’s “tiered review”.
Damen signs civil offset partnership with South Africa
Holland’s Damen Shipyards Group signed a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) with South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) as part of the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP), South Africa’s civil offset programme. Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) will work on localisation and industrial participation to the benefit of the South African shipbuilding industry.
Rheinmetall and Airbus expand local partnerships in Romania
European primes Rheinmetall and Airbus are expanding their local involvement in Romania. While Rheinmetall has acquired a majority stake in Romanian vehicle manufacturer Automecanica Medias, Airbus has extended its partnership with Industria Aeronautică Romană (IAR) on its H215M helicopters.
Main headlines from this issue
Brazil incentivises local content in new Industrial Policy plan
The Brazilian government has announced a new industrial policy plan for the next decade that focuses on national development and innovation, and includes a procurement policy that incentives local content. Brazil’s National Council for Industrial Development (CNDI) handed over the New Industry Brazil document to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on 22 January.
Russia offers UAVs with offset benefits to the Middle East
Rosoboronexport is looking to export its UAVs, and has extended an offset heavy offer in the form of local production facilities and MRO services to its customers in the Middle East.
India collaborates with French companies on helicopter and jet
France and India are working towards enhancing their partnership for the second time in a year. India’s TASL has signed an agreement with Airbus to establish a local FAL for the H125 helicopters. Concurrently, India and France have signed a defence-industrial partnership roadmap, and Safran is offering a technology transfer for the domestic production of the Shakti engines for India’s future fighter jet project.
Indonesia and Korea collaborate amidst technology theft allegations
While Indonesia tries to enhance its economy and industry through collaborations with South Korea, the latter has announced an investigation into Indonesian engineers, accusing them of stealing technologies related to the KF-21 fighter jet project.
GDLS led ‘Power Team’ consortium wins Canadian Army contract
General Dynamics Land Systems Canada was picked as the preferred bidder for the Canadian Logistics Vehicle Modernisation programme on 10 January. GDLS Canada will lead a ‘Power Team’ of industry consortium, consisting of Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz, Manac, and Soframe, to provide the vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces.
British subsidiary of KNDS wins Army’s bridge equipment contract
The British government has signed a USD189m contract with the UK wing of Franco-German defence conglomerate, KNDS. The UK subsidiary, previously known as WFEL, will supply new bridging equipment to the British Army. Announced on 25 January, the contract will support 300 skilled jobs and will be delivered through the company’s facilities in Stockport.