President Bola Tinubu signed the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill 2023 into law on 23 November, thus paving the way for reforms in the Nigerian defence industry. While DICON still exists, it will now function in a new and reformed manner.
The United States and India have initiated discussions to co-produce the Stryker AFVs. A joint statement noted a “mutual interest to co-develop and co-produce ground mobility systems” in India. If this deal is finalised, India will be the first country to produce Stryker vehicles outside the US.
EDGE Group continues to build its presence in Brazil. It has secured a contract with the Brazilian Navy for the MANSUP-ER and its shorter-range version. Apart from the Brazilian Navy, EDGE will collaborate with local smart weapons and high-tech systems specialist Sistemas Integrados de Alto Teor Tecnológico (SIATT).
Turkish defence manufacturer Nurol Makina signed an agreement with Hungarian company, Rába Automotive Holding and N7 Holding for the local production of the 4x4 Gidran armoured vehicle. The parties will establish a joint venture which will manufacture the vehicles in Győr.
Navantia Australia, a local subsidiary of the Spanish prime, is collaborating with Australian shipyard, Austal, and shipbuilding company, Civmec, to jointly offer six corvettes for the Royal Australian Navy.
The UK arm of pan-European missile producer MBDA has signed an agreement with Poland’s Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) for the local production of over 1000 Common Anti-Aircraft Modular Missiles Extended Range (CAMM-ER) and iLaunchers.