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.