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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.