Main headlines from this issue

UAE merger widens opportunities for obligors

Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Officer for Tawazun’s Industrial Development Unit, told CTO that the merger of a number of state-controlled defence companies, announced this month, “would provide defence companies with a wider platform to fulfil obligations and provide even greater opportunities of collaboration and growth.”

Oman turf war continues to prolong publication of offset regulations

A tug of war between principal contenders to head Oman’s Partnerships Development Program appears to have turned nasty.

Not much cheer for Swiss offset volumes

Little has come to Switzerland by way of offset volumes over the last few years. The 2014 armour program will provide some new opportunities if approved by parliament, but 2013 was very flat, with less CHF 100m ($104m) agreed.

India: U.S. Calls for offset policy to change ahead of Obama’s visit – but “India has to stand on its own feet”

The U.S. is making a strong pitch for India to overhaul its offset policy for defence purchases ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit next month. The U.S. has raised concerns that American firms could be penalised for delays when Indian firms are found unsuited to enter global supply chains.

Canada: Unclear Value Propositions – “you have just ten days to protest”

Industry Canada has launched a global initiative to brief the defence community on the new Defence Procurement Strategy and ‘value proposition’ procedure. Obligors should be aware of the deadline to file objections if the ‘value proposition’ requirement is unclear...