Main headlines from this issue

United Kingdom releases guidance for new industrial participation policy

The Ministry of Defence has completed a draft proposal for its new Industrial Participation Policy (IPP). The proposal provides guidance on local content targets, clarifies thresholds, and explains the tendering process. It was circulated internally among British defence contractors on 3 October for comments and feedback.

Norway: Technology transfer gives way to “technology cooperation”

Norway’s new regulations on industrial cooperation are scheduled for release in autumn 2023, according to Åge Skøelv, senior advisor to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. They will cement Norway’s transition away from technology transfer towards “technology cooperation.”

Germany conducts study into costs of offset

Germany’s Ministry of Defence is markedly opposed to offset, but is open to discussing new ways of improving supply chain resilience, according to Carl Sibrand Förster, a senior official in the Department of Defence Industry Policy, Exports, and Investments. His team is collaborating with the Ministry of Economy to conduct a study into the costs of offsets and discuss options for Germany.

SIPRI report: Licensed production critical to “self-reliance” in Indo-Pacific

Countries in the Indo-Pacific are relying on licensed production to improve self-reliance in the defence industry, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published this month. Other than Australia, lower-income countries are typically the ones to push for licensed production. CTO breaks down the report’s findings.

Poland and UK take next step on missile and frigate collaboration

The United Kingdom and Poland have signed three agreements to cooperate on the provision and development of defence equipment. The deals bring Poland one step closer to securing new frigates for the Miecznik (Swordfish) requirement and missiles for the Narew short-range air defence system.

UK to build surveillance ships in local shipyard

The United Kingdom has unveiled plans to procure two multi-role ocean surveillance ships (MROSS) to protect underwater infrastructure. The first vessel may be purchased off the shelf from abroad, but the second will be constructed in a British shipyard, according to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.