At the recent Aero India 2025, CTO witnessed discussions on India’s offset policy and the challenges faced by OEMs in executing offset contracts in the country due to restrictions relating to technology sharing. The discussions covered the upcoming changes to India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 policy.
The US is asking for access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for providing military aid. US President Donald Trump has been negotiating a barter deal with Ukraine under which Ukraine would deliver minerals – materials that are critical for various defence technologies – to the US in exchange for long-term military aid.
A Transport & Environment report found a lack of technology transfer or local content requirements in battery partnerships between Europe and China, despite subsidies and investments made by European governments in Asian battery firms and factories. The report recommended that the EU use instruments to secure local content, as no rules or framework regarding technology/skills transfer or local content currently exists in Europe.
The Philippines is planning to acquire ten additional Acero-class patrol gunboats from Israel Shipyards Ltd, and is also seeking to procure at least two diesel-electric submarines under its ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. However, the country is facing a shortage of funds for its planned defence modernisation projects.
Saudi Arabia may be able to fulfil its hopes of joining the Global Combat Aircraft Programme (GCAP) by first setting up assembly lines for NH-90 helicopters and Eurofighters. According to Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo’s co–general manager, Saudi Arabia could gain the know-how it needs to participate in the GCAP by setting up these assembly lines.
The UK’s BAE Systems has signed an MoU with Norwegian shipyard Hamek to cooperate on Norway’s ongoing maritime defence requirements. Norway also intends to establish a strategic bilateral partnership with the country whose frigate design is selected, coupled with close collaboration with the chosen prime to ensure opportunities for its local defence industry.