India and the US have announced that negotiations for the Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreement will take place this year. The two parties have launched several other defence initiatives, and will also review their respective arms transfer regulations.
The Australian Submarine Agency released its first-ever AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy on 7 March. The strategy outlines plans to develop in Australia the industrial capability required to deliver, operate, and sustain the country’s future nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), to be produced under the trilateral AUKUS partnership.
In this issue of CTO, we cover cooperation agreements signed by US and Asian firms with Emirati companies on the sidelines of the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2025) held in Abu Dhabi on 17–21 February.
Poland and Slovakia have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly produce ammunition and cooperate on the procurement of air defence systems, armoured vehicles, and tanks. Signed in Warsaw on 24 February, the agreement covers four key areas, which all align with Poland’s current priorities.
Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense and Indian defence technology company Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics have announced a joint venture to manufacture turrets in India for the Zorawar light tank. JCD will bring technology and know-how to the venture, while EPH will focus on locally manufacturing the turrets.
Israel’s Rafael is establishing a joint venture with US firm Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to produce solid rocket motors in the US. The new venture, Prometheus Energetics, announced on 26 February, will be located in Indiana. Rafael will transfer technology to the new joint venture, and production at the facility is scheduled to begin in 2027.