Main headlines from this issue

Canada’s ITB Policy stunted by unnecessary rules, bureaucracy : media report

Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefit (ITB) policy has come under fire for being riddled with inefficiencies. According to a report in the Globe and Mail (G&M), the ITB policy, which governs procurements and industrial participation obligations in Canada, is being stunted by unnecessary rules and bureaucracy.

BDT offers local content for British small-arms requirement

BDT UK, the British arm of Beretta Defence Technologies (the defence division of Italy’s Berretta Holding), has offered to locally manufacture small arms in the UK. At a media briefing in London on 17 July, BDT outlined a phased approach to produce small arms in the UK, if awarded a contract under Project Grayburn, offering 5, 20, 80, and 100 percent localisation.

Ukraine advances industrial cooperation in Europe

Ukraine’s Odd Systems will co-develop AI-powered drone interceptor platforms with Denmark’s Terma, while Poland’s Unimot Group is creating a joint venture in Poland with a Ukrainian company for drone production. Separately, Ukraine has signed an MoU with French defence firm Texelis to jointly develop armoured vehicles.

Senegal to assemble German trucks with tech transfer

German vehicle manufacturer Daimler Truck has signed a letter of intent with the government of Senegal and local company Global Truck Systems (GTS) to support the establishment of a truck assembly plant in the West African country. Under the agreement signed on 2 July, Daimler Truck will act as a technology partner and an exclusive supplier of CKD trucks to Senegal for assembly.

Indonesia to produce Turkish missiles

Türkiye’s Roketsan signed a contract on 23 July with PT Republik Roketsan Indonesia (RRI), its joint venture with Republikorp, to facilitate the production of its ÇAKIR cruise missile in Indonesia. Under the agreement, RRI will produce the missiles locally through a transfer of technology from Roketsan.

Mitsubishi wins Australian frigate contract

Australia selected Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) on 5 August to supply 11 Mogami-class frigates, eight of which will be built at Western Australia’s Henderson Defence Precinct under Australia’s Project Sea 300 programme. On the same day, the Australian government signed a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) with local shipbuilder Austal Limited, to establish Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia, a new subsidiary that would build the vessels at Henderson.