The Canadian government announced the creation of the new Defence Investment Agency (DIA) on 2 October. The DIA will aim to centralise and streamline defence procurement practices to build domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthen supply chains, and generate new jobs.
Brazil and India are reportedly discussing a defence arrangement that could see the exchange of defence platforms. According to reports, Brazil could acquire India’s Tejas Mk1A fighters and Prachand attack helicopters in exchange for Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft.
France’s Naval Group signed an exclusive MoU with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on 16 October to further strengthen their existing submarine cooperation. A previous MoU signed in July 2023 had focused on cooperation in the development of submarines. The extended agreement expands the scope of cooperation to allow Naval Group and MDL to jointly pursue export opportunities for Scorpène submarines built in India.
The Netherlands launched the Dutch Defence Cluster (DDC) in Ukraine on 11 October to further defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries. The Cluster aims to help Dutch companies navigate Ukraine’s defence industry by delivering practical expertise, strategic partnerships, and operational support to Ukraine.
France’s Airbus signed a series of agreements with the Netherlands on 1 October, covering component development and production, in-country maintenance, disruptive technologies, academic collaboration, and workforce development.
The Republic of Korea Air Force has awarded a USD2.26bn contract to US prime L3Harris Technologies for the delivery of four modified Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft in an AEW&C configuration. Under the contract, announced on 20 October, Korean Air will serve as the domestic integrator for the programme.