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Volume 2021
Main headlines from this issue
Blenheim fights on against Lockheed, Airbus, Korea, and DAPA
Blenheim Capital Partners has launched an offensive against the Republic of Korea and its Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The South Korean government’s US-based counsel, however, is refusing to recognise the complaint because of a legal technicality.
Switzerland releases details on F-35 fighter jet procurement
Armasuisse released the information on November 26, five months after Switzerland declared its intention to procure F-35A Lightning II jets from Lockheed Martin and the Patriot system from Raytheon. The report provides a budget for the procurement and outlines suppliers’ offset obligations.
Norway: New procurement programme for battle tanks requires 100% offsets
Norway expects the supplier country's defence market to open to Norwegian weapons systems, and for strategic cooperation between Norwegian contractors and the supplier’s defence industry. The tender will see competition between Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem.
Brazil and UAE move towards defence industry cooperation
Brazil’s Ministry of Defence and Emirati company International Golden Group (IGG) have signed an MoU for the development, production, and sale of defence articles. The memorandum is one of many new commercial deals between Brazil and the UAE.
Israel and Morocco sign defence co-operation agreement
The agreement formalises defence relations between the two formerly hostile countries and establishes a foundation for future cooperation.
Main headlines from this issue
South Korea lists 20 offset programmes, outlines new strategy
South Korea's Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has published a list of projects expected be subject to offset between 2021 and 2023. Simultaneously, the Korea Research Institute for Defence Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT) released a new K-Defence Globalisation Strategy.
‘Buy American Act’ amendments will permit waivers, industry remains wary
American defence companies are concerned that new amendments to the Buy American Act could derail future deals.
Russian industry looks to offsets to take South American markets
Members of the Russian state-owned holding conglomerate Rostec are leveraging offset programmes to secure South American procurement programmes.
Australia: Senate hearing on AUKUS exposes uncertain timeline, capability gap, and unclear local content
One month after Australia, the United States and Britain declared the AUKUS pact, the partners are untangling knots in the proposal. Head officials from Australia’s Department of Defence (DoD) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) were challenged on the subject during a Senate estimates hearing on October 27.
India and Israel to form collaboration task force
India and Israel’s Joint Working Group (JWG) on Bilateral Defence Cooperation has agreed to form a task force. The task force will formulate a comprehensive, ten-year roadmap towards new areas of defence cooperation.
Main headlines from this issue
Malaysia demands countertrade in first-ever open international tender for military aircraft
Malaysia’s tender for light combat aircraft requires 50 percent of payments to be made through countertrade in palm oil. Moving forwards, the country is expected to enforce its countertrade requirement in all international open tenders.
Australian Labor Party pledges new “Buy Australian” plan
Anthony Albanese has laid out a 10-point plan to boost local industry through procurement if his party returns to power. The government would break tenders into multiple packages to allow smaller companies to bid, and to maximise small business participation in procurement.
Indonesia struggles to fulfil KF-21 cost-sharing agreement, negotiations still underway
Indonesia has made no payments towards the development KF-21 fighter jet in more than five months, reports South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Speaking at a parliamentary audit session on October 12…
Turkey and Nigeria sign memorandum on defence industry cooperation and technology transfer
The governments of Nigeria and Turkey have signed a memorandum on cooperation and technology transfer in defence procurements. The MoU was one of seven deals signed during President Recep Erdogan’s diplomatic visit to the Gulf of Guinea from October 17 to 20.
Saab expands operations in Finland as Helsinki prepares final decision on HX fighters
Saab is expanding its R&D operations in Finland, especially in the fields of data-link communication and VR/XR technology. Saab’s latest activities come as Helsinki prepares its final decision on the HX fighter jet programme.
Main headlines from this issue
Court dismisses Blenheim lawsuit against Lockheed Martin, Airbus, South Korea, and DAPA Blenheim files for appeal
The Eastern District Court of Virginia has dismissed Blenheim Capital Partner’s civil lawsuit against Lockheed Martin, Airbus Defence and Space, and South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The court dismissed Blenheim’s complaint on the grounds that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case. Grant Rogan, CEO of Blenheim Capital Partners, has filed an appeal with the Fourth Circuit.
FAR extends deadline for comments to Buy American Act amendments
The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (FAR) has extended the deadline for submitting comments on the proposed changes to the Buy American Act (BAA) from September 28 to October 28, 2021. The extension comes after requests from the Council of Defence and Space Industry Associations and the Professional Service Council, representing over 400 government contractors.
Czech Republic: “There is no pattern” in industrial participation requirements
The Czech Republic has announced two major defence procurements. Each purchase carries a unique amount of industrial participation. The larger procurement is for a SPYDER air defence system produced by Israel’s Rafael…
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Ukraine calls for more technology transfer in shipbuilding industry
Ukraine’s state-owned defence company, Ukroboronprom and the national shipbuilding association Ukrsudprom have presented a draft strategy for the development of the country’s shipbuilding industry between 2022 and 2030. The draft strategy focuses on increasing technology transfers and decreasing reliance on foreign production.
Main headlines from this issue
Tawazun threatens to call in offset penalties, prepares for renegotiations
The UAE’s offsets agency Tawazun has sent letters to a number of defence primes threatening to call in offset penalties. The agency accuses the companies of failing to meet extended deadlines for fulfilling offset obligations, says a defence industry source. Tawazun would not identify the firms.
UK appoints new directorate for industrial participation, further muddies responsibility
The UK government has transferred its industrial participation portfolio to the newly-created Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE). DISE, however, will not work alone on the UK’s industrial participation portfolio.
South Korea moves closer to “Made in Korea” policy
South Korea appears to be moving closer to an industrial policy that requires suppliers to use local contractors whenever possible. It is reportedly developing a new programme that will prioritise local sourcing in industrial co-operation projects linked to defence contracts. The policy will run alongside South Korea’s offset policy.
Australia scraps $70bn deal with Naval Group, plans to build nuclear subs with British and American technology
Australia, Britain, and the United States have announced a historic defence agreement that will see Canberra build nuclear-powered submarines with British and American technology. The pact, AUKUS, freezes out Naval Group’s $70bn deal for 12 Attack-class submarines, Australia’s largest-ever defence contract.
India signs $2.7bn contract with Airbus Defence for transport aircraft
India has signed a Rs200bn ($2.7bn) contract with Airbus Spain to procure 56 C-295 transport aircraft. Most of the aircraft will be manufactured locally. It marks the first time military aircraft will be made in India by a private company.
Main headlines from this issue
EC Surrenders; Infringement procedures against Denmark withdrawn; New Danish guidelines introduce tech transfer valuation
The European Commission has given way to Denmark and closed its case concerning an alleged breach of Defence Directive 2009/81. Denmark has renewed its guidelines, introducing a new method for the valuation of technology transfers, and increasing the scope for industrial cooperation projects by foreign partners to Danish primes.
Lindsey Shanson’s farewell message
The decision was not easy, but I have decided that at 75, and having owned and edited CTO since 2000, it is time for a handover. I have passed the business to an expanding British media concern, but I will continue with the company as Consulting Editor...
Washington still sets the rules in Europe-U.S. defence collaboration – ‘Juste retour’ is ‘just a myth’
The transatlantic defence market is not a level playing field. That is the unsurprising opinion in a new policy report from the Armament Industry European Research Group (ARES). While none of the EU countries nor the UK or Norway disputed the reality of the industrial benefits in terms of workload and jobs, it is undeniable that the F-35 technology transfers were limited, if not totally excluded, say the authors.
Ukraine and U.S. sign memorandum on industrial participation; Ukroboronprom signs $2.5bn in deals with U.S. firms
The U.S. and Ukrainian governments have signed an MoU on industrial participation in arms procurements. The memorandum also emphasises the benefits of industrial participation for digital economy development, defence, and cybersecurity...
Pakistan’s major arms procurements to include technology transfer
The Pakistani government has published a three-year performance report. The report stipulates that technology transfer will be part of all big-ticket arms contracts as part of a larger strategy to create an internationally competitive defence production sector.
Main headlines from this issue
Malaysia re-assesses industrial collaboration policy, remodels penalties
Malaysia’s Technology Depository Agency (TDA), the body responsible for implementing the country’s Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), is changing the way it oversees projects. The changes come partly in response to Covid, and partly as a result of the country’s political turmoil.
India threatens obligors even as fulfilment increases
India’s MoD has threatened to ban one U.S. company and put as many as 11 others on a watchlist for failing to fulfil their offset obligations. The country is considering for penalties all offset projects agreed more than three years ago. “OEMs might have deductions taken from their performance bank guarantees in other contracts”.
U.S. Congressmen call for end of drone technology transfers to Turkey
A bipartisan group of U.S. congressmen has written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to call for an immediate suspension of export permits to Turkey for U.S. drone technology. The 27 lawmakers claim that Turkey’s armed UAV programme has destabilised multiple regions of the globe and threatens U.S. interests, allies, and partners.
Indonesia says every purchase of defence equipment must bring local benefits
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has reiterated the country’s aspiration for a long-term strategic plan to raise local content levels in the defence sector. Every purchase of defence and security equipment from abroad must consider trade balances and involve local content, offsets, and technology transfer, he declared.
U.S. OIRA clears Trump’s proposed rules regarding domestic content
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), an office within the Office of Management and Budget, has cleared a proposed Defence Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) rule implementing Executive Order 13881. The Order, issued by the previous administration, raises the threshold for domestic content to 55 percent.
Main headlines from this issue
Israel’s Economy Ministry beats Finance Ministry in battle to impose metro offsets
Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry has defeated the Finance Ministry in a dispute about imposing offsets on the country’s metro project. A reciprocal procurement policy is ineffective, the Finance Ministry insisted.
Indonesia concedes it does not monitor offset fulfilment
A member of Indonesia’s National Committee for Economy and Industry (KEIN) has confirmed an open secret. The Komite Kebijakan Industri Pertahanan (KKIP), or Defence Industry Policy Committee, lacks personnel to monitor whether foreign suppliers discharge obligations. Instead it relies on the Secretariat at the MoD...
Five NATO allies tempt Greece with rusty frigates
The Times has reported that the UK will give Greece HMS Monmouth and HMS Montrose, two Type 23 Frigates vessels, as part of efforts to “sweeten a deal” to sell the Greek Navy the Type 31 design. The “aged and retiring warships” are to be offered to the Hellenic Navy to help Babcock International win a multibillion-pound deal to build new frigates and upgrade the Hellenic fleet.
Annual BIS offset report: total volume of offsets higher than average despite lowest number of offset contracts and transactions
The 25th Annual Report to Congress on the impact of offsets in the defence trade shows that the total volume of offsets involving U.S. defence companies during 2019 was above the historic average. The number of offset contracts and transactions, however, was the lowest ever collected.
Lockheed Martin reveals sanctions impact on Turkish obligations - force majeure notices applied to Utility Helicopter Programme
Lockheed Martin’s quarterly report has shown the effect of U.S. sanctions on Turkish suppliers: they continue to produce components for the F-35 programme, some of which are single-sourced... Lockheed also has a number of contracts with Turkish industry for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme. “We...provided force majeure notices under certain contracts related to TUHP.”
Main headlines from this issue
Poland: Abrams tanks procurement ignites firestorm with unions
Trade unions in Poland have expressed anger following an announcement by the Polish defence minister that the country will buy 250 M1A2 Abrams tanks from the U.S. The announcement did not mention an industrial participation package. The unions warned that the deal could result in the loss of thousands of Polish jobs.
NAPMO’S evasion of offset ban “returns investment to contributing nations”
Member nations contributing to NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Organisation (NAPMO) are receiving compensation through direct and indirect transactions. The indirect transactions can be defence-related or commercial. NAPMO contributors insist on industrial returns in recognition of their contributions to the programme.
Thyssenkrupp agrees offset plan with Israel, avoids blacklist
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has agreed a new offset schedule with Israel’s Industrial Co-operation Authority (ICA). The plan will see TKMS spend more than €300m in Israel over the next five years.
India’s atmanirbharta policy is “expensive and unachievable”- targets reached by “clever accounting”
India’s “atmanirbharta” policy, an attempt to increase self-reliance in defence production by demanding local content in procurements, has come under withering attack. Writing in India’s Financial Express, Amit Cowshish, a former Financial Advisor (Acquisition), at the MoD, described the policy’s goal as “nebulous” and criticised the expense and waste of trying and failing to achieve it.
Australia conducts review of its global supply chain programme
Australia is conducting an independent review of its Global Supply Chain Programme. The review started work last month and is led Lisa Paul, a former government official. The GSCP aims to increase the number of Australian companies and academic institutions in the supply chains of multinational defence contractors.
Main headlines from this issue
Switzerland: Armasuisse issues new offset guidelines, focuses on security technology
Armasuisse has released new offset guidelines. The guidelines introduce significant changes to the industrial sectors eligible for offsets, refine the multipliers, and introduce a threshold. The aim is to support the “security-relevant technology and industry base” (STIB). Indirect benefits for both the defence and commercial sectors are expected to remain viable.
Switzerland: F-35s did not score well for offset
Switzerland’s new offset policy will apply to its procurement of 36 Lockheed Martin F-35As. That was the prediction of Albert Gaide, leader of the Swiss Aeronautical Industries Group of Swissmem, an association of mechanical and electrical engineering industries for German-speaking cantons. “Offsets are there to help the Swiss industry and not Switzerland’s armed forces. The industry needs offsets badly!” he told CTO.
South Korea launches domestic component registration system to increase indigenisation
South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has launched a registration system for local companies supplying parts for weapons systems. DAPA now requires foreign contractors to review the availability of local parts. CTO asked DAPA what happens to the bids of companies that don't use parts on the registry. DAPA acknowledged the question but declined to answer.
India: Helicopter urgency forces choice between indigenisation and supply
India’s armed forces are pressuring the government to fast-track the acquisition of Russian helicopters, despite disagreement between the two countries over the level of indigenous content.
France opens judicial probe into India-Dassault deal
France has appointed a judge to lead an investigation into corruption allegations concerning Dassault Aviation. The allegations focus on the sale in 2016 of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to India and the true value of Dassault’s Indian spend under its offset agreement. Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (ret’d.) said it is certain that, beyond mudslinging among political parties, nothing will happen in India.
Main headlines from this issue
New Zealand to stress “quality employment opportunities” in new government procurement rules
The government of New Zealand has introduced two new rules to its procurement regulations. Rule 18A requires government procurement agencies to consider job creation when buying goods, services, or works. Mandated agencies must consider “quality employment opportunities for New Zealanders,” particularly displaced workers and groups with traditionally high rates of unemployment or low labour force participation... will also apply to defence procurements.
Airbus and Lockheed try to strike out Blenheim’s conspiracy lawsuit
Counsel for Airbus Defence and Space and Lockheed Martin have filed separate motions to dismiss a lawsuit from Blenheim. The suit alleges conspiracy between those parties together with South Korea’s DAPA and the South Korean government, to cut Blenheim out of an F-35 fighter jet offset deal with DAPA. Airbus accuses Blenheim of filing “a fantasy-based complaint” in a court that “lacks subject matter jurisdiction” and relies on antitrust claims that are time-barred.
Australia: Submarine local content gets picked apart in senate committee hearing
A duck-and-dive Q&A in Australia during a Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee hearing last month produced an important confession. Penny Wong, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, forced Greg Sammut, the Defence Ministry’s General Manager, Submarines, to concede that the government has not yet agreed local content levels for each vessel in the Naval Group submarine programme.
UK government backs Babcock’s Ukrainian naval projects
Babcock International Group has signed a so-called tripartite Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) agreement in Odessa with the Ukrainian MoD and the UK government. The two nations will now push forward a major programme of Ukrainian naval projects, with Babcock as their designated prime industrial partner.
U.S. Navy promises to invest in Greek shipbuilding industry
The U.S. Navy has stressed its commitment to Greece’s shipbuilding industry. The statement came as the Hellenic Navy considers an offer from Lockheed Martin for four Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships.
Main headlines from this issue
Blenheim sues Lockheed Martin, Airbus Defence and Space, the Republic of Korea, and DAPA
Grant Rogan’s offset vehicles, Blenheim Capital Holdings and Blenheim Capital Partners, have filed civil conspiracy allegations in the District Court of Virginia. The allegations relate to offsets associated with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to South Korea. The claim could be worth more than $500m.
Blenheim: ‘Project Archer’ lays bare the anatomy of a $3.5bn offset project
Rogan is asking for a trial by jury. The F-35 contract was worth $7bn. DAPA required Lockheed to “offset” fifty percent of the cost. “My role is essentially as chief witness,” Rogan told CTO. “Having worked with both Lockheed and with Airbus, I expect them to take their best shot. And we will take our best shot. Read full details in CTO 12.
Korea’s Hanwha Defense in talks for “made in the UK” howitzers
South Korea’s Hanwha Defense has opened discussions with British companies to create a “Made in the UK” version of its K9 self-propelled Howitzer. Hanwha will offer the K9 for the UK’s Mobile Fires Platform programme.
Indonesia’s defence industry “must have a vision to increase domestic content”
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Muhammad Herindra, has called on the local defence industry to create a vision to increase domestic content levels. “The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Industry Policy Committee continue to encourage the domestic defence industry to develop and be independent,” Herindra told a defence policy meeting in Jarkarta.
Netherlands submarine purchase will “safeguard the national security interest and strategic autonomy”
The Dutch MoD has given the House of Representatives a “basic report” on the progress of the Walrus-class submarines replacement programme. It’s not going well.