Main headlines from this issue

Swiss Parliament Settles Air 2030 Fighter Quota, Opens Rift between Armasuisse and Grpm

After months of dispute, both chambers of Switzerland’s Federal Council have agreed on the offset policy for the forthcoming CHF6bn ($6.17bn) Air 2030 fighter procurement. Armasuisse and a regional trade association are already arguing about what the policy means.

Turkish companies plan to avoid U.S. sanctions, transfer F-35 industrial participation to Bulgaria

Turkish defence manufacturers are considering moving production out of the country in an attempt to avoid a U.S. block on their participation in the F-35 global supply chain. American sanctions have targeted Turkey, but not specifically Turkish companies, according to...

Canadian Lawyer: “ITB policy is arriving at misleading conclusions”

A Canadian public procurement lawyer and former counsel for Public Services and Procurement Canada, has criticised the country’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy. Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada’s assessments of offset policy beneficiaries were wrong, she said.

Polish MoD says F-35 benefits are not worth the cost

Poland’s defence ministry has recommended that the country not demand an offset agreement for the F-35 program. The MoD estimates that the move would save up to $1bn, although Polish industry would forfeit the ability to acquire advanced technologies.

Four nations consider gold, barter trade to beat sanctions

Iran, Malaysia, Turkey, and Qatar are considering trading among themselves using a countertrade structure backed by gold. The purpose would be to hedge against the imposition of any future economic sanctions. The initiative is being led by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.