Main headlines from this issue

Modi hails defence manufacturing success amid U.S. offset criticism

India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the country’s success in developing a local defence industry. He made the comments in a speech inaugurating DefExpo 2020 in Lucknow. Attendees, including the U.S. Ambassador, were less impressed. They’ve called for changes to the country’s offset guidelines...

South Africa’s DTI to amend offset guidelines, make pharma companies compliant

UK company accuses Chinese investor of tech theft

British precision-engineering company Smiths (Harlow) has accused a Chinese investor of stealing its intellectual property following a tech transfer-for-investment deal. The allegation resonates with criticism that Beijing supports the state-backed theft of intellectual property and forced tech transfers.

Poland’s F-35 deal: an offset in all but name

Poland’s Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Blaszczak, has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin for the delivery of 32 F-35 multi-purpose jets. In accordance with earlier announcements, the government said the deal does not include an offset agreement. The price has been reduced instead.

Five OEMs respond to Finland fighter RfQ

Finland’s HX Fighter procurement program has entered its evaluation phase after five contenders responded to a revised Request for Quotation (RfQ). Finland requires 30 percent industrial participation, valued approximately at €2bn-€3bn.