Main headlines from this issue

Indonesia elevates use of barter payment terms

The Indonesian Ministry of Trade is considering the use of countertrade as a payment mechanism. The payment method will be used in co-operation with the MoD in deals with several “trading partner countries.” The minister said countertrade accelerates the transfer of technology and knowledge, increases production, and expands employment opportunities.

Japanese defence White Paper promotes industrial cooperation

Shinzo Abe’s government has published a defence white paper calling for four “lines of effort” to strengthen the country’s defence industrial base. The four “lines” provide for further participation in the sustainment and maintenance of imported defence equipment, and aim to promote the transfer of defence equipment under a new principle-based framework.

India: Trade Department calls for DPP 2020 changes to offset fulfilment periods / India backtracks, DOMW suspends move to abolish credit banking

A draft industrial policy document prepared by India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) calls for a hold on changes to the Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 (DPP 2016).

Korea: Satellite launch closes contentious Lockheed offset undertaking

SpaceX, the private rocket company belonging to Elon Musk, has launched South Korea’s first dedicated military communications satellite. The launch brings to a protracted close Lockheed Martin’s satellite commitment to DAPA as part of an offset package into the purchase of 40 F-35 combat aircraft. The satellite has been the focus of a feud between Lockheed and...