The Australian Department of Defence has announced that it will implement “significant improvements” to the Australian Industrial Capability (AIC) program. The aim is to ensure that contractors meet their industrial cooperation obligations. Obligors will face rigorous contractual enforcement. Audits will start in Q4 2020...
Australia’s Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) has recommended that the government update its role and purpose to reflect an increased focus on the Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program. The review highlighted several problems with the Global Supply Chain program. Many businesses and industry associations reported frustration that the government was not holding primes strictly to account for delivering on their responsibilities.
The Argentine Senate has passed a law to establish a National Defence Fund (FONDEF) to finance military re-equipment and boost local production. The fund will be used to increase the country’s sovereignty in defence production across the armed forces. One of the conditions for the fund’s use is that 80 percent will finance the manufacture of military equipment in the country by SMEs.
India’s Department for the Promotion of Industry and Trade has approved an increase to the country’s defence foreign direct investment (FDI) cap from 49 percent to 74 percent. The increase was announced in May. The department has conditioned the rise on a “national security” clause.
India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticised the country’s offset policy and the deal to procure 36 Rafael jets from Dassault Aviation. The report noted that Dassault and weapons-supplier MBDA have not confirmed the transfer of technology to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).