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.