Main headlines from this issue

Malaysia demands countertrade in first-ever open international tender for military aircraft

Malaysia’s tender for light combat aircraft requires 50 percent of payments to be made through countertrade in palm oil. Moving forwards, the country is expected to enforce its countertrade requirement in all international open tenders.

Australian Labor Party pledges new “Buy Australian” plan

Anthony Albanese has laid out a 10-point plan to boost local industry through procurement if his party returns to power. The government would break tenders into multiple packages to allow smaller companies to bid, and to maximise small business participation in procurement.

Indonesia struggles to fulfil KF-21 cost-sharing agreement, negotiations still underway

Indonesia has made no payments towards the development KF-21 fighter jet in more than five months, reports South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Speaking at a parliamentary audit session on October 12…

Turkey and Nigeria sign memorandum on defence industry cooperation and technology transfer

The governments of Nigeria and Turkey have signed a memorandum on cooperation and technology transfer in defence procurements. The MoU was one of seven deals signed during President Recep Erdogan’s diplomatic visit to the Gulf of Guinea from October 17 to 20.

Saab expands operations in Finland as Helsinki prepares final decision on HX fighters

Saab is expanding its R&D operations in Finland, especially in the fields of data-link communication and VR/XR technology. Saab’s latest activities come as Helsinki prepares its final decision on the HX fighter jet programme.