Main headlines from this issue

Malaysia releases offset audit report – recommends new criteria for assessing economic benefits

A general audit by the government of Malaysia has found that the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) must streamline its implementation of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP). The audit identifies ongoing challenges with contract delays, poor monitoring, and inefficient choice of offset recipients.

Indian parliament calls for greater transparency in defence offsets

In the past five years, 21 of India’s 47 offset agreements have remained unfulfilled, Defence Minister Ajay Bhatt told the Rajya Sabha on 22 March. Bhatt’s comments came after a parliamentary standing committee urged the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to be more cautious and transparent in enforcing offset requirements.

Labour MPs challenge UK government on local production

During three Defence Committee debates this month, British members of parliament grilled Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin over the absence of British industry in major government contracts. Labour MPs faulted the government for prioritising export opportunities over local employment.

Australian industry gears up for munitions collaboration under AUKUS

Australian defence companies are positioning themselves as partners for the guided weapons aspect of AUKUS, the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Amid US sanctions, China remains open to Russian industry

Despite the US sanctions on Russian defence companies, China is likely to double down on defence industry cooperation, says Robert Atkinson, President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

Egypt: local courts seize jurisdiction over technology transfer disputes

The Egyptian Court of Cassation has ruled that any disputes arising from technology transfer agreements cannot be resolved in foreign-seated arbitration proceedings. Suppliers are advised to ensure that their arbitration agreements comply with Article 87, says Mohammad Rwashdeh, special counsel at the law firm K&L Gates.