Main headlines from this issue

Malaysia to impose local content on all drone contracts, signs cooperation agreement with Turkey

Malaysia is planning to make it compulsory for foreign drone suppliers with public procurement contracts to build factories in-country, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced. The Prime Minister shared the news after his four-day state visit to Ankara, during which Malaysia and Turkey agreed to cooperate on aviation and unmanned technology.

Sweden pitches industrial cooperation as Czech Republic mulls fighter aircraft

Sweden is laying the groundwork for industrial cooperation as part of its offer to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Czech Republic. Swedish diplomats have offered to extend the existing lease of 14 Gripen C/D jets almost free of charge and increase cooperation on new platforms, including the Gripen E/F series.

BAE Systems pledges higher local content, Slovakia selects CV90

The Slovak government has signed off on its decision to procure 152 Hägglunds CV90 combat vehicles from BAE Systems and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) through a €1.7bn ($1.7bn) government-to-government agreement with Sweden. The British firm beat out Rheinmetall, GDELS, and Santa Bárbara Sistemas’ offers to supply the IFVs.

Safran and HAL to co-produce helicopter engines

Safran Group and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed an MoU to jointly manufacture a new engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). The new joint venture aims to meet future Indian requirements, including the IMRH’s naval variant, the Deck Based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH).