Main headlines from this issue

UK Minister fails to understand importance of offset; Scotland asks for a devolved offset policy

 A debate in the House of Commons on Britain’s defence industrial strategy provided a flawless illustration of the British government’s perception of offsets. Angus Robertson of the Scottish National Party took the opportunity to quiz Bob Ainsworth, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, about the significance of the country’s requirements.

Rosoboronexport furious at Pakistani “PIRACY” at Istanbul International Defence Industry Fair

Anatoliy Aksenov, Chief Adviser to the General Director of Rosoboronexport, reportedly took exception to a display of Kalashnikov assault rifles in the Pakistani display at the Istanbul International Defence Industry Fair last month.

South Africa’s paramount agrees license build with Jordan’s KADDB

Jordan’s King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and the Paramount Group of South Africa are to establish a $40m production facility in Jordan for the manufacture of mine-protected armoured vehicles.

Bahrain imitates the China approach by seeking buy-back ventures in Thailand

Bahrain has approached Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group to invest in the country's livestock, aquaculture, and rice agricultural businesses to improve its position as the food hub for the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) nations.

Vietnam to pay for Russian submarines under barter and debt arrangement.

The Russian state news service Novosti has revealed that negotiations have been taking place with Vietnam for the delivery of six Project 636 Kilo-class submarines.