Main headlines from this issue

EDA releases hostile study on offset and juste retour practices

The European Defence Agency has finally released its study on offset and juste retour. The report is solid, predictable, unlikely to threaten the agency’s hostile reputation in respect to offset practices, and reads like a Communist manifesto.

Tunisia: “We are not really mastering offsets”

The Tunisian government stepped tentatively into offsets in 2007 with an agreement with Airbus……. Another target is the auto industry, but the policy has not moved beyond those two sectors……

Is Russia to be the next major defence equipment importer to require offsets – and will deals be clean?

The idea that Russia could import foreign-made weapons seemed absurd until recently. The country that invented the Kalashnikov saw itself as an exporter, not an importer. Those purchases however are now being seriously discussed.

South Africa: Armscor’s annual report reveals setbacks, delays and successes with DIP commitments

Agusta Westland is shown to be in serious arrears with its industrial participation programme for the Maritime Patrol Helicopters.  The Airbus A400M programme is also in difficulty.  The report registers the over-achievement of …

Thailand to revive countertrade policy?

Thailand’s reputation for inconsistency is back on track as a government countertrade initiative shows signs of rising from the ashes.