Main headlines from this issue

Thailand and China to set up joint defence facilities, include other countries

Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) plans to establish a joint centre with China to produce and maintain military equipment. The Defence Ministry said the government is also holding preliminary discussions with Ukraine, Russia and South Africa about joint defence manufacturing facilities. The DTI recently signed an MoU with Leonardo covering technology transfer and the establishment of...

Taiwan: Science and Technology Institute prepares new guidelines

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence is focusing on a ‘buy local’ policy to enhance the country’s defence capabilities, with the spotlight on sustainment and capability. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is drafting new industrial cooperation guidelines.

GPA phase-out overshadows significant increase in Israel’s commercial obligations

Israel has enjoyed a boom in reciprocal procurement over the last two years; the number of local SMEs benefitting from the programme increased by 17 percent to 204. The growth continues a trend that began more than eight years ago. Industrial cooperation in the country continues to be “significant in scope” and its impact on the economy “has been considerable,” said Ziva Eger, Director General of the Industrial Cooperation Authority (ICA).

Russia planning for civil aircraft production In UAE

Russia and the UAE are planning to jointly develop a civil aircraft based on Russia’s MC-21 jetliner, according to Rostec’s CEO, Sergey Chemezov. He said joint production could be placed in the UAE. In February Mr Chemezov announced that Russia had initiated talks with the UAE to co-develop a new generation fighter jet.

Philippines parliament to debate bill making countertrade contracts simpler

The Deputy Speaker of the Philippines’ House of Representatives, Raneo Abu, is backing a bill to amend the country’s outdated countertrade regulations. The bill seeks to exempt all government countertrade transactions concerning the import of some items and services in the statutory procurement process and bidding requirements.