Airbus Helicopters has suspended a production project in Romania after the country failed to move ahead with a planned procurement. The company has invested €10m in the project. It had allocated €15m. Airbus would have transferred technology to the state-owned aerospace producer IAR Brasov, including the ability to conduct assembly and completion activities.
Brazil’s Coordinating Committee of the Combat Aircraft Program (COPAC) has begun implementing Decree N° 061, a new policy intended to improve the country’s industrial base. The Brazilian Air Force is still finalising the decree’s offset guidelines to conform to last year’s policy reset.
Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has produced a table outlining offset projects for 2020-21. The release is intended to help contractors develop a “pre-engagement strategy” for the projects.
Taiwan’s minister of Economic Affairs, Shen Jong-Chin, has threatened to get rid of foreign wind energy companies if they do not comply with the country’s local content requirements. The minister told a legislative consultation session that they would be “replaced by second-tier candidates” if they fail to fulfil the localisation targets set by the ministry.
Malaysia’s defence minister, Mohamad Sabu, announced during a parliamentary session that Malaysia will work with Turkey on the production of eight-wheel drive armoured combat vehicles. He also said Malaysia is considering ways to develop its own combat weapons, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).