MAIN HEADLINES FROM THIS ISSUE:

• Kuwait’s NOC receives new board of directors, new focus

  A new Board of Directors has been appointed to run Kuwait’s National Offset Company (NOC)………His appointment is bringing a new focus to the NOC’s offset policies, particularly with regard to technology transfer.

• Development of Malaysian ‘regional hub’ to be funded by existing and future offset obligations

  The Malaysian government has appointed Blenheim Capital Partners in partnership with Masterplan Consulting Sdn. Bhd to support and promote a Malaysian Defence, Science, and Technology Park (MDSTP) through ‘innovative financial solutions’ and offsets.

• President Sarkozy says warship deal is certain – but Admiral Vysotsky says it is not

  France will build at least two advanced warships for the Russian navy, President Nicolas Sarkozy announced. Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky said: “We do not need the ship but we do need its possibilities”.

• Pressure mounts on Canadian government – “more regional benefits if there was competition”

  Hostility to Canada’s JSF purchase is gathering pace. The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) so far accruing to the programme are described as meagre compared to those achievable through a competitive process.

• Howls of anguish as European MPs condemn Greece and Portugal over “market-distorting” acquisitions

  Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and defence experts are calling on the EU Commission to go after “market-distorting, corrupt side-deals” to major defence contracts between member states. They are citing German submarine sales to Portugal and Greece as examples of malpractice.