The governments of India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and strengthen defence industry co-operation in naval shipbuilding, it was announced on 21 April.
The MoU is part of the overall 'Special Strategic Partnership' between the two countries announced in a joint statement in May 2015. The MoU will be valid for a time period of five years and is automatically extendable for further successive five years at a time.
Under the MoU, the two countries will recommend organisations to collaborate on specific projects. India has nominated Hindustan Shipyard (HSL), Visakhapatnam for the collaboration, while the ROK is yet to name its recommended organisation.
The collaboration will enable HSL to upgrade and modernise its facilities and execute naval projects in a timely and cost effective manner, improving its shipbuilding and project management capabilities.
HSL and the nominated shipyard by South Korea will also find and develop indigenous vendors for the supply of majority of the material and equipment needed for co-operative naval projects, further developing the maritime industries in both countries and supporting India's Make in India initiative.
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
Connect with us on socials
