Richard McCallum’s Post

On May 6, the EU-Ukraine Defence industries Forum took place in Brussels. The Forum focused on strengthening defence industrial cooperation between the EU and Ukraine, in view of providing sustained military support to Ukraine, also over the long term, and better addressing Ukrainian defence and industrial needs. It gathered over 400 representatives from governments, EU and Ukrainian defence industries, industry associations and key partner countries and organisations as well as EU institutions. It included a High-Level Conference and a business matchmaking segment, which offered a platform for concrete business-to-business cooperation, in particular for Small and Medium sized Enterprises. The EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum is a first, concrete step in the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS), launched in March 2024. The Forum opens the way to identify concrete cooperation initiatives, arrangements and flagship projects between the EU and Ukraine defence industries, through e.g., joint ventures. This will promote closer cooperation between defence companies and the progressive integration of the Ukrainian industry in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), also in view of Ukraine’s accession process to the EU. Continue reading: https://lnkd.in/d7VUnraM #EU #Europe #defence #industry #Ukraine #military #cooperation

The #Russia-#Ukraine conflict has profoundly impacted Europe’s military-industrial complex, driving increased defence spending, strategic realignments, and efforts to support Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The #EuropeanUnion is balancing its immediate defence needs with long-term strategic goals, focusing on boosting defence production while facing disjointed efforts and reliance on external support. To ultimately realize its ambitions, the EU must achieve full self-sufficiency, which will require sustained investment and cooperation. Read more about “EU’s Efforts towards Enhancing Ukraine’s Defence: Implications for Europe’s Military-Industrial Complex” in the latest #ICWAIssueBrief by Diya Chaudhry, Research Intern, ICWA. Click 👉 bit.ly/3SFAqS0

Amid growing military challenges from China, India and the United States have significantly strengthened their defence partnership with two key agreements signed. During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent visit to the US, two key agreements were signed: the Security of Supply Arrangement (SoSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the Assignment of Liaison Officers. These agreements mark a crucial shift in the US's concrete support for India, reflecting deepening trust and cooperation as both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. The MoA allows military officers from each country to be embedded within the other's forces, further solidifying strategic alignment. Meanwhile, the SoSA ensures priority access to critical defence products and services, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities essential for national security. This move is especially vital given the ongoing tensions in South Asia, where China’s influence is growing, particularly in Pakistan and the Maldives. These agreements build on previous strategic cooperation, including real-time intelligence sharing and logistics support, and open the door for increased private sector collaboration in defence. The Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement (RDPA) is expected to further streamline defence trade, allowing US companies to participate in joint projects in India. Defence expert Lt-Gen. (retd) Raj Shukla noted that while these agreements are not explicitly aimed at China, they will play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced power dynamic in Asia. As India and the US deepen their defence partnership, these steps ensure both nations are better prepared to face future challenges, securing the region and promoting peace and stability. The NDA government’s commitment to these ties highlights India’s readiness to assert its role as a key player on the global stage.

Building the Indo-Pacific defence industry base 6 Jun 2024 | Graeme Dobell Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships are a key advantage of the United States in competing with China. Now the United States seeks an economic version of that strategic advantage with a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defence Industrial Base Collaboration. <https://lnkd.in/de77TdkK> It released the statement at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore last week. Australia and other allies immediately endorsed it. The principles for defence industrial resilience in the Indo-Pacific call for collaboration to: expand industrial-base capability, capacity and workforce; increase supply chain resilience; promote defence innovation; improve information sharing; encourage standardization; and reduce barriers to cooperation.

🌍 As Hungary takes over the EU Presidency, I was honored to join key partners in the EU today in Budapest to discuss how we can accelerate our support for the EU security and defence industry. 🤝 Cooperation is key, and I want to extend my thanks to Anne FORT (DG DEFIS) Stijn Mols (European External Action Services) @Sean White (European Defence Agency) @Zoltan Nagy (NATO) Jan Joel Andersson (EU Institute for Security Studies) and all our partners for the fruitful exchange and excellent collaboration. 💡 During the panel, I highlighted how the European Investment Bank Group (EIBG) is stepping up its support for the defence industry. The EIB is expanding its financing to include dual-use technology and infrastructure projects that demonstrate a civilian or potential civilian application, as well as increasing support for SMEs active in the security and defence sectors. 📢 Please reach out to our new Security and Defence office to discuss your financing needs and explore potential opportunities. #EUSecurity #DefenceIndustry #Cooperation #DualUse #SMEs #EIB #Innovation #StrategicAutonomy Hristo Stoykov Anouk Hamers Oliver CusworthStefania Ciraolo

The #India-#Australia relationship have grown over the last decade. The key factors are the rise of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic construct, shared concerns in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and a shared threat perception with respect to China. In 2006, the two countries signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation’. In 2014, the ‘Framework for Security Cooperation’ was signed, declaring “converging political, economic and strategic interests” between the two countries, with their main bilateral exercise — AUSINDEX — beginning in 2015. The 2023 Defence Strategic Review ('DSR') emphasised that Australia is a “significant Indian Ocean state with the longest Indian Ocean coastline,” and it has by far the largest area of maritime jurisdiction. The DSR also recognises that Australia cannot defend itself against higher threat levels. So, its alliance with the United States and other key partners is still central to Australia’s defence strategy, and the DSR mentions India and Japan specifically, in addition to the US. In 2020, Prime Ministers Morrison and Modi joint statement underscores the convergence of India and Australia’s regional strategic visions. It translated to a commitment to increase navy-to-navy cooperation, and enhancing civil maritime cooperation between law enforcement agencies and coast guard cooperation. Two defence agreements and an overall upgrade of their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. One agreement focused on logistics interoperability, and the other concerned defence science and technology research. The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) has allowed closer cooperation by enabling a stronger maritime surveillance network in the IOR. The science and technology implementing arrangement facilitates improved collaboration between defence science and technology research organisations, allowing a framework for Indian and Australian organisations to also co-develop defence capabilities. Since 2021, India and Australia have expanded policy dialogues to foreign and defence “2+2” Ministerial meetings. These dialogues committed to enhancing the scope and complexity of their military exercises, and engagement activities in the defence sector. The most recent defence policy dialogue indicates their intention to build partnerships in the co-development and co-production of defence equipment, exploring the Indian defence industry as a potential site for the Australian Armed Forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans. It will be good to meet the #Australian companies at #EUROSATORY2024 to enable stronger cooperation between industries and academia of the two countries. #defence #opportunity #msme #academia Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar IIT Ropar - Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF) Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ARTPARK Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee iHUB DivyaSampark @ IIT Roorkee FICCI #cooperation #defencemanufacturing #defenceindustries

New Contract Signed with The UAE to Strengthen Defense Capabilities. Hungary has recently signed a military and defense industrial cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense announced. The statement revealed that the Minister of Defence, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, discussed military and defense industrial cooperation opportunities with his Emirati counterpart Mohammad Fadhel Al Mazrouei. According to the Ministry, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky expressed that the signing of the agreement marks the official commencement of discussions on military cooperation between the two countries. The Minister highlighted that this agreement offers an important opportunity to explore the defense capabilities of both nations and to identify common areas for research, development, and innovation. In times of war, Hungary does everything for peace. However, as international conflicts increasingly trend towards escalation, the Hungarian government’s priority is to bolster the country’s defense capabilities,” the Minister stated. “The cooperation established here can help ensure that the Hungarian Defense Forces, equipped with modern technology and highly skilled soldiers, possess unquestionable strike capability and deterrent power, thus guaranteeing Hungary’s security. Furthermore, the military industry can also contribute to economic growth.” Mr. Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized that enhancing ties with the UAE, a leading economic and military power in the Arabian Gulf region, could complement Hungary’s military development program, whether in military research and innovation or in the production of military equipment. He reiterated Hungary’s stance as a member of the European Union and NATO, stressing the necessity to develop cooperation with Middle Eastern and North African countries, ranging from counter-terrorism efforts to border protection, in order to expand defense connectivity. “Consider the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; changes in cereal production in the region could lead to supply issues in the Middle East and North Africa, increasing illegal migration and the terrorism threat,” the minister added, noting that the UAE plays a significant role in combating international terrorism and enhancing stability in both regions. “The security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the reduction of tensions in the Middle East are interests shared by both Europe and the Gulf countries,” the Minister concluded. Related articleDefense Industry Grows into a Business Worth BillionsWithin a few years this industry will account for a visible share of the country's GDP.Continue reading Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf The post New Contract Signed with The UAE to Strengthen Defense Capabilities appeared first on Hungary Today. https://lnkd.in/gqidBvRp

Forging Stronger Ties: Rajnath Singh’s Russia Visit and Its Global Implications: India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Russia from December 8-10, 2024, for the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). This visit is part of a long-standing partnership aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. Key Outcomes and Discussions S-400 Missile System Delivery: Singh addressed delays in the delivery of the S-400 missile systems, crucial for India's air defence. While three units have been delivered, two remain pending due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ensuring the timely completion of this $5.43 billion deal was a priority. Commissioning of INS Tushil: A significant highlight was the commissioning of INS Tushil, a stealth-guided missile frigate built under India-Russia collaboration. This advanced naval asset enhances India’s maritime capabilities and is part of India’s broader strategy to secure its interests in the Indian Ocean region. Strategic Defence Collaboration: The meeting discussed ongoing military projects, industrial cooperation, and enhanced military-to-military engagement. The dialogue also reaffirmed mutual efforts to maintain regional stability amid global security challenges Global and Regional Security: Both nations exchanged views on key global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and its implications. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining strong defence infrastructure to address regional threats and geopolitical challenges Geo-Political Impacts Strengthened Strategic Ties: India and Russia reaffirmed their "special and privileged strategic partnership." Despite global tensions, including Western sanctions on Russia, India continues to balance its defence ties with Moscow, showcasing its independent foreign policy approach. Regional Security Dynamics: The meeting emphasized India's commitment to securing its borders and enhancing its air defence capabilities. This is especially significant in the context of China's growing influence and regional threats. Global Multipolarity: The visit highlights India's role in fostering a multipolar world order. By maintaining robust ties with both Western nations and Russia, India ensures strategic autonomy while addressing its defence and economic priorities Conclusion Rajnath Singh’s visit underscores the enduring India-Russia partnership and its critical role in shaping regional and global security frameworks. The outcomes of this visit, including the progress on key defence projects and naval enhancements, will significantly contribute to India's defence preparedness and strategic objectives. #DefenceCooperation #StrategicPartnership #GlobalSecurity #IndiaRussiaRelations #GeopoliticalImpact #RegionalStability #MilitaryCollaboration #S400MissileSystem #INSCommissioning #DefenceDiplomacy #India #Russia

The recently signed Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines reflects the growing geo-strategic alignment between the two nations. This will strengthen the self-defence capabilities of these key first island chain states. It is also likely to be a model for future defence cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. Read more in IDSS Paper "Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement Strengthens Defence Links Across the First Island Chain" by John Bradford and Ryan Ashley #RSIS #IDSSPaper

The 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue marks a new chapter in the strategic partnership between India and Japan. As both countries navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region, their collaboration will be crucial in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The dialogue has not only reinforced the existing defense and security ties between the two nations but has also opened up new avenues for cooperation in areas such as defense technology, economic development, and regional security. Particularly, rejuvenating the 2011 Project on Collaboration for the local production of the famed US2 amphibious aircraft is a fit case for deepening the collaboration. The spin off benefits would also assist in building civilian amphibian aircraft manufacturing capability and in conformance with the recent rules for seaplan operations promulgated on 22 August 2024. Rupal K. provides a succinct insight of the 2+2 dialogue. #SAMDES #LISD #IISC #ISIC #ATLA #JMOD #MOD #MEA #MoFA #ShinMaywa