62 · MT 2/2022 Industrial Focus Babcock and DSME Partner for Naval Ship Development Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) announced on 15 March the signing of an MoU with Babcock International for strategic co-operation in the development of naval vessels. The company said the two sides agreed to work together to become more competitive in both the domestic and international markets. DSME said it is particularly focused on securing core technologies to advance the development of “state-of-the-art” warships for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). DSME is competing with local shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to meet several ship requirements for the RoKN, including design and construction of a new light aircraft carrier. However, Babcock, which took part in the development of the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabethclass carriers, already signed an MoU with HHI last October, to support development of the carrier, should the latter win the contract. India Identifies More Local Development Projects India’s indigenous Rustom II MALE UAV during a flight test last November. The Indian MoD has identified further design and development projects that will see greater participation from local industry as part of New Delhi’s efforts to reduce materiel imports. Following the government’s decision to allocate 25% of its defence R&D budget for FY 2022/23 to local companies, on 11 March the ministry released a list of 18 projects to be completed under various categories and models of the MoD’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. Most are listed under the ‘Make-I’ category, which envisages local companies being given financial support – up to 70% of prototype development costs. They are aimed at developing – among other solutions – a hypersonic glide vehicle, self-healing minefields, an unmanned autonomous AI-based land robot, electric propulsion for ships, ‘plugand-play’ housing/infrastructure for soldiers posted at extreme altitudes, lithium-ion/lithium-sulphur cells, as well as directed-energy weapons (300kW and more), a naval shipborne UAS (NSUAS), a 127mm naval gun, and a 127mm guided projectile. Also featured under the ‘Make-I’ category are projects that were granted ‘in principle’ approval by the MoD on 3 March. These include a standoff airborne jammer, communication equipment. a lightweight tank, and an EO pod with high-resolution sensing and the possibility of an upgrade to EO/IR (see MON report published on 4 March). Two projects were identified for completion under the ‘Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)’ model: the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and longrange, HALE UAVs. Under this model, private industry is encouraged to take up design and development in collaboration with the government-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other organisations. Meanwhile, the development of ‘low-orbit pseudo satellites’ is being pursued under the ‘iDEX’ category, which is meant for high-end innovation projects from start-ups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. this demonstrated that the battery can maintain its structural integrity and function normally even after being submitted to accelerations of 30,000 gravities. The technology is suitable for both artillery-delivered PGMs and next-generation intelligent bombs, and development comes as South Korea works on its own guided munitions. These include the Gliding Guided Artillery Munition (GGAM) for the army and the Gliding Guided Rocket Munition-5 (GGRM-5) for the navy, both of which are being developed by the ADD and Poongsan Corporation. Moreover, the ADD, Poongsan, Hanwha, and LIG Nex1 are working on a non-lethal, gliding, graphite-based ‘blackout bomb’ for use by the Air Force. The stand-off weapon will feature two folding wings on its upper surface and at least five sweptback rectangular fins on its tail section. Development is expected to be completed by November 2024. Morocco Concludes MoU with IAI The Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, has signed an MoU in the aeronautics sector with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the company announced on 23 March. This partnership falls under the 2020 Joint Declaration between Morocco and Israel, in which the two countries expressed their willingness to promote dynamic, innovative bilateral economic cooperation in the fields of investment and technology. “This is a strategic partnership for both countries that we are sealing today. It opens the way for win-win industrial collaboration in the aerospace industry. This partnership leverages IAI’s aviation expertise and the technological capabilities of our aerospace platform and its positioning as a growth driver for the investment and development in advanced industrial and aeronautical services sectors,” the Minister stated, stressing that this agreement responds to national priorities to promote advanced training, employment, local manufacturing, as well as R&D and innovation. “I am familiar with the incredible potential that exists in Morocco, and this is just the beginning. Together, we will build joint teams that will turn our vision into reality. Today, I am filled with pride that my country, Israel, is coming together with the country I was born in, Morocco. I am proud that both countries that make up my identity are stepping forward, together, towards a brighter future. Aligned with our mutual values, the friendship between our nations will continue growing as we bring forward more cooperation and opportunities,” added Amir Peretz, IAI’s Chairman. As part of this partnership, Morocco and IAI have identified investment opportunities focusing on 3D printing, cabin interiors, engine parts and aerostructures, as well as the establishment of an R&D and engineering centre and the development of a eco system of local suppliers through sourcing partnerships with IAI. (from right) IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy; Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour; and Chairman of the IAI Board of Directors, Amir Peretz. (Photo: IAI) (Photo: DRDO)
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