Research and Analysis

1. Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 2 March 2020

   28 February 2020 Sian Jones Rajiv Biswas Ken Wattret Joseph Hayes Chris Williamson Bernard Aw

   A busy economic calendar starts with worldwide manufacturing and services PMIs and rounds off with the monthly US employment report, which includes...

   

2. Koppers earnings fall on lower carbon product volumes

   27 February 2020

   Koppers today reported fourth-quarter net income of $20.6 million, compared with a net loss of $2.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Net sales...

3. Bayer agrees to voluntary special audit of due diligence procedures

   27 February 2020

   Audit will review Bayer's specifications and requirements for due diligence on major M&A transactions; move follows concern among Bayer shareholders...

4. Orbia sales drop YOY on lower pipe volume, weak caustic and PVC pricing

   27 February 2020

   Adjusted EBITDA came to $303 million, up 13% YOY.

5. Acquisitions drive IMCD's earnings, sales growth

   27 February 2020

   CEO says the company demonstrated resilience in 2019 against challenging market conditions.

6. Lebanon banking crisis

   27 February 2020 Gabrielle Ventura

   On the precipice of crisis: What’s next for the Lebanese banking sector?

   

7. Arkema's earnings, volumes decline, says market uncertainty weighing heavily on demand

   27 February 2020

   Flags up disruptions due to coronavirus outbreak, estimates impact on EBITDA of Euros 20 million by end February.

8. P-xylene March Asia contract fails to settle amid growing pandemic fears

   27 February 2020

   The sixth consecutive month that the price has not settled.

9. Borealis records higher earnings in fourth quarter, rolls out new strategy

   27 February 2020

   Will keep fertilizers business after major turnaround and return to profit.

10. Digital transformation

    27 February 2020

    Przemek Bozek and Leon Sinclair explain the competitive advantages information-driven companies have over comparable businesses that do not use...

    

11. Stepan's phthalic anhydride plant to stay down another 2-3 weeks

    27 February 2020

    FM remains in place following outage earlier this month.

12. Indorama swings to loss

    27 February 2020

    Company records significant decline in margins and spreads across the business.

13. Ineos reports higher earnings in fourth quarter, decline in full year on subdued markets in Europe and weakness in Asia

    27 February 2020

    North America benefiting from feedstock advantage.

14. Sekisui Chemical, Sumitomo Chemical form alliance on circular economy

    27 February 2020

    Pilot production to begin in fiscal 2022.

15. Bayer swings to a net profit on divestment proceeds, restructuring

    27 February 2020

    Fourth-quarter EBITDA and sales ahead of consensus as crop science earnings rise; number of glyphosate lawsuits increases again.

16. Coronavirus: China light olefins weighed down by downstream inventory build

    27 February 2020

    Ethylene and propylene operating rates and demand have plunged in February; PE and PP inventories have soared.

17. Versalis acquires 40% of Finproject creating an integrated supply chain for special polymers

    26 February 2020

    Diversifying into high-performance application sector.

18. Strong YOY gains in US, Canada weekly chemical rail

    26 February 2020

    On a four-week basis, North American chemical rail volume increased 3.1% from 2019 and 0.5% from 2018.

19. LignoTech Iberica ceases lignin production on feedstock interruption

    26 February 2020

    Borregaard says Sniace, its partner in the joint venture, has ceased production of lignin raw material.

20. Element Solutions swings to profit despite lower sales, soft demand

    26 February 2020

    Element Solutions today reported fourth-quarter net income of $74.4 million, compared with a net loss of $14.2 million in the year-ago quarter....

21. GCP earnings fall on pension charge, building materials weakness

    26 February 2020

    GCP Applied Technologies reported fourth-quarter net income of $5.7 million, down 70% year-on-year due to a negative pension mark-to-market adjustment...

22. Rayonier swings to loss on weak pricing

    26 February 2020

    The producer of wood-derived products reported and adjusted loss per share of 78 cents, missing estimates of a 29-cent loss.

23. UK bans parallel export of two COVID-19 treatment candidates to protect national supply

    26 February 2020 Janet Beal

    As the UK government steps up its preparedness plan for any national spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, it has suspended parallel export for two...

    

24. Weekly Pricing Pulse: Commodity prices rise before news of Covid-19 spread

    26 February 2020 William May

    Materials prices increase for second consecutive week; freight remains a weak spot.

    

25. Petronas Chemicals reports plunge in earnings, sales

    26 February 2020

    Lower product prices, margins, impact net profit and revenue figures; PIC facility produces first PE, PP, and EG.

26. DSM to expand plastics compounding in US

    26 February 2020

    The project, which is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2021, will addressing the growing use of advanced materials for electrification...

27. BP leaves three US industry associations citing climate policy

    26 February 2020

    The organizations are the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), and the Western...

28. Aramco Trading opens office in London to serve Europe and Africa

    26 February 2020

    Trading in refined products, petrochemicals and polyolefins.

29. Solvay misses on earnings, expecting negative financial impact from coronavirus

    26 February 2020

    Fourth-quarter net profit down 21% YOY; COVID-19 virus forecast to have Euro 25-million negative impact on first-quarter 2020 result, it says....

30. Report: Arkema reviewing portfolio as activist investor Elliott Management builds up stake

    26 February 2020

    Arkema declines to comment.

31. PKN Orlen to build cumene/phenol complex using UOP Honeywell technology

    26 February 2020

    Will meet Poland's growing demand.

32. Werner Wenning to be succeeded by Norbert Winkeljohann as chairman of Bayer's supervisory board

    26 February 2020

    Wenning to retire after more than 50 years with Bayer.

33. Fired Saudi oil chief and former chairman of Aramco returns as investment minister in cabinet shuffle

    26 February 2020

    New ministry replaces SAGIA.

34. Pattern of trade for the US and China

    26 February 2020 Tomasz Brodzicki, Ph.D.

    Both US and Chinese exports and imports show significant seasonality; the seasonal component is stronger for China than for the US.

    

35. Mitsubishi Chemical to acquire Swiss engineering plastics recyclers

    26 February 2020

    Acquisition part of the company's efforts to promote the circular economy.

36. Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals starts stable bleaching powder plant

    26 February 2020

    The project costs Rs255 million.

37. South Korea's OCI's net loss widens

    26 February 2020

    Company cited one-time factors for loss.

38. APAC asset managers say better data management is key to success in challenging investing and regulatory environment

    26 February 2020 Kiet Tran

    Making investment decisions in Asia-Pacific is increasingly complex with the uncertain macro environment and the proliferation of financial regulations....

    

39. ECHA increased number of REACH dossiers checked for compliance by 50% in 2019

    26 February 2020

    Higher number of safety data checks follows ECHA's adoption of a REACH evaluation joint action plan.

40. Russia to showcase submarine at Philippine fleet review

    26 February 2020

    The Russian Navy will make its first-ever deployment of a submarine to the Philippines as part of an international fleet review event in May...

41. US Air Force could procure and field Agility Prime eVTOL systems in three years

    26 February 2020

    Key Points The US Air Force’s Agility Prime eVTOL solicitation could field an aircraft in three years The core technologies of interest include...

42. Venezuelan navy conducts rare live-missile exercise

    26 February 2020

    The Venezuelan frigate Almirante Brion (F-22) launched a MBDA Otomat missile as part of the Venezuelan military’s exercise ‘Bolivarian Shield...

43. Cambridge Pixel to provide SPx radar technology for RoKN vessels

    26 February 2020

    UK-based company Cambridge Pixel announced on 19 February that it has been selected by South Korean defence company Hanwha Systems to supply...

44. Eswatini receives UH-1H helicopters

    26 February 2020

    Taiwan formally handed over two Bell UH-1H helicopters to the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Air Wing on 21 February, the Taiwanese embassy...

45. France declares Gulf mission operational

    26 February 2020

    The French-led European Maritime Situational Awareness Mission (EMASOH) has reached full operational capability, the French Ministry of Armed...

46. Indonesia prepares AI strategy for defence

    26 February 2020

    Indonesia is preparing to introduce a national strategy to support capability development in technologies related to artificial intelligence...

47. Philippines deploys trainer aircraft for maritime patrols in South China Sea

    26 February 2020

    The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed three SIAI-Marchetti S.211 trainer aircraft for maritime patrol duties over the South China Sea....

48. Royal Thai Air Force outlines offset requirements

    26 February 2020

    The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has outlined a commitment to ensure that all future procurements are accompanied by offset-like requirements...

49. Russia begins Pantsir-S1 deliveries to Serbia

    26 February 2020

    Serbia received the first part of the Pantsir-S1 air defence system from Russia, the Serbian Ministry of Defence confirmed on its website on...

50. Ingevity CEO resigns for matters related to personal conduct

    25 February 2020

    Ingevity president and CEO D. Michael Wilson has resigned from the company for "matters relating to his personal conduct," effective 20 February....

51. FTT acquisition helps boost Kratos’ revenue

    25 February 2020

    US-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions said on 24 February that its revenue rose 12.6% to USD185.1 million in the fourth quarter of last...

52. Germany joins ESSOR programme

    25 February 2020

    The Alliance for ESSOR (a4ESSOR) has awarded a contract amendment to the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (Organisation Conjointe...

53. Kaman Corp eyes more acquisitions

    25 February 2020

    Kaman Corporation is exploring more potential acquisitions less than two months after completing its purchase of fellow US-based aircraft parts...

54. ACC's CAB posts increase in February

    25 February 2020

    ACC's chemical activity barometer (CAB) posted an 0.4% increase in February on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis. On a year-on-year (YOY)...

55. Corporate Bond Market Tradable Index Ecosystem

    25 February 2020 Nicholas Godec, CFA

    The corporate credit tradable index universe is expanding, both in terms of liquidity and new products.

    

56. CIAC to absorb Canadian Plastics Industry Association

    25 February 2020

    Members of the two organizations voted unanimously in favor of the transaction, which will create a new plastics division within the Chemistry...

57. Univar falls short of estimates on lower demand

    25 February 2020

    Univar today reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $55.1 million, compared with a profit of $1.2 million in the year-ago quarter, due largely...

58. Sika joins chemical industry supply chain sustainability initiative

    25 February 2020

    Says membership sets clear targets for its compliance with sustainability and quality standards in procurement and within the supply chain.

59. Berry should act "immediately" to improve valuation — shareholder

    25 February 2020

    Canyon Capital Advisors, which owns a 7% stake in Berry Global Group, wants the company to take a more active role in the debate around plastics...

60. High-frequency Commodities at Sea data shows drop for Chinese imports easing, early signs of recovery from depressed levels

    25 February 2020 Rahul Kapoor

    Average weekly crude oil discharged in China has returned closer to normal levels despite a lower vessel count.

    

61. DSM appoints new head of materials and member of the executive committee

    25 February 2020

    Move follows shuffle at the top management level.

62. Avantium sells bioaromatics patent portfolio to TNO

    25 February 2020

    Sale includes patents and know-how for technologies that produce bio-derived products for polymers and coatings.

63. Croda's earnings, sales slip on subdued market conditions

    25 February 2020

    Results down in personal care, performance technologies businesses; stronger performance at life sciences unit.

64. Chemical surpluses create opportunities – and costs

    25 February 2020 Chuck Carr

    As fuel demand growth slows, strong demand growth in chemicals creates an avenue for refinery assets to diversify their production portfolio

    

65. Agri-food exports of China

    25 February 2020 Tomasz Brodzicki, Ph.D.

    Chinese exports of agri-food commodities amounted to USD 64.83 billion in 2019. It increased by 85% in comparison to 2005

    

66. OCI loss widens on unplanned methanol outages in the US, lower prices

    25 February 2020

    Mulls possible divestment of methanol business.

67. Japanese consortium to study production of aviation fuel from plastic and other waste materials.

    25 February 2020

    Commercial plant could be built in 2025.

68. China delays mass production of conditional automated vehicles until 2025

    25 February 2020 IHS Markit Automotive Expert

    China delays mass production of conditional automated vehicles until 2025

    

69. LG Chem to supply battery cells to US-based EV maker

    25 February 2020

    The supply contract is from the second half of this year until 2023.

70. Shenyang resumes production of carrier-borne J-15 fighters

    25 February 2020

    Images released on 21 February in an announcement by the Shenyang Aircraft Company (SAC), a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of...

71. UMEX 2020: Edge reveals first indigenously built UAV

    25 February 2020

    The Garmousha unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was unveiled by the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Edge defence conglomerate during the UMEX show...

72. US signs deals with India for MH-60R, Apache helicopters

    25 February 2020

    The United States has signed deals with India to provide the South Asian country with military helicopters worth a total of more than USD3 billion....

73. Inquiry into alleged war crimes by Australian special forces entering final stage

    25 February 2020

    A secret investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan by Australian special forces is in the final stages of evidence-taking and is focusing...

74. Arkema sets new environmental targets aimed at keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius

    25 February 2020

    Plans to reduce emissions to less than 3 MMt by 2030.

75. Activist Sachem Head plans proxy context for Olin board seats

    25 February 2020

    Activist investor Sachem Head Capital Management (New York) disclosed a 9.4% stake in Olin today and said it intended to nominate four directors...

76. Burkina Faso arms civilian volunteers in the fight against Islamist extremism

    25 February 2020

    Key Points Amid an unprecedented growth in Islamist extremism since 2015, with 2019 being the worst year on record yet, on 21 January, the Burkinabe...

77. Chinese army aiming to procure 1.4 million sets of body armour plates

    25 February 2020

    China’s People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) has issued invitations for tenders to procure nearly 1.4 million sets of body armour plat...

78. Poland’s Leopard 2PL delayed

    25 February 2020

    The modernisation of Polish Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) has been delayed, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and the Polish Armament Inspectorate...

79. Serco, Briggs renew partnership to bid for UK future marine services contract

    25 February 2020

    Services group Serco has teamed with Briggs Marine to bid for the future provision of marine services for the UK Royal Navy. The Marine Services...

80. Tajikistan parades newly acquired Chinese-made equipment

    25 February 2020

    Tajikistan’s military displayed a large number of newly acquired Chinese-made platforms and weapons during a parade held in the capital, Dusha...

81. Hexion to sell Columbia paint manufacturing facility

    24 February 2020

    The buyer is a joint venture led by Master Paints & Chemical.

82. LSB loss deepens YOY on pricing, volume

    24 February 2020

    Adjusted earnings per share came to a 95-cent loss, beating the average analyst estimate of a 97-cent loss.

83. ACR Group acquires FreeFlight Systems

    24 February 2020

    US-based ACR Group has acquired FreeFlight Systems, an American avionics manufacturer, both companies announced on 24 February. FreeFlight, which...

84. Boeing nominates two new board members

    24 February 2020

    Boeing’s board of directors has nominated Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf and former United Technologies Corporation (UTC) executive Akhil Johri...

85. Indonesia looks to improve offset implementation

    24 February 2020

    The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has indicated a move to try to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of defence offset projects carried...

86. Braskem using Resin8 concrete blocks to expand US R&D center

    24 February 2020

    Resin8 is a technology for producing concrete blocks incorporating post-consumer plastic waste.

87. The battery electric vehicle: Why mass adoption is inevitable, yet elusive

    24 February 2020

    Some industry analysts claim that retail price parity will mark that tipping point. However, this factor is not the only requirement for a mass...

    

88. Air Products Qudra breaks ground on fully integrated industrial gases hub in Saudi Arabia

    24 February 2020

    Will include one of the largest steam methane reformer units.

89. Saudi Aramco to add 40% to ethane production as it gains approval to develop Jafurah

    24 February 2020

    Will provide feedstock for the petrochemical industry.

90. Report: EU to approve Aramco's acquisition of Sabic

    24 February 2020

    Without conditions.

91. Saudi Kayan completes maintenance on EO, EG plants

    24 February 2020

    Other units also finished their turnarounds.

92. Sasol's earnings drop on Lake Charles project, lower chemical prices

    24 February 2020

    Fire-damaged LDPE plant to be back online in second half of 2020.

93. Andrew Liveris appointed deputy chairman of Worley

    24 February 2020

    His leadership in the global energy transition are important assets.

94. The Coronavirus COVID-19 is expected to have a limited impact on global upstream cost markets

    24 February 2020 Pritesh Patel Kate Ashcroft Jeff Otten Jeff Nitto Anuj Kadakia

    An overview of the novel coronavirus impact on the Upstream Capital Cost Index and Upstream Operating Cost Index.

    

95. Chemical Co. of Malaysia profit plunges on lower selling price

    24 February 2020

    The growth in earnings was squeezed by lower average selling prices of chlor-alkali products.

96. Korea's OCI forms JV with Posco Chemical to produce hydrogen peroxide

    24 February 2020

    The JV will mainly cater to the semiconductor sector.

97. China Sunsine Chemical Holdings projects decline in net profit

    24 February 2020

    Mainly because of drop in selling price.

98. Tokai Carbon's full-year profit plunges despite higher revenue

    24 February 2020

    It has recorded an impairment loss of ¥1.31 billion on anode material division assets and removal costs of idle assets.

99. India's Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertilizers reports lower earnings

    24 February 2020

    Quarterly revenue declined 29.5% YOY to Rs856 million.

100. Lenzing ramps up production in China to full capacity

     24 February 2020

     Move follows temporary reduction of production at Nanjing due to coronavirus.

101. UOP announces USD908 million in export revenue, announces revised export strategy

     24 February 2020

     The Ukrainian sate owned UkrOboronProm (UOP) has announced a revenue of USD908 million from its exports and services in 2019, as well as plans...

102. Spike in militant attacks from Gaza Strip ahead of March 2020 Israeli elections

     24 February 2020

     Key Points During a period of increased tensions, on 2 February, Hamas released a statement announcing that militants would not stop their targeting...

103. UNAMA reports 5% drop in civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2019

     24 February 2020

     Civilian casualties in Afghanistan dropped by 5% in 2019, mainly due to a sharp decrease in the number of civilians killed or wounded by the...

104. Australia announces further upgrades to RAAF Base Tindal

     24 February 2020

     Upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) Tindal airbase in Australia’s Northern Territory costing AUD1.1 billion (USD748 million)...

105. DARPA’s Assured Autonomy shifts into higher gear

     24 February 2020

     The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA’s) Assured Autonomy programme is scaling up in its second phase to incorporate larger...

106. Naval Group reports record order intake ahead of change in top management

     24 February 2020

     France’s Naval Group reported on 21 February that booked orders during 2019 reached a record EUR5.3 billion (USD5.8 billion), a 44% increase from ...

107. Russian off roaders: BMD-4M family aims for highly mobile firepower

     24 February 2020

     Key Points The BMD-4M enables the VDV to perform roles that are not open to other airborne forces The design of the vehicle family is suited...

108. UMEX 2020: BGIX reveals further details about its Dragon JH-1 VTOL UAV

     24 February 2020

     Chinese company BGJX has revealed further details about its Dragon JH-1 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Speaking...

109. USMC seeks medium- and long-range/endurance ISTAR UAVs

     24 February 2020

     The US Marine Corps (USMC) is looking to field two new unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and...

110. Pentagon budget 2021: Increased investment in JADC2 development requested by USAF, Pentagon

     24 February 2020

     US Air Force (USAF) officials have requested millions of development dollars to stand up a new joint command-and-control system, which is designed...

111. ST Engineering posts double-digit growth for 2019

     24 February 2020

     Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) has reported strong increases in revenue and profit for fiscal year 2019. The company attributed...

112. USAF to issue Agility Prime eVTOL solicitation

     24 February 2020

     The US Air Force (USAF) on 25 February will release its Agility Prime electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft solicitation, an...

113. Azerbaijan to buy M-346 Master jet

     23 February 2020

     Azerbaijan is to buy an undisclosed number of Leonardo M-346 Master trainer and light attack aircraft, the country’s president announced on 20...

114. Blue Origin, UTC open new engine facilities

     23 February 2020

     Blue Origin and United Technologies Corporation (UTC) have unveiled new US engine facilities this month. Blue Origin opened a factory in Huntsville...

115. Hanwha Aerospace sees 2019 profit surge

     23 February 2020

     Hanwha Aerospace more than trebled its profits during 2019 on the back of an expanded profile in international markets, the South Korean firm...

116. Managing core challenges for trade reporting compliance in Asia

     21 February 2020 Julian Chesser

     Evolving global OTC market structure and regulatory requirements sought to reduce systemic risk in the derivatives markets introduced by US CFTC...

     

117. Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 24 February 2020

     21 February 2020 William May Sian Jones Raj Badiani Ken Wattret Joseph Hayes Chris Williamson Bernard Aw

     The coming week sees the first major data release out of China since the coronavirus outbreak, with the February update of the government sponsored...

     

118. Energy Transfer targets late 2020 for Mariner East NGL expansion

     21 February 2020

     The company also expects to complete the Marcus Hook terminal expansion by the end of 2020.

119. Investment bank Piper Sandler to acquire The Valence Group

     21 February 2020

     Chemicals-focused investment bank The Valence Group (New York, New York) announced today that it has been acquired by investment bank Piper Sandler...

120. Livent swings to loss on oversupply in lithium

     21 February 2020

     Livent today reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $200,000, compared with a net gain of $26.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenue fell...

121. AdvanSix swings to loss on lower pricing, demand

     21 February 2020

     Shutdown of supplier Philadelphia Energy Solutions following a fire in June 2019 added $6 million to pre-tax raw material and logistics costs....

122. Pertamina, Rosneft to make FID on Tuban project next year

     21 February 2020

     Partners will seek project financing.

123. Vinnolit commissions paste PVC expansion in Germany

     21 February 2020

     Westlake subsidiary says the additional capacity uses its microsuspension technology.

124. Unipec in Rare Shipment of Vietnam Crude to Hawaii

     21 February 2020

     Unipec, China’s biggest oil trader, has chartered a tanker to ship a cargo of Vietnamese crude to Hawaii, in the first such shipment in more...

     

125. Mosaic swings to loss in fourth quarter, full year in challenging fertilizer industry conditions

     21 February 2020

     China expected to be a key swing factor for phosphate market in 2020.

126. Top 5 key questions for mobility in 2020

     21 February 2020

     Top 5 key questions for mobility in 2020

     

127. MOL considering fuels-to-petrochemicals investment, other projects

     21 February 2020

     Downstream earnings down on weaker margins.

128. US Flash PMI signals first fall in business activity since 2013

     21 February 2020 Chris Williamson

     With the exception of the government-shutdown of 2013, US business activity contracted for the first time since the global financial crisis in...

     

129. DSM to acquire Glycom for enterprise value of €765 million

     21 February 2020

     Acquisition will accelerate growth in early life nutrition.

130. Givaudan completes acquisition of Ungerer

     21 February 2020

     Ungerer's business would have represented $250 million of incremental sales to Givaudan's 2019 results on a proforma basis.

131. BASF to promote more women in leadership positions

     21 February 2020

     New target is for women to hold 30% of leadership roles by 2030.

132. Odfjell adds newbuild chemical tanker Bow Prosper to fleet

     21 February 2020

     Vessel will be joined by sister ship Bow Persistent in June, both designed to carry specific products including propylene oxide.

133. Flash Australia PMI signals deeper downturn amid adverse weather, coronavirus

     21 February 2020 Bernard Aw

     Australia’s private sector business activity shrank in February as adverse weather conditions and the coronavirus outbreak took its toll, according...

     

134. Flash UK PMI signals economic rebound sustained into February

     21 February 2020 Chris Williamson

     Flash PMI survey data indicate that the post-election rebound seen in January extended into February, putting the UK economy on course for solid...

     

135. Eurozone business bucks virus impact as flash PMI hits six-month high

     21 February 2020 Chris Williamson

     The eurozone economy grew at its fastest rate in six months during February, according to flash PMI

     

136. IHS Markit European GDP Nowcasts: Underlying performance of euro area remains soft in first quarter

     21 February 2020 Paul Smith, Ph.D. Joseph Hayes

     Today sees our latest nowcast update following the release of our February PMI figures

     

137. French Navy NH90 Caiman availability rates improving

     21 February 2020

     While the overall availability of the French Navy’s NHIndustries NH90 Caïman NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFHs) remains a problem, rates are beginning...

138. General Atomics completes ground test on laser-based communication system

     21 February 2020

     General Atomics Aeronautical Systems completed live ground testing of the company’s Airborne Laser Communication System (ALCoS), using the laser-based...

139. L3Harris experimental satellite on track for USAF critical design review

     21 February 2020

     The L3Harris-built Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) platform is on track for a critical design review (CDR) by the US Air Force Research...

140. Romania orders Iveco tactical trucks

     21 February 2020

     The Romanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 31 December 2019 awarded Iveco Defence Vehicles a seven-year frame-type contract to supply 2,902 tactical...

141. Turkish-backed counterattack fails in Idlib

     21 February 2020

     Russian airstrikes appear to have helped repel a rebel counterattack in Syria’s Idlib province that had extensive Turkish military support. The...

142. USAF begins Grey Wolf operational testing

     21 February 2020

     The US Air Force (USAF) has begun operational testing of the Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, ahead of the type’s arrival into service later...

143. JFD receives contract extension for RAN submarine rescue service

     21 February 2020

     JFD Australia has been contracted to continue the provision of submarine escape-and-rescue services to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) through...

144. Portugal adds VTOL UAS capability to OPVs

     21 February 2020

     The Portuguese Navy is introducing a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system (UAS) operating capability to its Viana do Castelo-class...

145. Carrier Eisenhower deploys after completing COMPTUEX

     21 February 2020

     US Navy (USN) aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69), as well as the ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG-10), departed...

146. CIAC displays UAV Tarsis 25 to potential Colombian military clients

     21 February 2020

     The Colombian aerospace company Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana (CIAC) showcased the Tarsis 25 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)...

147. Key US senator calls for continued Future Vertical Lift funding

     21 February 2020

     Key Points An influential US senator is calling for further FVL funding Sen Duckworth, a former Black Hawk pilot, believes FVL aircraft with...

148. Latvia takes delivery of new Spike missile variants

     21 February 2020

     The Latvian National Armed Forces have begun to take delivery of initial consignments of Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike precision-guided...

149. Libyan National Army says it attacked Turkish arms ship in Tripoli port

     21 February 2020

     The Libyan National Army (LNA) faction has confirmed it attacked Tripoli’s seaport on 18 February, saying it targeted a ship delivering Turkish...

150. Russian Navy ocean-going warship numbers to be radically reduced

     21 February 2020

     The number of Russian large ocean-going warships is to decrease significantly by 2027. This development and the prospects for large naval vessel...

151. Singapore announces defence budget increase amid growing Covid-19 concerns

     21 February 2020

     Singapore has announced a 2020 defence budget of SGD15.085 billion (USD10.77 billion) amid rising concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus...

152. Switzerland invests in armed forces

     21 February 2020

     Switzerland's Federal Council submitted its Armeebotschaft (Armed Forces Message) 2020 budget to parliament with a ceiling of CHF21.1 billion...

153. Taking aim: Mk 45 Mod 4 evolves to meet naval gunnery requirements

     21 February 2020

     Alongside a new generation of extended-range munitions, BAE Systems is introducing an automated ammunition handling system for its 5-inch/62-calibre...

154. UMEX 2020: UAVOS to perform search and rescue maritime demo with ISR350-5 UAV

     21 February 2020

     UAVOS and partner ISR Unmanned Technology will perform a maritime search and rescue demonstration with their jointly-developed ISR350-5 unmanned...

155. US Coast Guard commandant emphasises service work in Oceania, polar regions

     21 February 2020

     The US Coast Guard (USCG) is making strides in operations in Oceania and the polar regions, Admiral Karl Schultz, USCG commandant, noted on 20...

156. US senator sets financial targets for Future Vertical Lift aircraft

     21 February 2020

     Key Points A US senator and retired Black Hawk pilot called for FVL aircraft to be below USD10,000 per flight hour and USD60 million per airframe...

157. Airbus makes Tranche 3 Eurofighter offer to Colombia

     21 February 2020

     Airbus Defence & Space (DS) has formally offered the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft to the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana...

158. BAE Systems reports ‘good’ financial results in 2019

     21 February 2020

     BAE Systems achieved a “good set of financial results” last year, including increased sales and earnings, according to the UK-based defense company....

159. Boeing moves to emphasise industrial legacy alongside advanced platforms

     21 February 2020

     Boeing is working to take advantage of its long-running relationships with Finnish industry as part of its industrial offering for the replacement...

160. Brazil to put forward new measures to support its DTIB

     21 February 2020

     The Brazilian Ministry of Defense and the Brazilian Development Bank have signed an agreement to undergo studies to contribute to further support...

161. Chemtrade earnings dragged down by caustic soda

     20 February 2020

     Adjusted earnings per share came to a C$0.14 loss, down from loss of C$0.08 in the year-ago period, and missing the average analyst estimate...

162. L3Harris moving satcom business

     20 February 2020

     L3Harris Technologies is moving its satellite communications business in Victor, New York, to its tactical radio factory in nearby Rochester...

163. PQ Group earnings drop on weak refining, sodium silicates

     20 February 2020

     PQ Group reported fourth-quarter net income of $19.1 million, down 32% as weak refining services and sodium silicate demand more than offset...

164. US specialties markets post gains in January

     20 February 2020

     Market volumes for US specialties chemicals posted an 0.5% sequential increase in January, following a 0.7% gain in December, according to ACC....

165. Stepan beats estimates despite mixed volumes

     20 February 2020

     Stepan today reported fourth-quarter net income down 8% YOY, to $22.0 million, on net sales down 5%, to $$444.0 million. Adjusted earnings were...

166. Sibur's petchems complex in ramp-up phase

     20 February 2020

     IPO unlikely this year; Amur project in engineering phase.

167. Sustainability, digitalization shape future of tank storage industry

     20 February 2020

     Vopak CEO says IT infrastructure can maintain efficiency, reliability of tank terminals.

168. European equity shorts

     20 February 2020 Sam Pierson

     Overall the short loan value, that is the amount of securities finance transactions deemed likely to be related to short selling, has increased...

     

169. Up and down with the USA: The oil market’s cycle of surplus endures for a while longer

     20 February 2020 Jim Burkhard Bhushan Bahree Aaron Brady

     The stunning rise of US oil production growth has been the most important catalyst in this newest cycle of surplus, but how much longer will...

     

170. Safety at Sea launches the 2020 Maritime Cyber Security survey

     20 February 2020

     The fifth annual Safety at Sea/ BIMCO Maritime Cyber Security survey, launched on 10 February, examines industry attitudes, measures cyber security...

     

171. Crude Oil Trade: Korean imports to feel the impact of the coronavirus

     20 February 2020 Fotios Katsoulas

     The coronavirus's effect starts becoming clear, with China’s energy demand falling sharply.

     

172. Novel coronavirus outbreak: Slowing Chinese gas demand growth and disrupting LNG trade

     20 February 2020 Jenny Yang

     An overview of how the coronavirus outbreak has impacted the LNG industry.

     

173. Nouryon cuts production in China as coronavirus dampens demand

     20 February 2020

     CEO sees demand being constrained through April.

174. Wacker to cut 1,000 jobs as part of new efficiency program

     20 February 2020

     Most cuts will be in Germany.

175. Clariant proposes new board members

     20 February 2020

     Including a Sabic board member.

176. Albemarle narrowly misses estimates despite higher volumes

     20 February 2020

     Albemarle today reported fourth-quarter net income down 30% year-on-year (YOY), to $90.4 million, on net sales up 8%, to $992.6 million. The...

177. MFG Chemical names new CEO

     19 February 2020

     MFG Chemical says it has named Paul Turgeon to the post of president and CEO, effective immediately. Turgeon replaces Keith Arnold, who is "stepping...

178. Bill aims to fix US recycled plastics shortage

     19 February 2020

     The Recycle Act would authorize $15 million per year over five years in grants to help improve recycling education and outreach.

179. Canada rebound drives YOY gain in N. America weekly chemical rail

     19 February 2020

     During the week ended 15 February, chemical railcar traffic in North America increased 1.7% year-over-year.

180. A door opens: surplus ethylene to gasoline

     19 February 2020

     Unique approach could become a new way to consume ethylene, diverting from traditional chemical use to fuel demand.

181. Merck divests Allergopharma to Dermapharm

     19 February 2020

     Transaction to close next quarter, subject to approvals.

182. China moves to lower polyethylene, polypropylene tariff barriers

     19 February 2020

     PE traders not expecting much near-term impact due to China's coronavirus-related manufacturing and logistical slowdown.

183. Report: PetroChina resumes construction of refinery-petchems complex at Guangdong, China

     19 February 2020

     Construction activities to fully resume in Jieyang by the end of February.

184. Workers walk out of Mossmorran plant over safety fears

     19 February 2020

     Union, action group voice concerns.

185. China's chemical sector faces slow post-holiday recovery on labor, logistics

     19 February 2020

     Coronavirus containment measures delaying resumption of operations at downstream units.

186. Nutrien swings to quarterly loss on weak potash demand

     19 February 2020

     Expecting potash demand to rebound, nitrogen fundamentals to improve.

187. Updated IRS FAQs – QI Due Dates for Compliance Certifications and Period Review Year Selection

     19 February 2020 William Sheridan

     The IRS has updated two FAQs on the Frequently Asked Questions web page for qualified intermediaries (QIs), withholding foreign partnerships...

     

188. Azelis opens lubricants lab in Germany

     19 February 2020

     The facility at Hannover is based on a cooperation agreement with a local university.

189. Salt Lake Potash signs offtake deal with Mitsui & Co.

     19 February 2020

     Product to be sold into key Asian markets.

190. UK government backs world-first low carbon hydrogen projects

     19 February 2020

     Construction of hydrogen facility at Stanlow is the first stage in the site becoming carbon-neutral.

191. ICL acquires US firm Growers Holdings

     19 February 2020

     Enhancing its digital service offering.

192. Tosoh suspends MDI production in China due to coronavirus

     19 February 2020

     Tosoh MDI plant has a capacity of 70,000 metric tons/year; Nippon Shokubai says it extended holiday shutdown of SAP plant.

193. Sakai Chemical reports lower income

     19 February 2020

     Net sales decreased 2.2% YOY to ¥66 billion.

194. Sakata Inx full-year profit weakens

     19 February 2020

     Operating profit rises 96% YOY at printing inks (Americas) sector.

195. India's Godrej Industries registers higher chemical operating profit

     19 February 2020

     Profit before tax at the crop protection sector declines 8% YOY.

196. From mild to wild: Coronavirus impact on China’s power and renewables sector

     19 February 2020 Xizhou Zhou

     The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has led to a slowdown of economic activities in China.

     

197. Orica acquires Peruvian explosives manufacturer

     19 February 2020

     At the cost of $202 million.

198. Toyo Ink appoints new president and COO

     19 February 2020

     Satoru Takashima has been appointed, subject to shareholders approval.

199. Orocobre to acquire Advantage Lithium

     19 February 2020

     Deal further consolidates Orocobre's leading position as a low-cost producer of lithium chemicals.

200. Graphite India swings to loss

     19 February 2020

     Lower volumes led weaker sales and margins.

201. Offshore wind is slowly getting ready to float

     19 February 2020 Andrei Utkin

     On 31 December 2019, the first of the three floating platforms of the 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic project, developed by the consortium led by EDP...

     

202. Covestro's earnings hit by fierce competition, misses on sales as prices plunge

     19 February 2020

     Low price levels cut deeply into margins in company's polyurethanes and polycarbonates sectors, it says.

203. Ecolab earnings rise on higher volumes and margins

     18 February 2020

     Ecolab today reported fourth-quarter net income up 9% year-on-year (YOY), to $429.6 million, on sales up 2%, to $3.82 billion. Adjusted earnings...

204. Dow to appoint CEO Jim Fitterling as chairman

     18 February 2020

     Dow today announced that its board plans to elect Dow CEO Jim Fitterling as chairman following the company's annual meeting on 9 April.

205. Ciner earnings down YOY on lower pricing

     18 February 2020

     Adjusted earnings per share of 61 cents beat the average analyst estimate of 56 cents.

206. Westlake earnings down YOY on weak pricing

     18 February 2020

     Adjusted earnings per share of 37 cents missed the average analyst estimate of 87 cents.

207. Nova Chemicals appoints new chairman

     18 February 2020

     Pledges to continue work on current slate of investment projects.

208. Sinochem to invest in chemicals storage facility in China

     18 February 2020

     207,000-cubic meter chemicals storage facility will mainly service planned new petchems units at Lianyungang industrial base.

209. DuPont replaces CEO and CFO

     18 February 2020

     DuPont today said it was bringing back executive chairman Edward Breen as CEO as it removed CEO Mark Doyle and CFO Jeanmarie Desmond from their...

210. Polynt Reichhold to establish subsidiary in Turkey

     18 February 2020

     Will be the base for company to grow and consolidate in Turkey and the wider region to capture expected market growth.

211. Coronavirus Impact on the Chlor-alkali Market

     18 February 2020 Hazel Kreuz

     Chinese chlor-alkali plant operating rates have declined due to the virus, what is the impact to the global market?

     

212. A door opens: surplus ethylene to gasoline

     18 February 2020 Tracy Cui Steve Lewandowski Carlo Barrasa

     It is unknown whether this new ethylene demand will lead to continued investment in ethylene-derived gasoline blendstock or if it is just one-time...

     

213. Reassessing the role of gas-fired power in China’s regional markets

     18 February 2020 Xiao Lu

     An overview of gas-fired power development in China

     

214. Impact of COVID-19 on the Chinese and global economy

     18 February 2020 Tomasz Brodzicki, Ph.D.

     The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is for the time being the most significant black swan of 2020

     

215. Images show PLAAF J-16 armed with YJ-83K anti-ship missile

     18 February 2020

     For the first time images have emerged showing a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) J-16 multirole fighter armed with the radar-guided...

216. Israeli Navy close to completing radar upgrades for ships

     18 February 2020

     The Israeli Navy is set to complete all radar upgrades on its Sa’ar 4.5 and Sa’ar 5 ships in less than a year, a senior naval official has told...

217. To cut JLTV cost, US Army prepares for follow-on competition

     18 February 2020

     US Army leaders are preparing for a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) competition to drive down the vehicle price, while at the same time they...

218. US Navy budget proposal cuts ship-spending plans through to 2025

     18 February 2020

     The proposed US Navy (USN) Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget includes reductions in shipbuilding plans through to the middle of the decade despite...

219. UVZ demonstrates ability of AU-220M to fire on the move

     18 February 2020

     Russia’s UralVagonZavod (UVZ) released footage in early February via its Youtube account of its AU-220M combat module, which is armed with the...

220. Crude Oil: Another Shipment from Guyana

     18 February 2020 Fotios Katsoulas

     After the first cargo was loaded on Suezmax “YANNIS P.” in late January, IHS Markit Commodities at Sea identified a second shipment coming from...

     

221. US Air Force, stakeholders complete U-2 EO/IR sensor upgrades

     18 February 2020

     Key Points The US Air Force, Collins Aerospace Systems, and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works recently equipped the service’s entire U-2 fleet with...

222. Crude Oil: Indian demand strengthening as a result of coronavirus shaping global oil prices

     18 February 2020 Fotios Katsoulas

     Weak crude oil prices driven by the coronavirus outbreak seem to have positively affected demand for crude oil in India.

     

223. China testing hypersonic weapon with intercontinental range, says USNORTHCOM commander

     18 February 2020

     China is testing an intercontinental-range hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), according to written testimony submitted to the US Senate Armed Services...

224. ESSence looks to visualise the EW picture

     18 February 2020

     Thales UK has showcased a developmental software application intended to improve the exploitation and visualisation of passive electronic warfare...

225. EU to launch new naval mission to enforce Libyan arms embargo

     18 February 2020

     After weeks of debate, EU foreign ministers agreed on 17 February to launch a new mission called Operation ‘EU Active Surveillance’ to enforce...

226. Finland launches final HX evaluation, with arrival of Super Hornet and Growler

     18 February 2020

     Boeing has officially launched the flight evaluation phase of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft for Finland’s HX fighter...

227. Images show Chinese Z-10 attack helicopter fitted with new engine exhaust outlets

     18 February 2020

     Chinese state-owned media have released images of a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Zhishengji-10 (Z-10) attack helicopter fitted with new engine...

228. Indian MoD concludes price negotiations with HAL for 83 LCA Mk 1A combat aircraft

     18 February 2020

     India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has concluded negotiations with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire 83 indigenously...

229. Leidos reports robust defence growth

     18 February 2020

     Revenue at Leidos’ Defense Solutions segment increased 10.7% to USD1.4 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, fueled by a mix of...

230. Liberian army fields Cougar vehicles

     18 February 2020

     The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) paraded Streit Cougar protected-mobility vehicles during the Armed Forces Day celebration on 11 February. The...

231. Malaysia to send its F/A-18D Hornets to Australia for maintenance work

     18 February 2020

     The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will send its eight Boeing F/A-18D Hornet multirole fighters to Australia where they will undergo depot-level...

232. UK attack helicopters join US brigade for exercise ‘Defender Europe’

     18 February 2020

     A UK attack aviation battlegroup is to operate for the first time as part of a US Army combat aviation brigade during exercise ‘Defender Europe’....

233. Details emerge of KPE’s Ansar combat module

     18 February 2020

     Details of the Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) Ansar combat module emerged in a report published by Kazakh media outlet informburo.kz...

234. Three companies to lead Spain’s UAV contribution to FCAS

     18 February 2020

     Three Spanish companies are to jointly spearhead the country’s participation in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) element of the NGWS (Next Generation...

235. UK faces ASTOR capability gap from 2021

     18 February 2020

     A gap in the UK’s airborne surveillance capability is expected to open in 2021 when the Royal Air Force (RAF) retires its remaining four operational...

236. Aselsan reports record results

     17 February 2020

     Turkish defence company Aselsan has reported record results for 2019 with earnings and sales up more than 40% over the prior year. Aselsan –...

237. PennEast Pipeline to Be Built in Two Phases, Announces Developer

     17 February 2020 IHS Markit Energy Expert

     PennEast Pipeline is filing an amendment with FERC to construct the project in two phases.

     

238. Russian EV sales rise 145% y/y in 2019 to 353 units

     17 February 2020 Tim Urquhart, B.A.

     The electric vehicle (EV) market in Russia rose 145% year on year (y/y) from 144 units in 2018 to 353 units in 2019, according to an Autostat...

     

239. IHS Markit European GDP Nowcasts: Downside risks intensify for the eurozone

     17 February 2020 Paul Smith, Ph.D. Joseph Hayes

     Our latest nowcast update highlights a notable rise in downside risks to growth for the euro area economy in the first quarter of the year

     

240. Australia, France reaffirm commitment on Attack-class submarine project

     17 February 2020

     Australia and France have reaffirmed their “full commitment” to the AUD80 billion (USD55.15 billion) project to build 12 Attack-class submarines...

241. BAE Systems flies PHASA-35 solar-powered HALE UAV

     17 February 2020

     BAE Systems has flown the PHASA-35 solar-powered high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can remain aloft for...

242. Singapore Airshow 2020: Indonesia designates final Panther helicopter for anti-submarine operations

     17 February 2020

     The final AS 565MBe Panther helicopter on order for the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) is one of two aircraft...

243. MBDA conducts first end-to-end test firing of Marte ER

     17 February 2020

     MBDA has completed the second of three planned test firings in the design, development, and qualification programme of the Marte ER anti-surface...

244. North Korea ‘may be prepared’ to test-fire more advanced ICBM, says USNORTHCOM commander

     17 February 2020

     Recent engine tests conducted by North Korea suggest that it “may be prepared” to test launch an “even more capable” intercontinental ballistic...

245. CACI eyes buying electronic warfare firms

     16 February 2020

     CACI International is shopping for companies it could acquire to beef up its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, according to an official at...

246. DARPA seeks ‘infrastructure-less’ UAS launch and recovery under ANCILLIARY

     16 February 2020

     The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking innovative launch and recovery concepts for small tactical unmanned aircraft...

247. Pratt & Whitney protests F-15EX engine procurement

     16 February 2020

     Key Points Pratt & Whitney filed a bid protest over F-15EX engine procurement The US Air Force wanted to procure GE F110 engines Pratt & Whitney...

248. Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 17 February 2020

     14 February 2020 Sian Jones Rajiv Biswas Ken Wattret Joseph Hayes Chris Williamson Bernard Aw

     The flash PMI surveys will be an eagerly awaited focus of the week, providing the first insights into how the global economy has fared during...

     

249. Investor confidence returns to Greece after PMI tops global rankings in 2019

     14 February 2020 Sian Jones

     The gradual and sustained improvement in Greece’s manufacturing sector and wider economy has fuelled renewed appetite to invest in government...

     

250. Rio Grande LNG Rehearing Denial Raises New Issues for FERC

     14 February 2020 IHS Markit Energy Expert

     In rejecting rehearing requests about the Rio Grande LNG project and related Rio Bravo Pipeline at its January 23 meeting, FERC raised new issues...

     

251. Capital Markets Weekly: Investor yield hunger underpins record Italian syndication

     14 February 2020 Brian Lawson

     Record Italy syndication and multiple hybrid deals highlight “risk-on” investor appetite.

     

252. China reiterates it has ‘no intention’ of joining arms control talks with US, Russia

     14 February 2020

     China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reiterated on 12 February that Beijing has “no intention” of joining trilateral arms control negotiations...

253. German government updates national defence industry strategy

     14 February 2020

     Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier announced on 12 February an update to the country’s defence and security...

254. Kuwait declines receipt of Caracal helos, Airbus unaware of any problems

     14 February 2020

     A Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence (MoD) statement saying that it had refused to receive two Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal medium-lift rotorcraft...

255. Pakistan Navy commissions first of two 2,300 tonne corvettes

     14 February 2020

     The Pakistan Navy (PN) has commissioned the first of two 2,300 tonnes multirole corvettes ordered from Dutch shipbuilder Damen in 2017. Named...

256. Singapore Airshow 2020: Malaysia reveals future plans for A400M airlifters

     14 February 2020

     The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has laid out plans to further unlock the tactical capabilities of its A400M heavy airlifters, including...

257. Time remains to consider New START options, says US official

     14 February 2020

     Key Points Russia and the United States have sufficient time to decide on and activate an extension of the 2010 New START strategic arms control...

258. US naval assets bolster SOUTHCOM operations against drug traffickers and peer competitors

     14 February 2020

     The continued operation of two relatively new US naval vessels has helped bolster the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to combat maritime drug...

259. Abaco Systems, Collins Aerospace usher in new facilities

     14 February 2020

     Abaco Systems, which is based in Huntsville, Alabama, has moved into a newly constructed headquarters building that will give it more room to...

260. Accuracy International unveils next evolution multicalibre rifle line

     14 February 2020

     Accuracy International (AI) unveiled its new AX MKIII and AX 50 ELR multicalibre sniper rifles at the British Shooting Show, which is being held...

261. Boeing contracted to conclude USAF AWACS upgrades

     14 February 2020

     The US Department of Defense (DoD) has contracted Boeing to complete full-rate production of the Block 40/45 upgrade for the service’s E-3 Airborne...

262. Czech defence spending could be capped at 1.4% of GDP

     14 February 2020

     The Czech Republic may not increase defence spending from the current 1.3% to 2% of GDP in 2024, as Prague has promised NATO, according to the...

263. Mexican Navy commissions first POLA long-range OPV

     14 February 2020

     The Mexican Navy’s first POLA (Patrulla Oceánica de Largo Alcance) long-range ocean patrol vessel, ARM Reformador (101), was commissioned on 6 Febru...

264. Pentagon to shift USD3.8 billion from weapons accounts to border wall funding

     14 February 2020

     The Trump administration is poised to siphon USD3.8 billion away from the military services’ weapons accounts to pay for wall construction along...

265. Singapore Airshow 2020: BrahMos pursues Southeast Asian exports

     14 February 2020

     Indian-Russian missile manufacturer BrahMos Aerospace has said it is closing in on exports to countries in Southeast Asia but that any deal would...

266. Singapore Airshow 2020: ST Engineering positions Endurance 170 for potential overseas customer

     14 February 2020

     Key Points ST Engineering Marine has developed the Endurance 170 is response to a potential contest overseas The company downplays apparent links...

267. Top US Air Force officer sees MQ-9 Reaper UAV as prime candidate for armed overwatch

     14 February 2020

     Key Points The MQ-9 could provide US Special Operations Command with a quality armed overwatch capability, according to a top US Air Force officer...

268. Update: Newer F-35As cracking due to gun use

     14 February 2020

     Key Points Lot 9 and newer F-35As have developed cracks after gun use The aircraft variant’s gun inaccuracy has stumped the programme for years...

269. Update: US GAO denies Air Tractor light attack bid protests

     14 February 2020

     Key Points Air Tractor loses a pair of bid protests over the US Air Force’s intent to buy a small quantity of light attack aircraft from SNC a...

270. US, Taliban agree to 'seven-day reduction in violence' in Afghanistan, says Esper

     14 February 2020

     US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced on 13 February that the United States has secured a ‘seven-day reduction in violence’ deal with t...

271. Chile deploys multipurpose-ship Sargento Aldea to boost Antarctica missions

     13 February 2020

     The Chilean navy deployed its multipurpose-ship Sargento Aldea (LSDH 91) in late November 2019 to take part in the country’s 2019-20 Antarctic...

272. Huntington Ingalls revenue up, income down in fourth quarter

     13 February 2020

     Revenue at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) rose 9.7% to USD2.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019, while operating income fell 12.7% to...

273. Pentagon budget 2021: US Coast Guard requests 70% cut in aircraft procurement spending

     13 February 2020

     The US Coast Guard (USCG) is requesting USD153.6 million in fiscal year 2021 (FY 2021) for procurement, recapitalisation, and sustainment of...

274. Singapore Airshow 2020: Indonesia to develop MPA variant of N219

     13 February 2020

     State-owned aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has been approached by the country’s navy to develop a militarised version of the...

275. Singapore Airshow 2020: Indonesian Navy seeks USD320 million for utility helicopters

     13 February 2020

     The Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) has submitted an IDR4.59 trillion (USD320 million) request for six utility...

276. Airbus reports revenue gain, net loss in 2019

     13 February 2020

     Airbus’ revenue surged 11% to EUR70.5 billion (USD76.4 billion) in 2019, as robust commercial aircraft deliveries more than offset a weak performance...

277. Malaysian economic growth moderates in Q4 2019

     13 February 2020 Rajiv Biswas

     2020 economic outlook for Malaysia clouded by coronavirus economic impact

     

278. Houthis selecting more UAVs over ballistic missiles in Arabian Peninsula attacks

     13 February 2020 Ludovico Carlino Firas Modad

     Yemen-based Houthi movement has mounted 462 attacks against targets inside Saudi territory since 2015

     

279. Airbag technology for autonomous vehicles

     13 February 2020

     The advent of automated driving is presenting new challenges for airbag module suppliers

     

280. From start to finish: Stages of life impact on oil and gas greenhouse gas emission intensity

     13 February 2020 Kevin Birn Cathy Crawford

     Understand how emission intensity can evolve over the life of an oil- or gas-producing asset and why it matters

     

281. Light-vehicle ICE ban could come as early as 2032

     13 February 2020 Ian Fletcher

     Light-vehicle ICE ban could come as early as 2032

     

282. Continued focus on shareholder returns means there will be no upstream activity recovery in 2020

     13 February 2020 IHS Markit Energy Expert

     An overview of the upstream activity recovery in 2020.

     

283. NATO reflects on internal coherence and external priorities

     13 February 2020

     Key Points A NATO ‘reflection group’ is to strengthen allies’ political consultation and focus their security priorities The group’s mandate...

284. NATO to expand training mission in Iraq, but unsure how to grow in region

     13 February 2020

     Allied defence ministers agreed on 12 February to expand their NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) by taking over more of the counter-terrorist training...

285. Singapore Airshow 2020: Boeing sees increasing demand in Asia for AH-64E Apache

     13 February 2020

     Boeing sees an opportunity for its AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter in the Asia-Pacific market, with a senior company representative...

286. Singapore Airshow 2020: ST Engineering unveils Veloce family of fixed wing VTOL UAVs

     13 February 2020

     Singapore defence prime ST Engineering has unveiled the Veloce family of hybrid fixed-wing/vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial...

287. Y-20A aircraft is now operational with a second PLAAF transport division

     13 February 2020

     Images released by Chinese state-owned media indicate that the Y-20A Kunpeng transport aircraft is now operational with a second transport division...

288. Singapore Airshow 2020: Airbus Helicopters aims high in Asia-Pacific

     13 February 2020

     Airbus Helicopters aims to sell 5,500 military helicopters to countries in the Asia-Pacific region over the next two decades, the company said...

289. Singapore Airshow 2020: Boeing prepares potential F-15EX offer for India

     13 February 2020

     Boeing is considering offering its F-15EX Advanced Eagle combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to meet the service’s long-running programme...

290. Singapore Airshow 2020: Royal Thai Air Force debuts upgraded F-5THs

     13 February 2020

     The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has displayed its first two newly upgraded Northrop F-5 fighter aircraft at the Singapore Airshow 2020. The two...

291. South Korea, UK sign defence R&D agreement

     13 February 2020

     South Korea and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement to support joint research and development (R&D) in the defence sector. The Defense...

292. AFCENT notes continued high airstrike rate in Afghanistan

     13 February 2020

     The US military continued to drop munitions on Afghanistan in January 2020 at the near record-breaking levels achieved for 2019, figures released...

293. Airbus notes A400M progress, but is hit with new penalty charges

     13 February 2020

     Airbus noted progress in the delivery of the promised capabilities of its A400M airlifter, but has been hit with additional penalty charges pertaining...

294. Pentagon proposes cutting Iraqi train-and-equip fund

     13 February 2020

     The US Department of Defense (DoD) budget released on 10 February proposed reducing funding for Iraqi security forces from USD745 million to...

295. Saab to provide next-generation CMSs for RAN’s major surface ships

     13 February 2020

     Saab Australia has signed an Enterprise Partnering Agreement (EPA) with the Department of Defence (DoD) in Canberra to provide its ‘next-generation’...

296. AFRL delays first X-60A flight

     13 February 2020

     The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is delaying the first test flight of its Generation Orbit X-60A GoLauncher1 (GO1) hypersonic flight...

297. Boeing bullish on Super Hornet, despite US Navy mulling cuts

     13 February 2020

     Boeing is confident that it will continue to deliver F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft to the US Navy (USN), despite the service disclosing...

298. Germany and France launch FCAS/SCAF demonstrator phase, Spain to follow shortly

     13 February 2020

     The demonstrator phase of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS)/Système de Combat Aérien Futur (SCAF) programme has been...

299. Pentagon budget 2021: US Army details 20 programme cuts and delays

     13 February 2020

     US Army officials are touting programme cuts and delays but have, so far, yet to release a full list of the 80 impacted efforts – 41 set to be...

300. Rafael shows Drone Dome laser intercepts

     13 February 2020

     Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems released a video on 12 February showing its Drone Dome counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for t...

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