The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) has launched its first national airline, Timor Air. Subject to regulatory approvals, the airline will begin operations in February with daily flights from Dili in East Timor to Darwin in Australia and Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia. Further services are being planned for launch in 2009.
Flight operations will be carried out by Australian airline SkyAirWorld, using Embraer E-190 aircraft configured with 10 business class seats and 84 seats in economy. SkyAirWorld will also train East Timorese cabin crew, with the first intake beginning its course in January 2009.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
Connect with us on socials
