FLIR Systems is looking at increasing its investments in offshore operations as US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) drive customers to non-US suppliers, according to Bill Sundermeier, president of the company's government systems unit. "Some international customers, even NATO countries, are purging their fleets of US equipment because of ITAR," he said at the Association of the US Army show in Washington this morning. "I find it amazing, but it's true, and it is making us think of how we invest in our international activities."
In one case, FLIR Systems had delivered a sensor package to a European UAV company. "But they wanted to demonstrate it around the world and realized that, everywhere they wanted to demonstrate it, they had to apply for a US license. They finally bought Swedish kit from us, so it was OK." FLIR Systems already has a substantial development and manufacturing operation in Sweden. Now, Sundermeier suggests that FLIR may invest in more non-US technology in order to deliver more high-end ITAR-free products.
In another international venture, FLIR Systems has reached agreement with France's Sofradir to incorporate the latter's dual-band detector cores into its systems. FLIR considers that Sofradir's technology, using a single chip to acquire mid-wave and long-wave infrared images simultaneously, has advantages over rivals, including a less demanding cooling requirement and potentially higher yields. The advantage of dual-band technology is that mid-wave sensors work best in hot environments, while long-wave is better at lower temperatures and in dusty or smoky conditions. FLIR expects to be using Sofradir dual-band cores in its top-end thermal imagers by late 2010 or early 2011.
I don't know why the USG Dept that runs the ITAR cannot simply draw up a list of friendly countries where the ITAR would not be needed,and have a blanket coverage signed off. What if Sofradir's deal with FLIR systems was such that if the USG wanted to buy their equipment, it would have to buy a licence first? Not so nice when the boot's on the other foot, is it.
ITAR is strict, but necessary. It's not just the danger of tech specs and info being used and sold by (not-so-friendly) friendly countries, but loosing the technological edge alltogether. The Great Chinese Copy Machine is able to churn out some pretty impressive replicas of a lot of hi-tech - just ask the Russians.
I'm with Fred on this. Export licences for certain equipment like sensors could be fast tracked through to friendly nations, depending on usage. US defence export regulations can be a hindrance even when trying to export non-sensitive defence-related equipment. It can take many months to get a licence, which is probably extremely irritating for the supplier and end user.
What if Sofradir's deal with FLIR systems was such that if the USG wanted to buy their equipment, it would have to buy a licence first? Not so nice when the boot's on the other foot, is it.
The Great Chinese Copy Machine is able to churn out some pretty impressive replicas of a lot of hi-tech - just ask the Russians.