maandag 8 september 2025

My tweets for September 2025

 Latest on top (updated regularly):
(
https://twitter.com/martinbroek

September 17

***
Betekent meer van hetzelfde echt meer veiligheid? Het lijtk bijna exacte wetenschap. Meer geld voor de krijgsmacht betekent meer vrede, maar is dat zo, debatteer mee.

***
He's now even attacking part of the EU/Dutch population. Turns the situation on its head.

Not people protesting violations of Int. Humanitariam Law must be blamed, but those committing these crimes.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-blames-muslim-immigration-for-europes-anti-israel-policies/

Is there yet protest from any European government?

***
As Netanyahu calls for urgent action, Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI has been unable to function for months. IAI is paralyzed by a #feud between MoD Katz and Minister Amsalem, blocking board appointments, delaying arms contracts etc. during wartime. https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/rjjeoaljlg

***
2025 CORPORATE UNDERMINERS OF DEMOCRACY by the International Trade Union Confederation #ITUC focuses on the rising threat to democracy posed by major and emerging players in the rapid militarisation of the global economy. https://www.ituc-csi.org/corporate-underminers-explained

***

Voor de een is de #DSEI2025 wapenbeurs een plaats om te protesteren tegen schending van politieke en mensenrechten, internationaal en oorlogsrecht; voor de #Nederlandse #krijgsmacht is het a place to be en om te shoppen. Van enige kritiek is geen sprake. https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2025/07/defensiebeurs-dsei-weer-groter-dan-ooit

Reports on the protests are numerous, like this one:

Christian groups organised protests and vigils outside the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair at London’s ExCel last week. https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/christian-protests-at-arms-fair-there-is-nothing-fair-about-it/

***
Danish #Terma has signed a major contract with Albwardy #Damen to deliver advanced mission-critical systems for a new series of naval vessels, significantly strengthening its position in the #MiddleEast and #Africa (MEA) region.

https://www.asdnews.com/news/defense/2025/09/16/terma-secures-landmark-naval-contract-expanding-strategic-presence-middle-east-africa

https://www.terma.com/news-events/news/latest-news/terma-secures-landmark-naval-contract-expanding-strategic-presence-in-middle-east-and-africa/

***
Since the normalization of relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv in exchange for the #US recognition of the Moroccanness of the #Sahara, #Morocco has allocated billions of dollars to the acquisition of #Israeli drones and military systems for its army. https://en.bladi.net/morocco-billion-dollar-israeli-arms-spree-reshapes-regional-defense,116841.html

September 16

***
Editorial: The Guardian view on Palestine Action: the ban on Gaza activists must be overturned.

As protesters go on trial, it is clearer than ever that ministers chose the wrong target and the wrong process.

It is bad enough that the UK has, like the European Union, failed to restrict trade with Israel or end arms exports, despite mounting evidence of war crimes.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/15/the-guardian-view-on-palestine-action-the-ban-on-gaza-activists-must-be-overturned

***
Example?

#Spain cancels major arms deal with #Elbit. As part of the deal, Elbit was expected to supply artillery systems to Spain worth several hundred million €.

Last week, Spain canceled a contract worth $278m to purchase #Spike missiles from #Rafael.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2025-09-15/ty-article/.premium/spain-cancels-major-arms-deal-with-elbit-in-second-canceled-israeli-contract-this-week/00000199-4d05-d276-a7fd-4f850c340000

UK bans Israelis from military academy over Gaza war

Ministry of Defence confirms policy, citing Israel's 'decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza'. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-bans-israelis-military-academy-over-gaza-war

***
#Pakistan emerged as the 5th-largest #arms importer, responsible for 4.6% of the global total. #China supplied the bulk of these weapons, while the #Netherlands and Turkey also contributed. The figures highlight Pakistan’s policy to expand its arsenal.
https://www.wionews.com/photos/do-you-know-which-7-countries-top-the-global-arms-import-list-1757941700124/1757941700131

***
Essay

Recognizing Reality: A Case for #Nationalizing the US Arms Industry. Outlining the perverse incentives for policymakers to prioritize corporate interests over strategic considerations—and how to change the politics of national security policy making.

https://www.stimson.org/2025/recognizing-reality-a-case-for-nationalizing-the-us-arms-industry/

***
South African entrepreneur Mcebisi Mlonzi, CEO of TFM Defence & Aerospace, is negotiating a major arms deal with #Zimbabwe involving Russian/Chinese small arms amid past corruption controversies.
https://www.billionaires.africa/2025/09/15/south-african-arms-broker-mcebisi-mlonzi-to-supply-russian-and-chinese-weapons-to-zimbabwe-army/

***
Military production colossus

#Germany’s #Rheinmetall is on the brink of acquiring local shipbuilder Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL/#Lürssen) as it looks to break into the naval domain & take advantage of lucrative domestic and European market opportunities.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/rheinmetall-ceo-says-german-firm-days-away-from-local-shipbuilder-takeover/

***
Thanks to the #EU, taxpayer money is flowing into the pockets of commercial #spyware firms. Their tools are not only being used by repressive regimes in South Sudan & Egypt, but also against unknowing #journalists, lawmakers, & even politicians in Europe.
https://www.ftm.eu/articles/spyware-industry-eu-subsidies-surveillance-concers

September 15

Retweet @Kahlissee: Welcome to your Palantir future America. Beta tested on Gaza and getting ready for United States. 

***
Evaluationmeeting of the camp and actionsdays by Disarm #Rheinmetall, 22nd of September 2025

https://de.indymedia.org/node/538139

Short impression here:
Website: www.rheinmetallentwaffnen.noblogs.org
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rentwaffnen.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rentwaffnen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheinmetallentwaffnen/


September 14

***
The arms trade runs both ways. Israel is also a significant buyer of German equipment.

Between 2020 and 2024, it ranked as the third-largest importer of German weapons, accounting for 11 percent of Germany’s total exports.

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/israel-tensions-to-arms-demand-germany/

September 13

***
European armies biggest customers of Israeli-made weapons

Israel’s 3 military giants – #Elbit #Rafael & Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI – don’t just sell to #Europe; they've operations on the ground via subsidiaries & partnerships with local companies. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3325224/europes-defence-needs-threaten-push-penalise-israel-gaza

***
#Europe’s plans for an Iron #Dome-style missile & drone shield risks being scuppered by growing anti-#Israeli attitudes.

#German-led Sky Shield Initiative aims to form a dome from Turkey to Finland as part of a massive Continental rearmament drive.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/13/anger-at-israel-blows-hole-europe-iron-dome-plans/

***
Arms control is under threat of the drive to militarise the West. One of the targets is the treaty against the anti-personnel mines.

Here you'll find information why it's important to keep the treaty upright & fully implemented in the interest of security. https://www.icblcmc.org/our-impact/silent-killers

***
Amid scenes of destruction, frustrated #European pliticians threaten sanctions on #Israel & rethink ties to the longtime ally.

But their armies are the biggest customers of Israeli-made #arms, buying €6.8bn worth in 2024 & demand is only likely to grow. https://www.luxtimes.lu/businessandfinance/european-efforts-to-punish-israel-face-barrier-over-arms-needs/89585449.html

***
Op 22 oktober organiseren The Movement en de Bibliotheek Bibliorura een Inspiraton Café rondom het thema wapenhandel in #Roermond. Hoofdspreker van het Inspiration Café is Frank Slijper van PAX. Hij doet al ruim dertig jaar onderzoek naar de wapenhandel.
https://bibliorura.nl/inspirationcafe

***
So far for an open debate.

Attendees at this week's #DSEI arms fair in London say they were stopped from taking #photographs of #Israeli companies' displays, with one #journalist forced to delete his photos.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-company-cracks-down-coverage-london-arms-fair-uk-government

***
#Saudi Arabia is in talks with #France for the transfer and localization of artificial intelligence technologies, notes Tactical Report [behind Pay Wall]. The note mentions an #AI initiative under consideration by the Saudi and French sides.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63830

***
The Indian Ministry of Defence has received a formal proposal from the Air Force #IAF to acquire 114 ‘Made in India’ #afale fighter jets, marking what could become the largest defence procurement in #India’s history.
https://www.firstpost.com/india/make-in-india-rafales-mod-begins-review-of-rs-2-lakh-crore-fighter-jet-proposal-13933298.html

September 12

***
How UK universities’ relationship with the arms trade has informed the clampdown on pro-Palestine student activism. If there is any hope of dismantling the Military-Industrial-Academic complex, this crackdown must be challenged at every step.
https://newint.org/resistance/2025/criminalized-campus-uk-students-taking-action-gaza

***
De lobby organistaie voor de Nederlandse maritieme industrie #NMT-IRO is in Sea #Naval gestapt, een permanente werkgroep die formeel valt onder Sea Europe. In Sea Naval participeren brancheorganisaties uit meerdere Europese landen en de grootste marinewerven. Het primaire doel van deze werkgroep is strategische samenwerking en afstemming rond Europese defensieprogramma’s en -financiering, zoals projecten die via het European Defence Fund #EDF worden ondersteund.

https://www.maritimetechnology.nl/nl/actueel/nmt-iro-versterkt-europese-samenwerking-voor-maritieme-veiligheid/

September 11

***
#France #cutback on expenditures, but not on everything.

Paris Envisions Larger Future Aircraft Carrier With More UAS. https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/france-envisions-larger-future-aircraft-carrier-more-uas

This PANG aircraft #carrier will cost around €8 to €10 #billion just for the carrier’s construction costs. https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/06/the-france-aircraft-carrier-question-no-one-dares-ask/

***
#Wapenexport uit #Wallonië daalt met 32% ondanks oorlog in Oekraïne. In 2024 was de omvang daarmee €860,7 mljn. Dat blijkt uit cijfers die L’Echo publiceerde. Van de 1.618 exportvergunningen waren er 985 voor private ontvangers, 633 waren voor overheden.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/binnenland/wapenexport-uit-wallonie-daalt-met-32-ondanks-oorlog-in-oekrane/89312940.html

September 10

***
Activists in #Barcelona urge Spain to impose 'real' #arms embargo on #Israel. Demonstrators call for decree to ban any private or public trade, following PM Sánchez's nine measures to stop the conflict by Israel on #Palestine.
https://www.catalannews.com/society-science/item/pro-palestinians-in-barcelona-urge-spain-to-impose-real-arms-embargo-on-israel

***
#srael’s #Rafael touts Iron Beam antimissile lasers at #DSEI fair. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems brought replicas of its laser-powered Iron Beam missile shield to the arms fair, lifting the veil on a defensive technology used recently in the #Gaza War.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/09/israels-rafael-touts-iron-beam-antimissile-lasers-at-dsei-fair/

***
MBDA, Europe’s largest missile maker, to show tank gun-launched missile, cheap cruise missile at DSEI.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/08/mbda-to-show-tank-gun-launched-missile-cheap-cruise-missile-at-dsei/

September 9

***
It’s been proven that a ceasefire or any peace deal in #Ukraine will never be achieved by pressing Moscow alone. Any strategy that ignores #China is doomed from the start; China now holds the decisive leverage on #Russia’s economic & military survival.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/09/08/why_the_peace_deal_in_ukraine_runs_through_china_1133363.html

***
Banana Kingdom on the edge of the North Sea

Johnson and Cummings’ secret meeting with #Palantir founder revealed.

Revealed: how #Boris_Johnson traded PM contacts for global business deals. #UK
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/boris-johnson-dominic-cummings-secret-meeting-palantir-peter-thiel

***
#PalestineAction activists vandalize #Elbit facility in Germany to protest Gaza slaughter. The recent wave of protests against military actions in Gaza has sparked.

Original by Haaretz, Hagai Amit.

https://beritasriwijaya.co.id/en/palestine-action-activists-vandalize-elbit-systems-facility-in-germany-to-protest-gaza-war-haaretz/

https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2025-09-08/ty-article/.premium/palestine-action-activists-vandalize-elbit-systems-building-in-germany-protesting-gaza-war/00000199-2a0c-d3e4-abb9-6e8d79680000

***
#Chinese company #Geedge Networks has exported surveillance and censorship technology to several #repressive regimes. 
The countries include Myanmar, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Ethiopia.

Geedge Networks partly relied on Western and #European #technology.
https://www.ftm.eu/articles/how-china-is-exporting-its-censorship-technology

***
[Join us] KICK #ISRAEL OUT OF #SEOUL #ADEX 2025!

South #Korea’s largest arms fair, the Seoul ADEX 2025, will be held October 17-24 at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam & KINTEX in Ilsan.

Israeli arms companies are coming and plan to sell their weapons at ADEX.
https://www.peoplepower21.org/english/2000001

***
#UAE’s #EDGE Group expands in #Brazil and #Switzerland

The defense conglomerate announced new facilities for two of its subsidiaries, half a world away. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/uaes-edge-group-expands-in-brazil-and-switzerland/

***
Het Frans-Duitse defensiebedrijf KNDS overweegt in 2026 naar de beurs te gaan. Dat heeft ceo Jean-Paul Alary maandag gezegd bij een persconferentie in Amsterdam, zo meldde persbureau Bloomberg Sept 8.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1569282/tankbouwer-knds-kijkt-naar-beursgang-in-2026

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-08/knds-ceo-says-franco-german-tankmaker-preparing-for-ipo

***
A report by Observer Research Foundation (ORF https://www.orfonline.org/research/capitol-consensus-where-war-is-business) shows that the #US military-industrial complex has benefited enormously from the #Ukraine war, with an explosive growth in orders for arms, production, profits, & AI systems agreements.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-military-industrial-complex-is-profiting-from-ukraine-war-report/articleshow/123776890.cms

***
#Trump’s state visit is an opportunity for a massive protest against the #genocide and the ruthless imperialists sustaining it.

Join the national #demonstration against Trump’s state visit on 17 September, 2pm Portland Place, London.
https://www.counterfire.org/article/stop-trump-end-the-genocide/

***
#DSEI2025 arms fair opens in London. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration excluded the officials from the four-day event, but not the 51 Israeli defence companies that are set to attend including major arms manufacturer Elbit.

#Israeli companies exhibiting "should be investigated for crimes against humanity, not invited to profit from the unspeakable devastation they have caused in Gaza", Campaign Against Arms Trade #CAAT spokesperson Emily Apple said.
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/09/london-arms-show-opens-under-israel-cloud

September 8

***
In Brussels on Sunday, as in June, tens of thousands of people took to the streets to show their support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to protest against the Israeli government. It was the second edition of “Red Line for Gaza”.

So, what do they expect?
Firstly, a complete military #embargo on all #military cooperation and arms trade between Israel and #Belgium.
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2025/09/08/tens-of-thousands-take-part-in-brussels-gaza-demo/

Will it happen? #Israel is part of the nowadays so applauded European Military Industrial Complex #EU #MIC which isn't easy to put aside.

***
Naval Group bets all on Saudi frigates after Norway and Canada setbacks. The French shipyard is hoping to convince the French government to throw all its support behind its bid to win a mega-contract in Riyadh. [Paywall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/09/08/naval-group-bets-all-on-saudi-frigates-after-norway-and-canada-setbacks,110518673-art

***
Since 2022 #Bulgaria has exported #arms worth 13 bn leva (€6.65 bn), marking a historic surge in the country’s defence industry.

Minister of Economy Petar Dilov said this sector has become one of the pillars of Bulgaria’s economic growth, now 4%+ of GDP. https://www.novinite.com/articles/234284/Bulgaria%E2%80%99s+Arms+Exports+Reach+%E2%82%AC6.65+Billion+Since+Ukraine+War+Began

September 7

***
Ex-official was ordered to make UK arms report look ‘less bad’, Gaza tribunal hears. Mark Smith, civil servant who resigned over war in Gaza, joins Corbyn-led inquest into UK complicity in Israeli crimes.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/ex-official-was-ordered-make-uk-arms-report-look-less-bad-gaza-tribunal-hears

September 6

***
In a dramatic escalation of Middle Eastern military dynamics, the US has redeployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense #THAAD missile battery from the #UAE to #Israel 
[states tacticalreport.com behind Pay Wall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63815

Same source: #Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production is negotiating with #Thales to co-develop a national #SatCom-C2 network, with a preliminary deal expected soon. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63817

***
Retweet
@londoncaat: Israeli arms manufacturer closes UK facility targeted by Palestine Action. Well that's a win. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/israeli-arms-manufacturer-elbit-systems-closes-uk-facility-targeted-by-palestine-action

***
The #Dominican Navy has received its 2nd #NCPV patrol vessel, built by US's #MetalShark. The NCPV is uses the #Damen Shipyards’ 2606 Stan Patrol vessel hull. https://www.workboat.com/shipbuilding/metal-shark-delivers-second-patrol-boat-to-dominican-republic-navy It has the ability to mount machine guns. https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2025/08/25/dominican-navy-adds-new-coast-guard-vessel/

Dutch export permit needed?

***
Even after reducing the scope of Block 4 #F35 upgrades, #Lockheed still needs 2 years to develop and install planned improvements, #GAO said in a new audit of the fighter program (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26081786-gao-f35s/). Details won’t be available until this fall.

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/gao-action-needed-to-solve-f-35-block-4-issues/

Every F-35 delivered to the U.S. military last year by Lockheed Martin was behind schedule by an average of seven months, a government watchdog found, but contractors kept millions in “incentive fees” designed to speed up the delivery. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/lockheed-martin-f-35s-late/

***
#US lawmakers are pushing a series of amendments to the 2026 National Defence Authorization Act #NDAA aimed at halting arms sales to #Turkey, including the transfer of #F35 fighter jets, citing Ankara’s ties to #Hamas and its broader regional activities. https://caliber.az/en/post/us-lawmakers-move-to-block-f-35-sales-to-turkiye-over-hamas-ties

***
Israeli orders for #French arms experienced ‘a record year’ in 2024.

According to the 2025 report on French #arms exports, orders from #Israel reached 27.1m euros last year, an amount not seen since 2017. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-orders-french-arms-experienced-record-year-2024

***
#Trump tries to speed up drone sales as big #Gulf orders wait. Trump announced #arms sales to Gulf states with fanfare, but the deals have yet to translate into #cash. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/trump-tries-speed-drone-sales-big-gulf-orders-wait

***
Even in Poland

#Israeli military firms face backlash at Poland’s premier arms expo. Police questioning & paint-splattered booths at #Poland's #MSPO weapons exhibition as Israel’s defense industry confronts growing European #resistance over #Gaza 'war'.

https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-866508

***
THE #British government has reached “peak genocide complicity,” campaigners have warned after it emerged that 51 #Israeli #companies will exhibit at next week’s Defence and Security Equipment International #DSEI arms fair. https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/article/britain-reaches-peak-genocide-complicity-israeli-companies-exhibit-arms-fair

***

Former Airbus SE CEO Tom Enders is in talks to become chairman of #KNDS NV to help navigate surging demand for European military equipment & prepare the Franco-German tankmaker for a possible initial public offering, people familiar with the matter said. https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/ex-airbus-ceo-enders-in-talks-to-join-tankmaker-knds-as-chairman

KNDS has its administrative headquarters in Amsterdam. https://www.linkedin.com/company/knds/ 

September 4

***

Waar gaat het geld naartoe? De EU besteedde – verbazend genoeg voor een zelfverklaarde klimaatleider – in 2024 haast evenveel aan defensie als aan de energietransitie. De EU-bewapeningsuitgaven stegen tussen 2021 en 2024 met 30%. Met de geplande toename van de

defensiebudgetten van de NAVO-lidstaten naar 5% van hun inkomen zal de EU opschuiven in de richting van de VS, Rusland en het Midden-Oosten. https://www.mo.be/analyse/waar-het-geld-van-de-wereld-naartoe-vloeit

***
#Damen Naval has entered into a contract with De Jong & Lavino (https://jola.nl/over-ons/ #Geldermalsen #Antwerpen), a #steel supplier based in the Netherlands, for the supply of steel required to build the #Colombian Navy’s PES #frigate.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/colombia-pes-frigates-damen-steel/

***
#Russia’s gambit in the #Sahel as France leaves the stage.
https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/15630/putins-gambit-in-the-sahel-as-france-leaves-the-stage

#BurkinaFaso #Mali #Niger

***
Halt: combat, repression and genocide proven products!

#Israeli firms say they will participate in #DSEI, despite ban on officials. The #UK government linked the lack of official invite to Israel's conduct in #Gaza, a move condemned by the Israeli #MoD. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/israeli-firms-say-they-will-participate-in-dsei-despite-ban-on-officials/

***
Ideaal voor gebruik in Westelijke #Sahara.

#Marokko staat op het punt tien H225M Caracal-heli's te kopen van #Airbus #Helicopters. De deal van zo’n €500 miljoen moet de luchtmacht versterken voor transport, reddingsmissies en speciale operaties #SOF. https://nieuws.marokko.nl/106028/marokko-bestelt-tien-caracal-helikopters-bij-airbus/

***
#Scotland bans arms companies that supply #IDF from receiving financial aid. Devolved government says contractors seeking support must prove products will not be used by #Israeli #military. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/03/scotland-government-defence-israel-military-gaza

Inactive Commission on the biggest crime of all risks to tear Foreign Policy of EU apart.

Tired of #EU inaction on #Gaza, #Belgium imposes sanctions on Israel. 12 sanctions target violent settlers, settler organizations, arms exports, says FA minister. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/tired-of-eu-inaction-on-gaza-belgium-imposes-sanctions-on-israel/3677662

Canary on #CAAT report: #UK has delivered over £500m in arms parts to #Israel’s #genocide efforts. https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2025/09/03/uk-arms-exports-israel-genocide/

***
Aiming for a 21st century Cocom-system?

The US has revoked #TSMC's fast-track status for #US #chip manufacturing equipment exports to its main plant in #China - a move that comes days after revocations of the same privilege for South Korean chipmakers. https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW172903092025RP1/

***
#Sanctions now—what they mean and why they can stop #Israel. It is a small country and suffers from acute dependency on strategic imports like the coal it uses to generate energy. And its #weapons stocks can be replenished only by the US & its key allies.
https://solidarity.net.au/palestine/sanctions-now-what-they-mean-and-why-they-can-stop-israel/

***
Artificial intelligence repression, one of the gains of the deployment of this technology in times of autocrats?

Human rights organisations say the US is using #Palantir & #Babel Street #AI tools to target participants in pro-Palestine demonstrations. https://www.mizanonline.ir/en/news/2318/ten-years-in-prison-for-a-wall-painting-the-cost-of-standing-with-palestine-in-america

***
India claims #Pakistan used #Turkish Songar #drones during the May conflict between the two countries. But Asisguard, the manufacturer, claims not to have sold any such aircraft to Pakistan and has launched an investigation into the matter.
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/09/04/mystery-remains-over-provenance-of-turkish-drones-used-in-india-pakistan-clashes,110517752-art

September 3

***
Merchants of death relocate after two years of #protest

The Specialist Defence and Security Convention (#SDSC-UK) -- one of the UK's biggest arms #fairs -- is to relocate from Telford to #Birmingham following two years of persistent protest. https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/merchants-of-death-relocate-after-two-years-of-protest

***
At the cost of?

Image

The EU collectively spent €343 billion on the military last year, exceeding projections and setting a new record, according to a report by #EDA.

The agency said it expected defense spending to increase further in 2025 to €381 billion.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/02/eu-sets-military-spending-record-expects-more-growth-in-2025/

***
The annual TOP 100 is published.

DRONES, AI AND ROBOTICS CHALLENGE ORDER OF

TOP 100 DEFENSE FIRMS

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2025/09/02/drones-ai-and-robotics-challenge-order-of-top-100-defense-firms/

Below the first 10 ( 6 from the US, 2 from China, 1 from the UK and 1 French). 2 with a lower revenue, the other 8 with growth, especially Thales.

September 2

***
#Prabowo besloot zaterdag om een reis naar China af te zeggen, zodat hij zich volledig kon richten op het bedwingen van de crisis. Wat hem betreft blijft de politie hard optreden tegen de demonstranten, die hij beschuldigt van landverraad en terrorisme.
https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/jongeren-protesteren-al-ruim-een-week-in-indonesie-wat-is-er-aan-de-hand~b340360a/

***
Retweet
@ArmsTradeCT: Defex’s Dirty Decades: Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia Spain is investigating over two decades of arms deals to Saudi Arabia- a case rooted in earlier corruption scandals involving the now liquidated state-owned arms exporter, Defex. https://corruption-tracker.org/case/defexs-dirty-decades-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia

***
UN Report uncovers in South #Sudan #Turkish arms like BRG-55 rifles, MKA 556 rifles. Rifles made by Utaş Defence, another Turkish brand, were also identified in the possession of armed factions, despite the existing arms embargo.

***
M Abba-Aji at Washington Uni & N Maani at the Uni of Edinburgh outline research priorities and the role of health practitioners to help confront the growing power asymmetries between the arms industry and public health interests.

***
#sleepwalking into an #arms #race

The global arms industry who enjoys a boon unseen before. The surge is silent, but it is no less real for that. Unless dissent finds a stronger voice, humanity risks sleepwalking into another age of arms. 
https://aoav.org.uk/2025/the-distant-sounding-of-the-guns-how-the-world-is-sleepwalking-into-an-arms-race/

***
Retweet @brown_johnbrown: How Israeli arms exports to Argentina's dictatorship continued despite documented use of these weapons against Jews. An analysis of declassified documents and testimonies. My latest article examines this troubling chapter in Israeli foreign policy. https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025-08-31/ty-article-opinion/.premium/october-7-wasnt-the-first-time-israels-government-abandoned-jews-for-political-gain/00000198-fba0-d558-afba-ffbf56ba0000

September 1

***
Russia’s largest tank manufacturer relies on 100s of foreign machine parts.
https://odessa-journal.com/russias-largest-tank-manufacturer-relies-on-hundreds-of-foreign-machine See for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine publishes in the “Instruments of War” section of the War&Sanctions portal. https://war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua/en/tools

Dutch entries in the list are:
INNOVATEST, Maastricht
HGG Group, Wieringerwerf

But entries from numerous countries are listed.

***
Retweet
@obsarm: Actions Stop Arming Israel devant deux entreprises Thalès près d’Orléans https://france-palestine.org/Actions-Stop-Arming-Israel-devant-deux-entreprises-Thales-pres-d-Orleans

***
Test your arms and gear in Ukraine, NATO’s military chief urges companies

“Find the right partners,” said Gen. Grynkewich, “and get up there and do some real-world testing.”
https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/08/test-your-arms-and-gear-ukraine-natos-military-chief-urges-companies/407779/

***
Not the
#climate but military production should be the priority, some seem to think. Steel producer #Thyssenkrupp #TKSE wants more relaxed CO2-rules from Brussels. Krupp was central in the German military industry, but still is producing for military uses. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1567885/staalreus-thyssenkrupp-vraagt-coulance-van-brussel-bij-co2-regels

***
EC President Von der Leyen’s visit to Bulgaria’s largest state-owned arms producer drew protests from nationalists, laying bare domestic tensions over the country’s role as a hub for dirty & dangerous ammo production where many haven't even running water. https://www.politico.eu/article/von-der-leyen-visit-spotlights-bulgaria-uneasy-role-europe-arms-hub/


zondag 31 augustus 2025

My tweets for August 2025

Latest on top (updated regularly):
(
https://twitter.com/martinbroek

August 31

***
Thousands rally in #German city of Frankfurt demanding action to stop #genocide in Gaza.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250831-thousands-rally-in-german-city-of-frankfurt-demanding-action-to-stop-genocide-in-gaza/

#Spain announced on Saturday that it had submitted an action plan to the European Union to stop the war in the #Gaza Strip. https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/international/805457/spain-presents-a-plan-to-the-european-union-to-sto

***
Contracten met de dood in Oekraïne & Rusland. 1 milj Russische en 400.000 Oekraiense doden worden genoemd in dit overzichtsartikel over 't hoe & wat vd werving. https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/buitenland/artikel/5525681/hoe-rusland-ondanks-massale-verliezen-toch-nieuwe-troepen-naar

Maar 't eindigt niet met 'n pleidooi voor vredesinspanningen, maar voor meer Europese wapens.

***
Stop Wapenhandel, HVB & Nieuwe Vredesbeweging organiseren 'n debat over vrede & veiligheid in Europa. Mmv Henk Overbeek (emeritus hoogleraar int. betrekkingen), Wendela de Vries & Artsen voor Vrede.

Datum 28 september
Kargadoor, Utrecht
Zaal open 13u, aanvang 13.30u sluiting 17u.

https://boeddhistischdagblad.nl/nieuws/952743-debat-over-vrede-en-veiligheid-in-europa/

August 30

***
#Ukraine and #Denmark forge military production partnership to boost production of #kamikaze and other #drones, howitzers etc.
https://www.smgconferences.com/editors-corner/6100-news--ukraine-and-denmark-forge-defense-partnership-to-boost-production-of-loitering-munitions-bohdana-howitzers-and-drones

***
Nederland spekt een oorlogsindustrie die de vernietiging van Gaza mede mogelijk maakt. Dat is onacceptabel, schrijven Thomas van Gool en Frank Slijper. https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/opinie-israelische-wapens-die-in-gaza-getest-werden-die-mogen-we-niet-kopen~b02318ba5

***
The #US amended the ITAR to classify large #UUVs as defence articles. This change will extend export controls to large UUVs used in #civil applications, including for the oil and gas industry, subsea infrastructure operations, and oceanographic #research.
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/new-u-s-export-controls-on-large-uuvs-9148410/

***
The militarisation of #Europe unfolds, driven by the German arms industry.

#German #Rheinmetall plans to invest more than €1.5bn in new munitions factories in #Romania and #Bulgaria, part of a broader European effort to boost weapon production.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/rheinmetall-to-invest-over-1-5bn-in-balkan-munitions-factories/

***
-- that stream is steadily rising more and more --

Even the UK bans Israeli officials from major arms exhibition. UK government says Israel’s decision to escalate war on Gaza ‘wrong’ as Israel decries ‘discrimination’. #DSEI2025

Its a minor beginning.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/29/uk-bans-israeli-officials-from-major-arms-exhibition

While campaigners have welcomed the news, they’ve also slammed the UK government for its “cowardly” handwringing – since it was actually the Israeli government that pulled its country pavilion from the event. https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2025/08/29/dsei-israel

***
MONEY WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR

Swiss F-35As could cost more than the anticipated additional CHF 1,2 billion. 
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2025/08/29/f-35a-suisses-plus-chers-lot-18-crise/

August 29

***
#Cambodia has urged #Sweden to halt the planned sale of advanced #Gripen (E/F) fighter jets to #Thailand, warning that the deal could fuel further regional tensions and risk endangering civilians along the two countries’ disputed border.
https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/58697

How surprising:

Sweden Defends Gripen Sale, Citing Compliance With International Rules. https://cambodianess.com/article/sweden-defends-gripen-sale-citing-compliance-with-international-rules

August 28

***
An #Elbit-Bain Consortium is Nightmare Fuel: the #UK Government Must Not Award £2bn Contract to These Corporate Horrors.
https://www.declassifieduk.org/labour-must-not-award-elbit-a-2-billion-military-deal/

***

Where does the money go? Not to better social welfare, rent reduction, proportionally tackling the climate crisis, but more&more to the military.

Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014-25)
A number of tables & graphs on the finances behind NATO. https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2025/8/pdf/250827-def-exp-2025-en.pdf

August 27

***
A coalition of over 100 grassroots organisations and activist groups will protest on the first day of the returning Defence and Security Equipment International #DSEI arms fair.
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2025/08/27/dsei-arms-fair-2025/

***
Is nationalizing the defense industry such a bad idea?

Removing the profit motive that has allowed private interests to abuse, corrupt, and metastasize the system might be a way forward — if done right.

https://responsiblestatecraft.org/nationalization-defense-industry/

***
Genocidal military does not stop Helsinki buying Israeli products. #Finland’s Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen has stated that there is no need to revise the country’s arms trade policy toward #Israel, despite the continuing conflict in Gaza.
https://defensehere.com/en/finnish-defense-minister-no-change-in-arms-policy-toward-israel/

***
#Israel plans to acquire two #Boeing KC-46 aerial refueling tankers in a deal worth about $500 million. The purchase will be financed through US military aid, pending approval from an Israeli ministerial committee for defence procurement.
https://www.mod.gov.il/en/press-releases/press-room/israel-mod-to-sign-contract-for-two-additional-boeing-refueling-aircraft-for-the-idf

***
Israeli PM Netanyahu threatened to stop exports of weapons to Germany as a reaction to Berlin plans to halt exports to Israel of arms which can be used in Gaza.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-threatens-to-halt-arms-sales-to-germany-after-berlin-stops-weapon-exports-to-israel/

Berlin policy https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/08/08/germany-israels-no-2-arms-dealer-halts-exports-over-gaza-concerns/

More on the German imports here > https://verfassungsblog.de/the-other-side-of-trade/

***
US authorities have secretly placed location-tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips they see as being at risk of illegal diversion to China, according to 2 people with direct knowledge of the previously unreported law enforcement tactic.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-embeds-trackers-in-ai-chip-shipments-to-catch-diversions-to-china-sources-say

***
European military production triples since Russia-Ukraine war started.

The European arms industry has been expanding at a record pace — three times the rate since the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, according to the Financial Times. https://thedefensepost.com/2025/08/14/european-defense-production-tripled/

***
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale #FMS to #Nigeria of munitions, including precision bombs and rockets, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency #DSCA announced on 13 August 2025.
https://www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/Major-Arms-Sales/Article-Display/Article/4273754/nigeria-munitions-precision-bombs-and-precision-rockets Despite https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/nigeria/

***
Online publication Indepen dives into the reports published by @ENAAT and provides a short overview (in Dutch).
https://indepen.eu/de-centrale-rol-van-nederland-bij-bewapeningsstrategie-navo-en-eu/

***
Is the pot calling the kettle black (partly)?

Beware of #Japan returning to the wrong path of military expansion.

On arms trade: "In essence, [Japan] has effectively scrapped the 3 Principles on Arms Exports that had been in place for nearly ½ a century."http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/2025xb/O_251451/16402838.html

***
#ErikPrince, CEO of #VectusGlobal, confirmed the existence of a 10-year contract with the Haitian government to restore security & assist with tax reform. Since March 2025, his firm has deployed fighters, drones & heli's in gang-controlled areas.
https://haitiantimes.com/2025/08/15/erik-prince-10-year-contract-with-haiti/ #Haiti

***
Rules they are for the other

German military contractor Renk considers continuing Israel exports, bypassing the embargo. Renk CEO, Sagel, told the FT that the company has a “responsibility” to ensure that Israel can “maintain its deterrence capabilities.” https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-864194

***
#China #arms #Burkina Faso as Sahel turns away from Western security promises. As region’s security ties with US, France unravel, China steps in to fill the void and position itself for greater influence in the Sahel.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3321831/china-arms-burkina-faso-sahel-turns-away-western-security-promises

***
More than 200 former European ambassadors and senior diplomats have angrily rebuked the EU for failing to take any “substantive measures” to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza. They calls for member states to halt arms exports and introduce sanctions
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2613116/middle-east

***
-- that stream is steadily rising more and more --

US Democratic National Council b panel blocked a resolution calling for the suspension of military aid to Israel, reflecting growing divisions within the party. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-865412

August 26

***
#Azerbaijan destroyed armenian drones with Belarusian weapons, leaked report says. The arms sales to Azerbaijan have heightened tension between #Armenia and #Belarus, which are supposed to be allies as part of a military alliance.
https://www.occrp.org/en/news/exclusive-azerbaijan-destroyed-armenian-drones-with-belarusian-weapons-leaked-report-says

***
Police have made four arrests after a new direct-action group calling itself “Palestinian martyrs for justice” broke into UK weapons factory #Moog in Wolverhampton overnight.

***
European military industrial production in support of Ukraine has overtaken US output for the first time since Russia’s invasion. According to the tally by the German Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Europe allocated at least €35.1 billion in military industrial output to Ukraine between the start of the war in February 2022 and the end of June 2025. This is €4.4 billion more than the U.S. committed in the same period.
https://www.ifw-kiel.de/publications/news/ukraine-support-tracker-europe-now-leading-spender-on-weapons-production-for-ukraine/

***
#Rheinmetall bereidt plannen voor om voortaan ook systemen voor luchtverdediging in #Nederland te maken. Als productielocatie hiervoor heeft de Duitse defensiereus zijn dochteronderneming in #Ede op het oog.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1566268/defensiebedrijf-rheinmetall-ede-wil-in-nederland-systemen-voor-luchtverdediging-maken

***
The #CAAT UK #arms exports #browser has been updated to include data up to March 2025.
https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/faq

***
#Bias in Military Artificial Intelligence #AI and Compliance with International Humanitarian Law #IHL https://www.sipri.org/publications/2025/other-publications/bias-military-artificial-intelligence-and-compliance-international-humanitarian-law #SIPRI

***
#Melkveehouder Albert Piel vecht uitbreidingsplan #Defensie aan: 'Krankjorum dat dat in Nederland kan', Hij vecht aan dat Defensie een #voorkeursrecht heeft gevestigd op zijn bedrijf en omliggende percelen.’
https://www.rtvdrenthe.nl/nieuws/17731656/melkveehouder-albert-piel-vecht-uitbreidingsplan-defensie-aan-krankjorum-dat-dat-in-nederland-kan

***
#Nvidia chips don’t have and shouldn’t be required to have so-called “#kill_switches” that would allow exported #chips to be remotely disabled without the user’s consent, the #semiconductor company said this week.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/08/nvidia-blasts-proposals-for-chip-backdoors-as-us-considers-kill-switch/

***
The battle between firms like #Lockheed and emerging military tech firms like #Palantir for dominance of the defence sector is well underway. The outcome will have a huge impact on the size and scope of the coming #Pentagon #budget, wrote @WilliamHartung
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2025/08/07/palantir-as-revenues-rise-controversy-grows/

***
Is this satire? No its real.

#Meloni pressed #Leonardo, #Fincantieri on #spending #EU defense #cash. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni summoned the CEOs of state-controlled defense firms Leonardo and Fincantieri (on Aurgust 5) to discuss how to spend the cash. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/08/07/meloni-presses-leonardo-fincantieri-on-spending-eu-defense-cash/

***
For who missed it.

The #Dutch government has revoked three previously granted #licenses for the export of #naval components to Israel, citing "risk of unintended end-use" in the Gaza Strip and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/08/netherlands-withdraws-three-navy-export-licences-to-israel/

***

Another pub which starts to argument from the position that Europe has to defend itself more. That doesn't mean looking at more diplomacy, tackling climate crisis, but more military resources. These views are in the interest of the MIC not of citizens. https://swp-berlin.org/en/publication

***
The Trump Administration is reportedly negotiating to take a 10% stake in #Intel Corp., in what would amount to a de facto nationalization of the storied but struggling #semiconductor firm.
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-nationalization-of-intel-a59fb635 #US

***
Human Rights? No problem.

#US ACG Systems Inc. was awarded a $12,311,202 contract for the Ground to Air Transmit Receive (GATR) system and test equipment for the #Egyptian Air Force. https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4277745/

***
Criteria for Arms Exports must be tightened after #Swedish Jas #Gripen aircraft were used in active combat for the first time in the fighter jet’s history. #Thailand recently struck targets along the #Cambodian border during a conflict.
https://www.dagensarena.se/opinion/freeze-weapons-sales-thailand-non-democratic-countries/

Cambodia Development Center has stepped up pressure over a Thai deal to buy Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, pointing to their use in July’s conflict.
https://cambodianess.com/article/thailand-sweden-fighter-jets-deal-draws-criticism

#Thailand's procurement of Swedish-made #Gripen fighter jets will not only strengthen the country's defence capabilities but also serve as a catalyst for the development of its own defence industry, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3093569/gripen-jet-deal-a-boost-for-military

***
How to strengthen the US military industry in #Europe? Like this:

#Raytheon, #Germany’s #Diehl eye team-up on European #Stinger coproduction. Diehl looks or a location.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/08/raytheon-germanys-diehl-eye-team-up-on-european-stinger-coproduction/

How to strengthen the US military industry in Europe? Like this:

#Norway to help #Germany pay for #Raytheon's #Patriot air-defense missiles for #Ukraine.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/08/25/norway-to-help-germany-pay-for-patriot-air-defense-systems-for-ukraine/

Hoe maak je de #wapenindustrie van de VS sterker?

#Nederlandse #Mariniers kijken uit naar komst Kaaiman. Ze worden geleverd door Oshkosh Defense uit de #VS, producent van militaire voertuigen en technologieën. https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2025/06/kaaiman-patrouillevoertuig-voor-amfibische-operaties

How to strengthen the US militarily in #Europe? Like this:

The #Polish Ministry of National Defense has signed a deal with the #US to upgrade its 48 #F16 C/D Block 52+ fighter jets to the F-16V standard. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/08/14/poland-awards-38-billion-f-16-modernization-deal-to-us/

August 25

***
To help readers better understand Chinese military developments in recent years, the South China Morning Post is launching the Red Arsenal, a multimedia databank examining China’s weapons systems today.
https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/news/china/article/3322445/china-weapons/index.html

***
#Saudi General Authority for Military Industries #GAMI & #Rheinmetall are in talks for the establishment of a large-scale artillery ammo production facility in Al Kharj, S. Arabia.

The facility aims to fulfill Saudi needs & target export markets. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63784 Paywall

***
When Ian Foxley found evidence of corruption while working at a British company in Riyadh, he alerted the MoD. He didn’t know he’d stumbled upon one of its most closely guarded secrets.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/07/long-read-british-bribery-britain-arms-deals-saudi-arabia-ian-foxley

***
Spain has cancelled its F-35 fighter deal, Switzerland could soon follow.
https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/the-f-35-has-a-double-trouble-problem-it-never-saw-coming/

Swiss politicians are calling to cancel purchase F-35 fighter jets from the US in response to tariffs by President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported. https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/switzerland-considers-canceling-9b-f-35-fighter-1754564813.html

***
EP has filed a lawsuit against the Council of the EU over the adoption of the SAFE military program worth €150bn without its involvement. This is already being described as a sign of a split between the Union’s institutions.

***
New US Arms Export Export Control Transparency Act.

For certain types of license requests, the name of the applicant, end user, type of product/technology, value, and other details will be reported to Congress. https://www.troutman.com/insights/export-control-transparency-act-words-of-caution.html

***
Edwin Ajahuana, a mine owner from high in the #Peruvian Andes, joined other business owners urging Erik #Prince, the founder and controversial former leader of #Blackwater, to bring law and order to the gold-laden mountains of the Puno region.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/blackwater-s-erik-prince-muscles-back-into-the-mercenary-business-touting-trump-allies/ar-AA1KEEFs

***
De beer is los:

ASR-topman wil beter systeem boekenonderzoek bij defensiebedrijven (zelfs kernwapens worden onder de term 'defensie' besproken).

Investeerders debatteren over in welke delen van de wapenindustrie wel en geen geld kan worden gestoken.

https://fd.nl/samenleving/1566703/asr-topman-beter-systeem-boekenonderzoek-nodig-voor-defensiebedrijven

***
#Saudi-#Spanish military cooperation has steadily evolved into a multifaceted strategic partnership, with a strong focus on naval modernization, cybersecurity, and industrial localization.

[Behind Paywall] Report https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/63775

***
Firearms Parts Dealer Arrested in #US for Scheme to Illegally Export Weapons Parts and #Firearms Accessories to #Kazakhstan (which serves as a transhipment for #Russia).
https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/firearms-parts-dealer-arrested-scheme-illegally-export-weapons-parts-and-firearms

***
Newsweek correctly put pacifist between ' '.

Many still portray a nation with a top-10 military budget in the world as if nothing changed in the past 70 years.

'Pacifist' #Japan Emerges As Major #Arms #Exporter'
https://www.newsweek.com/japan-weapons-exports-which-countries-2116742

***
#Rheinmetall CEO said the pace of building #Ukranian #ammo factory isn't as fast as he would like, but it will have a capacity 2x as large as earlier planned: “Unfortunately, the level of bureaucracy in Ukraine is very high.”

Antimilitaristisch Actiekamp bij #Keulen van #Rheinmetall Entwaffnen door politie verboden. https://www.globalinfo.nl/nieuws/antimilitaristisch-actiekamp-bij-keulen-van-rheinmetall-entwaffnen-verboden/

Gemeinsam gegen Militarisierung und Sozialabbau! For an immediate stop of all armament projects and arms exports! Demonstration Event Datum: September 1, 2025 - 17:00 Stadt/Region: Dresden, Augustusbrücke. https://de.indymedia.org/node/534060

***
-- that stream is steadily rising more and more --

Major #Israeli military companies wont be allowed to participate this November in a defense exhibit in the #Netherlands, called #NEDS. That is what Israeli military industry executives told Defense News. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2025/08/21/israeli-companies-blocked-from-joining-netherlands-defense-exhibit/

***
Part of a series article on Chinese power. This one describes how Beijing is stepping up its arms #export efforts to lower the cost of #arms production for its own armed forces and the #barriers it finds on its way unfolding this policy.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3322788/chinas-military-has-made-dramatic-about-turn-world-watching #China

***

Damen en Veiligheidsbeleid?

Nederlandse marinebouw #monopolist #Damen staat voor de #rechter (2 zaken) voor malversaties & steun aan Rusland. 't Ziet aan de andere kant 'n goed gevulde overheidsruif om de wankelende bedrijfsvoering glad te strijken. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1565658/deze-vier-klippen-moet-scheepsbouwer-damen-omzeilen

***
Article in Turkiye Today describes how Ukraine can be a kick off towards greater cooperation between Ankara and Paris in the Near East and Africa. Military sales are a major part of this.
https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/how-ukraine-tests-compartmentalized-franco-turkiye-rapprochement-3205798

***
To make the world a safer place?

#German arms exports rose 75% during the first nine months of the year. They reached €6,35 bn at the end of September. The three major clients: #Hungary, #Egypt and #UAE.

https://indeksonline.net/en/gjermania-rrit-eksportin-e-armeve/

***
-- that stream is steadily rising more and more --

Hundreds of thousands marched in Australia to demand Labor sanctions Israel, and end arms trade. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/photos-hundreds-thousands-nationwide-demand-labor-sanctions-israel-end-arms-trade

#Australia will recognise Palestinian statehood in September, but at the same time continues to supply parts for #F35 fighters used by Israel against #Gaza.

This contradiction between diplomatic positioning & export policy raises questions.
https://publish.pearlsandirritations.com/paper-promises-real-weapons-transparency-accountability-and-arms-transfer-policy/

Australian PM Albanese Must Back His Words with Action by Halting the Supply of Australian F-35 Parts to Israel. https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/albanese-must-back-his-words-with-action-by-halting-the-supply-of-australian-f-35-parts-to-israel/

***
Extremist Hindu nationalist state
#India to develop fighter jet engines with #French company #Safran. https://www.newsofbahrain.com/world/117711.html

***
#Israel’s #arms exports reached a peak of $15bn in 2024. 54% was sold to #Europe. How can?

But even in the Jersalem Post it is questioned wether Europe would end these imports as reaction to the war – especially the humanitarian situation in Gaza. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-865162

August 6

***
De oorlogsvoorbereiding in het westen gaat in razende vaart door. De #NAVO waarschuwt dat er binnen enkele jaren een grote oorlog kan uitbreken. Gezien het gedrag van NAVO-landen lijkt de kans vooral groot dat ze die zelf beginnen, stelt Wendela de Vries.
https://www.doorbraak.eu/stop-de-oorlog-nu-het-nog-kan/

***
On Gaza, Germany’s government faces pressure. Germany, after the Holocaust, has a special bond with Israel. But a hunger crisis in Gaza is creating a demand for Berlin to take bolder action.

Stopping arms trade with Israel is one of the demands. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/world/europe/germany-gaza-israel-hunger-merz.html

***
When even the US allied brutes start to call for an end...

#Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman #MBS on Tuesday called on all countries during an extraordinary summit of the #BRICS group of nations to stop exporting #weapons to #Israel.

https://bk.arynews.tv/saudi-crown-prince-calls-on-all-countries-to-stop-arms-exports-to-israel/

***
Latest #ENAAT Newsletter, with info on

#EU funding for the arms industry, like:
-EC proposes fivefold increase for the military in 2028-34 EU budget
-EDF benefiting Israeli Aerospace Industries

Other aspects of EU #militarisation

& More. See 4 yourselve➡️https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ENAAT-NBB-2025-4_18.07.2025.pdf

***
Dutch arms trade

The Colombian Navy has embarked on an ambitious project to build a new class of #frigates in #Colombia, in so doing becoming only the third South American country, after Brazil and Mexico, to build ships of this type. Based on #Damen’s #SIGMA 10514 design, previously built for Indonesia and #Mexico, the PES frigates will replace the Colombian Navy’s ageing Amirante Padilla-class frigates, and will be built in Colombia with technical support from the #Dutch yard. https://rina.org.uk/publications/the-naval-architect/frigate-building-first-for-colombia/

***
Peace organisations such as Campaign Against Arms Trade #CAAT and the European Network Against Arms Trade #ENAAT have stepped up their criticism of European rearmament plans, considering them to benefit the arms industry at the expense of social spending. https://www.equaltimes.org/eighty-years-after-the-atomic

***
Only criminals sell arms to Israel

(not to mention buying weapons from Israeli arms industries, part of the genocidal apparatus).
UN experts have recommended that states impose a arms embargo on Israel due to its multiple violations of international law. https://en.ypagency.net/365262

In the first 6 months of 2025, the value of #Serbia’s #arms exports to #Israel stood at around €55.5m, up from €47.9m in entire 2024, which was then a record-breaking amount, said Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Aug. 5. https://betabriefing.com/news/politics/32002-birn-serbias-arms-exports-to-israel-surge-in-h1-of-2025

August 5

***
Dat wisten we in grote lijnen al, maar ze hebben er schijt aan in Washington

#VS wapens dragen in grote mate bij aan het massale #bendegeweld in #Haïti. Zo lijkt uit 'n reconstructie van de FT, de krant onderzocht de toeleveringsketens van de #wapenhandel.

https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10579785/amerikaanse-wapens-drijvende-kracht-achter-bendegeweld-haiti

***
Sjoemelen met #wapens?

In ere herstelde #Oekraïense #corruptiewaakhonden pakken politici op wegens gesjoemel met militaire orders.

https://fd.nl/politiek/1564531/in-ere-herstelde-oekraiense-corruptiewaakhonden-pakken-politici-op-wegens-gesjoemel-met-militaire-orders

***

Comment: Was ever an export license for the sale of this #Damen designed naval vessel, armed with 20 mm gun (http://www.cmano-db.com/ship/2802/), reported?

I cannot find the design, but equipment deliveries are listed in the XL spreadsheet with monthly Dutch ML permissions https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen.

Retweet with comment @JorgeDBL (https://x.com/JorgeDBL/status/1952070634286235709): The Dutch Damen Shipyards Group has been positioned as the main Naval builder(in Cuba) of the Venezuelan Navy. Damen has built it in recent years, and is building it, 51 boats of different types. I think of Eric and a burning promise of DAMEX, Santiago de Cuba.

***


Acquisition policy of Indonesian navy creates "a logistics and training [costly] nightmare" for itself.

Next class of frigates will be introduced. Now 2 from Turkey, after 2 from the Netherlands, two from the UK and 2 multi-purpose vessels from Italy. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/indonesian-navy-looks-for-variety-to-add-capability/

***
Trump administration plans to maintain export controls on the most advanced chips and its manufacturing equipment to China, a senior White House official said, adding that the US also doesn’t plan to automatically greenlight all H20 chip exports to China. https://exportcompliancedaily.com/article/2025/08/04/us-still-planning-to-deny-china-highestend-chip-tech-white-house-official-says-2508010002?BC=bc_6891c29ee8840

***
An example to follow in other harbours and harbors?

‘We will not work for war’: Genoa, Italy, union stops arms shipment https://www.workers.org/2025/08/87216/

***
Nederland levert wapens aan Oekraine en financieert en passant de wapenindustrie van de Verenigde Staten, terwijl dit land steeds meer een kapitalistische concurrent wordt met een onvoorspelbare politieke koers.

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/08/04/nederland-1e-navo-land-dat-oekraine-steunt-via-nieuw-amerikaanse-initiatief

The Netherlands announces weapons package for Ukraine under the new sponsor 'US military industry of Trump initiative'. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/08/05/the-netherlands-announces-weapons-package-for-ukraine-under-new-trump-nato-initiatives

August 2

***
A Brussels plan to suspend Israel’s participation in the Horizon research program needs to win more backing from countries. https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-war-in-gaza-humanitarian-crisis-eu-penalties-horizon-research-program/

***
Marine Forum published 4 ways out of the #German #frigate crisis around the F-126 frigate which is build under the guidance of #Damen.

In all 4 there is no place for the Dutch shipbuilder anymore. It seems the Netherlands & #Damen overpalyed their hand.
https://marineforum.online/en/f126-on-legerwall-ways-out-of-the-german-frigate-crisis/

***
Publicatie rapport ‘Toezicht op buitenlandse inlichtingen- en veiligheidsdiensten’.

https://jjoerlemans.com/2025/07/25/publicatie-rapport-toezicht-op-buitenlandse-inlichtingen-en-veiligheidsdiensten/

Zie ook:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7354529298428358656/

***
Dangerous game in the corridors of power with the other 8 billion as pawns.

US President Trump ordered the deployment of 2 nuclear subs in an extraordinary escalation of what had been an online war of words with a Russian official over Ukraine & tariffs.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/01/trump-deploys-nuclear-submarines-in-row-with-russia-a90077

August 1

***
After US President Trump suggested the EU would be buying “hundreds of billions” of dollars-worth of US weapon systems, analysts differed over how much of that claim was bluster — but all agreed it Europe has an interest in US military products.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/07/eu-to-spend-hundreds-of-billions-on-us-arms-maybe-not-but-demand-is-real-analysts-say/

***
Psst Herr Wadephul: The time for warnings is past. Its time for real measures. Stop e.g. buying in and selling arms to Israel.

Germany warns Israel of “diplomatic isolation” over Gaza humanitarian crisis.https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250801-germany-warns-israel-of-diplomatic-isolation-over-gaza-humanitarian-crisis/

***
#Palantir gets $10 #billion contract from #US Army

The award covering the next decade is one of the largest DoD contracts ever, cementing the tech firm’s role in warfighting for years to come.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/07/31/palantir-army-contract-10bn/

***
#EU and hindu #extremist #India strengthen military ties.
https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/india-and-eu-strengthen-defence-ties-amid-growing-global-challenges

***
“European components used to harden #Myanmar weaponised #drones.” Through formal tracing operations, CAR (Conflict Armament Research) alerted the module manufacturer—based in Europe & not named in the Dispatch—that the product has been used for militarily.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/75430e34391741d9bb2e7d7b8d1d7c4c

EU Drone Technology Found in Myanmar Military Drones. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/eu-drone-technology-found-in-myanmar-military-drones.html

***
#Slovenia bans #arms exports to #Israel

“Slovenia is the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel,” the government said. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence/news/slovenia-bans-arms-exports-to-israel/

***
@WilliamHartung I just never imagined it would actually hit a trillion — yes, a trillion! — dollars. I’m thinking, of course, about what’s still called the “defense” budget. It’s now estimated that, for the first time in history, does include a trillion dollars for the Pentagon.

The writer argues what is needed, is a new surge of public engagement and a genuine debate about what kind of world we want to live in and how the US could play a constructive (rather than destructive) role in bringing it about. https://tomdispatch.com/entering-a-golden-age-for-war-profiteers/