Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
October 31
***
Tsjee. De
Militaire Spectator 11/26 opent met de door de Regering gewenste
groei van de krijgsmacht. Onhaalbaar, ongewenst (gezien bijdrage en
andere prioriteiten) en losgezongen van eerdere doelstellingen.
Planning wordt zo wel zeer moeilijk. Lees zelf →
https://militairespectator.nl/artikelen/een-schaalbare-krijgsmacht-tijden-van-vergrijzing
***
Betaalbaar
openbaarvervoer, militarisering of oorogsvoorbereiding?
Militaire voertuigen over lange afstanden verplaatsen gaat steeds vaker over 't spoor. Nederland speelt als doorvoerland een sleutelrol in het snel verplaatsen van dit soort transporten. https://www.defensie.nl/magazines/defensiekrant/2026/editie-40/02_samenwerking-met-prorail
***
A series of
articles highlights the contributions of university research in
developing critical weaponry arms tech. The 5th of 6 discusses the
academic origins of scaled directed energy, the tech behind weapons
that use lasers and microwaves.
https://www.aau.edu/newsroom/university-scientists-at-the-forefront-of-directed-energy-weapons-research
Japanese
universities ‘cautiously commit’ to defence research. Financial
pressures and shifting attitudes prompt institutions to chase
military grants but experts warn researchers against ceding academic
freedom.
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/japanese-universities-cautiously-commit-defence-research
***
The former
head of a state-owned enterprise that is part of Ukrspetsexport State
Corporation, is suspected of embezzling more than 1.1 billion hryvnia
($43 million) in public funds.
https://biz.liga.net/en/business-corruption/news/a-former-top-executive-at-ukrspetsexport-has-been-charged-with-embezzling-43-million
***
On the
strengthening of the Israeli military industry, in casu the Covenant
production of the Anthem missile, with support of US, Germany &
soon Denmark.
(Human rights, peace, security, ending genocide are for public declarations. Not day to day politics.) https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-913331
***
This is the opening passage of an
investigative report by Linda Maggiori published .../2 2/2 in the
latest issue of *Altreconomia*.
- Article: https://altreconomia.it/dal-porto-di-ravenna-nel-2025-sono-partite-225-tonnellate-tra-armi-e-componenti-militari/
- Book: La logistica delle armi; Dai porti al genocidio: la rotta mondiale della filiera bellica https://altreconomia.it/prodotto/la-logistica-delle-armi/
***
Romania wants
to expand cooperation with Pakistan, military issues included.
Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu said EU programmes
such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe could facilitate academic
partnerships are helpful in this regard.
https://leadpakistan.com.pk/news/romania-seeks-to-expand-cooperation-with-pakistan-in-it-ai-education/ #Damen
***
Damen
delivers a SAR vessel to Lithuania, as a step towards a future,
highly flexible naval force in which the navy operates with the wider
Armed Forces. One of its potential tasks, enabled by its storage
capacity for containers, is to operate drones. ->
https://maritime-executive.com/corporate/damen-signs-with-lithuanian-navy-for-pollution-incident-response-sar-vessel
October 30
***
Armed
conflicts multiply, military spending reaches records & the arms
trade flourishes. Hiruni Alwishewa examines how the pursuit of
profit, tech competition & rivalries are driving an arms race
while weakening transparency, accountability and safeguards.
https://globalchallenges.ch/issue/20/the-arms-trade-in-a-new-era-of-war/
***
The European
Gateway for Genocide Technology, traces how Israeli military,
cybersecurity, surveillance and drone companies linked to Palestine
are entering the European market & how European institutions
enable this through funding
- Report: https://www.odhe.cat/en/europe-facilitates-the-expansion-of-companies-linked-to-the-genocide-in-palestine/
- Press release https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HuLkp07XpXcD25Qc0SrPO9ujaOELshku/view
***
UAE: Interest
in Thales HexaForce system French #Thales is currently in contact
with the General Staff of the #UAE Armed Forces (UAEAF) on its
HexaForce artificial intelligence #AI command-and-control #C2 system,
which it launched on September 17, 2026.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/reports/64973-uae-interest-in-thales-hexaforce-system
***
The UN has
published extensive findings implicating Abu Dhabi-based companies in
supplying the RSF in Sudan with military hardware and mercenary
forces. Allegations which Abu Dhabi has consistently denied and upon
which it has not publicly acted. https://sudantribune.com/article/320655
***
Canadian
Labour Congress calls for an end to all direct and indirect transfers
of arms and military equipment to Israel.
https://pbicanada.org/2026/10/29/canadian-labour-congress-calls-for-an-end-to-all-direct-and-indirect-transfers-of-arms-and-military-equipment-to-israel/
How about imports (at least as important for the power of the genocidal military)?
***
Lviv Herald targets
arms broker.
"There is a particularly unpleasant category of individual who flourishes in wartime. He is neither a soldier nor a humanitarian volunteer, neither a diplomat nor a representative of a legitimate defence manufacturer. He is the private arms broker, the intermediary who claims to have access to quantities of weapons and ammunition, who offers to arrange their delivery to a country fighting for its survival and who expects to make a handsome profit from the desperation of the people to whom he proposes to sell them. His business is conducted in the shadows of international commerce, amidst obscure companies, improbable personal contacts and promises that are frequently difficult to verify. https://www.lvivherald.com/post/the-shadow-merchants-of-war-private-arms-traders-and-the-exploitation-of-ukraine
***
Schevenings
zeelab voor militaire drones breidt met EU-geld uit. ‘Een
Schevenings testcentrum voor militaire zeedrones kan met Europees
geld fors gaan uitbreiden. Het lab is uitverkoren als een van de twee
eerste Europese 'dronetechnologiehubs'.
https://www.ad.nl/den-haag/schevenings-zeelab-voor-militaire-drones-breidt-met-eu-geld-uit~abf9d91b/
***
French
dockworkers strike over budget measures and militarisation of ports
French ports are expected to be almost completely shut down Friday as
dockworkers join a 24-hr strike in 110 ports to protest against war
and the use of ports for arms exports.
https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20261030-french-dockworkers-strike-over-budget-measures-and-militarisation-of-ports-arms-war
Dockworkers
in 22 countries are preparing coordinated strikes and demonstrations
October 30, in an int. campaign opposing the movement of military
equipment to conflict zones through civilian ports. The strike is now
backed by trade unions in at least 111 ports.
https://shippingtelegraph.com/port-news/dockworkers-claim-friday-strike-across-113-ports-over-arms-trade-and-war/
October 29
***
Retweet
@DemilitarizeDay:
New @SIPRIorg report: Widening gap
between the official devlp assistance (ODA) & actual needs could
be closed with a small fraction of the resources committed to new
military spending. This gap could have potentially serious
consequences for human security & political stability.
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2026/sipri-insights-peace-and-security/rising-military-spending-context-falling-development-assistance
***
To
Russia through straw buyers in Turkey, Korea & Kazakhstan. Ilya
Pankov worked for Pacific Route Inc. also known as Pacific Terminals
and allegedly conspired to evade US’ export control
laws/regulations & smuggle export-controlled mining etc to
Russia.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/seattle-man-arrested-indictment-illegally-shipping-restricted-items-russia-going
***
Retweet @CAATuk: NEW
REPORT: How UK arms export reporting obscures as much as it reveals
CAAT's latest report unveils the main sources of official information
on UK arms exports and their limitations.
https://caat.org.uk/publications/transparent-as-mud-how-uk-arms-export-reporting-obscures-as-much-as-it-reveals/
October 28
***
On his 3rd trip to
Asia as Chancelor, Merz is seeking new markets, particularly for
German military industry.
Alongside drone manufacturer Quantum Systems, & Airbus Defence & Space, at least 2 military firms accompany him to Singapore, Japan, S. Korea. https://harici.com.tr/en/merz-visits-asia-to-seek-new-markets-for-german-defence-firms/
***
Doubt the influence
of citizens worries are that big.
Israeli tech magazine notes foreign militaries continue to show interest in Israeli arms, yet political leaders must weigh procurement decisions against public opposition to Israel.
Let's work on it. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/o7x2cgwn7
***
EU
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is asked to strengthen the EU’s
2021 Dual-Use Regulation on surveillance tech. Human Rights orgs
argue that EU members continue to export surveillance tools to
countries where they may be used for repression/HR abuses.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/10/26/european-union-tighten-surveillance-export-controls
October
27
***
The night
before the mass entry, a Guardia Civil Lt. Col stated that he had
spotted 6 Moroccan vessels: 2 patrol boats, 2 interceptors & 2
smaller craft. He noted that it was striking that, on a day with fog,
there were 6 Moroccan Navy vessels in the area.
https://www.telesurenglish.net/guardia-civil-and-national-police-point-to-morocco-regarding-the-mass-entry-of-migrants/
October
26
***
The world,
including Swiss, seems to be on a slippery slope
Ahead of a referendum on 29/11 the right/business support a reform, easing restrictions on arms exports, incl. to countries at war; left-wing parties, NGOs and churches are opposing the new law. https://www.repubblica.it/en/world/2026/10/25/news/neutral_switzerland_divided_over_arms-425674298/
October 24
***
Thales zal zich
begin 2027 vestigen in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Het stadsbestuur hoopt dat
de komst van Thales het vestigingsklimaat daar verbetert.
De Partij voor de Dieren is kritisch: is een wapenfabriek echt het visitekaartje dat we willen afgeven als stad? https://amsterdam.partijvoordedieren.nl/nieuws/partij-voor-de-dieren-kritisch-op-komt-wapenfabriek-thales-naar-zuidoost
***
Retweet
@NATO with comment: A new hurdle to a
neutral Ukraine as part of a step in the direction of an end on the
daily dead and destruction.
Ukraine has joined the @NSPA_NATO Security Cooperation Support Partnership, enabling access for Ukrainian industry to participate in NATO contracts, and help shape Ukraine’s defence and industrial requirements Read more → https://www.nspa.nato.int/news/2026/ukraine-joins-nato-support-partnership--unlocking-opportunities-for-alliance-support-and-cooperation
***
In October
2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce & of Science and Technology
proposed expanding the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or
Restricted from Export by adding 40 technologies, including 23
related to AI, 5 biomedical and 12 photovoltaics.
https://info.expeditors.com/newsflash/china-announces-proposed-and-updated-export-controls
***
India Rises
to Second Place Among Europe's Ammunition Suppliers. India has
shipped at least $872 million in ammunition to Europe since 2022,
Bloomberg reports, as soaring demand and defense policies drive
export growth.
https://voennoedelo.com/en/posts/id21327-india-becomes-europe-s-no.-2-ammunition-supplier-report
***
AFSOC gunship
launches new Havoc Spear cruise missiles at targets in Africa during
combat operations. The combat employment of the Leidos-built weapon
occurred in spring 2026, according to a press release.
https://defensescoop.com/2026/09/14/afsoc-gunship-launches-havoc-spear-cruise-missiles-at-targets-in-africa/
***
Palantir
led a closed-door review of how the Ministry of Defence buys software
at the same time as the ministry handed the controversial US tech
firm a £240m contract without competition, Democracy for Sale can
reveal.
https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-palantir-led-secret-review
October 23
***
The BBC has spoken
to several tech workers who have either recently resigned from
Google's AI company, Google DeepMind, or are in the process of
leaving, over concerns with the tech firm's military contracts.
Sofia Liguori, a London-based research engineer: "Realising my company is pushing more and more for AI systems in military operations makes me feel ashamed to work at Google," Liguori said, speaking in a personal capacity. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmreyvepnv0po
***
Ukraine
produces more arms than it can buy. A year ago, it said to sell the
surplus abroad and turn the proceeds into its own army. However, a
year later, that promise hasn't materialized: a state fee of up to
30% is pricing them out of foreign markets.
https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/10/22/one-year-of-ukrainian-arms-exports-and-industry-has-questions-how-much-army-gained-where-berlin-office-is-who-joins-joint-ventures/
***
To strengthen the
European military industry the Netherlands ordered infrared
countermeasure systems and radar warning equipment for crewed
aircraft, not in Hengelo, Paris, Rome or Berlin, but in the USA,
valued $294 million.
- https://www.state.gov/releases/bureau-of-political-military-affairs/2026/10/the-netherlands-common-infrared-countermeasure-systems
- https://defensewarroom.com/2026/10/20/netherlands-circm-radar-warning-sale/
***
Stop de groei
van de wapenindustrie.
https://boeddhistischdagblad.nl/achtergronden/969887-stop-de-groei-van-de-wapenindustrie/
***
The U.S. Department
of War said it has reached a 10-year deal framework with Lockheed
Martin under the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program,
which would guarantee the production of at least 850 aircraft for the
U.S. military.
https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4631150/department-of-war-and-lockheed-martin-finalize-landmark-10-year-f-35-deal-secur/
***
Interesting but
hypothetical angle.
How would a US veto influence military sovereignty in Spain & Morocco? Reliance on US military tech risks limiting both nations during a conflict—prompting Spain to push for national and European military autonomy.
https://www.escudodigital.com/en/defense/europe/itar-the-us-veto-shaping-military-sovereignty-in-spain-and-morocco.html
But a Spanish Álvaro de Bazán class
frigate (the most recent) is a tiger which has lost most of its teeth
when US weaponry/systems are removed. Independence of the US is a
catch phrase often separated from reality & used to expand ALSO
the EU budget flows.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lvaro_de_Baz%C3%A1n-class_frigate
Spain’s
National Court has requested info from the MoD on the alleged
presence of Moroccan naval vessels near occupied Ceuta between July
29 and August 10, as part of an ongoing investigation into the mass
arrival of migrants in the enclave in July.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/10/343343/spanish-judge-seeks-information-on-alleged-moroccan-naval-activity-near-ceuta/
***
Overview on
Japan-US military ties, starts with photo: a US MILITARY OUT! sign
outside the PM’s office in Tokyo, 5 Oct. Protest followed the
killing of Anna Yagi in Okinawa. The killing sparked renewed protests
against the US military presence on Okinawa.
https://www.struggle-la-lucha.org/2026/10/22/pentagon-rushes-japans-war-buildup-against-china/
***
The port
of Rotterdam is part of the global distribution system, also for arms
ammo. An illustration: transport in June 2026 by an Czech company
which send 100,000 bullets by boat to El Salvador. (CSV-report
https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen)
What kind of country?
https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/americas/central-america-and-the-caribbean/el-salvador/report-el-salvador/
October
22
***
Combat proven
“Their innovation is going so fast
right now that we have a lot to learn from it,” Jacqueline
Borsboom, director of support to ops, NATO Support and Procurement
Agency #NSPA said and she added cynically: “It’s definitely of
mutual benefit.”
https://www.ft.com/content/991ac37c-289b-40e5-b2e6-220ee2aebe5d
October 21
***
Weiger, weiger,
weiger!
Duizenden Russische mannen ontvluchten het land uit vrees dat ze opgeroepen worden om te vechten in de Oekraïne. Bij de grens met Georgië, die Russen vrij kunnen oversteken, verdrievoudigde het aantal ‘reizigers’ tot 20.000 per dag. https://www.hln.be/buitenland/je-kan-zomaar-weggestuurd-worden-om-te-worden-afgeslacht-waarom-russische-mannen-nog-snel-het-land-uitvluchten~a12fcb93/
***
Ukrainian
military manufacturers attending US arms fair AUSA expressed optimism
about future export opportunities but said regulatory and licensing
challenges continue to hinder their ability to sell weapons abroad.
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/ukrainian-defense-firms-get-creative-to-try-and-break-through-export-restrictions/
***
Seven US House
members sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him
to prioritize human rights in his discussions this weekend with
Indian officials. The letter cites reports of mass detentions,
excessive force, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on peaceful
protests in India related to examination controversies, unemployment,
and changes to voter rolls that reportedly removed more than 130
million voters. https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400465
***
Turkey,
Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia will sign a MoU to boost military
industrial cooperation. The four-nation deal builds on major Turkish
projects with each partner, from corvettes for Pakistan to tanks for
Indonesia as Ankara shifts toward co-production.
https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/turkiye-qatar-pakistan-indonesia-to-sign-defense-industry-pact-in-doha-3230716
***
To strengthen
the European military industry Dutch aeronautic research institute
NLR will share its knowledge with US Lockheed’s Skunk Works
division on drones, F-35 etc. The move broadens a MoU both signed
roughly 2 years ago as an exploratory agreement.
https://envantermedya.com/en/skunk-works-netherlands-nlr-partnership-expansion/
Hier een lenige verklaring vanuit Christen Democratische
hoek: Nederlandse defensie-industrie zoekt nieuwe balans in relatie
met ’grillig’ Amerika: ’Als we geen zaken meer doen met de VS,
staat onze luchtmacht stil’
https://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/nederlandse-defensie-industrie-zoekt-nieuwe-balans-in-relatie-met-grillig-amerika-als-we-geen-zaken-meer-doen-met-de-vs-staat-onze-luchtmacht-stil/163148201.html
Rheinmetall:
Both civilian and military vessels will be built at the Mangalia
Shipyard. Rheinmetall stated this in a press release on the buy of
the yard, it did together with the Swiss company MSC.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/rheinmetall-both-civilian-and-military-vessels-will-be-built-at-the-mangalia-shipyard/122209
***
A desire to kill
and destroy? Boeing helps!
Israel is set to acquire 12 Apache “Echo” attack helicopters from Boeing, according to an Israeli ministry of defense announcement last week. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/10/16/israel-secures-procurement-of-12-apache-gunships-in-last-minute-maneuver/
***
Poor Damen
Damen Holding challenges in court the sale of Mangalia Shipyard to Rheinmetall for 138 million euros. https://informat.ro/en/current-affairs/damen-challenges-sale-of-mangalia-shipyard-to-rheinmetall-144279
The concurrent
Rheinmetall announces now plans for
major military shipbuilding hub at Romania’s Mangalia shipyard.
https://www.romania-insider.com/business/germanys-rheinmetall-announces-plans-major-military-shipbuilding-hub
***
In contrast
to the stories Europe is going European US defence firm an Anduril
executive said it could eventually manufacture its newly unveiled
Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe, a company and it is using
Poland as its trojan horse.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-arms-firm-anduril-could-make-interceptors-europe-executive-says-2026-10-16/
***
How to make the
world more unsafe.
And the contractors delivering components for the F-35 will deliver their products indirectly to the butcher in Riyadh without telling anyone (so far for transparency and the accountability of government). https://gulfif.org/saudi-arabias-f-35-deal-is-taking-shape/
***
When viewpoints
become lucrative
Lockheed Martin showered Sen. Susan
Collins (R-ME), with cash as F-35 program hit turbulence. Collins
received tens of thousands from Lockheed during a two-month period
surrounding a critical 2023 watchdog report. https://theintercept.com/2026/10/15/susan-collins-lockheed-martin-f35-fighter-jet/
***
Investigation
showed the HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund reportedly held
more than $100m in companies linked to Israel’s military during the
first half of 2026, putting its investment standards under fresh
scrutiny amid the devastating war in Gaza.
https://pakobserver.net/uks-hbsc-islamic-investment-fund-faces-heat-over-100-million-in-investments-in-israel-linked-firms/
Named are RTX , Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace,
Honeywell, Analog Devices. An earlier report found out investment in
Palantir.
Based on: MEE analysis reveals HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund purchased shares in world’s 2nd-largest arms company https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hsbc-sharia-compliant-fund-spent-over-100m-on-five-israeli-military-linked-firms
October
17
***
EL PAÍS revealed that
on 30-31/07/26 several Moroccan war ships also entered Ceuta
territorial waters repeatedly and without authorization, and only
retreated after the Spanish Navy deployed vessels in the area as
well.
https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-10-13/king-of-spain-in-ceuta-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity-are-not-negotiable-and-faced-with-any-risk-our-duty-is-their-defense.html
On
https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/6048453/infodefensa-fotografio-fragata-hassan-ii-saliendo-ksar-sghir-dia-marina-marroqui-entro-aguas-ceuta-durante-asalto
photo's taken on the morning 31/07/26 at Ksar Sghir naval base. They
show the French build frigate Hassan II leaving. The Dutch build
frigate Tariq Ben Ziyad remains at the dock. The frigate Mohammed VI
wasn't visible.
https://ledesk.ma/2026/10/12/des-navires-de-la-marine-royale-etaient-presents-dans-les-eaux-de-ceuta-pendant-la-crise-migratoire/
***
Yemen's Houthi movement claimed that a missile
had struck a Saudi Typhoon in northern Yemen. The unconfirmed report
raised questions about Saudi military operations & UK's running
supply of combat aircraft and military equipment to Riyadh.
https://www.diplomacyandlaw.com/post/saudi-typhoon-shot-down
According to a statement issued by Sanaa forces spokesperson Brig Gen Saree the aircraft sustained a direct hit.
Al-Masirah TV broadcast footage shows the targeting. Saree stated that the warfighter had taken off from Taif Air Base prior to the incident. https://en.ypagency.net/408548
October 16
***
The UK has
sanctioned Alexander Tattersall and Turkish Redwing Metal, the Dutch
man co-owns, months after it was revealed the firm had funneled
EU-made machinery to Russian metallurgical plants that supply the
country's missile & fighter jet manufacturers.
https://kyivindependent.com/uk-sanctions-dutch-businessman-exposed-by-kyiv-independent-for-shipping-eu-machinery-to-russian-missile-suppliers/
***
Voor elk vraagstuk
een workshop. Hier: Hoe doe je soepeler zaken met de wapeninkopers
van Defensie (Directie Materiële Instandhouding, DMI).https://www.maritimeoffshore.nl/nl/actueel/webinar-ter-helder/
***
A
government-appointed commission recommends Norway’s $2.3 trn
sovereign wealth fund be allowed to reinvest in major Western
military firms by exempting NATO allied, NPT recognized
producers.
Norwegian Red Cross, among others, condemned the suggestion. https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/norways-wealth-fund-set-overhaul-ethical-rules-us-scrutiny/#heading-criticism-from-civil-society
***
For who still is of
the opinion Stockholm is a human rights champion -> New Swedish
Plant to Produce Elbit Laser Warning Systems for European Forces. https://thedefensepost.com/2026/10/15/sweden-laser-warning-plant-elbit/
***
Demonstratie geen wapenbedrijven in Mokum! 12/11, 19:00 Stopera (Amstel 1, Amsterdam)
https://stopwapenhandel.org/demonstratie-12-november-geen-wapenbedrijven-in-onze-stad/
***
Will the EU show
solidarity with Spain?
US threatens to impose $200,000 fines
on each Spanish ship wanting to use its ports ..., because Madrid did
not allow US ships carrying military material with origin or
destination in Israel to access port.
https://www.mundoamerica.com/news/2026/10/16/6ad1e1d4fdddff1d148b4580.html
***
Europe,
what Europe?
France will develop a next-generation
combat aircraft domestically as a successor to the Rafale, after a
joint project with Germany & Spain for a future combat air system
collapsed earlier this year.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/15/france-to-go-it-alone-on-next-gen-combat-aircraft-after-fcas-collapse/
Efficient or national interests?
October 14
***
"In
Africa and the Sahel, [Ukraine] is providing clear and open support
to terrorist groups and other mafia-like groups to undermine our
country's territorial integrity," Malian Foreign Minister
Abdoulaye Diop alleged at the UN in September.
https://www.afp.com/en/ukraine-takes-russia-fight-scorching-sands-sahel
Mali beschuldigt Oekraïne ervan dat het actief steun
verleent aan opstandelingen die strijden tegen het Malinese leger en
het Russische Afrika Korps, schrijft AFP. 'In Afrika en de Sahel
verleent [Oekraïne] duidelijke en openlijke steun aan terroristische
groeperingen en andere maffia-achtige groeperingen om de territoriale
integriteit van ons land te ondermijnen', aldus de Malinese minister
van Buitenlandse Zaken Abdoulaye Diop.
https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10613320/mali-oekraine-traint-toeareg-rebellen-in-gebruik-drones
***
The
Netherlands send F-35 fighter jets in NATO’s annual Steadfast Noon
nuclear exercise, which began in Italy on October 13. Aircraft from
17 countries are taking part; no live nuclear weapons. The Dutch
F-35s are adapted for US B61 tactical nuclear
bombs.https://defence-industry.eu/netherlands-deploys-nuclear-capable-f-35-fighters-for-natos-steadfast-noon-exercise/
***
What new
fighter jet will India buy. The changes of US planes are shrinking.
Will it be the Russian the Su-57 as interim fighter
(https://www.eurasiantimes.com/su-57-still-under-review-iaf-boss-says-can-india/)
until it has developed its own variant?
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/india-shuts-down-f-35-talk-with-one-blunt-line-says-u-s-crew-wont-even-let-us-near-the-stealth-fighter/
***
Voice
from under the geopolitical boulder
Polish defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz calls for US industry to establish European facilities. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/polish-defense-minister-calls-for-us-industry-to-establish-european-facilities/
October
13
***
Italy is holding tests
with MBDA to mount the weaponry of the European missile maker on the
new Astore Levante drone being built by Turkey’s nptorious Baykar
and Italy’s Leonardo, the head of the Italian air force has said.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/12/italy-eyes-mbda-armaments-for-new-italo-turkish-drone/
***
@_ENAAT
Newsletter from the Brussels' bubble: power struggles and differing
views on the concept of European preference suggest that negotiations
on the next EU budgetary cycle and rearmament programmes will be
tense...
https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ENAAT-NBB_2026-5_28.09.2026.pdf
***
Ko Colijn: In
Nederlandse talkshows wordt beweerd dat Chinese technologie voor
Russische drone 'verbeteringen' heeft gezorgd. Maar dat is niet meer
zo. Oekraïense bronnen zeggen dat nota bene VS (!) elektronica en
optische zoekapparatuur werden gebruikt.
https://www.nu.nl/spanningen-oekraine/6412540/defensie-expert-ko-colijn-over-oorlogskoorts-en-risico-op-escalatie-in-oekraine.html
***
The UN Panel
of Experts on Haiti documented that 908,001 rounds of ammo were
diverted from Dominican National Police stocks in 2024 and found
Dominican-marked ammo among gangs in Haiti, the Haitian Times
reported.
https://haitiantimes.com/2026/10/12/u-n-report-links-dominican-republic-ammunition-to-haiti-gangs/
Report UN Panel: https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n26/196/03/pdf/n2619603.pdf
***
Pilots
for peace?
Protest tegen wapenbeurs in Rotterdam:
politieke partijen willen evenement in Ahoy tegenhouden.
https://www.dehavenloods.nl/nieuws/algemeen/68546/protest-tegen-wapenbeurs-in-rotterdam-politieke-partijen-will
October 12
***
How to oppose war
criminals!
Fate of French shipment to Elbit
unclear after groups push for it to be nixed. The cargo, said to
contain gears for military vehicles, was blocked from an Air France
flight, then wasn't loaded onto El Al jet. Elbit: no comment.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/fate-of-french-shipment-to-elbit-unclear-after-anti-israel-groups-push-for-it-to-be-nixed/amp/
Paris
Airport Protest Won't Harm Israeli Security. But It Could Complicate
Things for Elbit. The delay won't harm Israeli security, but it could
damage the reputation of Israeli defence companies whose products are
in high demand worldwide.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-10-11/ty-article/how-paris-airport-protest-could-complicate-things-for-israels-elbit/000001a1-2a9a-d93c-a7a3-ba9e68e70000
***
USA
beacon on a hill?
New York mayor Mamdani is facing a firestorm over how his administration responds to immigration raids after an ICE Enforcement officer shot 28-year-old father Oscar Belgal in front of his 5-year-old child in Manhattan. https://theintercept.com/2026/10/09/ice-shooting-mamdani-nypd/
October 11
***
European
defence startups are forecast to raise a record $10.5bn of funding
this year, roughly 4x the $2.6bn raised a year earlier and led by
investments in firms developing drone tech, according to Dealroom,
which tracks data on venture capital funding.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/05/european-defense-startups-to-raise-record-105-billion-in-2026-dealroom-forecasts/
***
Hadrian, an
Amsterdam-based cybersecurity startup, has raised $40m to expand to
expand in Europe, West Asia, Africa & the US.
Hadrian offers security software that is offensive in nature; it targets a company’s systems in the same way a hacker would. https://thenextweb.com/news/amsterdams-hadrian-raises-40m-for-ai-powered-offensive-security
***
How about ECA's?
The Export-Import Bank of Korea signed a MoU with the Korea Defense Industry Association to boost defense exports. The document is titled: "defence industry mutual cooperation and export promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises." https://mbiz.heraldcorp.com/article/10895343
***
UAE
EDGE Signs Drone Weapons Contract, Production MoU with Morocco. Both
agreements were signed Friday at the Marrakech Air Show, where EDGE
exhibited for the second time.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/10/341481/uae-edge-signs-drone-weapons-contract-production-mou-with-morocco/
October 10
***
Shares of
Electro Optic Systems Holdings are up 12.9% after Dutch laser weapon
development deal with development and production to be based in the
Netherlands and integrated into NATO command and control systems.
https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/electro-optic-systems-holdings-asx-170547775.html
***
Not the 1st case.
Not the last. I fear
A US Marine lance corporal is in custody of local authorities after being arrested for allegedly robbing & murdering a Japanese woman in Okinawa, reawakening concerns over the large US troop presence on the island.https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/10/05/us-marine-arrested-suspected-of-robbing-murdering-woman-in-okinawa/
***
Denmark's
CenSec (a cluster for companies and researchers in defence, space
and security) signed a partnership agreement with Airbus'. It will
open a Defence and Space division, the groups said. They will
focus in part on the A400M and A330 MRTT.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/denmarks-censec-airbus-sign-deal-cooperation-2026-10-07/
***
‘Defensie heeft 2
integriteitsonderzoeken gelast na corruptiemeldingen over militaire
projecten waarmee Nederland Oekraïne steunt. Het gaat onder meer
over de bouw van honderd patrouilleboten, een geheime levering
waarmee volgens betrokkenen meer dan €400 mln is gemoeid. De
integriteitsmeldingen betreffen vijf ambtenaren en een voormalige
officier van het Korps Mariniers.’
https://fd.nl/samenleving/1614714/defensie-onderzoekt-corruptie-bij-wapenleveranties-aan-oekraine
***
Germany plans
to buy 4 more Meko A-200 frigates from shipyard TKMS, opens new
tab for about €5.6 billion, a finance ministry document seen by
Reuters showed on Tuesday, with parliamentary budget committee
approval expected on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/business/germany-order-four-more-tkms-frigates-63-billion-document-shows-2026-10-06/
***
How many others
closed their eyes for the same period?
Declassified documents show UK aware of
Israeli war crimes for 24 years.
https://newscord.org/watchdog/article/051d8000-bd99-422f-9ecf-d522586af0f8
***
Part of the
story around the failures of Damen in Romania
German defence group Rheinmetall has
acquired the Damen Mangalia shipyard at auction for EUR 138.03
million, excluding VAT, according to CITR, the judicial liquidator of
Damen Shipyards Mangalia.
https://business-review.eu/property/industrial/rheinmetall-acquires-damen-mangalia-shipyard-for-eur-138-million-301783
The
Competition Council and the Direct Investment Examination Commission
(CEID) have not yet received a notification from Rheinmetall
regarding its agreement to take over the Mangalia Shipyard, according
to media reports.
https://www.romania-insider.com/business/rheinmetall-yet-confirm-takeover-romanian-shipyard-mangalia
***
Stop!
French trade unions and Palestinian solidarity groups say they have prevented a shipment of military components from being flown to Israel by Air France, but warn the same cargo has now been booked onto an Israeli El Al flight scheduled for Saturday. https://www.newarab.com/news/french-unions-block-israel-elbit-arms-shipment-el-al-step
***
Hear, hear...
As European governments invest billions in arms and weapons for growth, skilled labour and industry, Simon Barrow shows how this new “military Keynesianism” won’t develop good jobs but it will drive climate breakdown. https://scottishleftreview.scot/guns-versus-greenery-the-false-promise-of-a-warfare-economy/
***
Working with
villains is popular in military circles
An Israeli arms manufacturer has opened
a rifle production facility in Azerbaijan, marking another step in
the increasingly close military-industrial cooperation between Baku
and Israel. https://muslimnews.io/news/d218dab3-3115-4b76-a384-2e2b7764e0a6
***
Arms
acquisitions floating in cash
Lockheed: A F-35 deal covering production & sustainment of the fighter could be worth tens of billions of dollars. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/pentagon-lockheed-weigh-multi-year-f-35-production-sustainment-deal/
RTX: Pentagon, Raytheon ink up to $6.3bn contract for SM-3 IB missiles. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/pentagon-raytheon-ink-up-to-6-3-billion-multi-year-contract-for-sm-3-ib-missiles/
October 9
***
Nigeria, Czech
discuss ammunition production, buy of small planes like Skyfox and
L-410NG.
Nigeria is seeking Czech support for a
new DICON ammunition production line and drone technology transfer as
the two countries deepen defense-industrial cooperation.
https://www.military.africa/2026/10/nigeria-czech-discuss-ammunition-production-skyfox-and-l-410ng-buy/
***
Several
Malaysian companies, including some with direct financial ties to the
state, are actively supplying or seeking to supply aircraft parts and
maintenance services to the Myanmar military.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/malaysian-firms-linked-to-myanmar-military-aviation-supply-chain-jfm.html
***
Rabat and Tel Aviv
are hand in glove
Israeli arms firms participate in Morocco air show for first time. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-arms-firms-participate-morocco-air-show-first-time
***
US
Kleptocracy
Companies backed by the sons of Trump
have secured +€5.2b in contracts from the MoD.
Several companies only obtained
government contracts after the Trumpies joined them.
Critics condemn these arrangements as
corruption and self enrichment.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/companies-that-have-links-with-donald-trumpa-s-sons-secure-6-billion-dollars-in-defence-contracts-ce785ddfdb80f22c
***
European
countries are increasingly financing weapons purchases and
commissioning production for Ukraine as US contributions decline,
shifting support toward long-term contracts and joint manufacturing
while struggling to replace key US capabilities.
https://ubn.news/europe-turns-to-arms-contracts-for-ukraine-as-us-support-shrinks/
***
Iranian general
stated domestic arms production increased 2.5x in the 7 months
following the US-Israeli war of aggression compared with the same
period before the conflict, despite damage to some facilities, the
Defense Ministry’s spokesperson said. https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/10/09/3718200/iran-s-arms-production-surges-despite-war-defense-ministry-spokesman
***
SP, BIJ1 &
Partij voor de Dieren tegen wapenbeurs (19/11/26 in Rotterdam Ahoy).
De partijen gaan tijdens de raadsvergadering van donderdag 15 oktober een motie indienen om de wapenbeurs te stoppen.
Op 14 oktober 18:00 een demonstratie voor het Stadhuis. https://dagblad010.nl/Rotterdam%20&%20Regio/protest-tegen-de-wapenbeurs-op-14-oktober-in-rotterdam
***
Sudan: No
Immunity for Militia Backers; Counter-Terrorism Requires Halting Arms
Supplies.
https://sudanhorizon.com/sudan-no-immunity-for-militia-backers-counter-terrorism-requires-halting-arms-supplies/
***
The US State
Department has issued a proposed rule that would amend the
International Traffic in Arms Regulations to ensure that the U.S.
Munitions List focuses ITAR controls on the most sensitive
technologies.
https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/october/defense-export-controls-would-be-eased-under-proposed-rule
***
Elk jaar
publiceert de Vlaamse Regering gegevens over de vergunde en
geweigerde in-, uit- en doorvoer en overbrenging van militaire
goederen naar, vanuit en door Vlaanderen. Het Vlaams Vredesinstituut
analyseerde de gegevens over 2025 ➡️
https://vlaamsvredesinstituut.eu/factsheet/vlaamse-buitenlandse-wapenhandel-in-2025-de-handel-in-militair-materieel-vanuit-naar-en-door-vlaanderen/
***
Romania
orders 12 H225M multirole military heli's at Airbus, which profits
from the current situation.
Previous customers are Brazil, France,
Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco,
the Netherlands, Singapore, Tanzania and Thailand.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-10-romania-orders-12-airbus-h225m-multirole-military-helicopters
October 5
***
Militaire reus komt
naar Mokum
Thales is namelijk geen vredelievend
bedrijf. Thales heeft wapens geleverd aan Rusland, doet dat nu aan
Oekraïne en heeft nauwe banden met Israël. Sinds wanneer maken
wapenfabrieken de wereld veiliger?
https://amsterdam.sp.nl/nieuws/thales
Jaag Thales weg!
***
Putin,
who dreamed of restoring the Soviet empire, has embarked on the path
taken by the USSR – allocating as much money to defense as the
generals and defense plants request. However, in the Soviet economy,
this came at the cost of a gradual decline in citizens' living
standards, and in later years, at the expense of investment in
infrastructure, scientific and technical development, and everything
that could have helped narrow the technological gap with the West,
Director for Europe at Eurasia Group Alexander Kolyandr noted.
https://english.nv.ua/business/ukraine-war-could-rank-among-the-most-expensive-21st-century-conflicts-50647069.html
October
4
***
When cooperation
in the EU fails and turning to the UK is no alternative, doe Berlin
turn to North Bethesda, Maryland.
Germany turns its attention to Lockheed Martin after failure of FCAS fighter jet project. https://www.marketscreener.com/news/germany-turns-its-attention-to-lockheed-martin-after-failure-of-fcas-fighter-jet-project-ce785ddbdc88f420
October 3
***
Wasn't the Fighting
Falcon over a decade ago to outdated for European countries to keep.
But it is enough fr Taiwan?
Taiwan Receives First Batch of New
F-16V Fighter Jets Amid Rising Military Threat from China.
https://news.ssbcrack.com/taiwan-receives-first-batch-of-new-f-16v-fighter-jets-amid-rising-military-threat-from-china/
***
Critics of
the Helsinki's procurement in Israel have argued that defence
contracts provide revenue to Israel’s arms industry & deepen
Finland’s military ties with the country. The Finnish government
has defended the purchases on national security grounds.
https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/politics/29335-government-and-haekkaenen-retain-parliament-s-confidence-after-israel-dispute.html
***
Israel’s
defence exports soar 130% despite wars, UAE biggest buyer among
Abraham Accord partners according to IISS.
https://theprint.in/defence/israels-defence-exports-soar-130-despite-wars-uae-biggest-buyer-among-abraham-accord-partners-iiss/3060965/
But it is not despite, but more cynical because of the wars
and the ethics free policy and the neglect of IHL by importing
states.
***
Is Mark Rutte the
voice of NATO or of the Trump administration in Washington?
European preference in defence is a
'luxury' debate, NATO chief tells Euronews.
- https://www.aol.co.uk/articles/european-preference-defence-luxury-debate-153014000.html
- https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/30/european-preference-in-defence-is-a-luxury-debate-nato-chief-tells-euronews
***
On the focus
of the human in the loop. There is considerably to less public alarm
over AI performing exactly the actions that the Pentagon asks of it,
whether targeting airstrikes or generating actionable intelligence
reports for US Special Ops Command.
https://theintercept.com/2026/09/28/ai-military-nuclear-war-doomsday/
AI
is Fueling a Gilded Age on Steroids
Meet the New Boss, Worse than the Old
Boss
https://whartung.substack.com/p/ai-is-fueling-a-guilded-age-on-steroids
***
Europe or US?
According to UK’s 2025 Strategic Defense Review, the nation’s foreign military sales with the US is valued at +18.6 billion. The US is the UK’s 2nd-largest market for arms exports, accounting for approximately 14% of its exports 2021-2025. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/10/01/us-uk-special-relationship-will-weather-stormy-seas/
***
The
Russian-Ukrainian war has significantly increased Poland's arms
exports. Ukraine purchased €1.683bn of weapons from Poland, over
67% of the country's total arms exports of €2.487bn (Poland's
military aid not inclued. This is kept confidential).
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraine_remains_polands_largest_arms_buyer_taking_more_than_67_of_exports_in_2025-19959.html
***
Dutch Damen Holding BV,
the parent company of Mangalia SY and a creditor with a 49% stake in
the shipyard, filed an appeal against the sale by auction. This does
not suspend the sale, and the process may continue regardless of the
court's decision.
Damen Shipyards Mangalia entered insolvency on June 19, 2024, after the Dutch group claimed significant debts.
The sale is also important for the €920 million contract signed by Romania with Rheinmetall for the construction of four military vessels by 2030. https://informat.ro/en/economy/fourth-auction-for-damen-mangalia-shipyard-fails-141387
***
Hoe Nederland
de moord op een Indonesische vrijheidsstrijder in de doofpot stopte -
NRC
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/10/01/hoe-nederland-de-moord-op-een-indonesische-vrijheidsstrijder-in-de-doofpot-stopte-a4934269
Het doet me denken aan de moord op de Indonesische activist Munir?
- https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/72/algemeen/indonesische-activist-munir-overleed-aan-vergiftiging-in-vliegtuig
- https://www.amnesty.nl/wordt-vervolgd/ze-stuurden-me-een-dode-kip-in-de-hoop-dat-ik-zou-stoppen
***
The
Netherlands said discussions with Belgium are ongoing on a delayed
joint project to develop anti-submarine frigates, amid reports the
Belgian government is looking for a way out and is shopping for a
European alternative that can join its navy sooner.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/01/dutch-say-asw-frigate-talks-ongoing-amid-reports-belgium-may-quit-project/
***
The new race to
earn money on secucrity tech
Fight AI with AI, Thales CEO Tells
Cybersecurity Gathering.
Thales Unveils a Global Framework to
Protect Critical Organisations from Frontier AI Attacks.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/thales-unveils-a-global-framework-to-protect-critical-organisations-from-frontier-ai-attacks-ce785ad3de80f125
***
Andy
Burnham’s government is searching for a UK alternative to
#Palantir, as the prime minister’s “Buy British” push triggers
a hunt to find a homegrown replacement for the controversial US
software group in the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.
https://www.ft.com/content/9a6e17fe-55e4-4a6d-8761-8346ec765ba9?syn-25a6b1a6=1
October 1
***
Germany's Left
Party vows to resist Volkswagen plant’s shift to Israel arms
production. Left Party’s Thorben Peters criticizes Lower Saxony’s
government for partnering with Rafael, a company owned by a state
accused of genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/germanys-left-party-vows-to-resist-volkswagen-plant-s-shift-to-israel-arms-production/4073712
***
Hegseth Taps Elon Musk,
Palmer Luckey, & Newt Gingrich to Lead ‘Future of Warfare’
Project.
“A board loaded with defense
contractors & one draft-dodging war hawk will decide the future
of the US military,” said one observer. “What could possibly go
wrong?”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/hegseth-project-meridian
***
Europese
fabrieken die wapens produceren voor Oekraïne zijn legitieme
doelwitten voor Russische aanvallen. Dat heeft een woordvoerder van
het Russische ministerie van buitenlandse zaken woensdag gezegd
tijdens een persconferentie.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1613763/rusland-militaire-fabrieken-in-europa-zijn-legitieme-doelen
Estonia blames Russia for
arson attack on drone maker supplying Ukraine.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/29/estonia-blames-russia-arson-attack-drone-maker-ukraine
***
‘Bijzonder
jammer dat fregattenruzie rond Damen de voorbeeldige samenwerking
beschadigt.’ Belgen zouden van het contract met Damen af willen,
maar volgens de Belgische legerbaas hecht hij nog altijd aan de
bijzonder goede relatie met de Nederlandse marine.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1613760/belgische-legercommandant-heel-jammer-dat-fregattenruzie-rond-damen-de-voorbeeldige-samenwerking-beschadigt
