Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
April 28
***
Terwijl de bommen
vallen
Vijf activisten die ingebroken hebben
in een vestiging van de Israelische wapenfabrikant Elbit in Ulm,
Duitsland, zitten al acht maanden in voorarrest. Hun proces is op 27
april begonnen.
https://www.globalinfo.nl/nieuws/proces-begint-tegen-de-vijf-palestina-activisten-van-ulm/
***
Arms & Oil.
And Human Rights, Regional Security?
Azerbaijan, Czech Republic in talks on joint arms production. President Ilham Aliyev announces defence industry negotiations with Prague as trade surpasses $800 million, with Baku supplying 42% of Czech oil imports. https://en.yenisafak.com/world/azerbaijan-czech-republic-in-talks-on-joint-arms-production-3717621
***
Security?
72% of Canadians supports to meet the NATO target of spending a value comparable to 5% of GDP on the military by 2035. If met today, spending would nearly triple. Defence spending would be roughly double the value of the federal health transfer. https://policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/04/defence-spending-debate/
***
Japan built
its identity partly on not being the country it was before '45. Arms
exports don't automatically unravel that, but they alter the image &
images matter, both domestically as in Asia where historical memory
of Japanese militarism remains sharp.
https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-ed/japan-is-rearming-the-question-is-why
***
Gerald
Eddie Brown (65jr) a 24-year US Air Force veteran who once commanded
airborne units with nuclear weapons delivery systems has
been charged with conspiring to train Chinese troops. He was arrested
& charged with violating the Arms Export Control Act.
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/veteran-us-fighter-pilot-arrested-after-using-his-experience-to-train-chinese-military-doj-says/ar-AA1X8HBo
April 27
***
Als er ergens weer geschreven wordt over de verwaarlozing van de krijgsmacht, kijk dan nog eens goed en zie dat Nederland al weer jaren boven de hoogste Koude Oorlogswaarde zit. Inmiddels zeer ver.
The world spent 2.88 trillion $ in the military in 2025.
Take a stand with us today and
protest this nonsense!
https://mailchi.mp/fae023d9a220/the-world-spent-288-trillion-in-the-military-in-2025-take-a-stand-with-us-today-and-protest-this-nonsense?e=dd0de5e04e
Military spending splurge needs to be resisted by the left. https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2026/04/27/historic-military-spending/
April 25
***
Strengere regels
voor wapenhandel. Nu!
De wapenindustrie heeft te veel invloed op het beleid terwijl controle wordt afgebroken en Europa verder militariseert. Vredesactie eist voorrang aan mensenrechten, niet aan winst. Wij stoppen wapenhandel! https://www.vredesactie.be/wapenhandel
***
The Campaign
Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has demanded an urgent investigation into
the UK’s drone exports to Israel after a shocking report revealed
that UK-made drone components continued to flow to the country
despite a partial arms suspension in 2024.
https://muslimnews.co.uk/newspaper/uk-drone-exports-to-israel-spark-calls-for-urgent-investigation/
***
Network of
businesses linked to notorious Myanmar arms broker Kyaw Min Oo is
seeking to acquire a stake in a Thai-listed company through a
proposed private placement, according to a report
https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/press-releases/myanmar-arms-broker-network-seeks-backdoor-stake-in-thai-listed-company
released by Justice For Myanmar on Friday.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/notorious-myanmar-arms-broker-seeks-stake-in-thai-firm.html
***
Italian
Government authorises a record in military exports: +19% compared to
2024, with the Near East dominating once again & Kuwait as top
recipient. The Ukraine paradox continues. Israel still absent from
new permits, but pre-existing supplies continue.
https://retepacedisarmo.org/english/2026/new-record-for-italian-arms-sales-in-2025-a-full-e91-billion-in-export-authorisations/
***
Palestine Action
defendants targeted Elbit's use of ‘deadly AI’, court hears. Zoe
Rogers, Fatema Rajwani and Jordan Devlin describe targeting Israeli
arms company's computers/drones.
They also tell about impact, experiences and motivation in the article. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestine-action-defendants-targeted-elbits-use-deadly-ai-court-hears
April 24
***
To protect peace,
security & respect for human rights, Rheinmetall cooperates with
the largest Saudi Arabian military industry, in short SAMI.
A note to get an insight on the ongoing
SAMI-Rheinmetall talks, expectations and existing competition.
[Paywall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/64428
***
Kazakhstan
entered the military drone market in 2016 by acquiring 2 Chinese
long-range drones for reconnaissance & strike missions. This was
the beginning of a broader procurement strategy, with drones from
additional Russia, the US, Israel, and Turkey.
https://thediplomat.com/2026/04/kazakhstan-is-slowly-integrating-uavs-into-its-armed-forces/
***
Wet op de
defensiegereedheid (lees: oorlogsgereedheid). Dat wetsvoorstel s een
van de middelen in handen van de regering en in het bijzonder
Defensie om oorlogsvoorbereiding gemakkelijker te laten verlopen, ten
koste van mens, dier en natuur.
***
The German
Air Force indicates it want to use the Airbus A400M transport plane
for the firing swarms of Taurus cruise missiles (made by entity
formed bySAAB/MBDA). [Article in Dutch]
https://meta-defense.fr/nl/2026/04/22/a400m-mothership-taurus-luftwaffe-airbu/
***
The United
Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has called on the
Netherlands to stop selling arms to Indonesia.
Representatives of the ULMWP were this week at the Dutch Parliament for a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/593280/stop-selling-arms-to-indonesia-west-papuans-urge-netherlands
***
Enforcement actions
involving the US Treasury, OFAC, BIS continue to expand, particularly
in areas involving Russia-related sanctions, dual-use, chip controls,
transshipment through 3rd countries, concealed beneficial ownership &
restricted tech transfers. https://frilinglaw.com/blog/reporting-ofac-and-bis-violations
***
Not
even the worst effects of the Greed Administation, but accusations of
nepotism, corruption, and conflicts of interest increase.
Critics point to the Trump family's
history of securing lucrative defence contracts since Der Donny's
return to the WHouse.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/insight/eric-trump-pentagon-deal-ignites-nepotism-backlash/gm-GMB2E2428D
Europe clean?
Lord Robertson, a Labour peer, is lobbying for bigger defence spending for the second week running. The Guardian reported Robertson’s comments at a thinktank event, but did not disclose his decades-long links to the war lobby. https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2026/04/23/lord-robertson-arms-industry/
April
23
***
Wrapped
in an anti-Trump narrative, former Canadian PM Carney wants to
stimulate an economy negatively affected by tariffs & the fallout
from the Iran war through military spending. This will not provide
protection and will also fail to buoy the economy.
https://springmag.ca/militarism-will-not-bring-prosperity
***
Impossible to compare MEx-figures from different sources, but for NATO they sharply rising & over ½ of global ME.
https://www.nato.int/content/dam/nato/webready/documents/publications-and-reports/annual-reports/sgar25-en.pdf
At the expense of what?
For what aim?
(2021:2026=$1:$1.22) ILLU NATO
***
I didn't know this
Newsletter yet.
Brownstein: Defense Trade and Arms
Export Newsletter Highlights. Mainly US info, but also news on on
NATO, EU, Australia and Asia (Japan, Singapore, S. Korea) include.
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/defense-trade-and-arms-export-9048100/
***
Killing continues &
EU complicit
At least some members ended dealing with Israel on arms sales. Why not all?! (76.b https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf)
Germany, Italy firmly reject calls by Spain and Ireland to suspend the EU's cooperation agreement with Israel. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/425892
***
War expenditures
harm individual welfare
The Trump Administration’s new budget
slashes domestic public investment by hundreds of billions of
dollars. https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2026/04/14/the-administrations-new-budget-slashes-domestic-public-investment-by-hundreds-of-billions-of-dollars/
***
The
US Department of State approves a Foreign Military Sale to the
Netherlands for Hellfire Missiles and related equipment. The
estimated total cost is $200 million.
The Netherlands has requested to buy
530 AGM-114R2 Hellfire Missiles.
https://www.state.gov/releases/bureau-of-political-military-affairs/2026/04/the-netherlands-hellfire-missiles/
April 22
***
Money enough
If a genuinely balanced industrial partnership between France & Germany isn't possible, the fighter part could be split off from FCAS, potentially leaving Europe to field 2 or 3 different next-generation manned or optionally manned aircraft.https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/fighters-can-be-carved-out-fcas-ceo-airbus-military-division-says-2026-04-21/
***
Also autocrats need
drones, Ukraine helps
According to President Volodymyr
Zelensky, Ukraine has agreements to conclude 10-year contracts
within the framework of the Drone Deal with Saudi Arabia, the
Emirates, and Qatar.
https://dev.ua/en/news/zelenskyi-rozpoviv-pro-detali-drone-deal-z-saudivskoiu-araviieiu-emiratamy-i-katarom-skilky-krain-shche-vyshykuvalysia-v-cherhu-1776667045
***
Uitgehold
Vlaams MP Diependaele beloofde de wapenhandelwet te ‘actualiseren’, maar het wetsvoorstel dat hij daarna produceerde wil de controle op wapenuitvoer en -doorvoer tot een absoluut minimum terugdringen, ten koste van mensenrechten én veiligheid. https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/politiek/brengt-wetsvoorstel-diependaele-vlaamse-wapens-opnieuw-naar-israel/
Activisten hebben actiegevoerd tegen een voorstel dat de Vlaamse regering voor een nieuw Wapenhandeldecreet. De ngo's werden gehoord in de Vlaamse commissie voor Buitenlands Beleid. “Stop wapens voor Israël”, luidt de boodschap. https://www.nieuwsblad.be/binnenland/met-18.241-handtekeningen-protesteren-ngos-tegen-vlaams-voorstel-voor-wapenhandeldecreet/146904064.html
April
21
***
Thales Alenia
Space signs an industrial cooperation agreement with Radmor, Airbus
Defence and Space, to develop a geostationary defense
telecommunications satellite dedicated to the Polish Ministry of
Defence.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/thales-alenia-space-signs-an-industrial-cooperation-agreement-with-radmor-airbus-defence-and-spac-ce7f59dad889f126
April 20
***
Nigeria has
signed a defence cooperation agreement with Turkey, including special
forces training and joint military production, Nigeria seeks support
in its fight against a long-running Islamist insurgency and other
security threats.
https://www.turkishminute.com/2026/04/19/nigeria-signs-defense-deal-with-turkey-to-train-special-forces-expand-arms-cooperation/
***
Arms
export/production race in East Asia
Japan, Korea compete for dominance in naval arms. https://en.asiatoday.co.kr/view.php?key=20260420001130148
***
Job offer in
military industry: Advanced Development Engineer, Thales Delft. Work
in strong collaboration with Thales HQ in Hengelo, and with external
partners like the TU Delft, University Twente, TNO, and other
(inter)national knowledge institutions.
https://web.archive.org/save/https://www.jobteaser.com/fr/job-offers/96a175b3-57de-42fe-b1d5-270b19b37843-thales-advanced-development-engineer
***
About 36,000 people
gathered in Japanese capital Tokyo on Sunday to protest against the
government's push to revise the country's pacifist constitution,
expand military capabilities and ease restrictions on arms exports. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-04-20/About-36-000-Japanese-rally-against-Tokyo-s-remilitarization-push-1MunELN5vZS/share_amp.html
***
In
Sweden, workers boycotted Russian ships in response to the invasion
of Ukraine, and then did the same for Israel’s arms trade. Their
action shows the power of working-class solidarity against
militarism.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/dockworkers-against-russia-s-and-israel-s-wars/ar-AA21fE9s
April 18
***
The #MIC
claims it all has to do with security. But when Canadian CANSEC
(https://www.defenceandsecurity.ca/CANSEC/)
attracts 60+ Int. delegations & 300 Companies, Amnesty warns for
risks exported arms could be used in serious violations of human
rights & humanitarian law.
https://pbicanada.org/2026/04/17/what-is-the-situation-for-human-rights-defenders-in-the-countries-that-come-to-buy-weapons-and-technology-at-cansec/
***
And exported
strategic goods can not be tracked? Where there is a will, there is a
way. Isn't it?
https://nltimes.nl/2026/04/17/eu5-gadget-tracks-dutch-navys-stealth-warship-mission
***
US company
Moog’s UK subsidiary has declined to comment on the seizure of a
consignment of military components by Belgium while en route to
Israel. It didn't bear a declaration that the items were for military
use and didn't have a ‘transit licence’.
https://www.thecanary.co/skwawkbox/2026/04/17/moog-belgium-israel/
***
"Designed
for large scale assault," but not a military vessel according to
the Dutch gov.
US Marines this week released a video showcasing the design and capabilities of its new LSM based on the Damen’s Landing Ship Transport 100, or LST-100, design. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002830/us-navy-approves-lsm-design-marine-corps
April 17
***
Turkey’s military
producer Roketsan eyes top 10 exporter rank amid Middle East
conflict. Turkey has rapidly expanded its military industry to become
a leading global missile exporter amid rising conflict. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/4/16/turkiyes-roketsan-eyes-top-10-exporter-rank-amid-middle-east-conflict
***
Human rights, arms
export control?
Berlin approved €6.6 million in arms exports to Israel during the first 4 weeks of the war with Iran, according to government data reported by the German press agency DPA. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/report-germany-has-okayed-7-8m-in-arms-exports-to-israel-in-iran-war-below-earlier-deals/
***
Democratic senators
overwhelmingly voted to block bomb sales to Israel, in a reflection
of the Israel’s plummeting stock among party rank-and-file.
Democratic votes on resolutions from
Sanders, did however not get a majority (Republicans voted against).
https://theintercept.com/2026/04/15/senate-democrats-block-arms-sales-israel/
Senate Narrowly Rejects Resolutions to Halt Iran War and Arms
Sales to Israel.
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/4/16/headlines/senate_narrowly_rejects_resolutions_to_halt_iran_war_and_arms_sales_to_israel
***
That is the lessons? Than you are to immune from what the war really means (see clipping ->):
"EU pumps over $1bn into military
R&D, centered around Ukraine war lessons."
The lesson should be to find ways for
more arms control, diplomacy, CBMs etc.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/04/16/eu-pumps-over-1-billion-into-defense-rd-centered-around-ukraine-war-lessons/
***
A
more active policy is possible:
Belgium seizes arms shipment sent from
Britain to Israel.
Brussels has banned aircraft carrying
military equipment for Israel from stopping in the country or using
its airspace.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/belgium-seizes-arms-shipment-sent-britain-israel
April 16
***
After similar policy efforts in Europe,
now Trump pushes automakers and producers to boost weapons
production. General Motors, Ford Motor Company. GE Aerospace and
Oshkosh were among those involved in the talks with defence
officials.
https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/trump-pushes-automakers-and-producers-to-boost-weapons-production-similar-to-wwii-what-it-means-ws-l-19887700.htm
Volkswagen's
Osnabrück plant is struggling as orders dry up. Will Germany's
automotive giant move into defense manufacturing to save 2,500 local
jobs? So far, the company is staying tight-lipped.
https://www.dw.com/en/could-vw-volkswagen-osnabr%C3%BCck-car-plant-pivot-to-arms-production-to-save-thousands-of-jobs/video-76781095
April 15
***
The
rule of Law in the USA?
Suspects of crime, just killed!
5 Killed in US Strikes on Suspected Narco Boats in Eastern Pacific. https://news.usni.org/2026/04/13/5-killed-in-u-s-strikes-on-suspected-narco-boats-in-eastern-pacific
***
Arming King Trump
Damen and Blue Water Autonomy agreed to
build a Liberty Class 60-metre drone vessel for the US Navy. Vessel
design draws on successful Axe Bow hull and targets first vessel
completion and serial production for the U.S. Navy this year.http://www.ship.gr/news7/damen61d.htm
***
It
is undeniable: Arms race a major contributor to climate chaos.
https://countercurrents.org/2026/04/arms-race-a-major-contributor-to-climate-chaos/
But part of the climate/environmental movement keeps like an ostriche this notion away out of fear to enter political terrain which may influence their financial position. #ElephantInTheRoom
April 14
***
European
allies must wean themselves off an “addiction” to US military
products and step up regional military planning and rearmament,
Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson told.
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/04/europe-must-wean-off-addiction-to-us-military-swedish-defmin-says/
Sweden produces the Gripen fighter jet
and many in Europe buy the F-35.
***
Acties
tegen de oorlogsindustrie in Frankrijk, Ierland en België. Blokkade
van Thales conferentie aan de Sorbonne-universiteit. Op 13 april werd
een vestiging van Thales zelf geblokkeerd. In Ierland werd ingehakt
op een Amerikaanse militair vliegtuig.
https://www.globalinfo.nl/nieuws/acties-tegen-de-oorlogsindustrie-in-frankrijk-ierland-en-belgie/
April 13
***
More than two
dozen Ukrainian defense companies traveled to Paris this week to meet
with French counterparts, laying the groundwork for co-production
deals in France and seeking to bolster integration with the European
defense-industrial base.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/04/10/ukrainian-drone-makers-visit-paris-looking-for-co-production-deals/
***
CSG is valued of around €25bn. It makes Strnad the Czech Republic’s richest man https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/09/how-war-has-made-a-33-year-old-the-czech-republics-richest-man
***
Rearm Europe?
Voor wapenfabrikanten breken gouden tijden aan nu Europa zegt zich te ‘herbewapenen’, zoals de EU dat noemt. https://www.volkskrant.nl/podcast/de-volkskrant-elke-dag/beleggen-in-wapens-is-in-europa-geen-taboe-meer/
'Te weinig' en 'nodig' zijn terugkerende & kaderende woorden in deze podcast waarin risico van beleggen in wapenindustrie (door o.a. pensioenfondsen) en dominantie van Angelsaksische investeeerders 't meest interessante onderdeel is.
Op 24:00 wordt de degelijke positie van #Triodos besproken. De bank is tegen wapenindustrie als commerciële partij die winst wil maken rondom wapens en oorlog.
***
Over 500 arrested
at London Palestine Action rally.
Arrested but the High Court ruled the
ban on PA unlawful, isn't it? Yes, but the UK government appealed,
and so the prohibition remains in force pending the outcome. Police
did its job accordingly.
https://www.ibtimes.com.au/over-500-arrested-london-palestine-action-rally-protesters-accuse-uk-gaza-genocide-complicity-1866235
***
Swiss
exports of military equipment surged in 2025, climbing nearly 43%
from the prior year to reach 948.2 million Swiss francs ($1.22
billion), according to government data released Tuesday.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/swiss-arms-exports-jump-43-in-2025-as-germany-leads-demand/ar-AA1XUnde
April 12
***
Retweet
@Defence_Index: Germany has reopened a major
debate over fitting its next-generation F127 air-defense frigates
with the U.S.-made AEGIS combat system and SPY-6 radar, amid rising
concerns over Europe’s growing dependence on American defense
technology.
Reports say German defense circles are increasingly divided between combat-ready U.S. systems, offering proven NATO interoperability and rapid deployment and a push for a more European controlled alternative to strengthen strategic autonomy.
However, shifting away from AEGIS could bring delays, higher costs, and capability gaps, especially as Germany accelerates naval modernization.
The core dilemma: Operational speed vs. technological sovereignty.
Source: Defensayseguridad (See https://defensayseguridad.es/alemania-reabre-el-debate-sobre-el-aegis-en-las-fragatas-f127/).
***
India faces
UAE-like autonomy dilemma in 114 Rafale deal as France withholds
critical source codes, including thse for its Thales RBE2 active
electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
https://defence.in/threads/india-faces-uae-like-autonomy-dilemma-in-114-rafale-deal-as-france-withholds-critical-source-codes.17445/
***
Ongoing
geopolitical tensions and the visible shortcomings of some Western
defence systems have further boosted interest in Ukraine’s
battle-tested technologies, positioning the country as an emerging
player in the global arms market. https://caliber.az/en/post/kyiv-s-drone-driven-defense-sector-eyes-post-war-export-boom
April 11
***
Bear has rotten
teeth
Russian military casualties in Ukraine 've surpassed a saddening 1.3 million since '22, according to Ukrainian estimates, with reports linking the staggering toll to systemic corruption, brutal internal discipline, and poor equipment. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/insight/russian-war-losses-top-1-3-million-amid-corruption-claims/gm-GM548B4F7E
***
Militarisering
werkt tegen
Defensie zal gaan concurreren met reguliere woningbouw en onderhoud aan wegen. ABN Amro deskundigen denken dat de miljardeninvesteringen in bouwprojecten voor Defensie, samen met arbeidstekorten, prijsopdrijvend kunnen werken. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1592316/reguliere-bouw-in-de-knel-door-extra-bouw-voor-defensie
***
30,000
protesters rally in Tokyo against gov't moves undermining pacifist
constitution
https://english.news.cn/20260409/20f25357bc2d4bc5b5b9672bb1975933/c.html
***
Weer miskoop bij
Defensie: militairen moeten nóg 6 jaar wachten op nieuwe auto’s
Mercedes zou 515 nieuwe voertuigen gaan bouwen, maar volgens Defensie voldoen ze voor de afgesproken prijs niet aan de gestelde eisen. Het contract is ontbonden. https://www.tubantia.nl/binnenland/weer-miskoop-bij-defensie-militairen-moeten-nog-6-jaar-wachten-op-nieuwe-auto-s~ac71a904/
***
GDAMS Started! See
the new Toolkit and find ways to get involved!
GDAMS = Global Days of Action on
Military Spending
https://mailchi.mp/aef0f2a8254d/gdams-start-today-see-our-new-toolkit-and-find-out-ways-to-get-involved
***
Vredesburo?
Op 20 mei vindt de Defence Tech Day plaats bij de TU Eindhoven. Belgische en Nederlandse NATO DIANA-cohorten 2026 presenteren hun waren, aangevuld met keynotes, panels en matchmaking. NIDV-voorzitter Knops zal deelnemen aan een paneldiscussie. https://www.b2match.com/e/defence-tech-day-2026
***
Military
business in the Netherlands, see searchable database
https://www.nidv.eu/bedrijvengids/
***
Damen, and
the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launch SAR Vessel
Program for Turkish Coast Guard.
https://defensehere.com/en/damen-iom-launch-sar-vessel-program-for-turkish-coast-guard/
The mentioned recue is one side of the coin, the other push backs is not reported in this article. See e.g. https://asylumineurope.org/reports/country/turkiye/asylum-procedure/access-procedure-and-registration/access-territory-and-push-backs/
***
Protesters
blocked the headquarters of Rheinmetall in Berlin, prompting a police
intervention. 7 activists glued themselves to the ground in front of
the entrance, chanting messages like "German weapons, German
funds, killing people around the world."
https://informat.ro/en/international/protesters-block-the-rheinmetall-headquarters-in-berlin-police-intervene-115590
***
Leonardo CEO
Roberto Cingolani is to be replaced by the Italian government,
related to his decision to shift Leonardo’s focus away from kinetic
products.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/04/10/italian-government-shakes-up-leonardo-leadership-replacing-cingolani-as-ceo/
(The Italian government holds 30.2% of
the company's shares and is its largest shareholder.)
***
The not so
obvious kid on the block:
Arms exports could bring Ukraine
several billion US dollars this year. [in German]
https://ubn.news/de/waffenexporte-koennten-der-ukraine-in-diesem-jahr-mehrere-milliarden-us-dollar-einbringen/
April
10
Negen grote financiële institutties⬇️belegden in 2025 voor €5,9 mjd in bedrijven die wapens verkopen aan landen met 'n hoog risico voor inzet bij mensenrechtenschendingen. Pax en Profundo onderzochten dit. https://paxvoorvrede.nl/nieuws/welke-europese-institutionele-beleggers-investeren-in-oorlog/
Report Invested in War in English https://paxvoorvrede.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PAX_InvestedInWar2026.pdf
***
Universiteiten
vaak betrokken bij grensbewaking Europese Unie. Onderzoekers denken
vaak goed na over de ethische aspecten binnen hun onderzoeksopzet,
maar minder over de morele consequenties op maatschappelijke schaal.
https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/universiteiten-vaak-betrokken-bij-grensbewaking-europese-unie~bc45f135/
***
The Dutch
Ministry of Defense is teaming up with Dutch firms KPN and Thales
Netherlands to create a dedicated cloud for handling and storing
classified state information. The goal is a sovereign,
military-controlled cloud.
https://nltimes.nl/2026/04/09/dutch-defense-build-sovereign-military-cloud-computing-reduce-us-tech-dependence
Official Govt. announcement: Defensie bouwt cloud voor
staatsgeheime gegevens
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2026/04/09/defensie-bouwt-cloud-voor-staatsgeheime-gegevens
***
Serbia is
allegedly planning to launch a drone factory with Israeli Elbit
through the state-owned Jugoimport-SDPR. Media reported the
production plan involves short- & long-range drones, not unlike
those used by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza genocide.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2026/04/09/serbia-expected-to-launch-drone-production-with-elbit-systems/
***
The
Netherlands has contracted Deutsche Bahn to provide two military
escort wagons available on 10 days notice for pan-European military
materiel transports.
https://www.therailagenda.com/p/dutch-defence-contracts-db-for-military
***
ASML, Thales,
Vanderlande en Huisman ondersteunen jonge Nederlandse maakbedrijven
gratis via het Make Next Platform.
Het platform heeft als doel meer grote
hightechmaakbedrijven in Nederland creëren.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1590899/hulp-zonder-geld-zo-helpen-asml-en-thales-hun-kleine-broertjes
***
The
largest French trade union CGT has called for an immediate ban on
French arms exports to Israel.
“The continued supply of military
equipment constitutes complicity in the crimes committed and the
escalation of a deadly conflict,” said the CGT union.
https://prizrenpost.com/en/frances-largest-trade-union-calls-on-the-government-to-ban-arms-exports-to-israel/
April 8
***
Damen in
Djibouti.
https://shipsandports.com.ng/djibouti-unveils-largest-shipyard-in-east-africa/
***
Fire Point,
maker of Ukraine’s Flamingo cruise missile, is in talks with
European companies to launch a new air defense system by next year, a
senior executive told Reuters, creating a low-cost alternative to the
increasingly hard-to-get Patriot system.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/04/06/ukraine-missile-maker-targets-game-changer-air-defense-system-by-2027/
***
The slippery
slope
In Washington groeit de steun voor een
wetsvoorstel om de militante Polisario-afscheidingsbeweging voor de
Sahara als terreurorganisatie aan te merken. Twee Congresleden sloten
zich deze week aan bij de mede-indieners.
https://nieuws.marokko.nl/112547/twee-congresleden-scharen-zich-achter-voorstel-om-de-polisario-als-terreurgroep-aan-te-merken/
***
Damen
launches ‘Drone Carrier’ for the Portuguese Navy.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/04/damen-launches-drone-carrier-for-the-portuguese-navy/
Damen Launches Multi-Purpose Vessel for the Portuguese Navy. https://www.marinelink.com/news/damen-launches-multipurpose-vessel-537767
***
***
Je
lijkt ergens iets te missen. Alsof er niet de zwaarst bewapende bende
op aarde van loenatic en andere gestoorden de wereld verder op zijn
kop zet. Niet zomaar malloten, maar ook nog eens je bondgenoten.
***
Report "Exposing
French Military Shipments to Israel," argues that French
firms and transport hubs have continued to arm Israel’s
military operations “through supply chains that have
bypassed public scrutiny”.
- https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/04/07/french-defense-firms-sell-steady-flow-of-components-to-israel-report-says_6752176_4.html
- https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20260408-french-arms-exports-to-israel-a-continuous-pipeline-of-military-hardware
April 7
***
Why not?
Must be clear by now!
Greece to Buy Elbit Rocket Launcher
System From Israel in $750 Million Deal, Defense Ministry Says.
Details not known. However the Greek parliament approved a purchase
of 36 PULS rocket launchers in December.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-04-06/ty-article/.premium/greece-to-buy-elbit-rocket-launcher-system-from-israel-in-750-million-deal/0000019d-6366-d62a-a7bf-eb6eb1af0000
Another abhorrent example of arms acquisition policy
In a development of considerable strategic and geopolitical importance, Elbit Systems is set to commence deliveries of its Watchkeeper X drones to Romania valued at US$ 428.75 million. https://www.businessupturn.com/trade-policy/elbit-set-to-restart-delayed-428m-romania-drone-deal-what-changed/7761/
***
Several Gulf
states are looking to purchasecombat drones made by Ukraine’s Fire
Point defense contractor, but the company is still waiting on export
licenses from the government, Fire Point co-founder and chief
designer Denys Shtilierman told April 6.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-missile-maker-targets-game-changer-air-defence-system-by-2027-2026-04-06/
***
France’s
refusal to give India access to Rafale mission software and
electronic warfare source code has delayed the US$40bn 114-fighter
deal, intensified tensions over BrahMos integration, and revived
Russia’s Su-57E stealth fighter offer.
https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/india-40-billion-rafale-deal-crisis-france-blocks-source-code-brahmos-russia-tech-leak/
***
By
force
In fully lifting the Japan’s
long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons, the government plans
to notify the Diet of arms exports only after the fact instead of
seeking prior approval. So far for responsible statescraft.
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16480095
April 6
***
War criminals in
Tel Aviv and Washington
Healthcare facilities are protected
locations under the Geneva Conventions, agreed as the rules of war by
after World War II.
US President Donald Trump has
threatened to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages ..."
https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_167455/
***
Pentagon
R&D spending would drop by about 1/3 under the White House’s
2027 defense-spending proposal—but the impact of that $4.5 billion
reduction might be cushioned by the tech industry funding its own
research and recash by selling to the Pentagon.
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2026/04/budget-would-cut-pentagon-research-third-can-industry-compensate/412634/
***
Austria’s
vice chancellor stressed Saturday that the country would not be drawn
into President Donald Trump’s “chaotic policy,” saying Vienna’s
neutrality is “non-negotiable,” a principle that also applies to
US military overflights, Anadolu reports.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260404-we-are-not-part-of-trumps-chaotic-policy-including-with-us-overflights-austrias-vice-chancellor/
***
For some war means
profit:
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr Back Drone Firm Now Pitching Weapons to Gulf States Their Father's War Created. https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/trump-sons-drone-firm-conflict-interest-1790188
For most it is misery or worse.
***
Hundreds of
protesters in the city of Osnabrück, located in northwestern
Germany, marched in an angry demonstration to express their
categorical rejection of the giant 'Volkswagen' company's shift
towards military manufacturing.
https://www.alquds.com/en/posts/234304
***
Japan
is gradually shifting away from its long-held "exclusively
defense-oriented policy" and moving toward a "combat-ready"
military system, Makoto Konishi, former Self-Defense Forces officer
and veteran military journalist said in Tokyo on Saturday.
https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20260405/d609f80ac5dd49a48bc3a1873fb3f708/c.html
The Japanese government is pursuing a revision of its defense
equipment transfer guidelines to allow lethal weapon exports in
principle and is reportedly reviewing a plan to notify parliament
only after the fact.
https://en.sedaily.com/international/2026/04/04/japan-pushes-to-allow-lethal-weapon-exports-plans-post
Why
China is worried by Japan’s plans to change rules on arms sales.
The government in Tokyo is considering
relaxing its restrictions on exports of lethal weapons amid
heightened tensions with Beijing.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3349045/why-china-worried-japans-plans-change-rules-arms-sales
April 4
***
Overview:
RTX is the world’s 2nd largest arms company, according to SIPRI. It
was formed in 2020 following the merger of Raytheon and United
Technologies. In 2023, RTX claimed it was the “world’s largest
producer of guided missiles”.
https://caat.org.uk/data/companies/RTX
***
French
Dassault so far effectively torpedoed European FCAS fighter. UK lead
military aircraft moves slowly forward.
Italy, Japan and the UK have signed a stopgap contract to keep work going on their joint GCAP fighter. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/04/02/money-starts-flowing-for-new-gcap-fighter-as-britain-sorts-out-finances/
***
NGO's
& activists have urged the Government of Montenegro to make
public info about any export, import or trade in arms and military
tech with Israel, as well as the publication of all valid contracts,
agreements and permits in this area.
https://gradski.me/en/politika/nvo-i-gradjanske-aktivistkinje-vlada-crne-gore-da-odgovori-na-navode-o-trgovini-oruzjem-sa-izraelom/
***
With
an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost
missiles.
Tokyo plans to those drones with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.
***
Wie
maakt op Ministerie van Defensie dat soort koppen?
Luchtmacht haalt in Japan eeuwenoude
band aan
https://www.defensiedichtbij.nl/magazines/defensiekrant/2026/editie-12/03_kg-26
Het gaat overigens over het opereren/oefenen met F-35's.
***
The
same universities where students were protesting the Iranian regime
weeks ago have shown up as rubble.
At least 21 uni's in Iran have
sustained damage, with questions arising as to whether the attacks on
academic institutions constitute a war crime.
https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5811380-iran-war-university-strikes-war-crimes/
***
In
recent documents posted on the government's contracting website, the
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, said it's
looking for faster, cheaper ways to produce missiles, sensor
technology, weapons avionics, and counter-air systems.
https://www.businessinsider.com/darpa-wants-cheaper-missiles-as-us-burns-through-stockpiles-2026-4
***
This
war cost
US president requested a 10% cut in non-defence discretionary spending for FY 2027 & a massive $500bn increase in military spending, as the US continues its war against Iran. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/04/03/trumps-budget-proposes-massive-defense-spending-with-10-cut-to-other-programs/
Stop this militarisation in the interest of the global majority.
April 3
***
Libya’s
Haftar acquires combat drones despite UN embargo. Satellite images
reveal at least three new drones at an eastern airbase. Weapons
experts say they are most likely from China and Turkey (Probably
Feilong-1 (FL-1) and Bayraktar TB2 drones).
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/libyas-haftar-acquires-combat-drones-despite-un-embargo-2026-04-02/
***
Romanian Ministry of
Economy grants strategically important operators access to state
support. This includes Liberty Galați, and #Damen Shipyards
Mangalia. The decision allows funds from the Guarantee Fund to be
used to pay outstanding wages to employees.
https://gmk.center/en/news/liberty-galati-is-preparing-for-a-relaunch-following-a-failed-attempt-to-sell-the-company/
***
Swedish
arms exports to Turkey more than doubled in 2025 from a year earlier,
Swedish media reported on Thursday, indicating a shift in bilateral
ties since Stockholm joined NATO in March 2024 after Turkey dropped
its objections to Swedish
membership.https://www.turkishminute.com/2026/04/02/swedish-arms-exports-to-turkey-surged-after-stockholm-joined-nato-report/
April 2
***
France's Dassault
says 'weeks' left to save Europe warplane project
FCAS program is a joint effort to build a next-generation combat aircraft between France, Germany and Spain. But it has faltered as disagreements persist between Dassault and Airbus.
***
Israel's
Defense Ministry has launched a sweeping set of punitive measures
against France, following sharp public criticism from US President
Donald Trump over Paris' decision to deny access to its airspace for
arms shipments bound for the Middle East.
https://menafn.com/1110929782/Israel-Launches-Retaliatory-Measures-Against-France
***
Switzerland has
suspended payments to the US for the Patriot missile system due to
uncertainty over delivery timelines. The government did not rule out
that the contract could ultimately be terminated, according to
Reuters.
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/switzerland-may-abandon-patriot-what-is-the-1775070819.html
***
Canada may
join the European sixth-generation GCAP fighter jet program amid
tensions over its F-35 deal with the US.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/move-over-f-35-canada-eyes-uk-japan-italy-gcap-sixth-gen-fighter-program-amid-f-35-review/
***
British
companies and investors are profiting from gold mining, gas
extraction and palm oil plantations in West Papua, while the British
government supports the Indonesian military through arms exports and
training.
https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/04/02/how-british-companies-profit-from-west-papuan-repression/
***
Report: Concerns
regarding Palantir Technologies in HHS data systems. Also on:
- Military operations
- Border enforcement
- War crimes and genocide
https://corporatewatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Palantir-Briefing_March-2026.pdf
***
Inside
the Anthropic x Australia alliance: What the $550bn AI giant wants.
As global AI giants face increasing friction in the US, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has landed in Australia with a strategic ‘Plan B.’
Wiki on Claude: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_(language_model)
April 1
***
Italian
national Manfred Gruber pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export
control violations. Gruber illegally exported ammo worth $540,000+
from the US to Kyrgyzstan, via companies controlled in Italy. Most of
it was subsequently reexported to Russia.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/arms-dealer-pleads-guilty-conspiring-export-american-made-ammunition-used-war-against
***
March
2026 the long-running bribery and sanctions case involving Damen
Shipyards Group has entered a more consequential phase.
Prosecutors are actively advancing a broad set of charges—including
bribery, sanctions violations, fraud, and money laundering.
https://dredgewire.com/damen-trial-update-legal-pressure-mounts-on-the-company-despite-strong-deliveries/
