My tweets for march 2023

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

March 21

***
9 Chinese Caihong 4 #CH4 attack drones to help Kinshasa fight Rwanda-backed rebels on the territory of DRCongo.

Experts have concerns about the arms transaction with the DRC, fearing that weapons could end up in the wrong hands & exacerbate the conflict. https://thediplomat.com/2023/03/china-sends-military-drones-to-drc-amid-fears-of-regional-war/

***
Malian Air Force commissions Turkish #Bayraktar TB2 UAVs and other aircraft. The latest aircraft handovers come months after Mali commissioned aircraft acquired from #Russia (Su-25, 4 L-39's, Mi-24P, Mi-8) & a #Airbus #C295 tactical transport aircraft. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/malian-air-force-commissions-bayraktar-tb2-uavs-and-other-aircraft/

***
Het hoofdkantoor van het NATO Innovation Fund #NIF wordt gevestigd in Nederland. Het NIF is een initiatief van de NAVO om innovaties binnen het bondgenootschap aan te jagen. Nederland heeft zich binnen de NAVO hardgemaakt voor vestiging in Nederland. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/03/20/hoofdkantoor-navo-innovatiefonds-komt-in-nederland

The headquarters of the NATO Innovation Fund #NIF will be located in the Netherlands. The NIF is a NATO initiative to drive innovation within the alliance. The Netherlands has campaigned within NATO for settlement in the Netherlands. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/03/20/hoofdkantoor-navo-innovatiefonds-komen-in-nederland

***
Munitie-inkoop EU voor Oekraïne rond: ook Nederland akkoord. EU-landen leveren Oekraïne dit jaar een miljoen granaten.https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1664683355/munitie-inkoop-eu-voor-oekraine-rond-ook-nederland-akkoord

EDA brings together 18 countries for Common Procurement of Ammunition. The ‘Collaborative Procurement of Ammunition’ project provides a seven-year framework to commonly procure ammunition (5.56 mm to 155 mm) to replenish national stocks.

https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2023/03/20/eda-brings-together-18-countries-for-common-procurement-of-ammunition

***
Pakistan has been supplying weapons, ammunition and artillery shells to Ukraine since the early days of the invasion by Russia. However, this will be the first time tanks will be supplied to Ukraine by a country other than its western allies. https://www.firstpost.com/world/desperate-for-western-aid-crisis-hit-pakistan-to-supply-tanks-to-ukraine-12323092.html

March 20

***
The difference with the past. Now European buy arms openly in an #Apartheid state.
#Elbit Systems has signed four contracts with the #Romanian military.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/03/17/israels-elbit-inks-four-aircraft-technology-contracts-with-romania/

***
20 jaar gelden startte de #Irak oorlog i.v.m. de toen al opgeruimde en opgebruikte wapens voor massavernietiging #WMD. Wie leverden ze eigenlijk? Welke rol speelde Nederlandse ondernemers?

Zie hierover @CTWnl publicatie. https://stopwapenhandel.org/iraksamenvatting-html/

***
Die Bundesregierung hat im vergangenen Jahr trotz weitgehender Exportbeschränkungen die Lieferung von Rüstungsgütern für 44,2 Millionen Euro nach Saudi-Arabien genehmigt - so viel wie seit 2018 nicht mehr. https://www.rnd.de/politik/saudi-arabien-ruestungsexporte-aus-deutschland-2022-gesteigert-IZIPECU74WM3UOWI67AMZYLZSY.html

The #German government approved the delivery of armaments to #Saudi Arabia vallued €44.2m last year – more than at any time since 2018. This emerges from questions by Die Linke MP Sevim Dagdelen. All are for #joint projects with other EU/NATO countries. https://then24.com/2023/03/19/arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-increased-significantly-in-2022/

***
Newsweek: "The White House has expressed opposition to any effort by Beijing to broker a ceasefire in the conflict." https://www.newsweek.com/xi-heads-china-us-no-china-led-ceasefire-ukraine-1788565
It is in the interest of the populaton of the Ukraine and Russian minorities to let the fighting continue?

Will Xi-Putin summit deliver a breakthrough on Ukraine war?

Xi’s trip to Russia comes after China called for a truce, dialogue in Ukraine and brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/20/will-xi-putin-summit-deliver-a-breakthrough-on-ukraine-war

***
FA minister #Baerbock has called for a renewed rules for #arms exports within the EU framework. "We are now working out a strategy with our partners on how we can cooperate more closely in terms of industrial policy in the arms sector as well," she said. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus244372617/Annalena-Baerbock-Haben-uns-nicht-genug-damit-auseinandergesetzt-was-Wehrhaftigkeit-bedeutet.html

***
Germany's Defence Ministry wants to buy 82 Airbus H-145M civilian helicopters and convert some of them into combat helicopters and arm 24 of them with anti-tank missiles, Business Insider reported, citing military internal documents. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/germany-to-buy-airbus-civil-helicopter-and-convert-for-combat---business-insider/48371796

***
Norway said it was buying 6 US-made Seahawk helicopters for over $1bn to replace the European #NH90s it gave up on after a series of delays and setbacks. Fed up by delivery delays & performance issues, the Norwegian government decided to cancel a contract. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/03/14/norway-us-military-helicopters/

***
“The US and its allies … are faced with a choice,” wrote Lt Col Brent Stricker in a bleak assessment of the changing nuclear world order. They could either “restart arms limitation discussions to include both Russia and China, or restart the arms race”. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/mar/19/nuclear-nightmare-reckless-leaders-push-the-world-back-to-the-brink-putin-israel-north-korea

***
Nieuwe exportbeperking van chipmachines naar China schaadt betrekkingen met Peking, stelt Chinese ambassadeur.
Ook zet Nederland zijn eigen technologische voorsprong op het spel, aldus de diplomaat. #ASML
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1470827/china-waarschuwt-nederlands-kabinet-na-asml-boycot

***
#SIPRI director Military Expenditure & Arms Prod. Programme: "European armed forces should not hold onto their arsenals for future potential conflicts. Rather, they should deliver systems at scale to help Ukraine fight the war now" (incl fighter aircraft). https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-war-russia-europe-defense-industry-future/

March 18

***
De EU-landen willen Oekraïne zo snel mogelijk meer munitie sturen.
Ze halen daarvoor - met geld uit een EU-fonds - hun eigen wapenvoorraden leeg.
Daarom gaan ze gezamenlijk mega-orders bij de defensie-industrie plaatsen.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1470727/eu-landen-werken-aan-gezamenlijke-mega-inkoop-van-munitie-voor-oekraine

***
De Navo-lidstaten investeren €1 mrd in Europese techbedrijven via een eigen investeringsfonds.

Amsterdam is kandidaat als locatie voor dit Nato Investment Fund. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1470678/nederland-aast-op-miljardenfonds-van-navo-voor-jonge-techbedrijven

March 16

***
Statista on #tank deliverances to #Ukraine. https://www.statista.com/chart/29205/ukraine-tank-deliveries/

***
Better have a gross human rights violator, which illegally invaded a neighbouring state, and fights a internal war as ally than stay with a Scandinavian neighbour.

Yes friendly #Finland gears up for #Turkey’s #NATO blessing, as #Sweden gets left behind. https://www.politico.eu/article/finland-turkey-nato-blessing-sweden-sauli-niinisto-recep-erdogan/

***
A bipartisan pair of US senators tabled a resolution on Wednesday that would require Pres. #Biden's administration to report on #Saudi Arabia's human rights record & possibly cut off all US security assistance to the KSA. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-saudi-arms-sales-senators-propose-resolution-derail-exports

***
Hundreds of Japanese gathered outside a military fair near Tokyo on Wednesday to protest the government's move to increase arms trade.

They shouted "No war," "No war preparation" & "Say no to traders of death!" outside the 3-day #DSEI #Japan 2023 event. https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/16/news/world/hundreds-protest-japans-expanding-arms-trade-outside-fair/1883003

March 15

***
Among the casualties of Russia’s war in Ukraine: its own lucrative #arms_export industry.

Russia has long been the world’s 2nd-largest arms exporter, after the US, but its sales have declined ever since Moscow-backed forces seized parts of Ukraine in 2014.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-war-in-ukraine-hurts-its-arms-industry-creates-openings-for-rivals-c25321c6

***
Two Dutch mine hunters #MCM Alkmaar-class for Ukraine. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/03/14/ollongren-zegt-oekraine-mijnenjagers-toe-bij-bezoek-aan-gebombardeerde-havensteden

March 14

***
Het wekelijkse Van Leemput praatje begint met een (herhaalde) oproep tot #onderhandelen. Hij constateert dat "dat het inzicht groeit dat deze oorlog niet eindeloos kan doorgaan en dat de kans vermindert dat hij met militaire middelen gewonnen kan worden." https://stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/oproep-tot-onderhandelen-herhaling.html

***
#Qatar The #UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)have signed an agreement to extend their bilateral #Typhoon cooperation for two more years. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/uk-and-qatar-agree-to-extend-joint-typhoon-operations/

The nice, safe for all, rights respecting friends of the West. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/qatar/

***
Arming repressive autocracy. #Lockheed Martin announced Friday that it has completed developing the first export version of its F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft for the Royal #Bahraini Air Force. https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-03-10-Lockheed-Martin-and-Royal-Bahraini-Air-Force-Celebrate-Bahrains-First-F-16-Block-70-Aircraft-in-Greenville,-South-Carolina

Bahrain’s Abuses https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/06/use-global-meeting-highlight-bahrains-abuses

***
The 2024 budget called on Congress to provide US$842 billion in defence spending, marking a 13.4% increase over 2022. The announcement came a week after China presented a military budget of $230 billion, a 7.6% jump from last year.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3213416/us-bid-outcompete-china-yields-pentagons-largest-ever-defence-budget

***
Chinese arms sales fell by nearly a quarter in 2018-2022, according to new report
Geopolitical tensions, Covid-19 disruptions were main factors in the decline, analysts say.

The decline in arms exports from China could be a sign that Beijing was focusing more on domestic needs as geopolitical tensions rose, said Ni Lexiong, a professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

Meanwhile, China’s military imports increased by 4.1% in the 2018 to 2022 period compared with the previous five years.

China bought nearly half of Ukraine’s military exports – 48 per cent – from 2018 to 2022, despite a 70 per cent decrease in Ukraine’s arms exports compared with the previous period. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3213383/fall-chinas-military-exports-sign-stockpiling-home

***
UK based #Van_Halteren Metaal BV has secured contract from MoD for AS90 Turret Trainer (AS90TT) Provision of Contractor Logistic Support (CLS) and Post Design Services (PDS). The value of the contract is worth £ 5415317.25. https://bidstats.uk/tenders/2023/W06/792461472

***
Potential Chinese agression answered by: #Nuclear reactors powering the next-generation Australian #submarines being built under the #Aukus defence pact will be made by #Rolls-Royce to a British design, officials have said. #Arms_control? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/03/13/rolls-royce-make-nuclear-reactors-aukus-attack-submarines/

***
There's growing interest in High Altitude Platform Systems which can take the form of very high-flying aircraft or balloons & airships. #Thales_Alenia Space has won a contract from the #European Commission to develop the #EuroHAPS project valued at €43m. https://advanced-television.com/2023/03/14/thales-wins-haps-contract-from-ec/

***
On the complicated relations between the Korean military and Lockheed Martin (issues SM-2, F-35, payment for military satellites). https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/politics-all/2023031409561245703

***
Damen frigate parthers in Colombia:
Industrias Montes
Fama
Formas Modulares
Mecanicad
Pintunal
Venti
Solocauchos
Tecnología y reconversión
Ingeniería Geproy
Automatizar
Dinox
Indupro
Puerto Madero
Inalpa
Levam
Jm Redes
Creativa Ingeniería
La Enrolladora
Fymaq
Teccoi
https://www.lapatria.com/economia/cluster-metalmecanico-de-caldas-sera-proveedor-de-fragatas-con-holanda

***
The cost of neutrality: #Swiss defense industry ‘just losing our market’ amid Ukraine conflict

Under pressure from local industry and international allies, the Swiss government is considering measures to #relax its rules on the re-export of arms.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/the-cost-of-neutrality-swiss-defense-industry-just-losing-our-market-amid-ukraine-conflict

March 13

***
Fuelled by Ukraine, European arms imports doubled in 2022 Unlike Europe, all other continents have seen a decline in imports over the last 5 years. Africa (-40%) North and South America (-20%), Asia (-7%) and even the Middle East (-9%). https://www.rfi.fr/en/international-news/20230312-fuelled-by-ukraine-european-arms-imports-double-in-2022

US arms exports skyrocket, while China's nosedive. https://www.dw.com/en/sipri-us-arms-exports-skyrocket-while-chinas-nosedive/a-64948062

While the rest of the world is slowly disarming, Europe is quickly doing the opposite.
Surge in arms imports to Europe, while US dominance of the global arms trade increases.

Press release: https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2023/surge-arms-imports-europe-while-us-dominance-global-arms-trade-increases (also in Catalan, French, Spanish, and Swedish).
Report: https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/2303_at_fact_sheet_2022_v2.pdf

***
France challenging Russia as second biggest arms exporter behind US
Study shows French suppliers have more major export orders than Russia, while UK’s share has dwindled.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/13/france-challenging-russia-as-second-biggest-arms-exporter-behind-us

March 10

***
A strategy driven view on the problems a high end costly military will cause: If the US hopes to persevere against Russia in the short term and China in the long term, it must consider the economic impact of tech even as it pursues a tech advantage. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/does-technology-win-wars

March 9

***
#ASML Ondanks het int. karakter van de kwestie, is dit exportverbod 'n nationale maatregel. Voor een int. verbod binnen het zogeheten #Wassenaar Arrangement is ook instemming van Rusland nodig. Die komt er vrijwel zeker niet. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1469861/asml-mag-ook-nieuwste-duv-machines-niet-meer-verkopen-aan-china

En #EU #dual_use items lijst?

As expected the The Haque has fallen in line with the US by adding deep ultra violet lithography equipment to export controls in a move designed to hobble China’s ability to make advanced integrated circuits. China calls it abuse of export control measures https://www.eenewseurope.com/en/netherlands-adds-duv-lithography-equipment-to-export-controls/

***
Michael Klare: Pentagon Seeks to Facilitate Autonomous Weapons Deployment.

New DoD policy has it both ways, includes more ethics and is "a road map for succeeding at this process and thus facilitates autonomous weapons systems development." https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2023-03/news/pentagon-seeks-facilitate-autonomous-weapons-deployment

***
Summary: US military will be stretched between the need to create new tech that help it stay ahead of a rising China, maintain existing platforms, cope with the demand for equipping Ukrainian forces and backfill equipment already sent to the front lines. https://app.go.informamail03.com/e/es.aspx?s=966913078&e=955106&elqTrackId=b1e437f091a74043918f49eddb3c4f10&elq=b4e4b49df1914a1099c1f75c076819ab&elqaid=37136&elqat=1

***
The U.S. Army is already executing on a plan to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, the Army’s acquisition chief said Wednesday. Sending tanks to Ukraine is not a simple process, US Army’s acquisition chief Doug Bush said. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/03/08/us-army-is-moving-to-get-tanks-to-ukraine-as-quickly-as-possible/

source

***
War what is it good for. Thales 2022 results. All up ↑▲ 

March 8

***
China is the latest country in the region to announce a boost in its defence budget, with analysts expecting the trend to gather pace

Growing humanitarian crises adding to demand for military capacity in unstable security environment, observers say.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212624/chinas-two-sessions-2023-asia-pacific-uncertainties-drive-arms-build

***
Clara #Zetkin was known as a founder of international women's day. She also militantly opposed militarism, imperialism and the first World War. Now I see arms industries, @EDA (the military industrial org of the EU), MoD's like #Ollongren making it a day for the powers that be.

Feminism is Revolutionary! See here for books on a wide range of feminist issues. https://www.plutobooks.com/feminism-is-revolutionary/

Voor wie liever iets korters, voor niets en in het Nederlands leest: Waar is het vrouwengezicht van de oorlog? Dit van @WendelaVries bijvoorbeeld. https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/waar-is-het-vrouwengezicht-van-de-oorlog

***
Swiss arms industry benefited from the #soccer World Cup. A third of the Swiss arms exports went to countries with «authoritarian» or «hybrid» regimes mainly to two major customers: Qatar was the front-runner among buyers with a volume of 213 million Swiss francs. It was mostly about anti-aircraft systems from the Swiss subsidiary of the German #Rheinmetall Group to protect the #football stadiums during the 2022 World Cup. The other was Saudi Arabia (it involves spare parts and ammo for anti-aircraft systems). https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/schweizer-ruestungsindustrie-profitiert-von-der-fussball-wm-in-katar-ld.1729096

***
#Spanish government uses copy & paste methods answering questions on arms sales and transit to #Saudi Arabia for 20 sets of questions: a) there is no arms embargo; b) no reported misuse of Spanish arms by the Saudi's. (automatically translated from Spanish https://theglobalfrontier.com/the-copy-and-paste-of-the-government-in-congress-to-justify-the-sale-of-arms-to-saudi-arabia/

***
"Undoubtedly the greatest security threat Australia faces is climate change - war with China would devastate work on climate. What we need is more diplomacy, instead of more weapons spending and illusory submarines," said Margaret Beavis, vice pres. #MAPW https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/diplomacy-not-weapons-the-answer-to-china-war-threat-20230307-p5cq00.html

***
#Rheinmetall's transformation; Group CEO Papperger sees historic growth opportunity from Ukraine war, by @GeHegmann https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus244130211/Rheinmetall-Der-wundersame-Aufstieg-zum-Star-an-der-Boerse.html

***
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of gave full support to the military modernization efforts, particularly in the upgrading & acquisition of assets of the #Philippine Air Force #PAF. He blessed a C-295 aircraft procured from Spain at the Clark Air Base. #Airbus https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/08/news/national/afp-acquires-new-aircraft/1881724

***
Dutch #Damen signs MoD with #Manizales (inland #Colombian city) Chamber of Commerce to cooperate and strengthen the local shipbuilding and naval industry. https://www.lapatria.com/economia/camara-de-comercio-firma-acuerdo-con-empresario-holandes-para-fortalecer-linea-astillera

***
Outshelling Russia:

#Russia, too, is facing #ammunition shortages, and its munitions factories are working at speed. But it has also reduced the number of shells it is firing.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/world/europe/ukraine-eu-shells-ammunition.html

***
On March 5, the Japanse army #JGSDF moved +/-150 vehicles, incl. missiles luanchers, to a base on Ishigaki Island (#Okinawa). This was met with protests by local citizens opposing the base. Riot police were deployed to guard the area. #Japan https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20230305-95283/

***
Should Biden’s new arms transfer policy apply to Israel?

The US heavily subsidizes the Israeli weapons industry, which in turn sells to governments using them to commit human rights abuses.

https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2023/03/08/should-bidens-new-arms-transfer-policy-apply-to-israel/

***
China’s defence industry will shift gear from big hardware projects to developing core technology, driven in part by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, according to analysts. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3212562/chinas-military-refocus-rd-after-decade-long-hardware-drive-analysts

More extensive information on the same issue.
Gaining Victory in Systems Warfare
China's Perspective on the U.S.-China Military Balance. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1535-1.html

***
A very strong warning in Aviation Week & Space Technology: We Are Tempting Armageddon In Ukraine. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/opinion-we-are-tempting-armageddon-ukraine

"(...) even a very limited nuclear exchange “would be a disaster beyond history.”

***

An article on the European defence industry in Foreign Affairs. Although based on the realities of the Ukraine war it is full of the facts pumped around by military industry lobby organisations for decades.

"Every [US] weapons sale to Europe weakens the European defense industrial base by depriving a European company of its core market."

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter bought by many European states, at the cost of European fighter production, isn't even mentioned in the article. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/why-european-defense-still-depends-america

***
Tastes differ, but to call the noise of military planes to an extreme nationalist lead country whereof the military leadership appeases the military regime in Rangoon is at least excentric.

Retweet @AirbusDefence: Like music in our ears - the sound of the very first engine run of an Indian #C295 . It is one out of 56 aircraft that will be delivered to @IAF_MCC. Stay tuned for the next milestone: the first test flight! About the C295 programme in #India: https://airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-09-india-formalises-acquisition-of-56-airbus-c295-aircraft

***
UK will miss out on EU’s ‘massive’ increase in arms spending for Ukraine

Only EU and Norwegian firms will be able to take advantage of joint procurement agreement, says leaked paper.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/07/uk-will-miss-out-on-eu-massive-increase-in-arms-spending-for-ukraine

***
EU defense ministers discuss 'WAR ECONOMY,' #ammo for #Ukraine.

And when will this be turned back to normal? Or is this for the coming decades, are we aware what we are creating?

https://www.dw.com/en/eu-defense-ministers-discuss-war-economy-ammo-for-ukraine/a-64916145

***
Hungary is also training Ukrainian soldiers, said Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad’ on Monday, debunking the neutral approach to Russia’s war Viktor Orban’s government has asserted so far. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/slovak-minister-says-neutral-hungary-also-trains-ukrainian-soldiers/

***
#Switzerland remains opposed to exporting arms to war-torn Ukraine, the famously neutral country's President Alain Berset said Tuesday on the sidelines of meetings at the United Nations. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/swiss-president-opposes-arms-exports-032032376.html

March 7

***
#Israel company #Elbit Systems announced it was awarded two contracts with an aggregate value of $252 million to supply artillery rocket systems to a European NATO member country. https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-two-contracts-in-an-aggregate-amount-of-252-million-to-supply-atmos-and-puls-artillery-systems-to-a-nato-member-country/ Which #European NATO member buys rockets in a Apartheid State?

The US Defense News publication suggests it is #Denmark. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/03/06/elbit-announces-howitzer-artillery-system-deals-in-europe/

***
Bulgarian arms worth billions of dollars entered Ukraine through other countries in the past two years without #Ukraine and Bulgaria even having to agree to a single direct deal, even before the war, EURACTIV #Bulgaria has found. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/investigation-bulgaria-indirectly-sent-weapons-to-ukraine/

***
Confusion surrounds intend by #UK & #KSA to cooperate on future air capabilities. #MbS said it was on FCAS (a multinational air capabilities program). The UK MoD made it vaguer. But the joint declaration seems to leave the door open for a future agreement. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/saudi-arabia-to-join-uk-led-fcas-program-after-signing-new-military-agreement/

March 6

***
The Space Development Agency has added another batch of missile-tracking #satellites to its expansive constellation, awarding #Raytheon a $250 million contract March 2 to build seven spacecraft. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/03/03/us-raytheon-missile-satellites/

***
#India’s ongoing export of weapons parts to Myanmar, as detailed by activist organisation Justice for Myanmar (https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/india-supporting-myanmar-junta-atrocities-through-supply-of-gun-barrels) in a new story published on Wednesday, may provide ways for the #Myanmar military to circumvent international sanctions.

https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/india-supplies-weapons-parts-to-myanmar-junta-undermines-sanctions

***
S. #Korea must not provide deadly weapons to #Ukraine. Even if it sells shells to the US, conditions must be attached so that they do not get exported to Ukraine. There is no justification or practical gain for Korea by offering arms assistance to Ukraine. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/02/28/opinion/columns/weapon-supplies-Ukraine-NATO/20230228203119364.html

***
#Italian PM Meloni and FA Minister Tajani traveled to UAE to consolidate bilateral relations. The trip followed a visit by MoD Crosetto on 7 February to relaunch ties on #arms exports to Saudi Arabia and #UAE introduced by the government of Giuseppe Conte. https://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2023/03/01/meloni-to-relaunch-uae-ties-in-abu-dhabi-visit_dd853e39-65be-4975-9b63-de02c9e0087a.html

***
#Germany is a major #arms seller (https://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/overview?destination=egypt&year_from=2017) to Cairo, but Luise Amtsberg, the government human rights policy & humanitarian aid commissioner cancelled a planned trip to #Egypt after she was told she wouldn't be welcome, her office confirmed. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-german-human-rights-official-not-welcome

***
"The EU is "an economic superpower. What we have to do now is create the ability to translate our economic capacity into geopolitical leverage," Dutch Minister Hoekstra said, "tighter sanctions policy [with an instrument at EU level] is the way to do it." https://www.worldecr.com/news/hoekstra-lets-build-a-sanctions-hq-in-brussels/

***
The U.S. Commerce Department and other government agencies approved about 69.9% of export license applications to Chinese entities in the 2022 budget year, according to written testimony made public ahead of a U.S. House hearing Tuesday. https://www.reuters.com/markets/us-approved-70-export-license-applications-china-2022-2023-02-27/

***
The US what is it good for?

Scientific article examines why US weapons consistently appear in conflicts around the world, despite the United States having what is commonly lauded as the ‘gold standard’ of national arms export control systems. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1758-5899.13181

***
Language on new US arms export policy may impact non-traditional defence equipment, "like surveillance, artificial intelligence, and other technologies that can be manipulated for domestic repression." https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/what-bidens-new-arms-transfer-policy-means-and-what-it-missed-on/

***
#Thales strategy is fully aligned with Vision2030 in #Saudi Arabia & Vision2040 in #UAE. Thales has already been operating in line with it for many years and is a trusted technological partner to the countries [repressive warring autocracies] in the region.https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/interview-thales-ceo-talks-air-supremacy-combat-cloud-and-middle-east-investments/

***
The US what is it good for? 33 nations called for a global treaty restricting “lethal autonomous weapons.” But US officials warn that such a ban would be both premature & overly narrow, preferring broader but non-binding “best practices” 4 the military.#AI https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/not-the-right-time-us-to-push-guidelines-not-bans-at-un-meeting-on-autonomous-weapons/

***
#Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister M. Herindra visited the #UK and #France this week to follow up on Indonesia’s military procurement plans from French arms producers #Thales and #Nexter, insisting it should include transfer of technology. https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2023/03/04/indonesia-seeks-transfer-of-technology-from-french-arms-purchase.html

***
Yemenis have filed a #lawsuit in the US against military contractors Raytheon, Lockheed and General Dynamics, accusing them of “aiding and abetting war crimes and extrajudicial killings” by supplying arms to the Saudi-led coalition’s war in #Yemen. https://independent.ng/yemenis-sue-top-us-defence-contractors-for-aiding-war-crimes/

***
The rudders and steering gears for two new 110-metre long amphibious transport vessels being built for the #Chilean Navy are the result of cooperation between #Wärtsilä and #Damen Marine Components. https://www.wartsila.com/media/news/01-03-2023-extensive-range-of-wartsila-solutions-chosen-for-two-chilean-navy-vessels-3233248

***
Pressure on #Swiss arms export policy to #Ukraine under pressure from all sides. #Dutch Ambassador Hedda Samson e.g. said that she understands the debate over neutrality BUT that Swiss authorities should explore all possibilities to support Ukraine. https://menafn.com/1105707673/Swiss-Arms-Re-Export-Ban-Puts-Europe-At-Risk-Says-French-Ambassador

***
They’re Exporting Billions in Arms. Just Not to Ukraine. Not much new, but article is clear overview of South Korean arms exports and the global and regional policies connected to them. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/05/world/asia/ukraine-south-korea-arms.html

***
War what is it good for? Haaretz reveals the past seven years, 92 cargo flights flown by #Azerbaijani Silk Way Airlines have landed at the Ovda airbase, the only airfield in #Israel through which explosives may be flown into and out of the country. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2023-03-06/ty-article-magazine/92-flights-from-israeli-base-reveal-arms-exports-to-azerbaijan/00000185-fd3d-d96e-adef-ff3dc38e0000

March 4

Retweet @keesamok: Toespraak van Dirk (Laka) Kernenergie valt ook niet onder het nieuwste EU-sanctiepakket. Zelfs geen sancties tegen Rosatom, het Russische staatsbedrijf Dirk (Laka) hield deze toespraak op 27 februari 2023 tijdens de vredesactie op het Museumplein. https://stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/onze-kernenergie-blijft-afhankelijk-van-rusland.html

March 5

***
German Federal prosecutor is examining whether Rheinmetall provided illegal aid to the naval blockade of Yemen. In four missions in 2017, Rheinmetall employees retrofitted MLG-27 naval guns of the UAE Navy in the Red Sea @welt

Retweet @hmtillack: Exklusiv: Bundesanwaltschaft prüft, ob Rheinmetall eine verbotene Beihilfe zur Seeblockade des Jemen geleistet hat. Bei vier Einsätzen 2017 hatten Rheinmetall-Mitarbeiter MLG-27-Marinegeschütze der emiratischen Marine im Roten Meer nachgerüstet @welt https://welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus244081127/Waffenhilfe-von-Rheinmetall-wird-Fall-fuer-den-Generalbundesanwalt.html

March 2

***
Ukraine doesn't appear to be diverting arms by allowing low-level officials to steal and resell weapons, Pentagon says - However it is harder to conduct end-use monitoring in Ukraine than in Afghanistan, where there were far more US officials https://defenseone.com/policy/2023/02/dod-inspector-sees-no-signs-ukraine-diverting-weapons-promises-more-scrutiny/383449/ @DefenseOne

March 1

***
When do we stop to use the worn out prefix 'self defense' to the Japanese armed forces?

The Japanese government has revealed plans to purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA2745K0X20C23A2000000/

***
#BAE Systems #Australia used the first day of the biggest Avalon Air Show (= a display of militarism https://twitter.com/AustraliaPM/status/1630456517257207808

') in history to unveil its new Strix long-range strike and ISR #drone armed to the teeth. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/bae-unwraps-strix-vtol-strike-drone-with-800km-range-at-avalon/

***
There is a complicated interdependence between the Thai state, the Tatmadaw and ethnic minority armed groups. This spider web of political and economic ties, is a key factor that has shaped Thailand's highly unusual responses to the breach of its airspace. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20578911221140798

***
Three questions on the non-sale of F-16's to Turkey, answered from a Turkish perspective, although the influence to temper tensions between Athens and Ankara - diminishing by not delivering the fighters to Ankara while Greece got a modernised version - is described here as a US interest. https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/three-questions-turkiyes-f-16-request-to-us-3661264

***
Founded by the Spanish State in 1972, before the end of the Franco dictatorship (1936-1975), to promote the exports of the national military industry, Defex was liquidated in 2017 due to paying commissions to #Cameroonian officials and civil servants to land contracts.

#Defex is also accused of having paid kickbacks to obtain contracts in #Angola and #Saudi Arabia. https://www.africaradio.com/espagne-une-entreprise-de-vente-d-armes-acquittee-du-delit-de-corruption-au-cameroun

https://www.barrons.com/news/spain-court-absolves-arms-firm-of-graft-over-cameroon-contracts-f5889d80

Old on same company in English https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2018/10/24/inenglish/1540364892_173612.html

***
On February 16, 2023, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Commerce Department announced the creation of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force with a mission to prevent nation-state “adversaries” from acquiring “disruptive” technologies. https://www.lexblog.com/2023/02/27/justice-and-commerce-departments-announce-creation-of-disruptive-technology-strike-force/

Het gevaar van structurele verhoging van militaire productie

“Bij een conflict in de Straat van Taiwan zouden de VS waarschijnlijk in minder dan een week zonder munitie zitten, zoals lange afstand precisie-geleide munitie. De oorlog in Oekraïne heeft ernstige tekortkomingen aan het licht gebracht in de militair industriële capaciteiten van de VS.” ‘

Met deze zinnen werd een rapport gelanceerd met als titel: ‘Lege bakken in een oorlogsomgeving; de uitdaging voor de militair industriële basis van de VS,’ geschreven door Seth G. Jones van de CSIS-denktank voor militaire zaken. Het rapport past in de her en der hoorbare krachtdadige taal over de noodzaak van een sterkere defensie-industrie. In heldere bewoordingen worden de eisen van het Militair Industrieel Wetenschappelijk Complex (MISC) weergegeven voor meer ondersteuning, zowel organisatorisch als qua middelen, hoewel het gigantische militaire budget van de VS al groter is dan China, de EU en big spenders Saoedi-Arabië en India samen*.

Twee grote oorlogen

Terwijl de VS al een grote oorlog op het Europese continent steunen, kijkt het land (en de NAVO) ook naar China. Dat bedreigt zowel Taiwan** als de wereldwijde economische overheersing van Washington, en kan op langere termijn de geopolitieke positie van de VS in gevaar brengen. In het CSIS-rapport wordt erop gewezen dat de huidige oorlog in Oekraïne ook wordt uitgevochten om China te laten zien dat agressie “kosten en risico’s” met zich meebrengt. In navolging van beleid uit het verleden stelt het rapport dat de VS in staat moeten zijn om ten minste één grote oorlog te voeren, beter nog twee tegelijk. Je krijgt de indruk dat het rapport geïnspireerd is door het Churchilliaanse adagium ‘Never waste a good crisis’. De crisis in Oekraïne wordt gebruikt om wapenproductie op te voeren en wapenbeheersing af te breken.

Ondanks het Amerikaanse militaire budget van honderden miljarden dollars wijst het CSIS-rapport op een tekort aan verschillende soorten projectielen, zoals 155 mm-granaten. Oekraïne gebruikt dagelijks duizenden 155 mm-granaten. Washington heeft het land al een miljoen van dit type munitie gestuurd en wil de productie met 625% verhogen, van 14.400 naar 90.000 granaten per maand. Onlangs hebben Frankrijk en Australië aangekondigd om speciaal voor Oekraïne een gemeenschappelijke productielijn voor 155 mm granaten op te zetten.

Offensieve strategie richting China

Een oorlog in de Stille Oceaan kan nog veeleisender zijn dan de oorlog in Oekraïne, door de geografische verschillen tussen Oekraïne en Taiwan. Terwijl Oekraïne een open grens deelt met West-Europa is Taiwan een eiland en moeilijk te bevoorraden. De VS zouden binnen een week zonder precisie-geleide munitie voor de lange afstand komen te zitten tijdens een militaire operatie tegen China ter ondersteuning van Taiwan. Onderdeel van de militaire inspanningen in de Stille Oceaan zijn de bijdragen van de grote industriële macht Japan, dat zijn binnenlandse defensie-industrie en wapenexportmarkt aan het versterken is. In het geval van een oorlog in de Stille Oceaan zouden de VS (en Japan) zich concentreren op een strategie om de Chinese verdediging te breken, een strategie genaamd A2/AD (anti-access/areal denial) die hen in staat zou stellen op Chinees

grondgebied te vechten. De hoge kosten voor Peking om dit te voorkomen zouden het CCP-bewind dan moeten destabiliseren. Het is een offensieve en een dure strategie, verdediging is minder veeleisend dan de inzet van offensieve militaire technologie, wapens en troepen. Met een dergelijk beleid wordt op de defensiebegroting een ongelimiteerd beslag gelegd.

Vaste langetermijncontracten voor wapens

De industrie wil garanties voor vaste overheidsinvesteringen om de bewapeningssector gezond te houden. Dat betekent langlopende vaste contracten, het aanleggen van voorraden en minder bureaucratie. Exportregimes zoals Foreign Military Sales (FMS, het Amerikaanse overheidsprogramma voor wapenexportfinanciering) en International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR, regelingen rond de internationale handel in wapens) moeten soepeler zijn (alsof de industrie iets te klagen heeft; de Amerikaanse wapenexport steeg met in 2022 met 49,1% tot bijna 205,6 miljard dollar). Volgens de militaire industrie moet de noodsituatie in oorlogstijd worden gebruikt om productie, acquisities, bevoorrading en ander beleid en procedures te stroomlijnen, met structurele veranderingen voor de komende jaren of zelfs decennia. De goed geïnformeerde waarnemer William Hartung merkte onlangs op: “het oppompen van de defensie-industriële basis in afwachting van een toekomstig conflict met China zou leiden tot een permanente uitbreiding, aangezien bijvoorbeeld lokale politici zullen pleiten om de banen in nieuwe wapenfabrieken te beschermen .” Auteur Miriam Pemberton in haar recente boek ‘Six Stops on the National Security Tour; rethinking warfare economics’ (lees hier Nederlandstalige bespreking) laat zien hoe moeilijk het is om het militair-industriële complex weer te normaliseren als het naar oorlogshoogten is opgeschroefd.

Terug naar Europa

Europa is niet de VS. Maar stijgende militaire budgetten zijn niet beperkt tot Washington alleen. Het Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) heeft onlangs een rapport gepubliceerd waarin wordt beschreven hoe de verhoogde militaire uitgaven kunnen worden gefinancierd. Het rapport geeft drie mogelijkheden: belasting, leningen of inkomsten uit de verkoop van natuurlijke hulpbronnen, uiteindelijk allemaal ten koste van civiele uitgaven. Europese militaire industrieën oefenen druk uit op de financiële sector om militaire productie op te nemen in duurzame investeringsfondsen. Europa creëert ook nieuwe productielijnen, zoals de nieuwe fabriek van German Rheinmetall in Hongarije. Herstructurering en militarisering vindt plaats op nationaal en Europees niveau. Het wapenexportbeleid, in een halve eeuw moeizaam bevochten, staat zelfs in Duitsland onder druk. In Nederland wil de wapenindustrie-lobbyorganisatie NIDV het exportaandeel van de Nederlandse wapenproductie (momenteel met 55% al extreem hoog) vergroten met een beroep op het huidige veiligheidsklimaat. Maar als we een oorlogsindustrie creëren, hoe komen we er dan vanaf als de oorlog voorbij is?

Hoe eerder de oorlog in Oekraïne eindigt, hoe beter. Diplomatieke stappen zijn een betere weg naar vrede dan het uitbreiden van de wapenindustrie. Het is te gemakkelijk om toe te geven aan de eisen van het militair-industriële complex. Zoals VN-baas Guterres zei: “Ik vrees dat de wereld niet aan het slaapwandelen is in een bredere oorlog. Ik vrees dat hij dat doet met zijn ogen wijd open. Maar de wereld heeft vrede en vrede nodig in overeenstemming met het Handvest van de Verenigde Naties en het internationale recht. We moeten op alle terreinen harder werken voor vrede.”

Noten:
* Vaak wordt Rusland aan deze vergelijking toegevoegd, maar op dit moment is het onduidelijk hoeveel het Russische militaire budget is gegroeid voor de oorlogvoering in Oekraïne. Het militaire budget van Moskou is mogelijk verdubbeld.
** Het hoofd van het US Air Mobility Command, generaal Mike Minihan, verklaarde dat hij een oorlog tussen de VS en China voorziet in 2025. Minihans woorden zongen dagenlang rond op het internet. Toen Defensie News om een uitleg bij deze voorspelling, werd het enigszins ontkracht door de staatssecretaris van Defensiebeleid, Colin Kahl.

Martin Broek 15 februari 2023

Dit is een vertaling van de Stop Wapenhandel blogpost Danger of structural increases of military production

My tweets for February 2023

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

February 28

***
Het wekelijkse @GLeemput praatje op het Museumplein, gisteravond, ‘Eén jaar oorlog’. Hier terug te vinden; https://www.stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/een-jaar-oorlog.html

***
European Defense Fund #EDF, over one billion for 60 projects: the Italian companies involved. Leonardo the most involved. But the article lists a number of Italian (or branches, like French Thales and German Rheinmetall) military tech firms. https://www.breakinglatest.news/business/european-defense-fund-over-one-billion-for-60-projects-the-italian-companies-involved/

***
Retweet with comment (The new face of 'weaponry'.) @RAND CorporationMedia: RAND President and CEO @JasonGMatheny will appear tomorrow before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He will present on two significant threats to national security: synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. https://www.rand.org/news/advisories/2023/02/27.html

***

The saddening record breaking arms exports by the United States. Top receivers: Indonesia, Taiwan, Poland, and Germany.

Strive for records on
CO2,
poverty,
road kills and
armed violence reduction
to improve security.

***
Indian #ICOMM will partner with #UAE #EDGE entity #CARACAL in the development of a full portfolio of locally manufactured small arms #SAWL for the Indian market. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2023_global_security_army_industry/idex_2023_caracal_small_arms_producer_from_uae_signs_licensing_agreement_with_icomm_from_india.html

February 27

***
Militair materiaal gemaakt in Vlaanderen duikt op in conflictgebieden wereldwijd. Zo zet het Israëlische leger in Gaza, Libanon en Syrië drones in met Vlaams militair materiaal. De Vlaamse regering knijpt liever een oogje dicht. https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/terwijl-het-bommen-regent-op-gaza-rinkelt-hier-de-kassa~baac0fe1/

***
During his visit to India, Scholz courts the largest democracy in the world, even if things are not very democratic there at times.

Now he has to convince those at home a #German restrictive arms export policy on #India must be relaxed. #Ukraine_fallout https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bitte-bitte-lasst-uns-freunde-sein-a-d6336344-533b-4416-8475-da11a89a54dd

***
Homicides in #Mexico occur with illegal US weapons, study reveals. But also European arms are around as @letysedou of @ENAAT and Charlotte Kehne made clear pointing at the use of Italian Beretta and German-made G36 rifles to commit human rights violations. https://vanguardia.com.mx/noticias/homicidios-en-mexico-ocurren-con-armas-ilegales-de-estados-unidos-revela-estudio-FH6559263

***
"My assumption would ... be that overproduction of arms caused by the war might have the effect of leading to an increase in exports by arms manufacturers in those countries to other states around the world, African ones included," said Benjamin Barton. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3211224/will-russias-focus-resupplying-troops-ukraine-open-arms-export-door-china-africa

***
Must our forward-looking independent Scotland manufacture war machines? Pat Kane asks. Is war-enabling really the best use of around 10,000 defence workers and the 1.9bn they bring to the Scottish economy? https://www.thenational.scot/politics/23346400.bae-systems-new-warship-factory-scotland-will-abomination/

Other place, same question:https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1630120061611409409

Op de krappe arbeidsmarkt wordt de vraag nog groter. Internationaal zoekt #Thales dit jaar 12,000 nieuwe mensen; in Nederland 400. Dit meldde het bedrijf met vestigingen in Hengelo, Delft, Huizen, Eindhoven, Breda en Rotterdam. https://www.businessinsider.nl/wapenfabrikant-thales-oorlog-oekraine-nieuwe-werknemers/

***
While fighting a very bloody and horrible war at home (https://caat.org.uk/homepage/stop-arming-saudi-arabia/the-war-on-yemens-civilians/) #Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan al Saud met officials including President Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise trip to Kyiv on Sunday. https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/saudi-foreign-minister-makes-surprise-kyiv-visit-russia-faces-eternal-struggle-with-west-putin/

***
Report on the #Damen Yarmook vessels of the Pakistani navy; fitted with naval equipment by #ASELSAN. The close relations between the #Netherlands and #Turkish naval industry continues (even after Thales closed its local Turkish branche). https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/yarmook-sinifi-opv-lere-bir-bakis-5386

The ships are fitted with the HARBAH NG Missile a medium range ship launched subsonic cruise missile system capable of targeting sea as well as land targets in “all weather operation” at a maximum range of 280 kilometers. The missile if fire and forget type. https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/dimdex-2022/2022/03/pakistans-new-harbah-anti-ship-missile-showcased-at-dimdex-2022/ The Damen so-called 'patrol vessles ' are the Dutch contribution to peace and stability in South Asia.

***
Montenegrin PM Dritan Abazovic paid a visit to #Dutch shipbuilder Damen. He and the company's representatives discussed the possibilities of procurement of new vessels for the Armed Forces of #Montenegro. https://www.gov.me/en/article/abazovic-pays-a-visit-to-damen-shipyards

***
French defence and technology group #Thales plans to hire 12,000 new staff this year as there is strong demand across its product range, CEO Patrice Caine said in an interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/French-defence-group-Thales-to-recruit-12-000-staff-as-orders-boom-43093087/

***
Rusland staat vrolijk wapens te verkopen in Abu Dhabi. Als symbool van de wip waarop de Emiraten c.s. balanceren was op veilige afstand van de Russen en binnen de hallen de Oekraïense wapenindustrie aanwezig. Pikant. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/27/rusland-staat-vrolijk-wapens-te-verkopen-in-abu-dhabi-a4158154

Just yards from the Russian pavilion, an American soldier shows a non-Russian spectator how to aim a Javelin at IDEX 2023. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/russians-playing-with-javelins-us-army-russia-display-weapons-yards-apart-in-the-desert/

Zoals al eerder getwitterd: ook #Damen was aanwezig. Hier in beeld.

A warship built by Albwardy Damen, a JV between Albwardy Investment, #Dubai and the Damen Shipyards Group, the Netherlands, floats calmly at #NAVDEX 2023. (Lee Ferran / Breaking Defense) https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/the-sights-of-idex-day-2-photos/

By the end of the five-day show on Friday, the Gulf state had signed more than 50 deals worth a staggering $6.3 billion, the official Emirati WAM news agency said. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40228228/uae-spends-billions-on-home-grown-arms-at-defence-fair

Lets celebrate the tension! Up to the next arms fair, #LAAD2023, the largest & most important of Latin America in Rio de Janeiro (April), with a record no. of exhibitors Like: SAAB Airbus Leonardo SK Group (Israel), Axon and Damen from the #Netherlands. https://defesanet.com.br/defesa/noticia/1047894/defesa-e-seguranca-marcas-lideres-globais-confirmam-presenca-na-laad-2023/

February 26

***
Concern grows about flow of weapons into #Ukraine. Overview of reports on the danger of #diversion. But this phrase summarizes best: " some worry about the scale of the supplies, and fear that they may fall into the wrong hands once the conflict is over." https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230224-one-year-into-russian-invasion-concern-grows-about-flow-of-weapons-into-ukraine

***
US media love the arms trade, as long as the arms dealers are from the US. With rhetoric about US weapons exports being evidence of 'real leadership' or supporting 'democracy', one might think that US weapons don’t kill and maim people at all. https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/us-media-love-arms-trade-dealers-american

***
US Navy mulls adding info warfare specialists on more submarines. #Information #warfare is a fusion of offensive and defensive electronic capabilities and cyber operations. It involves #manipulation to gain an advantage, before, during and after battles. https://www.c4isrnet.com/electronic-warfare/2023/02/23/us-navy-mulls-adding-info-warfare-specialists-on-more-submarines/

***
"When you have decades of evidence of regimes using US weapons to silence dissent and protest or when you watch the government keep selling weapons to forces who use US #bombs to strike schools & hospitals, it’s clear that piecemeal reforms aren’t enough." https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-launches-overhaul-arms-export-policy-new-human-rights-emphasis

Biden arms deal policy seeks to balance human rights and competition. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/02/23/biden-arms-deal-policy-seeks-to-balance-human-rights-and-competition/

***
"In 2020 – just one company, #Lockheed Martin, received $75 billion from the Pentagon, a sum higher than the entire budgets of the #State_Department and #Agency_for_International_Development combined." https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2023/02/22/new-bill-injects-note-of-sanity-into-pentagon-spending-debate/

***
During an unexpected visit at the #IDEX arms fair, #Serbia’s president announced Feb. 21 that the country will buy #UAE-made loitering munitions, shunning national vendors exhibiting here while showcasing their wares at the same time. #drones https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/02/22/serbia-uae-cozy-up-over-tiny-drone-bombers/

***
Dutch government has published a ‘non-paper’ (https://www.europeansanctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/non-paper-on-russia-sanctions-circumvention-2.pdf) containing proposals to strengthen sanctions enforcement by:
- information sharing; an EU point of contact; diplomatic outreach etc.
https://www.europeansanctions.com/2023/02/netherlands-proposals-for-strengthening-sanctions-enforcement/

It must be part of strengthening EU global powers.

***
Close US scrutiny of arms exports, Franco-German cooperation, and how the French procurement office is short changed are among areas considered in a report on French foreign sales of weapons by the national audit office. https://sldinfo.com/2023/02/an-update-on-french-arms-exports-february-2023/

Rapport: https://www.ccomptes.fr/system/files/2023-01/20230127-soutien-exportations-armement.pdf

***
World's biggest arms dealer, the US was also selling on reputations forged in the Ukraine war.

"You've seen people ... like, oh, that's the Javelin and then they come talk to us about it, ask us questions. So that's been good," said a US Army military.

https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/technology-science/1676982961-ukraine-war-boosts-arms-sales-at-abu-dhabi-defense-exhibition

***
#UAE is reported to be interested in procuring the #Gowind-class corvettes to be produced in #Egypt. An Emirati Navy delegation visited Alexandria drydocks in November 2022. Paris must aggree on export. #France will be responsible 4 selling UAE them!

https://www.tacticalreport.com/news/article/61486-uae-interest-in-egyptian-gowind-corvettes

***
Statement Dan Smith #SIPRI Director: Suspending the New #START treaty benefits nobody. ‘Although President Putin has not withdrawn Russia from the treaty, he has created uncertainty. This...could also be dangerous in today’s atmosphere of heated animosity. https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2023/statement-dan-smith-sipri-director-suspending-new-start-treaty-benefits-nobody

***
Russia is in talks with Chinese Xian Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology about buying 100 ZT-180 drones, with a delivery date of April, German magazine Der Spiegel reported, without citing specific sources. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/chinese-company-discusses-selling-drones-to-russia-reports-der-spiegel

Western nations have picked up on intelligence that Beijing might end its previous self-imposed restraint on weapons supplies to Russia, according to U.S. and European officials, although it appears that China hasn’t yet made a final decision. https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-considers-release-of-intelligence-on-chinas-potential-arms-transfer-to-russia-8e353933

Februari 22

***
Potential F-35, Reaper deal with UAE not completely dead, senior US official says

“We have a continuing and robust dialogue with the [United Arab Emirates] on these sales," State Department official Stanley Brown told. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/potential-f-35-reaper-deal-with-uae-not-completely-dead-senior-us-official-says/

***
#Serbia is about to give up Soviet fighters. Servicing the #MiG29 had become impossible. The war in Ukraine practically prevents almost anything military from being bought from Russia. French #Dassault Rafale fighters are consideren the best option now. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/02/21/serbia-abandons-mig-29s-moves-to-the-french-dassault-rafale/

***
European components for US fighters. German manufacturer #Rheinmetall said Friday it had reached an agreement with US arms company #Lockheed Martin to supply components for the #F35 fighter jet, which Germany has chosen to replace its aging Tornado fleet. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/02/20/rheinmetall-parts-f-35/

***
INTERNATIONAL MOBILISATION AGAINST THE TRANSIT OF WEAPONS IN PORTS STARTS FROM GENOA The 'Calp' calls for the first international day of mobilisation against the transit of weapons to war zones from civilian ports. https://www.pressenza.com/it/2023/01/dockers-calling-per-una-grande-manifestazione-nazionale-a-genova-il-25-febbraio-contro-la-guerra-e-linvio-di-armi/

***
Plaatsen van nieuwe verbeterde 127mm kanonnen op de LC-#fregatten kost meer werk dan verwacht. https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2023/01/nieuw-kanon-voor-luchtverdedigings--en-commandofregatten Ja en dan lopen de kosten op: https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/publicaties/2022/09/20/defensie-projectenoverzicht-2022/DPO+Rapportage+2022.pdf (p. 56)

Ach geen probleem; de honderden miljoen stromen binnen bij Defensie en ze moeten uitgegeven worden.
Februari 21

***
#UAE conglomerate #EDGE has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in #Milrem https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/emirati-conglomerate-edge-grabs-majority-stake-in-estonian-robotics-firm/, an #Estonian firm specializing in robotics and autonomous systems and often part of EU sponsored projects #EDF, even recently https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2023/02/03/new-eda-project-seeks-to-enhance-combat-unmanned-ground-systems-technology

***
Estonia urges NATO allies to increase defense spending closer to 2.5% of GDP. The increase from the current NATO target of 2% is expected to be approved by alliance members at Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July 2023.https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/estonia-urges-nato-allies-to-increase-defense-spending-closer-to-2-5-percent/

Voor NL is dat zo'n €4 miljard meer.

***
Retweet @JacobinNL: Vrijdag 24 februari, een jaar na het begin van de oorlog, staat Stop de Oorlog Amsterdam weer voor het Russisch Handelsagentschap op het Museumplein, met dichters, sprekers en muziek. Wij spraken Wendela de Vries, een van de initiatiefnemers. https://jacobin.nl/stop-de-oorlog-oekraine-westen-rusland/

***
French President Macron: "I do not think that Russia should be defeated completely, or attacked on its soil. These observers want above all to crush #Russia. This has never been the position of #France and it never will be." https://worldcrunch.com/focus/macron-interview-ukraine #Ukraine

***
Czech president-elect Petr Pavel: “The capacity to raise arms production in Europe is there-it just needs to be activated, so that Europe fulfills its commitment to Ukraine and raises its own defense capacity.” https://english.radio.cz/czech-president-elect-warns-undesirable-scenarios-resulting-russias-defeat-8775572

***
There is no reason why #Finland cannot sell ammunition and heavy armament to Turkey, Defence Minister Mikko #Savola said in an interview with Uusi Suomi on Sunday. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/finland-can-sell-heavy-armament-to-turkey-says-defence-minister/

Maybe because it deploys its troops inside the borders of an other country.

Februari 20

***
The head of #Airbus Defence said the company expand production of its #Eurofighter aircraft & other key weapons systems. They are being held back because governments aren’t committing to orders. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/airbus-says-it-lacks-orders-boost-output-eurofighter-jets No. They buy #Lockheed #F35s instead of European fighters.

***
The criticisms on ethical investment by the European arms industry is spreading like mice in a cornfield.
Ethical investing is crushing Britain’s defence industry, ministers told.

'Skin-deep' arguments are hampering advancements in military technologies.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/02/19/ethical-investing-crushing-britains-defence-industry-ministers/

February 18

***
Column on how unconventional minds behind US tech are shaking the military acquisition system. Not about Elon Musk, but Palmer Luckey who in 2017 co-founded Anduril and Alex Karp of Palantir. https://www.economist.com/business/2023/02/16/ai-wielding-tech-firms-are-giving-a-new-shape-to-modern-warfare

AI-wielding tech firms are giving a new shape to modern warfare

***
As theIDEX arms fair and its naval version NAVDEX kick off next week, trade visitors and officials are expecting the largest-ever edition of the show in the UAE, with more countries and companies than ever hawking their defense materiel. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/what-to-expect-from-the-uaes-idex-2023-exhibition-the-largest-yet/

Which company, research institute or military unit is present from your country or region at the arms bazaar in the repressive authoritarian emirate?

From the Netherlands (besides the international companies (Thales, Airbus) it are:
Aiir Innovations

Damen (at https://navdex.ae/exhibit/exhibitor-list/)
Intespring B.V.
Magnum (Int. Brands Group)
Nine Kafon
Ten Kate
TNO Defence
https://idexuae.ae/exhibit/exhibitor-list/

***
#Killerrobots die het strijdgebied overnemen, het zal volgens Chief Data Officer Zwiers niet gebeuren. "(...) menselijke controle blijft noodzakelijk.” Maar "achter de schermen [worden] weldegelijk verschillende what if-scenario’s uitgewerkt." https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2023/06/02_artificial-intelligence_06 #AI

***
Congressional Research Report, 16/2/23 #CRS on a possible US F-16 sale to #Turkey. Includes Turkey’s role regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO membership applications, regional rivalry with Greece, and Turkish domestic matters. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12111

***
#China is helping #Myanmar's #military to strengthen its control over the country by providing military aircraft (known as Mountain Eagles), and this clearly shows that Beijing doesn't value human rights when it comes to furthering its own interests. https://theprint.in/world/china-helps-military-junta-with-fighter-aircraft-to-strengthen-its-control-over-myanmar-population-report/1380662/

***
De SP in de Eerste Kamer noemt het schokkend dat er steeds meer informatie van Defensie naar boven komt, waaruit blijkt dat #Herwijnen koste wat kost de omstreden radartoren moet krijgen. "Dit rammelt aan alle kanten (...)" en "mág je niet laten passeren." https://www.ad.nl/west-betuwe/sp-in-eerste-kamer-defensie-paste-formules-aan-om-herwijnen-als-uitkomst-te-krijgen-voor-radartoren~a228f34d/

***
Retweet @SAMonitorOrg: Two members of the House Foreign Affairs committee are calling for the withdrawal of a ~$1B arms sale to Nigeria following a report that Nigeria's military attempted to crush Boko Haram through a mass abortion program and the targeted killing of children. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-congress-members-seek-halt-1-billion-nigeria-weapons-deal-2023-02-16/
Letter: https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000186-55ca-de7f-a9ee-75def0ef0000

***
The #UK's MoD has awarded #Babcock Int. Group a 6-year contract to manage and operate Skynet, the MoD's military #satellite communications system, on February 15. The contract is called Skynet Service Delivery Wrap #SDW), it is valued at £400m ($486.6m). https://www.gov.uk/government/news/400-million-contract-to-operate-military-satellite-communications-system-supports-400-uk-jobs

***
Are #fighter #jets really the key factor in the #Ukraine war? The head of the #Airbus defense division, Michael Schöllhorn, doubts it. https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/ukraine-krieg-kampfflugzeuge-airbus-eurofighter-1.5753477

***
Overdenking die je te weinig hoort: Een sterkere Europese defensie-industrie kan ook geopolitieke ­gevolgen hebben, zegt @Diederik_Cops. Meer investeringen gaan vaak gepaard met meer export. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230217_95377995

February 17

***
The bad boys join together. The #Israeli defence giant #Rafael announced today it has opened a new office in the United Arab Emirates #UAE, in what the company called a “historic occasion.” https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/israeli-defense-firm-rafael-opens-first-office-in-united-arab-emirates/

***
Soaring energy costs could push 141 million into extreme poverty.

Dutch, UK, Chinese & US researchers modeled the impacts of increased energy prices in 116 countries and found household spending increased up to 4.8%. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/17/energy/energy-costs-ukraine-war-millions-poverty-report-intl-hnk/index.html

Report: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-023-01209-8Researchers

***
Core tech is #China’s Achilles’ heel, despite having the world’s strongest industrial manufacturing capability. The country’s #semiconductor foundries continue to depend on imports, making them easy prey for #Washington in its strategy of tech containment. https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3210333/china-semiconductor-trade-group-warns-us-pact-japan-netherlands-tighten-chip-export-controls

***
Afterwards Dutch #Damen will be glad it lost this deal.

#France took a financial #hit of €409m as a result of its 2015 cancellation of the sale of 2 helicopter carriers to Russia, the national audit office said in a Jan '23 report on French arms exports. https://sldinfo.com/2023/02/the-french-mistral-the-case-of-the-russian-sale-and-its-aftermath/

***
#ENAAT News from the Brussels' Bubble

► EU Agenda
► EU funding for the arms industry
► Other aspects of EU militarisation
► EU Peace Facility & related news
► EU Special Summit adopts tough stand on migration
► Interesting links

And more ...

https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2023-01-ENAAT-Newsletter_15.02.23.pdf

***
Arm Europa.

Nederland heeft bij twee landen een offerte ingediend voor de aankoop van twintig raketartilleriesystemen. De VS brachten donderdag naar buiten akkoord te zijn met een mogelijke verkoop, ter waarde van 670 miljoen dollar (627 miljoen euro). https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/16/vs-akkoord-met-mogelijke-verkoop-himars-raketsystemen-aan-nederland-a4157380

***
#China on Thursday added two major US defense contractors #Lockheed Martin Corp and #Raytheon Missiles & Defense to its unreliable entities list and imposed several #sanctions, including a ban on trade activities related to China and huge fines, against the firms for participating in arms sales to the island of Taiwan. This likely marks the first time that specific companies have been added to the country's unreliable entities list, which has been in the making for about three years... https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202302/1285618.shtml

Republicans push Biden to seek more Taiwan military aid in next budget. We must be willing to accept the tension that comes with supporting Taiwan amidst China’s threats and aggression, and we must match words with actions,” Risch wrote (R-Idaho). https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/02/16/republicans-push-biden-to-seek-more-taiwan-military-aid-in-next-budget/

***
Reactie @BNRdewereld: Werken de sancties tegen Rusland wel? En hoe kunnen ze worden verbeterd? @ajboekestijn en @robdewijk spreken advocaat en sanctie-specialist @HeleenLinden. Vragen stellen kan hier! https://bnr.nl/podcast/boekestijn-en-de-wijk

Noorse inlichtingendienst (Etterretningstjenestens) denkt van wel. "Vervanging verloren gegaan materieel wordt vertraagd door sancties" (Erstatning av tapt materiell bremses av vestlige sanksjoner) p. 23 en 27. https://www.etterretningstjenesten.no/publikasjoner/fokus/fokus-norsk/Fokus2023%20-%20NO%20-%20Weboppslag.pdf

February 16

***
More, more, more, ever more.

Instead of 2% as a #budget ceiling, #Nato secretary general Stoltenberg says it should be the minimum to cover spending for ammo, air defense, training and other capabilities.

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/nato-likely-approve-new-military-spending-goals

At the expense of which government expenditures?

***
US considers sending to #Ukraine seized weapons originally bound for Houthi rebels in #Yemen. It involves "more than 5,000 assault rifles, 1.6m rounds of small arms ammo, a small no. of antitank missiles, and more than 7,000 proximity fuses." https://www.wsj.com/articles/seized-weapons-bound-for-yemen-may-go-to-ukraine-2516b45d

***
#Bharat traded 11% higher aftered it has entered into 10 MoU's with several companies during the Aero India - 2023. E.g. an MoU was signed with #EDGE Group entity #AL_TARIQ from the #UAE to jointly produce long-range precision guided munition in #India. https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/bharat-dynamics-surges-11-on-new-launches-enters-into-10-mous-123021600494_1.html

***
#Airbus the Leiden, Netherlands-headquartered aeronautics & space company said in 2022, revenue rose 13% to €58.76bn.

Military related revenue jumped 25% to €11.49 billion. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-02-airbus-reports-full-year-fy-2022-results

***
5 questions about arms transfers to Ukraine.

Here is one: If it is determined that rigour in risk assessments has been compromised to provide speedy aid to Ukraine, the question then becomes: At what point do states parties return to full compliance? https://www.ploughshares.ca/reports/five-urgent-questions-about-arms-transfers-to-ukraine

***
#Thales and #Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Government of India enterprise, will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding for setting up manufacturing facilities in India for precision-strike 70mm laser guided rockets. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/THALES-AND-BHARAT-DYNAMICS-LIMITED-TO-JOIN-HANDS-FOR-MAKE-IN-INDIA-70MM-LASER-GUIDED-ROCKET-SOLUTI-42996265/

***
To make the world a safer place ​South Korea to invest $1.16 billion in defense industry by 2027 to boost exports.
The MoD selcted 16 techn fields such as space, AI & robotics that are eligible for investment for high-risks, high-return research and development. They agreed to step up private-military cooperation in developing defense technologies and promote their commercialization.
The country's arms exports hit the largest amount of $17.3 billion last year, roughly five times higher than the average defense exports for the past five years. The Minister for Trade wants to transform the country into one of the global top 4 military powerhouses. https://www.ajudaily.com/view/20230216151837407

***
Czech FA Minister Jan Lipavsky “We need to be looking for new and creative ways of how to make our #sanctions stronger… how to decrease (#Russia’s) ability to produce #weapons, rockets used for shelling Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.” https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2023/02/16/more-eu-sanctions-should-hit-russian-arms-production-says-czech-foreign-minister/

***
Moeten we op een nieuwe Eisenhower wachten? Het gevaar van structurele verhoging van militaire productie. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2023/02/het-gevaar-van-structurele-verhoging.html

***
In de Oekraïne-oorlog staat het terugwinnen van al het territorium centraal. Die missie zal onvermijdelijk leiden tot een langjarige, bloedige strijd, denkt hoogleraar Jolle Demmers. De-escalatie is de enige uitweg uit de hel. https://fd.nl/opinie/2000595/1467512/met-alles-of-niets-is-vrede-in-oekraine-onhaalbaar

***

Dark but good read.

The Ukrainian war will likely last at least a few years — or even become interminable ... and could cause economic ruin in Russia. All this while the possibility of nuclear escalation remains. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/13/when-will-the-war-in-ukraine-end-experts-offer-their-predictions/

***
With an eye on Ukraine’s needs to defend itself from the ongoing Russian offensive, #NATO plans to implement new #munition stockpile guidelines while working with member nations’ defense industries to BOOST ITS OWN arsenals WHILE continuing to fill Kyiv’s. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/13/eyes-on-ukraine-nato-preps-new-ammo-guidelines-to-boost-production/

***
For what it is worth:

Following rising acrimony over Iran’s drone exports to Russia, Iranian and Ukrainian officials have in recent months gathered in Oman. Speaking on condition of anonymity, Iranian and regional sources have confirmed. https://amwaj.media/article/inside-story-the-emerging-iran-ukraine-dialogue-in-oman

February 14

***
Er ontstaan steeds grotere achterstanden bij de overheidsmaandrapportages over Nederlandse wapendoorvoer, en omtrent vergunningen voor dual-use leveringen en militaire exporten. Slechte zaak! https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/rapportages-dual-use-en-militaire-goederen

#Transparency #wapenexport #Nedelrand @JaspervanDijkSP

***
A haul of missiles allegedly destined for Houthi rebels has been linked to Iran by a failure to wipe data from hard drive. Officials believe some parts in the missiles are genuine and have been procured from US, French, German, Dutch and Czech businesses. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/iran-ap-yemen-united-nations-personnel-b2281536.html

***
As the UK is taking a relook at its #ammunition reserves in light of the war between Ukraine and Russia, UK Minister is betting on involving #Indian companies into the weapons supply chain and creating capabilities that can manage current and future needs. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/uk-takes-a-relook-at-ammunition-reserves-min-bets-big-on-india/articleshow/97888079.cms

***
South Korea seeks to carry out an array of tasks to bolster arms exports, including reinforcing private-military technology cooperation and nurturing skilled workers in the defense industry, officials said Tuesday. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230214007400325

***
#Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday set out ambitions to more than triple annual defence #exports to US$5 billion over the next two years, as arms firms flocked to a major air show for a slice of the nation's massive import budget. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-aims-to-triple-defence-exports-to-67b-sell-fighter-jets-choppers

***
A key official at the Indian MoD points to the #TataGroup's entry into military aircraft manufacturing. "The Tatas had never made aircraft, but they have tied up with #Airbus and are now making #C295 transport planes here in #India. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20230220-adani-controversy-the-political-blowback-2332996-2023-02-10

***
Russia and Egypt have initialed arms contracts worth $3.5 billion, head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Alexander Fomin said Wednesday. https://www.defensemirror.com/news/11124/Russia__Egypt_Close_To_Signing__3_5_Billion_Arms_Contracts

***
#Greenpeace said on Monday it will appeal a #Spanish Supreme Court decision blocking public access, on national security grounds, to #information on government export licenses for vehicle-mounted weapons systems sold to #Saudi Arabia. https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/02/2023/greenpeace-to-appeal-spain-saudi-arms-deal-confidentiality

***
1/2 UK defense industry officials are discussing with their Ukrainian counterparts plans for the production of British weapons in Ukraine, which would mark the deepening of Kiev’s ties with both London and NATO, British newspaper reported on Sunday. https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/stop-arming-ukraine-calls-manifesto-for-peace-quarter-of-a-million-sign-petition/

2/2 German Rheinmetall proposes to deliver Panther-type main battle tanks within 15 to 18 months – and later even to manufacture dozens of them directly in Ukraine. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article243688183/Panther-Rheinmetall-will-modernsten-Kampfpanzer-in-der-Ukraine-bauen.html

***
A quarter of a million people have signed an online petition urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to stop increasing the flow of weapons to Ukraine and to push for a peaceful resolution of the conflict instead. https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/stop-arming-ukraine-calls-manifesto-for-peace-quarter-of-a-million-sign-petition/

***
New modification of the #Russian Orlan unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV. The drone was recently shot down by the Ukrainian military, uses the most modern ICs ( integrated circuit) of the US company #AMD_Xilinx. It is a dual-use product & subject to #sanctions. https://ukranews.com/en/news/914600-despite-sanctions-new-russian-drones-use-modern-american-microchips-says-volodymyr-yatsenko

February 13

***
Ammunition and armaments exports via the port of #Hamburg in the third quarter 2022 https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/054/2005479.pdf The information is a response on questions by Die Linke (https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/052/2005222.pdf).

The MP's also asked for planned destination countries. This is not answered.

***
The 8-year-old asymmetric war by Saudi Arabia and allies against Iran-backed Houthi's in #Yemen cannot be won despite Riyadh's military superiority resulting from massive #western arms sales. This humanitarian crisis can only end with a political solution. https://www.pressenza.com/2023/02/why-saudi-arabia-cannot-win-the-yemen-war-despite-its-military-superiority/

***
Austria does not want to train Ukrainian soldiers on the Leopard 2 main battle tanks. This was confirmed by the country’s Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner in a written statement to the Austrian public broadcaster Ö1, Kurier reports. https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/02/13/austria-doesnt-want-to-train-ukrainian-soldiers-on-leopard-2s-kurier/

***
Morgen staking bij #Fokker, producent van wapentechnologie. https://www.bndestem.nl/woensdrecht/fokker-elmo-gaat-dinsdag-24-uur-plat-personeel-staakt-voor-gelijke-verhuisbonus-mensen-zijn-erg-boos~a24ad253/

***
Swedish #Saab will increase production of the company’s Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon #NLAW system to reach an annual output of 400,000 units. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/saab-plans-huge-ramp-up-in-nlaw-production-to-reach-400000-units-a-year/

Get the feeling I understand what 'Krigen i Ukraina gull verdt for våpenindustrien' means.

***
1989 was the moment to have dissolved Nato & create a new European security model. Instead Nato shifted from being a European defence alliance into a global policeman and a ineffective one at that. Nato's bombing Libya in 2011 created another failed state. https://www.thenational.scot/politics/23316401.zelenskyys-uk-visit-led-rhetoric-ramped-sides/

***
Hindu nationalist PM Modi inaugurated #AeroIndia2023 at Bengaluru on Monday. Major exhibitors include #Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, #Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, #SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce and the major Indian military companies. https://theprint.in/world/union-defence-secy-meets-delegations-of-oman-us-saudi-arabia-defence-ties-discussed/1368787/

A key event during the show will be a conclave to be attended by defence ministers of 32 countries (not specified), air chiefs of 29 countries and 73 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aero-show-starts-today-focus-on-joint-development-and-exports-says-govt-8441065/

Website AeroIndia: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/

***
The Straits Times: the UK government wants to work more closely with the EU on joint defence exports, to deter non-European countries from agreeing contracts with Russia and China. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/rishi-sunak-is-privately-drafting-plans-to-rebuild-britain-s-ties-with-the-eu That is using the current situation to expand the market for arms exports.

***
Britain offered $2.7bn in arms to Ukraine and $6m in disaster relief for 23 million people in Turkey and Syria? Is this for real? Apparently yes. https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/turkey-syria-earthquake-europe-heartless-face-billions-war

Voor een Nederlandse benadering: https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/duitsland-en-belgie-vangen-dakloos-geraakte-aardbevingsslachtoffers-op-nederland-heeft-daar-niet-veel-zin-in

***
Head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation told that India, China and some Southeast Asian countries have continued to have interest in buying Russian arms. https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-supplied-india-with-arms-worth-13-billion-in-last-5-years-russian-agencies-561311

But is it all true? Bragging on arms exports is common in Moscow.

***
Will it make East Asia a safer place?

South Korea's dilemma over sending arms to Ukraine. In face of myriad diplomatic challenges, NK threat, S. Korea in difficult position to offer lethal aid, experts in Seoul say. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230213000588

February 11

***
The CAAT UK arms exports browser has been updated to include data up to September 2022: https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/overview

***
Shout on every corner: Come to your senses! Stop! Everything else is a stupid and very dangerous illusion. Declare a cease-fire. Stop killing people! https://www.thenation.com/article/world/the-anti-war-russian-leader-grigory-yavlinsky-calls-for-a-cease-fire/

***
German MBDA will develop military tech with one of the major arms companies of #Apartheid state Israel. #IAI and #MBDA will collaborate on electronic warfare and be based on the ground-breaking “Scorpius” system produced by IAI.https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-731183

***
The Biden’s administration "tips the balance of importance away from both economic policy and diplomacy toward the exercise of military power, something the administration explicitly sought not to do." https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/biden-foreign-policy-mess

***
Volgens Bloomberg is Berlijn van plan om de miljarden euro's die voorzien waren om de gevolgen van de uitstap uit de koolindustrie te verzachten, te gebruiken om de wapenindustrie financieel te ondersteunen als ze nieuwe productiehallen wil bouwen. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230208_98323381

#Germany is considering re-routing existing subsidies for eliminating #coal-fired power plants to help the military industry build new production facilities, according to people familiar with the matter. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-03/germany-studies-tapping-coal-exit-funds-for-defense-projects #Climate #War

***
According to the preliminary agreement signed between Iran’s Al-Quds Aviation Industry Company and the economic management authority of Yerabuga City, the will produce at least 6,000 drones for the Ukrainian war but did not specify when it will start. https://www.defenceview.in/feared-by-israel-iran-will-build-a-factory-in-russia-to-produce-armed-drones/

Februari 10

***
Van 8 tot 10 maart wordt in Cartagena de civiel militaire beurs #Colombiamar 2023 gehouden. De beursricht zich op de marine, nautische industrie in #Colombia. Het Nederlandse NMT organiseert er samen met Holland House Colombia een collectieve MKB Lounge. https://maritimetechnology.nl/events/colombiamar-2023/

***
Civiele nautische opleiding van het Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz #MIWB op Texel gaat nauw samenwerken met het militaire opleiding aan het Koninklijk Instituut voor de Marine #KIM. https://maritimetechnology.nl/miwb-en-koninklijk-instituut-voor-de-marine-tekenen-convenant-en-gaan-langer-met-elkaar-in-zee/

Februari 9

***
More than welcome report by @ArmsControlNow with the aim to better inform policymakers, journalists, educators, and members of the public about the race to weaponize emerging technologies (like #AI) and the dangers inherent in doing so. https://armscontrol.org/reports/2023/assessing-dangers-emerging-military-technologies-nuclear-instability by @mklare1

Also in military press: Regulate military use of emerging tech before ‘Armageddon’. The report warns that without adopting such measures, this tech will be used in military systems at an ever-increasing tempo, and the dangers to world security will grow. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/regulate-military-use-of-emerging-tech-before-armageddon-new-report-urges/

***
According to the available data, 2,150 #Palestinian civilians were killed between 7/7/14-31/12/21.

1,840 Were killed by air-launched explosives, 258 by live ammunition, 28 by surface-launched explosives & 24 by other means.

The story behind the numbers. https://www.hi.org/sn_uploads/document/Impact_EWIPA_Palestine_FS_EN-07022023.pdf

***
Wapenhandel Oekraïne en Rusland zoeken allebei wapentuig van Sovjetmakelij. Wie dat vindt, kan grote winsten maken. De Nederlandse tussenhandelaar #ARLE was bij zo’n deal betrokken, door @LudoHekman en @LennartHofman https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/08/tussenhandelaren-verdienen-goud-geld-aan-wapenleveranties-aan-oekraine-a4156552

@JaspervanDijkSP stelt kamervragen.

February 8

***
The German federal government has approved several major arms exports: to Niger, India and Cyprus. This emerges from a letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to MPs. https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/bundesregierung-genehmigt-rustungsexporte-li.315213

***
The world is reeling under the economic and political impact of the war in Ukraine. Why does America want to escalate it and dangerously and is it prepared to cross red lines, asks retired Brigadier Tariq Khalil in the Pakistan Observer. https://pakobserver.net/pak-russia-relationship-geostrategic-necessity-by-brig-tariq-khalil-r/

***
Together with Denmark and Germany, the Netherlands is supplying at least 100 Leopard-1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine. The countries also supply spare parts and ammo. Dutch MoD also wants to contribute to education & training.

Government letter [in Dutch]: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/02/07/nederland-koopt-leopard-1-tanks-voor-oekraine

Surprising lack of clarity in Leopard delivery; It is still open who will deliver how many tanks to Ukraine. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus243653505/Ukraine-Die-erstaunlichen-Unklarheiten-bei-der-Leopard-Lieferung.html The Danish, German, Dutch shipment not included.

***
#OCCAR and #Eurosam will produce the medium range air defence systems (SAMP/T NG) for France and Italy. https://www.edrmagazine.eu/occar-signs-contract-to-launch-a-global-production-of-samp-t-ng-systems The news comes shortly after Ukraine sent troops to train on the use of the air defence missiels (comparable to Patriot). https://mil.in.ua/en/news/future-samp-t-operators-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-left-for-training/

***

The U.S. State Department has approved Poland to buy advanced rockets and rocket launchers worth $10 billion, marking the latest such order from Eastern European allies in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/02/07/us-clears-poland-to-buy-himars-and-ammo-worth-10-billion/

***
The anti-muslim Government in #India cooperates with Apartheid #Israel on military acquisitions already for decades: Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI furthers commitment to India’s defense sector

IAI has built close partnerships for the past 30 years. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-730812

***
The European Defence Agency #EDA has launched its largest research & tech project to develop highly autonomous combat UGVs.

The Combat Unmanned Ground Systems #CUGS has a budget of €35.5m and brings together nine member states & 28 industry partners.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/european-defence-agency-ploughs-millions-into-autonomy-for-combat-ugvs/

February 7

***
The #European Council has approved a signature-ready agreement with the US DoD to facilitate military cooperation. The draft between EDA and the Pentagon comes after years of both sides circling the subject of allowing the US MIC into EU military projects. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/06/pentagon-eu-ready-pact-to-spur-defense-cooperation-with-exceptions/

***
Ammo supply chain crisis: Ukraine war tests Europe in race to re-arm. Germany’s Rheinmetall e.g. announced last month it would build a new explosives factory in Hungary in a joint venture with the government to address the shortage. https://www.ft.com/content/ea5b48b1-61e6-4c91-8778-4cc2edaff0ca

***
Officials frustrated access to documents about explosive arms deals. Reported is the delicate decision that Merkel's government had made: #ThyssenKrupp's was given a nod to sell 3 frigates with a cost of about € 1.5bn to #Egypt's authoritarian government. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus243564663/Fehlende-Transparenz-Beamte-im-Wirtschaftsministerium-bremsten-Staatssekretaer-aus.html

***
The continuation of Korea's growing arms export footprint in Europe. In particular, Romanian ROMARM said it is interested in introducing Korean-made weapons systems. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230207000528

Ukraine War Drives Rapid Growth in South Korea’s Arms Exports. The country has been supplying the U.S. and its allies and is coming under pressure to aid Kyiv directly. https://www.kedglobal.com/war-in-ukraine/newsView/ked202302080001

***
Upgrade of #Greek MEKO-frigates (cost € 500m), will according to sources go to the #German JV TKMS-#Thales #Netherlands. To strenthen its position the consortium of Thales-NL and #TKMS has invited Greek companies to a Industry Day in Athens. https://www.imerisia.gr/politiki/64697_exoplistika-proeklogiko-pagoma-alla-megali-kinitikotita-ellinikon-etaireion

***
Complaints in the #German dual use/military industry on the lack of orders in a highly specialized market. #Vincorion https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/plus243572323/Bundeswehr-Ausstattung-Auf-die-Zeitenwende-wartet-die-Ruestungsindustrie-bis-heute.html

***
Seeking to bring #Ukrainian forces into line, Zelenskyy in January signed into force a law that introduces harsher punishment (up to 10 years prison) for deserters and wayward soldiers & strips them of their right to appeal. The law is strongly protested. https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-war-military-law/

***
Oorlog in Oekraïne: dekmantel voor totale militarisering EU. https://stopwapenhandel.org/oorlog-in-oekraine-dekmantel-voor-totale-militarisering-eu/

***

In front of the main gate of a Japanese military camp near #Tokyo, Camp Tachikawa, 5 citizens groups active in the suburban Tokyo cities of Tachikawa, Kunitachi and other areas staged a #protest against flying the unsafe V-22 #Osprey. #Japan https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230202/p2a/00m/0na/009000c

***
#Expelo, a global engineering, technology and consulting service provider will focus on supporting #Apartheid. It will from its Israeli office help #Israel’s booming aerospace and #defence market with its leading engineering services and solutions. https://expleo.com/global/en/insights/news/new-israel-office-engineering-services-aerospace-defence/

***
The world is not fully behind how the Russian invasion is tackled by the West, but even inside NATO not all look in the same direction.

"US warns Turkey on exports seen to boost Russia's war effort." https://www.reuters.com/world/us-warned-turkey-exports-seen-boost-russias-war-effort-official-says-2023-02-04/

***
Get rid of controls? US DoD is facing new congressional demands to justify its expanding use of streamlined acquisition authorities that are meant to rapidly put capabilities into the field, in part by bypassing some traditional checks and balances. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/oversight-or-overkill-dod-faces-new-congressional-order-to-detail-mid-tier-acquisitions/

***
The good news: “Not in our name”: Students launch campaign against University of Glasgow’s fossil fuel and arms investments.
https://glasgowguardian.co.uk/2023/02/06/not-in-our-name-students-launch-campaign-against-uofgs-fossil-fuel-and-arms-investments/

***
The Ukrainian war has devastating effect not only on Ukraine but for people all over the world. Global hunger e.g. has started to rise again.

At the same time "the Ukraine war is fuelling massive profits for energy firms and #arms dealers." https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-war-is-fuelling-energy-and-arms-trade-worldwide-gcg6lpqpg

***
Vadym Skibitskyi, the spokesman for an Ukrainian Intelligence organisation noted that international sanctions are currently one of the enemy's key problems because the ban on the supply of military and dual-use goods in 2022 has come into effect.
Also, everything related to high-tech weaponry is under sanctions.

At the same time, the Russians are learning to circumvent restrictions, so the question of blocking these channels arises, Skibitskyi said. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3666276-ukraine-intelligence-aware-of-situation-of-russias-defense-industry.html

February 6

Retweet @CTWnl: “The US defence industry is seizing the moment of the Ukraine crisis to push for a lot of things they’ve wanted for years,” according to @williamhartung https://ig.ft.com/us-defence-industry/

***
Paris dumps Morocco in favour of Algeria.

#Russia has for years been #Algeria's prime supplier of weapons (although full of French tech, MB) , so it was striking that General Chengriha discussed arms sales with #French firms during his trip to #France. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/02/02/france-dumps-morocco-in-favour-of-algeria

***
The Government of #Kuwait has requested to buy five hundred seventeen (517) total Heavy Tactical Vehicles consisting of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET). The estimated total case value is $445 million. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02380/arms-sales-notification

***
Timely (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11714125/How-200m-F-22-Raptor-shot-Chinese-spy-balloon-400k-Sidewinder-missile.html): #Philippines—AIM-9X #Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles. #US Arms Sales Notification https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02382/arms-sales-notification

The Government of the #Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12) AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2) ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles. The estimated total cost is $120 million. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02376/arms-sales-notification

***
New kid on the military export block.

#Japan’s New Defense Direction and Its Indo-Pacific Policy among more through the relaxation of restraints upon Japan’s arms exports and new security assistance budgets beyond the existing foreign aid protocols. #China

https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/japans-new-defense-direction-and-its-indo-pacific-policy/

February 4

***
According to data by the Indian Ministry of Defence #Israel was ahead of Russia in the year 2013–2014 and 2015–2016, in terms of signing defence contracts with #India. https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/military-cooperation-remains-the-hallmark-of-nbspindia-israel-relations/2971005/

***
Flemish (region of Belgium) military sector turbocharged by war in Ukraine.

Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon said that Flanders is actively looking to invest in the military sector, especially in companies specialising in new technologies. https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/362540/flemish-military-sector-turbocharged-by-war-in-ukraine

***
Qatari navy’s new amphibious ship #LPD, the flight deck is sized for hosting #NH90 helicopter. In March 2018, Qatar signed a $3.7bn to buy 28 NH90 helicopters with #Leonardo as major contractor. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/qatari-navys-new-amphibious-ship-to-help-fulfil-nations-unique-needs/

Explains part of Dutch NH90 component sales to #Qatar.

***
Security for some, not for all. #India almost 200 million people below poverty line, but Dehli is to boost defence spending 13%, with billions for new weapons. https://www.defensenews.com/global/2023/02/02/india-to-boost-defense-spending-13-with-billions-for-new-weapons/

February 3

***
Verhelderend artikel waarin Paul Aarts en Henk Overbeek pleiten voor deelname van de NAVO aan onderhandelingen tussen Rusland en Oekraïne, omdat de NAVO zich al sinds 2007 met de onderlinge verhouding tussen die twee landen heeft bemoeid. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/02/alleen-een-akkoord-tussen-rusland-en-de-navo-kan-voor-duurzame-vrede-zorgen-a4156054

***
Turkish STM has won 2 tenders to modernize NATO’s intelligence infrastructure, which is maintained by the NATO Communications & Information Agency. This effort stands as one of the largest software development projects assigned by NATO to a Turkish entity. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/02/01/turkeys-stm-to-modernize-natos-intelligence-infrastructure/

***
Overview article on the US, Japanese, #Dutch blow against #China in the #semiconductor export restriction tech war. China will need to adjust its development goals and strategies, as well as be prepared for long-term challenges ahead. #ASML https://www.eurasiareview.com/01022023-the-latest-us-chip-restrictions-on-china-analysis/

Tech war: #China-#Korea #semiconductor trade ties start to fray under #US pressure

Samsung and SK Hynix are finding it difficult to expand in China because Washington has cut China’s access to advanced chip making equipment https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3208892/tech-war-china-korea-semiconductor-trade-ties-start-fray-under-us-pressure

February 2

***
The Star (South Africa): The conflict in Ukraine has widened international polarisation between the West and other countries, casting a shadow over international diplomacy characterised by Western isolation of Russia. The Star 02/02/23

***
Reasoning from #Ankara is pecculiar at least. Candidate members must prioritize Turkey’s security concerns it stresses. But it was the #Turkish state, not only grossely violating rights, also sponsoring #ISIS and the #YPG fighting it. Which side to choose? https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/news-analysis/turkiye-sweden-row-hints-at-deeper-concerns-within-nato

***
According to a tweet published by Andriy Melnyk on 29 January 2023, the former #Ukrainian ambassador to Germany proposed that #Germany give Ukraine its decommissioned Bremen-class #frigate, Lubeck. With #Dutch #Thales military tech & #Italian #US armament. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/january/12771-ukraine-wants-german-bremen-class-frigate-lubeck-decommissioned.html

***
Arsen Avakov (interior minister, 2014-21) told that his home had been searched as part of an inquiry into #Ukraine's purchase of #Airbus helicopters 6 years ago (https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2018-07-airbus-helicopters-and-the-ukrainian-ministry-of-interior-sign-for). He said all the contracts had been approved at the time. #corruption https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-corruption-zelensky-billionaire-kolomoisky-b2273863.html

***
Will the US Debt Limit Fight Impact Pentagon Spending? It could lead to some trimming of the Pentagon budget, but not by much. It will continue to go at the cost of non-military threats like climate change, pandemics, and global inequality. https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2023/01/30/will-the-debt-limit-fight-impact-pentagon-spending/

***
CDA'er @RaymondKnops is overgelopen naar de commercie, meer precies de #wapenindustrie. Hij wordt betaald om zijn vrienden en vriendinnen in de politiek te lijmen. @NIDVnews https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/raymond-knops-moet-uit-den-haag-worden-geweerd

***
Cooperating with military industries operating in and buying arms from an Apartheid state? Unthinkable some decades ago. But now #Finland has awarded #German-#Israeli weapons provider #Eurospike to deliver anti-tank missiles for the Finnish armed forces. https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_38336.php

***
Stop Wapenhandel (@CTWnl) and The Transnational Institute (TNI @TNInstitute) co-produced an important dossier in November that details the enormous funds the West is spending on a new arms race at the expense of health, social and housing needs. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/profiteering-militarism-how-nato-using-russias-war-ukraine

***
US guns are fueling violence in Central America. Here’s how to help stop the arms flow. The Biden administration must make good on its promise to revert control of firearms exports back to the State Department... https://www.justsecurity.org/84954/u-s-guns-are-fueling-violence-in-central-america-heres-how-to-help-stop-the-arms-flow/

Arms dealers in Arizona 've asked a federal court to dismiss a MEXICAN lawsuit accusing them of selling weapons used by drug cartels to kill people in Mexco. They also stated that US law protects them from most civil suits & that Mexico has no legal basis. https://hinterlandgazette.com/arizona-arms-dealers-ask-court-to-dismiss-mexican-government-lawsuit/

***
West’s arming of Ukraine threatens to fuel endless cycle of violence and bloodshed in Europe and beyond

There is a dire need for the international community to find a political, negotiated solution to end the conflict before things spiral out of control https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3208570/wests-arming-ukraine-threatens-fuel-endless-cycle-violence-and-bloodshed-europe-and-beyond

February 1

***
According to Jane’s, Ethiopia has acquired dozens of Chinese-built 155 mm SH15 wheeled, self-propelled howitzers, images of a joint military exercise revealed. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ethiopia-displays-new-sh15-howitzers

***
Revolving doors. HII taps Chewning, former US DoD chief of staff, as new exec for strategy, development The hiring move comes as HII this past year has actively and aggressively rebranded itself from shipbuilder to a defence technology firm. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/01/hii-taps-chewning-former-dod-chief-of-staff-as-new-exec-for-strategy-development/

***
World military expenditure is on the rise. To fund their increases in military spending, options available to governments include tax, debt or revenue from natural resources. Each form of financing has its consequences, economic, political or social. https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/2023_01_using_taxation_to_fund_military_spending_0.pdf

***
China’s government criticized U.S. controls on technology exports as a trade violation, after Japan and the Netherlands agreed to join Washington in limiting Beijing’s access to materials to make advanced processor chips they say can be used in weapons. https://apnews.com/article/china-semiconductor-trade-violations-e0564c045bdc33a0c5fe0c4cc795db8b

Republicans are using their brand-new House majority to push for tougher China sanctions enforcement on dual-use tech even as the Biden administration greatly expands sweeping new export controls on US technology that could be used by the Chinese military. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/01/30/gop-pushes-tougher-china-dual-use-sanctions-cites-lax-enforcement/

***
Moeilijke vragen over Oorlog in Oekraïne. Hoe stoppen we imperialistisch oorlogsgeweld? Op 2.Dh5 wordt een Hollanditis podcast gepresenteerd waarin we op zoek gaan naar antwoorden met @CTWnl https://www.2dh5.nl/event/moeilijke-vragen-over-oorlog-in-oekraine/

***
No to NATO Tanks in Ukraine, Let’s Fight the Escalation!

Left Voice and German Klasse Gegen Klasse issued a joint statement against NATO sending tanks to Ukraine. We call to organize against this reactionary war which continues to escalate.

https://www.leftvoice.org/no-to-nato-tanks-in-ukraine-lets-fight-the-escalation/