Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
November 29
***
***
#Damen
invested € 3m in robotica at its shipyard in #Galati (Damen has
invested over € 140m since taking it over in 1999.)
https://www.dailybusiness.ro/stiri-interne/santierul-naval-damen-galati-a-inaugurat-o-linie-robotizata-pentru-fabricatia-de-micro-panouri-este-deja-pusa-in-functiune-384767/).
The inaugeration of the event was attended by the #ambassador of the
#Netherlands in #Romania.
https://www.antena3.ro/economic/investitie-santierul-naval-damen-galati-693535.html
***
Demonstranten
bij een grote internationale #wapenbeurs in Ahoy, Rotterdam.
***
#Military
emissions - the weakness in fighting #climate change? Calls become
louder to force militaries to report & reduce emissions ahead of
#COP28. Yes military emissions are undermining the war on CC, so can
COP28 bolster its environmental frontline?
https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/military-emissions-the-weak-point-in-the-war-on-climate-change/
***
#Elbit
Systems was awarded a contract by Airbus D&S to supply the Direct
Infrared Counter Measures #DIRCM and #Infrared Missile Warning
Systems for installation on the #MRTT A330 refuelling aircraft for
#Canada.
https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-a-contract-to-supply-dircm-self-protection-suites-to-airbus-defense-and-space-for-the-installation-on-mrtt-a330-aircraft-for-canada/
***
India’s Military Modernisation: Role and Impact of France
The Indian embassy in Paris has reiterated #France’s commitment and complete support to #India’s vision of self-reliance in areas of defence industrialisation, joint research, & development in India across a broad spectrum of advanced capabilities.
In recent developments, the Tata group has also tied up with Airbus to manufacture a C-295 tactical transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat. (abstract https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23477970231207256)
***
The #US
provided #Israel with over 70,000 weapons — aircraft, ground
vehicles, missiles &bombs — via military aid between 1950 and
2022, according to an Axios analysis of the #SIPRI Arms Transfers
Database.
https://www.axios.com/2023/11/29/us-weapons-provided-israel-aircraft-missiles-bombs
***
#Chinese
warships are visiting #Myanmar, highlighting the strong relationship
between the two countries’ militaries amid recent clashes in border
regions that threaten to complicate relations.
The article also speculates #China may
change course in Birma.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3243147/chinese-navy-visits-myanmar-show-friendship-following-upsurge-fighting-along-border
***
Supplying
#weapons to #Israel is immoral & indefensible. Any Scottish or UK
governmental support for these arms companies should cease in the
idealistic but surely not hopeless search for an ethical base to our
foreign policy. From letters to The National.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/world/23954918.supplying-weapons-israel-immoral-indefensible/
November 29
***
#Russian MoD
has reached out to Cairo, proposing an arrangement where Egypt would
resell 150 #rotorcraft engines that were purchased from Russia in the
past. #Egypt is said to have accepted the proposal and reciprocated
with another suggestion to Russia.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62355
***
Under an
existing law, #Canada can suspend arms exports to a country if there
is doubt that the weapons could be used to commit or even facilitate
an IHL violation. Otawa has so far refused to confirm if it has
suspended issueing export licenses to Israel.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/11/28/historic-march-demands-an-end-to-canadas-complicity-in-israels-crimes-in-palestine/
***
On
15/11/2023, the #Qatari #MoD and the US #Space Command entered into a
cooperation agreement in air and space, aiming to enhance
collaboration with the Qatari Emiri Air Force #QEAF.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62349
What and from whom #Qatar aims for is behind paywall.
***
#Morocco's
plans to acquire Merkava MK3 tanks from #Israel, M1A1 Abrams tanks
from the #US, and T-72M tanks from the #Czech Republic have all been
hindered by the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
https://www.military.africa/2023/11/moroccos-tank-modernization-plans-delayed-by-global-conflicts/
***
#Australian
arms and ammunition exports to #Israel totalled $13m over past five
years, data reveals
#Greens call for greater #transparency
around exports to Israel, as Anthony Albanese meets relatives of
Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/29/australian-arms-ammunition-exports-israel
***
#Kazakhstan
has significantly reduced the amount of exports of #dual_use goods to
#Russia, but the exports of other goods to Russia have simultaneously
increased, EU #Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan said during a press
conference in Astana, on 28/11.
https://kyivindependent.com/eu-sanctions-envoy-kazakhstan-reducing-export-of-dual-use-goods-to-russia/
November 28
***
#Belgium to
join Europe’s #FCAS next-gen fighter program in June 2025.
Once Brussels joins the program, details about the role it will play at both a funding and an industrial level are expected to be shared.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/belgium-to-join-europes-fcas-program-in-june-2025/
***
#JSF Hitch no
1123:
With DoD ‘pausing’ negotiations, new #F35 logistics deal in doubt for 2024
Ass. Sec. of Defence for Sustainment Christopher Lowman told that negotiations on the performance-based logistics agreement with #Lockheed are at an impasse. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/exclusive-with-dod-pausing-negotiations-new-f-35-logistics-deal-in-doubt-for-2024/
***
#Elbit’s
drone factory landlords targeted. The Birmingham offices of property
company #LondonMetric have been shut down yesterday morning by
Palestine Action, with a lock-on action to disrupt another link in
Israel’s weapons supply chain.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2023/11/27/elbits-drone-factory-landlords-targeted/
***
On Monday
27 November, members of community union ACORN took simultaneous
action against three companies across England, blockading their
entrances to protest against their involvement in Israel’s ongoing
assault in Gaza.
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2023/11/27/acorn-israel-arms-companies/
***
Greenpeace has published
yesterday the report
Arming Europe. Military expenditures and their economic impact in Germany, Italy, and Spain
prepared by Chiara Bonaiuti, Paolo Maranzano, Mario Pianta, Marco Stamegna. https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-italy-stateless/2023/11/d4d111bc-arming-europe.pdf
States protect national
firms – even when they are inefficient – in order to preserve
arms production capacity. Decisions regarding arms exports and
imports are the result of both corporate economic considerations and
government political strategies.
***
Pro-Palestine
“Block the Boat” actions, where dockworkers block the transport
of arms to Israel, have proliferated in recent years. Recalling
actions against apartheid South Africa, they’re an effective way
for labor to oppose Israel’s war on Gaza.
***
When there is
power and money involved, #bribing is Oke, isn''t it. #UK approved
millions paid to top #Saudi officials, London Court told."to the UK government, it was in
the strategic interests”
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231127-uk-approved-millions-paid-to-top-saudi-officials-london-court-told/
***
#Hensoldt
develops jamming system to protect naval vessels together with
Israeli partner #Rafael. The fully “Kalaetron Attack” digital
system has proven to be very effective in neutralizing air defence
radars in several test campaigns.
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/hensoldt-develops-jamming-system-to-protect-naval-vessels-together-with-israeli-partner-rafael
#StopArmingIsrael
November 27
***
The #UK &
#Turkey have inked a statement of intent to work closely on
#improving their bilateral military partnership & #enhancing
regional/international security.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-turkiye-to-boost-stability-security-and-prosperity
This are promisses for the future, conflicting with policies in the past, even the present.
***
To improve
your secvurity?
MISSILES AND DRONES AMONG #WEAPONS #STOLEN FROM US IN IRAQ AND SYRIA
Documents reveal “sensitive weapons and equipment” were taken – and the Pentagon may be #unaware of the scope of the thefts. https://theintercept.com/2023/11/25/military-weapons-iraq-syria-theft/
***
Een club van
zo'n 150 mensen demonstreerde zaterdagmiddag voor het hek van
vliegbasis Woensdrecht. Hun protest was gericht tegen een bedrijf op
de vliegbasis dat onderdelen zou leveren voor Israëlische F-35-
vliegtuigen.
https://www.gelderlander.nl/brabant/de-olijftakken-die-laten-de-demonstranten-aan-het-hek-van-vliegbasis-woensdrecht-hangen~a1bc0f2a/
***
Elbit
Systems én de Nederlandse overheid, die de leveringenn niet
tegenhoudt, zijn medeplichtig aan oorlogsmisdaden, vinden de
demonstranten. Met protestborden, Palestijnse vlaggen, spandoeken en
olijftakken en een toeterende colonne van zo'n twintig auto's vragen
ze aandacht voor de situatie in de Gazastrook.
***
#UAE’s
#EDGE Group and #Turkey’s #Roketsan will explore collaborative
opportunities to develope and integrate smart weapons of EDGE weapons
onto the Baykar #Bayraktar TB2 #drones, as well as incorporating
Roketsan weapons onto drones made by EDGE.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62347
November 26
***
Yesterday in #Woensdrecht, the Netherlands at #Elbit branch on Dutch military air force base.
***
To make the
world a safer or a more profitable place for arms dealers?
#Brussels wants to beat the Pentagon at its own game on arms sales
EU Commission is hinting at a new mechanism similar to the US Foreign Military Sales #FMS to facilitate arms exports.
https://www.politico.eu/article/european-union-weapons-sales-united-states-defense/
***
#Spain wants
to sell more #C295 military transport planes to India. Spain's
Ambassador to #India, told Madrid is seeking to boost its partnership
with India in the fields of defence, technology and infrastructure.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/spain-ready-to-supply-more-c295-transport-aircraft-to-india-envoy/articleshow/105504941.cms
Solving #poverty #internal_conflict?
In a major boost for Make in #India in the military sector
the Indian Coast Guard and the Navy will acquire 15 #Airbus C295
transport aircraft that are being manufactured in India in a joint
venture between #Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-coast-guard-navy-to-buy-15-c-295-transport-aircraft-for-maritime-surveillance/articleshow/105478698.cms
***
Lobby to arm
Mohammad bin Salman (and #Erdogan) to the teeth continues. Berlin's
refusal to sell 48 #EFA #Typhoon combat aircraft to #Saudi Arabia and
restrictive arms export policy already ridiculed in UK press and now
also questioned in Frence Le Monde.
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2023/11/24/airbus-denonce-le-veto-de-berlin-a-la-vente-d-eurofighter-a-l-arabie-saoudite_6202134_3234.html
***
France might
've to buy arms from non-EU countries to send them to Ukraine. As the
EU is facing pressure to supply 1mln artillery shells to Ukraine,
Paris finds itself compelled to reassess its long-standing policy of
exclusively buying arms within the EU.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1838139/france-arms-supplies-ukraine-eu
***
#Baerbock
explained militairy sales to #Riyad by saying that this delivery is
to be understood as “restrictive” & in no way as a symbol of
economic interests. According to the Tagesschau, at least one
delegate is said to have dismissed this as “#bullshit”.
https://www.tz.de/politik/koalition-parteitag-gruene-karlsruhe-2023-baerbock-feministische-aussenpolitik-ampel-regierung-zr-92691674.html
***
Berlin
thousands (estimates: 10,000, police to 20,000, organisation) of
people demonstrated against German arms policy in Berlin on Saturday.
The protests are particularly targetting the military support for the
Ukraine and asks for strenghened diplomacy.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/berlin/demonstration-gegen-ruestungspolitik-100.html
***
THE prosecutor’s office of the Netherlands on Wednesday said it has launched a criminal investigation into a Dutch shipping company allegedly breaking the arms exports embargo to #Libya.
On Oct. 11, the shipping company, from the Dutch city of Groningen, attempted a transfer
of armed vehicles to Libya, but the vessel it used, the MV #Meerdijk, was intercepted by an #IRINI mission ship north of Africa.
https://realnewsmagazine.net/dutch-maritime-company-accused-of-violating-arms-export-ban-to-libya/
The Meerdijk is currently in #Antwerp: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9377925
See some of my older X's on the vessel:
https://twitter.com/search?q=Meerdijk%20martinbroek&src=typed_query
The
weaponry came from our allies in the #UAE. Not surprising the Emirati
have nothing to do with international arms embargo's. The Meerdijk
"attempted to transport 41 armoured vehicles coming from a
factory in the Emirates, heading to Benghazi".
https://libyaobserver.ly/news/irini-thwarts-smuggling-armoured-vehicles-uae-benghazi
***
#Portuguese
navy signs contract with Dutch #Damen shipyards for the design,
construction and outfitting of a state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose
Vessel. The vessel will be capable of deploying #drones and
#helicopters.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/11/portuguese-navy-signs-contract-with-damen-for-innovative-multi-purpose-vessel/
In
Dutch: Damen heeft een opdracht gekregen van de Portugese marine voor
het ontwerp, de bouw en uitrusting van het eerste schip ter wereld
dat oceaanonderzoek combineert met de inzet van drones, maakte het in
Gorinchem gevestigde concern bekend.
https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2023/11/25/damen-shipyards-bouwt-multi-purpose-drone-carrier-schip-voor-portugese-marine/
November 24
***
#Uzbekistan’s
President Mirziyoyev inspected the growing fleet of #drones boasted
by the country’s armed forces during a trip to Surkhandarya region
on November 16.
https://intellinews.com/uzbekistan-s-attack-drone-fleet-unveiled-301832
Armed with #Rocketsan air-to-surface missiles.
https://president.uz/en/lists/view/6866
***
Saferworld
notes (23/11/23) that the Netherlands can publish extensive denial
notes and asks the question why others could not.
https://www.saferworld.org.uk/downloads/pubdocs/transparency-web.pdf
For a complete list of denials see here: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2019/03/04/historisch-overzicht-afgewezen-aanvragen-voor-militaire-goederen
***
Israel
Aerospace Industries #IAI loitering #munitions garner international
attention with $145m in sales.
https://www.army-technology.com/news/iai-secures-145m-in-global-deals-for-munitions-despite-ongoing-crisis/
Loitering Munitions are also known as kamikaze drones or suicide
drones.
***
#Australia’s
military export program has recently come under scrutiny for its lack
of #transparency – particularly in relation to whether approved
export permits are providing material support to Israel’s war
against Hamas.
https://theconversation.com/with-war-raging-in-gaza-how-much-do-we-know-about-australias-weapons-exports-the-answer-very-little-217376
***
War
is cynical. Here a look into the Russian war in #Ukraine and how to
regard the massive quantities of #victims. Bad history makes for bad
policy on Ukraine The West needs better historical analogies for
understanding #Russia’s war and how to counter it.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/russia-military-history-ukraine/
November 23
***
Bribes make
the arms trade tick. A London court has heard claims that two British
businessmen helped funnel #bribes to “very highly placed officials”
in #Saudi Arabia’s military to secure contracts for an #Airbus
subsidiary.
https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/article/sfo-uk-executives-bribed-officials-saudi-defence-contracts
‘Deep
corruption’ at centre of SFO Saudi bribery trial
Prosecution case turns on a UK
government deal to provide military communication networks.
https://www.ft.com/content/792f6767-45d3-411e-a2f1-a83a391ad3b1
UK
bribery case linked to Saudi arms deals exposes ‘deep corruption’.
The case continues and is expected to finish in March 2024.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231123-uk-bribery-case-linked-to-saudi-arms-deals-exposes-deep-corruption/
***
Lucrative,
but #secret, arms trade by Swedish #SAAB, selling recoilless rifles
and other weaponry.
https://www.army-technology.com/news/carl-gustaf-sales-over500m-in-2023-as-saab-announces-latest-deal/
***
Na
40 jaar weer vredesdemonstratie bij het hek in Woensdrecht: actie
tegen ‘oorlogsmachine’ Ditmaal is het protest gericht tegen
leveringen van #F35-reserveonderdelen aan Israël, vanuit de
vliegbasis.
https://www.zuidwestupdate.nl/nieuws/na-40-jaar-weer-vredesdemonstratie-bij-het-hek-in-woensdrecht-actie-tegen-oorlogsmachine/
November 22
***
Na 40 jaar
weer vredesdemonstratie bij het hek in Woensdrecht: actie tegen
‘oorlogsmachine’
Ditmaal is het protest gericht tegen leveringen van #F35-reserveonderdelen aan Israël, vanuit de vliegbasis.
https://www.zuidwestupdate.nl/nieuws/na-40-jaar-weer-vredesdemonstratie-bij-het-hek-in-woensdrecht-actie-tegen-oorlogsmachine/
***
Rewarding what
is wrong.
The #US will provide #Israel with 75 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles of #Oshkosh Defense. The US website Bloomberg reports that these vehicles will be provided as part of the large military aid package to Israel. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-14/pentagon-is-quietly-sending-israel-ammunition-laser-guided-missiles
***
Retweet
@fionadove: Find your university in
Europe (including UK) in this new @stopwapenhandel data base of
EU-funded research projects on military/security matters involving
Israel:
https://stopwapenhandel.org/european-universities-cooperation-with-israel-in-eu-security-research-programs/#StopArmingIsrael #CeasefireForGazaNOW
***
Welsh
Labour surporters ask resignation Keith Starner for a number of
reasons. "3. He abjectly supports all actions by the US & UK
Tory governments ... failing to oppose massive amounts of arms sales
and other financial support to Israel."
https://www.tivysideadvertiser.co.uk/news/23935333.labour-supporters-ceredigion-call-resignation-sir-keir-starmer/
November 21
***
Alongside
Systematic & DXC Technology Deutschland GmbH, the Germen F-126
frigate programme is supported by #Damen and #Thales Netherlands.
This latest milestone will add to the ongoing development for the
four German frigates at Wolgast, Kiel, and Hamburg.
https://systematic.com/en-gb/industries/defence/news-knowledge/news/2023_-german-navy-s-future-frigates-bolstered-by-systematic-s-maritime-solution/
***
Ukrainian
President Zelensky said that deliveries of artillery shells to Kyiv
had dropped off after fighting erupted between Israel and Hamas last
month. “Our deliveries have decreased,” he told reporters,
referring specifically to 155-millimeter-shells
https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-artillery-munition-deliveries-to-ukraine-have-decreased-since-israel-hamas-war/
***
Reflection on
S. #Korean military exports. The rapid growth is directly driven by
the short-term export of a large number of specific products to
specific customers. At least for now, the time span &
distribution of its arms exports are relatively limited.
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16268209.html
The
#UAE is negotiating the purchase of South #Korean #helicopters, with
the aim of signing a deal by year’s end, according to an official
of Korea Aerospace Industries #KAI.
https://ts2.space/en/uae-engages-in-talks-to-acquire-advanced-south-korean-maritime-helicopters/
***
Retweet
@brunostruys: Samen met Pauline Hofmann van
Le Soir ontdekte ik dat er via de luchthaven van Luik wél militair
materieel tot bij de Israëlische strijdkrachten geraakte. Er zijn
sinds de oorlog in Gaza vergunningen afgeleverd voor 7 ladingen met
explosieven.
Tot nu toe zei de CEO van Challenge Airlines, dat
Luik als hub gebruikt, dat hij via Luik humanitaire goederen naar
Israel bracht. Nu blijkt het ook om de doorvoer van springtuig te
gaan, voor Israëlische bedrijven die leveren aan het IDF, maar ook
rechtstreeks aan het IDF.
Dat blijkt uit informatie die hij
ons zelf verstrekte nadat we vragen stelden over de vele passages van
zijn vliegtuig 4X-ICA in Luik en op Amerikaanse en Israëlische
luchtmachtbasissen. Op 11 oktober was dit toestel te zien in een
tweet van het Israëlische MOD over wapens
Al sinds 2009
heeft de federale overheid in ons land samen met de gewesten beslist
om geen uitvoer, maar ook geen doorvoer meer toe te laten die de
versterking van de militaire capaciteit van de Israëlische
krijgsmacht inhoudt.
https://twitter.com/brunostruys/status/1726860603191337091
***
Armed drones
for Middle Eastern autocrats. To develop peace or strengthen ties and
earn some buck at the same time?
General Atomics #GA_ASI) and UAEs #EDGE Group announced an agreement to integrate EDGE smart weapons onto GA’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian #drones. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62333
***
Palestinian-Australian
nurse Riyad Aladassi is on hunger strike as part of Block the Dock,
protesting Australian arms exports to Israel and media coverage of
the current conflict. The grapevine radio in MP3.
https://player.fm/series/the-grapevine-2575964/stay-woke-infrastructure-shuffle-words-and-block-the-dock-protesting-arms-exports-to-israel
***
Students have
crashed the formal opening of Sheffield University's newest building.
The group challenged the university's links with the arms trade and what they claim is "financial complicity in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people".
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/sheffield-university-students-crash-wave-173037238.html
November 21 is a special date for the Dutch movement against nuclear cruise missiles in Woensdrecht, because of the enormous demonstration in Amsterdam.
In Woensdrecht NB there are still peace protests: against the Israeli military industry #Elbit located there. Next Saturday →
The looming decision over billions of dollars to #Israel for its military campaign in the #Gaza Strip is testing some basic humanitarian principles of the #Biden administration and putting extraordinary scrutiny on the US’s relationship to Israel. https://rollcall.com/2023/11/20/us-arms-aid-to-israel-tests-whether-humanitarian-law-applies/
November 20
***
Retweet
@esoubrier: Against backdrop of Ukraine
War & emergency EU fund to produce + ammunition, Wendela de Vries
warns: New capabilities are hard to create, but even harder to
reduce. Moves towards ‘war economy’ are dangerous in LT, it
contributes to a supply-driven global dissemination of arms
Wendela de Vries delves into what underpins EU arms export
drive and how this trend is increasingly enabled, challenging it all
against the backdrop of the climate crisis which particularly
threatens the MENA region:
https://prismeinitiative.org/blog/arms-trade-lost-opportunity-for-climate-solutions-wendela-de-vries/
#peopleandplanetaboveprofits
***
Lawaaidemonstratie
in Gouda: "Wij zijn hier om arrestanten die bij #Thales in Delft
zijn opgepakt te ondersteunen. Dat we laten weten: we zijn hier voor
ze", zegt aanwezige. De arrestanten protesteerden tegen de
leveringen aan Israël door Thales Nederland.
https://www.ad.nl/gouda/lawaaidemonstratie-bij-politiebureau-gouda-om-arrestanten-hart-onder-riem-te-steken~a7990997/
***
Pressure to
export #EFA fighters to #Riyadh continues. #Germany’s defence
minister, Pistorius, as well as Scholz are increasingly supportive of
a change in policy over military sales to #Saudi Arabia. So are
ministers from the FDP, the 3rd coalition party.
https://www.ft.com/content/0af82837-b03a-4e17-b393-f486ed0107cf
***
A group of
independent UN experts asked for the implementation of an
#arms_embargo on all warring parties and they underlined the need to
address the underlying causes of the conflict by ending the #Israeli
occupation of the #Palestinian territory.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/israels-grave-violations-against-palestinians-point-to-a-genocide-in-making-un-experts/3055677
***
#Applied_Materials,
the largest US maker of #chipmaking machinery, is facing
investigations in the US for violating export restrictions to #China.
https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/709503/applied-materials-faces-probe-us-shipping-chip-equipment-china/
***
Also on
Sunday in Finland a pro-Palestinian rally took place in the capital
Helsinki. The protesters also denounced #Israel's invasion of #Gaza
and #Finland's #arms trade with Israel.
https://www.euronews.com/2023/11/19/thousands-march-silently-though-paris-calling-for-peace-in-middle-east
November 19
***
Emily Apple
asks a handfull of strategic questions on campaigning against the
arms fair #DSEI (interesting also for those involved elswhere).
She concludes to note the mobilisation
is the culmination of strategic, sustained campaigning & movement
building.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2023/11/19/confronting-dsei-needs-a-long-strategy/
***
They call it transparency,
but
Monthly reports on Dutch military
exports lag almost a year now (last December 2022)
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen
Monthly reports on military transits
passing the Netherlands lags half a year (last may 2023).
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen
It isn't a secret
the Netherlands has a strong position in the global semi-conductor
industry. This is also visible in the latest update on monthly dual
use exports (Sept23). Of the 10 largest items, 3 are on
semi-conductors to: China, India & Taiwan.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
Of the 3
categories only 1 was updated with one month in the last month (dual
use). This means the overall backlog grew, despite promises to catch
up made by the Minister of FA&T. Last month I wrote: Who stops
the decline of arms export #transparency? https://stopwapenhandel.org/who-stops-the-decline-of-arms-export-transparency/
En
die Minister van BuZa & Handel is Liesje Schreinemacher. U raadt
of weet het al: #VVD. Die partij heeft meer niet zoveel met vrede en
wapenbeheersing, maar meer met groeiende militaire budgetten en
wapenproductie. Dit is er een klein voorbeeld van.
https://tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2023D00031
***
Call by #HRW:
Canada should also unequivocally condemn violations of #IHL (...) and
suspend military assistance and arms sales to #Israel so long as its
forces commit widespread, serious abuses against #Palestinian
civilians with impunity.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/15/israel-palestine-crisis-preventing-mass-atrocities-key
***
Irish
composer Raymond Deane, co-founder of the Ireland-Palestine
Solidarity Campaign would also like to see Ireland put an arms
embargo on Israel.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/17/as-israel-bombs-gaza-irelands-enduring-support-of-palestine-gets-stronger
***
After
years waiting for the F-16 Block 70/72, #Turkey is now turning to the
#Eurofighter consortium, however #Germany might not allow the sale.
https://theaviationist.com/2023/11/19/turkey-in-talks-to-acquire-eurofighter-typhoons-amid-f-16-deal-uncertainty/
November 18
***
#Finland goes
ahead with #controversial arms deal despite ongoing killing and siege
of Palestinians by #Israel. Finland has finalized a €317 million
deal with Israel for the David’s Sling air defence system.
https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/24466-finland-goes-ahead-with-controversial-arms-deal-despite-ongoing-killing-and-siege-of-palestinians-by-israel.html
***
November 17
***
New reseach
by @CTWnl shows European #universities’ cooperation with #Israel in
EU security research programs
https://stopwapenhandel.org/european-universities-cooperation-with-israel-in-eu-security-research-programs/.
For further research the cooperation lists are also available in the
form of comprehensive online spreadsheets.
***
PARTIJEN
VALLEN #VVD EN #CDA HARD AAN OVER ONDERDELENLEVERING F-35
***
Iemand zal de
kernmacht #Israël toch eens moeten duidelijk maken dat de regels ook
voor haar gelden. Dat er nu echt wel een totale stop van de
nederzettingenbouw moet komen. En dat er aan een oplossing moet
worden gewerkt die ook de Palestijnen recht doet.
https://www.mo.be/commentaar/Israel-lijkt-het-verwende-kind-voor-wie-andere-spelregels-gelden
***
#Russia
signed a major deal on Nov 14 to increase its arms exports to #India,
the CEO of #Rosoboronexport said. Part of the deal are Igla-S
Man-Portable Air Defense Systems #manpads, which are handheld
anti-aircraft missiles.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/28518-russia-signs-new-arms-deal-with-india
***
Palestine
Action protesters use rubber mallets to smash up Leonardo’s arms
factory in Southampton as they occupy roof.
https://www.gbnews.com/news/palestine-protesters-southampton-factory-leonardo-uk
***
Russian arms
makers appear to have been kept to a low profile at this week's Dubai
Airshow, underscoring how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sought
to balance its ties with the West and Moscow.
***
South African
trade in military hardware with Israel needs scrutiny is the headline
above an article on Pretoria's arms export policy to the warring
state.
https://mg.co.za/thoughtleader/opinion/2023-11-16-sa-trade-in-military-hardware-with-israel-needs-scrutiny/
***
#India &
#Myanmar: “We have engagement and cooperation with them, a
neighbouring country, on various issues," saidArindam Bagchi,
official spokesperson of the Indian FA ministry to a query on India’s
#arms exports to Myanmar’s military junta.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-must-bring-in-changes-in-its-policy-towards-myanmar-11700154535442.html
***
#Aukus, the
military cooperation between Australia, the UK & US in Asia has
made urgent a discussion on US export controls (especially #ITAR
rules) to allies, which seriously hinders efforts to share tech and
collaborate on capability development projects.
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-type/new-atlanticist/
***
#Belgian
trade unions & civil society groups have called to implement a
comprehensive arms embargo on Israel as it continues to wage a
genocidal war on Palestine. They published a joint statement in
DeMorgen November 16.
Statement:
https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/belgie-moet-de-doorvoer-van-militair-materiaal-naar-israel-stoppen~b767e7294
***
#Turkey
has once more expressed interest in purchasing #EFA #Typhoon jets,
but a potential #German arms embargo looms, as tensions rise over
arms export constraints.
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/turkey-eyes-up-eurofighter-fighter-purchase-amid-german-blockade-concerns/
Restraint on sales is portrayed again as the problem, not selling fighters to autocrats.
November 16
***
De speciale
rapporteurs van de VN verbazen zich erover dat de internationale
gemeenschap niet eensgezind is in de oproep tot een staakt-het-vuren.
Landen zouden zich moeten verenigen om een genocide te voorkomen.
https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/vn-rapporteurs-alles-wijst-erop-dat-israel-is-begonnen-aan-genocide-in-gaza
***
#Naval_Group
has delivered the #UAE Navy’s first Gowind-class multi-mission
corvette, the “Bani Yas,” in Lorient, France. The vessel is part
of a 2019 contract seeking two new platforms for the service.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2019/06/10/uae-naval-group-quietly-cut-850-million-deal-for-gowind-ships/
***
Cooperation
with autocrat regimes, like the #UAE, is now coined security policy.
An #MBDA official here tells how the company sees the missiles
swarming into combat & how MBDA is eyeing a new subsidiary in the
UAE.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/mbda-reveals-joint-smart-missile-plan-with-uae-2030-production-target/
When they pay, all is Oke.
***
EU ombudsman
asked the European Commission on Tuesday (14/11) to give guarantees
of independence for the experts evaluating the industry's proposals
for the European Defence Fund #EDF, in another blow to the EU's
#transparency in military industry policy.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-ombudsman-launches-inquiry-into-commissions-defence-fund-selection-process/
***
#France
secretly supplied #Armenia with a shipment of at least 22 French
Bastion 4x4 #APCs with equipment. Evidence for this claim came by
images released in #Azerbaijani media of these armoured vehicles,
discovered on the loading dock in Poti, #Georgia.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2023_global_security_army_industry/france_secretly_deliver_at_least_22_bastion_4x4_apcs_to_armenia.html
***
Wow to improve our
security #Airbus opens defence industrial production cooperation with
UAEs #EDGE (#EPI). The Emirati group will produce tanks for military
planes.
"EDGE to manufacture and supply multirole fuel tanks for Airbus Defence & Space."
It is a milestone,
according to Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and the Middle
East.
https://edgegroup.ae/news/edge-manufacture-and-supply-multirole-fuel-tanks-airbus-defence-space
Forgotten
all what went wrong with the #UAE arms business to advance its
position in #MENA-region?
***
In
EW komt dit weekeinde 'n zoveelste karikatuur v/d krijgsmacht. Lees
wat BBB, CDA, NSC, Volt & VVD met Defensie willen. BBB wil de
REGELS OPZIJ ROSSEN om 'n tankoefengebied te openen.
Partijen willen munitie-industrie terug, die verdween vanwege 't vervuilende karakter ook de kleinkaliber munitie die Volt weer terug wil hebben.
Op Volt na wilden de andere vier de Defensiebegroting vrijwel verdubbelen van 2% naar 3,5% BBP. Met een BBP van € 1.100 miljard, betekent dit ruim € 15 miljard meer, bovenop de € 21,4 miljard die er al heen gaat.
Nederland gaat raketten kopen van $ 2 miljoen p.s., maar soldaten moeten nog pang of pinda roepen om schieten na te bootsen, volgens het stuk. Wat gaat daar mis?
Het is beleid dat
ten koste gaat van de natuur, de schatkist en vrede geen steek
dichter bij brengt. De wapenindustrie zat tijdens het debat op het
puntje van de stoel, noteert Eric Vrijssen, de auteur van Nog altijd
‘pinda, pinda’ en ‘pang’, EW 18/11/23
Voor wie het
anders wil. Hier een folder met 'n visie van buiten de parlementaire
politiek: https://vredessite.nl/nieuws/docs/verkiezingen2023.
EU Defence Ministers agree to prioritise 22 military capabilities to bolster European armed forces. These priorities, among others, include Integrated Air and Missile Defence, space and cyber operations etc. https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2023/11/14/eu-defence-ministers-agree-to-prioritise-22-military-capabilities-to-bolster-european-armed-forces
November 15
***
Helpful?
Northrop Grumman is one of the largest global military companies, but
less export-focused than its competitors. CEO Kathy Warden is now
looking to change that, she aims for a double-digit annual growth
rate from arms exports over the next decade.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/inside-northrops-plan-to-dramatically-increase-defense-exports-over-next-decade/
***
Walid
Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabia Military Industries, told Breaking
Defense the conglomerate is "investing in developing our own
products across all domains, but the key ones now are really AI and
command and control systems."
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/sami-exec-on-saudi-arabian-localization-push-turkish-deal-prospects-and-future-plans/
***
All to let
the weapons fall silent? Bloomberg reported that the #US has secretly
increased military aid to #Israel, inclusive sophisticated
laser-guided missiles, Apache heli's, bunker-buster munitions, 155 mm
shells & military vehicles were delivered.
https://india.postsen.com/world/1300749.html
***
Lancet
#drones prized by the #Russian army are equipped with #Swiss-made
components. Swiss info speaks to Russian military expert Valery
Shiryayev to understand why they are so effective and what would
happen if Russia no longer had access to Swiss #parts.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/swiss-chips-not-vital-to-lancet-drone-production--russia-military-expert/48965816
***
#UAEs #EDGE
Group announced on 6/11/23 the acquisition of a 52% shareholding
in #ANAVIA, a #Swiss-based company that specializes in the R&D
and manufacturing of VTOL systems. The EDGE CEO said this will
bolster the company's strategy of producing drones.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/59210-edge-group-a-radiography-of-the-uaes-defense-conglomerate
UAE
firm #EDGE Group rolls out 11 new #drones, #missiles at #Dubai
Airshow.
"We're always looking at making
investments in autonomous capabilities, precision guided munitions
and electronic warfare," Miles Chambers, of EDGE said.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/uae-firm-edge-group-rolls-out-11-new-drones-missiles-at-dubai-airshow/
#EDGE Group is said to be in talks
with #Chinese company Chengdu Aerospace Corporation #CAC concerning
combat drones #UCAV.
EDGE is seeking to finalize a deal that includes a transfer of technology agreement and a licensed production and export agreement. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62323
***
Al
ruim 42 journalisten omgekomen in Gaza-oorlog; dodelijkste maand
sinds het #CPJ 32 jaar geleden met tellen begon. Het cijfer ligt
vermoedelijk hoger, omdat CPJ alleen doden telt als de omstandigheden
daarbij geverifieerd konden worden.
https://www.villamedia.nl/artikel/al-ruim-42-journalisten-omgekomen-in-gaza-oorlog-bloedigste-maand-sinds-cpj-met-tellen-begon
***
“#Colombia
will not buy weapons from manufacturing countries that voted against
or abstained from voting on the resolution that ordered to #ceasefire
in Gaza” at a UNs’ General Assembly meeting late October, said
president Gustavo Petro on X.
https://colombiareports.com/colombia-suspends-arms-imports-from-gaza-ceasefire-opponents/
Poor #Damen
***
Dutch NGOs
are suing the state over its position on the Gaza war. The Haque is
“partly responsible for violations of the laws of war &
collective punishment of the Gazan civilian population,”
particularly due to the continued arms exports, they argue.
https://nltimes.nl/2023/11/14/human-rights-organizations-sue-dutch-state-arms-sales-israel-amid-war-gaza
Tweet
Nieuw Israelitisch Weekblad: Vier
anti-Israëlclubs stappen naar de rechter om Nederland te dwingen
partij tegen de Joodse staat en voor Hamas te kiezen. Het zijn de
usual suspects van @amnestynl, @oxfamnovib, @pax en natuurlijk
lobbyclub The Rights Forum van antisemiet Dries van Agt.
https://niw.nl/anti-israelclubs-stappen-naar-de-rechter/
***
There is “a
growing public awareness and anger” about the global connection
between Western powers & the Israeli military industry, says
Antony Loewenstein, who has investigated how Israeli military tech is
used on Palestinians & exported around the world.
https://www.democracynow.org/2023/11/14/israel_weapons
***
“No Arms to
Apartheid”: South African Activists Target Israel-Linked Arms
Trader.
A group of South African activists shut down the main entrance to Paramount Group, an arms trader with ties to Israel.
***
Turkey and
UAE cozy up over drone, missile cooperation. Both countries have
found themselves at odds over recent years, are indicating a
rapprochement is underway as a result of negotiations over major
defense projects.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/11/14/turkey-and-uae-cozy-up-over-drone-missile-cooperation/
November 14
***
War what is
it good for?
At a #munitions factory in northeast England run by #BAE Systems, production is running at full speed thanks to the war in Ukraine and an increasingly dark outlook for #geopolitics.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231113-at-bae-factory-ukraine-war-fuels-munitions-output
***
German
charged with smuggling kit used to make sniper rifles to Russia.
Executive accused of using shell network to ship equipment to Russian manufacturer, in contravention of EU embargo. https://www.ft.com/content/47a2dbdf-3f2e-4734-a743-c68daff2ea4e
***
Pakistan's
claims of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been
questioned after revelations of ammunition sales worth $364 million
to private US companies supplying arms to Kyiv. The contracts, signed
in August 2022, involved two companies, Global Military and Northrop
Grumman. While no concrete evidence has surfaced, #Pakistan has not
ruled out the possibility of the weapons reaching Ukraine through the
black market.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/105192603.cms
November 13
***
#Dubai Air
Show begins in an increasingly tense region, leading at least one
Israeli defence organization (Int. Defense Cooperation Directorate
#SIBAT) to pull away from the show. #Israeli Elbit & IAI will be
present.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/11/10/dubai-air-show-becomes-stage-for-a-middle-east-on-edge
Rafael and IAI are not. https://twitter.com/alexjcornwell/status/1723981700495974543
***
#UAE and
#Turkey agreed on a road map for cooperation in advanced and
strategic military industries during a first Working Group Meeting in
Abu Dhabi on October 31, 2023.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62317
***
The eventful history
of #German arms deliveries to Israel began
in the apartment of Franz Josef Strauss. Article in the FAZ paints
the development of German arms deliveries to Israel. From old
NVA-weapons to new submarines, which can be nuclear armed.
FAZ 131123 ZEITGESCHEHEN S 8
***
I came, I saw
and I sold, on the energy in the military industry of Spain. An
overview with graphs in Spanish on the companies, turnover, ownership
etc.
https://cincodias.elpais.com/companias/2023-11-13/vine-vi-y-vendi-efervescencia-en-la-industria-de-defensa.html
º***
Oh, the
madness of it all! And I do mean madness. Today, Pentagon expert
William Hartung considers just how strikingly the giant
weapons-making corporations rule the roost both in Washington and in
global war-making. One factor to be added to the alone. nightmare
scenario he describes might be the effort to create a weaponized
future beyond compare. After all, in the coming decades, the Pentagon
is already planning to upgrade its vast nuclear arsenal to the tune
of perhaps $2 trillion or more — $756 bn in the next decade.
https://tomdispatch.com/good-times-for-the-military-industrial-complex/
November 12
***
The lobby
continues
EU defence ministers are expected to issue a joint statement on Tuesday (14 November) calling on banks to grant the defence industry access to loans, in a bid to remove hurdles for greater investment into production capacities. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-defence-ministers-to-demand-better-finance-access-for-industry/
***
Dispute over
#Eurofighter export escalates: “This is damaging to #Germany’s
reputation”
It is better to sell to everyone the UK and France are willing to provide weaponry, even the most brutal ones, and throw the arms export policy in the carbage bin? https://www.merkur.de/wirtschaft/streit-um-eurofighter-export-eskaliert-saudi-arabien-deutschland-waffenexporte-zr-92666441.html
***
Hope so.
#BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.) is facing a public backlash over its involvement in the production of #F35 warplanes used by the Israeli military in #Gaza. https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1032769/bae-faces-backlash-over-gaza-conflict-will-it-weather-the-storm-1032769.html
***
Scotish First
Minister is under pressure to distance the Scottish Government from a
#Fifebased arms manufacturer amid fears the firm makes missiles which
have killed thousands in Gaza. MSP Mark Ruskell warned the company is
"fuelling war crimes". #Raytheon
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/4809908/fife-raytheon-israel-weapons/
***
#Armscor
hasn't supplied arms to #Israel or been part of joint projects with
Jeruzalem. The South African MoD was responding to allegations,
including from BDS coalition and a public representative, that it was
supplying weapons to Israel.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/no-weapons-sales-to-israel-armscor/
***
#Myanmar
military fighter jet crashed Saturday in a combat zone in the state
of Kayah, a military officer & a member of an anti-military
#resistance organisation said. The last added the plane had been shot
down, but this couldn't immediately be confirmed.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/11/12/myanmar-resistance-group-claims-downing-of-military-jet
***
#Donaties aan
#VVD. Militair civiele scheepsbouwer #Damen en hofleverancier
(vrijwel monopolist) v/d NL marine
(https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2017/12/damen-een-overzicht-deel-2-aanbod.html)
vaart er wel bij. Echtgenote verklaart, de overgemaakte €50.000 is
mijn eigen gift: "Mijn man, grootaandeelhouder van de werf en
mijn oudste zoon, de ceo, zeiden: 'Wij gaan niet doneren, we willen
niet dat het bedrijf Damen met deze gift wordt geassocieerd'. Dus
voor alle duidelijkheid: het is mijn eigen donatie, omdat ik een
groot voorstander ben van de liberale #principes." Tja.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/10/vastgoedjongens-activisten-complotdenkers-wie-geven-er-het-meeste-geld-aan-politieke-partijen-a4180511
***
Next act in
the #Romanian play around the acquisition of new naval #corvettes. No
contract signed, not with #Naval_Group, and not with #Damen. Now
rfurbishment of old ships? [in Romanian]
https://www.antena3.ro/actualitate/mapn-cruce-achizitii-corvete-plan-alternativ-modernizare-forte-navale-691513.html
***
#Jamaica adds
a #Damen Stan Patrol 4207 type patrol boat to its Guast Guard fleet.
The HMJS Norman Manley joins 3 sister ships in its inventories.
The armament includes at least two 12.7mm machine guns and the crew consists of 17 troops of all ranks. https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4523847/jamaica-recibe-nuevo-patrullero-tipo-damen-stan-patrol-4207
***
Wendela de
Vries delves into what underpins EU arms export drive and how this
trend is increasingly enabled, challenging it all against the
backdrop of the climate crisis which particularly threatens the MENA
region:
https://prismeinitiative.org/blog/arms-trade-lost-opportunity-for-climate-solutions-wendela-de-vries/
#peopleandplanetaboveprofits
***
Kyiv and its
allies increased ammo production. All US plants doubled capacity
during the Russia-Ukraine war. Some of the European plants even saw a
tenfold increase of production capacity.
https://news.yahoo.com/no-one-country-produce-enough-183900601.html
It will take much time to scale the now
arising war economy back.
The EU is unlikely to meet the March
2024 deadline to deliver its pledged 1mn artillery shells to Ukraine,
which will exacerbate a growing ammunition crisis in its war against
Russia, according to sources cited by Bloomberg on November 10.
https://www.intellinews.com/eu-will-miss-1mn-artillery-shell-march-supply-deadline-as-ukraine-s-ammo-crisis-deepens-300810/
***
In a
display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, hundreds gathered
in Barcelona, Spain, for a demonstration calling on the Spanish
government to cease the arms trade with Israel.
https://see.news/pro-palestinian-protests-in-barcelona-rally-against-conflict-in-gaza
November 11
***
Smartshooter
– which boasts of developing “one shot one hit” technology –
is among the Israeli firms taking part in the hoorible #Milipol
exhibition opening in Paris next Tuesday (14/11). The Smartshooter is
part of the equipment of Israeli armed forces.
https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/david-cronin/israels-one-shot-one-hit-weapons-go-display-paris
***
General
Atomics plans try adding missile systems made by the Emirati miliary
#EDGE Group to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone, as a multi-billion dollar
deal between the UAE and General Atomics to buy several of the drones
remains stalled but alive.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/emirati-firm-to-put-missiles-on-mq-9b-as-us-official-says-skyguardian-f-35-deal-still-on-the-table/
***
Opposing arms
trade to Israel becomes the new normal. And rightly so!
BAE systems protest: Hundreds descend
on weapons factory calling to 'stop arming Israel' https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bae-systems-protest-hundreds-descend-31407003
***
Hundreds of
activists in Toronto blocked access to, L3Harris Technologies, a
large Canadian weapons supplier to Israel yesterday.
https://ricochet.media/en/4008/video-canadian-activists-target-israeli-war-profiteers
***
Unions
worldwide boycott arms supplies to Israel. Article with examples from
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, Japan, Poland Spain, UK,
and the US.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/f/unions-worldwide-boycott-arms-supplies-israel
November 10
***
In 70 percent of
transnational repression cases documented last year, both the
perpetrator and host countries were rated “not free” by Freedom
House. For example, Turkey, ruled by autocratic President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, increasingly has acted as an agent of other.
repressive states, such as China, in seeking to capture ethnic
Uyghurs who fled in fear of being incarcerated in concentration
camps.
GAO has also suggested https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106183.pdf pressuring perpetrators that benefit from U.S. arms exports by using a provision of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 barring arms sales to countries engaged in a pattern of intimidation or harassment directed at individuals in the United States. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are among the top 25 arms-transfer recipients. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/09/dictators-transnational-repression/
***
#China
tightens export controls on #RareEarths, requiring exporters to
report rare-earth types and their destinations, Beijing announced,
responding to stricter limits on US #semiconductor exports to China.
The measures run through the end of Oct. 2025.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Supply-Chain/China-tightens-rare-earth-export-curbs-amid-tension-with-U.S
***
#Airbus has
hired a #Spanish tech center (National Institute of Aerospace
Technology, or #INTA, backed by the Spanish MoD) to help with ground
testing of the #Eurodrone’s propulsion system, marking the first
step toward the platform’s eventual test flight.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/11/09/spanish-tech-center-to-test-eurodrones-propulsion-system/
***
#Rheinmetall
to deliver 100,000 rounds of mortar ammo to #Ukraine. The arms giant
recently acquired the Spanish manufacturer #Expal to expand
production capacity to meet a “strong global demand for ammunitions
[which is] set to continue to grow.”
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/11/09/rheinmetall-to-deliver-100000-rounds-of-mortar-ammunition-to-ukraine/
***
5 People have
been arrested after pro-Palestinian protesters scaled up part of the
Scottish Parliament building and unfurled a banner.
The demonstrators held a banner saying ''Stop Arming Israel'' across the front of the building in Edinburgh. https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/11494072/pro-palestine-protesters-storm-roof-holyrood/
***
The US is
supplying the weapons and munitions for Israel’s pounding of Gaza,
despite its new directive banning arms transfers to human rights
violators.
https://www.levernews.com/biden-approves-israel-arms-deal-despite-his-own-security-order/
Decoding India’s upward trend in defence exports. In 2023, India clocked its highest defence export value of roughly US$5 billion—10 times more than the revenue generated through defence exports in 2016-2017. https://indiashippingnews.com/decoding-indias-upward-trend-in-defence-exports/
November 9
***
Forum on the
Arms Trade resource page details developments related to US arms
sales to Israel under the Biden administration, beginning with a
05/05/21 notification to Congress of a possible direct commercial
sale of $735m in precision-guided weapons.
https://www.forumarmstrade.org/bidenarmsisrael.html
***
***
"The
October 17 [semi conductor export policy] updates are the latest move
towards increased efforts to protect U.S. technology in the name of
national security," states the final paragaph of an explanatory
article on the 10/17 export controls on semiconductors and advanced
computing.
https://www.globaltradeandsanctionslaw.com/loopholes-export-controls-advanced-computing-semiconductor-manufacturing/
***
No one knows
for sure how much money the #Pentagon loses due to #contractor
#overcharges, but based on the few cases that have surfaced publicly
it is likely to be #billions of dollars, or possibly even tens of
billions.
https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4298481-there-is-strong-public-support-for-holding-the-pentagon-and-its-contractors-accountable/
***
#Russia
is trying to get back some of the military equipment and weapons it
exported to countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Belarus and Brazil, in
an effort to replenish the huge stocks of arms it has #exhausted in
the war on Ukraine, WSJ reported.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/11/09/Russia-asks-countries-among-its-arms-customers-to-return-weapons-sold-to-them-Report
Russia
Turns to Longtime Arms Customers to Boost War Arsenal, the Wall
Street Journal:
https://www.wsj.com/world/russia-turns-to-longtime-arms-customers-to-boost-war-arsenal-5111bac4
November 8
***
Law and
Policy Guide to US Arms Transfers to Israel by 6 authors with
relevant background.
https://www.justsecurity.org/90010/a-law-and-policy-guide-to-us-arms-transfers-to-israel/
D66,
GroenLinks-PvdA en de SP willen dat Nederland per direct stopt met
het leveren van reserveonderdelen voor de F-35 aan Israël.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/08/d66-groenlinks-pvda-en-sp-willen-einde-aan-levering-van-f-35-onderdelen-aan-israel-a4180157
***
#German arms
exports to #Israel surge as Berlin backs campaign against Hamas.
Defence sales worth €300mn this year is 10-fold rise on 2022.
German government official: 185 of the 218 licences granted this year were approved after October 7. https://www.ft.com/content/1a09622b-91cf-4527-a887-f8f328bd7cad
***
US considers
Israeli request for hundreds of #Switchblade 600 kamikaze or suicide
#drones.
It’s unclear how long it will take #US personnel to make a decision on the inquiry — or when the advanced capabilities would be delivered to #Israel, if approved.
***
COMMENT &
ANALYSIS
UK, US and EU must halt arms sales to
Israel or risk complicity in potential war crimes
8 November 2023
https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1020-uk-us-and-eu-must-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-or-risk-complicity-in-potential-war-crimes
***
***
London Review
of Books: Up in Arms. article is an as detailed as possible
description of UK arms exports to Israel.
https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n22/james-butler/up-in-arms
***
Canadian Labour
Against the Arms Trade #LAAT sets its
sights on Israel. In the 1st week of November the group organized an
occupation & rally at #INKAS, an Israeli-owned armoured vehicle
manufacturing plant in #Toronto. LAAT is also planning other actions.
https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/canadian-labour-palestine-and-gaza
***
Belgische
vakbonden riepen op om wapentransporten bestemd voor Israël tegen te
houden. In heel wat landen krijgt het Belgisch voorbeeld navolging.
De lijst groeit elke dag aan.
https://www.dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2023/11/07/boycot-wapenleveringen-aan-israel-belgische-vakbonden-krijgen-wereldwijd-navolging/
***
Retweet
@alenapopova: Russia's global share
of major arms exports is significantly decreasing: 2018: 25.8% 2019:
20.4% 2020: 16.3% 2021: 10.7% 2022: 8.8% In 2013, Russia had the
largest share at 29%. Now, it falls behind not only the US (45.4%),
but also France (9.4%).
https://twitter.com/alenapopova/status/1721947790299779480
November 7
***
 |
| Click to read |
Ondanks waarschuwingen toch JSF-onderdelen aan Israël leveren want “bang voor schade” aan de relatie met Israël en de VS. Ongelooflijk #kamervragen https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/07/nederland-blijft-israel-f35-onderdelen-leveren-ondanks-waarschuwing-schending-oorlogsrecht-a4180072
***
Retweet
@ThomasvgPAX: Ongekend. Ondanks
waarschuwingen van schendingen van oorlogsrecht, inclusief door
ambtenaren bij BZ, is Nederland ook na 7 oktober doorgegaan met het
leveren van F-35 onderdelen aan Israël, de vliegtuigen die Israël
gebruikt voor de bombardementen.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/07/nederland-blijft-israel-f35-onderdelen-leveren-ondanks-waarschuwing-schending-oorlogsrecht-a4180072
Militaire
samenwerking en het leveren van wapens (en onderdelen) aan Israël
moet nu stoppen. Enorm risico dat ze gebruikt worden bij de
bombardementen. Het kan Nederland medeplichtig maken aan
oorlogsmisdaden. Zie ook dit eerdere stuk
https://paxvoorvrede.nl/nieuws/bescherm-burgers-en-beeindig-militaire-samenwerking-met-israel/
***
There is no tangible
threat on #Algerian borders. Even the
provocations carried out against our western neighbour have not been
followed by Moroccan action. There is no justification for an arms
budget of $ 21.6 in the 2024 finance bill.
Not content with
this gift of $18 bn, President Tebboune is offering a record budget
of $ 21.6 bn for his last year. This is what has led some analysts to
claim that only #corruption can justify such a budget. It is well
known that the arms trade generates substantial bribes.
https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/tebbounes-gift-to-the-algerian-army-generals/20231107093506193306.html
***
In a wave of
activism sweeping across the #US, from St. Charles, Missouri, to
Tacoma, Washington, demonstrators have objected the shipment of #arms
to #Israel, spotlighting the complex web of military commerce and its
implications for conflicts abroad.
https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/11/07/youth-activists-in-st-charles-and-tacoma-take-bold-stance-against-arms-shipments-to-israel/
***
#Lockheed
will upgrade 36 operational #F16 fighter jets with the Chilean Air
Force under a $177 million contract, the Pentagon announced. #Chile
ordered a total of 36 F-16 MLU jets from the #Netherlands in two
separate batches of 18 each in 2005 & 2009.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/11/06/lockheed-to-upgrade-chilean-air-forces-f-16-jets/
***
The
Egyptian Ministry of Military Production (MoMP) is said to be in
talks with the French defense company Safran Group to acquire the
Patroller tactical drone. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62302
***
Updated database: https://opensecuritydata.eu
Press release: https://bit.ly/3ubFyDZ
***
Hans Melchers the former CEO of Melchemie died last Saturday. According to 11 hits in the UN’s ‘Full Final and Complete Disclosure’ report #Melchemie (now #Melspring) delivered chemicals to Iraq which in all probability are used to produce chemical weapons.https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/14/world/middleeast/iraqs-disclosure-of-chemical-weapons-findings-to-un.html
***
#US Plans
$320 Million Weapons Transfer to #Israel as #Gaza Toll Mounts.
Biden administration notifies Congress of intention to send American-made precision Spice bombs.
More death and destruction a solution?
No #CeasefireNOW would be a better
step!
The report suggests that the weapons
would be transferred from the US branch of #Rafael to the Israeli
parent company.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/wsj-report-us-sending-320-million-of-precision-guided-bombs-to-israel/
Here some info on the long bonds between Rafael and the Dutch MoD. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/gill-spike-anti-tank-missiles/
Last year Dutch
militaries were involved in an evaluation of the Spike Firefly, a
kamikaze drone of Rafael.
https://www.rafael.co.il/press/spike-firelfy-loitering-munition-evaluated-by-the-us-army/
https://www.972mag.com/armed-drones-automated-killing-palestinians/
***
France maps
out Rafale exports for Saudi, India, but future fighter tension with
Germany lingers
“Germany is sticking to the joint [FCAS] project with France and Spain,” said a German MoD spokesperson. “Media reports that Germany is pulling out are false."
***
Zondag lopen
naar verwachting tienduizenden mensen mee in een Mars voor Klimaat en
Rechtvaardigheid door Amsterdam. Het 'vredesblok' van de mars is
georganiseerd door PAX, Stop Wapenhandel en Stop de Oorlog Amsterdam.
https://www.nd.nl/nieuws/klimaat/1199169/christenen-en-feministen-boeren-en-veganisten-lopen-zondag-in
***
BIS has
imposed a penalty of $44,750 against Forta LLC, a US manufacturer of
synthetic reinforcement fibres after it violated the antiboycott
provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3377-2023-11-03-forta-antiboycott-settlement/file
***
#Japan’s
ruling parties are planning to start talks on lifting an export ban
on weapons for defense purposes, including surface-to-air missiles,
for certain nations with close security ties, sources familiar with
the matter said Monday.
https://www.nippon.com/en/news/kd1094323159467671865/
November 6
***
Sweden’s
#Saab to set up plant in #India. SAAB starts in 2024 to manufacture
its Carl-Gustaf M4 system
https://www.saab.com/products/carl-gustaf-m4
in India.
https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/news/saab-to-build-missile-factory-india-investment/
Sweden improves security by exporting arms manufacturing capabilities to the autocratic BJP regime?
***
Abu Dhabi
Ship Building #ADSB is said to be actively pursuing a contract to
build OPVs for the #Nigerian Navy.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62301
Earlier ADSB worked with Dutch Damen on offshore patrol vessels for the UAE. https://wam.ae/en/details/1395277025652
***
Database
German Arms Trade.
Information on German Arms Exports. http://ruestungsexport-info.de/no_cache/en/database-german-arms-trade.html
***
Retweet
@Defensie with comment:
https://twitter.com/Defensie/status/1721243517966545209
Comment:
Als 't over #Klimaatcrisis gaat is
#Defensie opeens 'n andere organisatie. Niet één met grommende
gevechtsvoertuigen, ronkende straaljagers, fossiel slurpende heli's
en marine vloot.
Maar één met dienstauto's die
elektrisch worden.
Stoer doen over druppel op 'n gloeiende
plaat.
***
The World
Health Organization #WHO operating in Palestinian territory said
Sunday that it has documented #102_attacks_on_healthcare facilities
in the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in
early October.
https://twitter.com/WHOoPt/status/1721100656298123433
***
A request by
Jeruzalem for 24,000 assault rifles is drawing scrutiny from US
lawmakers & some State Department officials who fear the weapons
might end up in the hands of settlers & civilian militias trying
to force Palestinians from land in the West Bank.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/us/politics/israel-us-weapons-west-bank.html
***
Palestinian
human rights groups have launched legal action seeking records of
Australian arms and weapons exports to Israel granted by Defence
Minister Richard Marles.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8412904/australian-arms-exports-to-israel-data-sought-in-court/
November 5
***
Belfast
Council has called for an #arms_embargo on all parties in the #Israel
#Palestine conflict, after confirming a decision to light City Hall
and demanding a #ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/belfast-city-council-calls-for-arms-embargo-in-israel-palestine-conflict/a1074504471.html
***
#Denmark and
#Netherlands join forces to purchase 5 #Thales GM200 MM/C mobile
radar systems.
These systems are considered essential,
particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in #Ukraine and #Israel.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2023_global_security_army_industry/denmark_and_netherlands_join_forces_to_purchase_5_thales_gm200_mm/c_mobile_radar_systems.html
***
Why
climate crisis seems to be good news 4 aeronautic industry? #Airbus
#helicopters vice president said expansion was in big part driven by
increased demand for #disaster relief, SAR, and maritime security in
#Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40032515
November 4
***
War provides
opportunities for cynics.
Liberté, égalité & military hardware: #France sets its sights on #Russia’s former allies.
Emmanuel Macron’s European Political
Community, launched after Russia invaded #Ukraine is now translating
into defense deals.
https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-france-russia-kazakhstan-uzbekistan-allies/
***
From wheat to
bullets? Oleksandr Kamysyhin, the newly appointed minister for
strategic industries of Ukraine says he is working tirelessly to ramp
up local arms production and wants to turn the country into a weapons
production hub for the West.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ukraine-ap-russia-hamas-israel-b2441566.html
***
#Saferworld:
UK, US and EU must halt arms sales to #Israel or risk complicity in
potential war crimes.
https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1019-saferworldas-statement-uk-us-and-eu-must-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-or-risk-complicity-in-potential-war-crimes-
It seems as if almost alone European
politicians/governments & pro-Israel pressure groups aren't of
this logical answer toward what we see happening.
***
As regional
tensions rise US military firms still bound for the civil military
#Dubai Airshow. “no companies are pulling out,” E. Fanning,
President & CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, told
Breaking Defense.
Why would they? Poffits rise because of the misery.
Belgium, 12 - Czechia, 14 - Finland, 1 - France, 48 - Germany, 36 - Greece, 3 - Ireland, 2 - Italy, 45 - Lithuania, 1 - the Netherlands, 5 - Portugal, 2 - Slovakia, 7 - Spain, 5 - Sweden, 2 - Switserland, 11 - Turkey, 8 - UK, 51 https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/exhibitor-list-exhibitor
Why will Germany
market the Eurofighter in Bahrain?
https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/exhibitor/eurofighter-typhoon
***
100+ Jewish &
Palestinian activists held a die-in protest blocking the main
entrance of #Raytheon’s office in Tucson for over an hour.
Protesters condemned Raytheon’s complicity in the #genocide of
Palestinians for supplying missiles, bombs etc. to Israel.
https://www.democracynow.org/2023/11/3/headlines/100_activists_stage_die_in_in_front_of_raytheon_as_arms_maker_projects_profits_from_us_war_funding
***
UK WORKERS
BLOCKADE #ELBIT SYSTEMS ARMS FACTORY IN KENT
https://therealnews.com/uk-workers-blockade-elbit-systems-arms-factory-in-kent
***
By helping to
resurrect militia group #M23 and aiding its rebellion in eastern
#Congo, #Rwandese president Kagame aims to “assert hegemonic
dominance over Rwanda’s neighbors and guarantee access to the
natural resources of a vast region,” according to
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/africa/rwanda-congo-uganda-kagames-revenge
***
The
Rights Forum beet zich vast in Nederland en Elbit.
https://rightsforum.org/kabinet-gebruikte-woordspelletjes-voor-deal-met-elbit/
Het bedrijf heeft ook een eenpersoonsvestiging in Amsterdam: Elbit
Systems NL B.V., Krijn Taconiskade 430, Amsterdam. (WOB verzoek:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/wob-verzoeken/2022/03/02/besluit-wob-verzoek-over-elbit-systems/wob-elbit-systems-documenten+%28Geredigeerd+19-08-2022%29.pdf)
November 3
***
***
How #Primer (an AI
company) provided alook into the abundant information early in the
Israel-Hamas war. “Sense, #make_sense, decide and act — we’re
the ‘make sense’ people in that loop,” Mike Brenner a president
at the company said. That means #AI info created by a private
company is important early the loop of military action. The danger of
prejudices and coloured assumptions are well know problem in these
kind of systems.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/information-warfare/2023/11/01/how-an-ai-company-parsed-misinformation-early-in-israel-hamas-war/
***
#Saudi's look
for submarines, in particular #submarines for underwater surveillance
& countering warships in the Gulf and the Red Sea. KSA is also
looking 4 unmanned underwater vehicles #UUVs. Both demand involve
tech transfer & localization requirements.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/62296-saudi-arabia-tenders-for-light-submarines-and-uuvs
***
Current
Israeli-Gaza war also points to the Chinese Israeli relations and how
cosy arms trade relations in the past have been replaced by colder
relations on advise of Washington. The history behind this in the
South China Morning Post.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239821/israel-gaza-war-chinas-stance-belies-years-cooperation-including-arms-deals-israel
November 2
***
#Turkish
activist urges large #protest around Incirlik nuclear air base to
decry US stance on Gaza.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2023-11-01/incirlik-protests-turkey-israel-eucom-11902466.html
***
Pro-Palestine
protesters smear Foreign Office and weapons firm's London HQ in red
paint as police arrest man on suspicion of criminal damage.
Activists are angry because aerospace firm #Leonardo of supplies #Israel with fighter jets. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12701571/Pro-Palestine-protester-smears-weapons-firms-London-HQ-red-paint-Free-Gaza-police-arrest-man-suspicion-criminal-damage.html
***
Members of UK
Parliament's arms export controls committee said it recognised
"considerable and long-standing concerns over arms exports to
Israel, especially where they might be used in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories".
https://inews.co.uk/news/weaponry-uk-sold-israel-f35-jets-bomb-gaza-2724324
***
Studenten en
medewerkers v/d TU Delft houdt komende vrijdag vanaf 12.00 uur een
‘teach in’. Daarmee willen zij een signaal afgeven aan het
college van bestuur dat de samenwerking met instellingen die
militaire acties in Gaza steunen niet op wil schorten.
https://www.ad.nl/delft/groep-tuers-voelt-zich-niet-gehoord-door-college-van-bestuur-en-organiseert-bijeenkomst-over-palestina~ac214562/
***
The
European Defence Agency #EDA looks for a #bank.
https://tottestupload3.s3.amazonaws.com/TA030202310312103554010f88f330.html
November 1
***
A military
intelligence report leaked to newspaper El Espectador sheds a light
on Colombia’s illegal arms imports.
According to the report, most of the arms seized by the authorities between 2021-22 were fabricated by US & European arms manufacturers. https://colombiareports.com/military-intelligence-sheds-light-on-colombias-illegal-arms-imports/
#Germany still refuses to allow the sale of the Typhoon euro fighter jet to the #Saudi's, despite the #UK government’s intense lobbying. That is unfortunately, because not delivering to autocratic violent gross human rights violators costs jobs in Britain. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/eurofighter-sales-to-saudi-arabia-despite/
Will Paris fill the
vacuum with Rafalefighter jets? "France has remained more
receptive, in contrast to nations such as the US [?] and Germany, who
have traditionally adopted a more rigid stance against providing
equipment that could be used to violate human rights anywhere."
The Times November 1, 2023
France maps out Rafale exports 4 Saudi, India, but future fighter tension with Germany lingers. “Germany is sticking to the joint [FCAS] project with France and Spain,” said a German MoD spokesperson. “Media reports that Germany is pulling out are false." https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/france-maps-out-rafale-exports-for-saudi-india-but-future-fighter-tension-with-germany-lingers/
***
6 people
arrested after anti-arms fair protest at Telford Int. Centre.
Protestors said the despicable event "SDSC-UK is part of a
global arms trade that has blood on its hands. Telford [near
Birmingham] residents don’t want this arms fair in our town."
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/telford/2023/11/01/protesters-chain-themselves-to-telford-international-centre-entrance-in-opposition-to-arms-fair/
Another added: “Militaries
account for an estimated 5.5 per cent of global greenhouse emissions.
"But due to a loophole in the Paris Agreement, the world’s
armed forces do not have to publish emissions figures and are
excluded from COP emissions reductions targets. #ClimateCrisis
CAAT
on Telfort https://twitter.com/CAATuk/status/1719807050849321420
No Arms Trade in Telford, say local Quakers
An arms fair which left Malvern following protests from local Quakers and others is facing similar opposition at its new home in Telford. https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/no-arms-trade-in-telford-say-local-quakers
***
On the night of the
31st of October, #activists covered the office building of #Bagira
Systems in blood. They state "Bagira Systems, with the support
of the #Dutch government, is complicit in the genocide on
Palestinians happening right now!"
https://www.indymedia.nl/node/53949
Few years ago I
wrote a blog, partly on the role of #Bagira and the cooperation with
Van #Halteren metaal.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/imports-and-exports-both-part-of-military-policy
***
“For the
#TB2, I don’t want to use the word useless, but it is hard to find
situations where to use them,” Valiukh, commander in #Ukraine’s
Main Intelligence Directorate said at the Global Special Operations
Forces Symposium, Brno 26/10. #Turkey #Bayraktar
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/10/31/are-the-once-vaunted-bayraktar-drones-losing-their-shine-in-ukraine/
***
The
#Rotterdam Court has sentenced a #Russian businessman to 18 months in
prison. The man exported #dualuse microchips & electronics to
Russian defence entities using fake invoices & sending the goods
to Russia via the Maldives.
https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/#!/details?id=ECLI:NL:RBROT:2023:10072&showbutton=true&keyword=sancties&idx=1
***
The
Emirati MoD made a decisive decision to acquire future fighter jet
technologies. In this regard, the Aviation Industry
Corporation of #China (#AVIC) has submitted an offer. #UAEhttps://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62292-uae-future-fighter-jet-a-chinese-offer
