Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
March 31
***
Italian navy
eyes weapon with horrible human rights history, the Turkish
#Bayraktar TB3 drone to operate the armed drone from its aircraft
carrier.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/italian-navy-eyes-turkish-bayraktar-tb3-drone-aircraft-carrier-cavour
***
US White
Supremacist leadership strives to make the high ranks of its armed
forces white, male, straight, christian, and creates a cast system
according to a spokesperson of the Black Veterans Project.
So far for defending the rule of law
and democracy.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/03/27/hegseth-reportedly-removes-2-black-2-female-army-officers-from-1-star-promotion-list/
***
The Regulatory
Landscape for Semiconductor Exports explained.
In 2024, the total export trade value
reached $70.1 bn. 3 US agencies have authority over chip
transactions: US Dep of State #DDTC, Commerce #BIS, and the Treasury
#OFAC.
https://www.schulztradelaw.com/post/navigating-semiconductor-exports
***
Head
of BIS has told agency officials he doesn’t want staff
participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement, further heightening
concerns that the US is distancing itself from key export control
with trading partners, incl. multilateral export control regimes.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/va/vienna/news/2026/03/30/bis-chief-seeks-to-limit-wassenaar-participation-regime-controls/
March 30
***
Border Labs:
How Universities Power Europe’s Border Regime. Report by Stop
Wapenhandel and TNI exposes how universities are embedded in the EU’s
border regime, driving the militarisation, surveillance, and
externalisation of migration control.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/border-labs-how-universities-power-europes-border-regime/
***
Duitse
bondskanselier Merz hint op belang Duitse overheid in tankbouwer
KNDS. De Franse overheid heeft op dit moment al een belang van 50% in
het bedrijf dat zijn officiële hoofdvestiging (brievenbus,
https://www.kvk.nl/zoeken/)
heeft in Amsterdam.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1591323/merz-hint-op-belang-duitse-overheid-in-tankbouwer-knds
March 28
***
Damen on the
offensive against the hand which feeds it
Damen said allegations of fraud & sanctions violations brought by Dutch prosecutors have had a “significant impact.” Units of the conglomerate faces bribery and sanctions claims, which they deny.
https://www.mlex.com/mlex/articles/2458141/damen-says-dutch-bribery-and-sanctions-allegations-have-taken-toll
At the same time the shipyard reports a growing order book
and rising profits.
https://www.ajot.com/news/damen-shipyards-group-in-2025-profit-growth-and-a-well-filled-order-book
***
No progress, but
regression
ZVS, part of Strnad’s Czechoslovak
Group AS, or CSG, Europe’s carmaking powerhouse wants to become its
ammo hub.
https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/europe-carmaking-powerhouse-wants-become-084738598.html
Czechoslovak Group is expanding ammunition production through
state contracts and new factories - with Defence Minister Robert
Kalinák playing a central role.
https://spectator.sme.sk/politics-and-society/c/how-a-czech-arms-group-is-reshaping-slovakia-s-defence-industry
From mobility to the
industry of genocide
VW is in discussions with Israeli
military company Rafael to convert its factory in Osnabrück, into a
production site for components of the Iron Dome air defense system,
the Financial Times reported this week.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/03/26/volkswagen-in-talks-to-make-iron-dome-parts-at-struggling-german-auto-plant-report/
***
SIPRI
releases a guide that outlines how export controls can be used
to improve accountability and oversight of commercial cyber intrusion
capabilities (CCICs) while acknowledging the practical
challenges that limit their effectiveness.
https://doi.org/10.55163/ESHD4578
***
Rising global
geopolitical tensions are driving the demand for arms. This trend
suggests that states are increasingly prioritising military strength,
pointing towards what political scientist Harold Dwight Lasswell
coined as a world of “garrison states”.
https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/beyond-trending-what-is-garrison-state-10604600/
***
Undercover
police operations in action groups? Yes. Infiltration in CAAT exposed
in inquiry. CAAT’s media coordinator testified about the impact of
undercover police spying on CAAT & other anti-arms trade and
environmentalist groups.
See for detailed info: https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2026/03/27/undercover-police-officers-were-authorised-to-target-arms-trade-campaigners/
***
Aangekondigd
door griffier: Verzoek kabinetsreactie op brief van Stop Wapenhandel
en meerdere andeere organisaties m.b.t. versimpeling van de
EU-richtlijn voor intra-EU-wapenhandel.
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/kamervragen/detail?id=2026D14229&did=2026D14229
***
The British
military trained nearly 2000 overseas troops in its military
academies between 2017-2025. That figure includes personnel from 108
countries. Shockingly, 14 of those countries are on the UK’s own
human rights watchlist.
- https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2026/03/27/british-military-training/
- https://aoav.org.uk/2026/uk-trained-military-personnel-from-14-countries-on-its-own-human-rights-watchlist-new-data-reveals/
***
A
voice from the bubble. The European Network Against Arms Trade #ENAAT
briefing is again full of info on:
- EU support for the arms industry
- European militarisation
- Links, EU agenda, articles etc.
https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ENAAT-NBB_2026-2_27.03.2026.pdf
March 26
***
‘Doorvechten
is onze enige kans op een beter leven’
Een ½ eeuw geleden stichten de Sahrawi
hun eigen republiek in ballingschap. Maar een onafhankelijke staat in
de Westelijke Sahara lijkt ver weg, zeker nu steeds meer landen
Marokkaanse plannen steunen.
https://www.mo.be/reportage/doorvechten-is-onze-enige-kans-op-een-beter-leven
***
Thales involved in the
Dominican Republic's first electronic passport
The Dominican Republic let French
military tech champion modernized its ID-system, a biometric
document.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/thales-involved-in-the-dominican-republic-s-first-electronic-passport-ce7e5ed3dd8cf024
***
And the winner is?
US military giant RTX
(formerly Raytheon):
Netherlands plans $1.1 billion rush
order for extra Patriot system.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/03/24/netherlands-plans-11-billion-rush-order-for-extra-patriot-system/
***
Ukraine's
Military Intelligence publishes data on Russian Kamikaze drone
production . The Main Intelligence Directorate of the MoD of Ukraine
(DIU) has published new data identifying enterprises involved in the
production of Russian loitering munitions.
https://www.smgconferences.com/editors-corner/6660-news--ukraines-military-intelligence-publishes-data-on-russian-loitering-munition-production
March 25
***
The
procedures for exporting domestically produced weapons lack
transparency and clear communication from authorities, Ukrainian MP
and Economic Development Committee ranking member Halyna Yanchenko
told on March 24.
https://english.nv.ua/nation/eksport-ukrajinskih-droniv-yanchenko-zayavila-pro-nestachu-prozorosti-50594623.html
***
South Korean
missile system (SAM Cheongung or M-SAM Block II) built against North
Korean artillery has become one of the most sought after defence
hardware for Gulf nations An interception rate of 96% against Iranian
missiles fired at the UAE is reported.
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/east-asia/south-korea-middle-east-iran-war-patriot-cheongung-missile-b2944305.html
***
Palestinian
solidarity groups and independent trade unions in Rosarno, southern
Italy call for a total military embargo on Israel following the
seizure of 8 containers at Gioia Tauro port. They contained
military-related material.
https://www.portseurope.com/gioia-tauro-port-seizure-prompts-calls-for-arms-embargo-on-israel/
***
The
Netherlands moves to join the US. Collaborative Combat Aircraft
program to expand F-35 unmanned teaming capabilities. The step
positions Dutch forces inside a critical US-led effort shaping future
#AI-enabled air combat.
- https://defence-industry.eu/netherlands-to-join-u-s-collaborative-combat-aircraft-programme/
- https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2026/03/19/defensie-zet-volgende-stap-in-programma-onbemenste-luchtsystemen
***
French
LExpress notes in English that at the Dutch technical university
Eindhoven #TUE
"semiconductors" have become the top priority and ASML the
ideal partner. As part of a ten-year alliance established in 2024,
the university is investing around €100 million and ASML €80
million to build a cutting-edge cleanroom-a research and design
facility for chips essential to defence. The university is also
taking the opportunity to recruit more than a hundred new professors
and leading researchers.
https://www.lexpress.eu/education/eindhoven-university-of-technology-the-little-known-ally-of-champion-asml-and-europes-chip-industry-03-24-2026-DEBENGJZ2JF2FK4LJE4IUX2ZWU/
Artikel
plaatst strategische industrie in perspectief. Nederlandse econoom in
Belgisch tijdschrift: "Als ASML stopt met leveren, valt alles
stil. Dan ben je zodanig strategisch relevant dat je, als het erop
aankomt, een grote stok hebt om mee te slaan."
https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/econoom-jona-van-loenen-mensen-die-met-hun-handen-werken-zijn-de-rijken-van-de-toekomst/
***
Iedereen heeft
dollartekens in zijn ogen van al die defensiemiljarden’
Nederlandse bedrijven hopen te
profiteren van stijgende Europese defensie-uitgaven.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1589925/iedereen-heeft-dollartekens-in-zijn-ogen-van-al-die-defensiemiljarden
***
Fokker-50 used to
transport unrest
Hundreds of Somali soldiers from the
Haramcad forces flew out of Mogadishu airport 19/3/26 aboard a
Fokker-50 aircraft. They landed in the coastal city of Barawe in the
Lower Shabelle region
- (https://www.dawan.africa/news/south-west-somalia-accuses-federal-government-of-using-troops-to-undermine-its-authority).
- https://www.caasimada.net/koonfur-galbeed-oo-shaaca-ka-qaaday-dalka-soo-dhiibay-hubka-ay-df-u-adeegsaneyso/
***
Bij Kon. Meilink in
Borculo bij wordt vracht klaargemaakt voor Al Wathba Military Air
Base (Abu Dhabi), afkomstig van Fokker in Hoogeveen.
Elders bij Meijlink tekent een contour van schuim het profiel van een stuk vliegtuigvleugel, made in Papendrecht. https://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/meilink-verpakt-alles-wat-niet-kapot-mag-gaan-en-stuurt-zo-nederlandse-machines-de-wereld-in~bc24a7a8b/
***
GKN Fokker
Papendrecht krijg toestemming voor lozen grotere hoeveelheden fosfor
en zink (in het koelwaterspui) op het gemeentelijk riool.
https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/prb-2026-4773.html
***
Romanian government
is preparing a potential full takeover of Damen Mangalia (it holds
51%), with plans to convert it into a military production facility
financed through the EU's SAFE mechanism and may involve Rheinmetall,
according to daily Bursa.
https://www.romania-insider.com/damen-mangalia-shipyard-military-production-march-2026
Damen SY has rejected the reorganization plan of the
Mangalia, which will lead to the opening of bankruptcy proceedings.
This decision has serious consequences for employees, who risk losing
their jobs, while they've not received salaries for 3+ months.
https://informat.ro/en/economy/the-mangalia-naval-shipyard-is-going-bankrupt-employees-risk-losing-their-jobs-113012
***
The Australia–EU
Security and Defence Partnership sets out agreed areas of cooperation
and establishes mechanisms for joint planning, information sharing,
and capability development, included defence-industrial cooperation.
https://richlittleragdolls.co.nz/australia-eu-defence-partnership-2026-new-military-cooperation-agreement-explained/#what-the-australiaeu-security-and-defence-partners
***
Czech police,
in collaboration with the defense company LPP, are investigating a
fire at a facility in Pardubice as a possible act of sabotage; in
particular, they are looking into the possibility of Russian
involvement. (Also reported by Reuters.)
https://ua.news/en/world/u-chekhiyi-rozsliduiut-pozhezhu-na-zavodi-droniv-dlia-ukrayini-ne-vikliuchaiut-slid-rf
***
Aim to change high
tech = high cost warfare to less expensive counter
projectiles/drones.
Anduril’s ‘hunter-killer’ drone
strategy targets low-cost Iranian threats without high price tags.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/andurils-hunter-killer-drone-strategy-targets-low-cost-iranian-threats-without-high-price-tags
Follows January 2026 Trump Admin idea: https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-signs-order-block-defense-companies-from-buying-back-stock-until-arms-production-improves
***
Activists
face 'extreme isolation' in German prisons after Elbit break-in,
families say. One of the five activists detained after alleged
break-in at an Israeli arms firm is experiencing up to 23-hour daily
lockdowns in their cell.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/germany-five-activists-held-alleged-elbit-systems-break-in-isolation-families-say
***
Hundreds of
Palestine solidarity activists will hold 5 simultaneous protests at
arms factories across the UK on Wednesday 25/3. They’ll be
demanding that the UK government stops allowing the export of
weapons, components and military technology to Israel.
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2026/03/24/palestine-campaigners-to-protest-simultaneously-at-five-uk-arms-factories/
***
One
of the Murky roads towards a 'European' fighter
Polish Minister Gołota has announced that Warshaw considers to join the GCAP (aka Tempest) programme, aiming to involve its defense sector in the project to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/03/23/poland-eyes-benefits-of-joining-gcap-sixth-generation-fighter-project/
March 24
***
Fact driven
commentary: How Trump’s use of emergency powers to rush arms to the
Middle East raises concerns about necessity, timing, and
congressional oversight.
https://www.stimson.org/2026/what-to-know-about-emergency-arms-sales-to-the-middle-east/
***
Is
the UK Palantir's Trojan Horse into Europe?
https://mlq.ai/news/uk-financial-regulator-grants-palantir-access-to-data-for-ai-fraud-detection-trial/
Or is the UK not a total exception?
https://nltimes.nl/2025/08/22/dutch-police-also-use-controversial-ai-intelligence-software-american-palantir
March
23
***
Back of Glasgow
University's Gilbert Scott building sprayed with red paint on the
morning of 20/3/2026. “The university has refused to take
meaningful action towards divestment [in arms firms] and ignored
students' overwhelming support for divestment.”
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25958099.students-explain-vandalised-glasgow-university-building/
March
22
***
Shifting panels
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan meet as Ankara pushes for a security pact.
Turkish foreign minister says the four
countries are exploring how to combine their strengths amid growing
regional tensions and the war on Iran.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-saudi-arabia-egypt-and-pakistan-meet-ankara-pushes-security-pact
Shifting
panels
The Strategic Logic of the India-EU
Security and Defence Partnership: it "clearly reflects a
geopolitical push to create reliable frameworks for defence and
industrial cooperation."
https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-strategic-logic-of-the-india-eu-security-and-defence-partnership
March 21
***
European
cooperation?
नहीं/nahin
Recent Indian media reports have suggested that India could replace #Germany in FCAS and partner with #France, which already supplies the Rafale fighter to the Indian air force and navy. https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/india-seeks-role-fcas-or-gcap-fighter-consortia
***
Handelsmissie
maritiem militaire industrie naar Spanje, onder leiding van Sjoerd
Sjoerdsma, minister voor Buitenlandse Handel en
Ontwikkelingssamenwerking. VNO NCW is zakelijk missieleider.
https://www.maritimetechnology.nl/nl/agenda/economische-missie-spanje-maritieme-maakindustrie/
Zijn goed in zaken doen met Riyad.
***
SIPRI report:
A Budget for a 5th Year of War: Military Spending in Russia’s
Budget for 2026. Increasing pressures are leading to a planned
reduction in military spending in the coming years. 2026 National
Defence budget 12.9trn rubles (+/- $160bn)
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2026-03/2026_01_russias_military_budget_for_2026.pdf
***
Nigus Int.
Investment & UAE-based Elmirate Investment have signed a MoU for
up to $200m to build defence manufacturing capabilities in Nigeria.
Planned projects include tactical drones, intel and surveillance
systems, ammo production & armoured vehicles.
https://thedefensepost.com/2026/03/19/nigeria-defense-manufacturing/amp/
***
Bernie Sanders
filed 3 joint resolutions to block a pending sale of nearly $659m
worth of weapons — including 22000 bombs — to Israel after the
Trump administration told lawmakers it would use emergency measures
to bypass congressional review of the sale.
https://rollcall.com/2026/03/19/sanders-looks-to-block-sale-of-bombs-to-israel/
***
“We cannot eat
grenades once the grains no longer grow:” European peace movements
organize against militarization
Trade unions, activists, and
politicians met in Brussels to build resistance to Europe’s
militarization and imperialist path.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2026/03/19/we-cannot-eat-grenades-once-the-grains-no-longer-grow-european-peace-movements-organize-against-militarization/
***
Emirati illegal
diversion (eg Sudan) no problem?
US has approved about $7bn in weapons
for the UAE that the State Department is not required to announce to
the public under rules governing US arms exports, the Wall
Street Journal reported on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-approves-7-billion-more-weapons-uae-wsj-reports-2026-03-20/
***
$200 Billion
For The Pentagon Means A Longer War and More Wasted Funds. By
@WilliamHartung
More money for this Pentagon at this
time will just mean more wasted tax dollars and a longer war in the
Middle East. We can’t afford to let that happen.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2026/03/19/200-billion-for-the-pentagon-means-a-long-war-and-wasted-funds/
The Pentagon on Thursday said it is seeking roughly $200
billion to sustain its war in Iran, as senior military officials
acknowledge that the Islamic Republic retains “some capability”
to attack American assets and allies in the Middle East.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/03/19/it-takes-money-to-kill-bad-guys-pentagon-seeks-200-billion-in-new-funding-for-war-in-iran/
***
Military Times: A
US F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing after
flying a combat mission over Iran, US Central Command confirmed on
Thursday.
Prior to Thursday’s incident, the US
had lost four manned aircraft across the month of March.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/03/19/us-f-35-forced-to-make-emergency-landing-after-iran-combat-mission/
***
Berlin has
temporarily simplified the rules for exporting certain types of arms
to Ukraine and the Persian Gulf countries. This primarily concerns
air & naval defense systems.
Ministry of Economic Affairs and
Energy:
- https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2026/03/20260320-bundesregierung-vereinfacht-ausfuhr-von-bestimmten-ruestungsguetern-an-die-golfstaaten-und-die-ukraine.html
- Ukraine press: https://babel.ua/en/news/125670-germany-simplified-the-process-of-exporting-weapons-to-ukraine-and-the-persian-gulf-countries
***
Let it be a kick
off
Switzerland has suspended all new arms exports to the US over its involvement in the war with Iran, citing neutrality laws. The move follows refusals to grant US military flyovers and allied reluctance to join US’s Hormuz coalition. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/insight/swiss-arms-ban-deepens-us-isolation/gm-GMF4AAF401
***
Serbia’s secret
surge: arms to Israel skyrocket
€3mil in 2023, €114mil in 2025, amo shipments soar amid Mid East conflicts & deepening bilateral ties. https://eualive.net/serbias-secret-surge-arms-to-israel-skyrocket-despite-bans/
It isn't the only country on the Balkan
with the genocidal regime. Slovenia is a possitive execption.
***
Maar wederom 'jarenlange bezuinigingen' is een fabel zonder stealth coating. Die tendens is al lang gekeerd ->
March 19
***
Uncovered
channel through which high-precision EU-made equipment critical for
the production of missiles and drones found a way into Russia.
How has it been possible for machines made in a Polish factory to end up in Russia's military-industrial complex? https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/articles/2026/03/18/8026146/
***
Finance
militarisation
UK, the Netherlands & Finland, together with others, are in talks to set up a financial institution that would provide funding for joint multi-year military projects, similar to the European Investment Bank but focused on defence. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/03/18/uk-netherlands-finland-in-talks-to-set-up-defense-investment-bank/
***
Groups filed
lawsuit against Danish government alleging it had breached int law by
selling Terma F-35 parts to Israel. https://www.newarab.com/news/danish-supreme-court-rejects-case-arms-sales-israel
Would organising protest involving
citizens not a method to protest instead of the mostly failing
juridical tactic? https://www.terma.com/contact-us/europe/
***
Tweet
with comment: Greece frigate equiped
with French, Italian, Swedish and even Dutch military equipment
(picture from source article shows).
The Kimon-Class
Frigates: Greece’s Naval Renaissance and an Overview of the FDI HN
Program at
https://navalanalyses.com/2026/03/the-kimon-class-frigates-greeces-naval.html(includes
infographic of FDI HN )
***
Europe’s biggest
banks/asset managers have dramatically increased investments in
Palantir over the past year despite growing concerns of involvement
in human rights violations & potential threats to European
security, an analysis of company records show.
https://www.ftm.eu/articles/european-investors-palantir-investment
March 18
***
“Because these
supplier countries are unable to send weapons directly to Libya or
Sudan, they have been trying to use Turkish ports and borders,”
expert said.
The expert said new Turkish transit
regulation is aimed precisely at preventing such practices.https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-tightens-military-transit-rules-stop-illicit-arms-trade
***
CAAT
calls for an investigation into continuous export of drone components
to israel since UKs 2024 partial arms suspension.
https://caat.org.uk/news/caat-calls-for-an-investigation-into-continuous-export-of-drone-components-to-israel-since-uks-2024-partial-arms-suspension/
This call is based on an investigation by Declassified.
https://www.declassifieduk.org/how-a-failed-british-drone-project-won-millions-for-israeli-arms-firm/
March 17
***
Bonn based (only on
paper?) Van Halteren Metaal B.V. is contracted by HIL
Heeresinstandsetzungslogistik GmbH for repair/maintenance services of
security and defence materials and repair/maintenance services of
military vehicles. Reported 120326
***
Tegelijk zitten
er selectieve elementen in de rechtse afkeer van het Iraanse regime.
In 2014 bleek dat een dochter in de VS van Fokker de VS-sancties had
omzeild met de export van vliegtuigonderdelen naar onder meer Iran.
De justitie in de VS trof een schikking waarbij Fokker een boete van
ruim $ 10 miljoen dollar betaalde. Quote noemde het destijds de op
drie na heftigste schikking van een Nederlandse onderneming ooit.
Maar Haagse verontwaardiging bleef uit. Eén Kamerlid stelde kritische vragen, Michiel Servaes (PvdA), nu directeur van OxfamNovib. De rechterflank van de Kamer bleef stil, zo stelt NRC-Handelsblad. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/03/15/de-wereldorde-verkruimelt-den-haag-blijft-steken-in-een-conflictmodel-uit-de-jaren-nul-a4922952
Ondergetekende die het VS-sanctiebeleid doorgaans ziet als middel in imperialstische wereldpolitiek van Washington, ondersteunde het hier wel en schreef een kort verontwaardigd artikel over het Fokker beleid:
Nederlandstalig: https://www.ravage-webzine.nl/2015/03/02/list-en-bedrog-fokker-in-vs-licht-bestraft/
Engelstalig: https://stopwapenhandel.org/fokker-a-company-with-a-long-track-record-of-deceit-and-illegal-behavior/
***
Defensie
heeft een contract met Damen gesloten voor 3 patrouilleschepen voor
de Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied. De schepen wvervangen de huidige
schepen die inmiddels meer dan 25 jaar gebruikt worden.
https://www.defensiebond.nl/defensie/nieuwe-patrouilleschepen-voor-kustwacht-caribisch-gebied-defensie-kiest-opnieuw-voor-damen/
Over bewapening nog niets gevonden
(.50, 20mm of 40mm).
***
Mentioned in Latin
America security overview
The Colombian Navy's Plataforma
Estratégica de Superficie - a Damen SIGMA-class frigate and the
most complex warship built in Colombian shipyards - received its BAE
Systems Bofors 40 Mk4 dual-purpose gun.
https://menafn.com/1110865997/Latin-America-Defense-Monitor-Mar-916-2026
***
2
people died after boats used in protests against the relocation of a
US military base capsized in Japan's island prefecture of Okinawa.
The victims were a 17-year-old high school student and the
71-year-old captain of one of the overturned boats.
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/japan-okinawa-boat-sinking-capsize-b2939186.html
March 16
***
Enrich yourself,
march!
Trump’s sons invest in companies vying to fill gaps in US drone industry. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/03/10/trumps-sons-invest-in-companies-vying-to-fill-gaps-in-us-drone-industry/
And let others die to fill your own pockets. #TrumpScum.
***
China
supplied 80% of Pakistan’s arms, with Turkey & the Netherlands
trailing behind. This dynamic underscores the regional arms race: as
Pakistan increases imports, India feels compelled to maintain
superiority, and seeks Western tech to counter.
https://www.illustrateddailynews.com/defense-security/india-retains-position-as-worlds-2nd-largest-arms-importer-amid-strategic-supplier-shift-sipri-report-859916
***
Warning, if
necessary let it boomerang
China’s military warned the US against allowing AI to “determine life and death” in warfare, as a dispute between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic highlighted growing tensions over military use of the technology. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3346254/china-warns-us-against-granting-ai-ability-determine-life-and-death-battlefield
***
The US has
used its Low Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System #LUCAS kamikaze
drones in combat for the 1st time, US Central Command #CENTCOM
confirmed. The one way attack drones, which are based on Iran’s
Shahed 136 design are developed by SpektreWorks.
https://www.smgconferences.com/editors-corner/6612-news--us-confirms-first-combat-use-of-lucas-kamikaze-drones-during-iran-strikes
***
France
controversially sells advanced weapons to both Croatia and Serbia,
despite Serbia’s close ties to Russia and its differing alignment
with Europe, argues Defence24.
https://defence24.com/industry/frances-controversial-arms-exports-to-serbia-and-croatia
***
Notorious
military companies from the Netherlands (Damen Shipyards) &
Belgium (FN Herstal) have signed a MoU to start a strategic
industrial participation in naval tech, including the joint
exploration of advanced maritime solutions and surface drones.
https://www.navaltoday.com/2026/03/13/fn-and-damen-to-develop-next-generation-maritime-defence-solutions/
***
Let it sink in. Consider if it fits your view
on how power is 'shared' in this world:
Germany overtakes China to become
world's 4th largest arms exporter
https://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/gjermania-le-prapa-kinen-behet-vendi-i-katert-ne-bote-per-eksportin-e-armeve/
By the way: 1st USA, 2nd France, 3rd Russia
***
Tubantia/AD
keken rond bij wapenhandelaar TBM (https://tbm.nl)
waar eliteteams van de politie hun wapens kopen. De journalist van
dienst zaait nog wat angst, met het nietszeggende hagelschot 'dat de
veiligheid in de wereld' onder druk staat.
https://www.tubantia.nl/binnenland/we-kregen-een-kijkje-achter-deze-dikke-kluisdeur-hier-kopen-eliteteams-van-de-politie-hun-wapens~a75228f4
***
Aanbevolen:
Deze maand legden de VS sancties op aan
het Rwandese leger vanwege 't optreden in Oost-Congo. Rwandese
journalist Baker Byansi meent dat de maatregel zal falen zolang de
illegale mineraalhandel die de oorlog financiert, buiten schot
blijft.
https://www.mo.be/opinie/de-harde-waarheid-over-de-sancties-van-washington-tegen-het-rwandese-leger
***
Zelenskyy
stated that he has passed on a request from the Ukrainian military to
Rob Jetten for radars manufactured in the Netherlands.
Zelensky: it is a country: "that produces the best radars, and today we discussed this request in particular." https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ukraine-and-netherlands-agree-to-expand-joint-arms-production/ar-AA1XLIFo
March 10
***
Restrictions.
How Trump’s team decides to dole out chip licenses would determine
whether countries are able to build critical digital infrastructure,
tech that is seen as key to economic growth, corporate
competitiveness and military sovereignty.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-05/us-drafts-rules-for-sweeping-power-over-nvidia-s-global-sales
***
Article
for free for the next 20 hours on Follow The Money, about the NATO
corruption case involving Czech and Spanish companies, and public
offering listed in Amsterdam
European defence giant entangled in #NATO #corruption scandal https://www.ftm.eu/articles/europe-defence-giant-czechoslovak-group-csg-entangled-nato-corruption-scandal -> @ArmsTradeCT
March 9
***
Fable or true?
***
HEAR HEAR!!
EU must decide whether
the rules-based international order “is more a help or a hindrance
to our credibility as a geopolitical actor”, Von der Leyen said.
The strongest sign yet that EU might break from decades of rigid
adherence to global norms.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345980/get-realpolitik-von-der-leyen-questions-europes-faith-rules-based-order
***
Switzerland views the war on
Iran as a violation of international law, according to its Minister
of Defence, Martin Pfister, who said the government would weigh any
requests for arms exports to countries embroiled in the Middle East
conflict.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/iran-attacks-breach-international-law-swiss-defence-minister-says-2026-03-08/
***
Human Rights Watch on Monday
accused Israel of "unlawfully" using white phosphorus over
residential parts of the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor last week,
March 3, 2026.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/03/09/lebanon-israel-unlawfully-using-white-phosphorus
***
Swiss neutrality is only as good
as its acceptance abroad. The neutrality purists in the Swiss
People's Party argued in the National Council that one can only be
completely neutral or not at all, but no one called for an halt to
arms exports to the USA.
https://www.nzz.ch/nzz-am-sonntag/report-und-debatte/neutralitaet-oder-realpolitik-beides-ist-leider-nicht-immer-zu-haben-ld.1928085
***
Conflict in Soedan ligt ook op
Europese tafel. Want de RSF beschikt over Europese wapens en
onderdelen, ondanks het wapenembargo. De VAE zijn 't tussenstation.
Tweede Kamer moties die opriepen de wapenhandel met de VAE op te
schorten zijn niet aangenomen.
https://www.nd.nl/opinie/commentaar/1308889/de-oorlog-in-soedan-laat-zien-wat-er-gebeurt-als-niemand-opko
***
Wij hebben uitgerekend dat tot
2030 de omzet van de Nederlandse defensie-industrie bijna
verviervoudigt van 3,6 miljard euro naar 13 miljard euro", zegt
Rabo-onderzoeker Cramer. ,,Maar het is moeilijk om het exact te
berekenen."
De NIDV, een platform voor de Nederlandse militaire-industrie, meldt dat er 300 bedrijven zijn aangesloten. Daar zitten ook investeerders zoals Rabobank bij. Cramer verwacht dat er inmiddels zeker 450 Nederlandse bedrijven afhankelijk zijn van Defensie. https://www.telegraaf.nl/financieel/bedrijven-azen-op-mega-pot-van-178-miljard-voor-defensieopdrachten-maar-er-moet-nog-wel-een-hobbel-genomen-worden/138709536.html
***
The colossal self-acclaimed
policeman of the world is weaker than expected as is painted by
Indian Major General (ret.) Dr. Dilawar Singh, IAV
https://www.ibtimes.co.in/how-tehrans-lowcost-swarm-tactics-have-trump-us-cornered-multifront-war-898992
***
The Netherlands will equip its
next generation Orka class submarines with the French F21 Mk2
heavyweight torpedo, moving away from plans that considered the
interim use of US Mk48 currently deployed aboard the Walrus-class
subs.
- https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/03/dutch-mod-selects-f21-mk2-torpedoes-over-mk48-for-future-submarines/
- https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2026D09550
***
Arms reduction?
No.
French nukes are the answer.
Are they?
UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden & Denmark will use their conventional forces to protect the striking power of France’s nuclear force. https://theaviationist.com/2026/03/08/france-extends-nuclear-deterrence/
Not really an improvement from the situation US nukes are present at Kleine-Brogel.
French nuclear-armed Rafale fighters
could operate from Belgium under new deterrence plan.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2026/french-nuclear-armed-rafale-fighters-could-operate-from-belgium-under-new-deterrence-plan
Kleine-Brogel: https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2025-09-26/air-force-nuclear-weapons-europe-19227720.html
***
On the sideline of the real debates
The latest bout of fighting between the
US, Israel and Iran has seen artificial intelligence deployed as
never before to sift intelligence and select targets, although the
technology's use in war remains hotly debated.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/09/world/society/ai-tech-iran-strikes/
Amnesty
International has warned that the unregulated global arms trade is
accelerating human rights violations and contributing to conflicts
and civilian suffering worldwide.
https://shiawaves.com/english/human-rights/140657-amnesty-international-warns-unregulated-arms-trade-fuels-human-rights-violations/
***
With 33% of the global share Europe is the most
important region for arms imports. Between 2016 and 2020 it was Asia
and Oceania (42%) & the Middle East (32%) that were the leading
import regions. Europe was in third place but much further behind
(12%).
https://www.dw.com/en/sipri-europe-is-the-worlds-biggest-arms-importer/a-76261906
Europa voorname wapenproducent, maar ook grootste wapnimporteur van de wereld geworden. In periode 2016-2020 was het nog 12% van de wereldwijde importen. In de periode 2021-2025 werd Europa met 33% de grootste importeur.
Zie ook (Nederland komt 5x in de tekst voor, bijvoorbeeld: 9.0% van de Europese importen ging naar het kleine landje. Dat is 1.8% van de wereldwijde wapenimporten): https://www.sipri.org/.../files/2026-03/fs_2603_at_2025.pdf
March 8
***
Smart Japanese
56.6% oppose lethal arms exports by Japan.
Not all: 36.9% support it.
Unfortunately government is part of this minority.
https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/71849
***
Smart
youth
Across Germany, tens of thousands of
high school students went on strike on Thursday to protest the likely
reintroduction of military service. Germany’s political leaders
want a new generation of soldiers, but young people are against it.
https://jacobin.com/2026/03/germany-student-strikes-rearmament-conscription
Verstandige jongeren
Opinie: Als er oorlog komt, dan gaan wij niet!
Dit kabinet beschermt vooral de
veiligheid van de rijken. Jongeren worden daaraan opgeofferd, betogen
Rik Bresters en Boyd Angenent.
https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/opinie-als-er-oorlog-komt-dan-gaan-wij-niet~b734af20/
March 7
***
Jennifer
Kavanagh: The Costs of Militarized Rivalry with China: A 1st
Estimate.
https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/paper/MilitarizedRivalry
Suisheng Zhao: The Costs of US-China Militarized Rivalry for Chinese
& Asian Americans: Hate Crimes, Unjust Targeting of Scholars, &
Legal Exclusions.
https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/paper/HumanCostUSChina
***
@WilliamHartung:
The Costs of the War With Iran Will Mount For Decades.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2026/03/04/the-costs-of-the-war-with-iran-will-mount-for-decades/
Ray Acheson: War on Iran Means Death and Destruction for Civilians and International Law. https://reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-news/18161-war-on-iran-means-death-and-destruction-for-civilians-and-international-law
***
German HENSOLDT
will acquire Nedinsco, a Dutch developer of electro-optical sensor
systems (like periscopes, driver vision systems, & sensor
subsystems). Nedinsco is based in Venlo, Eindhoven.
It has expertise in image processing & optronic tech. https://defensehere.com/en/hensoldt-acquires-dutch-electro-optics-specialist-nedinsco/
***
Florence Gaub
(NATO): What frightens me most is that we stop talking to one another
across rival countries, that we lose the ability to understand how
the other side thinks. We are losing strategic empathy. And that is
where the real danger begins.
https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-03/florence-gaub-natos-futurist-you-can-slide-into-a-world-war-even-if-nobody-wants-it.html
***
Trump
announced a 4x increase in arms production in the USA. He spoke about
meeting leaders of companies such as BAES, Boeing, Honeywell
Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed, Northrop Grumman &
RTX.
https://open.kg/en/news/in-the-world/79197-tramp-zajavil-o-chetyrehkratnom-uvelichenii-proizvodstva-vooruzhenij-v-ssha.html
Be sure Europe will buy a large part of
it.
March 6
***
Mexican president
Claudia Sheinbaum called on the US government to step up efforts to
combat gun trafficking.
If stopped “these groups wouldn’t have access to this type of high-powered weaponry to carry out their criminal activities.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/09/mexican-cartels-guns-come-from-us-sheinbaum-trump
***
Nukes
Addition to the toolbox directed at military responses to an unstable world order and the wish to become an independent power at the world stage.
France, Germany create panel to advance shared nuclear deterrence plans. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/03/05/france-germany-create-panel-to-advance-shared-nuclear-deterrence-plans/
***
More than
50.000 youth participated in second German school strike against
threat of compulsory conscription.
https://www.jungewelt.de/artikel/518662.schulstreik-gegen-wehrpflicht-friedrich-merz-an-die-front.html
Movement site: https://schulstreikgegenwehrpflicht.com/
***
Damen
Shipyards Mangalia is looking for a strategic investor.
Representatives of the giants MSC and Rheinmetall are expected to
participate in discussions for the takeover of the largest Romanian
shipyard.
https://informat.ro/en/current-affairs/damen-shipyards-mangalia-is-looking-for-a-strategic-investor-and-proposes-reorganization-109460
***
Detailed
article on: Why India, rest of Asia are feeling the heat of Iran-US
war most. China's role in the conflict is often overstated, with
claims of significant military hardware sales/ failures and energy
security threats (dimmed by diversification.)
https://www.theweek.in/news/middle-east/2026/03/06/why-india-rest-of-asia-are-feeling-the-heat-of-iran-us-war-more-than-china.html
March
5
***
US private
sector forced into military playbook. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei goes
back to Pentagon, resumes negotiations on military’s AI use to
allow the Pentagon to resume using Anthropic's AI technology and
avoide a formal blacklist designation.
https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-anthropic-ceo-dario-amodei-goes-back-to-pentagon-resumes-negotiations-on-militarys-ai-use-4163283/
Anthropic executives
warned that a US government blacklist could cut 2026 revenue by
billions & harm its reputation. The firm sued the US DoD to block
the move. It is said defence contracts, investor confidence and deals
could be seriously affected.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/anthropic-executives-say-pentagon-blacklisting-could-hit-billions-in-sales-harm-reputation/articleshow/129368725.cms
Anthropic has received backing from
researchers at rival AI companies (incl. those from OpenAI &
Google DeepMind—also Google chief scientist Jeff Dean) in its legal
challenge against the US government, after the Pentagon cancelled its
defence contracts.
https://www.peoplematters.in/news/ai-and-emerging-tech/anthropic-wins-support-from-rival-ai-researchers-in-legal-battle-over-pentagon-blacklist-48740
Microsoft has backed Anthropic in its legal fight against
the Pentagon’s ban, warning that blocking the AI company without a
transition period could disrupt military contracts and affect US
military ops.
https://www.moneycontrol.com/europe/?url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/microsoft-supports-anthropic-lawsuit-against-pentagon-over-ai-supply-chain-ban-article-13856587.html
But let not forget for what the quarrel
started.
Pentagon staffers, former officials and IT contractors who work closely with the U.S. military say they are reluctant to give up Anthropic’s AI tools, which they view as superior to alternatives, despite orders to remove them. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/03/19/hegseth-wants-pentagon-to-dump-claude-but-military-users-say-its-not-so-easy/
***
Emirati #EDGE
Group has signed a Letter of Intent with Ecuador’s MoD to support
the development of the country’s - let it sound positive -border
protection systems.
https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uaes-edge-group-partners-with-ecuador-to-enhance-border-security-systems-1.500464239
Nothing on raising border tensions and controls because of a dispute with Colombia.
***
In a
militarist US House Armed Services Com. speech the EU is also
mentioned, as vazal to buy US arms: "...we must implement the
President’s executive orders on arms exports to leverage allied
purchases to support the expansion of US production capacity."
https://armedservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6411
***
In the meantime
EU military industry throwing dirt at each other.
French-German-Spanish FCAS closer to failure, after aircraft maker Dassault Aviation blamed partner Airbus for no longer wanting to work together on the next-generation fighter. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/03/04/french-german-fighter-program-on-life-support-as-dassault-blames-airbus/
***
Will the
Canadian mix involve Swedish SAAB Gripen fighters? Saab said it's
hoping to partner with the government and Canadian businesses to
develop systems for the next generation of aerial warfare as it
pursues deals to supply Ottawa with new aircraft.
https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/9.7112654
***
Does it matter?
1st kill by a US submarine since WWII? https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/03/04/us-submarine-sinks-iranian-ship-in-first-torpedo-kill-since-wwii-pentagon-confirms/
323 killed by UK torpedo in 1982 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARA_General_Belgrano
My grandfather was killed by a German
torpedo in '44 (near Dover) & also 2! brothers of my grandmother,
Feb 15 1940. https://www.aukevisser.nl/bemlijsten/id1268.htm
War what is it good for
Another first. Happy now?
Israeli F-35 notches first kill of a
manned fighter, a Iranian Yak-130.
One more
In another first, the UK reported that
its Royal Air Force’s F-35B jets had intercepted Iranian drones
above Jordan.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/03/04/israeli-f-35-notches-first-kill-of-a-manned-fighter-in-downing-of-iranian-yak-130/
War
what is it good for
- https://responsiblestatecraft.org/iran-war-weapons-stocks/
- https://x.com/BenFreemanDC/status/2028939081955078189
***
Austal
Defence Australia and Damen Shipyards Group have signed a contract
supporting the local construction of Landing Ship Transport (LST) 100
vessels for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on Friday, 20
February.
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/austal-and-damen-partner-on-lst-100-vessels-construction
***
Speaker
at the Int. Compliance Professionals Association’s conference,
Christopher Skinner (ArentFox trade lawyer), said Trump Admin could
move toward “lesser controls” for items covered by the ITAR or
restricted for “defense applications.” [Pay Wall
https://exportcompliancedaily.com/]
March 3
***
Repression to
defend ugly interests
France arrests activists blocking ship over suspected Russia uranium links
Greenpeace has repeatedly accused Paris
of maintaining ties with Russia's state-owned energy company,
Rosatom, despite Moscow's war in Ukraine.
https://www.courthousenews.com/france-arrests-activists-blocking-ship-over-suspected-russia-uranium-links/
***
Reports
suggest a formal disinterest from New Delhi in the F-35, linked to
high maintenance costs and the lack of a complete tech transfer. The
equation hinges on balancing industrial sovereignty, the pace of
local industrialization, stealth capability.
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2026/03/02/india-f-35-su-57th-burst-mrfa-iaf-2025/
***
Russian law
enforcement officials cited by RIA Novosti claim NATO-supplied
weapons sent to Ukraine are being written off as lost and sold
on the black market, raising concerns in Europe and beyond. Sources
not solid, but it's a warning.
https://voennoedelo.com/en/posts/id13665-nato-weapons-to-ukraine-allegedly-sold-on-black-market
Here
same info translated into Dutch (some of it was debunked already a
long time ago by the European agency here used as source. But despite
this, the warning is still valuable):
https://businessam.be/navo-wapens-bestemd-voor-oekraine-duiken-op-op-de-zwarte-markt/
***
The
race is on!
Europe ramps up defense spending to 21% of global total, up from 17% in 2022 and is led by Berlin. Report
Defense spending jumped globally to $2.63 trillion in 2025, according to IISS's latest Military Balance report.
To Armageddon?
March 2
***
Jolle Demmers: De geschiedenis herhaalt
zich niet. Ze begint telkens opnieuw. Opnieuw de leugen van
massavernietigingswapens. Opnieuw de propaganda dat een volk uit
de greep van dictatuur zal worden bevrijd.
https://jolledemmers.substack.com/p/over-de-amerikaans-israelische-oorlog
***
Bunschoten
Defensie heeft meer pantservoertuigen
nodig en daarvoor wordt gekeken naar de Nederlandse industrie.
Ingewijden weten dat er wordt gekoerst op een grote rol voor het
familiebedrijf Van Halteren uit Bunschoten.
https://www.rtvutrecht.nl/nieuws/4011233/bedrijf-uit-bunschoten-gaat-mogelijk-vierhonderd-pantservoertuigen-maken-voor-defensie
Vrijdag meldde De Telegraaf op basis van ingewijden dat het
familiebedrijf Van Halteren in Bunschoten een miljardenorder in de
wacht sleept voor de bouw van pantservoertuigen. In de slipstream
daarvan profiteren twintig andere Nederlandse bedrijven als
toeleverancier mee.
Dutch reports on the ACSV G5 and
integrated Skyranger 30 air defense systems hint the project is being
steered toward Van Halteren, a family-run defense manufacturer in
Bunschoten-Spakenburg, with a wider national supply chain expected to
participate.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/netherlands-to-procure-400-acsv-g5-support-vehicles-with-skyranger-30-counter-uas-systems
***
Arms export
control? In 1978, the Shah of Iran ordered 8 frigates at the Dutch
shipyard consortium Rijn-Schelde-Verolme (RSV) in a contract valued
+/- 3 billion Dutch guilders (€1.4 bn). The contract was cancelled
following the Iranian Revolution.
https://www.nwo.nl/en/cases/the-netherlands-was-blinded-by-the-shahs-carefully-constructed-reputation
Wapenexportcontrole?
Een order gaat niet door vanwege: de concurrentie. Damen probeerde landingsschepen aan #Rusland te verkopen, maar 't Franse DCN haalde het contract binnen. https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/09PARIS1529_a.html https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2018/01/landingsschepen-deel-10-serie-over.html
Uiteindelijk haalden zij onder druk bakzeil.
***
Veiligheid
Hoogeveen had tijdens de grote
chroom-6-lozing in het riool door Fokker, eind 2024, geen zicht op de
gevaren voor medewerkers in de rioleringsdienst. Voor hen waren er
bovendien te weinig beschermingsmiddelen.
https://dvhn.nl/drenthe/hoogeveen/hoogeveen-had-tijdens-chroomlozing-geen-risicoplan-voor-rioolreiniging.-gemeente-op-de-vingers-getikt-48572855.html
***
Last
Friday at 7:30, hundreds of workers gathered at the administration at
the Damen Shipyard Mangalia dissatisfied with the fact that yesterday
they should have received their outstanding salary rights, at least
part of them, and they were not paid.
https://www.digi24.ro/digieconomic/companii/protest-spontan-la-santierul-naval-mangalia-angajatii-nu-si-au-primit-salariile-de-peste-doua-luni-89353
***
BAE
Systems F-16 maintenance contract includes arms exports to 21
countries, incl: Jordan, Taiwan, Belgium, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain,
Thailand, Poland, Oman, Romania, Turkey, Chile, Morocco, Pakistan and
the Netherlands (the NLAF has no longer F-16's itself).
https://de.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/f16instandhaltung-bae-systems-sichert-sich-auftrag-der-us-air-force-uber-989-mio-dollar-93CH-3356588
***
The
Western Sahara issue, instability in the Sahel... Also Algeria
intensifies the arms race by purchasing Russian aircraft. There is
little doubt that the purchase of these aircraft is a message sent to
Rabat. also because of the close ties with Israel.
https://www.liberation.fr/international/afrique/question-du-sahara-occidental-instabilite-au-sahel-lalgerie-intensifie-la-course-a-larmement-en-achetant-des-avions-russes-20260226_7NMEGJMHERFVHGJUSNOB6CZW3A/
***
Wassenaar
Arrangement
China’s advanced tech risk making the group’s export control list increasingly irrelevant. But if China were given membership, it would be seen as a political victory for Beijing and opposed by key members like the US and Japan. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/02/27/wassenaar-arrangement-will-china-join-or-kill-this-30-year-old-weapon-control-club
***
Part
of the debate on US influence in NATO is around the exports of
equipment. In the past 3 yrs 50+% of Europe's spending on arms went
to the US. While advocating European rearmament, the US has
simultaneously expanded its sales, securing multiple gains.
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/2025xb/O_251451/16444904.html
***
A view
from Minsk on the militarisation of the European Union (and
especially Poland), and SAFE (Security Action for Europe).
https://eng.belta.by/politics/view/mousetrap-for-europeans-whats-wrong-with-the-eu-defense-program-177389-2026/
***
Africa’s
militaries are built on imported power. Foreign countries dominate
Africa’s military market. Between them they supply everything from
small arms to attack helicopters, drones & C3 equipment. Why a
shift to homegrown defence is now under way?
https://defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/africas-militaries-have-always-relied-on-imported-weapons-why-a-shift-to-homegrown-defence-is-now-under-way/
***
The UN Security
Council lifted sanctions imposed on the Syrian jihadist Al-Nusra
Front, the militant group that evolved into Hayat
Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), from its so-called Daesh and
Al-Qaeda Sanctions List.
- https://www.arabnews.com/node/2634738/amp
- https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/un-security-council-lifts-sanctions-on-syrias-hts-rebel-group
***
Report
of the independent international fact-finding mission for the Sudan
(Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom)
calls on the international community to act without delay to expand
the arms embargo, preventing the transfer of weapons, equipment to
protect civilians.
- https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc6177-sudan-hallmarks-genocide-el-fasher-report-independent
- https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-foreign-affairs/documents/diplomatic-statements/2026/2/26/un-fact-finding-mission-report-el-fasher-sudan-core-group-foreign-ministers-statement
Human Rights Watch calls the UN SC to enforce & expand the UN arms embargo from Darfur to the whole of Sudan. Countries should speak out against the UAE’s ongoing military support to the RSF, and the UN should investigate the UAE’s potential complicity. https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/24/un-body-finds-hallmarks-of-genocide-in-darfur
A UN fact-finding report classified the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in el Fasher of October 2025 as showing hallmarks of genocide. https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/02/1166997
The RSF is being supported militarily,
financially and diplomatically by the UAE.
https://www.adhrb.org/2026/02/united-nations-rules-uae-funded-rsfs-atrocities-as-genocidal/
***
A
coalition of 235 civil society groups calls the UN Human Rights
Council for a comprehensive global arms embargo on Myanmar, including
targeted sanctions on aviation fuel, cutting the financial flows that
sustain the military's decades-long impunity.
https://eng.mizzima.com/2026/02/20/31433
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a
bilateral agreement with Myanmar's junta to promote and
protect bilateral investments, further deepening ties between the two
regimes across the military, economic and political fronts.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/putin-ratifies-investment-protection-pact-with-myanmar-junta.html
***
In
juli 2023 maakte VVD Minister van Buitenlandse Handel Schreinemacher
plots 'n einde aan het staande strengere wapenexportbeleid (PoD)
m.b.t. Saoedi-Arabië, de VAE en Turkije. Volgens haar was dit nodig
om te kunnen toetreden tot het Verdrag van Aken.
https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/kabinet-overtrad-beperking-wapenexport-bedoeld-om-schending-mensenrechten-te-voorkomen
