Tweets for March 2020

Latest on top:

March 31

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While Turkey ships its arms for Libya by air, the EU announced the launch of a new naval mission in the Mediterranean Sea aimed at enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya. The operation is dubbed Irini, the Greek word for “peace.” https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/03/31/eu-launches-new-naval-mission-to-police-libya-arms-embargo/

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#Coronavirus Forum on Arms Trade collects information on Governments that have requested that their industries, including their defense industries, assist in the production of goods or provision of services and welcomes assistance https://www.forumarmstrade.org/coronavirusdefense.html

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“The British government refuses to track the use of its weapons in a conflict that has targeted civilians and healthcare facilities, and now a coronavirus outbreak looms,” by @StavrianakisA
 https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2020/mar/31/the-uk-feigns-ignorance-but-five-years-on-its-still-intimately-involved-in-yemens-war

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CWA labour union President Shelton questioned why, when the US is facing an unprecedented healthcare crisis and shortage of life-saving medical equipment, one of the nation’s largest builders #GE of the equipment would choose to lay off its workforce. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/coronavirus-general-electric-workers-ventilators-work-stoppage-labor-massachusetts-a9436881.html

March 30

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How advanced military medical technology could help in the fight against COVID-19 is written in War on the Rocks.https://warontherocks.com/2020/03/how-advanced-military-medical-technology-could-help-in-the-fight-against-covid-19/

Advise read why this is not the best angle here: https://www.newsweek.com/redirect-military-resources-civilian-needs-coronavirus-1493831

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Most remarkable Dutch military licenses 1: the extended license for what are called Pakistani 'patrol' vessels. € 77,250,000. Reports up to date until December 31, 2019. https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen

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Most remarkable #Dutch military licenses 2: NBCD equipment with destination #Spain, but final destination #Saudi Arabia. € 920,000; 3: parts for frigates for #Indonesia. € 128,056,792. https://products.damen.com/en/ranges/sigma-frigate-and-corvette/sigma-frigate-10514 Reports up to date until December 31, 2019. https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen

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Coronavirus hits defense contractor jobs. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/490017-coronavirus-hits-defense-contractor-jobs

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To stay proud use this opportunity to shift away from military production. Dutch GKN branch Fokker produces now F-35 fighter jet and reaper drone parts. Production bringing real security is possible.

Comment at tweet: RELEASE: @GKNAerois proud to be part of VentilatorChallengeUK, @VentilatorU where industry leaders are coming together to help fight COVID19. Read here: https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2020/ventilatorchallengeuk-consortium/ #COVID19 #VentilatorsNow

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There have been no major #corona impacts to #USAF weapons development. “There are always concerns, but right now I have no major delays, and that’s due to fantastic people thinking creatively,” assistant secretary for acquisition, tech and logistics said. https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/27/heres-how-covid-19-is-impacting-the-air-forces-most-important-weapons-programs/

March 29

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Nederland het land dat trots is op zijn gevoelloosheid voor alles achter de dijken. https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1339447/gevoelloos-weerzinwekkend-kinderlijk-den-haag-stuit-op-weerstand-in-eu

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Some French state-backed companies already scrapped their #dividend in recent days as they grapple with the #coronavirus outbreak that has caused halts in production & disrupted demand. These include #Airbus and aerospace supplier and engine maker #Safran. https://sg.news.yahoo.com/france-urge-state-backed-firms-080045492.html

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#Turkish military industry becomes launchpad of Ankara's regional ambitions. However "#drones arn't a military panacea," Ulrike Franke, European Council on Foreign Relations, London, said on Ankara's unmanned muscles. "They arn't a strategic game-changer." https://thearabweekly.com/turkish-military-industry-becomes-launchpad-ankaras-regional-ambitions

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#Mitsubishi Electric Corp. will deliver military air radar systems to #Philippines for +/- ¥10bn ($90m). It is the 1st military export from #Japan, excluding parts, since its long-held arms trade ban was eased in 2014, a government source said Thursday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/03/27/national/mitsubishi-electric-philippines-radar/

Added: The deal was initially due to be completed by May, but negotiations have stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese government sources said.

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Amina Atiq: British-#Yemeni activist and poet is passionate in calling for peace to put an end to the suffering of civilians caught up in the horror of war, and would like to see the arms trade more carefully governed according to moral principles. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1648376/lifestyle

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While security seems to be threatened not so much on military front, but concerns health of Europe's citizens (not to speak of Climate Change) the #Commission still disagrees with Finish Presidency to lower European Defence Fund #EDF budget. #coronavirus https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-000067-ASW_EN.pdf

 

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To use UK's NHS data and fight the #coronavirus #Palantir is contacted to create a data platform. The #secretive big data firm is known for taking on defence contracts, including work for the Pentagon and the CIA in the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. https://www.goqradio.com/news/q-radio-tech-news/coronavirus-nhs-unveils-data-platform-to-track-beds-staff-and-ventilators/

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When death dealers make ventilators, we know it’s time to end the arms trade. Some of UK’s biggest dealers in death – BAES, Airbus, Thales, Meggitt, Rolls-Royce and GKN (mother of Dutch Fokker) – have joined a consortium called Ventilator Challenge UK. https://www.thecanary.co/opinion/2020/03/28/when-death-dealers-make-ventilators-we-know-its-time-to-end-the-arms-trade/

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Guardian article (British loans to foreign arms buyers, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/28/revealed-1bn-of-taxpayers-cash-to-help-foreign-countries-buy-british-arms) partly in Swedish: Brittiska lån till utländska vapenköpare https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/wPG6X4/brittiska-lan-till-utlandska-vapenkopare

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Annalist EU Institute for Security Studies #EUISS uses coronavirus pandemie to plea for more investment in the European Defence Fund #EDF and other initiatives. http://realinstitutoelcano.org/wps/portal/rielcano_en/contenido?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/elcano/elcano_in/zonas_in/commentary-fiott-will-european-defence-survive-coronavirus

March 28

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Revealed: £1bn of taxpayers' cash to help foreign countries buy British arms https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/28/revealed-1bn-of-taxpayers-cash-to-help-foreign-countries-buy-british-arms

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Webinar: Building an internationalist response to Coronavirus. With from around the globe: Sonia Shah, Luis Ortiz Hernandez, Benny Kuruvilla, Mazibuko Jara. Register at: https://www.tni.org/en/event/webinar-building-an-internationalist-response-to-coronavirus

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The military has suspended all travel, deployments, exercises for the entire force. They are on hold for up to three months. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/03/25/the-military-has-suspended-all-travel-deployments-exercises-for-the-entire-force/ #coronavirus

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Some call this security (mostly those in power): We have enough to destroy, but not enough to save lives. https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/strategically-speaking/news/we-have-enough-destroy-not-enough-save-lives-1885852

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Turkey sent arms to Libya and violated a United Nations arms embargo on the war-torn country, the BBC said on Thursday, citing satellite images and footages obtained by its investigation team. https://ahvalnews.com/turkey-libya/turkey-sends-new-arms-shipments-libya-violates-un-embargo-bbc

March 26

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“Unfortunately, US spending priorities and modes of thinking about security have been become increasingly defined in military terms. Congress provided a record $746 billion for national defense in fiscal year 2020.”

Retweet of: William Hartung Pandemic Reveals Misplaced Priorities -- need to realign resources to address health, climate, and nuclear dangers @DarylGKimball @ArmsControlNow https://armscontrol.org/act/2020-04/focus/pandemic-reveals-misplaced-priorities

March 25

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Today marks the 5th anniversary of the Saudi-led coalition’s military intervention in Yemen. It's time to #StopArmingSaudi. Join the action day: https://facebook.com/events/141821320453177/

Voor meer informatie in het Nederlands: https://yemen.vredesactie.be/nl-index.html #StopArmingSaudi #WarInYemen #MadeInEurope

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PT #Pindad opens new weapons facility. Most of the work of Pindad which relates to the production of armoured combat vehicles & weapons is carried out with foreign companies, like with Turkish #FNSS to develop/manufacture the 35-ton #Harimau medium tank. https://janes.com/article/94651/pt-pindad-opens-new-weapons-facility

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Armies are mobilising against the #coronavirus.

#Soldiers are #patrolling streets, running hospitals—and cancelling drills, the Economist observes.

Are they under civil command as should be obvious in societies like ours or under military rule?

https://www.economist.com/international/2020/03/23/armies-are-mobilising-against-the-coronavirus

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How US military aid threatens to upend Europe’s long peace.

US military sales #FMS to Eastern Europe constitute the most significant infusion of arms into the region since the end of the Cold War. Yet they have attracted little scrutiny or discussion. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/skeptics/how-us-military-aid-threatens-upend-europe%E2%80%99s-long-peace-136652

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Today marks the 5th anniversary of the Saudi-led coalition’s military intervention in Yemen. This infographic in Dutch shows the sale of fighter jets for the air war. It's time to #StopArmingSaudi. Join the action day: https://facebook.com/events/141821320453177/

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20453177/

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March 24

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To fight this pandemic, we need to take over the military's resources—not the other way around | Important oped by @PhyllisBennis & @RevDrBarber in @newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/redirect-military-resources-civilian-needs-coronavirus-1493831

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#German government decided Monday, to extend the #moratorium on arms exports to #Saudi Arabia for a period of 9 months, until the end of 2020. “In principle, any new export orders to Saudi Arabia will not be approved until December 31,” an spokesman said. https://www.saudi24.news/2020/03/germany-extends-the-moratorium-on-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia.htm

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May 2019, AI Israel reported #Israeli arms exports go to notorious human rights violators. This contrary to the #DECA claim that “we will carefully examine the state of human rights in each country before approving export licenses for selling them weapons.” https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200324-technology-of-death-the-not-so-shocking-report-on-israeli-weapons-exports/

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Mixed commercial-defence business have harder hit by #coronavirus, generally speaking, compared to more pure defence companies. https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/23/worse-than-911-defense-firms-cut-overhead-to-the-bone/

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The latest annual report by the European Defence agency #EDA. The body to structure the Europeanisation of defence industrial development. https://www.eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/eda-annual-reports/eda-2019-annual-report

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Long article on the relation between EU and US defence, focussing on industry and divided Europe. Europe is under performing and dependent on US. But US does not want Europe to become independent. Not much new for most of you. https://www.europeanceo.com/home/featured/europe-is-losing-the-battle-to-unite-its-military-efforts/

 

March 23

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Future of #JSF orders unclear. As USAF Fleet Plans Evolve, Can the #F35A Program Survive Intact? https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/usaf-fleet-plans-evolve-can-f-35a-program-survive-intact

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#Boeing has returned nearly $50bn to its shareholders over past 5 years. investing far less. Now it wants taxpayers to cough up billions for a bailout? US airlines are no better: They've sent 96% of free cash flow to shareholders over past 5 years. https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/editorial-why-coronavirus-cannot-kill-aviation #corona

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Meanwhile in #HongKong. A demonstration by more than 100 people on Saturday to mark 8 months since the mob beatings in Hong Kong’s Yuen Long district led to protesters blocking roads. Police fired #TearGas to disperse the crowd. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3076288/tear-gas-ends-hong-kong-rally-marking-eight-months-yuen

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@SaderKarabulut Dutch MP for SP asked questions on Dutch military imports from Turkey (see also tweet March 19, https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1240548784926588929) and how does this relates to the stringent arms export policy with Turkey as destination. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=602e3e2b-6c5d-46d2-b1a8-07ed6c32f0fc&title=Wapenimporten%20uit%20Turkije.%20.docx

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The IPB calls on the G20 and all nations around the world to invest in healthcare, not militarization. Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/ipbcovi #coronavirus #healthcare #demilitarization #solidarity #WereInThisTogether

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Nigerian Senate ad-hoc committee gave advice to set up a National Defence Fund, into which all #Nigerian adults & businesses should make contributions for revival & investment in the National Defence Industry to battle bandits, terrorists and criminals. https://thecitizenng.com/insurgency-banditry-nigeria-technically-at-war-says-senate/

March 21

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Jacob Zuma is a "small fish" compared with arms trade corruption that drives Washington, London & Paris. Crawford-Browne said. "The issue is whether world leaders will finally have the courage to use public financial resources for the benefit of people." https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/daily-news-south-africa/20200320/281801401043632

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#Indian Defence Ministry signs contract for 16,479 Light Machine Guns #LMG for frontline troops with #Israel Weapons Industries #IWI. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-ministry-signs-contract-for-16479-light-machine-guns-for-frontline-troops-with-israel-weapons-industries/articleshow/74716149.cms
 

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Over the decades, presidents have used this act for strategies large (such as building up wartime materials during the Korean War or Cold War) and small (such as spurring innovation in the defence industry). https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/coronavirus-trump-defence-production-act-ventilators-a9414006.html

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Bars, schools and restaurants came to a standstill, but UK Goverment reassures its defence industry that despite the Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus, arms export licence applications will still be processed. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-to-exporters-202008-coronavirus-covid-19-export-licence-handling/notice-to-exporters-202008-coronavirus-covid-19-export-licence-handling

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Next #F35 Episode. The #UK declared the F-35 operational even though the fleet was suffering from availability, infrastructure, logistics and security issues, #auditors have revealed. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/uk-declared-f-35-operational-despite-issues-auditors-say

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The only sound thing to do:

Germany likely to extend halt on Saudi Arms exports, source says. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/03/01/germany-likely-to-extend-halt-on-saudi-arms-exports-source-says/

See for more information on German position: https://urgewald.org/sites/default/files/Briefing_Exportstopp%20Saudi-Arabien_Deutschland%20nicht%20isoliert.pdf

Added message: 

For your information, the article is of last year. But when arms export control policy is something serious, it is still the only obvious thing to do. See also Action Page of ENAAT: Stop Arming the Saudi-led Coalition! http://enaat.org/war-in-yemen-made-in-europe

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Stirling University taught English to air force cadets from the King Abdullah Air Defence Academy in Taif, Saudi Arabia, about a year after UN investigators said air strikes in Yemen by the Saudi air force might amount to war crimes. https://theferret.scot/saudi-airforce-cadets-stirling-university-yemen/

March 20

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Does this cynical man understand a single letter of the word SECURITY? NATO head Stoltenberg: coronavirus crisis will have severe consequences on government budgets, but also reinforces the critical need to continue investment in defense and military. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/03/19/nato-points-to-severe-consequences-on-global-budgets-from-coronavirus-crisis/

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Damen Shipyards Group and its partner PT PAL have completed the installation and trials of combat systems on the second Indonesian guided missile frigate, KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai (332). https://www.naval-technology.com/news/damen-combat-systems-frigate/

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America’s #Commandos Deployed to 141 Countries.

What did they do and where did they do it?

While U.S. Special Operations forces (#USSOF #SOF) make up just 3% of American military personnel, they have absorbed more than 40% of the casualties since 2001. https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/19/americas-commandos-deployed-141-countries

***@Vredesactie on War in #Yemen [in Dutch] and Day of Action March 25 with infographic. https://vredesactie.be/war-yemen-made-europe-infographic-online-actiedag

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The Eurofighter #EFA consortium has a strategy to ensure that work continues amidst the worsening #coronavirus crisis. To satisfy #Kuwaiti & #Qatari orders, all four national production lines will manufacture parts to be assembled Caselle and Warton. https://janes.com/article/94956/covid-19-eurofighter-introduces-robust-plans-to-continue-production

March 19

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UK and Yemen: The Catch-22 contortions of an unethical foreign policy, by Emily Thornberry

Tories have failed to take action to bring the Saudi-led war in Yemen to an end, instead fuelling it through weapons exports. https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/uk-and-yemen-catch-22-contortions-unethical-foreign-policy

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Dutch maritime branch organisation NMT states Dutch government is not interested in keeping a domestic naval industrial base. This view is based on the government answers on questions by MPs. https://maritimetechnology.nl/nmt-maakt-zich-zorgen-om-goede-uitkomst-voor-de-nederlandse-marinebouwindustrie/
Wonder how they came to this conclusion. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/03/new-dutch-submarines-how-about-arms.html

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New blog by @martinbroek

on the multi billion euro acquisition of new conventional submarines by The Netherlands, which "does ... contribute to military strengthening of interventionist policies and to the danger of submarine exports." http://stopwapenhandel.org/node/2384

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Defense News asked defence companies how they’re impacted by the coronavirus. Here’s what they said. https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/18/we-asked-defense-companies-how-theyre-impacted-by-the-coronavirus-heres-what-they-said/

***According to data (29/02/20) top 10 countries that imported defence & aerospace products from #Turkey;

US $13,1257m

Germany $38,229m

UAE $26,091m

India $23,984m

Nl $16,305m

Qatar $12,728m

Switzerland $12,062m

Saudi Arabia 11,354m

UK $8,653m

Azerbaijan $8,364m. https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/turkish-defense-aerospace-industry-2020-first-two-months-performance-3891

March 18

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$8.3 Billion of White House $45.8 billion emergency funding request to Congress late Tuesday for Pentagon. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/03/18/trumps-46b-coronavirus-aid-request-includes-8b-for-dod/

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My article [of @AndrewFeinstein] with SALC on Dutch arms dealer Guus Kouwenhoven who has been living opulently in SA, evading a 19 year jail sentence for war crimes: ‘Op-Ed: Why is South Africa providing a haven for an arms dealer convicted of war crimes?’ https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-03-18-why-is-south-africa-providing-a-haven-for-an-arms-dealer-convicted-of-war-crimes/
 

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Manufacturers may be ordered to abandon normal ops and build parts for ventilators to fight the #coronavirus under #wartime laws. Defence business #GKN could play a role using to its 3D printing division, which can quickly be swapped to produce new designs.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/03/16/factories-may-ordered-make-ventilators-wartime-laws/

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Kompas on illegal fire arms in Indonesia, mainly on the internal rules. [in Indonesian] #senjata #ilegal https://www.kompasiana.com/dapplefly/5e70dfc4d541df126159da12/isu-keamanan-internasional-perdagangan-senjata-ilegal-di-indonesia

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Arms industry staff seconded into key roles at UK Department for Trade - a shocking example of the revolving door between the government and arms companies https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/arms-industry-staff-seconded-into-key-roles-at-uk-department-for-trade

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The US government is considering providing financial assistance for #Boeing in light of the challenges posed by the #coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump said Tuesday. https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/03/17/trump-boeing-could-get-financial-bail-out-for-coronavirus/ #bailout

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Some facts on the history of South Korean arms production, starting under the Park dictatorship, but foremost a plea for more export and cyber weapons. "If #Korea stands out in the #cyber warfare arms market, it will be able to dominate the global market." http://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=96176

March 17

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US Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist said: "(...) we are concerned as it spreads to other countries, allies and partners, and what the effect of technology and production disruptions would be. For example, there is an F-35 facility in Europe (...)" Defense News 03/16/2020

Added March 18:
F-35 factories in Italy, Japan are reopening after closing for coronavirus. Both of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter assembly plants outside the United States are expected to be up and running by Wednesday after brief coronavirus-related shutdowns. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/03/italys-f-35-line-shuts-down-japans-reopens/163862/

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Remarkable two Dutch #DualUse exports: image intensifier tubes for military use to #Colombia, valued at € 144,316.85 (10-2-2020) and € 327,089.25(28-2-2021, via Spain). https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen ***

An overview: #China is selling arms to nations it with which it has conflicting claims in the South China Sea #SCS. It courts countries such as #Malaysia, #Philippines and #Indonesia with attractively priced arms. https://www.defenseworld.net/feature/39/Mixing_Business_with_Pressure__Chinese_Arms_Sales_in_South_East_Asia

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#German #fighter choice. "Purchase of #F18 would not only let billions of taxes flow to the US, but it will threaten the future of the military aerospace industry in Germany at the same time," #IG Metall wrote the German government. #EFA https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article206580245/US-Bomber-oder-Eurofighter-Brandbrief-an-AKK-und-Kanzleramt.html

South African court #SCA rejected former president #Zuma's application to appeal a lower court's decision he stand trial for #corruption. The French defence firm #Thales, accused of agreeing to pay Zuma around $34,000 annually for protection from an inv... https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/human-security/zuma-appeal-rejected/

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Pentagon is moving forward on a redesign of the F-35’s troubled logistics system, but GAO, the US Accounting Office, is urging the department to hammer out critical details.

Article: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/03/16/congressional-watchdog-skeptical-on-new-f-35-logistics-system/

Report: https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-20-316

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#Tunisia has awarded a contract to #Turkish Aerospace Industries #TAI for the supply of six Anka-S #drones, three ground control stations and an unspecified level of technology transfer. The drone can be armed and the contract may be worth $240 million. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2020/03/16/turkeys-tai-sells-six-anka-s-drones-to-tunisia/

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No new Cold War with New weaponry on both sides. Here it is the #US #Marines arming against #China with a new anti-ship missile #ASM system a year earlier than planned and in numbers to do some serious re-balancing against the Chinese military. https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2020/03/16/marines-building-dozens-of-missiles-to-sink-chinese-ships

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UK DefSec #Wallace has raised the baseline #profit rate for single-source defence contracts to 8.22%, up 0.59% from the previous year. “Welcome news [it] will support industry as it manages the economic challenges ahead”, said Paul Everitt, CEO of #ADS. https://janes.com/article/94887/uk-mod-boosts-profit-rate-for-sole-source-contracts

March 16

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lsrael Police and the Shin Bet domestic security have uncovered an arms trade network between #Palestinians and #Israelis, some of whom are Israeli Defence Force #IDF soldiers, it was revealed Monday. Stolen #ammo from IDF bases was replaced with fakes. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/B1miJx6HI

 
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The Ball of Great Powers continues at the cost of what? As the deadly #coronavirus goes around the world, inflicting a devastating human and economic cost, one thing has remained constant: the belligerent superpower wrangling between #China and the #US. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3075272/clash-titans-how-coronavirus-became-new-china-us-battleground

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#India is struggling to finalize the date for induction of the first four #Rafale jets amid speculations of delayed delivery of fighter jets from #France due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/12/coronavirus-may-hit-rafale-fighters-jets-delivery.html

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In preparation for the worstcase scenario, defence sources told The Mail on Sunday that UK Army units were stepping up their training for public order roles - including the guarding of hospitals and supermarkets. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-mail-on-sunday/20200315/281479278485041

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Defense contractor Curtiss-Wright will build propulsion steam turbines, #nuclear steam turbines and aftermarket steam parts for aircraft carriers #CVS at the $32 million, 144,000-square-foot building at #Charleston Trade Center off Interstate 26. https://www.janes.com/article/94666/curtiss-wright-moving-naval-production-to-new-plant

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More than 20 students camped out in a University of Glasgow building to protest "unethical" investments: the establishment's involvement with the arms trade and potential "re-engagement" with fossil fuel investments. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18303462.extinction-rebellion-sit-in-protest-glasgow-universitys-unethical-arms-investments/

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Europe's Shame: Major international investigation finds that key European allies (UK, France, Belgium) are refusing to accept their role in deaths of dozens of civilians in the war against ISIS - even where US led Coalition confirms such cases as Credible. https://airwars.org/news-and-investigations/europes-shame-claims-of-no-civilian-harm-exposed/

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How to reestablish US congressional oversight on arms sales by adjusting Arms Export Control Act #AECA procedures to guarantee Congress an opportunity to block problematic arms sales without requiring a two-thirds majority. This is best achieved by “fl... https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/487347-time-to-flip-the-script-on-congressional-arms-sales-powers

March 15

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New #drones of the US army will carry out the #intelligence functions and will not be able to do damage

Military research laboratory, USA filed patent application for spy drone glider that is produced from 40-mm grenade launcher. https://thesaxon.org/the-united-states-has-created-drones-that-are-launched-from-a-grenade-launcher/11012/

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Governments often talk about security being their 1st duty. But a focus on sustainable, human security would reinterpret this to ensure security of people from the threats they actually face, which are overwhelmingly not susceptible to military 'solutions' https://labourhub.org.uk/2020/03/13/arms-trade-fighting-the-wrong-battles/

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The coronavirus pandemic is likely to affect South #Korea’s exports of weapons and other military items, including K-9 #howitzers to #Estonia, sources said Saturday. There is worse corona news. http://koreabizwire.com/coronavirus-feared-to-affect-s-koreas-arms-exports/155507

March 14 

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Conference related to enhancing European military industry. In Zagreb 24/3, it will bring together senior officials, representatives of the EU Members and institutions, as well as representatives of the scientific, research & industry community. #EDF #EDA https://https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2020/03/14/mil-osi-europe-unlocking-the-potential-of-european-defence-cooperation-new-opportunities-for-an-enhanced-european-defence-industry/-osi-europe-unlocking-the-potential-of-european-defence-cooperation-new-opportunities-for-an-enhanced-european-defence-industry/

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Export of military products from #Turkey to #Azerbaijan in January-February 2020 grew 1.4 times compared to the same period in 2019, amounting to $ 8.36 million, Trend reports referring to Turkish Ministry of Commerce on Monday. https://menafn.com/1099846268/Export-of-defense-industry-products-from-Turkey-to-Azerbaijan-increased

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Military transport from US by USNS Benavidez tot harbour of Flushing part of exercise Defender 2020 (ended because of corana) reported in Dutch MoD weekly. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2020/10/04_defender-amerika_10

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#German #frigate deployment to #Indian Ocean as Germany’s MoD test the waters for engagements far from home. Sea service is seen suitable for the type of out-of-area missions that German military wants to expand to underwrite its geopolitical ambitions. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/03/12/germany-plans-to-send-a-warship-to-the-indian-ocean/

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EU Amends Common Military List

List of equipment covered by Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment.

Update of list adopted by the Council on 18 February 2019.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C:2020:085:FULL&from=EN

March 13

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@BramvanOjikGL, @IsabelleDiks, @swsjoerdsma en @achrafboualiD66 over het VN-rapport waarin wordt geconstateerd dat diverse landen het VN-#wapenembargo tegen #Libië schenden

https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=44bc8307-3f2d-4d1e-b423-198840c92a23&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20de%20leden%20Van%20Ojik%2C%20Diks%2C%20Bouali%20en%20Sjoerdsma%20over%20het%20VN-rapport%20waarin%20wordt%20geconstateerd%20dat%20diverse%20landen%20het%20VN-wapenembargo%20tegen%20Libi%C3%AB%20schenden.docx

@SadetKarabulut over #Nederlandse #betrokkenheid bij bewapening Libië

https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=a0300db6-8580-4c4c-bc47-97c61d03ca74&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20het%20lid%20Karabulut%20over%20Nederlandse%20betrokkenheid%20bij%20bewapening%20Libi%C3%AB.docx

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Document likely shows US #SM6 #HypersonicSpeed, anti-surface vessel role. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/document-likely-shows-sm-6-hypersonic-speed-anti-surface-role

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The US Air Force #USAF is looking for a replacement to the stalwart MQ-9 #Reaper and intends to explore options ranging from #commercial #drones built by emerging tech firms to high-end unmanned aircraft. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/03/12/could-a-commercial-drone-replace-the-mq-9-reaper-the-air-force-is-considering-it/ #GeneralAtomics

***

How US-#Japan ties militarise: An expansion of Japan’s collaboration with #US military industry is possible due, in part, to a reinterpretation in 2014 of the country’s Constitution. Dubbed the Three Principles on Arms Exports, the change liberalizes rules https://japantoday.com/category/tech/military-might-japan%E2%80%99s-expanding-needs-open-market-to-u.s.-defense-business

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Journalist and researcher Phil Miller has just released a new book, Keenie Meenie: The British Mercenaries Who Got Away With War Crimes, which explores the shameful role of mercenaries in fuelling war and human rights abuses. https://blog.caat.org.uk/2020/03/12/keenie-meenie-the-british-mercenaries-who-got-away-with-war-crimes/

March 12

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Saudi General Authority for Military Industries #GAMI, during its participation in Riyadh’s 6th International Conference on Electronic Warfare and Radar, said that it had identified 21 military technologies to be developed over the next seven years. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1639696/saudi-arabia

***

 #BAE Systems has taken a lead in #India’s defence industry with 120 of M777 #guns to be assembled, integrated and tested in partnership with the country’s leading group Mahindra Defence, Dave Armstrong, the Group Business Development Director, said. https://www.defenceaviationpost.com/2020/03/bae-systems-in-indigenization-of-indian-defence-manufacturing/

***

#BAE Systems secures $188 million contract for US navy’s #combat and missile defence system. https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-secures--188-million-contract-for-u-s--navy-s-aegis-combat-system

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Royal lobby. March, 10, PT #Len Industri and #Thales signed a contract for the modernisation of the KRI Usman-Harun multi-role light #frigate’s mission system, witnessed by the #Dutch King Willem Alexander and #Indoneisan Minister of Trade Agus Suparmanto. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/netherlands/press_release/len-industri-and-thales-modernise-indonesias-naval-capabilities

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Biggest democracy? India has suffered its worst sectarian bloodshed in years, in what many here see as the inevitable result of #Hindu #extremism that has flourished under the government of Prime Minister #Narendra #Modi. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/world/asia/india-police-muslims.html

***

Werknemers betalen de prijs voor corruptie wapenbedrijf https://www.grenzeloos.org/node/16497

March 11

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Brothers-in-Arms: the high-rotation revolving door between the #Australian government and arms merchants. Nowhere is government and industry more fused than in defence. Michelle Fahy reports. #RevolvingDoors https://www.michaelwest.com.au/brothers-in-arms-the-high-rotation-revolving-door-between-the-australian-government-and-arms-merchants/

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#UAVOS and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (#KACST) in #Saudi Arabia said they have created a new medium-altitude long-endurance (#MALE) #UAV #drone that features fully autonomous operational capability.https://www.janes.com/article/94728/uavos-kacst-unveil-saker-1b-autonomous-capable-male-uav

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UK’s government plans to raise the lending power behind its #export #finance #agency to £8b from £3bn pounds. Two billion of the increase will be offered for exports that promote “green growth” and £1 billion is earmarked for the #military industry. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/finance-ministry-bumps-up-export-finance-firepower/

***

Revolving doors. The former acting head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, has joined the aerospace and defense-focused private equity firm AE Industrial Partners LP as an operating partner, the firm said Tuesday. https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/by-news-type/people-news/former-us-homeland-security-head-mcaleenan-joins-ae-industrial-partners.html

***

What a world where #Australian #Labour sees it as its task to accuse the government of cutting the military. It did after an analysis of budget papers was published showing AUS$6.1bn had been underspent on new equipment and systems since 2016. https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/government-cutting-military-spending-by-stealth-20200310-p548hy

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The #Australian government approved a large volume (31 permits last year) of weapons sales to war-torn #Mali in the same year the #UN warned escalating violence was creating an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster” in the West African nation. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/11/australia-sold-weapons-to-mali-as-un-warned-violence-creating-humanitarian-disaster

March 10

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Largest Dutch transit shipment of January 2020, the shipment of 6 million Italian 9 mm bullets to Taiwan passing the harbour Rotterdam.

***

In December 2019, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission published the Export Control Handbook for Chemicals.

http://www.worldtradecontrols.com/export-control-handbook-on-chemicals/

Handbook: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC117839/kjna29879enn.pdf

***

Trump admin initiated a change in the way that US manufacturers will be allowed to export some firearms, ammo, and gun components, relaxing federal requirement. Under the new arrangement, Congress no longer will receive notification of potential sales. https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-shifts-oversight-of-some-arms-exports-easing-sales-11583782180

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Arms exports to the Middle East progress, France 3rd world exporter and major exporter to what was called previously the Third World. https://fr24news.com/u/2020/03/arms-exports-to-the-middle-east-progress-france-third-world-exporter.html

***

Saudi Arabia increases world arms purchases despite Yemen crisis, the London Times headlines. But remarkably also despite all arms control regimes established since mid-nineties (EU-code, ATT etc.) I may add.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/saudi-arabia-increases-world-arms-purchases-despite-yemen-crisis-x6psz2tth

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Research by Mark Curtis revealed consistent examples of “under- or un-reported” #UK foreign policy issues – particularly in the Middle East. This frequently occurs in countries where the UK has significant “military, trade & investment” deals with regimes.https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2020/03/09/heres-how-the-uk-press-is-deceiving-us-about-our-brutal-foreign-policy/

March 9

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Belgian court suspends arms export licence for weapons to Saudi Arabia http://raadvst-consetat.be/?page=news&lang=fr&newsitem=581

***

Belangrijke overwinning: Raad van State schorst vergunningen voor wapenuitvoer naar Saudi-Arabië! Dit arrest maakt duidelijk dat de overheid economische & politieke belangen niet mag laten primeren op het internationaal recht en de mensenrechten. https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/raad-van-state-schorst-vergunningen-voor-wapenuitvoer-naar-saudi-arabie/article-news-1574085.html?cookie_check=1583836125

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Export of #Dutch military communication equipment for end destination #Qatar, valued € 8.525.000. They will be delivered to #Ficantieri, (https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/2018/dimdex-2018/6044-dimdex-2018-fincantieri-unveils-qatari-navy-air-defense-corvette-design.html) where they will be installed at #naval patrol vessels, corvettes & a Landing Platform Dock. https://rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/kamerstukken/2020/03/09/kamerbrief-afgifte-vergunning-export-militair-materieel-naar-qatar/kamerbrief-inzake-afgifte-vergunning-voor-export-militair-materieel-naar-qatar.pdf

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Dutch #arms #export policy on #Turkey stays restrictive as decided (25/11/19) after the Turkish invasion into Northern Syria. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2020/03/09/kamerbrief-inzake-toetsing-aangescherpt-wapenexportbeleid-turkije

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British Arms Sales Aiding Repression in Chile. In light of the continued repression and crackdown in the country, the UK government must end arms sales to Chile https://bylinetimes.com/2020/03/09/british-arms-sales-aiding-repression-in-chile/

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Latest diesel-electric attack submarine Ouryu into Japanes service home based in port of Kure. It is the 6th Soryu-class boat to be built by #Mitsubishi Heavy Industries #MHI, with #Kawasaki Heavy #Industries. #Japan. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2020/03/06/japan-commissions-its-first-submarine-running-on-lithium-ion-batteries/

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Dutch Royals to sell warships in Indonesia. Major part of Indonesian navy is build on Dutch vessels and/or tech. Royal Pair refused so far to visit RI August, 17th (independence declared 17/8/45. Nl accepted it after War of independence finally 27/12/49) https://en.antaranews.com/news/143130/indonesia-should-not-ignore-netherlands-in-warship-procurement

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#GKN (#Dutch #Fokker is part of) expects defence could become a more significant part of the sales mix as rising global military spending underpins demand. https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/tips-ideas/2020/03/06/melrose-s-gkn-transformation-pays-off/

In Dutch on same issue: Fokker-moeder GKN Aerospace verbetert winstgevendheid

https://fd.nl/ondernemen/1337259/fokker-moeder-gkn-aerospace-verbetert-winstgevendheid

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Brazilian and US governments signed on Sunday an agreement for development of defence projects that may give #Brazil access to financing. Companies may request financing from the #US defense research fund and brings it more under US dominance. #Huawei #5G https://www.brecorder.com/2020/03/09/578247/brazil-us-sign-agreement-to-develop-defence-technology-brazil/

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Its just a empty call, but it tells about #Indian government. Indian Defence minister asked for more participation of the private sector in defence tech to realise India as a $5 trillion economy by 2024. Military investments are about power, not economy. https://orissadiary.com/5-trillion-economy-target-can-be-achieved-through-increased-private-sector-participation-in-defence-manufacturing-says-defense-minister-rajnath-singh/

***

Qatar hosts “Impregnable Guard 2020,” a military exercise that seeks to strengthen military cooperation between #Morocco, Jordan, #Turkey, Pakistan, Oman, US, #France, and Rwanda etc. The exercise is also part of the preparations 4 World Cup #qatar2022 https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/03/295369/morocco-to-participate-in-impregnable-guard-2020-exercise-in-qatar/

***

Scottish Enterprise funded radar tech marketed to world's cruelest regimes The Osprey 30 is used in military helicopters, calling into question claims by the Scottish Government that it only awards grants to arms firms to make non-military products.

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-enterprise-funded-radar-tech-21652477

***

Main arms exporters: 4 EU countries among ten largest. 8 EU countries among 25 largest. https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/fs_2003_at_2019.pdf

***

Who were the five largest arms importers in 2015–19?

1) Saudi Arabia

2) India

3) Egypt

4) Australia

5) China

https://www.sipri.org/publications/2020/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-international-arms-transfers-2019

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US major arms exports have increased 23% over the last 5 years, according to a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's 2019 arms transfers report #SIPRI.

https://www.newsweek.com/us-increased-major-arms-exports-23-percent-five-years-report-sipri-1490896

March 8

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The #French government is set to veto the proposed sale of #Photonis to US engineering firm #Teledyne Technologies Inc, motivated by a decision to prevent a foreign buyer from acquiring a business of such sovereign importance #Optech #ImageIntensifiers https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/vente-de-photonis-l-etat-francais-met-son-veto-a-l-americain-teledyne-841220.html

March 7

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What is that Saudi RoRo vessel doing in the harbour of Sagunto (near Valencia)?

***

'The capacity to launch drone strikes is hardly limited to superpowers. Turkey’s drone program has developed several armed drones that are rough analogs to American-operated models.' https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2020/03/04/turkeys-drones-are-battle-tested-and-ready-for-export/medforcesforum/tei-turbo-diesel-uav-engine-pd-170-t231311-s10.html

The engine is based on Thielert Centurion engine. Knowledge came from China and Germany. https://tapatalk.com/groups/worldarmedforcesforum/tei-turbo-diesel-uav-engine-pd-170-t231311-s10.html

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THE LIBYAN CONUNDRUM, a short overview of European and UN policy on the country, split by political opponents and pestered with violence. https://ipisresearch.be/publication/arms-trade-bulletin-january-february-2020/

***

Centre Delàs d'Estudis per la Pau report on the annual meeting of #ENAAT (the European network against the arms trade) that took place in Amsterdam on the 27th and 28th of February. #Yemen #GCOMS #BAHRI-ships http://www.centredelas.org/en/press/news/4247-the-delas-centre-participates-in-the-annual-meeting-of-the-european-network-against-the-arms-trade-enaat

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#Coronavirus crisis will ultimately strengthen Xi Jinping and Chinese Communist Party #CCP despite economic turmoil, US analysts say ‘The state expands to deal with the crisis and then remains at a new expanded level even after the crisis fades away’ https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3071170/coronavirus-will-ultimately-strengthen-xi-and-chinese

***

Fight for Indian fighter jet market at the cost of sound acquisition policy & resources. Let alone, ethics of selling to an extremist Government in a country full of armed conflict and poverty. US considers export licence for its F-15 fighters to #India. https://www.defenceaviationpost.com/2020/03/f-15-offer-could-disrupt-indian-fighter-contest/

***

Report on Dutch participation in African #Flintlock (not an operation, but exercise) in weekly of Dutch MoD. Reports on training of #Senegalese Forces Special de Mer by Dutch and Austrian #MARSOF and use of OPVs. Also on deployment of Dutch C-130 Hercules. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2020/09/04-_flintlock_09

***

2 x ship-killing (and sailors) missiles: To combat #China threat, US Marine Corps declares ship-killing missile systems its top priority https://defensenews.com/naval/2020/03/05/to-combat-the-china-threat-us-marine-corps-declares-ship-killing-missile-systems-its-top-priority/… It's not only the US, because, Europe ship-killing #missile passes first firing trial https://defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/03/06/europe-ship-killing-missile-passes-first-firing-trial/… #armsrace

***

‘On marches, I carry a fisherman’s stool so I always have something to sit on.’ 'Oldest protester' of the UK tells his story of 7 decades of actions for food to German children, the environment, refugees, climate policy and against arms trade. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/06/experience-ive-been-protesting-for-seven-decades

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#CANSEC, the largest N-American arms #fair, will bring together arms manufacturers, ministers, government officials, soldiers and delegates from 55 countries. The exhibitors manufacture warships, combat vehicles, fighter jets, bombs, bullets and missiles. https://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/brent-patterson/2020/03/business-booming-canadas-largest-arms-fair-comes-ottawa

March 6

***

Lange wurde verhandelt, nun steht es fest: die Kieler Werft #Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (#TKMS) wird vier neue Schiffe für die brasilianische Marine bauen. Das gab TKMS am Donnerstagabend bekannt. 4 #German #corvettes for #Brazil. https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/TKMS-bekommt-Zuschlag-fuer-vier-neue-Korvetten,tkms140.html

***

#Croatia supports the original amount of € 13 billion instead of current proposal of €7 billion which is currently foreseen for the European Defence Fund #EDF. At the cost of what is not reported. https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/41890-defence-industry

***

SABER Investment Company and #Estonian #Milrem Robotics collaborate in development of robotic ground systems, in to fulfill requirements of customers in the #UAE. The agreement forms a basis to further develop busisness 4 Estonian defence industry in #UAE. https://www.logisticsmiddleeast.com/business/35306-saber-investment-company-llc-and-milrem-robotics-collaborate-to-develop-unmanned-ground-systems-for-the-united-arab

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#UK MoD is to review its handling of UK's #arms industry in the hope of improving investment in the sector. The Government has faced criticism over claims that lack of consistent or long-term policy, combined with buying abroad has led to a "hollowing out" https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/03/05/markets-live-latest-news-pound-euro-ftse-100-latest-updates/

***

The Special Fraud Office #SFO can be pleased with itself over the #Airbus settlement, which swelled the Treasury coffers and showed what can be achieved through int. co-operation. But it also must hold to account those who are guilty of wrongdoing. http://ccrmagazine.com/the-serious-fraud-office-where-does-it-go-from-here/

March 5

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#Turkse wapenindustrie is geen mirakel, maar het gevolg van #NAVO-beleid. De Turkse overheid speelt een steeds dominantere rol in conflicten in het Midden-Oosten. Wapens die ze daarvoor tot haar beschikking heeft, zijn vaak gebouwd op Westerse kennis. http://www.hetgrotemiddenoostenplatform.nl/turkse-wapenindustrie-is-geen-mirakel-maar-het-gevolg-van-navo-beleid/?fbclid=IwAR22MA8ejklalhizcJmfxul-KfYAsI0xAT5EkGI_PMpA-Hs1xP4lPtGIbOc

***

Airbus is – like many military companies – prone to corruption. It is 26 per cent state-owned. READ BLOG ON http://stopwapenhandel.org/node/2382

***

Questions by Nl. MPs

@achrafboualiD66

and

@swsjoerdsma

on #Bahri Yanbu. When the ship should've asked for permission to use a #Dutch port to transit military products, permission would've been refused by authorities, Minister of FA answered (no. 6) [Dutch] https://tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=cb6670f0-8575-452c-abad-758b7fd70f33&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20de%20leden%20Bouali%20en%20Sjoerdsma%20over%20het%20bericht%20%E2%80%98Groeiend%20verzet%20tegen%20Saudisch%20vrachtship%20Bahri%20Yanbu%20vol%20wapens%E2%80%99%20en%20%E2%80%98Don%27t%20let%20Saudi%20arms%20ship%20dock%20in%20UK%2C%20say%20campaigners%E2%80%99.docx

***

Turkey stood up its drone industry and developed those military drones for export. Those drones, like the Bayraktar, have been explored to Ukraine and Libya. Turkey has even reached out to Ukraine for engines to power a long-range drone.

https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2020/03/04/turkeys-drones-are-battle-tested-and-ready-for-export/

***

Met op de achtergrond de 1e MQ-9 die boven Afghanistan vloog. Het was één van de drie oorspronkelijke prototypes, heeft in vier jaar tijd maar liefst 3,266 combat hours gevlogen

en hangt sinds mei 2009 in het

@AFmuseum

Gisteren en vandaag heeft PC-LSK samen met het leiderschap van NLR en TNO een bezoek gebracht aan het US Air Force Research Lab. in Dayton Ohio. De vooruitzichten voor vruchtbare samenwerking zijn positief! https://twitter.com/Bertil08361075/status/1234959738435178499

***

Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State a UK honorary title) urged by campaigners to call for an end to the ongoing conflict in Yemen and implement an immediate embargo on sales of British arms to Riyadh amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dominic-raab-saudi-arabia-arms-sales-riyadh-visit-a9374436.html

***

Simon Black is founder of Labour Agains the Arms Trade. Scott Neigh interviews him about #Canada’s involvement in arms production and about his group’s work within the labour movement to oppose the sale of Light Armoured Vehicles to Saudi Arabia. https://talkingradical.ca/2020/03/03/trr-labour_against_arms_trade/

***

The global spread of the #coronavirus is impacting work at two key nodes in the global supply chain of the #F35 (#Japan, #Italy), a top Pentagon official revealed Wednesday. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/03/04/coronavirus-fears-cause-halt-at-japan-italy-f-35-facilities/

***

UK Arms fair brings human rights abusing regimes and dealers together. “It’s not just time to shut down arms fairs like Security and Policing, it’s also time to end the foreign policy and political mindset that allows them to happen in the first place.” https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/arms-fair-brings-human-rights-abusing-regimes-and-dealers-together

March 4

***

Most expensive weapon program ever, still pestered with failures. Who cares? Nearly all the #engines ordered for the next-generation #F35 jet were delivered late last year as the #PrattandWhitney unit of United Technologies Corp. #UT struggled to solve it. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-03/nearly-all-the-f-35-jet-engines-ordered-last-year-arrived-late

***

Essay on #Raytheon in #Fife, Scotland, can be summarised by a gesture—2 upturned palms. It provides the last, best jobs in a town. It does so through providing the technology that ends up being used to cause the deaths of many civilians 5,000 miles away. https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/raytheon-glenrothes-britain-arms-saudi-arabia

***

Standing #NATO Maritime Group 2 #SNMG2 present in #Mediterranean to watch Russian submarine activity (no threat) in the Eastern Med, instability in #Syria and #Libya, as well as controlling the flow of #migrants & illicit traffic. https://news.usni.org/2020/03/03/natos-mediterranean-maritime-group-mission-more-than-tracking-russian-subs… #Refugees

***

US is willing to supply Turkey with military aid in its fight against Syria, White House says - "We're willing to provide—for example, the President [Donald Trump] mentioned this—ammunition" https://www.newsweek.com/us-willing-supply-turkey-fight-syria-1490293

***

Picturing the #ArmsIndustry. More politically dependent than almost all other industries, arms manufacturers play for keeps in #Ottawa (& elsewhere). They target ads & events sponsorships at decision makers while hiring insiders & military stars to #lobby. https://dissidentvoice.org/2020/03/arms-manufacturers-play-for-keeps-in-ottawa/

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French press interested in Dutch naval shipbuilding capacity. Here on the new supply ship (nouveau ravitailleur de la marine néerlandaise). It will have to do with the fight for orders between Dutch Damen and the naval Group. https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/den-helder-le-futur-ravitailleur-de-la-marine-neerlandaise

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#Turkish #drone use "marks the culmination of years of investment and evolution for Turkey, whose military has become one of the most experienced users of drones. (...) it has used them extensively against its own citizens. Ankara claimed it has killed... https://www.france24.com/en/20200303-turkey-s-drones-provide-crucial-edge-in-syria

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#Vietnam asked for #Japan’s help to train technical experts in the defence industry. Vietnam also hoped to learn from Japan’s experience in state management of its military industry in a market economy. https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/652993/top-japanese-officer-visits-viet-nam.html

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#Rheinmetall is #Germany's largest military manufacturer of growing importance. Its books are full of contracts. As an internationally active systems supplier, the Group benefits "from the 'super-cycle' in the defence technology business". It wants more. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article206271503/Rheinmetall-Groesster-deutscher-Ruestungskonzern-profitiert-vom-Super-Zyklus.html

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Military business is a costly affair, also in #SouthAfrica. Major weapon manufacturer, #Denel, got a cash injection to keep business afloat. R500 million (€29m) cash injection for Denel

https://https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/r500-million-cash-injection-for-denel/

2020 BUDGET REVIEW: http://www.treasury.gov.za/documents/National20Budget/2020/review/FullBR.pdf

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Chinese #military puts joint drills on hold to fight #coronavirus battle. Annual exercise in Inner Mongolia disrupted as crisis in Wuhan makes it too risky to transport troops. But patrols in East and South #China seas will go ahead as usual, observers say Chinese #military puts joint drills on hold to fight #coronavirus battle. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3064659/chinese-military-puts-joint-drills-hold-fight-coronavirus

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Barriers between #China and #EU remain to sustainable cooperation that will need to be addressed between them moving forward. #SIPRI outlines a number of those security concerns from the EU perspective, within the transport and digital sectors specifically https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/sipriinsight2003_0.pdf

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Conflicting Laws. It can be challenging to justify US #ITAR screenings under the EU General Data Protection Regulation #GDPR, which furthers a historical tension between EU privacy law & US export control law. Article on how this was worked out in #Sweden. https://iapp.org/news/a/reconciling-us-export-control-law-and-swedish-privacy-law/

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Dutch arms trader Guus van #Kouwenhoven, got a nineteen year sentence because of war crimes. He delivered arms to the notoriously known Charles Taylor of #Liberia, but still lives in his golden cage in South Africa.

@BramVermeulen

#NRC visited him. [Dutch] https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/03/03/guus-kouwenhoven-kreeg-negentien-jaar-cel-maar-kan-rustig-verder-leven-in-zijn-gouden-kooi-a3992447

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The #Qatari government announced March 3 that the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, or #DIMDEX, is now canceled as the region combats the spread of the new #coronavirus known as COVID-19. https:// https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2020/03/03/qatar-cancels-major-defense-trade-conference-as-coronavirus-fears-spread/ #armsfair

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A bipartisan coalition of Wisconsin legislators sent a letter to President Trump pressing him to direct a lucrative #US Navy #frigate construction to #Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which is competing with Bath Iron Works; Austal USA; & Huntington Ingalls. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/03/03/legislators-press-trump-to-push-frigate-deal-to-marinette/

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#Swiss firms exported more arms last year than the previous year, ¾ to other European countries. Swiss manufacturers delivered weapons to a value of CHF728m (€682m) to 71 countries in 2019, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs #SECO said Tuesday. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/weapons_big-increase-in-swiss-arms-exports-for-2019/45592712

March 3

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A group of liberal senators, including Sens. Bernie #Sanders, D-Vt., and Elizabeth #Warren, D-Mass, want the Trump administration not to strip #LaborRights from civilian #DoD employees. https://www.federaltimes.com/congress/2020/03/02/sanders-warren-urge-dod-to-save-union-protections/

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Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission #EFCC investigates #corruption of a trader and in #Nigerian army during the supply of arms and ammunition, provision of logistics items and equipment to the Nigerian contingents in peace keeping missions. https://thewillnigeria.com/news/efcc-investigates-oghiadomhe-kwankwaso-kayode-over-n35bn-defence-contracts/

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According to Pentagon #Georgia will receive a new batch of #Javelin missiles. https://civil.ge/archives/340568 Australia, Czechia, Estonia, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, #Turkey, Ukraine & #UAE are also customers. https://acts/Contract/Article/2098309/

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Military spending ‘is diverting much-needed resources from tackling unfolding climate catastrophe,’ says CAAT report https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/military-spending-diverting-much-needed-resources-tackling-unfolding-climate

March 2

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#Lockheed Martin received a sale contract from the #UAE Air Force and Air Defence #AFAD for expedited delivery of Sniper Advanced #Targeting Pods #ATP, spares and upgrades. This contract marks the first integration of Sniper ATP on the #Mirage aircraft. https://t.co/XgX73MmjWU?amp=1ted-Arab-Emirates-Orders-Additional-Lockheed-Martin-Sniper-Advanced-Targeting-Pods

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The 2020 edition of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (#ISNR #AbuDhabi), is emphasising artificial intelligence #AI, as it has become an accelerator in the identification and adoption of disruptive innovations ... http://www.gulfindustryonline.com/stories/source/?url=IND_364690.html

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France's major defense companies are looking back at a strong 2019, thanks to a combination of exceptional contracts and the country's overall healthy economy, executives said this week. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/02/28/french-defense-firms-fete-formidable-profits-in-2019/

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Despite a weapons embargo, some countries are continuing to send weapons to war-torn Libya. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas threatened these countries with "consequences." https://www.dw.com/en/germany-threatens-consequences-over-libya-arms-sales/a-52550674

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#Semiconductors are basic components in many modern weapons systems. A recent international move was apparently aimed at curbing the proliferation of military technology to prevent it from #leaking to states like China, North Korea and Iran. https://i-hls.com/archives/99301 #armscontrol

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I was arrested for ‘breaching the peace’…while #protesting against the #arms #trade. Asking difficult questions is not a criminal offence. But the criminalisation of protest continues, writes Symon Hill. https://leftfootforward.org/2020/02/i-was-arrested-for-breaching-the-peace-while-protesting-against-the-arms-trade/

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India buys almost half of Israel’s arms exports. Arms sales finance Israeli occupation & apartheid, and India-Israel military collaboration fuels militarization in Kashmir & elsewhere, creating a logic of ‘perpetual insecurity.’ #MilitaryEmbargo Report: http://bit.ly/38AjNOo

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The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale #FMS to the #Netherlands of sixteen MK-48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology (AT) #torpedo conversion kits and related equipment for an estimated cost of $85 million. https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/netherlands-mk-48-torpedo-conversion-kits-0

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#DARPA says #Atmosphere as a Sensor (AtmoSense) program is meant to detect natural disasters such as hurricanes and asteroid strikes. But DARPA is the US military research organization, which raises the question of what else this research can be used for. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-does-darpa-want-turn-earth%E2%80%99s-atmosphere-surveillance-sensor-128522