woensdag 29 april 2020

Imports and exports both part of military policy

Van Halteren artillery simulator.
Arms trade has two sides; the export by one is the import by the other. Arms export is controlled in most countries but import is not. Although it may have large and long term consequences for security and human rights. Not in the country importing, but in the country of export.

Turkish import

Since Ankara started the invasion of northern Syria in October 2019 arms exports to Turkey are discouraged by the European Union. The Dutch government calls this an “effective signal to Turkey” in answers to parliamentary questions on Dutch military imports from Turkey. The government is of the opinion that arms export control is aimed at preventing the use in human rights violations or territorial aggression" and arms imports are “only controlled in respect to domestic safety.” 

Defence Turkey reports that in the first two months of 2020 The Netherlands was a major importer of military products from Turkey, with a value of $ 16 million. The Dutch government was not able to confirm this figure. It could only provide information on the acquisition of services and goods for the overhaul and modification of the Stinger launching system, to be fitted to Dutch military Fennek vehicles.

An arms industry without exports is not viable and sales abroad are essential for its existence. An arms industry gives a country greater independence and freedom for military and foreign policy. Turkey has a right to defend its security, but the reason for strict arms export measures is that it exercises this right in a way the Netherlands and other EU countries do not agree with. In such a situation, differentiating between exports and imports is at least a bit peculiar.

Israeli cooperation
 
Another remarkable import concerns contracts for military simulation technology for the Dutch armed forces built by a consortium between Israeli Bagira and Dutch Van Halteren in Bunschoten, a small Dutch village. Arms imports from Israel have been questioned several times in the past decades. Not the least because of its use in internal and external conflict. Like Turkey, Israel has a different view on security policy in the Middle East as most European countries.

Israeli arms are attractive because Israel has advanced military research and technology, but also because its arms are combat proven. In the case of simulation technology, this means that scenario's are based on operations outside the gates.
“An operation in the heart of Gaza, a patrol along the Lebanese border, a West Bank roadblock, and an extrication mission from deep behind enemy lines – the simulators at the IDF [Israeli Defence Force] Ground Training Center at the Tze'elim base prepare IDF commanders for various combat scenarios from the comfort of an air-conditioned room” 
 starts an article on military simulation by Bagira under the title 'As Close as it Gets to Enemy Territory.'

Training and simulation

Training is key for military forces and simulations is becoming more important to exercise skills in the high-tech environment that battlefield is today. The Bagira simulation equipment and tools are not only to train combat, but also to learn how to deal with “the Israeli and foreign media when warfighters enter a combat zone.” The company provides military technology to IDF and trains 150,000 Israeli military personnel annually. According to its director Yaron Mordechay Mizrachi it is: “part of the IDF long-term program.” He continues: “We maintain on-going, close contacts with the IDF command and with the elements that develop the combat doctrines, as we would be called upon to develop simulations for the future training programs.”

The simulator cooperation between Van Halteren and Bagira is just one of the aspects of the relationship. Bagira represents itself as an international player; it produced 40 simulators for the Israeli armed forces (30 of them for IDF), the Netherlands and Thailand. The Thai sale is connected to the simulators sold by the Dutch company, the Integrated-Howitzer Crew Trainer (I-HCT) for LG1, M101 and L119 105mm artillery.

Cooperation with Van Halteren opens the road to more exports. The HCT is for example sold to the Netherlands and exported to twelve other international customers. Van Halteren artillery simulation is integrated at Israel's National Traning Centre at Ze-elim Base with the Bagira supplied Joint-fires BattleSpace Simulator (JOBSS). Israel military forces is using artillery during operations against Palestine territories, including civilian neighbourhoods, at several occasions (see e.g wiki).

Import should be controlled

To underline the closeness with Van Halteren the Israeli company has established Bagira Netherlands B.V. at the premisses of Van Halteren in Bunschoten. According to the Chamber of Commerce the Dutch branch is directed by Yaron Mizrachi, the CEO of Bagira, and by Sagi Mizrahi of the Armaz Group, an umbrella company covering different branches of Bagira.

The whole Bagira-Van Halteren packet is strengthening Israeli defence and training for operations which are condemned regularly by the international community, like after shelling of an unarmed farmer in 2018. Arms imports should be evaluated just as arms exports, with respect for peace and human rights. Support for the building of a defence industrial base in the countries were the arms are bought should be part of the evaluation of an arms transaction, as it might have devastating long term effects on the ability to control military technology.

Written for Stop Wapenhandel

zondag 26 april 2020

Tweets for april 2020

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For full report and/or tweets on it see April 27 tweets.
Latest on top


April 30

***
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain gave their view on Dutch arm exports to human rights violators. https://www.adhrb.org/2020/04/dispatch-the-dutch-arm-exports-to-human-rights-violators/
 
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#Saab has delivered its first GlobalEye early-warning plane to the #UAE. The aircraft arrived in Dubai during the late morning of April 29 following a brief stopover in Bulgaria on its way from #Sweden. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/29/saab-delivers-first-global-eye-early-warning-plane-to-uae/

***
Dutch naval sector is aiming for more military acquisitions - and thus government expenditures - as a response on coronacrises. (Lobby letter in Dutch: Naar voren halen = to bring forward orders for naval, coast guard vessels and naval infrastructure. ) http://files.m14.mailplus.nl/user314100334/1033/Brief_Herstelplan_Maritieme_sector.pdf

***
Consortium of Norwegian Defence Research Establishment #FFI & Dutch #NLR & #TNO build nanosatellites Birkeland & Huygens, part of a military use of space #MilSpace project under a bilateral strategic mutual assistance in research and technology #SMART MoU https://www.nlr.org/news/norwegian-dutch-research-mission-for-radar-signals/

***#Airbus reported that the activity and profitability of Airbus #Helicopters was up in the first quarter (+ 19%, to € 1.2 billion) and that of Airbus #Defence and Space stable at € 1.202 billion. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/coronavirus-airbus-affirme-pouvoir-passer-la-crise-sans-aide-detat-1199143

Addition: Airbus Heli's booked 54 orders, incl. 21 H145s, 15 UH-72 Lakotas for the US Army & 2 Super Pumas. D&S order intake of €1.7bn incl. military aircraft-related services, new contract wins in telecommunications and in connected intelligence. Also incl. Phase 1A demonstrator FCAS. https://www.dgap.de/dgap/News/adhoc/airbus-airbus-reports-first-quarter-results/

***#Australian sale of frigates to #Chile controversial and publicity avoided because the purchase given recent major protests in the country against inequality, which saw up to five per cent of the population take to the streets in October last year. http://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/details-missing-in-chilean-ffg-deal

Comment: It has also been reported that the Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) will be removed in Australia, and the ships with be retrofitted with the Thales Goalkeeper CIWS after arrival in Chile. http://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/details-missing-in-chilean-ffg-deal

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#China's military 2020 budget could maintain a steady increase even though foreign reports have suggested that an economic crisis caused by the #COVID-19 pandemic will hit military spending, but a slight decrease is also possible, Chinese analysts said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1187041.shtml

***
Military technology of the present times, can be quiet different from weapons of the past.
Neurotechnology overview: Why we need a treaty to regulate weapons controlled by … thinking. https://thebulletin.org/2020/04/neurotechnology-overview-why-we-need-a-treaty-to-regulate-weapons-controlled-by-thinking/

***
Russia threat argument may be used "against the reflex to cut the military, as compared with the 2008 financial crisis that saw defence spending decimated because it was considered more expendable, said #NATO’s assistant sec-general for defence investment. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/28/nato-checks-its-cold-war-playbook-in-bid-to-fight-pandemic/

***
Hear, hear: Chairman of US House Armed Services Committee said Wednesday he #doesn’t think upcoming economic #stimulus packages related to the #coronavirus outbreak should include more money for defense, saying other public health needs are more pressing. https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/04/29/key-lawmaker-says-dod-shouldnt-get-funding-boost-in-next-coronavirus-stimulus-package/

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The #Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) won a landmark legal victory against the British government on Wednesday, as the Supreme #Court ruled local pension schemes could #divest from companies complicit in Israel’s military #occupation. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestine-solidarity-campaign-won-decisive-supreme-court-ruling-against-uk-government

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#Indonesian government has high hopes that local arms #industry steps up production capacity to facilitate its efforts to modernize Indonesia’s primary #weapons defence system amid delayed plans to acquire foreign arms as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/04/29/government-turns-to-domestic-industry-to-modernize-defense-sector.html

April 29

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Hundreds of millions pumped in the military industry by the navy.
Even plans to buy frigates to help naval industry.
Is that what's needed most?

***
#Saudi Arabia (by #GAMI) announced it will procure 6 unspecified #drones in 2021 from local firm Intra Defence Technologies, and a further 40 systems within 5 years. It will probably be the #Karayel tactical #UAV, developed by Turkey's Vestel. https://www.janes.com/article/95813/saudi-arabia-announces-uav-procurement

***
Global defense spending decline expected as nations deal with coronavirus. Experts see domestic projects taking priority over national security in the coming years.

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On the 50th anniversary of the end of the #Biafran war, the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in the late 1960s, declassified British files show that Harold Wilson’s government secretly armed and backed Nigeria’s aggression against the secessionist region. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-04-29-how-britains-labour-government-facilitated-the-massacre-of-biafrans-in-nigeria-to-protect-its-oil-interests/

***
French MoD asked companies to submit ideas for speeding up orders for weapons, as part of a national recovery plan intended to soften the economic and social impact of the coronavirus crisis, industry leaders said. (by Pierre Tran writer for Defense News) https://sldinfo.com/2020/04/rebooting-the-french-economy-with-the-help-of-the-defense-sector/

***
Blog for @CTWnl
Are imports of products from the Turkish military industry an “effective signal to #Turkey”?
Is helping the #Israeli armed forces to use artillery more skilled part of an arms export policy which takes human rights seriously? https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/imports-and-exports-both-part-of.html
 
***
Military sales continue. First impacts of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 crisis at French military manufacturer Thales. Order intake: € 2.7 billion, up 17% (down 15% on an organic basis ). Sales: € 3.9 billion, up 16% (-4.7% on an organic basis). https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/investors/press-release/thales-reports-its-q1-2020-order-intake-and-sales
***
COVID-19 has exposed many countries for poor preparation for a global health crisis. It brings a strong sense that the arms trade will decrease in the next years, as leaderships may choose to invest in health and the social safety net over weapons. https://sputniknews.com/analysis/202004291079121715-covid-19-wont-alter-global-power-struggle-but-reduction-in-arms-trade-expected---defence-analysts/

***
A court in Vienna has stopped an Austrian investigation into alleged fraud by Airbus and Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH in connection with a $2 billion Eurofighter jet purchase in 2003, it said on April 27. https://orf.at/stories/3163494/


April 28

***
Thanks to Belgium Agir pour la paix @agirpourlapaix_ for the translation of the first of my Stop Wapenhandel @CTWnl 'corona and military expenditures' blogs: the security paradigm must change. https://agirpourlapaix.be/le-paradigme-de-la-securite-est-en-train-de-changer/
 
***
#PCO S.A. of #Poland and #RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems of #Israel have signed a MoU for co-production of TOPLITE electro-optical systems (#EOS) in Poland. The main purpose of this cooperation is the modernization of Polish Mi-24 #helicopters. https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/210766/pco-to-produce-rafael-toplite-eos-system-in-poland.html
 
***
#Euroactiv continues its campaign for continuation of defence spending. "Defence should be included in the critical sectors as the EU renegotiates its next long-term budget," scientific advisers of the Armament Industry European Research #ARES Group state. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/opinion/european-defence-should-not-be-the-casualty-of-the-great-lockdown/

***
It is often said that war is good for business.
Conflicts drive up demand for weapons.
It appears 2019 was a bumper year.

Al Jazeera on the SIPRI figures of Monday, with @PWezeman (#SIPRI), @adam_ni (China Policy Centre) and Andrew Smith (#CAAT). https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2020/04/worldwide-military-spending-200427175758035.html

***
#EU renewed its #sanctions on #Myanmar until 30/4/21. They #embargo arms/equipment that may be used by police/military, or for internal repression or monitoring #communications and forbid military training & cooperation as well.

***
Though the Pentagon is hunting for billions of dollars in a future package to combat the coronavirus pandemic, it looks like the next massive relief bill will be swamped in a partisan fight. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/04/27/storm-clouds-await-pentagons-request-for-defense-industry-cash/
***
#F35 supersonic flight is permanently #limited. Anti-radar coating & some of its antennae can’t endure much time past the sound barrier. Pentagon decided not to fix the problem and just live with it, and limit the time pilots are allowed to fly supersonic. https://www.defenseone.com/news/2020/04/the-d-brief-april-27-2020/164921/

***
The China argument is brought in to plea for relaxed #drone export policies (regard them as air planes, not missiles, main already known argument) by the US. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/modernizing-uav-export-policy-for-effective-coalition-forces/
 
April 27


***
How virus surveillance and civil liberties could collide https://www.law360.com/access-to-justice/articles/1267269/how-virus-surveillance-and-civil-liberties-could-collide
***
The #CAAT UK arms exports browser has been updated to include data up to December 2019. Wow! https://www.caat.org.uk/resources/export-licences/dashboard

***
#US Foreign Military Sales Order #FMSO for common spares/repair parts to support the #UAE fleet of AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and CH-47 Chinook #helicopters, additional support etc. The estimated cost is $150 million. https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/united-arab-emirates-uae-foreign-military-sales-order-fmso-ii-case

***
Coronavirus forcing countries to reevaluate security paradigms. Article states: alongside "funds for conventional armies." https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-forcing-countries-to-reevaluate-security-paradigms/a-53249689 Combines this advise with military expenditures never increased a much as in 2018-19 (US on top of the rock). https://www.sipri.org/publications/2020/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-world-military-expenditure-2019

***
Thales will export six more #Bushmaster military vehicles to the #Netherlands. A Thales spokesperson said the contract was worth $14 million and would involve more than 60 #Australian businesses. The manufacture of these vehicles will take place in Bendigo. https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/thales-to-export-six-more-bushmasters-to-the-netherlands

***
 Global military expenditure sees largest annual increase in a decade—says SIPRI—reaching $1.917 billion in 2019. https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/fs_2020_04_milex_0.pdf 12 EU member states among 40 largest spenders. Netherlands climbed from position 21 to 19 and growth 2018-2019 is among the largest.
 
April 26

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Veel mensen houden zich bezig met het idee dat geld van Defensie naar gezondheidszorg, sociale uitgaven, en kimaat verandering zou moeten gaan. Binnen Defensie houdt men zich bezig hoe deze dreiging van het budget actief tegen te gaan. Interessant artikel. https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/column/de-positie-van-de-krijgsmacht-nederland-na-corona-4-scenario%E2%80%99s

***
Open letter: Military budgets could be used to pay 4 health & social cost. Longer term: re-orientate economy towards socially useful production, shift funds from militaristic approaches towards human security, tackling pandemics, poverty & climate change. https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/39440

***
"Moet #Defensie zich gereedmaken om assistentie te verlenen bij het voorkomen van stromen #vluchtelingen en #gelukszoekers die onze grenzen over willen komen?"
Geeft deze vraag het morele gehalte van de discussie over de krijgsmacht? Dan is dit niet hoog. https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/editoriaal/hoe-blijven-we-gezond


***
Arms trade, money laundering and smuggling of mercenaries in Libya .. Five accused were brought before the Maltese judiciary https://www.tellerreport.com/news/2020-04-26-arms-trade--money-laundering-and-smuggling-of-mercenaries-in-libya----five-accused-were-brought-before-the-maltese-judiciary.BkbSPxCMY8.html

***
Indian defence industry proposed outgoing funds planned for foreign companies with ongoing contracts should go to Indian entities to keep them afloat. They flagged concerns that the lockdown will have dire consequences as exports have come to a halt. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/give-funds-meant-for-foreign-companies-to-local-firms-defence-industry/articleshow/75331901.cms

***
German choice for F-18 & EFA "is paradoxically positive for France. At least, Germany dismisses the F-35", said Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, at a hearing by the defence committee of the National Assembly. It will allow the FCAS to continue. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-achat-des-f18-et-eurofighter-par-l-allemagne-est-plutot-une-bonne-chose-pour-la-france-eric-trappier-846130.html

***
Overview on European fighter sales and exports. 550 EFAs had been sold in 2019 to Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Austria, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Rafale exported to India (36), Egypt (24) and Qatar (36). https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26818/Eurofighter_to_Zoom_Past_Dassault_Rafale_with_Germany_s_93_Typhoon_Order
***
Really? No shame at all. Former president Zuma is set to go to the Supreme Court of Appeal to challenge a judgment which cut government funding for his legal costs. He claims the crimes were allegedly committed while he was undertaking official duties. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2020-04-23-sca-to-hear-jacob-zumas-challenge-to-funding-ruling/

***
Maltese arms dealer linked to UAE and Blackwater accaused of violating Libya’s arms #embargo
The owner of a major weapons supply company James Fenech, was charged with breaching EU sanctions by supplying rigid-hull inflatable boats (#RHIB) to #Libya. https://www.libyanexpress.com/maltese-arms-dealer-linked-to-uae-and-blackwater-accaused-of-violating-libyas-arms-embargo/

***
US Secretary of State Mike #Pompeo called for the UN to extend its arms #embargo on #Iran beyond its scheduled end in October, citing Tehran's recent launch of a military satellite. The lifting of the embargo was stipulated in the Iranian nuclear deal. https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-urges-extension-of-embargo-on-conventional-arms-sales-to-iran/

***
Coronavirus crisis makes clear Pentagon should get no more money this year was the message by 60 organisations. "We cannot continue spending bns of dollars on weapons while people across the country struggle to buy food, pay rent, and survive a pandemic."

***
Britain boosts arms sales to repressive regimes by £1bn.
Campaigners condemn government and defence exporters accused of selling weapons to states with poor human rights records. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/25/uk-arms-trade-repressive-regimes

***
Thomas G. Mahnken: US should take every opportunity to promote arms exports, creating both jobs and increase the security of our allies. Speed and predictability of the arms export process must be raised. US weapons should be developed with export in mind. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/04/24/six-ways-the-us-can-maximize-its-strategic-benefit-from-defense-spending/

***
Opinion on football touches at selling weapons to war mongering nation, "I thought top-level football had something to do with promoting 'role models'."
Saudi Arabia may be indispensable to UK arms exports, but why it’s indispensable to UK football. https://www.ft.com/content/94570242-8612-11ea-b872-8db45d5f6714

***
Canada Resumes Selling Arms To Saudi Warmongers. In the midst of a crisis, Canada will lift its embargo and sell armoured vehicles to the Saudi military, which is engaged in brutal repression inside the country and the ongoing war in Yemen. https://therealnews.com/stories/canada-lifts-embargo-resumes-selling-arms-saudi-arabia


25 april

***
Dutch Defense Materiel Organization ordered 127 mm #guns for the four Dutch Navy #RNLN Zeven Provinciën Class air defense and command frigates #LCFs. #Leonardo has contracted #Thales Nederland to install the former's 127/64 LW-Vulcano system by 2026. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/04/leonardo-to-supply-new-127mm-main-guns-for-netherlands-navys-lcf-frigates/

***
Lower budget is not withstanding the fact that UK MoD personnel 've been lauded for their excellent performance assisting - downgraded - NHS and others, carrying out tasks ranging from delivering oxygen to hospitals to setting up and running C2 centers. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/23/uk-defense-plans-could-take-major-hit-from-coronavirus-fallout/

***
The 45 planned Boeing-made #F18s would replace a portion of the $German Tornado's, taking on roles of delivering US #atomic weapons under NATO's so-called nuclear sharing doctrine and clearing enemy enemy air defenses for follow-on waves of aerial forces. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/22/german-government-cites-us-ties-in-choice-of-f-18-planes-for-nuclear-jamming-missions/
***
The practical impact of guidance on the role of the military in the current pandemic, whatever it may be, is unclear. Pentagon doctrine on infectious disease seems to have been overtaken by events Federation of American Scientists #FAS states at blog. https://fas.org/blogs/secrecy/2020/04/military-covid19/

***
VVOJ en @nvj tekenen protest aan tegen opschorting WOB https://vvoj.org/2020/04/24/grote-bezwaren-opschorting-wob/

***
Forest fire season is early this year, also in the Netherlands. It is the second front the armed forces are coming in to help. Why there is no civil (UN) organisation tasked with this job and we use tools (with expensive) military qualifications instead? https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2020/16/03_natuurbranden_16

***
Aviation Week predicts changes because of COVID-19 in aeronautic & military industries: excess capacity - and jobs - will be cut. Mergers, acquisitions and diversification in the recent past are now to show if they made the companies more resilient. https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/manufacturing-supply-chain/what-watch-ad-companies-plan-future-covid-19

***
The number of incidents involving guns in the Netherlands last year increased (14%), despite efforts to tackle the illegal weapons trade, according the police & the Dutch public prosecution department. Number of people dying from gun-related injuries fell. https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/04/guns-were-involved-in-646-incidents-and-31-deaths-last-year-police-say/
April 23

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The Supreme Court of the Netherlands has referred a decision back to the Amsterdam Court of Appeal concerning the re-export of #military goods (component parts for an Atlas Cheetah jet plane) to #Equador without a licence.

***
#Canada's ban on new arms exports to #Turkey has been extended indefinitely, Global Affairs confirmed Wednesday.
The government imposed a suspension on the approval of export permits last fall after Turkish forces launched an incursion into northern Syria.
***
Retweet Collected information by NGO Omega on alleged excessive use of force by forces to enforce COVID-19 lockdown. Map is interactive and can be searched on context and equipment used.

Omega has been collating information about incidents of alleged use of force that have occurred in the context of Coronavirus measures or protests arising from Coronavirus-related concerns. Explore the cases at https://omegaresearchfoundation.org/covid.php #coronavirus #covid19 #useofforce @hrw


***

Retweet: More money for policy countering climate change, for social security and for health care. No more bombers, tanks and submarines.
 
***
Italian #Ficantieri reopens to build war ships at a reduced pace.
Riva Trigoso yard: final FREMM frigate, & PPA patrol vessels
Muggiano yard: auxilary, Vulcano, & LHD amphib, the Trieste.
Also work for arms exports restart, like the corvette for #Qatar. https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/04/22/fincantieri-reopens-shipyards-in-italy/

***
Airbus disappointed, doubts in military industry, SPD doesn't support the procurement plan in the Bundestag. Defense Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer's (CDU) decision to replace tornado jets with a mix of Airbus EFAs and Boeing F-18 fighter jets is far from dry. https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/ruestungspolitik-eurofighter-und-f-18-statt-tornados-harte-kritik-am-kampfflugzeug-plan-der-verteidigungsministerin/25762456.html

Same in French: Other #German DoD orders are expected to swell Airbus ' order backlog in 2020, like the replacement of the 1st #EFA tranche.


***
The number of Covid-19 cases at the civil military Damen shipyard in Galați shipyard is increasing. https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-coronavirus-23902091-cazuri-covid-19-santierul-naval-damen-galati.htm Yesterday it was reported an employee of the Damen Galaţi shipyard died in hospital due to the coronavirus. https://www.mediafax.ro/economic/angajat-al-santierului-naval-damen-galati-mort-din-cauza-coronavirusului-19088676
***
Thales Reliance Defence Systems (TRDS) has resumed operations, at MIHAN SEZ, in Maharashtra.
TRDS is a joint venture between Reliance Infrastructure which holds 51 per cent and Thales holds the remaining 49 per cent. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/lockdown-thales-reliance-defence-systems-resumes-operations/articleshow/75272573.cms

***
Health or ordinary spying? Canadian drone manufacturer #Draganfly said the police department in Westport, Connecticut, is testing the company’s “pandemic drone” technology to detect individuals with possible symptoms of COVID19 in crowds of people. #drones https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/urban-unmanned-aviation/drone-companies-advance-pandemic-fighting-vehicles

***
#Togo got 2 of 4 Gazelle #helicopters of #SECAMIC but is considering to cancel the contract and not taking the other 2 on contract. The sale was blocked because of concerns the helicopters could be used against political opponents/ civilian demonstrators. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/military-helicopters/uncertainty-clouds-togos-gazelle-acquisition/

***
Canada published “An Order Amending the Export Control List”, SOR/2020-48 (P.C. 2020-140). https://www.lexsage.com/Canada-Updates-Export-Control-List

***
With an national debt of $24 trillion, the combination of US government spending and the loss of tax revenue is going to place serious pressure on future budgets for years to come (...) no area of the budget will be free from scrutiny — including defence. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/04/22/covid-19s-fiscal-impact-might-ironically-strengthen-national-defense/

***
Outdated for NATO+ countries, good enough for the rest of the world? (Had to buy the F-35 Lightning II or #JSF to replace the F-16.) Lockheed looks to sell additional F-16s to customers in Africa, Asia and South America. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2020/04/22/lockheed-looking-to-sell-additional-f-16s-to-customers-in-africa-south-america/
***
#Essential? Boeing re-opened its helicopter plant in Philadelphia, nearly 3 weeks after a shutdown, part of efforts to help contain the coronavirus. Now it can produce for Greece, the Netherlands, Saudi's, Spain, the UAE, the UK, and US itself. #Contained? https://www.janes.com/article/95641/covid-19-boeing-resumes-philadelphia-rotorcraft-operations


April 22

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For those who followed our #EUarms investigations in-depth: you have a few days left to share ideas and feedback with MEP @HneumannMEP who is preparing a report and a resolution.

No EU weapons for warmongers!
We need a mechanism for EU-level #arms export control.
This is one of the demands in my report for a resolution of @Europarl_EN.
Do you want to give feedback Let us know by 25th April!
#armsexport #armscontrol

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Commentary: Now is the time to reduce the US bloated nuclear arsenal & invest in more urgent security priorities. Deterrence can be sustained, but a robust public health system needs considerably more resources. It’s a trade-off that can & should be made. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/04/21/now-isnt-the-time-to-push-for-nuclear-modernization/

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35,884 dead (22/02/20 09.00 CEST) already in the United States of American, but the worry is: F-35 deliveries could slow down, as COVID-19 jolts Lockheed’s supply chain. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/04/21/f-35-deliveries-could-slow-down-as-covid-19-jolts-lockheeds-supply-chain/

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The boss of the world want others to do what is needed for the boss. COVID closed Mexican factories that supply US defense industry. The Pentagon wants them opened. https://www.defensenews.com/2020/04/21/covid-closed-mexican-factories-that-supply-us-defense-industry-the-pentagon-wants-them-opened/

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Dutch Alewijnse Marine has completed the electrical fit-out of the Mexican Navy’s latest vessel; the Damen Long Range Ocean Patrol (POLA) frigate ARM Reformador. https://www.marinelink.com/news/alewijnse-equips-mexican-patrol-boats-477738 Here more on its armament: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARM_Reformador


Zelfde inhoud in het Nederlands: Nederlands bedrijf Alewijnse rondt elektrische installatie af op Mexico’s nieuwste Damen marineschip, het fregat ARM Reformador. https://maritimetechnology.nl/alewijnse-rondt-elektrische-installatie-af-op-mexicos-nieuwste-marineschip-arm-reformador/

April 21

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#UAE-based companies shipped nearly 11,000 tonnes of #jet fuel to eastern #Libya, the stronghold of the renegade general Khalifa #Haftar, in a suspected violation of an international arms #embargo, according to documents seen by the Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/content/c3405be4-a9f1-4902-8356-73f5ece37825

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The shipbuilding, aviation and small space launch sectors are the three hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic within the defense industrial base, according to the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. #EllenLord https://news.usni.org/2020/04/20/dod-shipbuilding-aviation-hardest-hit-sectors-in-defense-industrial-base-by-covid-pandemic

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Not the people and climate, but the military industry is what needs help most, isn't it? Pentagon pumps $3bn Into industry as COVID-19 delays loom. #Acquisition chief Ellen Lord says she'll likely ask Congress for billions more to help the defense industry. https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/pentagon-pumps-3b-into-industry-as-covid-19-delays-loom/

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German naval industry considers there are three rivals Dutch Damen, French Naval Group and Italian Ficantieri. Which wharf will be the first victim of this rivalry? Or has the State deep pockets in a four countries? https://taz.de/Werftkonzern-fuer-Kriegsschiffe-geplant/!5677100/

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Retweet2: CDA leeft nog in de jaren 70 en 80 toen de defensie industrie dé bron voor innovatie (term die toen nog niet gebruikt werd) was. Tegenwoordig zijn deskundigen het erover eens dat die rol van vernieuwing elders ligt. Maar vakkennis mag militaire propaganda niet in de weg zitten. Retweet1: Martijn van Helvert@Martijncda De @SPnlheeft geen oog voor innovatieve bedrijven en #maakindustrie rondom #Defensie. Of deelt de #SP liever tomatensoep uit aan de gesloten fabriekspoort als arbeiders die werken aan materiaal voor #vrede & #veiligheid geen baan meer hebben? #KortelijnmetMartijnTweet: Opvallende, verontrustende, invloed van de Defensie-industrie op VVD en CDA. Of de hele coalitie? Andere zaken dan wapens zijn nu belangrijker! ‘Koop nieuw defensiematerieel vanwege coronacrisis in Nederland‘ | Politiek | http://AD.nl https://ad.nl/politiek/koop-nieuw-defensiematerieel-vanwege-coronacrisis-in-nederland~a780106c/

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#DARPA awards nine new contracts to foster #drone swarm technology. 5 concern reducing deployment times, utilizing new navigation sensors, incorporating fixed-wing aircraft into the swarm & enhancing mobility for robotic, wheeled vehicles in urban settings https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2020/04/20/darpa-to-foster-urban-drone-swarm-tech-with-nine-new-contracts/

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Germany without 2% of GDP military budget, but (not necessarily linked, but you can spend government budget once) "with a superb health care system and a relatively low COVID-19 mortality rate, is seen as a model for managing" corona, will buy new fighters https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/20/germanys-defence-ministry-is-under-the-gun-to-name-a-tornado-replacement/
April 20

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Retweet: Opposition by scientists against surveillance state app to be introduced under the guise of corona measures.

Zitat aus dem kritischen Offenen Brief der 300 Wissenschaftler zur Handy-App, darunter 55 aus Deutschland: “We are concerned that some ‘solutions’ to the crisis may (...) result in systems which would allow unprecedented surveillance of society at large” https://www.stern.de/digital/smartphones/contact-tracing-soll-der-heilsbringer-der-coronakrise-werden---nun-warnen-wissenschaftler-davor-9230730.html
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NL imports FROM Turkey. #SP MP @SadetKarabulut asks 4 an EU-policy decreasing imports not to strengthen Turkish military. MoFA sees not enough support in EU & regards controlling arms exports more efficient. So strengthening mil. industrial base continues. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2020/04/20/beantwoording-kamervragen-over-wapenimport-uit-turkije

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Sadet Karabulut: Een defensiefonds van twintig miljard euro regelen. Moet dit nu? https://joop.bnnvara.nl/opinies/een-defensiefonds-van-twintig-miljard-euro-regelen-moet-dit-nu

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Yes that is important, NOT: continuation of military export licensing during the pandemic. Weapons to fight Covid? UK Export Control Joint Unit will be co-hosting a webinar on Wednesday April 22. To sign up visit: Covid-19: Export Controls and Licences https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3533321703869931789

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Oldie. Israel based #Bagira Systems/ Van #Halteren Defence has bagged contract from Ministerie van Defensie Nederland for Software package and information systems. Do not know if I've ever tweeted about this Dutch Israeli combination. source: HT Digital Content Services, 31/01/19

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Daniel Fiott defence analyst at the EU Institute for Security Studies #EUISS continues his writing in favour of European defence industry. https://euronews.com/2020/04/17/the-eu-must-not-let-the-four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse-weaken-europe-s-security-view (see tweet of March 27 http://realinstitutoelcano.org/wps/portal/rielcano_en/contenido?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/elcano/elcano_in/zonas_in/commentary-fiott-will-european-defence-survive-coronavirus) Already a vaccine against the increase military spending proposals?

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What's wrong with these software translated news sites? A journalist reporting on UK arms sales to the Saudi's will not forget to mention that Eurofighters are assembled with German components. The robot didn't, while you expect it at an German site. https://de.abna24.com/news//britischer-waffenriese-verkaufte-beim-jemen-krieg-waffen-im-wert-von-15-mrd-gbp-an-saudi-arabien_1027165.html

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French - South African arms sales #corruption trial continues. #Thales was a significant beneficiary of the arms deal and is #Zuma's co-accused. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2020-04-20-jacob-zuma-gears-up-for-the-biggest-trial-of-his-life/

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Order or no order with the US yet? Proposal to replace Germany’s fleet of #Tornado fighters foresees the purchase of up to 93 #Eurofighters, and up to 45 #F18s from #Boeing. Bundestag would probably only deal with it in 2021 or 2022. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-military-fighterjets/german-plan-sees-eurofighter-f-18-mix-replacing-tornado-source-idUKKBN2220L8
 
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#Robotics is already changing the modern battlefield. The UK Armed Forces ordered four Mission Master-Cargo ground #drones from #Rheinmetall Canada for its #Robotic Platoon Vehicle (RPV) program. https://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/british_army_procures_rheinmetall_mission_master_-_cargo_ugvs.html

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#Drone 4 anti-submarine warfare #ASW. #Elbit Systems' Seagull autonomous drone has completed integration and initial sea trials with a compact version of the towed variable depth sonar system developed by Elbit's Canadian-based subsidiary GeoSpectrum Tech. https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-integrated-active-towed-array-sonar-onboard-its-seagull-usv/

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In February, #Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production Mohamed al-Assar announced a new three-year plan to boost the local manufacturing of weapons.
View on the Egyptian arms #industry and why it would not become mature. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/egyptian-arms-industry-never-lived-its-potential-145937
 
April 19

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Negotiations have been going on for a long time, but it is now clear: Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems #TKMS in Kiel will build four new corvettes for the #Brazilian Navy. They are expected to cost 1.8 billion euros. TKMS announced this on Thursday evening. https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/TKMS-bekommt-Zuschlag-fuer-vier-neue-Korvetten,tkms140.html

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Swiss military communication and control with Israeli equipment. Elbit to provide Command & Control systems for Swiss reconnaissance battalions valued $ 15 million. https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/42619

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Nicaragua used its two Stan Patrol 4207-class patrol boats (modified and modernized by DAMEN shipyards in the Netherlands) during counter drugs operation which were also aiming at improving relations between president Ortega and the US. https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2020/04/17/politica/2663497-ejercito-de-nicaragua-explica-su-rol-en-operativo-contra-el-cartel-de-los-soles-al-que-vinculana-nicolas-maduro via @laprensa

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European Defence Agency #EDA call for papers from defence industry, academia and research institutes on integration of military air capabilities in a changing aviation sector. Topics:
- Military access to airspace
- Protect confidentiality
- Coordination etc.

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A number of multi-purpose combat drones 've been handed over to the Iranian army. They are a product of "the capabilities of the defence industry, the country's universities and knowledge-based companies," Defence Minister Amir Hatami said at IRINN rolling news channel 18 April.
 
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Support for the arms trade treaty is eroding not the least because arms sales licensing for the Saudi led coalition continued by many countries, despite they undersigned the #ATT. It did not stop the Finish Minister of FA to address a hurray speech for it. https://um.fi/speeches/-/asset_publisher/up7ecZeXFRAS/content/minister-tuomioja-s-speech-at-the-nordic-arms-transfer-controls-and-global-challenges-seminar
 
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A Saudi-backed consortium is set to take control of the Tyneside giants in the next three weeks.

But they have been accused of buying Newcastle to become a “propaganda vehicle for one of the most brutal and authoritarian regimes in the world”.


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Egyptian outcry followed the announcement of 2nd shipment of medical aid to #Italy, turning a blind eye to severe shortages at home. Experts pointed out that #Egypt was keen to keep the #arms trade etc. going and it was putting this above its own people. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200417-covid-19-is-exacerbating-neo-colonialism-including-in-egypt/

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Dmitry Shugayev of the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation revealed that #India would purchase 400 T-90S tanks & MiG-29 fighter jets. While Russian arms exports to India declined 47% in 2019, new orders might change this in 2020. https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2020/04/18/from-barter-to-partner-in-the-russia-india-arms-trade/

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Indian Express: Newcastle United urged to reject immoral Saudi-backed £300m takeover bid. If the takeover goes through, the club will have the richest owners in the UK as Saudi Crown Prince MbS's Public Investment Fund #PIF have assets of more than £260bn. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/newcastle-united-reject-immoral-saudi-300-million-takeover-bid-6368150/
 
April 18

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"The Yemen Data Project said on Friday it recorded at least 106 Saudi-led airstrikes, across 26 raids in Yemen over the last week since the ceasefire was declared." #YemenCantWait https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/coronavirus-yemen-coalition-bombs-saudi-ceasefire-news-a9470801.html
 
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#China urged the #US to reflect upon itself and stop pointing fingers to others. The US break away from arms control regimes seriously undermined global strategic balance and stability and hindered international arms control and disarmament processes. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-says-us-accusations-in-arms-control-report-not-worth-refuting

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New Cold War pays off. Rep. Thornberry calls or the creation of an Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative (IPDI), with $6.09bn in FY 2021. The fund would be based on the European Deterrence Initiative, set up in the wake of the annexation of Crimea. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/04/16/thornberry-wants-6-billion-this-year-to-launch-counter-china-fund/

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Spanish government has yet to approve export licence request for EUR2 billion corvette order by Saudi Arabia, with construction having already started. Application would be "rigorously" checked against the #ArmsTreaty, Spanish legislation, and EU criteria. https://janes.com/article/95585/saudi-corvette-order-requires-fresh-export-licence
 
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Devastation wrought by COVID is a rude reminder to those countries which have neglected social sector investments, and have disproportionately diverted fiscal resources towards unproductive infrastructure, defence contracts and other crony capital deals. https://www.dawn.com/news/1549891/financing-human-development-in-the-time-of-coronavirus
 
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Arms sales continue, despite COVID-19, like the TKMS #submarine sale to #Egypt: “Given the global corona pandemic, this handover marks a very special milestone for us (...) Our employees, who completed the boat in line with our health protection measures.” https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/04/third-class-209-1400mod-submarine-officially-handed-over-to-egypt/

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The Nigerian Army received a consignment of Chinese armored vehicles and artillery systems that included Norinco VT4 main battle tanks, ST1 tank destroyers, and self-propelled howitzers. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/nigerian-military-receives-tanks-artillery-from-china/

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Iedereen gezien! Camera Puma #drone kan flink inzoomen, vertelt landmacht korporaal en vehicle-operator met trots. De Puma is groter & beter dan z'n voorganger; de Raven. “Het grootste voordeel is dat ‘ie vanwege de hoogte onzichtbaar en geruisloos is.” https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2020/15/02_dronespuma_15

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How the Military-Industrial Complex Is Using the Coronavirus
Arms industry lobbyists are addressing this pandemic and preparing for the next by pushing weapons sales.

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Germany facilitates talks between naval shipbuilders in an effort to set up a national conglomerate rivaling industry like French Naval Group & Italian Fincantieri. What role plays the Damen MKS180 saga in the development of a Germany First naval industry? https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/16/berlin-is-reportedly-brokering-a-deal-to-consolidate-german-naval-shipbuilders/ 


Same in German «Denn gerade vor dem Hintergrund der europäischen, teilweise staatlichen Konkurrenz ist eine Konsolidierung der deutschen Marineindustrie der richtige Weg», sagte Schleswig-Holsteins Wirtschaftsminister Buchholz (FDP) am Donnerstag der DPA. https://www.welt.de/regionales/mecklenburg-vorpommern/article207302123/Buchholz-befuerwortet-Ueberlegungen-einer-Werften-Fusion.html

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Only the next Intercontinental ballistic missile for US #nuclear weapons will cost an estimated $ 85 billion. #Northrop Grumman is anticipated to win the contract to design and build the Air Force’s next-generation #ICBMs. https://www.defensenews.com/space/2020/04/16/northrop-could-be-getting-an-85b-award-to-produce-next-gen-icbms-sooner-than-expected/

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 NEWCASTLE’S black and white stripes proposed takeover by Saudi interests has been slammed by human-rights campaigners, who have urged the club to reject the £300 million bid. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/s/campaign-against-arms-trade-slam-newcastles-negotiations-saudi-arabias-public-investment

April 16

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Midden in de aanstormende economische crisis stemt de Kamer zeer binnenkort over een wet die de komende 5 jaar €20 miljard reserveert voor militair materieel, en de verwachting is dat de wet wordt aangenomen.
Zie mijn laatste coronatekst voor dit en meer. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/de-toekomst-is-nu.html
 
***

Good news @Vredesactie estimates suspension of new arms export licences with end destination Saudi Arabia by Belgian administrative court halved the Belgian arms export over 2017 and 2018 and over 2019 possibly even 75%. https://vredesactie.be/belgian-arms-export-halved-due-court-decision

***

Turkish Airbus A400M flew to the UK to deliver medical supplies. The question isn't if such transport is helpful, but if it wouldn't be more efficient to invest a larger amount in a civil crisis response force, without the military desires & price tag. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/airlift-initiative-propels-nato-covid-19-efforts

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In the coming months decisions will be taken with long term consequences for military expenditure & arms production. The arms industry has been shifting parts of its production from swords to ploughshares recently to help producing medical equipment. But! http://stopwapenhandel.org/node/2391

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#Gorbatchov: What we need is a rethinking of the entire concept of #security. Even after the end of the Cold War, it has been envisioned mostly in military terms. Over the past few years, all we’ve been hearing is talk about weapons, missiles & airstrikes. https://time.com/5820669/mikhail-gorbachev-coronavirus-human-security/
 
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The #US State Department approved a possible #FMS sale to #Morocco of 10 AGM-84L #Harpoon Block II Air Launched missiles + equipment for an estimated cost of $62m. It is the 1st #African country with the missile, with a range of 150nml, in its inventories. https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/morocco-agm-84l-harpoon-air-launched-block-ii-missiles

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US DoD must identify its ‘crown jewels’ as prep for fiscal uncertainty. History suggests that a downturn in defense spending could be coming in the next 2-3 years, & that is something the military can and should be positioning for today, annalist states. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/04/15/dod-must-identify-its-crown-jewels-in-preparation-for-fiscal-troubles/

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AVI AmsterdamsVredesInitiatief: Afl.1: Geen verre legers, maar verplegers! 
Met voldoende spandoek slogans.

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The British government has hit the pause button on its integrated defense review as it pours its efforts into battling the coronavirus crisis, Cabinet Office officials have told the parliamentary Defence Committee. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/15/uk-hits-pause-on-defense-review-due-to-coronavirus/

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Arms industry as example for bringing production home in #Austrlia. "Canberra already mandates that a certain proportion of work on defence contracts be done locally and manufacturing advocates would like similar schemes introduced in other sectors." https://www.ft.com/content/04ac783d-8ced-4e66-9437-78b607cbd8d4
 
***

Announcements by South African Denel & Armscor, that they repurpose production for ventilators, sanitisers & even to convert military vehicles into ambulances is a welcome shift from arms production in a time of crisis and MAY held promises for the future. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2020-04-15-covid-19-and-the-case-for-a-citizens-basic-income-grant-in-south-africa/

April 15

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25 state attorneys general are asking the Trump administration to crack down on Defense Distributed's Defcad site for selling 3D-printed gun files. In a letter sent today, they urged the Justice Department and State Department to enforce rules agains ... https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/letter_to_defense_distributed.pdf

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Pentagon awards $415M contract for 60 BATTELLE machines to disinfect N95 masks. The equipment will allow the scarce personal protective equipment to be disinfected and reused up to 20 times. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/492611-pentagon-awards-415m-contract-for-machines-to-disinfect-n95-masks

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Hoe de wapenindustrie probeert te profiteren van de coronacrisis
De wapenindustrie zet zichzelf neer als ‘vitale sector’ en probeert zo een voorkeursbehandeling te krijgen.
 
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UK strategic export controls: licensing statistics, for 1 January to 31 December 2019. Published 15 April 2020, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/879296/2019-Q4-strategic-export-controls-country-pivot-report-2019.pdf

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Last year, a US Air Force #USAF F-16 assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron accidentally dropped an inert #GBU-12 bomb outside the range in #Japan. Pacific Air Force has now released the mishap report. https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146786/air-force-releases-findings-on-2019-misawa-f-16cm-mishap/
 
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50,000 humans die every day from infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, etc. Reason to develop a wipe, which now can be used to control COVID-19. Why this kind of research is done by military institutes to support the military and civil driven? https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/new-decontamination-wipes-spark-hope-in-the-war-against-covid-19-39126123.html

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What are the priorities? Quentin Lopinot (visiting fellow Europe Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, #CSIS in Washington, DC) warns #Europe not to lower defence budgets due to economic downturn and other demands on the governments. https://www.csis.org/analysis/europe-war-coronavirus-where-does-leave-european-defense

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The pandemic has already declined to the UN's role in conflict prevention and resolution. It is time for the United States and China to realize that continuing in a gruding geopolitical struggle is the world approaching the abyss. (CE Noticias Financieras English, April 13, 2020)
***
#Israeli #Elbit Systems announced April 12 it was awarded 2 contracts combined valued of +/- $20 million from Latin American customers to upgrade the capabilities of their #Hermes(TM) 900 #drones. Both contracts will be performed within a 12-month period. https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-20-million-in-contracts-to-upgrade-hermes-900-uas-of-latin-american-customers/

***
The well published UK ventilator production isn't running as smooth as earlier said. Even an adaption of an existing system still waits approval of Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulator Agency (MHRA). https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/04/14/regulatory-hold-ups-delay-work-building-ventilators-covid-19/
***
US-China tech battle - using US dual-use export control laws - threatens pandemic containment and more. The refusal to cooperate to contain the pandemic and repair the global economy is a worry to take very seriously. https://www.cato.org/blog/us-china-tech-battle-threatens-pandemic-containment-more
 
***
Analysts in Europe have also pointed to the expectation that national defence budgets will plummet as a result of a significant global economic downturn. But NATO still goes after the €, because Russia, because the rise of China on the geopolitical stage. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/14/nato-defense-ministers-to-weigh-coronavirus-fallout/

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BAE Systems sold £15bn worth of arms to Saudis during Yemen assault
Campaigners also allege latest export values imply UK arms sales greater than government’s declared figures
 
April 14

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The Estonian National Defence Committee was told about the plan of Estonia’s defence companies consortium to take part in an #Estonian, #Finnish & #Latvian joint procurement of armoured #vehicles, as well as to start producing these vehicles if possible. https://m.riigikogu.ee/en/news-from-committees/national-defence-committee/national-defence-committee-supports-estonias-defence-industry-consortium-producing-armoured-vehicles/
 
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South #Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has proposed a series of measures to support domestic defence companies affected by Covid-19. https://www.janes.com/article/95476/covid-19-seoul-to-introduce-defence-industry-support-measures

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Coast Guard’s #USCG new range of missions during the #COVID-19 global shows how the service is in need of key modernization programs, USCG commandant Adm. Karl Schultz said on Monday. The USCG needs also more ships and vehicles because of its global reach. https://news.usni.org/2020/04/13/schultz-coast-guard-response-to-covid-19-highlights-modernization-needs

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Bayraktar TB2 #drone (bought from Turkey) debuted in a #Qatari military exercise. Qatari MoD released footage showing the UAV wasn't carrying weapons, but video implied that it carried out precision strikes during live firing. https://www.janes.com/article/95384/bayraktar-tb2-uavs-enter-service-with-qatar / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayraktar_TB2

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Pressure on #India from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments and #Boeing, #Lockheed Martin, #Airbus and #Bell Textron to continue work in the civil/military aerospace industry despite lock down. https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/conflicting-orders-from-centre-and-state-govts-hit-aerospace-production-120041201202_1.html
 

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After 28 years with Defence Science and Technology, Dr Tony Lindsay, one of Australia’s most eminent defence scientists, said goodbye to #DST. The next week he started work with #Lockheed Martin. On Australia’s #revolving door between military & industry. https://www.michaelwest.com.au/band-of-brothers-lockheed-martin-and-the-department-of-defence/

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#Ukraine Defence Ministry disbands advisory body announced in street fighter spirit by Svitlana Pavlovska, the DoD's press secretary to commentators who consider themselves to be military experts and the manipulative #DefencePolicyDirectorate. http://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2020/04/13/official-statement-on-reboot-of-the-defence-agency-reform-in-ukraine/

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Boeing to reopen the KC-46 and P-8 production lines “Boeing’s work supporting the DoD as a part of the defence industrial base is a matter of national security and has been deemed critical,” the company said in a statement. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/04/13/boeing-to-reopen-the-kc-46-and-p-8-production-lines/
 
April 13

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Pentagon’s contractors avoided closings or “major impacts” from the pandemic. Of 10509 locations tracked or monitored by the Defense Contract Management Agency, 135 had closed at some point as of Wednesday. 49 Of those reopened after an average of 10 days. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-10/defense-contractors-keep-most-plants-running-despite-outbreak

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Pentagon industrial base guidance will last “the period covered by the COVID-19 emergency declaration,” makes prototyping easier for projects to counter corona, but relaxes other military contracts to bolster military industrial base. #MiliaryKeynesianism https://www.defensenews.com/coronavirus/2020/04/09/newest-dod-industry-guidance-clarifies-repayments-makes-prototyping-easier/

***
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department approved the sale of Excalibur tactical #projectiles fr the battlefield to the #Netherlands. The deal is valued at $40.55m & for 199 #Excalibur Increment IB M982Al tactical projectiles. https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/netherlands-excalibur-projectiles

***
Niklas Novaky researcher at EU security and defence policy at the Wilfried Martens Centre in Brussels expects less funds for EU military industry projects because of COVID & asks for reflection on how the pandemic is likely to affect security and defence. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/opinion/covid-19-and-the-eus-security-and-defence-policy/
***
A Canadian show of government flexibility a well trained contortionist would be jealous of.

Here the official declaration: Canada improves terms of light armored vehicles contract, putting in place a new robust permits review process.
https://canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/04/canada-improves-terms-of-light-armored-vehicles-contract-putting-in-place-a-new-robust-permits-review-process.html
 
***
Small fish, big fish.

Defence giants offer cyber security for free. Thales for NHS in Wales. https://telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/04/12/thales-defends-welsh-nhs-hackers-exploiting-virus/


Leonardo a free-of-charge Threat Intelligence service to companies to improve their cyber defence.

***
#Finland has issued new licenses for military exports to the #UAE, reversing a 2018 policy promise to stop sales to any country involved in the Yemen conflict.

The move comes after intensive lobbying by the Emiratis towards a number of European countries. https://newsnowfinland.fi/finland-international/yemen-u-turn-finland-reverses-human-rights-policy-on-military-exports
 
***Het gaat bij dataprotectie niet om een flierefluiterig en luxe recht op wat individueel Lebensraum. We gaan toch niet de regels afschaffen, omdat we nu data hebben? We gaan toch niet de rechtsstaat opheffen omdat we ziek zijn? https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/04/12/gruwelijk-misverstand-privacy-is-het-punt-niet-a3996597

April 12

***
Why should I tweet Pope's Easter speech? Is it because he speaks against war and arms trade?

In the next sentence he violates women's rights:
"May we stop the production and trade of weapons, since we need bread, not guns. Let the abortion and killing of innocent lives end."https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-04/pope-francis-homily-easter-vigil-full-text.html

***
Warning by former Chilean naval officer, because of US disinviting the Chinese navy 4 #RimPac smaller nations may choose not to participate either, because in many cases #China pays their exports "and money talks." It will make the exercise less valuable. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2020/march/regional-navies-must-take-responsibility-pacific-security

***
#Airbus
Defence futurologist applauds military sector because it "has a role to prepare for emergencies, which was in the corona crisis at the benefit of health care & society as a whole." As if hospitals, supermarkets, households etc. didn't quickly adapt https://www.focus.de/finanzen/boerse/wirtschaftsticker/unternehmen-virus-schwerter-zu-pflugscharen-ruestungsindustrie-produziert-gegen-corona_id_11873394.html

***
#Eiertanz, or dancing around new #German fighter aircraft: France and Bavaria against the USA, Airbus against #Boeing, both together against #Lockheed, the #SPD against the Union and the #CSU against their sister party. https://magazin.spiegel.de/SP/2020/16/170435625/index.html

***
European Defence Agency #EDA selected 7 new defence research projects. The 7 (https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/documents/padr-calls-factsheet-v2.pdf) have a high disruptive potential in the defence sector such as AI and quantum techn, ET-warfare and interoperability standards for drones. https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/press-centre/latest-news/2020/04/07/preparatory-action-on-defence-research-projects-selected-following-2019-calls

***
The management of #Greenpeace #Germany wrote that the military industry in Germany should change its production in the fight against the #corona virus. This was requested in an open letter (https://www.greenpeace.de/presse/publikationen/offener-brief-ruestungsunternehmen-0) to the leading German weapon producers. https://indiaeducationdiary.in/corona-crisis-greenpeace-calls-on-arms-industry-to-produce-medical-goods/
 
***
The good news brought @NATOpress is that SG @AndersFoghR advised to cut 40% on Military Expenditures across @NATO to make certain there will be government budget in the future to pay for masks, IC-beds, protective wear, well paid medical staff etc. Thank you NATO! (-; @jensstoltenberg

Reaction on NATO propaganda: In response to #COVID-19, NATO and Allies are sharing medical supplies, airlifting critical patients and providing other vital support in a time of need. #WeAreNATO #coronavirus

***
De coronavisie van het Belgische Vrede @Ludodb: Het is vooral naïef om te denken dat oorlog en bewapening ons een veilige toekomst bieden. Tijd om realist te worden en werk te maken van ontwapening! Ontwapenen om te ontwikkelen! https://www.vrede.be/nieuws/tijd-voor-ontwapening-lessen-uit-de-coronacrisis

April 11

***
Wie heeft toegang tot de data?
‘Veel bedrijven achter corona-apps werkten samen met inlichtingendiensten’

***
Filmmaker, fighting corruption and former ANC Parliamentarian @AndrewFeinstein on the connection between the resources spend on the production of weapons and health care expenditure. https://www.reddit.com/r/GreenAndPleasant/comments/fydpfr/coronavirus_how_the_arms_trade_is_making_you_sick/

***
The main products the world’s weapons makers are frankly #useless for fighting a #virus. That, of course, is not the message they would like to convey. #Elbit, #Israel’s top arms exporter, is busily promoting how its innovations can benefit health care. https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/david-cronin/has-israels-weapons-industry-really-declared-war-virus

***
Dutch center right daily paper Telegraaf reports on #Italian #debate on acquisition of two #submarines, valued € 1.3 billion in connection to health care shortages. The Dutch paper cites la Republica: "winning weapons are mouth caps, protective wear etc." https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/696629388/ruzie-in-italie-over-dure-onderzeeers

***
Due to COVID-19 submission of certificates of origin may be problematic. In normal times an original copy of is required upon import. Based on EU Commission policy, the certificates can now be temporarily submitted digitally. Paper copies are also allowed. https://belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/themaoverstijgend/news/corona-crisis-temporary-measure-for-certificates-of-origin

***
Het coronavirus gearriveerd, de olievelden geblokkeerd en de oorlog geëscaleerd. ‘#Libië stevent af op 'n humanitaire ramp. Alleen moet de wereld dat ook willen zien’, zegt Jalel Harchaoui (@JMJalel_H), Libië-expert bij #Clingendael in gesprek met #MO*. https://www.mo.be/interview/libi-stevent-af-op-een-catastrofe-en-corona-versnelt-dat-proces

***
The US Army is aggressively upgrading its legacy AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and HH-60 Black Hawk fleets, but is encountering some delays in these efforts related to the spread of the novel coronavirus. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/covid-19-affects-us-army-aviation-upgrades


***
Chip maker #Intel has been chosen to lead a new initiative led by the US military’s research wing, #DARPA, aimed at improving cyber-defences against deception attacks on machine learning models. #AI https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/09/intel-darpa-machine-learning/


***
The first-quarter increase comes on the heels of a record annual #German arms sales in 2019. Sales to third world countries nearly tripled, including to countries involved in the Yemeni Civil War. https://www.dw.com/en/german-arms-sale-approvals-jump-slightly-in-first-quarter-of-2020/a-53080988 #NATO #Egypt #Yemen


***
Webinar: Trends in Global Arms Transfers and Military Spending by Stimson Center/SIPRI, 28/04, 10:00 AM in Eastern Time (US/Canada).
speakers:
Dr. Nan Tian, SIPRI
S. Wezeman, SIPRI
V. Insinna, Defense News
M, Smithberger, CDI
Rachel Stohl, Stimson Center


April 10

***
Canadian authorities say they've found way around bans on the controversial weapons exports to #Saudi Arabia despite growing calls for a full halt to sales of arms to a regime involved in numerous cases of human rights violations. http://english.almanar.com.lb/995139 / http://thewashingtonpost.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

April 9


***
Minder dan de helft van de Nederlanders (48%) vindt dat er meer geld naar Defensie moet. https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/04/09/nederlandse-bevolking-vindt-sterke-krijgsmacht-belangrijker-dan-ooit
 
***
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has implemented measures and is continuously assessing the need for new measures to support the national defence industry. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/forsvarsministeren-vil-mote-forsvarsindustrien-og-koronakrisen/id2697165/

***
#Ercom, bought by Thales for € 40m, 200 employees. Its subsidiary #Suneris provides a range of communications interception equipment: wireless interceptor, dubbed Wifileaks but also IMSI-catchers to the French foreign #intelligence service. Paywall http://lirelactu.fr/source/challenges/9f097bf1-61e0-4051-bb10-0a5f5fc4843d

***
Vertaling (@keesamok) van blog: Onderdelen voor de oorlogsvoering, over de militarisering van de EU. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/onderdelen-voor-de-oorlogsvoering.html
 
April 8

***
#Damen sends 50% of the employees at one of its main shipyards (Galati in #Romania) on leave or into technical unemployment. https://adevarul.ro/locale/galati/Santierul-naval-galati-trimite-acasa-50-angajati-intra-concediu-somaj-tehnic-1_5e870d8b5163ec427168d2e8/index.html
 
***
If ever there were a time to reassess the genuine threats to our security and separate them from the self-interested aims of the weapons industry, this is it.” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/08/national-defence-corona-pandemic-fighter-jets
***
US? poll based on 480 responses, showed 85% believed COVID-19 would be disruptive on defence supply chains. A majority 48% opined that the disruption will be very disruptive. A moderate disruption is expected by 36%, while +/- 15% predict a minimal impact https://www.army-technology.com/news/covid-19-impact-defence-supply-chains-poll-analysis/
 
***
Concern of the Polish military industry increases due to the corona crisis. The association of firms operating in this sector (ZPiPPOL) send a letter the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Assets, calling for activities to support them. Paywall http://www.pnb.pl/clientarea/polish-news-bulletin-daily/499397.html

***
Huh??? Thierry Breton (EU Commissioner): In this difficult period on many fronts, we are mobilising all EU programmes to support our companies (...) With the joint development of defence technology, we are making Europe more resilient. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_595

***
Zes militairen van landmacht, luchtmacht en marine komen de coronatroepen op de intensive care van het Noordwest Ziekenhuis (NWZ) in Alkmaar de komende drie weken versterken. (Paywall) https://m.noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20200407_30636549/zes-militairen-versterken-coronatroepen-op-intensive-care-van-alkmaars-ziekenhuis-uitbreiding-geeft-personeel-lucht-en-oppepper
 
***

Ukrainian espionage incident highlights ongoing Russian naval shortcomings

***
How investing billions in military research places the military research at the front of the corona research.

When the military would not have absorbed almost two thirds of the US public research budget would it also have been in pole position?


***
The launch of 3 US #spy #satellites is delayed due to #COVID-19. National Reconnaissance Office's Don't Stop Me Now mission is on pause, though it still anticipates launching into orbit aboard an Electron rocket from Rocket Lab's #NewZealand launch site. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/04/07/the-launch-of-three-us-spy-satellites-is-on-pause-due-to-covid-19/

April 7

***
The spread of the disease is highlighting levels of racial and economic disparity across the US where many African American communities continue to struggle to access healthcare. https://www.statista.com/chart/21364/african-american-share-of-covid-19-deaths/

***
EU Commission has € 160 million+ for innovative military projects (not only weaponry) part of #EDIDP. Dutch #lobby for maritime/naval industry encourages firms to apply (see image for tech/weaponry, in English). https://www.maritiemland.nl/news/europese-kansen-in-innovatieve-defensie-projecten-voor-uw-bedrijf/

***
Cynthia Enloe on how it is "important especially now, in the midst of this extraordinary health crisis, to resist the seductive ideas that militaries are our best defense against infection and that soldiers are our finest protectors." #COVID19 @WILPF https://www.wilpf.org/covid-19-turning-swords-into-ventilators-or-is-it-ventilators-into-swords/

***
Minister De Jonge kondigde net aan dat apps ingezet gaan worden in de strijd tegen corona. In China doen ze dat al, en dat precedent voorspelt niet veel goeds voor onze privacy, schreef @roxanevaniperen
vorige week. Gedeeltelijke paywall: https://www.vn.nl/coronavirus-privacy/

***

Ook zo genoeg van 'n veiligheidsbeleid waarbij voorraden mondkapjes niet bestaan, er te weinig IC-bedden zijn en coronatesten, tja. Ik steun daarom liever Stop Wapenhandel @CTWnl dan het Militair Industrieel Complex.

***
It is to small to be afraid of all this weaponry. To fight corona we need medics, not missiles, submarines and tanks.

Retweet @TimMilesWright Global military expenditure is roughly US$1.8 trillion per year. Can we please redirect this money towards meeting human needs? #COVID19

***
One could only with difficulty escape the conclusion that the military leadership of US is to poor to steer that nation through this crises. https://news.usni.org/2020/04/06/navy-stretching-out-investigation-into-carrier-roosevelt-cos-letter-trump-says-hes-going-to-get-involved
 
***
The US is formalizing "Team Telecom" rules to restrict foreign ownership of internet and telecom assets. https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/06/the-u-s-is-formalizing-team-telecom-rules-to-restrict-foreign-ownership-of-internet-and-telecom-assets/

***
Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Portugal have all committed troops to a new French-led special forces mission in the Sahel region called Task Force Takuba.

***
Turkey pursues Libya campaign despite growing financial woes http://almon.co/3cc9 via @AlMonitor https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/04/turkey-libya-campaign-keep-on-despite-coronavirus-outbreak.html
***
#EuropeanParliament Committee on Foreign Affairs draft report on Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. pp. 9 Rapporteur: Hannah Neumann
@HNeumannMEP
Procedures on it: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?reference=2020/2003(INI)&l=en


Reaction: And I am really looking fwd to you comments and suggestions for amendments!


***
Response of Rolls Royce, the 6th largest military producer of Europe, to coronacrisis. https://www.hl.co.uk/shares/share-research/202004/rolls-royce-dividend-suspended-but-liquidity-boosted #RR
 
***
As the corona roils the commercial airline industry, US Transportation Command is becoming concerned about the impact to Civil Reserve Air Fleet, a program where US airlines like United & Delta can fly transport missions on behalf of DoD in an emergency. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/04/06/with-the-commercial-aviation-industry-in-a-nosedive-the-defense-department-offers-airlines-a-lifeline/
 
April 6

***Dutch arms industry lobbies for #COVID-19 response:
- earlier payments
- mil/security orders to drive economy
- more involvement in European Defence Fund #EDF
- faster political decision making.
#CDS #NIDV #lobby #MilitaryKeynianism

***
Wapenindustrie en COVID-19 crisis #lobby
1 Zet de defensie/veiligheidsindustrie in om economisch herstel aan te jagen.
2 Vervroeg betalingen.
3 Beperk gevolgen mogelijke lockdown.
4 Stimuleer deelname #EDF.
5 Voorkom vertraging parlementaire behandelingen.

***
#Lobby organisatie #NIDV werk intensief samen met 't Defensie #COVID-19 coördinatie team. Plaatsvervangend directeur Lutje Schipholt: Met de Defensiestaf wordt bezien welke mogelijkheden de NIDV-deelnemers hebben om de autoriteiten bij te staan. https://www.nidv.eu/bedrijven-staan-klaar-om-defensie-te-helpen/

***
Artikel @martinbroekover corona en de wapenindustrie: "De corona-crisis kan duidelijk maken dat niet het leger, maar de gezondheidszorg essentieel is voor onze veiligheid." https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/wereld-behoefte-aan-nieuw.html

***
After a succesful first webinar, the Transnational Institute organises a 2nd on: Our response to the coming global recession. Speakers: Professor Jayati Ghosh; Quinn Slobodian; and Walden Bello. Wednesday April 8, 16.00 hours. Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__K9JluRdSaq1KQ3v31SGyA
 
***
After public criticism flared late Thursday that USNS #Comfort (T-AH-20) was treating too few patients while New York City hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases, defence officials agreed to ease requirements for patients treated by 1,000-bed hospital ship. https://news.usni.org/2020/04/03/rules-eased-on-patient-transfers-to-usns-comfort-more-navy-personnel-to-join-domestic-covid-19-support

***
Dutch military mission in Mazar-i-Sharif (Afghanistan, part of NATO Resolute Support) continues. Next shift now in quarantine in Dutch military base at Oirschot . https://www.ed.nl/kempen/eerst-in-quarantaine-in-oirschot-dan-op-missie-naar-afghanistan-eten-wordt-bij-de-poort-gezet~a8933eaf/

***
French firm #Thales - based in Glasgow, but not only the Scottisch branch - sells weapons to Egypt and has received £204,992 from the Scottish Enterprise. Fury as public money funds arms firms trading with child-torturing regime. https://www.thenational.scot/news/18358789.anger-arms-firms-deals-regime-accused-torturing-children/

***

Largest Dutch transit shipments of military products, February 2020 (all left the Netherlands by boat from Rotterdam)
Source: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen #Czech #SouthAfrica #Brazil #ammo #Germany #US #Rotterdam



***
What's behind Russian success as arms seller? Wang Wenjian (Xinhua Press Agency) connects it with quality & relatively low cost compared to US & European weapons, but also with proper positioning and effective presentation of the Russian military industry. https://en.topwar.ru/169850-kitajskie-smi-nashli-prichinu-uspeha-rossii-na-mirovom-rynke-vooruzhenij.html

April 5 

***
The UK government and arms firms based in Scotland have been condemned over deals with Egypt after a new report revealed the regime tortures children by waterboarding and electrocution. https://theferret.scot/arms-firm-uk-government-egypt-torture-children/

***
#Russian defence industry reports little impact from #Covid-19. It involves threats and opportunities, accoridng to a article by RIA Novosti of March, 31 (translated by BBC Worldwide Monitoring April, 2) #Rostec subsidiary Roskhimzashchita developed an antivirus protective suit.
 
***
Fincantieri posts record-high revenues in 2019
Actions to counter the emergency and ensure the health of all Fincantieri employees, including the interruption of production activities since March 16th, have been promptly deployed
 
***
No coronavirus lockdown for aerospace, defence firms. 'For #Indian firms supplying global majors, #coronavirus is both a threat and an opportunity.' https://www.rediff.com/money/report/coroavirus-in-india-no-lockdown-for-aerospace-defence-firms/20200403.htm

***
#Embraer is working with other defence and aerospace companies to produce #ventilators and medical equipment to support the #Brazil’s efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/embraer-approached-produce-ventilators-brazil/

***
Damen delivered PNS Yarmook is a state-of-the-art electronic warfare, anti-ship & anti-submarine warfare platform with cutting edge self-protection and terminal defence systems. It will act as force multipliers in enhancing PN’s capabilities https://dailytimes.com.pk/589241/pns-yarmook-a-force-multiplier-for-pn/ @dailytimespak


April 4

***
Not even the Covid-19 stops them: the F35 fighter-bombers continue to be assembled and produced in the Italian factory in Cameri, where a few hundred workers risk falling ill to ensure this production which is definitely not so essential and necessary. https://ilmanifesto.it/cameri-il-ricatto-di-produrre-armi-e-f35/

***
Blog: The security paradigm is changing. Not the military, but health care, turns out to be crucial for our safety. Intensive care beds are the platforms we need. not fighter jets, tanks or naval vessels. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-security-paradigm-is-changing.html

***
How would Operation Irina, launched by the EU this week, be capable of preventing weapons from arriving to Libya if it focused only on sea routes and ignored the possibilities of transporting arms by air and land. https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/europe/101436/george_vella_casts_doubts_on_eu_warship_mission_to_block_libyan_arms_trade

***

***
Sanctions Make the Coronavirus More Deadly Stop Strangling Iran While It Fights the Pandemic https://foreignaffairs.com/articles/iran/2020-04-02/sanctions-make-coronavirus-more-deadly

***
6 Ways COVID could change military sector:
a) new government investment
b) financial support/rationalization
c) reintegration of military & commercial aerospace
d) Pentagon to change expectations for contractor behavior
e) change is in security threats and national defense strategies
f) there will be a fourth and possibly a fifth stimulus package in the U.S.

***
Myanmar’s Armed Forces (#Tadmadaw) have officially rejected calls from foreign governments and local ethnic rebels for a ceasefire to facilitate a response to stem the spread of the Covid-19 #coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/tatmadaw-rejects-call-ceasefire-during-pandemic.html
***
UK Army says helicopters that landed in Derby were on a secretive "Covid-19-related" mission. https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/army-says-helicopters-landed-derby-4007218

***
Alarming article on position of human rights, community and environmental activists in Colombia. At home they are sitting ducks for death squads. [in Dutch] https://www.mo.be/analyse/oorlog-tijden-van-pandemie-waarom-sociale-leiders-en-mensenrechtenactivisten-colombia-nu-nog
***
Political bickering does nothing to contribute to the healthy development of Sino-US relations, nor will it help the people of the world to rationally and accurately understand and cope with the pandemic,’ they say. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3078314/coronavirus-chinese-academics-open-letter-urges-beijing
***The US military knew years ago that a coronavirus was coming. The Pentagon warned the White House about a shortage of ventilators, face masks, and hospital beds in 2017—but the Trump administration did nothing. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/covid-military-shortage-pandemic/

***
EU Amends Rules and Decisions Concerning Restrictive Measures concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in #Yemen. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32020R0488&from=EN

***
Hundreds of sailors aboard the carrier Theodore Roosevelt applauded as their commanding officer left the ship Thursday because Big Navy fired him.

“That’s how you send off one of the greatest captains you ever had,” one sailor said. https://www.navytimes.com/home/left-column/2020/04/03/watch-the-heros-farewell-sailors-gave-their-fired-theodore-roosevelt-skipper/

***
Inside #US Indo-Pacific Command’s $20 billion wish list to deter #China — and why Congress may approve it. Cold War 2.0 only good for Weapon manufacturers. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2020/04/02/inside-us-indo-pacific-commands-20-billion-wish-list-to-deter-china-and-why-congress-may-approve-it/

***
#BAE said #coronavirus had no material impact on the business during the first quarter of 2020. However, at the start of the second quarter it is seeing "more significant disruptions". In response the group suspended the final 2019 dividend of 13.8p. https://www.hl.co.uk/shares/share-research/202004/bae-systems-dividend-suspended-in-wake-of-covid-19
***
In order to balance the defence budget and sustain its large fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft, in June this year Jordan’s armed forces posted its intention to sell 23 fixed-wing aircraft. Philippines, Kenia and Egypt the customers so far. https://www.arabianaerospace.aero/jordan-aims-to-balance-books-with-aircraft-sale.html

***
Noam Chomsky in his own style with the good news on COVID-19, "there will be recorvery." While this isn't true for climate change and nuclear disaster, he adds to point at greater dangers for human society. https://www.thecanary.co/discovery/analysis-discovery/2020/04/03/in-one-stunning-sentence-noam-chomsky-nails-the-most-overlooked-element-of-the-pandemic/

***
To halt spread of COVID-19, democracies and dictatorships alike are expanding the use of surveillance technologies—a measure that could have repercussions long after the virus is contained. Read how authoritarian regimes use tools of digital repression. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2020-02-06/digital-dictators
***
#Boeing has temporarily closed its helicopter and tiltrotor manufacturing sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of wider company and national efforts to help contain the #coronavirus pandemic. https://www.janes.com/article/95313/covid-19-boeing-shuts-down-rotorcraft-sites-in-philadelphia

***
New technology to use Dutch military drones for crowd control. Who is operationally in charge and is this the future? https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2020/13/02_dronetest_13

***
Since 2019, Germany's government has approved arms exports worth over €1 billion to members of the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Critics says this exacerbates the fighting. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-sells-arms-to-members-of-saudi-led-yemen-coalition/a-53000044


April 2

***
Adds to March 31 tweet on EU mission to enforce arms embargo on Libya:
Besides the embargo the mission has some other tasks:
- monitor illicit petroleum, crude oil exports
- training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy
- disrupt human smuggling and trafficking networks through information gathering and patrolling by planes
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#German security council last week approved deliveries of a number of military equipment to countries in MENA-region, like submarine U-209/1400 (the S-43) for #Egypt, Sa’ar 6 corvettes for #Israel and ammunition for #Qatari armored vehicles. https://www.en24.news/i24/2020/04/germany-approves-new-deliveries-to-the-middle-east.html

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Dutch naval lobby platform NMT asks for change in Governement policy to cushion the COVID-19 effects, included faster acquisition of naval vessels. (Versnellen van de programma’s voor vlootvernieuwing van Rijkswaterstaat en Defensie.) https://maritimetechnology.nl/nmt-vraagt-om-extra-maatregelen-voor-de-nederlandse-maritieme-maakindustrie-als-gevolg-van-de-corona-crisis/

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Arms-control diplomacy (NPT, Efforts to better protect civilians in armed conflict) constitutes a distinct casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in 2020. But could there be a silver lining for international security to this unforeseen crisis? https://ploughshares.ca/2020/04/arms-control-diplomacy-a-worrying-casualty-of-covid-19/
 
April 1


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US Cyber magazine Fifth Domain: Several European nations are evaluating powerful but potentially intrusive tools for fighting the new #coronavirus pandemic, a move that could put public health at odds with individual privacy. https://www.fifthdomain.com/international/2020/03/24/europe-eyes-smartphone-location-data-to-stem-virus-spread/

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In Spain Airbus continues 'some key activities' like on military and space equipment: “They remain essential.” All other activities will be paused. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/03/airbus-to-pause-majority-of-production-in-spain-until-9-april-in-covid19-environment.html

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The deadly new coronavirus has struck a thriving business arm of Thailand's powerful military, laying bare what critics call a culture of impunity that has protected these money-spinners from public scrutiny for decades. https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Coronavirus-exposes-Thai-military-s-off-the-books-enterprises