 |
| For full report and/or tweets on it see April 27 tweets. |
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/
***
#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/
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
***
#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/
***
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
***
#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
***
Hundreds
of millions pumped in the military industry by the navy.
Buys engines.
https://news.usni.org/2020/04/28/navy-looking-to-buy-aircraft-engines-as-civilian-demand-dwindles
boost contracts
https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/navy-acquisition-boosts-ship-contract-awards-under-covid-19/
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.
***
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/
Retweet: Austria:
Austrian court ends fraud probe of 2003 Eurofighter deal, bribery
case continues - ethiXbase
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-group-austria-inquiry/austrian-court-ends-fraud-probe-of-2003-eurofighter-deal-bribery-case-continues-idUSKCN2292NA#.XqlZVefDOCQ.twitter
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/
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/
#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.
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
***
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.
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/
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/
***A joke? Pentagon will have to live with limits on F-35’s supersonic flights (https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/04/24/the-pentagon-will-have-to-live-with-limits-on-f-35s-supersonic-flights/), New issues continue to crop up (https://www.defensenews.com/smr/hidden-troubles-f35/2020/04/24/the-pentagon-has-cut-the-number-of-serious-f-35-technical-flaws-in-half/); and 5 F-35 issues have been downgraded, but they remain unsolved (https://www.defensenews.com/smr/hidden-troubles-f35/2020/04/24/five-f-35-issues-have-been-downgraded-but-they-remain-unsolved/) F-35 cost: $1.6 trillion.
April
23
***
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
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
The choice of F-18 by
Germany illustrates in a clear way (like any purchase of armaments) a
clear diplomatic act.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/avions-de-combat-pourquoi-le-choix-de-berlin-est-d-une-logique-implacable-eurofighter-et-f-18-845780.html
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
#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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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/
***
#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/
***
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
***
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
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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?
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
#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
***
#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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
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
***
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
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
***
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:
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.
***
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.
***
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
***
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”.
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
"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
***
#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
#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
***
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/
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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.
***
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
***
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/
***
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
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
***
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
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
***
#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/
***
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
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
***
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/
***
AVI
AmsterdamsVredesInitiatief: Afl.1: Geen verre legers, maar
verplegers!
Met voldoende spandoek slogans.
Met voldoende spandoek slogans.
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
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
***
Hoe de wapenindustrie
probeert te profiteren van de coronacrisis
De wapenindustrie zet
zichzelf neer als ‘vitale sector’ en probeert zo een
voorkeursbehandeling te krijgen.
***
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
***
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/
***
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
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
#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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
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
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
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?
Wie heeft toegang tot de data?
‘Veel bedrijven
achter corona-apps werkten samen met inlichtingendiensten’
https://www.mo.be/interview/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/
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
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
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
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).
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/
More information:
https://www.maritiemland.nl/download-link.php?file=wp-content/uploads/2020/04/edidp_call-texts-2020_en.pdf
***
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.
Auch Deutschland ist
Teil der Koalition.
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/anti-terror-taskforce-sahel-101.html
***
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
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
#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/
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.
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/
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
***
COVID-19
and defence procurement contracts in France
https://www.twobirds.com/en/news/articles/2020/france/covid-19-et-marches-de-defense
***
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
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:
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
***
#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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
