Tweets for May 2020

Latest on top

May 31

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What is that noise? It's a #Airbus #A400M airlifter which earned its Automatic #LowLevelFlight cetificate. The certification campaign, performed in April above the Pyrenees and central France, involved operations down to 500ft. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/05/airbus-a400m-achieves-automatic-low-level-flight-certification.html

***Reactie: Rupsje nooit genoeg. In 2020 stijgt de begroting Defensie met € 457 miljoen. Door de verwachte krimp van de economie zal het aandeel Defensie uitgaven BBP bij het huidig investeringsniveau aanzienlijk toenemen. Liever zorg, onderwijs, echt klimaatbeleid en sociale zekerheid.
@KCH_Jans: Recente MinFin rapport Heroverwegingen is duidelijk in dat alleen +20% investerings scenario, en dus niet huidig investeringsniveau (=onvoldoende), de krijgsmacht vooruit gaat helpen. Met jaarrapportage 2019 is duidelijk dat er nog een lange weg is te gaan voor alleen het herstel
@MinBijleveld: Er is geen sprake van uitstel investeringen, we investeren juist volop in #defensie! ⁦⁦⁩ Minister: “noodzaak investeringen onverminderd groot” | Nieuwsbericht | http://Defensie.nl https://defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/05/29/minister-%E2%80%9Cnoodzaak-investeringen-onverminderd-groot%E2%80%9D

***Politico: The EU's military ambitions have been hit by budget battles and the coronavirus but they're still standing. https://www.politico.eu/article/european-defense-hopes-live-to-fight-another-day-just-budget-eu-coronavirus-recovery-plan-mff/

UK Telegraph: A good side-effect of Covid-19 is the misplaced EU army pet project has been put on ice https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/05/29/coronavirus-has-derailed-eus-defence-dreams/

***NAVAL WARFARE: Royal Netherlands Navy looks to mitigate operational risks of COVID-19 pandemic​ (updated). The development was detailed on 26 May during a #UDT2020 webinar. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/premium-royal-netherlands-navy-looks-mitigate-oper/

***UK Telegraph on #Huawei backed #UK scientific papers on cutting-edge dual use technologies, to be used to communicate with swarms of drones or highly advanced image recognition software that experts claim could be used 4 extreme levels of surveillance. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/29/revealed-worrying-links-betweenhuawei-ouruniversitiesand-china/

May 30

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Retweet: Pakistan army PR: Second Indian spy drone shot down along LoC within three days - The drones are used for intel gathering before shelling across the 'border' (LoC) https://www.dawn.com/news/1560204

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Published Thursday by Stop Wapenhandel:

We need security, not more military

https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/05

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F-35 costs drop 7.1% for building the #F35 fighter jets, but rise 7.8% for operating them (those cost are much higher across the whole lifespan). https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-29/f-35-costs-drop-for-building-jets-but-rise-for-operating-them

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A #Turkish procurement official said that even before the spread of #COVID-19, there were challenges in financing defense programs. (Came across the 'Before argument' also in EU, US and Dutch context last few days. Why?) https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/28/an-already-struggling-turkish-economy-faces-post-pandemic-program-delays/

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#US warns #Russian jets risk raising Libyan war to regional threat. The arrival of Russian #MIGs in Syria will bolster capabilities of #Libyan LNA forces and escalate an already tense Libyan civil war.

Did #NATO create its own future problems in 2011?

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-warns-russian-jets-risk-raising-libyan-war-regional-threat

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Right of center and activist Dutch daily De Telegraaf fears caps on arms acquisition for Dutch armed forces, resulting from a budget shift towards countering the effects of COVID-19 and overstretched budgets. (article uses the dollar figure of 9 billion and mentions euro's, which are 8 billion, see)

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#Taiwan’s deputy defense minister Chang Zhe-Ping has confirmed to legislators that Taipei has decided to acquire the coastal road-mobile variant of the #Boeing #Harpoon Block II missile. [in Chinese, use translation if needed] https://udn.com/news/story/10930/4596293

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#Italy defense minister commits to F-35 after calls to suspend program

Lorenzo Guerini said he “confirmed that the program would continue,” after calls from Italy’s Five Star party to halt #F35 purchases for a year to pay for a coronavirus rebound.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/28/italy-defense-minister-commits-to-f-35-after-calls-to-suspend-program/

***US predictions "doesn’t bode well for a military that has just started buying lots of new weapons. Defense leaders say they need 3-5% annual growth to modernize, something that didn’t seem likely to happen even before COVID-19 pandemic." https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/05/global-business-brief-may-28-2020/165722/

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US Special Operations Command #SOCOM acknowledges that it has to change as AI is set to revolutionize war: “Data is the new ammunition.” https://fortunascorner.com/2020/05/29/special-operations-command-acknowledges-that-it-has-to-change-as-ai-is-set-to-revolutionize-war/

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Press Release: #Italian arms exports: in 2019 licensed €5,17bn of weapons. Two out of 3 military systems for non-EU and non-NATO countries. #Egypt leads the list of licenses, with €872m. Weapons for over €446m to authoritarian regime of #Turkmenistan. https://www.disarmo.org/rete/a/47716.html

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An activist (@davidcnswansonreview) of Understanding the War Industry a book by Christian Sorensen, 2020. https://www.pressenza.com/2020/05/the-war-industry-threatens-humanity/

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This article evaluates #US arms sales in the post-9/11 era and finds evidence that strategic interests and economic considerations significantly impact arms sales but no evidence that risk assessment does so. https://airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/SSQ/documents/Volume-14_Issue-2/Thrall.pdf thnx to @vanidan

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#EU is the 2nd-largest global arms supplier, after the US and before Russia, and a new EP report by MEP Hannah Neumann (Greens) is set to urge the Commission and member states to address concerns over the lack of transparency and common arms export rules. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/interview/sede-rapporteur-eu-badly-needs-common-rules-transparency-in-arms-export/

***“
COVID-19 has shifted #EU priorities, and even before the crisis there were signs that defense was losing ground in the traditional budget battles,” a researcher said. Still €8bn for the EDF and €1.5bn for the Military Mobility initiative is spend. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/29/the-european-unions-defense-ambitions-are-still-showing-signs-of-life/

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Better late than never: Why #Canada must #cancel its Saudi weapons deal now. As Canada laboured to contain the coronavirus last month, Justin Trudeau's government quietly announced it was lifting a freeze on weapons exports to #Saudi Arabia. https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/comment/2020/5/29/why-canada-must-cancel-its-saudi-weapons-deal

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Along with natural resources, arms exports are a key component of #Russia’s economy. In the last two decades, Moscow has managed to deepen its connection with #Africa and became the biggest arms supplier on the continent. https://www.dw.com/en/russian-arms-exports-to-africa-moscows-long-term-strategy/a-53596471

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The #US remains committed to long-term defence contracts with #Saudi Arabia, Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Robertson told Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat in a statement. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200529-us-committed-to-long-term-defence-contracts-with-saudi-arabia/

May 28

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European countries need to retool their economies. Establishing an agency like US #DARPA would represent a significant step in the right direction, authors state. https://www.europeanceo.com/home/featured/europe-needs-a-darpa-heres-why/ But better read before The Pentagon's Brain by @AnnieJacobsen to know how nasty DARPA is.

 

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The #Trump administration is pursuing a deal with precision-guided munitions with #Saudi Arabia, just as prior sales to the kingdom are under scrutiny, a top Senate Democrat said Wednesday. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/05/27/trump-seeking-new-arms-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-key-senator/

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Defence and security win battle but not war, in EU budget plans. Is EU really moving away from US? Can some tell those in The Hague, Belgium, Madrid, Rome, Berlin, etc. buying US fighter jets & attack helicopters? Or is it just a EU-budgetary argument? https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/defence-and-security-win-battle-but-not-war-in-eu-budget-plans/

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Article on French arms trade, despite ethical wording, "money appeals, and arms trade’s implications often stretch beyond economics." https://thesecuritydistillery.org/all-articles/french-made-weapons-in-yemen-a-reflection-on-todays-arms-business

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#COVID19 delays South Korea’s arms exports. Indonesia's defence cuts amid pandemic push back payments for common fighter jet project, hinder new contracts. http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200526000847

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Robert Hale, #Pentagon comptroller during Obama admin said economic situation could have financial silver linings for the military. E.g. the military typically spends about $15bn a year on fuel, but the global #oil prices collapse could reduce those costs. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/military-faces-another-potential-coronavirus-toll-budget-cuts/2020/05/14/ae7abbf6-906b-11ea-8df0-ee33c3f5b0d6_story.html

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Retweet: @_ENAAT #COVID19 not stopping #EU militarisation: new 2021-2027 #EUbudget proposal raises again funding for arms dealers compared to latest proposal before lock-down. Every Euro spent in military is a lost Euro for urgent needs like #climatechange or health #noEUmoney4arms

@DanielFiott · 17h - The European Commission’s #MFF request in the post-#COVID19 period includes (in current/2018 prices)
Defence Fund - €9b/€8b

Military mobility - €1.7b/€1.5b

Space - €15.1b/€13.4b

https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/about_the_european_commission/eu_budget/1_en_act_part1_v9.pdf #EUdefence #MFF #EDF #EUSpace

***The why's and what's of and reactions to #MIGs in #Libya. Russian jets in Libya: Why Haftar's MiGs will 'change nothing' on the ground. Small fleet of mercenary-piloted warplanes have likely been deployed to deter Turkish attacks on key LNA airbase. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/russian-jets-libya-why-haftars-migs-wont-tip-balance-battle-tripoli

Reaction: #Turkey's reaction to the deployment of the MIGs was immediate, with several air cargo flights departing from Istanbul for Misrata, like Turkish AF Hercules C-130, #Airbus A400 transport planes, and a C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft likely provided by #Qatar.

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Despite the current COVID-19 situation, Leonardo and Thales were able to support the UK Ministry of Defence by completing this "critical activity" of firing an Thales ‘Martlet' Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) from a AW159 Wildcat helicopter. https://www.marketscreener.com/LEONARDO-S-P-A-162001/news/Leonardo-S-p-A-AW159-Wildcat-helicopter-conducts-first-successful-firings-of-Thales-lsquo-Martlet-30672187/

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The strategic #confrontation between #China and the #US has entered a high-risk period, China’s top defence official said in a rare statement directly naming an adversary. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3086308/two-sessions-china-us-rivalry-high-risk-period-chinese-defence

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US #Congress may unite on fighting #China with $100B tech industry boost for research into #AI, quantum computing, advanced communications, robotics and more under a bipartisan proposal led by the Senate’s top Democrat. It would be spread over 5 years. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/05/27/congress-may-unite-on-fighting-china-with-100b-tech-industry-boost/

***The air forces of Germany, France and Spain have agreed on a set of performance benchmarks to help their governments guide the development of a next-generation fighter jet set to fly in 2040, the German military announced Tuesday in a statement. #FCAS https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/26/three-european-air-forces-approve-performance-benchmarks-for-next-gen-fighter-jet/

***Boeing begins involuntary layoffs, but defense biz to remain mostly untouched https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/05/27/boeing-begins-involuntary-layoffs-but-defense-biz-to-remain-mostly-untouched/

May 27

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1/... Dutch Liberal (VVD) Bosman recently stated 90% of French military acquisitions are domestically and for the Netherlands this is 46%. France however produces all (space, air, sea, subsurface and land) weaponry, 2/..

2/... while the Netherlands has a capacity mainly limited to naval surface vessels. It orders combat helicopters and fighters jets in he US (air assets are in general approximately 50% of the budget, see costs for 2020). https://tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/detail?id=2019Z16736&did=2020D16647

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An obituary like piece written with hidden pleasure at the side of a hospital bed of the ill German ship wharf #TKMS, in a French paper: Naval militaire allemand : ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems en confinement stratégique (2/2)

https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/naval-militaire-allemand-thyssenkrupp-marine-systems-en-confinement-strategique-2-2-848506.html

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Can #museum directors recognize that the needle of public opinion has moved on key red lines like fossil fuels, the arms industry & colonialism? For oil, pharma & the arms industry, #sponsorship of the arts is not charity; it is a strategic expenditure. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/26/opinion/museums-investors-art.html

***#Russia deployed fighter jets to Al Jufra Airfield in #Libya. They're expected to back Russian state-sponsored private military contractors. US #AFRCOM predicts they aircraft will provide close-air support & offensive ops. for the #WagnerGroup a #PMC. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/05/26/russian-aircraft-deploy-to-libya-to-back-private-military-contractors-africom-says/

May 26

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With governments under intense spending pressure to cope with the #coronavirus, #European ambitions for a more independent defense are facing the chop, NYT argues. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/23/world/europe/defense-autonomy-europe-coronavirus.html But must be seen, read this elaborate New from the Brussels' Bubble http://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ENAAT-NBB-2020-1_18.05.2020.pdf

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 Indian Air Force is overhauling its plan for 114 medium-weight multirole #fighters. The aircraft will be built in India with significant foreign tech transfer and no foreign procurement. #Cost about $17 billion under the Make in #India economic policy. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2020/05/21/indian-air-force-restructures-17-billion-fighter-jet-program/

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#Denel says can't pay May salaries. It has been keeping afloat with #bailouts but are now being battered by the fallout from the #COVID-19 pandemic. https://ewn.co.za/2020/05/19/denel-says-can-t-pay-may-salaries Not mentioned in above article, ammo export to #Turkey: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-05-02-south-africa-sells-several-planeloads-of-military-equipment-to-turkey-potentially-flouting-covid-19-lockdown-rules/

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Retweet: “What people actually need is food, rather than bombs. Instead of dropping bombs, food should be dropped so that people will be happy.” https://www.mmtimes.com/news/food-not-bombs.html

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Retweet: "So far, however, Trump has failed to negotiate a single arms control agreement... Meanwhile the president has taken the US out of three arms control agreements, leaving them dead, dying or maimed." https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/24/nuclear-weapons-donald-trump-arms-control-chaos

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UK trials #Hermes 900 drone. However: "There are serious questions to be asked about how these drones will be used. #Borders are becoming increasingly militarised around the world, and companies like #Elbit have been keen to profit from it." https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads/search-and-rescue-new-era-israeli-military-drones-british-coastguard-2862240

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Report on #Italian government arms export data in French paper. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportations-d-armes-italiennes-leonardo-au-top-fincantieri-dans-le-dur-848325.html

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Nexter, Arquus and Thales will not be able to deliver the 128 Griffons and 4 Jaguars armoured vehicles planned for 2020 to the French army due to the Covid-19 crisis; there will be three or four months of disruption. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-armee-de-terre-ne-devrait-pas-recevoir-tous-ses-vehicules-blindes-griffon-et-jaguar-en-2020-846894.html

May 25

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#PLA drill in South China Sea #SCS about combat readiness, not seizing #Taiwanese islands, experts say

Taipei-controlled Pratas and Taiping #islands lost their geostrategic importance to Beijing after it developed eight artificial islands nearby https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3085823/pla-drill-south-china-sea-about-combat-readiness-not-seizing

***#Dutch military and security industry lobby to forward acquisitions at the MoD #failed. MoD hasn't the financial and human resources to fulfill the desires of the #NIVD. Tailor-made solutions in case of financial problems & during tenders may be possible. https://www.nidv.eu/defensie-opent-coronaloket-voor-defensie-en-veiligheidsindustrie/

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 Retweet: While everybody is eyeing #Turkey, upbuild in #Libya UAE C-17As keep doing suspicious flights: 48 so far (up to 24 returns). Can't pinpoint exact destination, but know they were tracked around N RedSea+not Europe. They're known for visiting Sidi Barrani close to #Libya. 

 

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#China announced a 6.6% increase of its $178bn military budget (increase 2019 7.5%). Despite the slow down, it remains the world's 3rd largest military budget, behind that of the #US & combined #EU. China's budget remains below 2% of GDP (US 3.4% EU 1.4%). https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/22/asia-pacific/china-military-budget-growth-slows/

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The #Moroccan government signed an export #loan agreement with France’s BNP #Paribas for the acquisition of a new ground-based air defense system. The loan agreement was given formal approval on May 11. https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2020/05/morocco-signs-210-6-million-loans-for-vl-mica-ground-based-air-defence-system

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At a time everyone can see security does not come from the barrel of a gun, the #lobby for defence aeronautic industry, UK's #ASD said Government should bring forward defence & space programmes to retain skills & jobs as well as extra funding for new tech. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/05/24/aircraft-industry-faces-shrinking-quarter-25000-jobs-lost/

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 One of the most progressive women’s movements in the world is being repressed by a #NATO state. And that isn't the only part of society repressed by this member of an organisation which portrait itself as defender of democracy and human rights. #Turkey https://www.thecanary.co/feature/2020/05/24/one-of-the-most-progressive-womens-movements-in-the-world-is-being-repressed-by-a-nato-state/

May 24

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Overview of Dutch private R&D. The top 30 in 2019. Thales and Airbus Defence and Space, respectively no. 9 and 17. All three major civil/military (TNO, no 1; NLR, nr. 3; and Marin, nr. 5) in top 10 research institutes . https://www.technischweekblad.nl/files/142e7969cd74c7e5358c496ee71c7d08.pdf

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Dutch public broadcaster @NOS exaggerates gain for #Damen. It will not collect billions on German order. The most expensive parts of the vessels won't be Dutch, like weapons, engines and it must be seen how much of radar & combat systems will be #Dutch. https://nos.nl/artikel/2334822-nederlandse-werf-haalt-alsnog-miljarden-binnen-voor-bouw-duitse-fregatten.html

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Boeing has selected #Leonardo and #Thales to deliver a UK sovereign Defensive Aids System (DAS) to the British Royal Air Force five #Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control #AEW&C MK1 aircraft worth $1.98bn. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/boeing-leonardo-thales-systems-raf/

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Chair of the UK Defence Select Committee, Tobias Ellwood, says Boris Johnson plan to develop a UK GPS-satellite is "nonsense" and has urged the PM to scrap the pricey alternative and strike a Galileo deal with the European Union. #Brexit https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1285682/brexit-news-galileo-boris-johnson-eu-tobias-ellwood-defence-trade-negotiations-spt

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1/... Indra will lead the Preparatory Action for Defence Research of the European Commission project that will equip European fighters and aircraft with capabilities which combine radar, communications and electronic defence and coordinate the work, ../2 https://www.edrmagazine.eu/indra-leads-the-european-project-that-will-give-control-of-radioelectric-space-to-fighters-and-aircraft

2/... of a consortium formed by #Thales, Office National D'Etudes et de Recherches Aerospatiales #ONERA, #Hensoldt, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, #SAAB, Totalforsvarets Forskningsinstitut #FOI, Dutch #TNO, #Leonardo, #Elettronica, and Baltijos Pazangiu Technologiju Institutas #BPTI.

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Ethiopia’s installation of #Israeli made air defense systems at the Grand Renaissance Dam & increasing #arms trade between both nations is triggering serious concerns in Egypt. #Egypt is hugely dependent on #Nile water, coming from a source in #Ethiopia. https://www.addistar.com/2020/05/20/egypt-concerned-with-ethiopia-israel-arms-trade/

May 23

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As #France slowly emerges from an almost complete industry shutdown imposed March 16 in response to the #COVID-19 pandemic, defense company executives are considering their next steps. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/05/21/french-defense-industry-plays-catch-up-as-lockdown-partially-lifts/

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 President Trump has claimed as many as “over a million” US jobs were created by U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia that are facing fresh scrutiny this week, but don’t take that to the bank, according to a new think tank report. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/05/21/new-report-clashes-with-trumps-job-growth-estimate-from-saudi-arms-sale/

Report: https://static.wixstatic.com/ugd/3ba8a1_768ab66d079849fd98eabc50ed60a723.pdf

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German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will buy the Oceana shipyard in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina to manufacture Tamandaré-class frigates for Brazil’s Navy, the company announced this week. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/22/germanys-tkms-buys-brazilian-shipyard-as-production-hub-for-local-frigate-program/

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Turkish press agency Anadolu gives overview of arms exports to UAE. The #UAE has spent tens of billions of dollars each year on failed military interventions and arms imports instead of strengthening regional peace and stability. #Italy #Spain #Sweden https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-spends-billions-on-failed-regional-military-plans/1849317

May 21

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#Egypt has ordered 24 AW149 combat helicopters and 8 AW189 civil models from Italy’s #Leonardo Helicopters under an €871m contract signed last year, according to the Italian foreign ministry’s report to the Senate on 2019 arms exports, published in May. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/military-helicopters/egypt-orders-aw149-and-aw189-helicopters/

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Foreign interference main cause of Libya crisis: Turkish press agency Anadolu cites Libya's Interior Minister. This the case almost since the start in 2011. Turkey is nowhere in the article, although it is interfering with arms and troops. https://nation.com.pk/20-May-2020/foreign-interference-main-cause-of-libya-crisis-libya-s-interior-minister

***US cowboy to help criminal CEO. An ex-Army Green Beret & his son were arrested after being charged with helping a former chairman of Nissan Motor Co. escape from Japan while awaiting trial for financial crimes, according to a federal criminal complain. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/05/20/ex-green-beret-son-accused-of-aiding-ex-nissan-boss-escape-arrested/

***South #China Morning Post (Hong Kong) military related articles: US torpedo's for Taiwan: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3085396/us-sell-us180-million-worth-submarine-launched-torpedoes-taiwan

US spy satellites to track Chinese hypersonics https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3085342/us-plans-satellite-network-track-hypersonic-weapons-china-and

And is war between US and China inevitable? https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3085321/destined-conflict-xi-jinping-donald-trump-and-thucydides-trap Who else will be involved?

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Morocco to acquire missiles, missile defence systems from MBDA France. France is Morocco’s 2nd-largest arms supplier, providing 44% of its weaponry, while US accounts for 53%. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/05/303122/morocco-to-acquire-missiles-missile-defense-systems-from-mbda-france/

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Open Secrets publishes the 2nd article in a series on the multibillion-dollar Arms Deal of the late 1990s. This week the company at the heart of Zuma’s Arms Deal corruption scandal & the co-accused, South African subsidiary of French arms company #Thales. https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/thales-%e2%80%94-how-to-buy-a-country/ar-BB14kt6T

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The #Canadian government has sent mixed messages on its arms trade, insisting that it won't sell military weapons to human rights-violating regimes. Yet, for some reason, [MB financial gain as Ottowa said: https://www.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] #Saudi Arabia is exempt. https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/05/20/arrest-of-rwandan-genocide-fiancier-sends-strong-message.html

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On the sale by Dutch Damen of corvettes to Pakistan. https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/pns-yarmook-commissioning-ceremony-of-offshore-patrol-vessel-3946

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#Libya's Interior Minister #Bashagha accused #UAE of breaching UN arms #embargo by sending arms to warlord #Haftar. "You ... violated UN resolutions that ban arms exports to Libya in quest of establishing another dictatorship in the region," he said. https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/libyan-minister-blames-uae-interference-for-crisis-rejects-calls-for-return-to-political-process/news

***Investigations published on @Danwatch accused the Demarks arms manufacturer #Terma of war crimes in #Yemen. Based on a wide array of sources it reported Terma supplied radar & missile defence systems to the #UAE which were later used in the war in Yemen. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200520-report-denmark-sold-arms-to-uae-despite-ban-over-yemen-concerns/

May 20

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The US Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $2.375 billion contract for two Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites that will help provide ballistic missile warning for the military. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/05/19/northrop-grumman-receives-24-billion-for-two-missile-defense-satellites/

***

Trump Administration Quietly Adds Foreign Arms Sales to List of "Essential Work". Some defense workers say their lives shouldn’t be risked to make weapons. https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/63017-trump-administration-quietly-adds-foreign-arms-sale-to-list-of-qessential-workq

***
The UK must immediately stop selling arms that are killing Yemeni civilians.

After more than five years of war, governments, including the UK, can no longer credibly claim to be fooled by coalition promises.

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/north-africa-west-asia/uk-must-immediately-stop-selling-arms-are-killing-yemeni-civilians/

 

***
Despite the announcements of possible export freezes made by @luigidimaio

in the autumn of 2019 the flow of Italian weapons to Turkey remains high . Last year Ankara was the main destination for effective armaments deliveries (total 800 million in 5 years).

***

#Japan suspects hackers stole performance requirements sent to several defence-industry companies (part of the bidding process for the project) of a type of missile which flies at hypersonic speeds over long distances and can break through missile defence. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mitsubishi-elec-cyber/japan-defence-ministry-investigating-potential-hack-of-next-gen-missile-details-asahi-idUSKBN22W05J?il=0

***A report predicts that #Brexit will be “more harmful and long-lasting” for the British army and #UK’s defense sector than for the European Union #EU. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/19/study-sees-british-defense-sector-hurting-after-brexit/

Study: https://warsawinstitute.org/impacts-brexit-security-defence-industry-european-union-united-kingdom/

***

Shift in Taiwanese arms acquisition policy, away from US as only large supplier? #France sales mentioned in Diplomat https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/is-taiwan-looking-to-diversify-its-defense-partnerships/

More information on arms sales to #Taiwan: http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Or look into #ENAAT databrowser for EU figures: http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/licence.en.html?destination=Taiwan

***
#Australian peace organisations loosing the struggle?

The blow-out in Government spending on Defence continues unchecked & unabated despite the coronavirus. The bulk of it goes to multinationals who pay little or no tax in this country. Is nobody watching? https://www.michaelwest.com.au/defence-spending-coronavirus/

***#Lockheed slated to miss F-35 (previously #JSF) delivery target in 2020 as supply chain struggles to keep up. #F35 https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2020/05/19/lockheed-to-slow-f-35-production-as-supply-chain-struggles-to-keep-up/

May 19

***

Experts predict 3 pct growth in #China’s military budget amid rising defense needs. Growth rate may fall due to COVID-19 impact. #GlobalTimes #ME https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1188785.shtml

***

Dutch military/security industry lobby #NIDV argues in acquisition magazine of #Dutch armed forces: NL MoD must forward orders, budget € 500 million extra, buy national at Dutch companies for innovations and overhaul, because of corona effect on industry. https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2020/04/09_nidvzegt-nidv

***

Arms czar of the world threatens to permanently freeze US funding to the WHO and reconsider his country’s membership if the UN agency does not commit to “major substantive improvements” within the next 30 days, because it does no serve US interests. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3085013/trump-threatens-who-permanent-freeze-over-coronavirus-response

***
The #Philippine Navy’s future BRP José Rizal multirole #frigate left the facilities of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries #HHI in the southeastern coastal city of Ulsan en route for the Philippines https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/may-2020/8428-philippine-navy-will-soon-accept-the-first-of-two-jose-rizal-class-frigate.html

***

For good reason much spending on the military is termed 'unproductive expenditure' this new report shows that it's also pretty damaging to the climate. Far better to spend on a #GreenNewDeal instead... https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-05-19-exclusive-uk-military-and-arms-companies-produce-more-carbon-emissions-than-60-individual-countries/

*** 
The #Libyan Army has claimed to have destroyed during airstrikes against #Haftar militias 2 Russian-made Pantsir air defense systems besides Chinese Wing Loong II #drones supplied by the #UAE. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26999#.XsOYRGgzbyQ

***India and the Phillipines are in talks for the purchase of a number of defence platforms from India including the Brahmos missile, India's ambassador to the Phillipines Jaideep Majumdar has said. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/philippines-explores-options-to-buy-brahmos-missile-from-india-11589823975582.html

 

***
Europe's super fighter jet is not to become a killer robot; Artificial intelligence plays a key role in ultra-modern aircraft. Its powers and limitations are now being publicly debated. [in German] #FCAS https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article208047125/FCAS-Europas-Superkampfjet-soll-kein-Killerroboter-sein.html

***
Waarom laten zelfs #klimaatactivisten van @NLRebellion de #militaire industrie meepraten over de #klimaatcrisis? De #krijgsmacht is géén bondgenoot in de #energietransitie, zeggen , @Radical_Friend en Mitchell Esajas. @CTWn @theNUC1 https://www.oneworld.nl/lezen/opinie/het-enige-groene-aan-de-krijgsmacht-is-het-uniform/

***
WITH MOST OF the US on lockdown in late April, the State Department approved gigantic weapons sales. Workers at the plants that would supply those sales, deemed “essential workers” thanks to the defense industry’s sprawling lobbying apparatus. https://theintercept.com/2020/05/18/coronavirus-defense-workers-weapons-lockheed-boeing/

***
De Israëlische veiligheidssector gedijt bij corona Israël De coronacrisis is oorlog – dus kan oorlogstechnologie helpen. De Israëlische veiligheidsindustrie ziet nieuwe exportkansen. NRC

Retweet: Grote crises worden vaak gebruikt om ongemerkt grote veranderingen door te voeren. De coronacrisis is daar geen uitzondering op. „De ziekte wordt helemaal gemilitariseerd”, zegt antropoloog Erella Grassiani. https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2020/05/18/de-israelische-veiligheidssector-gedijt-bij-corona-a4000019

***
The US State Department inspector general Steve Linick was investigating the Trump administration’s use of an emergency declaration to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia and was fired by the godfather. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/05/18/fired-state-department-ig-probed-trumps-saudi-arms-deals/

May 18

***

Dutch export of electric submerged canoe for military purposes to Vietnam, April 24, 2020, value € 1,400,000 https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen Must be something like this: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2019/09/stiekem-onderwater.html

***
Syrien, Libyen, Jemen - Hauptsache Profit: Rüstungskonzern @RheinmetallA Gwill wieder verstärkt Munition in Kriegsgebiete liefern. Zur morgigen Hauptversammlung hier die Kritik von @Krit_Aktionaere und uns: [1/3] #rheinmetallentwaffnen #YemenCantWait https://urgewald.org/medien/rheinmetall-hauptversammlung-kritik-todbringenden-geschaeften-erschwert

 

Neben dem Norwegischen Pensionsfonds sind deutsche Investoren noch in Rheinmetall investiert, allen voran Fondsanbieter der @sparkasse-Gruppe, @DekaBank, mit 47 Mio. €, @Allianz Global Investors mit 22,8 Mio. € und eine Tochter der @DeutscheBankAG mit 7,6 Mio. €. [2/3]

Konzernkritik wird durch virtuelle Hauptversammlungen und die aktuellen Einschränkungen, vor allem bei den Fragerechten für Aktionär*innen, stark beschnitten. Gerade Konzernen wie Rheinmetall, die so stark in der öffentlichen Kritik stehen, kommt das sehr zupass.“ [3/3]

***

The Space Development Agency wants to put an initial batch of satellites capable of tracking hypersonic weapons on orbit in fiscal 2022, according to a draft request for proposals the agency released May 11. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/05/15/these-eight-satellites-will-track-hypersonic-weapons/

***
 Will Covid change this: MoD is requesting a defense budget of $705bn for fiscal 2021, representing ½ of the federal government’s discretionary spending & probably once again ensuring that US military spending is far greater than that of any other country. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/military-faces-another-potential-coronavirus-toll-budget-cuts/2020/05/14/ae7abbf6-906b-11ea-8df0-ee33c3f5b0d6_story.html

***
Pinkwash (every house man does know he did something wrong with the laundry in that case).

One of the world’s biggest arms companies BAES tried pushing its progressive credentials. It didn’t end well. https://www.thecanary.co/trending/2020/05/17/one-of-the-worlds-biggest-arms-companies-just-tried-pushing-its-progressive-credentials-it-didnt-end-well/

***

Lets hope so. 'The end of an era': oil price collapse may force #Saudis to rein in arms spending

The world’s fifth largest #weapons buyer is eating up its reserves - and its political clout. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/18/the-end-of-an-era-oil-price-collapse-may-force-saudis-to-rein-in-arms-spending

May 17

***
South Africa must block shipments of arms sold to countries at war, including munition shipments to Turkey which happen despite the UN's call for a ceasefire in Syria and Libya during the COVID-19 pandemic, analyst Shannon Ebrahim said on Sunday. https://ahvalnews.com/turkey-south-africa/south-africa-must-block-munitions-sold-turkey-analyst

***
Scottish firms loom large in Ukraine dirty money blacklist. Scottish limited partnerships – or SLPs, one of the most common “offshores” used in Ukraine – operated as fake intermediaries to skim millions from at least two important state arms exports. https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/revealed-scottish-firms-loom-large-ukraine-dirty-money-blacklist-2855719

***

Anyone who complains about the alleged ransom paid to free Silvia Romano should look at the data on the export of Italian weapons to dictatorships around the world, from Saudi Arabia to Egypt in al-Sisi. [in Italian] https://thesubmarine.it/2020/05/16/silvia-romano-armi-italia/

***
Why bombs made in the US have been killing civilians in Yemen? Trump sees arms deals as jobs generators for firms like Raytheon, which has made billions in sales to the Saudi coalition. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/us/arms-deals-raytheon-yemen.html

***
Why bombs made in the US have been killing civilians in Yemen? Trump sees arms deals as jobs generators for firms like Raytheon, which has made billions in sales to the Saudi coalition. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/us/arms-deals-raytheon-yemen.html

***

Despite supporting an embargo, Germany has exported €330 million in weapons to countries involved in the war in Libya. The conflict has escalated since Khalifa Haftar's forces seized Tripoli. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-exports-millions-in-arms-to-libya-war-belligerents-despite-embargo/a-53469291

***
#Raytheon Missiles & Defense is teamed with Dutch #TNO to develop XM1155 155mm howitzer ammunition with a range of 100 km. https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/news/advisories/raytheon-missiles-defense-tno-unveil-new-ramjet-powered-artillery-round?linkId=88406721

***

#Airbus and Bonn based Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics #FKIE set up panel of experts on the responsible use of new tech to define and propose ethical as well as international legal "guard rails" for #FCAS. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/05/future-combat-air-system-airbus-and-fraunhofer-fkie-create-expert-panel-on-the-responsible-use-of-new-technologies.html #PR

***
Wait and see: #India increased Foreign Direct Investment #FDI cap to 74%. Experts said this will encourage military producers like #Lockheed, #Boeing, #Airbus and #Dassault to set up manufacturing hubs in India and bring niche technology. https://www.news18.com/news/india/military-experts-welcome-reform-measures-in-defence-sector-2623355.html

***

Because of consolidation in the German naval market (coop between Lürssen en B&V) Damen was wondering: does German Naval withdraw the MKS 180 frigate lawsuit? "Yes, it has and the contract is expected to be completed this year," a Damen spokesman said. https://www.pzc.nl/zeeuws-nieuws/spanning-bij-damen-in-vlissingen-de-opdracht-voor-de-duitse-marine-zal-toch-wel-doorgaan~a8d4e2af/Same issue in German: Der Auftrag zum Bau des geplanten neuen Kampfschiffs „MKS 180“ für die Deutsche Marine kann erteilt werden. https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/deutsche-marine-weg-fuer-kampfschiff-milliardenprojekt-frei.1939.de.html

***
The Romanian MoD, armed forces, Ministry of Economics and the military industry all will support the industry, by acquisitions of Romanian produce, and by involvement, including in the area of research and retooling. http://www.romaniapress.com/news=114643

***Is #Turkey covering up military arms deals by donating aid to superpowers and #African governments? https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/is-turkey-covering-up-military-arms-deals-by-donating-aid-to-superpowers-and-african-governments-48011086

May 16

***

It’s harder to win business amid a pandemic, said one-third of military industry respondents in a Defense One reader survey. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/05/coronavirus-hampering-defense-contractor-operations-reader-survey-finds/165419/ #COVID-19

***
American firm Oshkosh Defense and Saudi Arabia’s Al Tadrea Manufacturing Company have established a joint venture to manufacture armed vehicles in the kingdom. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/05/14/oshkosh-saudi-arabias-al-tadrea-launch-joint-venture-to-make-armored-vehicles/

***

Arms race in South Asia. India Inks $900m deal for #Sikorsky submarine hunting helicopters. https://breakingdefense.com/2020/05/india-inks-900m-deal-for-sub-hunting-helos-as-tensions-with-china-spike/

***

International project? Donald Trump suggested F-35 production should ONLY take place in the US: "We should make everything in the United States." https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/05/14/trump-has-questions-about-the-f-35s-supply-chain-here-are-some-answers/

Australian news outlet raises questions. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-15/trump-considering-moving-f-35-production-jobs-out-of-australia/12252384

***
President Donald Trump on May 14 criticized the international supply chain model adopted by his predecessors for the Lockheed Martin F-35, saying the decision to globalize parts production for the stealth fighter is an example of “stupidity.” https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/trump-criticizes-global-supply-chain-model-f-35

***

A fighter jet factory in England providing essential parts for the Saudi air force hasn't been checked for over 3 years, missing the government’s own deadlines. Without supplies from this factory, it is likely KSA would be unable to continue bombing Yemen. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-05-14-revealed-uk-government-broke-inspection-rules-at-arms-factory-supplying-saudis-in-yemen-war/

***

#Spain has joined the European Patrol Corvette program to R&D a prototype of a modular 3,300-ton ship responsible for a number of tasks and missions, including those performed by ocean patrol vessels and light frigates. #NavalGroup #Ficantieri #PESCO https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/05/15/spain-joins-european-patrol-corvette-program-in-which-nations-can-customize-ships/

***

Stop the $2 Billion Arms Sale to the Philippines.

Philippine strongman Rodrigo Duterte is using the pandemic to crush his opposition—and the U.S. is poised to arm him to the teeth. https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/05/15/stop-2-billion-arms-sale-philippines

***

Human rights advocates in #Canada urge Trudeau to reverse decision on resuming approval of permits for arms exports to #Saudi Arabia https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-human-rights-advocates-urge-trudeau-to-reverse-decision-on-resuming/

***Despite criticism of arms exports: 50,000 pistols for #Mexico by #US daughter of #SIG Sauer. “The holding company would also be obliged to stop the arms trade at the expense of human rights," argues Markus Beeko, Secretary General of Amnesty in #Germany. https://listiclefeed.com/despite-criticism-of-arms-exports-50000-pistols-for-mexico/

May 14

***

Russian Vedomosti (11/05) informed by 2 managers from the military-industrial complex (OPK) & a federal official that the advance conclusion of new multiannual arms delivery contracts is being discussed and may be approved as one of the support measures for the defence industry.

***

The Bremen Lürssen shipyard and the German Naval Yards Kiel shipyard will work together in naval shipbuilding. The merger is intended to strengthen national naval shipbuilding. (Kooperation der Marinewerften Lürssen und German Naval Yards) https://www.welt.de/regionales/mecklenburg-vorpommern/article207963249/Kooperation-der-Marinewerften-Luerssen-und-German-Naval-Yards.html

***
Pourquoi les industriels européens de l’aéronautique misent sur les secteurs de la défense et l’espace

Why European aeronautics manufacturers are betting on the defense and space sectors [mainly paywall]

https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/pourquoi-les-industriels-europeens-de-l-aeronautique-misent-sur-les-secteurs-de-la-defense-et-l-espace.N964041

***

The heads of France’s Dassault Aviation and the defence division of Europe’s Airbus also called on European governments to maintain defence spending in order to prevent a gap in advanced technology as the economy recovers. https://www.sharenet.co.za/views/views-article.php?views-article=419478

***

Germany has reopened a controversial debate over whether its armed forces should be trusted to operate armed drones. While an agreement seems far off, the debate could soon get a European twist. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/armed-drones-contentious-in-german-disarmament-debate/

***Presidents of French and German Aeronautic industry groupings #Gifas and #BDLI say € 13 billion #EDF needed to help industry. https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/l-aeronautique-franco-allemande-reclame-un-soutien-20200513 [Paywall]

***

ApiJECT Systems America awarded a $138m MoD contract for COVID-19 response “Project Jumpstart” and “Project Rapid,” which will expand production capability for US manufactured blow-fill-seal injection devices. Work is expected to be completed May 8, 2022. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2183554/

***The US Government Accountability Office #GAO said on May 12 that the Lockheed Martin F-35 Block 4 program must be extended two years due to development delays, adding $1.5 billion! to the overall price tag. https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/aircraft-propulsion/delays-cause-two-year-15b-extension-f-35-block-4

GAO-report: https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/706815.pdf #F35

***
When US leaders talk about the promise of artificial intelligence they regularly discuss #cybersecurity. #European countries have thus farbe more measured in their approach to #AI, fearing the technology is not yet reliable enough to remove human analysts. https://www.fifthdomain.com/cyber/2020/05/06/european-nations-may-be-hesitant-to-trust-ai-for-cybersecurity/

***

Defence industry is one the most corrupted industries, and not only in the West. ormer boss of #China aircraft carrier programme in #corruption probe. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3084131/former-boss-china-aircraft-carrier-programme-corruption-probe

***

Who is inside? #Intel will contribute in US military research wing’s #DARPA new initiative & work as a partner for “improving object identification and enhancing the ability for artificial intelligence and machine learning to retaliate dangerous attacks.” https://morningpicker.com/technology/intel-has-decided-to-contribute-in-u-s-military-research-wings-new-initiative-darpa-find-all-the-details-75329/

***

Recommendations for a transparent and detailed reporting system on arms exports within the EU and to third countries, Policy Department for External Relations

Directorate General for ExternalPolicies of the Union

PE 603.497 - May 2020 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2020/603497/EXPO_STU(2020)603497_EN.pdf

***

Hart is where the money is. #SouthAfrica has made a subtle change to arms export rules that could unlock more than a billion dollars of weapons sales to countries including #Saudi Arabia and the #UAE. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-defence/south-africa-amends-arms-export-document-after-inspection-row-idUSKBN22P1EH

***Some things continue unhampered. The #COVID-19 pandemic has not had an impact on the production and delivery of #Apache helicopters, but #Boeing is closely watching the international supply chain for signs of slowdown, a company official said Tuesday. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/05/13/no-covid-impacts-on-apache-production-supply-chain-says-boeing/

***
Some F-35 suppliers are having trouble delivering parts on schedule, and #Turkey’s departure could make that worse. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/05/12/some-f-35-suppliers-are-having-trouble-delivering-parts-on-schedule-and-turkeys-departure-could-make-that-worse/

GAO-report: https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/706815.pdf #F35

***It is the often seen and repeated trick. You order for a certain amount, get the nod of politicians and than along the road they turn out to be more expensive, and more expensive, etc.

Three British nuclear programs are $1.67 billion over budget.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/12/three-british-nuclear-programs-are-167-billion-over-budget/

***Dutch lobby organisation for maritime/naval industry wants a fast track acquisition for 10 auxilaries for a wide variety of tasks. We live in times of great change & may need a innovated (inter)national disaster reaction organisation. Not more of the same. https://maritimetechnology.nl/vervanging-hulpvaartuigen-koninklijke-marine-biedt-kansen-voor-nederlandse-scheepsbouw/

May 13

***

New blog by @martinbroek: "Since the Gulf War of 1990-1991, a wide array of new military technology has been developed. This includes [...] hypersonic weapons. What are these weapons and why are they dangerous?" http://stopwapenhandel.org/node/2401

***

Hypersonic weapons: fast and dangerous. Can they be controlled? http://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2401

***

Vandaag de alternatieve #Europadag webcast met ruim 160 deelnemers. @Defensie, CMP en ondernemers aan het woord over praktische samenwerken, ervaring en kansen. Veel interactie, nu verder aan de slag!

***

Former Ghanaian president #Mahama's political opponents accuse him of having links to a corrupt network in a case of kickbacks in the contract for the sale of Airbus military equipment to the Republic of #Ghana. #corruption https://www.theafricareport.com/27714/ghana-john-mahama-splashed-by-airbus-corruption-affair/

***

#Airbus has won the new satellite communications framework contract for military and civil missions of the European Union and its member states. The deal is worth tens of millions of euros. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/05/airbus-supplies-eu-with-satellite-communications.html

***
Croatian State Secretary Zdravko Jakop, said #PESCO and the #EDF are a good platform for improving cooperation and developing operational capabilities for a rapid and effective response to the crisis.

Weapons needed to fight #COVID-19 and its effects?

https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/Health/20200513/3557333.html

***

"We can expect an additional strain on resources, it is already looming," said Jiri Sedivy, new Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, which helps EU governments develop military capabilities. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-eu-defence/on-budget-eve-eu-defence-money-at-risk-from-coronavirus-idUSKBN22O1BU

***EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is warning member countries not to slash defence spending as their economies buckle under pressure from the coronavirus, as the disease could spark security challenges. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/12/eus-top-diplomat-warns-against-defense-cuts/

What security?

For whom?

May 12

***

A view into the defence policy of a potential Biden Administration. Significant cuts to the Pentagon’s current plan for fiscal 2022-25 would be unlikely. However the defence face post-COVID-19 federal debt. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/opinion-what-biden-presidency-could-mean-defense

***

GKN #Fokker Services and the Dutch Air Force #RNLAF extended the contract for delivering standard parts for all of the RNLAF's aircraft, helicopters and multiple support systems until 2022. It is provided by GKN Fokker Services' facility in Hoofddorp. https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2020/gkn-fokker-services-and-rnlaf-extend-total-support-contract-for-standard-parts/

***

AMENDMENTS to European Parliament Draft (@HannahNeuman) report on Arms exports (implementation of EU Common Position 2008/944/CFSP), May 6, 2020. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-AM-650639_EN.pdf

***

#Dutch made vessel hit in #Iranian naval accident. The Konarak Vessel, with body number 1403, is one of several Iranian "Hendijan" class navy vessels that are responsible for logistics and support made by #Damen (wharf of the nephew, went bankrupt in 20007) in 1988, and are known by MIG-S-4700-SC ID. https://ifpnews.com/several-people-killed-injured-in-naval-accident-off-southern-iranian-coast

Reaction: Niet gebouwd bij #Damen maar bij K. Damen in Hardinxveld Giessendam. De werf is in 2007 failliet gegaan.

Reaction: Thanx. Yes it was the wharf of his nephew, a.k.a. Little Damen, while the still existing Damen was nicknamed Big Damen.

Reaction: Ik schreef al eens over de bootjes o.a. in 1998.

Reaction: Shah Reza Pahlavi bought the Dutch-made, 47-meter vessel just before being toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Konarak entered service in 1988. Crews overhauled the vessel about 30 years later, making it able to launch sea and anti-ship missiles. https://www.wwnytv.com/2020/05/11/iran-missile-strikes-own-ship-kills-sailor-hurts-others/

 

May 11

***

While the call for a change in security paradigm from military to human, climate and social security is currently strongly present, pre-COVID thinking is still powerful: US Defense Firms Hiring Thousands Amid Record Unemployment https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/05/us-defense-firms-hiring-thousands-amid-record-unemployment/165270/

***

Damen still juridically opposing the 2019 decision by Romania to buy Naval Group corvettes. "On May 27, if the process is not relocated, the Bucharest Court of Appeal can put an end to the whole affair," see for report in Romanian https://jurnalul.antena3.ro/stiri/justitie/corvetele-plutesc-pe-culoarele-tribunalelor-844350.html

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Naval Strike Missile order could end up over 10 billion kroner (€ 900m): #Germany has now requested NSM for its #MKS180 frigates. Investing to agree during the year, according to the CEO of the #Kongsberg Group. https://www.tu.no/artikler/missil-bestilling-kan-ende-pa-over-ti-milliarder-kroner-tyskland-har-na-bedt-om-nsm-til-sine-fregatter/491739 [in Norwegian]

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 Sometimes even opposition to arms sales can be part of war mongering, like here in conservative Washington Times: 'Trump must ... warn allies about arms sales.' In 2001-18 EU members exported military products to Iran valued € 5 million, last export 2005. https://washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/10/trump-must-strengthen-sanctions-against-iran-and-w/

May 9

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Retweet; "Privatiseringen hebben het lot van migranten in handen van commerciële bedrijven gelegd. Een spoor van schandalen is het gevolg. Nu trekt beveiligingsfirma G4S zich terug." https://www.groene.nl/artikel/te-losse-handjes

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Answer to a written question - Creation of a DG Defence within the European Commission - E-003972/2019(ASW) https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2019-003972-ASW_EN.pdf

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Retweet: US blocks vote on UN's bid for global ceasefire over reference to WHO. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/08/un-ceasefire-resolution-us-blocks-who

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February, while COVID-19 had already claimed many lives, the EU's foreign policy chief Borrell called EU to provide more guns to Africa to fight armed groups.

As the pandemic unfolded, the EC announced €160m to boost the military industry. https://www.euronews.com/2020/05/06/the-new-eu-budget-poses-an-opportunity-to-mitigate-destabilising-impacts-of-covid-19-view

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#Turkey is continuing to produce and deliver parts for the U.S. F-35 fighter jet despite being barred from the programme, said Defence Industry Director İsmail Demir.

The US was due to stop receiving the parts from Turkey in March. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-turkey-defence/turkey-says-it-is-still-delivering-parts-for-u-s-f-35-jets-idUSKBN22J1Y7 #F35

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EP Committee on Legal Affairs (Rap. Gilles Lebretonon) #AI: questions of interpretation & application of international law in so far as the EU is affected in the areas of civil & military uses and of state authority outside the scope of criminal justice. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/JURI-DT-650407_EN.pdf

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The #Philippines Department of National Defense is set to conclude its planned procurement of the ATMOS 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled #gun system produced by #Israeli firm #Elbit Systems. https://www.armyrecognition.com/may_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/philippines_will_acquire_two_batteries_of_elbit_soltam_atmos_155mm_wheeled_self-propelled_howitzers.html

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US fighter policy. If they don 't fly you change that expectation of a fighter jet. US Air Force has officially abandoned a directive to get its #F35, F-22 and F-16 jets up to an 80% mission-capable rate after failing to meet that goal in fiscal 2019. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/05/07/the-air-force-bails-on-mattis-era-fighter-jet-readiness-goal/

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In October 2019, France and Germany made an agreement on defence export controls, in accordance with the Aachen Treaty. BAFA, Germany's export control authority, has issued General Licence 28 to implement the agreement, effective from 1 April 2020. https://www.europeansanctions.com/2020/05/german-general-licence-for-export-of-franco-german-military-projects/

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On eve of #EuropeDay2020 @DemilitarizeDay and

@_ENAAT call #EU to fund peace, not arms dealers -> http://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GDAMS-ENAAT-PR-2020_08.05.2020.pdf #NoEUmoney4arms #MoveTheMoney #EUdefence

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US State Department reported 43 AH-64E helicopters will be refubished for #Egypt, price $2.3bn.

https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/united-arab-emirates-uae-mine-resistant-ambush-protected-mrap-vehicles

The #UAE meanwhile, ok’d to buy up to 4,569 excess Mine Resistant Ambush Protected #MRAP vehicles from American stocks, price $556mn.

https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/egypt-ah-64e-refurbished-apache-attack-helicopters-and-related-equipment-and

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Lease drones? The Heron lease for Greece will include a unique maritime configuration with sensors and communications designed to monitor the extensive water borders of Greece. Levy says that Israel sees this maritime security model as an important market. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/08/greece-and-israel-deal-spotlight-leasing-model-for-military-uavs/

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UK Government Silent on Whether it Helped train #Chile’s Security Forces

Amid Mounting Allegations of Abuse https://bylinetimes.com/2020/05/08/uk-government-silent-on-whether-it-helped-train-chiles-security-forces-amid-mounting-allegations-of-abuse/

***#Russian private military contractor #Wagner Group has up to 1,200 people deployed in Libya, strengthening the forces of eastern-based military leader Khalifa #Haftar, according to a confidential United Nations #UN report seen by Reuters on Wednesday. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-libya-security-sanctions/up-to-1200-deployed-in-libya-by-russian-military-group-u-n-report-idUKKBN22I2Y5

May 7

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EU draft report: EU-African security cooperation in Sahel, West Africa & the Horn of Africa, proposes "to adapt the African Peace Facility #APF in order to overcome the current limitations on the acquisition of arms and munitions." Europe's offer to Africa?https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-PR-646966_EN.pdf

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Budget cuts in military spending likely as $4 trillion deficit looms, coronavirus takes toll on industry. "I think the budget comes down sooner rather than later," Mackenzie Eaglen, American Enterprise Institute and former congressional staffer, said. https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/dod-budget-cuts-likely-as-4-trillion-deficit-looms/

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CAAT blog: Questions for BAE

Weapons manufacturer BAE Systems holds its Annual General Meeting today, but it’s not taking questions from shareholders. Here are some.... https://blog.caat.org.uk/2020/05/07/questions-for-bae/

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May 6, Senators Leahy & McGovern headed a congressional letter with 100+ members of Congress to Sec. of Defence Esper expressing disappointment to Trump Admin’s reversal of the policy limiting use of #antipersonnel #landmines to the defence of South Korea. https://www.forumarmstrade.org/landmineletter_esper.html

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#Germany arming the subsurface fleets of the Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey, Greece, Israel, #Egypt). The Egyptian Navy welcomed its third Type 209/1400 #submarine to its main Ras el-Tin base in Alexandria after it completed its maiden voyage from Germany. https://www.janes.com/article/95981/egypt-s-third-new-submarine-arrives-in-alexandria

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Lobby for more military expenditures is very active. This one in the Financial Times by Raffaello Pantucci of RUSI. But biggest threats missed: human security, climate change and medical infrastructure. https://www.ft.com/content/be0e80f2-82f1-11ea-b555-37a289098206

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#Australian government has now spent almost two years attempting to stop the public release of an unredacted auditor general’s report that criticised the $1.3bn purchase of a combat #vehicle fleet from French arms manufacturer #Thales. https://headtopics.com/uk/coalition-accused-of-dragging-out-legal-battle-to-hide-documents-on-1-3bn-arms-deal-12852791

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As lawmakers want to boost federal spending to counter the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, they should resist the temptation to increase defense spending too, a left-leaning think tank argued in a report (https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/reports/2020/05/06/484620/pentagons-fiscal-year-2021-budget-meets-u-s-national-security-needs/) released Wednesday. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/05/06/no-extra-money-for-defense-amid-coronavirus-crisis-think-tank-argues/

May 6

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Large transit shipments of ammunition passing the Rotterdam, The Netherlands (mainly Brazilian, boat). Previous posted table corrected. #transit, #ammo #Brazil #Germany #Finland #Rotterdam

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 Join the Webinar on the topic „Made in Europe, bombed in Yemen. How can we use legal means to stop arms exports to war zones“ by Hannah Neumann (MEP). Mittwoch, 06. Mai 2020, 19:00 Uhr Bis 06.05.2020 20:00 Uhr. Veranstaltet von: Grüne Europa https://www.gruene-bayern.de/termin/webinar-made-in-europe-bombed-in-yemen-how-can-we-use-legal-means-to-stop-arms-exports-to-war-zones/

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Bad for human rights and peace, but good for military industry. General Dynamics has received $1bn since the renegotiation of a $10bn contract for #Canada to sell light armored vehicles to #Saudi Arabia, company officials said. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/05/07/general-dynamics-saw-1-billion-bump-after-canada-saudi-accord/

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South Africa's recent arms shipments to Turkey have cast a shadow on the United Nation's call for a ceasefire in Syria and Libya during the COVID-19 pandemic, Daily Maverick said on Tuesday. https://ahvalnews.com/south-africa/south-africas-arms-shipments-turkey-cast-shadow-possible-peace-syria-libya

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Regional intelligence sources say that Israel's escalating strikes on Syria are part of a shadow war sanctioned by the US & part of a anti-Iran policy that has undermined in the last 2 years Iran's military power without triggering a major escalation. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/05/04/world/middleeast/04reuters-syria-security-missiles.html

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Israel's MoD ordered 6.6-pound drones for its ground forces working in urban areas. The Rafael Spike Firefly is a "loitering munition," also known as a kamikaze drone. It fills a niche between cruise missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles. https://www.army-technology.com/features/israeli-mod-orders-rafael-loitering-munition-for-idf/

 

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Retweet: Is Turkey's arms industry’s ‘success story’ turning sour? "Other structural problems slowing progress in the sector include crony capitalism, extreme politicization and human capital shortages caused by brain drain." https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/05/turkey-defense-industry-success-story-turns-sour-sipri.html @Metin4020 via @AlMonitor

***

#Turkish #drones are already acquiring popularity and becoming a sought-after commodity on the global arms market. Operations in #Syria and #Libya are to become the main marketing tool. Overview of Turkish drones, importers and capabilities. https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/sergey-sukhankin-turkey-drones-superpower-denfense-industry-arms-trade-news-00171/

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Expected (slightly) tighter budgets for the Pentagon - of the US$732 billion, 38% of world total - used to cut legacy programs first in order to preserve funding for modernization requirements, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Tuesday. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2020/05/05/esper-flat-budget-could-speed-cutting-legacy-programs/

***

The first 8 months of 2019, Germany sold arms worth €250.4m to Turkey, making it the biggest recipient. Germany’s economy ministry refused to give the data for the rest of the year “to protect the producers,” therefore the annual figure remains a mystery. https://www.duvarenglish.com/diplomacy/2020/05/05/turkey-main-recipient-of-german-arms-exports-in-2019/

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This week South African Open Secrets publishes the first of a number of profiles on the corporations and middlemen implicated in the multibillion-dollar Arms Deal of the late 1990s. None of these companies has been held to account. First up Jacob Zuma. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-05-06-jacob-zuma-comrade-in-arms/

May 5

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Straks geven we een toelichting in de Commissie Buitenlands Beleid van het @vlaparl over ons nieuw onderzoek en advies inzake de invoer van vuurwapens en munitie in Vlaanderen https://vlaamsparlement.be/commissies/commissievergaderingen/1385399#volledige-agenda

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US military tech and scientist say the primary question is: How can the #Pentagon best preserve its innovation base & develop the most competitive and advanced technologies?

Is this a next chapter in the book 'Never let a good crisis go to waste'.

https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/05/04/the-defense-industry-needs-new-entrants-and-a-supportive-government-during-crises/

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And in Italian: Prima le persone o le spese militari? L’Unione europea deve scegliere, lobby permettendo https://altreconomia.it/spese-militari-pandemia-ue/

 

Or in Dutch: Gaat de EU vechten voor vrede of voorbereiden op oorlog? Het kan niet allebei http://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2397

And in Spanish: ¿Trabajará la UE en favor de la paz o se preparará “para la guerra”?No puede hacer ambas cosas https://euractiv.es/section/future-eu/opinion/trabajara-la-ue-en-favor-de-la-paz-o-se-preparara-para-la-guerra-no-puede-hacer-ambas-cosas/

#ENAAT response to several opinion articles in Euroactiv by the military industry lobby aiming for funds for weaponry and military technology. Thnx @letysedou  

Retweet: #EU should adopt human security approach, based on decent livelihood (healthcare, education, food safety, healthy environment...). This will do more for #peacebuilding than sophisticated armament #Europeandefence #EuropeanDefenceFund #NoEUmoney4arms https://euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/opinion/will-the-eu-fight-for-peace-or-prepare-for-war-it-cant-have-it-both-ways/

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US National Defense Industrial Association NDIA aims for accelerating payments for the supply chain of military projects and extra budget. But they've also heard: "multiple groups saying, not a dime for defense." https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/05/02/interview-ndias-wesley-hallman-on-a-liability-shield-and-other-defense-priorities-for-the-next-stimulus/

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#Ficantieri CEO: With Germany we have a long-standing partnership related to the submarines. Consolidation must happen in #Europe if it wants to count for something in the world, for this reason our goal must be a common defence with 4 to 5 shipyards. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/05/04/interview-fincantieri-ceo-bono-on-winning-the-us-navys-frigate-competition/

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Anthropologist Golubović: Arms trade, pandemic combine to reveal the human costs of war in Yemen. https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/golubovic-arms-trade-pandemic-combine-to-reveal-the-human-costs-of-war-in-yemen/

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Court order reveals names of those charged with busting #Libya sanctions. The four men charged with arms dealer James Fenech were kept hidden from the public, but a freezing order on their assets fits the personal details of those charged. https://theshiftnews.com/2020/05/04/court-order-reveals-names-of-those-charged-with-busting-libya-sanctions/

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Will #Pakistan buy four Turkish frigates with radar based on Dutch technology? https://quwa.org/2020/05/03/the-jinnah-class-frigate-pakistans-next-generation-warship-2/ #ThalesNetherlands

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US defense contractor Leidos cooperates with the US subsidiary of South Africa's #Paramount Group to offer 75 of the latter company's #Bronco II light attack & surveillance aircraft to US Special Operations Command, or #SOCOM. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/33277/new-team-pitches-south-africas-bronco-ii-light-attack-plane-to-american-special-operators

May 4

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US Dep. of State answered a letter by the American Hellenic Institute AHI to Mike Pompeo on the removal of arms prohibitions on the Republic of #Cyprus. AHI was disappointed that several of the points made to remove the arms prohibition were not addressed. https://www.thenationalherald.com/archive_politics_usa/arthro/u_s_state_dept_responds_to_ahi_request_to_remove_arms_prohibition_on_cyprus-274317/

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Retweet: With #Coronavirus spreading, time to repurpose the arms industry to meet human need: https://medium.com/@Oxfam/with-coronavirus-spreading-time-to-repurpose-the-arms-industry-to-meet-human-need-41c690db2489 @annamac33 @ButcherMartin #Doves4Peace

 

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The military industry appears more insulated from the worst financial effects caused by the COVID-19-related economic slowdown when compared to other industries. https://news.usni.org/2020/05/01/defense-industry-weathering-covid-19-economic-slowdown

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#Turkish TF-X Fighter jet project progress. The #TFX is a proposed twin-engine all-weather air superiority fighter being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries #TAI/Turkish Aviation and Space Industry #TUSAŞ, with tech assistance from #BAE Systems. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26891#.Xq_Y5agzbyQ

May 3

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The people of Kashmir know that the current lockdown is just the latest in a long series of curfews. Even if the COVID-19 pandemic is halted and life returns to normal elsewhere, for them, life is only going to get worse. https://jacobinmag.com/2020/05/india-modi-coronavirus-police-repression-kashmir

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Pity not all NATO countries agree with this and put critical journalists behind bars.

Reaction to: A free & independent press is the best cure against #disinformation. On #WorldPressFreedomDay thanks to all journalists for doing their important job, under even harder circumstances due to #COVID19. We miss seeing you in person @NATO but we’ll meet again!

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Collapsing demand for Saudi oil means they are not the power they were. Time for change for UK-Saudi relations according to an Observer commentary. If oil and arms are taken out of the equation, what remains besides repressions of minorities, women & war? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/03/the-observer-view-on-britains-relationship-with-saudi-arabia-

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China may have executed a large order for CH-4 drones which are considered similar to the MQ-9 Reaper armed/reconnaissance UAVs. Unconfirmed reporting mentions Tunisia to be possible customer as it had evaluated CH-4 drones last year. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26860/China_May_Have_Executed_a_Large_order_for_CH_4_Drones

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Comment in #Pakistani @dawn_com. ONE of the few #positive outcomes of #Covid-19 crisis is the forced triumph of public health priorities that were buried beneath the pile of national priorities starting with #defence, industry, energy, budget deficit etc. https://www.dawn.com/news/1553912

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#SouthAfrica sells several planeloads of military equipment to #Turkey, potentially flouting Covid-19 lockdown rules. It is about “some kind of military ammunition” purchased from Rheinmetall Denel Munition #RDM and send to Turkish #MKEK. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-05-02-south-africa-sells-several-planeloads-of-military-equipment-to-turkey-potentially-flouting-covid-19-lockdown-rules/

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Let the weapon production role, that is what we need in time of corona. Or not?

Rolls Royce #RR UK defence and submarine businesses will be unaffected by corona, but the company is preparing to cut up to 8,000 jobs in its jet engine business.

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-8281075/Rolls-Royce-cut-8-000-jet-engine-jobs.html

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An #Airbus A310 aerial #tanker successfully underwent a test to autonomously refuel an aircraft to be implemented on the A330 #MRTT. Rival #Boeing has not been able to achieve the same goal as its new flagship refueler continues to show problems. #rivalry https://www.businessinsider.nl/airbus-a330-achieves-first-aerial-refueling-beats-boeing-2020-4

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It is a process dragging on for year after year, but one should not forget it is about corruption at the highest levels. It involves a former South African president Zuma, but also one of the largest military companies in the world, French Thales. https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/politics/2020-05-02-jacob-zuma-corruption-trial-to-be-postponed-to-june/

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The idea of a EU “naval Airbus” has been proposed from time to time in order to overcome problems related to overcapacity, fragmentation and redundant structures, but without success the past three decades. Will Paris and Italy now be helped by COVID-19? https://warontherocks.com/2020/04/this-franco-italian-naval-deal-is-a-litmus-test-for-european-strategic-autonomy/

May 2

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The US State Department has approved both the potential sale of 6 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, cost $450m and 6 Boeing-made AH-64E Apache #attack #helicopters, cost $1.5bn to the #Philippines in advance of Manila's final decision which to buy. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2020/04/30/us-approves-apache-viper-attack-helicopter-options-for-philippines/

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Oil-dependent states as #Saudi Arabia, long one of the biggest buyers in the global arms bazaar, could face a double whammy on military spending, as record low oil prices on top of the #coronavirus panic play havoc with their original spending projections. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/30/trump-hawking-us-military-hardware-global-leaders-/

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Trial of 6 prisoners concluded April 24 2020, with the judges convicting and sentencing all for treason, because of peaceful demonstration condemning racism against Papuans in front of Presidential Palace, Jakarta, August 28, 2019. #FreePapuanPoliticalPrisoners. @etan009 @friwp.

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As states armed with nuclear weapons turn to machine learning techniques to enhance their nuclear C3 systems, the US and its competitors should take care that these new tools do not inadvertently accelerate crisis instability or an arms race. https://www.c4isrnet.com/thought-leadership/2020/04/30/when-machine-learning-comes-to-nuclear-communication-systems/

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History of protest on Denver University. In 1970 students launched a three-day strike, demanding among more: immediate withdrawal of all US troops from Southeast Asia; and an end to all campus military research. https://magazine.du.edu/woodstockwest/

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Spanish government is to introduce in situ checks on final destination and use of arms and potential dual-use products sold to other countries. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:mr7aMwS9vUEJ:https://www.janes.com/article/95877/spanish-government-introduces-in-situ-arms-sales-checks+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nl

Amendment to national arms control rules was approved by Spain’s cabinet, see in Spanish https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2020/04/29/pdfs/BOE-A-2020-4708.pdf

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Men’s Football. Campaign Against Arms Trade #CAAT demand ownership rules to be stronger. Why? Read more on it. #premierleague https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/s/caat-demand-ownership-rules-be-stronger

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#US Navy selected #Fincantieri’s #FREMM multi-purpose frigate. The #Marinette Marine shipyard is also on the hook for building mono-hull littoral combat ships and a frigate version of it for #Saudi Arabia, is now a major player in US Navy shipbuilding. https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2020/04/30/the-us-navy-selects-fincantieri-design-for-next-generation-frigate/

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 #Russian arms production slowed by #coronavirus, analysts find. A report drawing on anonymised phone data, and other open-source information belies Vladimir Putin’s everything’s-under-control message. https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2020/05/russian-arms-production-slowed-coronavirus-analysts-find/165071/