Latest on
top:
June
30
***
***
***
She
is wrong there are a few good reasons. No reason why SA should stop
selling arms to Turkey - Mapisa-Nqakula
https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/no-reason-why-sa-should-stop-selling-arms-to-turkey-mapisa-nqakula-20200630
***
US declared to stop exporting sensitive military equipment to Hong Kong just before China passed controversial National Security Act against the special territory. The US will stop all arms exports to HK from sophisticated ammunition to military hardware. http://world-today-news.com/us-to-stop-arms-exports-to-hong-kong-china-threatens-to-respond/
US declared to stop exporting sensitive military equipment to Hong Kong just before China passed controversial National Security Act against the special territory. The US will stop all arms exports to HK from sophisticated ammunition to military hardware. http://world-today-news.com/us-to-stop-arms-exports-to-hong-kong-china-threatens-to-respond/
Retweet
@NIDVnews: Afgelopen week is voorzitter Hans
van Hillen herbenoemd voor een termijn van 1 jaar. Daarnaast is
Michiel van der Maat van GKN @Fokker
benoemd
tot vicevoorzitter. Gefeliciteerd!@MvdM1970
https://nidv.eu/hans-hillen-herbenoemd-als-voorzitter-en-michiel-van-der-maat-nieuwe-vicevoorzitter/
***
BORIS Johnson has come under pressure to halt exports of British arms and riot gear to the US after Donald Trump called for the authorities to "dominate" protesters and threatened to deploy the military. https://www.thenational.scot/news/18493426.watch-ian-blackford-grills-boris-johnson-arms-sales-us/
BORIS Johnson has come under pressure to halt exports of British arms and riot gear to the US after Donald Trump called for the authorities to "dominate" protesters and threatened to deploy the military. https://www.thenational.scot/news/18493426.watch-ian-blackford-grills-boris-johnson-arms-sales-us/
***
Retweet @WilliamHartung: Contractors out of control -- half of Pentagon budget goes to contractors, and more contractors than military personnel in war zones @CostsOfWar
Retweet @WilliamHartung: Contractors out of control -- half of Pentagon budget goes to contractors, and more contractors than military personnel in war zones @CostsOfWar
#CamoEconomy
***
With the rising exports of Israeli weapons, the identity of the victims will no longer be confined to Palestinians in the West Bank or besieged Gaza, but will spread to the marginalised and oppressed classes all over the world. https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/why-israeli-weapons-should-scare-everyone-1.72314275
With the rising exports of Israeli weapons, the identity of the victims will no longer be confined to Palestinians in the West Bank or besieged Gaza, but will spread to the marginalised and oppressed classes all over the world. https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/why-israeli-weapons-should-scare-everyone-1.72314275
***
India’s immediate neighbour in SE Asia Myanmar has alleged that ‘one foreign country’ is arming the Arkan Army, a rebel group, with sophisticated military technology indicating China's active role in arming insurgent groups.
India’s immediate neighbour in SE Asia Myanmar has alleged that ‘one foreign country’ is arming the Arkan Army, a rebel group, with sophisticated military technology indicating China's active role in arming insurgent groups.
***
broekstukken blog: Arms watch or arms control https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/06/arms-watch-or-arms-control.html
broekstukken blog: Arms watch or arms control https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/06/arms-watch-or-arms-control.html
***
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems won a sole-source contract in the amount of $2.3 billion under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2234393/
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems won a sole-source contract in the amount of $2.3 billion under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2234393/
June
29
***
Damen
being offered coordinating role in European military industrial
development project.
https://nlnavy.damen.com/damen-being-offered-coordinating-role-in-european-defence-industrial-development-project/
Addition:
The consortium consists of the
following partners: DAMEN, Nl; FINCANTIERI, Italy; NAVAL GROUP,
France; NAVANTIA, Spain; SAAB KOCKUMS, Sweden; SEA EUROPE, Belgium;
THYSSENKRUPP MS, Germany; ODENSE MARITIME TECH, Denmark; LÜRSSEN
DEFENCE, Germany; TNO, Nl, MARIN, Nl; CTN, Spain.
The price of the #EFA reached $110m per plane in deals entered into by others, while in case of #Kuwait it was $321m. In addition: the original contract included several appendices for various facilities, which could have kept the door open for corruption. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-parliament-asks-why-eurofighter-deal-is-so-expensive-1.72293777
***
Development of 6th-generation combat jets is in its infancy, yet competition to supply prospective global requirements is already ramping up. In terms of number of aircraft procured, the European #FCAS is globally the largest next-generation programme. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/fcas-leads-next-generation-combat-aircraft-market/
June
28
***
***
1/...
China has one surveillance camera for every seven citizens. Then, in
January, London police announced they would start using cameras that
can recognise faces in real time. The technology was on a roll.
Defence and Security giant Thales predicted .../2
https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-times-of-india-new-delhi-edition/20200626/282364041943512
2. the
market for face recognition would touch $7 billion (Rs 53,000 crore)
by 2024. Internet security firm Norton expected it to reach $7.7
billion (Rs 59,000 crore) by 2022. Then, the coronavirus struck. A
medical mask covers up about half of your face, but for a face
recognition camera it's the part where most of the information for
identification lies.
***Dutch
daily De Volkskrant can't get a grip on reasons for the quarrel in
the ruling coalition on the submarine acquisition.
Aanbesteding
onderzeeboten splijt coalitiepartners
***Airbus
delivers first H145M helicopter to Serbian Armed Forces – Moma
Stanojlovic plant certified for Gazelle maintenance.
https://www.ekapija.com/en/news/2551181/airbus-delivers-first-h145m-helicopter-to-serbian-armed-forces-moma-stanojlovic-plant
***Birds!
Royal Air Force A400M military transport plane damaged in Bird
Strike. This is the second bird strike incident involving an Airbus
A400M airlifter that caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
https://defpost.com/royal-air-force-a400m-airlifter-damaged-in-bird-strike/
***The
South African government has squashed rumours - referring to formal
regulations - regarding the export of weapons and military hardware
to Turkey, which could possibly end up in the hands of militia groups
fighting in the Libyan civil war.
https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/no-weapons-or-military-hardware-exported-from-sa-to-libya-mthembu-20200627
***How
the European defence industrial complex is puting itself in the
middle of the recovery of the coming economic crisis. read all about
in the EDA magazine with special coverage on How will Covid-19 impact
defence.
https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/eda-magazine/edm19_web.pdf
***
Airbus
has been awarded a contract for the development, supply and
integration of 115 Eurofighter ESCAN Radars for the German and
Spanish #Eurofighter fleet. It's so far largest order for the world's
most modern electronically scanned array radar Captor-E.
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/06/airbus-signs-contract-for-integration-of-115-new-eurofighter-escan-radars.html
***The
situation in Yemen is disastrous, and if peace is to be given a
chance, the flow of arms must be stopped. Feministiskt initiativ
therefore requires Sweden to stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia and
their partners in the military coalition. [in Swedish]
https://www.dagensarena.se/opinion/sveriges-vapenexport-ar-ett-cyniskt-dubbelspel/
***John
Bredenkamp, who has died in Harare, was a notorious South
African-born sanctions buster, arms dealer and key player in SA's
arms deal scandal. He supplied the weapons that kept wars going in
Africa & the Middle East, everything from landmines to jets
https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/opinion-and-analysis/2020-06-28-john-bredenkamp-sanctions-buster-and-arms-dealer/
June
27
***
What is going on regarding the militarisation of the European Union? Here a 2 hour video on Thierry Breton at the EP Security & Defence subcommittee. Some interesting questions (size of budget, control on spending) are not answered by Breton. https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/sede-committee-meeting_20200625-1345-COMMITTEE-SEDE_vd The ever repeated Europe has the largest number of fighter programs of any continent was repeated to sho budgets are used to streamline production.
What is going on regarding the militarisation of the European Union? Here a 2 hour video on Thierry Breton at the EP Security & Defence subcommittee. Some interesting questions (size of budget, control on spending) are not answered by Breton. https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/sede-committee-meeting_20200625-1345-COMMITTEE-SEDE_vd The ever repeated Europe has the largest number of fighter programs of any continent was repeated to sho budgets are used to streamline production.
2/... The ever present
argument that EU has the largest number of fighter programs of any
continent was repeated enabling Breton to state Europe uses it
budgets to streamline production, making defence cheaper. Which
fighters are counted in EU & US. .../3
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2019/01/fighter-programs-in-europe.html
3/... Breton on the
#EDF project. It was € 7 billion, "We are now at € 9
billion. We need continue struggling to get more."
- Copernicus and
Galileo have military aspects, it is dual-use he answered. .../4
4. Defence budgets grow
for six years @ClareDalyMEP stated to show Brton was wrong with
speaking about declining budgets. (In fact it is almost back at the
highest point ever. See for graph: p. 3
https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/brochures/eda-defence-data-2017-2018)
***
Partners in Crime : How the Italian Banking and Weapons Industry Work Together to Perpetuate the Yemeni Conflict https://www.adhrb.org/2020/06/yemeni-conflict/l
Partners in Crime : How the Italian Banking and Weapons Industry Work Together to Perpetuate the Yemeni Conflict https://www.adhrb.org/2020/06/yemeni-conflict/l
***
Stealth F-35s and the projection of imperial power by Israel. https://towardfreedom.org/story/stealth-f-35s-and-the-projection-of-imperial-power-in-israel/
Stealth F-35s and the projection of imperial power by Israel. https://towardfreedom.org/story/stealth-f-35s-and-the-projection-of-imperial-power-in-israel/
***
The demand to divert funds from often obscenely militarized police forces to public services is irresistible. But also consider a corresponding measure to change the relationship between law enforcement and those being policed: taking away their guns. https://www.thenation.com/article/society/disarm-police-nypd-slavery/
The demand to divert funds from often obscenely militarized police forces to public services is irresistible. But also consider a corresponding measure to change the relationship between law enforcement and those being policed: taking away their guns. https://www.thenation.com/article/society/disarm-police-nypd-slavery/
***
Why the UK should take responsibility for it's role in the crisis in Yemen. https://impactnottingham.com/2020/06/why-britain-should-take-responsibility-for-its-role-in-the-crisis-in-yemen/
Why the UK should take responsibility for it's role in the crisis in Yemen. https://impactnottingham.com/2020/06/why-britain-should-take-responsibility-for-its-role-in-the-crisis-in-yemen/
***
Despite decades of NATO support Turkey’s ‘chronic tank and aircraft engine problem’ still exists, state officials. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2020/06/26/turkeys-chronic-engine-problem-is-harming-defense-projects-warn-officials/
Despite decades of NATO support Turkey’s ‘chronic tank and aircraft engine problem’ still exists, state officials. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2020/06/26/turkeys-chronic-engine-problem-is-harming-defense-projects-warn-officials/
See also my view of
February 2020.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/02/turkish-defence-industry-not-miracle.html
***
In 2018-19 Spanish arms sales are on the rise and found that the Sanchez government granted more than 20 licenses to export arms to Saudi Arabia in 2019 and that the Spanish prime minister might be “complicit in committing crimes under international law”. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/06/26/spanish-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-increased-under-sanchez/
In 2018-19 Spanish arms sales are on the rise and found that the Sanchez government granted more than 20 licenses to export arms to Saudi Arabia in 2019 and that the Spanish prime minister might be “complicit in committing crimes under international law”. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/06/26/spanish-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-increased-under-sanchez/
June
26
***
The SA National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) approved 137 export permits valued at over R500 million in the first quarter of 2020 and approved the supply of weapons to neighbouring Mozambique. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-authorised-r500-million-in-arms-exports-for-first-quarter-of-2020/
The SA National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) approved 137 export permits valued at over R500 million in the first quarter of 2020 and approved the supply of weapons to neighbouring Mozambique. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-authorised-r500-million-in-arms-exports-for-first-quarter-of-2020/
***
Tsjonge wat een heldere bijdrage. Vredespolitiek in de Tweede Kamer. Kijk. Mij bleef het tot het einde boeien. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=729151017896813&external_log_id=e9beb32b00296faac483efc92651b33c&q=sadet%20karabulut
Tsjonge wat een heldere bijdrage. Vredespolitiek in de Tweede Kamer. Kijk. Mij bleef het tot het einde boeien. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=729151017896813&external_log_id=e9beb32b00296faac483efc92651b33c&q=sadet%20karabulut
***
German Party Calls For Complete Ban on Arms Exports to Turkey
German Party Calls For Complete Ban on Arms Exports to Turkey
“it appears that
whoever wages wars receives the most weapons from the federal
government”...
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=2153706751511699&story_fbid=2653305311551838
June
25
***
Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said the V4 (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) should prepare a shared approach to the debates about the distribution of money from the European Defence Fund.
Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said the V4 (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) should prepare a shared approach to the debates about the distribution of money from the European Defence Fund.
***
The F-35 Lightning II can’t fly in lightning once again. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/06/24/the-f-35-lightning-ii-cant-fly-in-lightning-once-again/ But I am sure JSF buying MoD's will again downplay the structural problems with the most expensive toy for the boys ever made. It is not their but tax payers money they play with.
The F-35 Lightning II can’t fly in lightning once again. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/06/24/the-f-35-lightning-ii-cant-fly-in-lightning-once-again/ But I am sure JSF buying MoD's will again downplay the structural problems with the most expensive toy for the boys ever made. It is not their but tax payers money they play with.
***
In the midst of the development of an enormous economic crisis the Dutch shipbuilding lobby continues its support for domestic wharf Damen (submarines and frigates) and the capital intensive work it may offer.
In the midst of the development of an enormous economic crisis the Dutch shipbuilding lobby continues its support for domestic wharf Damen (submarines and frigates) and the capital intensive work it may offer.
Submarines:
https://maritimetechnology.nl/nmt-vraagt-om-snelle-besluitvorming-bij-vervanging-walrus-klasse-onderzeeboten/
Addition: On same frigates. NIDV blij met nieuwe stap in vervanging M-fregatten https://www.nidv.eu/nidv-blij-met-nieuwe-stap-in-vervanging-m-fregatten/
Addition: On same frigates. NIDV blij met nieuwe stap in vervanging M-fregatten https://www.nidv.eu/nidv-blij-met-nieuwe-stap-in-vervanging-m-fregatten/
***
India's former of foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal states "any concern that the current India-China clash in Ladakh and its potential for escalation may affect Russian arms supplies to India is misplaced."
India's former of foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal states "any concern that the current India-China clash in Ladakh and its potential for escalation may affect Russian arms supplies to India is misplaced."
***
President of the European Comission Von der Leyen exposed in devastating report about 'complete spending failure' when Minister of Defence in Germany. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1300395/ursula-von-der-leyen-EU-news-ministry-of-defence-contracts
June
24
***
Dutch arms export/transit denials 2004-2018. 2018: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Myanmar, Kuwait, Egypt, Guyana, UAE and China https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2019/03/04/historisch-overzicht-afgewezen-aanvragen-voor-militaire-goederen
Dutch arms export/transit denials 2004-2018. 2018: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Myanmar, Kuwait, Egypt, Guyana, UAE and China https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2019/03/04/historisch-overzicht-afgewezen-aanvragen-voor-militaire-goederen
***
German shipyards are only allowed to build; The order for 4 naval vessels will benefit local companies. Nevertheless, there is reason for concern. "Already in the run-up it caused a lot of trouble among the applicants from Germany and the Netherlands." https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article210081437/Niederlaender-bauen-die-neuen-Kriegschiffe-der-Bundeswehr.html
***
Province Zeeland lobbies Parliament to favour Damen/Saab to get Dutch submarine order over German TKMS (construction in navy port of Den Helder) and French Naval Group/Koninklijke IHC. https://www.pzc.nl/zeeuws-nieuws/zeeland-aan-tweede-kamer-gun-damen-nu-onderzeebootorder-om-crisis-na-corona-te-overleven~aa087de6/
Province Zeeland lobbies Parliament to favour Damen/Saab to get Dutch submarine order over German TKMS (construction in navy port of Den Helder) and French Naval Group/Koninklijke IHC. https://www.pzc.nl/zeeuws-nieuws/zeeland-aan-tweede-kamer-gun-damen-nu-onderzeebootorder-om-crisis-na-corona-te-overleven~aa087de6/
***
Legal experts weigh in on start dates, international witnesses, and new Thales bid.
Legal experts weigh in on start dates, international witnesses, and new Thales bid.
Found only South
African News24, The Star, The Mercury, Daily News, Defence Web
reports on the trial while French based Thales also stood trial e.g.
for racketeering.
https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/zuma-trial-legal-experts-weigh-in-on-start-dates-international-witnesses-and-new-thales-bid-20200624
additional:
Yesterday AFP reported on the trial. Zuma Returns To Court For
Pre-trial Hearing In Corruption Case.
https://www.barrons.com/news/zuma-returns-to-court-for-pre-trial-hearing-in-corruption-case-01592911505
***
The Azerbaijani government announced on Monday that it would purchase uBayraktar TB2 armed drones from Turkey after receiving approval from its parliament. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/azerbaijan-to-purchase-turkish-manufactured-combat-drones
June 23
***
Dutch Zimbabwean businessman, involved in illegal arms trade John Bredenkamp passed away. De Nederland-(Zimbabwaanse zakenman John Bredenkamp is op 79-jarige leeftijd overleden.) https://www.quotenet.nl/nieuws/a32928802/omstreden-quote-500-lid-john-bredenkamp-overleden/
Dutch Zimbabwean businessman, involved in illegal arms trade John Bredenkamp passed away. De Nederland-(Zimbabwaanse zakenman John Bredenkamp is op 79-jarige leeftijd overleden.) https://www.quotenet.nl/nieuws/a32928802/omstreden-quote-500-lid-john-bredenkamp-overleden/
Addition: He was yesterday in the South African press, in connection to the corruption trial. He was employed to secure BAE/Saab fighter aircraft contracts. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/letters/2020-06-22-letter-zumas-trial-is-chance-for-him-mbeki-manuel-and-erwin-to-come-clean-on-arms-deal/
***
High costs of US missile defence technology reason for Japan it withdraw its Aegis ashore plans? https://www.tokyoreview.net/2020/06/does-japans-suspended-missile-system-signal-a-retreating-defense-sector/
High costs of US missile defence technology reason for Japan it withdraw its Aegis ashore plans? https://www.tokyoreview.net/2020/06/does-japans-suspended-missile-system-signal-a-retreating-defense-sector/
***
The watchdog that scrutinises the UK's arms exports has not been operating for six months, it has emerged – amid concerns that sales approved by the government are fuelling conflict and repression abroad. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-governmenr-arms-export-watchdog-shut-caec-a9579641.html
The watchdog that scrutinises the UK's arms exports has not been operating for six months, it has emerged – amid concerns that sales approved by the government are fuelling conflict and repression abroad. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-governmenr-arms-export-watchdog-shut-caec-a9579641.html
***
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn sent a solidarity message to “all those campaigning for justice and democracy in Turkey.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn sent a solidarity message to “all those campaigning for justice and democracy in Turkey.”
And Campaign Against
Arms Trade spokesman Andrew Smith called for an end to arms sales to
regimes such as Turkey.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/mps-unionists-and-campaigners-call-international-solidarity-turkey-continues-attacks
***
Israel reports drop in arms sales, but exports of spy tech nearly double
Israel reports drop in arms sales, but exports of spy tech nearly double
Israel's controversial
surveillance technology accounted for around 14 percent of 2019 total
arms sales, almost double the figure from 2018
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-arms-sales-fall-exports-spy-tech-nearly-double
Addition: Israel’s
defense export deals from 2019 totaled $7.2 billion and involved 120
different defense companies, according to the head of the Defense
Ministry’s International Defense Cooperation Directorate.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/22/israels-defense-export-contracts-were-worth-72-billion-in-2019/
***
A look on what military industrial future #EDA wants: New European Defence Agency boss warns against ‘rash’ budget cuts by EU members https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/22/new-european-defence-agency-boss-warns-against-rash-budget-cuts-by-eu-members/
A look on what military industrial future #EDA wants: New European Defence Agency boss warns against ‘rash’ budget cuts by EU members https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/22/new-european-defence-agency-boss-warns-against-rash-budget-cuts-by-eu-members/
***
As Covid-19 is still its toll in the US (https://covid19.who.int/region/amro/country/us) the arms producers have largely reopened for business, the Pentagon’s top acquisition official said Monday.
As Covid-19 is still its toll in the US (https://covid19.who.int/region/amro/country/us) the arms producers have largely reopened for business, the Pentagon’s top acquisition official said Monday.
Security doesn't seem
to be to important for the military industrial complex.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/06/22/nearly-all-defense-companies-have-reopened-from-covid-19/
***
The Libyan quagmire. 2011. Turkish intervention, Egyptian threats (https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-independent-1029/20200623/281986084815936) and European arms to all parties involved. See for Libya: http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/licence.en.html?destination=Libya
The Libyan quagmire. 2011. Turkish intervention, Egyptian threats (https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-independent-1029/20200623/281986084815936) and European arms to all parties involved. See for Libya: http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/licence.en.html?destination=Libya
Security policy at its
worst.
***
Opposition criticizes: More than a third of German war weapons exports to Turkey https://www.tellerreport.com/news/2020-06-23-opposition-criticizes--more-than-a-third-of-war-weapons-exports-to-turkey.H1WZRXg1RI.html
Opposition criticizes: More than a third of German war weapons exports to Turkey https://www.tellerreport.com/news/2020-06-23-opposition-criticizes--more-than-a-third-of-war-weapons-exports-to-turkey.H1WZRXg1RI.html
German: Mehr als ein
Drittel der Kriegswaffenexporte an die Türkei
https://www.zeit.de/news/2020-06/23/mehr-als-ein-drittel-der-kriegswaffenexporte-an-die-tuerkei
***
1st things 1st: human security before military security.
1st things 1st: human security before military security.
COVID-19 casts
uncertainty over Central and Eastern European armoured vehicle
procurement.
***
Former President #Zuma & co-accused French government-controlled Thales arms company are expected to appear in Pietermaritzburg High Court on today in connection with the multi-billion-rand arms deal. Shamelessly #Thales today begs for #UK MoD orders. (see under June 21) https://702.co.za/articles/387557/jacob-zuma-to-appear-in-court-today-over-arms-deal-case
June
22
***
Retweet: UK supplies world's human rights abusers with tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-protests-saudi-arabia-uae-a9574091.html
Retweet: UK supplies world's human rights abusers with tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-protests-saudi-arabia-uae-a9574091.html
June 22
***
Retweet: UK supplies world's human rights abusers with tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-protests-saudi-arabia-uae-a9574091.html
Retweet: UK supplies world's human rights abusers with tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-rubber-bullets-tear-gas-protests-saudi-arabia-uae-a9574091.html
June
21
***
1/... Spanish #Indra is a key player for next phase of the #EDF, which is expected to surpass 5x the investment of the EC in defence programs, reaching €1,250m yearly during 2021-27 & complemented by an equal investment by the EU members. .../2 https://www.indracompany.com/en/noticia/indra-company-will-lead-projects-construction-european-defence
1/... Spanish #Indra is a key player for next phase of the #EDF, which is expected to surpass 5x the investment of the EC in defence programs, reaching €1,250m yearly during 2021-27 & complemented by an equal investment by the EU members. .../2 https://www.indracompany.com/en/noticia/indra-company-will-lead-projects-construction-european-defence
2/...
Indra is leader of 3 projects of 16 selected during the 1st call for
the European Defence Industrial Development Programme #EDIDP.
Participation in 2 other projects raises the total projects
undertaken to 5, generating € 175m+ funded with €107m by the
European taxpayer.
***"
It is nice to see, that the #EDF is efficiently consolidating the requirements of EU member states and the European industry's capabilities to increase defence capabilities and strategic autonomy," Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics said. https://www.aetoswire.com/news/milrem-robotics-led-consortium-awarded-306-meur-by-the-european-commission-to-develop-a-european-standardized-unmanned-ground-system/en
It is nice to see, that the #EDF is efficiently consolidating the requirements of EU member states and the European industry's capabilities to increase defence capabilities and strategic autonomy," Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics said. https://www.aetoswire.com/news/milrem-robotics-led-consortium-awarded-306-meur-by-the-european-commission-to-develop-a-european-standardized-unmanned-ground-system/en
***
Procurement plans by the #Nigerian Navy:
Procurement plans by the #Nigerian Navy:
100m Landing Ship Tank,
#DAMEN Shipyard #Netherlands,
60m Hydrographic Survey
Vessel, #OCEA shipyards, #France,
2x40m fast patrol
boats, DAMEN Shipyard, #Vietnam,
4 x 17m fast attack
craft, #ARESA Shipyard, #Spain.
***
UK
Defence industry (lobby) to get the most from Covid; The Defence
Committee’s inquiry is examining the defence industrial policy of
MoD, exploring procurement policy in relation to UK prosperity and
the MoD’s impact on the defence supply chain.
https://parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/defence-committee/news-parliament-2017/defence-procurement-prosperity-evidence-19-21/
***
CORRUPTION TRIAL - Don't forget the other party on trial is defence giant Thales, based in many European countries. The next step to delay the process is already planned. Doing justice to those with money and power seems difficult. https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/business-day/20200619/281629602522504Addition: Remarkable coincidence when Thales is in South African court for corruption (https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/business-day/20200619/281629602522504) it will defend its UK military business.
CORRUPTION TRIAL - Don't forget the other party on trial is defence giant Thales, based in many European countries. The next step to delay the process is already planned. Doing justice to those with money and power seems difficult. https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/business-day/20200619/281629602522504Addition: Remarkable coincidence when Thales is in South African court for corruption (https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/business-day/20200619/281629602522504) it will defend its UK military business.
***
Airbus Defence and Space wants to lay off part of its workforce and uses Covid-19 as an argument to defend its policy. Trade Unions are of the opinion it is part of a company restructuring and profit maximisation and other means are available. https://sfrpresse.sfr.fr/article/ee85ee28-c08e-4ed8-83e8-13176e782af2
Airbus Defence and Space wants to lay off part of its workforce and uses Covid-19 as an argument to defend its policy. Trade Unions are of the opinion it is part of a company restructuring and profit maximisation and other means are available. https://sfrpresse.sfr.fr/article/ee85ee28-c08e-4ed8-83e8-13176e782af2
***
A UN Human Rights Council #UNHRC resolution that sought to exact penalties against #Israel for its settlement activity and alleged human rights violations, including a call for an arms #embargo, was approved with a 22-8 vote, with 17 abstentions. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/unhrc-set-to-condemn-israeli-annexation-call-for-arms-embargo-632086Addition: At the same day: Europe wants to extend Iran arms embargo, because of nuclear program, ballistic missile tests and “destabilizing regional activities”. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/europe-wants-to-extend-iran-arms-embargo/1883535
A UN Human Rights Council #UNHRC resolution that sought to exact penalties against #Israel for its settlement activity and alleged human rights violations, including a call for an arms #embargo, was approved with a 22-8 vote, with 17 abstentions. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/unhrc-set-to-condemn-israeli-annexation-call-for-arms-embargo-632086Addition: At the same day: Europe wants to extend Iran arms embargo, because of nuclear program, ballistic missile tests and “destabilizing regional activities”. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/europe-wants-to-extend-iran-arms-embargo/1883535
***
A few countries think they are Exceptional (incl. a special global role). The US position is partly based on it donations to the rest of the world. But 40% of its aid are weapons. Singapore Star dismantles the corner stones of the US Except. position 1by1.https://www.singaporestar.com/news/265516246/us-trails-world-in-coronavirus-response-and-almost-everything-else
A few countries think they are Exceptional (incl. a special global role). The US position is partly based on it donations to the rest of the world. But 40% of its aid are weapons. Singapore Star dismantles the corner stones of the US Except. position 1by1.https://www.singaporestar.com/news/265516246/us-trails-world-in-coronavirus-response-and-almost-everything-else
***China
still can sell most types of arms to most destinations while a
ATT-signator. Watching the de facto exports is still what is asked.
But the US has thrown the ATT in the bin & sells to even the most
horrendous regimes, part of “America First” policies.
https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/china-votes-to-join-global-arms-sales-treaty-scorned-by-trump
***
UK accused of selling arms to Saudi Arabia a year after court ban
UK accused of selling arms to Saudi Arabia a year after court ban
British firms
fulfilling fighter jet contracts which enable kingdom to wage war in
Yemen, despite the trade being ruled unlawful
Addition: #CAAT blog on
arms exports to Saudi Arabia, a year after Court of Appeal verdict.
https://blog.caat.org.uk/2020/06/21/stop-arming-saudi-arabia-to-the-supreme-court/
June 20
***
Denel outlines its main South African projects and programmes. Denel Land Systems is also supplying three GI2 cannons for Project Biro, to be fitted on the three inshore patrol vessels #Damen Shipyards Cape Town is building for the South African Navy. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/denel-outlines-its-main-south-african-projects-and-programmes/
Denel outlines its main South African projects and programmes. Denel Land Systems is also supplying three GI2 cannons for Project Biro, to be fitted on the three inshore patrol vessels #Damen Shipyards Cape Town is building for the South African Navy. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/denel-outlines-its-main-south-african-projects-and-programmes/
***
The EC announced last week 16 pan-European defence industrial projects and 3 disruptive tech projects that will benefit from €205m financing through the 2 precursor programmes of the #EDF: the Preparatory Action on Defence Research #PADR) and #EDIDP. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1053
The EC announced last week 16 pan-European defence industrial projects and 3 disruptive tech projects that will benefit from €205m financing through the 2 precursor programmes of the #EDF: the Preparatory Action on Defence Research #PADR) and #EDIDP. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1053
***
The more Western countries sell arms & interfere in affairs of African countries, the more people are going to be displaced and flee. This doesn’t make them ‘irregular’, or ‘illegal’. They arn't ‘criminals’. They're doing exactly what we ourselves would. https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/interview/102959/malta_should_be_first_and_foremost_in_justice_and_equality__yana_mintoff_bland
The more Western countries sell arms & interfere in affairs of African countries, the more people are going to be displaced and flee. This doesn’t make them ‘irregular’, or ‘illegal’. They arn't ‘criminals’. They're doing exactly what we ourselves would. https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/interview/102959/malta_should_be_first_and_foremost_in_justice_and_equality__yana_mintoff_bland
***
French court orders jail terms for six in ‘Karachigate’ arms deal kickbacks case. A murky arms corruption case, “Karachigate” dates again to negotiations between Pakistan and France for the sale of French Agosta 90B-class submarines. https://worldbestnews.info/french-court-orders-jail-terms-for-six-in-karachigate-arms-deal-kickbacks-case/
French court orders jail terms for six in ‘Karachigate’ arms deal kickbacks case. A murky arms corruption case, “Karachigate” dates again to negotiations between Pakistan and France for the sale of French Agosta 90B-class submarines. https://worldbestnews.info/french-court-orders-jail-terms-for-six-in-karachigate-arms-deal-kickbacks-case/
***
Pentagon’s budget will fall in the future as Congress sees how little the DoD’s spending was able to protect against the global COVID-19 pandemic. “People are less convinced that three-quarters of a trillion dollars gets them much security.” https://news.usni.org/2020/06/15/panel-covid-19-pandemic-could-prompt-changes-to-national-security-spending
Pentagon’s budget will fall in the future as Congress sees how little the DoD’s spending was able to protect against the global COVID-19 pandemic. “People are less convinced that three-quarters of a trillion dollars gets them much security.” https://news.usni.org/2020/06/15/panel-covid-19-pandemic-could-prompt-changes-to-national-security-spending
***
A
commission of the Norwegian Wealth Fund recommends a new criteria for
excluding a company: if it sold weapons to a state involved in an
armed conflict where there is an “unacceptable” risk the
weapons are used in military operations violating international
humanitarian law. The breach must be “serious and systematic”.
“Yemen is a conflict for which this could be on the agenda.”
Criteria seems to be full of possibilities for interpretations.
https://reuters.com/article/us-norway-swf/norway-wealth-fund-must-have-wider-human-rights-view-when-blacklisting-firms-commission-idUSKBN23M1SN
***
1st things 1st. Though the US made $55 bn in foreign military sales in 2019, observers see headwinds in declining oil prices and the potential for allies to prioritise the domestic demands on health, (social) security, economy and government policy. #Covid https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/06/15/will-us-foreign-military-sales-catch-the-coronavirus/
1st things 1st. Though the US made $55 bn in foreign military sales in 2019, observers see headwinds in declining oil prices and the potential for allies to prioritise the domestic demands on health, (social) security, economy and government policy. #Covid https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/06/15/will-us-foreign-military-sales-catch-the-coronavirus/
***
To be on one's own cost billions. British MoD shortlists four vendor teams (Airbus Defence & Space, Babcock Integrated Technology, BT & Serco) for its Skynet satellite program. And the result a product neighbours also construct. Nice for the arms industry. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/16/british-mod-shortlists-four-vendor-teams-for-its-multibillion-dollar-skynet-satellite-program/
To be on one's own cost billions. British MoD shortlists four vendor teams (Airbus Defence & Space, Babcock Integrated Technology, BT & Serco) for its Skynet satellite program. And the result a product neighbours also construct. Nice for the arms industry. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/16/british-mod-shortlists-four-vendor-teams-for-its-multibillion-dollar-skynet-satellite-program/
***
International Hypersonic Strike Weapons Projects Accelerate. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/international-hypersonic-strike-weapons-projects-accelerate But arms control on these weapons is far away. See also: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/05/hypersonic-weapons-fast-and-dangerous.html
International Hypersonic Strike Weapons Projects Accelerate. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/international-hypersonic-strike-weapons-projects-accelerate But arms control on these weapons is far away. See also: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/05/hypersonic-weapons-fast-and-dangerous.html
***
The by far largest arms global exporter, the US, on the growing role of China as exporter of major arms. (Annual report to Congress: Military and Security Developments
The by far largest arms global exporter, the US, on the growing role of China as exporter of major arms. (Annual report to Congress: Military and Security Developments
Involving the People’s
Republic of China 2019).
https://media.defense.gov/2019/May/02/2002127082/-1/-1/1/2019_CHINA_MILITARY_POWER_REPORT.pdf
***
Moroccan view: While Rabat’s mediation role in Libya is in line with the UN position and Rabat actively discourages arms exports to Libya, Algeria’s position is more ambiguous. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/06/306105/algerian-diplomacy-enters-tug-of-war-politics-in-libya/
Moroccan view: While Rabat’s mediation role in Libya is in line with the UN position and Rabat actively discourages arms exports to Libya, Algeria’s position is more ambiguous. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/06/306105/algerian-diplomacy-enters-tug-of-war-politics-in-libya/
***
If the US breaches its MTCR commitments, it’s likely then that China & Israel would quickly follow suit by building and exporting #drones with a larger weapons payload. This will have a negative impact on global security,” said Chris Cole @Drone_Wars_UK . https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2020/06/16/us-to-reinterpret-arms-control-agreement-to-sell-more-drones/#761cc60d60cd
If the US breaches its MTCR commitments, it’s likely then that China & Israel would quickly follow suit by building and exporting #drones with a larger weapons payload. This will have a negative impact on global security,” said Chris Cole @Drone_Wars_UK . https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2020/06/16/us-to-reinterpret-arms-control-agreement-to-sell-more-drones/#761cc60d60cd
***
Turkey is hindering European Union attempts to secure NATO’s help with a maritime arms embargo on conflict-torn Libya, according to diplomats and officials in Brussels. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/06/17/why-is-turkey-the-key-to-unlocking-a-nato-eu-naval-operation/
Turkey is hindering European Union attempts to secure NATO’s help with a maritime arms embargo on conflict-torn Libya, according to diplomats and officials in Brussels. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/06/17/why-is-turkey-the-key-to-unlocking-a-nato-eu-naval-operation/
***
Within some weeks, the German parliament will be voting on whether to arm Heron TP unmanned aerial vehicles made in Israel, which the German military uses in Afghanistan and Mali. [pay wall] https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-will-germany-be-bombing-afghanistan-with-israeli-drones-1.8929093
Within some weeks, the German parliament will be voting on whether to arm Heron TP unmanned aerial vehicles made in Israel, which the German military uses in Afghanistan and Mali. [pay wall] https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-will-germany-be-bombing-afghanistan-with-israeli-drones-1.8929093
***
Marvelous. The Italian government is facing increasing calls to scrap a major arms deal with Egypt after reports emerged it had agreed to sell two naval frigates to the North African country. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/pressure-italy-scrap-planned-arms-deal-egypt-200616195500154.html
Marvelous. The Italian government is facing increasing calls to scrap a major arms deal with Egypt after reports emerged it had agreed to sell two naval frigates to the North African country. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/pressure-italy-scrap-planned-arms-deal-egypt-200616195500154.html
***
Over graantjes meepikken gesproken. 't Schiedamse Huisman heeft de Submarine Handling Kraan, bruikbaar voor de toekomstige onderzeeboot. Inzet ervan vergroot het NL-deel in de bouw door 1 v/d 3 betrokken niet-Nederlandse Original Equipment Manufacturers. https://maritimetechnology.nl/faciliteit-huisman-met-submarine-handling-kraan-klaar-voor-vervanging-walrus-klasse-onderzeeboten/
Over graantjes meepikken gesproken. 't Schiedamse Huisman heeft de Submarine Handling Kraan, bruikbaar voor de toekomstige onderzeeboot. Inzet ervan vergroot het NL-deel in de bouw door 1 v/d 3 betrokken niet-Nederlandse Original Equipment Manufacturers. https://maritimetechnology.nl/faciliteit-huisman-met-submarine-handling-kraan-klaar-voor-vervanging-walrus-klasse-onderzeeboten/
***
New face of war: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency #DARPA is developing a marketplace-like exchange that would offer soldiers or sailors in a battle a list of support options they could choose from. SOF said it will suite them. https://www.c4isrnet.com/c2-comms/2020/06/16/a-weapon-system-raises-its-hand-if-available-under-darpa-program/
New face of war: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency #DARPA is developing a marketplace-like exchange that would offer soldiers or sailors in a battle a list of support options they could choose from. SOF said it will suite them. https://www.c4isrnet.com/c2-comms/2020/06/16/a-weapon-system-raises-its-hand-if-available-under-darpa-program/
***
Turkish Dailty Sabah list examples of how the UAE sabotages peace & stability in the Middle East, in violation of international law and interstate relations. The UAE today emerges as the biggest obstacle to democracy, human rights in Middle East & Africa. https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/news-analysis/as-a-dark-force-in-the-middle-east-the-uae-hinders-regional-peace-democracy-freedom
Turkish Dailty Sabah list examples of how the UAE sabotages peace & stability in the Middle East, in violation of international law and interstate relations. The UAE today emerges as the biggest obstacle to democracy, human rights in Middle East & Africa. https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/news-analysis/as-a-dark-force-in-the-middle-east-the-uae-hinders-regional-peace-democracy-freedom
***
Exports of arms from the Balkans are out of control, according to a video released on Monday by the London-based Tactics Institute for Security and Counter Terrorism. https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/06/18/export-of-arms-from-balkans-out-of-control/
Exports of arms from the Balkans are out of control, according to a video released on Monday by the London-based Tactics Institute for Security and Counter Terrorism. https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/06/18/export-of-arms-from-balkans-out-of-control/
***
KAI is stepping up efforts to sell KUH-1 helicopters to Indonesia. Jakarta will evaluate the proposal. Bangladeshi ambassador to Korea says Dhaka is considering to buy the KT-1. KAI also tries to win additional aircraft deals in Malaysia, Columbia & Peru. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200617006351320
KAI is stepping up efforts to sell KUH-1 helicopters to Indonesia. Jakarta will evaluate the proposal. Bangladeshi ambassador to Korea says Dhaka is considering to buy the KT-1. KAI also tries to win additional aircraft deals in Malaysia, Columbia & Peru. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200617006351320
***
Arming the Ukraine with 16 Mark VI Patrol Boats and related equipment (like 32 MSI Seahawk A2 gun systems; 40 MK44 cannons (32 installed and 8 spares)) for an estimated cost of $600 million.https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/ukraine-mark-vi-patrol-boats
Arming the Ukraine with 16 Mark VI Patrol Boats and related equipment (like 32 MSI Seahawk A2 gun systems; 40 MK44 cannons (32 installed and 8 spares)) for an estimated cost of $600 million.https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/ukraine-mark-vi-patrol-boats
***
Airbus Defense and Space CEO Dirk Hoke has called on Britain to look for closer defense cooperation with Europe after Brexit. He also the EuroMALE remote piloted air system, FCAS, Tempest and A400M should benefit from investment from European governments. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/uk-should-seek-closer-defense-ties-europe-airbus-official
Airbus Defense and Space CEO Dirk Hoke has called on Britain to look for closer defense cooperation with Europe after Brexit. He also the EuroMALE remote piloted air system, FCAS, Tempest and A400M should benefit from investment from European governments. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/uk-should-seek-closer-defense-ties-europe-airbus-official
***
The between the lines hurdles in COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE. It points to the current road map on defence industrial cooperation between the member states and the role of the EU-programs. Where will the billions go? https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/44521/st08910-en20.pdf
The between the lines hurdles in COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE. It points to the current road map on defence industrial cooperation between the member states and the role of the EU-programs. Where will the billions go? https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/44521/st08910-en20.pdf
***
#Colombia’s security forces suspected of arms trafficking for organized crime. A network within 4th Brigade in Medellin, Arms Trade Control Dep. #DCCA & apparently Military Industry #Indumil allegedly trafficked arms and illegally granted firearm licenses. https://colombiareports.com/colombias-military-investigated-over-arms-trafficking-for-illegal-armed-groups/
#Colombia’s security forces suspected of arms trafficking for organized crime. A network within 4th Brigade in Medellin, Arms Trade Control Dep. #DCCA & apparently Military Industry #Indumil allegedly trafficked arms and illegally granted firearm licenses. https://colombiareports.com/colombias-military-investigated-over-arms-trafficking-for-illegal-armed-groups/
***
An exclusive report by Declassified UK, an investigative news site, reported on Thursday that the British government broke its own inspection rules at a Scottish missile factory which supplies the Saudi Arabian Air Force in its war in Yemen. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-fails-to-inspect-factory-supplying-saudis-yemen-war/1883028
An exclusive report by Declassified UK, an investigative news site, reported on Thursday that the British government broke its own inspection rules at a Scottish missile factory which supplies the Saudi Arabian Air Force in its war in Yemen. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-fails-to-inspect-factory-supplying-saudis-yemen-war/1883028
***
German MKS-180 project. Approximately 80% of the project investment remains in Germany as added value. Approximately 70% of the mission systems are supplied by Thales's branches in Kiel and Wilhelmshaven, in close cooperation with numerous subcontractors. https://www.damen.com/en/news/2020/06/dutch_leading_role_for_german_frigate_project_mks_180
German MKS-180 project. Approximately 80% of the project investment remains in Germany as added value. Approximately 70% of the mission systems are supplied by Thales's branches in Kiel and Wilhelmshaven, in close cooperation with numerous subcontractors. https://www.damen.com/en/news/2020/06/dutch_leading_role_for_german_frigate_project_mks_180
***
The elastic morals of the Canadian government. It has approved the sale of sophisticated military drone optics to Turkey despite an ongoing arms embargo against Ankara arising from its military incursions into northern Syria last October. https://armenia.in-the.news/politics/canada-agrees-to-sell-military-drone-equipment-to-turkey-despite-arms-embargo-22026-19-06-2020/
The elastic morals of the Canadian government. It has approved the sale of sophisticated military drone optics to Turkey despite an ongoing arms embargo against Ankara arising from its military incursions into northern Syria last October. https://armenia.in-the.news/politics/canada-agrees-to-sell-military-drone-equipment-to-turkey-despite-arms-embargo-22026-19-06-2020/
***
In this guest post, David Bloomfield and Claire Dobson from the Glasgow University Arms Divestment Coalition (GUADC) examine the links between Glasgow University and the arms trade. Unfortunately this is happening in universities across the UK. https://blog.caat.org.uk/2020/06/19/how-glasgow-university-is-working-with-the-arms-industry/
In this guest post, David Bloomfield and Claire Dobson from the Glasgow University Arms Divestment Coalition (GUADC) examine the links between Glasgow University and the arms trade. Unfortunately this is happening in universities across the UK. https://blog.caat.org.uk/2020/06/19/how-glasgow-university-is-working-with-the-arms-industry/
***
Radio interview: Jeff Abramson on how arms companies & various branches of government push both their own selfish interests & what they believe to be in the country’s interest, to create a self-perpetuating system that no one can quite take the blame for. https://libertarianinstitute.org/scotthortonshow/6-19-20-jeff-abramson-on-americas-bloody-arms-industry/
Radio interview: Jeff Abramson on how arms companies & various branches of government push both their own selfish interests & what they believe to be in the country’s interest, to create a self-perpetuating system that no one can quite take the blame for. https://libertarianinstitute.org/scotthortonshow/6-19-20-jeff-abramson-on-americas-bloody-arms-industry/
June 14
***
Reactie:
Niet alleen de crisis wordt
gemilitariseerd, maar ze is veroorzaakt door een politiek-economisch
systeem waarvan de militairen de bewakers zijn: het verdedigen van
aavoerroutes; toegang tot grondstoffen; bestrijden (gewapende)
tegenstand. 't Probleem begint al een stap eerder.
Voor Nu Het Nog Kan schreef voormalig generaal Tom Middendorp een hoofdstuk. Maar is de krijgsmacht eigenlijk wel een bondgenoot in de klimaat- en ecologische crisis, of staat militarisering van de crisis een rechtvaardige transitie in de weg? Meeluisteren: https://extinctionrebellion.nl/rebel-radio/?fbclid=IwAR2i0JD6y3LCo8YsClaugmjZGNGkHf5ZogCh4D8siqOXsBLjSSQn7q-14Wc
Voor Nu Het Nog Kan schreef voormalig generaal Tom Middendorp een hoofdstuk. Maar is de krijgsmacht eigenlijk wel een bondgenoot in de klimaat- en ecologische crisis, of staat militarisering van de crisis een rechtvaardige transitie in de weg? Meeluisteren: https://extinctionrebellion.nl/rebel-radio/?fbclid=IwAR2i0JD6y3LCo8YsClaugmjZGNGkHf5ZogCh4D8siqOXsBLjSSQn7q-14Wc
***
#Bagira Systems and Van #Halteren Defence have jointly been awarded a contract by the Dutch MoD for the simulator for its national chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear #CBRN training centre in Vught. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/bagira-wins-netherlands-cbrn-contract
#Bagira Systems and Van #Halteren Defence have jointly been awarded a contract by the Dutch MoD for the simulator for its national chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear #CBRN training centre in Vught. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/bagira-wins-netherlands-cbrn-contract
***
Dutch Army #RNLA is to replace its radars with nine new #Thales Nederland Multi Mission Radars (MMRs) from mid-2021. The contract value is undisclosed, but the Dutch government’s Defense Industry Strategy put the price between EUR100–250 million. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/royal-netherlands-army-orders-thales-multi-mission-radars
Dutch Army #RNLA is to replace its radars with nine new #Thales Nederland Multi Mission Radars (MMRs) from mid-2021. The contract value is undisclosed, but the Dutch government’s Defense Industry Strategy put the price between EUR100–250 million. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/royal-netherlands-army-orders-thales-multi-mission-radars
***
French and German support (including military segments and MoD acquisitions) for Airbus used to pressure the UK to do the same. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-daily-press-saturday/20200613/281582357870997
French and German support (including military segments and MoD acquisitions) for Airbus used to pressure the UK to do the same. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-daily-press-saturday/20200613/281582357870997
***
The European Defence Agency #EDA has selected a 9-member consortium to build an "innovative electromagnetic #railgun," as part of the EDA's plan to lessen depency upon the US for cutting-edge defense tech. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27201
The European Defence Agency #EDA has selected a 9-member consortium to build an "innovative electromagnetic #railgun," as part of the EDA's plan to lessen depency upon the US for cutting-edge defense tech. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/27201
Is an alternative for
the US militarizing the EU?
***
Covid-19 offers a
chance for re-think on weapons. Small letter, with great thought on
non-proliferation, nuclear weapons and arms trade.
https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/18515762.covid-19-offers-window-opportunity/
***
Consulting firm Frost & Sullivan expects defence spending to stagnate at current levels for the short term (2020-21). In the global emergency scenario, defence spending will reduce, in the long term, it will be cut by at least 10%, as seen in the past. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-spending-on-defence-declines-as-governments-allocate-funds-to-reactivate-the-economy-301073937.html
Consulting firm Frost & Sullivan expects defence spending to stagnate at current levels for the short term (2020-21). In the global emergency scenario, defence spending will reduce, in the long term, it will be cut by at least 10%, as seen in the past. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-spending-on-defence-declines-as-governments-allocate-funds-to-reactivate-the-economy-301073937.html
‘In Duitsland wonen
ongeveer 3 miljoen zogenaamde Duitse Turken. Inclusief critici van de
Turkse president Erdoğan. Velen van hen voelen zich bedreigd. “Zo
begint de ZDFzoom-documentaire“ In dienst van Erdoğan“.
https://koerdischnieuws.nl/het-spionagenetwerk-van-erdogan/
June
13
***
Members of European Parliament #MEPs Sean Kelly, Mairead McGuinness, Deirdre Clune, Frances Fitzgerald and Maria Walsh also asked Josep Borrell to investigate whether any EU arms exports have been used against US civilians. https://headtopics.com/ie/fine-gael-meps-call-for-investigation-into-whether-eu-arms-exports-have-been-used-against-us-civilia-13646334 #BlackLivesMatter
Members of European Parliament #MEPs Sean Kelly, Mairead McGuinness, Deirdre Clune, Frances Fitzgerald and Maria Walsh also asked Josep Borrell to investigate whether any EU arms exports have been used against US civilians. https://headtopics.com/ie/fine-gael-meps-call-for-investigation-into-whether-eu-arms-exports-have-been-used-against-us-civilia-13646334 #BlackLivesMatter
***
Winning
harts and minds for weapon production: Defence Secretary Ben Wallace
has praised the UK MoD's partnership with Britain's defence industry,
which is rising to meet the challenges of maintaining critical output
during the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-praises-uk-defence-industry-partnership
***
Retweet: Yes, Congress, There Is Something You Can Do About Reckless Arms Sales https://justsecurity.org/70652/yes-congress-there-is-something-you-can-do-about-reckless-arms-sales/… via @just_security
***
Retweet: Turkey arrests journalist for revealing information about the country’s illegal involvement in Libya. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-06-12-turkey-arrests-journalist-for-revealing-state-secrets-lawyer/
Retweet: Yes, Congress, There Is Something You Can Do About Reckless Arms Sales https://justsecurity.org/70652/yes-congress-there-is-something-you-can-do-about-reckless-arms-sales/… via @just_security
***
Retweet: Turkey arrests journalist for revealing information about the country’s illegal involvement in Libya. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-06-12-turkey-arrests-journalist-for-revealing-state-secrets-lawyer/
***
#Polish Ministry of Health bought ventilators from an arms dealer. They were never delivered. The purchase of ventilators was done at E&K from Lublin. E&K belongs to Andrzej #Izdebski, formerly involved in illegal arms trade. https://wyborcza.pl/7,173236,26020359,ministry-of-health-bought-ventilators-from-an-arms-dealer-they.html
#Polish Ministry of Health bought ventilators from an arms dealer. They were never delivered. The purchase of ventilators was done at E&K from Lublin. E&K belongs to Andrzej #Izdebski, formerly involved in illegal arms trade. https://wyborcza.pl/7,173236,26020359,ministry-of-health-bought-ventilators-from-an-arms-dealer-they.html
***
#Denmark has selected #Leonardo for a potential future upgrade of gun mounts. The scope of the 20-year deal may see the upgrade of 17 lightweight #76/62 Super Rapid gun mounts. https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/june/8581-leonardo-to-upgrade-royal-danish-navy-s-super-rapid-gun-mounts.html
#Denmark has selected #Leonardo for a potential future upgrade of gun mounts. The scope of the 20-year deal may see the upgrade of 17 lightweight #76/62 Super Rapid gun mounts. https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/june/8581-leonardo-to-upgrade-royal-danish-navy-s-super-rapid-gun-mounts.html
***
South
#Korean military communications #satellite #ANASIS-II has left Airbus
Toulouse, France and has been shipped to Cape Canaveral in Florida
for its forthcoming launch.
https://airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2020/06/airbus-defence-and-space-ships-anasisii-telecommunications-satellite-to-launch-site.html
#Lockheed to subcontract it in 2016 to #Airbus Defence.
https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/anasis-2.htm
***
Defence industrial lobby: French government pledged to order €600m worth of refuelling tankers, drones & helicopters from Airbus. UK defence lobby ADS, representing companies active in defence and security, said the UK should do something similar. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-daily-press-saturday/20200613/281582357870997
Addition: See on same issue: French aviation rescue plan bets on defence helicopters, drones and tankers https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/french-aviation-rescue-plan-bets-defence-helicopte/
Defence industrial lobby: French government pledged to order €600m worth of refuelling tankers, drones & helicopters from Airbus. UK defence lobby ADS, representing companies active in defence and security, said the UK should do something similar. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-daily-press-saturday/20200613/281582357870997
Addition: See on same issue: French aviation rescue plan bets on defence helicopters, drones and tankers https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/french-aviation-rescue-plan-bets-defence-helicopte/
***
Amid push to 'Sell More Weapons Overseas,' report indicates US administration moving to expand #drone exports
Amid push to 'Sell More Weapons Overseas,' report indicates US administration moving to expand #drone exports
The expansion would
come after a reinterpretation of an arms agreement between 35
nations.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/06/12/amid-push-sell-more-weapons-overseas-report-indicates-trump-moving-expand-drone
/
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-arms-trump-exclusive/exclusive-trump-aims-to-sidestep-another-arms-pact-to-sell-more-u-s-drones-idUSKBN23J1HS
***
#Lobby and revolving doors: Four US House Democrats are opposing a #DoD proposal to ease recent lobbying restrictions on former senior officials, arguing it would put the defence industry ahead of the taxpayer. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/06/12/dod-asks-to-ease-lobbying-restrictions-and-these-lawmakers-are-saying-no/
#Lobby and revolving doors: Four US House Democrats are opposing a #DoD proposal to ease recent lobbying restrictions on former senior officials, arguing it would put the defence industry ahead of the taxpayer. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/06/12/dod-asks-to-ease-lobbying-restrictions-and-these-lawmakers-are-saying-no/
***
The #Italian government agreed on Thursday evening to sell two “Bergamini” type #destroyers to #Egypt, where the sale has become before the Italian administration in charge of arms exports. The value of the frigates is 1.2 billion euros. https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/egypt-and-italy-to-reach-largest-military-deal-amid-sale-of-new-warships/
The #Italian government agreed on Thursday evening to sell two “Bergamini” type #destroyers to #Egypt, where the sale has become before the Italian administration in charge of arms exports. The value of the frigates is 1.2 billion euros. https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/egypt-and-italy-to-reach-largest-military-deal-amid-sale-of-new-warships/
***
Deliveries of a new precision-guided bomb - the CGU-53 StormBreaker - under development by #Raytheon for #F35 and other fighters have been at a standstill for about a year as the company struggles to correct a technical #problem involving a key component. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/06/12/production-of-one-of-the-f-35s-most-anticipated-bombs-has-been-on-hold-for-almost-a-year/
Deliveries of a new precision-guided bomb - the CGU-53 StormBreaker - under development by #Raytheon for #F35 and other fighters have been at a standstill for about a year as the company struggles to correct a technical #problem involving a key component. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/06/12/production-of-one-of-the-f-35s-most-anticipated-bombs-has-been-on-hold-for-almost-a-year/
***
Who supplied the weapons used against #BackLivesMatter protesters? https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2020/who-supplied-weapons-used-against-blm-protesters
Who supplied the weapons used against #BackLivesMatter protesters? https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2020/who-supplied-weapons-used-against-blm-protesters
***
A US view on EU military structure. EU-based arms-producers—such as the Airbus Group, Leonardo, BAE Systems & Thales— graft their strategic interests onto European defence policy processes to reap financial benefits from EU-level defense research grants. https://carnegieeurope.eu/2020/06/11/eu-security-and-defense-challenges-toward-european-defense-winter-pub-82032
A US view on EU military structure. EU-based arms-producers—such as the Airbus Group, Leonardo, BAE Systems & Thales— graft their strategic interests onto European defence policy processes to reap financial benefits from EU-level defense research grants. https://carnegieeurope.eu/2020/06/11/eu-security-and-defense-challenges-toward-european-defense-winter-pub-82032
Defense News
Commentary: US State Department must align UAV #drones export policy
with American interests.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/11/us-state-department-must-align-uav-export-policy-with-american-interests/
***
How Much Is The
Police's Military Equipment Worth
***
Canada’s unions join today's national campaign to oppose arms exports to Saudi Arabia. The time has come for public investment in a rapid transition to peaceful green jobs that protect workers and their communities – and the rest of the world.
***
#Quakers said sadly,
based on European Network Against Arms Trade #ENAAT reports that it
seems that – despite the vast burden on our public services and
skyrocketing debt – European governments still feel the need to
channel billions of euros to the #MIC.
https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/eu-quakers-say-coronavirus-last-chance-to-save-world-1-6695921
***
Human Rights Watch said
the sales of #French weapons to #Egypt were “shocking” and
“appalling” given the human rights record in North Africa. This
statement follows the latest French report on arms exports which
documents 2019 sales and transfers.
***
THE SCOTTISH Parliament has voted to urgently halt exports of riot gear, tear gas and rubber bullets to the United States. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1294756/US-protests-george-floyd-scottish-parliament-us-arm-exports-blm-black-lives-matter
THE SCOTTISH Parliament has voted to urgently halt exports of riot gear, tear gas and rubber bullets to the United States. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1294756/US-protests-george-floyd-scottish-parliament-us-arm-exports-blm-black-lives-matter
***
For what's it worth. The International Peace Index. See the Netherlands is not among the 20 most peaceful countries in the world. Especially its arms exports are a major concern in the index. http://visionofhumanity.org/indexes/global-peace-index/
For what's it worth. The International Peace Index. See the Netherlands is not among the 20 most peaceful countries in the world. Especially its arms exports are a major concern in the index. http://visionofhumanity.org/indexes/global-peace-index/
June 11
***
Germany's military industry stand to benefit from €10 billion cash stimulus package to soften effects of #coronavirus pandemic. Naval sector set to profit most, incl. 2 additional #Damen MKS 180 multipurpose combat ships (beyond the initial 4). https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/10/germany-wants-to-beef-up-its-defense-firms-with-pandemic-relief-funds/
Germany's military industry stand to benefit from €10 billion cash stimulus package to soften effects of #coronavirus pandemic. Naval sector set to profit most, incl. 2 additional #Damen MKS 180 multipurpose combat ships (beyond the initial 4). https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/10/germany-wants-to-beef-up-its-defense-firms-with-pandemic-relief-funds/
***
European Defence Fund #Italian lobby for extra billions. #Leonardo CEO, Profumo, stated the #EDF should start in 2021 "as expected" and stick to the previous level of € 13bn instead of the recently agreed €9bn within the multi-annual financial framework. https://www.corrieredicomo.it/leonardo-profumo-rispettare-tempi-risorse-fondo-difesa-ue/
European Defence Fund #Italian lobby for extra billions. #Leonardo CEO, Profumo, stated the #EDF should start in 2021 "as expected" and stick to the previous level of € 13bn instead of the recently agreed €9bn within the multi-annual financial framework. https://www.corrieredicomo.it/leonardo-profumo-rispettare-tempi-risorse-fondo-difesa-ue/
***
On the road to militarisation of the EU? Borell (High Rep. for FA/Security Policy) & Breton (Comm. Internal Market, incl. defence industry) state in Die Welt the EU needs "an ambitious budget for the European Defence Fund" #EDF to protect itself. https://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/article209265051/Josep-Borell-Thierry-Breton-Die-Zeit-des-naiven-Europa-ist-vorbei.html
On the road to militarisation of the EU? Borell (High Rep. for FA/Security Policy) & Breton (Comm. Internal Market, incl. defence industry) state in Die Welt the EU needs "an ambitious budget for the European Defence Fund" #EDF to protect itself. https://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/article209265051/Josep-Borell-Thierry-Breton-Die-Zeit-des-naiven-Europa-ist-vorbei.html
***
We prepared for war, but should have spent our money elsewhere. Critisism on military spending in major military publication, Defence News: The Pentagon saps other agencies of vital and limited resources. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/10/we-prepared-for-war-but-should-have-spent-our-money-elsewhere/
We prepared for war, but should have spent our money elsewhere. Critisism on military spending in major military publication, Defence News: The Pentagon saps other agencies of vital and limited resources. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/10/we-prepared-for-war-but-should-have-spent-our-money-elsewhere/
***
We prepared for war, but should have spent our money elsewhere. Critisism on military spending in major military publication, Defence News: The Pentagon saps other agencies of vital and limited resources. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/10/we-prepared-for-war-but-should-have-spent-our-money-elsewhere/
We prepared for war, but should have spent our money elsewhere. Critisism on military spending in major military publication, Defence News: The Pentagon saps other agencies of vital and limited resources. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/06/10/we-prepared-for-war-but-should-have-spent-our-money-elsewhere/
***
UK government faces possible legal action over exports of riot control equipment to the US amid concerns about police brutality following a wave of protests sparked by George Floyd’s death. As the first step lawyers have sent a pre-action protocol letter. http://www.newsjatt.com/archives/32066
UK government faces possible legal action over exports of riot control equipment to the US amid concerns about police brutality following a wave of protests sparked by George Floyd’s death. As the first step lawyers have sent a pre-action protocol letter. http://www.newsjatt.com/archives/32066
***
An improvised #bomb
found last week strapped to a teddy bear in the #Libyan capital
featured a mortar shell produced last year in Serbia. Despite an arms
embargo, #Serbian weapons are still finding their way to the North
African country.
https://detektor.ba/2020/06/10/mina-iz-srbije-pronadjena-tokom-oslobadjanja-tripolija/
***
'Green light to abusers': #HRW calls on #France to halt arms sales to #Saudi Arabia and #Egypt
'Green light to abusers': #HRW calls on #France to halt arms sales to #Saudi Arabia and #Egypt
France's arms sales and
transfers to Saudi Arabia in 2019 amounted to $1.6bn, while those to
Egypt were $1.1bn
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/green-light-abusers-hrw-calls-france-halt-arms-sales-saudi-arabia-and-egypt
June
10
***
#Lobby for #EU military budget continues. 45 #MEPs called on #EC President Von der Leyen, EU chief diplomat Borrell and Budget Commissioner Hahn on Tuesday (9 June) to maintain the bloc’s ambition on military mobility in the next 7-year budget. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-lawmakers-call-on-commission-to-preserve-budget-funding-for-military-mobility/
#Lobby for #EU military budget continues. 45 #MEPs called on #EC President Von der Leyen, EU chief diplomat Borrell and Budget Commissioner Hahn on Tuesday (9 June) to maintain the bloc’s ambition on military mobility in the next 7-year budget. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-lawmakers-call-on-commission-to-preserve-budget-funding-for-military-mobility/
***
#Hungarian PM #Orban stressed that the defence industry is a “priority” & the Government wants to increase its competitiveness and efficiency. Remarks made during a meeting with the Alliance of Trade Unions of the Defence and Aeronautical Industry #ASIAA. https://www.nineoclock.ro/2020/06/09/pm-orban-tells-unions-that-defence-industry-is-a-priority-for-the-govt/
#Hungarian PM #Orban stressed that the defence industry is a “priority” & the Government wants to increase its competitiveness and efficiency. Remarks made during a meeting with the Alliance of Trade Unions of the Defence and Aeronautical Industry #ASIAA. https://www.nineoclock.ro/2020/06/09/pm-orban-tells-unions-that-defence-industry-is-a-priority-for-the-govt/
***
Thales Netherlands patent on determining the impact point of a projectile fired at a target above sea surface, and radar system implementing such method. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=10677909&OS=10677909&RS=10677909
Thales Netherlands patent on determining the impact point of a projectile fired at a target above sea surface, and radar system implementing such method. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=10677909&OS=10677909&RS=10677909
***
EU military ally is a major threat to security. US Administration tears up arms pacts. US will be pull out of the Open Skies treaty that allows unarmed surveillance flights, landing another blow to disarmament efforts. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3088280/dark-skies-donald-trump-tears-arms-pacts
EU military ally is a major threat to security. US Administration tears up arms pacts. US will be pull out of the Open Skies treaty that allows unarmed surveillance flights, landing another blow to disarmament efforts. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3088280/dark-skies-donald-trump-tears-arms-pacts
***
Lifting the UN arms
embargo on Iran: insights into Turkey’s options
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/uncategorized/lifting-the-un-arms-embargo-on-iran-insights-into-turkeys-options/
June
9
***
#France
will provide €15bn to fund its aerospace industry, Economy Minister
Le Maire said. The injection should help European aircraft
manufacturer #Airbus as well as major aerospace and defence firms
#Dassault, #Safran and #Thales preserve jobs in France
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/nation/story/2020-06-09/france-announces-16-9-billion-in-aid-to-aviation-industry
***
German
Bundeswehr's training of Nigerian special forces soldiers #SOF
in the Sahel region, which has taken place since 2020, marked the
first time the Bundeswehr used the new #H145M LUH SOF version to
train Nigerian paratroopers. #Airbus
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/H145M-dispatch-from-the-field.html
***
Arms flows to and from Gulf face growing scrutiny. They could be challenged by new economic stress in exporting and client states, reassessment of the most pressing threats, and increased congressional scrutiny in the United States. https://agsiw.org/arms-flows-to-and-from-gulf-face-growing-scrutiny/
Arms flows to and from Gulf face growing scrutiny. They could be challenged by new economic stress in exporting and client states, reassessment of the most pressing threats, and increased congressional scrutiny in the United States. https://agsiw.org/arms-flows-to-and-from-gulf-face-growing-scrutiny/
***
SOF into #space. The need for US Special Operations Command to rely on existing space-based capabilities while developing its own has increased recently, especially as #SOCOM expands its focus from the counter-terrorist fight to a near-peer competition. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/06/06/special-operations-command-is-diving-into-space/
SOF into #space. The need for US Special Operations Command to rely on existing space-based capabilities while developing its own has increased recently, especially as #SOCOM expands its focus from the counter-terrorist fight to a near-peer competition. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/06/06/special-operations-command-is-diving-into-space/
June
8
***
Retweet:
US police admits to be using the FN 303 "less lethal" riot
gun against #BLM protesters. The gun is known to cause severe
injuries and even death. The gun was developed by FN Herstal Belgium.
#BlackLivesMatter https://bit.ly/37c2PWR
***
#Dutch
monthly reports on arms export licenses updated, include March 2020.
By far the largest is the naval vessel to #Mexico (miscategorised as
just a patrol vessel by Dutch export authorities). Here the eight
biggest licenses for the 1st quarter of 2020.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen
***
#France to spend € 10bn on its #aerospace sector. The Secretary of State for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, said that Defence Minister Florence Parly had talked to President Macron about the possibility of implementing specific #military orders. https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/1292709/france-latest-news-aerospace-sector-fund-coronavirus-crisis-macron
#France to spend € 10bn on its #aerospace sector. The Secretary of State for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, said that Defence Minister Florence Parly had talked to President Macron about the possibility of implementing specific #military orders. https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/1292709/france-latest-news-aerospace-sector-fund-coronavirus-crisis-macron
***
Kamervragen @BramvanOjikGL (met SP & PvdA) over de doorvoer via Rotterdam in april van 10,8m kogels naar #Turkije. Opvallend dat #Rotterdam #Wapenhaven zo weinig 't nieuws haalt. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=64e941bb-de94-4bab-9e43-bd00c4c04b8d&title=De%20doorvoer%20van%20ruim%2010%20miljoen%20kogelpatronen%20naar%20Turkije.docx
Kamervragen @BramvanOjikGL (met SP & PvdA) over de doorvoer via Rotterdam in april van 10,8m kogels naar #Turkije. Opvallend dat #Rotterdam #Wapenhaven zo weinig 't nieuws haalt. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=64e941bb-de94-4bab-9e43-bd00c4c04b8d&title=De%20doorvoer%20van%20ruim%2010%20miljoen%20kogelpatronen%20naar%20Turkije.docx
Ook Taiwan was in april
'n belangrijke bestemming.
https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1268572074072846337
***
#Canadian government tapped a seldom-used account at Ottawa’s export-financing agency last fall to extend $650m of support to the defence contractor building combat vehicles for #Saudi's, aid that came as Riyadh was falling behind on payment for these. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawas-lifeline-to-saudi-lav-maker-raises-questions/
#Canadian government tapped a seldom-used account at Ottawa’s export-financing agency last fall to extend $650m of support to the defence contractor building combat vehicles for #Saudi's, aid that came as Riyadh was falling behind on payment for these. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawas-lifeline-to-saudi-lav-maker-raises-questions/
Addition1:The
loan to General Dynamics is the first to this defence contractor from
the Canada Account in the past two decades. #EDC does not make
transaction information public from years prior to 2001.
Addition2: LIVE ONLINE VIGIL Thursday, June 11, 1 pm EDT (7 pm CEST), at the General Dynamics plant in London, Ontario! The Hamilton Coalition To Stop The War has joined this cross-Canada event. Reason Canadian sale of armoured vehicles to KSA. https://hamiltoncoalitiontostopthewar.ca/2020/06/07/live-vigil-end-saudi-arms-sale-june-11/
Addition2: LIVE ONLINE VIGIL Thursday, June 11, 1 pm EDT (7 pm CEST), at the General Dynamics plant in London, Ontario! The Hamilton Coalition To Stop The War has joined this cross-Canada event. Reason Canadian sale of armoured vehicles to KSA. https://hamiltoncoalitiontostopthewar.ca/2020/06/07/live-vigil-end-saudi-arms-sale-june-11/
June
7
***
If peace consists of stable governments resolving conflict without violence and providing security and other basic functions, then COVID-19 has already begun to erode peace around the world. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/world/2020-06-06/how-coronavirus-sows-civil-conflict
If peace consists of stable governments resolving conflict without violence and providing security and other basic functions, then COVID-19 has already begun to erode peace around the world. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/world/2020-06-06/how-coronavirus-sows-civil-conflict
***
European Defence Agency #EDA was to hand over proposals for its Generic Open Soldier System Reference Architecture #GOSSRA to #NATO in May. Participating companies from: #Germany, #Spain, #Poland, #Portugal, #Italy, #Sweden (NATO?), and the #Netherlands. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/3c438e85-192f-4c07-b457-f975671bd1c5
European Defence Agency #EDA was to hand over proposals for its Generic Open Soldier System Reference Architecture #GOSSRA to #NATO in May. Participating companies from: #Germany, #Spain, #Poland, #Portugal, #Italy, #Sweden (NATO?), and the #Netherlands. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/3c438e85-192f-4c07-b457-f975671bd1c5
***
#Morocco signs loan for new ground-based air defence system
#Morocco signs loan for new ground-based air defence system
The Moroccan government
has signed an export loan agreement with France’s #BNP Paribas for
the acquisition of a new ground-based air defence (#GBAD) system.
***
Are the French arms
exports to European nations structural or a cyclical trend?
Exportations d'armes
tricolores vers l'Europe : une tendance structurelle ou
conjoncturelle
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportations-d-armes-tricolores-vers-l-europe-une-tendance-structurelle-ou-conjoncturelle-849275.html
***
#Hungarian private fund Arzenal led by lobbyist and former advisor to Hungarian PM Viktor #Orban, Fidesz Andras Tombor, will acquire a majority stake in the largest Czech #aviation manufacturer Aero #Vodochody, owned by the #Czech Penta Investments. https://www.forbes.cz/aero-s-novymi-pany-zbrojarsky-obchod-dekady-spoji-havu-s-kellnerem-a-madary/
#Hungarian private fund Arzenal led by lobbyist and former advisor to Hungarian PM Viktor #Orban, Fidesz Andras Tombor, will acquire a majority stake in the largest Czech #aviation manufacturer Aero #Vodochody, owned by the #Czech Penta Investments. https://www.forbes.cz/aero-s-novymi-pany-zbrojarsky-obchod-dekady-spoji-havu-s-kellnerem-a-madary/
***
In a May 29 letter defence ministers Florence Parly (Fr), Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (Ge), Margarita Robles Fernández (Sp) and Lorenzo Guerini (It) wrote to the other EU 23: #EDA must remain central ... to stimulate further cooperation on defence. https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/at-the-heart-of-our-european-union
***
In a May 29 letter defence ministers Florence Parly (Fr), Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (Ge), Margarita Robles Fernández (Sp) and Lorenzo Guerini (It) wrote to the other EU 23: #EDA must remain central ... to stimulate further cooperation on defence. https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/at-the-heart-of-our-european-union
***
Working
for years with the Irish military, the Department of Defence and the
European Defence Agency #EDA an Irish company, Aquila Bioscience, has
developed: safe WIPES.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/irish-made-wipes-to-combat-covid-get-approval-in-us-39261751.html
June
6
***
Reaction to (NIET LANGER MEEDOEN AAN ZINLOZE OORLOGEN,
***
How nice it is to be a military contractor.
***
Reaction to (NIET LANGER MEEDOEN AAN ZINLOZE OORLOGEN,
https://www.sp.nl/opinie/sadet-karabulut/2020/niet-langer-meedoen-aan-zinloze-oorlogen-0):
Helder betoog. Hebben we meer aan dan al dat rupsje-nooit-genoeg
geneuzel van wapenabrikanten en militair establishment. Veiligheid
van de meeste mensen is niet gediend door militaire uitgaven, maar
met voldoende gezondheidszorg, onderwijs en sociale zekerheid.
***
Retweet:
Proud to be one of 166 MPs calling for
UK to stop teargas and rubber bullet exports to America. We should
not be helping Donald Trump repress his own people #blacklivesmatter
#LDNBLM
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-floyd-protests-uk-export-tear-gas-rubber-bullet-us-a9551006.html
***
How nice it is to be a military contractor.
One of the major
initiatives that US #Cyber Command has been working on for 2 years is
going to cost five times more than what military officials originally
estimated, according to a #GAO.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/707359.pdf (see p. 198)
***
The
#FBI Finds ‘No Intel Indicating #Antifa Involvement’ in Sunday’s
Violence. Trump wants to designate antifa a terrorist organization,
despite lack of authority and evidence of wrongdoing.
https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/antifa-trump-fbi/
***
I'm sure people following the US arms industry have a load of examples to show why the comments of CEOs of Major Defense Companies calling out against racism and for unity are hypocrites. Lockheed e.g. earns on social welfare and unpaid labour in prisons. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/06/ceos-major-defense-companies-speak-out-about-racism-call-unity/165925/
I'm sure people following the US arms industry have a load of examples to show why the comments of CEOs of Major Defense Companies calling out against racism and for unity are hypocrites. Lockheed e.g. earns on social welfare and unpaid labour in prisons. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2020/06/ceos-major-defense-companies-speak-out-about-racism-call-unity/165925/
***
When
#India’s top military officials meet
their counterparts from #China on today to resolve the latest
face-off between troops high in the #Himalayas, they are likely to
urge all troops to return to pre-dispute positions, said Indian
military experts.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3087672/india-china-standoff-talks-will-focus-troops-returning-pre
***
We can imagine circumstances in which China might agree to limit its arms production & deployment, depending on reciprocal restrictions from Russia and the US. But this scenario is not imaginable. Arms race and confrontation are more fashionable. https://thediplomat.com/2020/06/will-trumps-arms-control-dreams-for-china-come-true-absolutely-not/
We can imagine circumstances in which China might agree to limit its arms production & deployment, depending on reciprocal restrictions from Russia and the US. But this scenario is not imaginable. Arms race and confrontation are more fashionable. https://thediplomat.com/2020/06/will-trumps-arms-control-dreams-for-china-come-true-absolutely-not/
***
Despite
a restrictive arms export policy, more than 10 million bullets were
transported from Czechia to Turkey via the port of Rotterdam on 6
April, according to recent transit figures from the Dutch Ministry of
FA.
[In Dutch
http://stopwapenhandel.org/node/2408]
FA
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen
***
Canada on May 29 published its annual report on Canada’s Military Exports where it mentioned that no military export permits were issued to Azerbaijan during 2019. It also banned military exports to Ankara, which was renewed indefinitely in April 2020. http://asbarez.com/194546/canada-stops-military-exports-to-azerbaijan-and-bans-arms-sales-to-turkey/
Canada on May 29 published its annual report on Canada’s Military Exports where it mentioned that no military export permits were issued to Azerbaijan during 2019. It also banned military exports to Ankara, which was renewed indefinitely in April 2020. http://asbarez.com/194546/canada-stops-military-exports-to-azerbaijan-and-bans-arms-sales-to-turkey/
***
#Botswana
receives large quantities of #French military equipment Mistral Mica
missiles.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/botswana_receives_large_quantities_of_military_hardware.html
***
Italy and France are to fund half the cost of new cutting-edge technology projects launched by Naviris. Naviris is a 50-50 joint venture launched in 2019 by Italy’s Fincantieri and France’s Naval Group. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/04/french-italian-naval-joint-venture-invests-in-future-technologies/
Italy and France are to fund half the cost of new cutting-edge technology projects launched by Naviris. Naviris is a 50-50 joint venture launched in 2019 by Italy’s Fincantieri and France’s Naval Group. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/04/french-italian-naval-joint-venture-invests-in-future-technologies/
***
Arms
manufacturer SIG Sauer says it will close its German branch late this
year, blaming German strictures on sports guns. Its thriving US
armoury based in New Hampshire delivers arms to the US military.
https://www.dw.com/en/sig-sauer-to-shutter-german-weapons-factory/a-53689378
***
Foreign Affairs on Dozens of retired US generals, including former defense secretary James Mattis, have publicly rebuked the Trump administration’s response to the protests sweeping the nation. Civil-military relations have deteriorated under Trump. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/review-essay/2020-04-06/few-good-men
Foreign Affairs on Dozens of retired US generals, including former defense secretary James Mattis, have publicly rebuked the Trump administration’s response to the protests sweeping the nation. Civil-military relations have deteriorated under Trump. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/review-essay/2020-04-06/few-good-men
June 4
***
MP
@EmilyThornberry if the UK truly believe in
its relationship and alliance with the US, it must not be a party to
the violence of Trump against his own people & against the values
UK&US hold dear. But instead suspend riot control exports without
delay.
https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/if-we-truly-value-the-special-relationship-we-must-not-be-a-party-to-donald-trumps-violence-against-the-american-people
***
April
14, 2020 17.660.000 #Italian #bullets (9 mm PARA) pass the Dutch
harbour of Rotterdam to go by boat to #Taiwan.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen
***
Former
US defense secretary James Mattis slammed his former boss in a letter
published Wednesday by The Atlantic, calling out the violent clearing
of protesters outside the White House & accusing the president of
deliberately trying to fracture the nation.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/06/03/mattis-slams-trump-over-handling-of-george-floyd-unrest/
***
JoongAng
Ilbo has found out that the recent equipment upgrades at the THAAD
site in Seongju, South Korea was to allow its AN/TPY-2 radar to guide
PAC-3 interceptors launched remotely.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/06/01/politics/Thaad-%EC%82%AC%EB%93%9C-Patriot/20200601185400173.html
***
#Lockheed
to retrofit #F35's for suppression/destruction of enemy air defences.
https://www.airforcemag.com/lockheed-to-retrofit-f-35s-for-suppression-destruction-of-enemy-air-defenses-role
***
#Chinese
recent drill in #Tibet included #drones and explosives to put troops
to test in extreme, complicated situations
Exercise follows border
clash between Chinese and #Indian soldiers in the Himalayas
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3087313/pla-holds-high-altitude-exercise-china-india-border-tensions
***
The
#French defence industry has become
addicted to arms exports as part of a national strategy to remain a
global military player.
https://www.rosalux.eu/en/article/1695.hooked-on-weapons-exports.html
***
US
should pull #drones from #MTCR: "I
have great hopes that this administration, with its bold unilateral
actions on so many fronts, would take unilateral action with this
regime on #UAVs," says Keith Webster, former DoD head of defence
cooperation.
https://breakingdefense.com/2020/06/us-should-pull-drones-from-missile-control-regime-mitchell-institute/
***
“[Trump]
is talking about going to war with the citizens of the US, and that
is troubling,” Smith (D-Wash) said to reporters. “I am very
concerned about what potential role the US military could play …
Talking about the US as a battlespace is wrong."
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/06/02/lawmakers-want-must-pass-defense-bill-to-protect-protestors-from-the-military/
***
1993/4
MI5 FALSE FLAG. How #MI5 faked a #Loyalist
#arms importation to manipulate Dublin in the run up to an #IRA
ceasefire. A few months later the cream of NI Intel were dead in the
Chinook helicopter crash. Shortly afterwards, the ceasefire was
called.
https://villagemagazine.ie/false-flags-in-teesport-mi5-faked-a-loyalist-arms-importation-unsuccessfully-intending-to-threaten-dublin-on-the-verge-of-the-1994-cease-fire-a-few-months-later-the-cream-of-the-ni-intelligence-we/
***
#UK PM Boris Johnson, who has sought to nurture close ties with President Donald Trump as he leads the UK out of the European Union, deflected calls from the opposition to suspend exports of tear gas and rubber #bullets to the #US. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-and-british-police-condemn-appalling-killing-george-floyd/
#UK PM Boris Johnson, who has sought to nurture close ties with President Donald Trump as he leads the UK out of the European Union, deflected calls from the opposition to suspend exports of tear gas and rubber #bullets to the #US. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-and-british-police-condemn-appalling-killing-george-floyd/
Addition:
BORIS Johnson has come under pressure
to halt exports of British arms and riot gear to the US after Donald
Trump called for the authorities to "dominate" protesters
and threatened to deploy the military.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/18493426.watch-ian-blackford-grills-boris-johnson-arms-sales-us/
***
Chinese paper: because of US admin policy to undermine global strategic stability as a means to "make USA great again", it will raise the threat nuclear weapons are used in an ever-expanding range of scenarios, at the cost of disarmament/non-proliferation http://epaper.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202006/04/WS5ed827e5a3100fcb935267f4.html
June
3
***
Will
US Military Leaders Ever Stand up to Trump?
America needs more
vocal military leaders like Smedley Butler to drown out the silence
of people like former defense secretary James Mattis.
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/trump-mattis-military-dissent/
***
Nog veel ?? in de studie die Marineschepen.nl maakte over #MKS180, waaraan Damen miljarden zou gaan verdienen, alsof toeleveranciers van wapens niet betaald hoeven te worden. MS noemt naast #Damen, het Italiaanse #Leonardo en Amerikaanse #Raytheon (#ESSM paar % Thales Nederland).
Retweet: Nog precies een maand en dan gaat de Duitse Bondsdag met zomerreces. Voor die tijd zal het Duitse parlement hun goedkeuring moeten geven aan de gelden voor de MKS 180-fregatten. Een mooie gelegenheid om de fregatten nader te bestuderen. https://marineschepen.nl/schepen/mks-180.html
***
Not just a transport plane. #Airbus #A400M new generation airlifter has successfully achieved certification of the simultaneous #paratrooper dispatch capability with a maximum dispatch of 116 paratroopers using both side doors (58 + 58). https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/06/airbus-a400m-completes-full-paratrooper-simultaneous-dispatch-certification.html
Not just a transport plane. #Airbus #A400M new generation airlifter has successfully achieved certification of the simultaneous #paratrooper dispatch capability with a maximum dispatch of 116 paratroopers using both side doors (58 + 58). https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/06/airbus-a400m-completes-full-paratrooper-simultaneous-dispatch-certification.html
***
Hong
Kong: UK gave training and ‘support’ to police accused of abuses
against protesters
Exclusive: College of
Policing’s 2019 training programme revealed amid renewed
demonstrations
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hong-kong-protests-uk-training-china-security-law-police-a9539691.html
***
Aymeric @Elluin said on #French arms exports: deliveries have continued at the Middle East : 521 tactical vehicles, 34 tanks, 20 pieces of artillery for Saudi Arabia, 281 missiles, 24 missile launchers for Egypt, and 77 missiles, 116 launchers for Qatar. http://sport.alaraby-media.net/la-france-vend-moins-darmes-a-larabie-saoudite-mais-continue-den-livrer/
Aymeric @Elluin said on #French arms exports: deliveries have continued at the Middle East : 521 tactical vehicles, 34 tanks, 20 pieces of artillery for Saudi Arabia, 281 missiles, 24 missile launchers for Egypt, and 77 missiles, 116 launchers for Qatar. http://sport.alaraby-media.net/la-france-vend-moins-darmes-a-larabie-saoudite-mais-continue-den-livrer/
Addition:
See the rapport here:
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/exportations-d-armement-le-rapport-au-parlement-2020
Addition2: Defense
News on French arms exports: France top five defense exporter in 2019
with €8.3bn worth of contracts signed, notably with European
partners Belgium, Netherlands, Hungary & Spain, according to a
defence ministry report published this week.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/06/03/naval-sales-buoy-french-arms-exports-in-new-tally/
***
“The President of the US is not a dictator, and President Trump does not and will not dominate New York state,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement, adding that the state was prepared to go to court if need be. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/02/presidents-have-leeway-to-use-military-for-domestic-purposes/
“The President of the US is not a dictator, and President Trump does not and will not dominate New York state,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement, adding that the state was prepared to go to court if need be. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/02/presidents-have-leeway-to-use-military-for-domestic-purposes/
***
“(The president) is talking about going to war with the citizens of the United States of America, and that is troubling,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/06/02/senior-military-leaders-being-called-to-testify-to-congress-about-george-floyd-protest-response/
***
Does #Rafael has a foot in a #Dutch/#German door (on a multibillion dollar program, the Tactical Edge Networking plan that envisions Germany and Netherlands working together on tactical communications)? Next year a request for proposal #RFP is expected. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2020/06/02/israel-company-targets-opportunities-in-europe-and-asia-for-software-defined-radios/
***
#Pentagon supports industries by injecting $688m from #COVID-19 funds. It chose industries producing aircraft propulsion, ships and submarine launch tubes, space, microelectronics base, body armor, high-temperature materials used in #hypersonic weapons. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/06/02/688m-in-covid-aid-helping-defense-firms-per-dod-plan/
***
#French
arms exports fell by nearly 8.6% in 2019. Their amount represents 8.3
billion euros. The main customers are Europe, whose share has
increased sharply, and the United Arab Emirates (#UAE), involved in
the conflict in Yemen.
https://www.en24.news/2020/06/france-8-6-drop-in-arms-exports-in-2019.html
***
Labour says UK should not sell arms to US 'at a time when Donald Trump is gearing up to use the US military to crush the legitimate protests taking place across America over the murder of black civilians' https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-protests-boris-johnson-donald-trump-riot-gear-arms-george-floyd-a9545406.html
Labour says UK should not sell arms to US 'at a time when Donald Trump is gearing up to use the US military to crush the legitimate protests taking place across America over the murder of black civilians' https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-protests-boris-johnson-donald-trump-riot-gear-arms-george-floyd-a9545406.html
Addition: On the
same issue in French: Le Royaume-Uni fait face à des appels pour
suspendre les exportations d’équipement anti-émeute vers les
États-Unis pour le «meurtre de civils noirs»
https://www.urban-fusions.fr/2020/06/03/le-royaume-uni-fait-face-a-des-appels-pour-suspendre-les-exportations-dequipement-anti-emeute-vers-les-etats-unis-pour-le-meurtre-de-civils-noirs/
June
2
***
US.
arms exports to the Middle East and North Africa could be headed
toward an increase. It is likely that countries in the region see an
increase in US arms imports despite the economic and medical
calamities brought on by Covid-19 pandemic.
https://carnegie-mec.org/diwan/81948
***
US. arms exports to the Middle East and North Africa could be headed toward an increase. It is likely that countries in the region see an increase in US arms imports despite the economic and medical calamities brought on by Covid-19 pandemic. https://carnegie-mec.org/diwan/81948
***
Are #China and the United States doing a battle who can deploy most military troops against #civil populations? Which society is most #militarised?
#US
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/01/secdef-encourages-governors-to-dominate-the-battlespace-to-put-down-nationwide-protests/
and
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/06/01/senator-deploy-active-duty-military-to-deal-with-violent-protesters/
China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/26/chinas-military-says-it-is-prepared-to-protect-security-in-hong-kong-as-protests-grow
and
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3086055/chinas-hong-kong-garrison-ready-safeguard-national-security
***
EU
Army project lives on as Brussels plans eye-watering (EURO)8 BILLION
fund; BRUSSELS bosses are pressing ahead with controversial (EURO)8bn
plans for a European Union army despite the looming financial crisis
brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1289777/EU-army-latest-brussels-miltary-budget-Ursula-von-der-Leyen-European-Defence-Fund
***
Understanding the EU's approach to cyber diplomacy and cyber defence https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2020/651937/EPRS_BRI(2020)651937_EN.pdf
Understanding the EU's approach to cyber diplomacy and cyber defence https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2020/651937/EPRS_BRI(2020)651937_EN.pdf
***
Kentucky’s governor called for the release of police video from a deadly shooting in Louisville that took place while police officers and National Guard soldiers were enforcing a curfew amid waves of protests in the city over a previous police shooting. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/01/louisville-chief-police-and-national-guard-enforcing-curfew-fatally-shot-a-man-after-someone-in-a-group-fired-at-them/
Addition: Louisville Police Chief fired after officers failed to activate body cameras during fatal shooting. https://time.com/5846329/louisville-police-chief-fatal-shooting-body-cameras-protests/
Kentucky’s governor called for the release of police video from a deadly shooting in Louisville that took place while police officers and National Guard soldiers were enforcing a curfew amid waves of protests in the city over a previous police shooting. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/01/louisville-chief-police-and-national-guard-enforcing-curfew-fatally-shot-a-man-after-someone-in-a-group-fired-at-them/
Addition: Louisville Police Chief fired after officers failed to activate body cameras during fatal shooting. https://time.com/5846329/louisville-police-chief-fatal-shooting-body-cameras-protests/
***
Another overview of EU defence industrial policy by the European Network Against Arms Trade #ENAAT from the Brussels' Bubble. "The European Defence Fund #EDF final budget will probably be barely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis" http://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ENAAT-NBB-2020-2_01.06.2020.pdf
Another overview of EU defence industrial policy by the European Network Against Arms Trade #ENAAT from the Brussels' Bubble. "The European Defence Fund #EDF final budget will probably be barely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis" http://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ENAAT-NBB-2020-2_01.06.2020.pdf
***
The need for and
elements of a new treaty on fully autonomous weapons. “Killer
robots,” raise a host of legal and ethical concerns.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/01/need-and-elements-new-treaty-fully-autonomous-weapons
Addition: New SIPRI and ICRC report identifies necessary controls on autonomous weapons. Autonomous weapon systems risk a loss of human control over life-or-death decisions in warfare. https://www.sipri.org/publications/2020/other-publications/limits-autonomy-weapon-systems-identifying-practical-elements-human-control-0
Addition: New SIPRI and ICRC report identifies necessary controls on autonomous weapons. Autonomous weapon systems risk a loss of human control over life-or-death decisions in warfare. https://www.sipri.org/publications/2020/other-publications/limits-autonomy-weapon-systems-identifying-practical-elements-human-control-0
***
Britain has sold £10bn of deadly weapons to oppressive regimes since 2015. Mirror exposes Britain's deadly £10bn arms trade as campaigners slam the 'shocking' trade in warplanes, guns, bombs and more to #Saudi Arabia, China and #Turkey, among others https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-sold-10billion-deadly-weapons-22122482
***
Iran daily paper on the US, nuclear deal and the lifting of the arms embargo. https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/103632/right-to-free-arms-trade-will-not-be-abandoned
Addition: Although the Europeans appear to share Washington's concerns about Iran's arms trade, they have made clear they do not support steps to extend the embargo that could lead to the JCPOA’s collapse. https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2020-06/news/us-aims-extend-iran-embargo
Iran daily paper on the US, nuclear deal and the lifting of the arms embargo. https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/103632/right-to-free-arms-trade-will-not-be-abandoned
Addition: Although the Europeans appear to share Washington's concerns about Iran's arms trade, they have made clear they do not support steps to extend the embargo that could lead to the JCPOA’s collapse. https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2020-06/news/us-aims-extend-iran-embargo
June
1
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George
Floyd protests: UK government urged to suspend export of tear gas,
rubber bullets and riot shields to US amid 'excessive' use of force
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-floyd-protests-uk-export-tear-gas-rubber-bullets-shields-us-a9543106.html
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'We'll axe a sub to save us £600m' BRITAIN may scrap one of its four nuclear-deterrent submarines under cost-cut measures being discussed "at the highest levels" of government. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sunday-express-1070/20200531/281964609935281
