maandag 4 januari 2021

My tweets for January 2021

Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)

January 29

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Die Linke questions on German arms exports and answers by the Federal Government.
https://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/19/260/1926098.pdf

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Suspension of the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates will not undermine the peace deal with Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/pm-peace-with-uae-wont-be-harmed-by-f-35-freeze-657104

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Saudi hires 16 firms to restore influence in US: report

Riyadh seeks to shore up reputation tarnished by brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Yemen campaign https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/saudi-hires-16-firms-to-restore-influence-in-us-report-3559668

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Is India’s Russian S-400 Missile Deal Comparable To Turkey’s Troubled Procurement? India and the US "will likely seek to avoid making S-400 an issue that threatens or derails this progress,” said Greg Chaffin of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2021/01/27/how-analogous-is-indias-russian-s-400-missile-deal-with-turkeys-troubled-procurement/

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The Pentagon reports that service members from the UAE Presidential Guard and a US Marine Corp Task Force participated in live-fire training which included 60 mm mortar systems, snipers, and small unit tactics.
https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2483934/uae-armed-forces-and-us-marines-complete-defense-training-in-uae/

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Washington is looking at ways of speeding up procedures to supply Cyprus with non-lethal weapons after the lifting of a US arms embargo last year.
https://www.financialmirror.com/2021/01/28/us-to-accelerate-non-lethal-arms-sales-to-cyprus/

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Boeing gets US government nod to offer F-15EX jet to India.

In April 2019, the IAF issued a request for information to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around $18bn, which is billed as one of the world’s biggest military procurements in recent years

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/boeing-gets-permission-from-us-government-to-offer-f-15ex-jet-to-india-official-204615

January 28

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Retweet @Pwezeman: Preliminary assessment report: despite human and economic costs and needs caused by pandemic, Euro arms industry revenues seem not to be affected much and may well increase in coming years. https://www.irsem.fr/media/5-publications/notes-de-recherche-research-papers/rp-irsem-111-b-raud-sudreau.pdf

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Lockheed Overtakes Boeing as Largest US Aerospace and Defense Firm. (LM was for a long time already the largest military company.)

Boeing, which saw no defense revenue growth last year, takes another financial hit from the tanker program.

https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/01/lockheed-overtakes-boeing-largest-us-aerospace-and-defense-firm/171684/

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Pakistan has received five Cai Hong 4 (Rainbow 4, or CH-4) multirole medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles from China, according to export-import (EXIM) logs on the Pakistan Exim Trade Info website. https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/27-Jan-2021/pakistan-receives-five-ch-4-drones-from-china

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Law enforcement equipment supplied by France to Lebanon might have been unlawfully used by the Lebanese security forces to crack down on peaceful rallies, Amnesty International revealed on Thursday https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/ngo-says-frances-military-equipment-used-by-1153579.html


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Foreign firms chant Make-in-India mantra, but participation dips 53% in Aereo India. Firms from 13 countries, including Ukraine, Taiwan, Japan, Austria, Belarus and Bulgaria, will take part. https://aeroindia.gov.in/Home/exhibitorlist

Indian Fokker Elmo (part of GKN structures) e.g. participates.

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Édouard Balladur, the former French PM, denies his involvement in corruption case in connection to arms sales to Pakistan and Saudi's. https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/926579/article/2021-01-27/affaire-karachi-edouard-balladur-evacue-les-accusations-loin-au-dessus-des


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Retweet @_ENAAT:
2019 #EU military spending at its highest in 15 years, a 5% increase with 2018. And many countries already announced further increases in following years, amid the pandemic and health sectors facing severe lack of ressources.

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The revelation Jan 19 that the British Labour Party recently appointed a former Israeli military spy to work in its headquarters, reporting to the office of leader Keir Starmer, is truly extraordinary in many different regards. https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/former-israeli-army-spy-recruited-labour-will-feel-right-home

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Although the heading uses the word 'stops', the following text defines 'has paused arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE' as it conducts a wider review of agreements worth billions of dollars made by the Trump administration. (See also previous tweet) https://www.9news.com.au/world/joe-biden-pauses-us-arms-trade-with-saudi-arabia-uae/c2a7846b-df99-47be-bfec-d2b2f19795d4

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Angela Merkel says she agrees with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the need to avoid a new cold war amid calls for a transatlantic alliance between US & Europe to counter China, but says she will continue to press Beijing on human rights and transparency. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3119481/merkel-backs-xi-need-avoid-new-cold-war-presses-china-human

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Under Biden?
The US military is exploring the possibility of using a Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia and an additional two airfields in the kingdom amid heightened tensions with Iran, the military said Tuesday.

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/01/26/us-exploring-new-bases-in-saudi-arabia-amid-iran-tensions/

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As part of changing climate change policies in the US, the Pentagon will begin incorporating climate analysis into its war-gaming and analysis efforts as well as featuring the issue as part of its future National Defense Strategy. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2021/01/27/climate-change-is-now-a-national-security-priority-for-the-pentagon/

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Kenya orders 118 armored vehicles from Turkey

Kenya’s military will primarily deploy the Hizir vehicles for counterterror operations against the al-Shabab militant group.

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/01/27/kenya-orders-118-armored-vehicles-from-turkey/

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'Open Source' journalism and investigating the UK arms trade. https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvMzI4NzI0Ni9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk/episode/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL2VwaXNvZGUvNDE0MjEyODQ?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi77sbjib3uAhX4ioQIHdnOCZYQkfYCegQIARAG

January 27

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Raytheon Expects Biden to Block $500M Bomb Sale to Saudi Arabia

Yet industry executives believe foreign arms sales will remain a priority of the new administration.

https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/01/raytheon-expects-biden-block-500m-bomb-sale-saudi-arabia/171645/

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Many Western governments are at least sympathetic to the thought the Arab world isn't ready for democracy. They embrace autocrats and theories of authoritarian stability, while financing and arming many of the worst violators."

https://www.bloombergquint.com/gadfly/arab-spring-showed-autocracy-is-anything-but-stable

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The US military medicine prescribed to Tokyo: A functioning arms export industry may be just what Japan needs to make more friends abroad, enhance its security and the security of other like-minded Indo-Pacific nations, and provide boost to its economy. https://thediplomat.com/2021/01/japans-arms-exports-a-prudent-possibility-amid-enduring-challenges/

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During a live demonstration of combat vehicles that was held at the Turkish company BMC factory on January 23, 2021, Turkey has unveiled a new modernized version of Leopard 2A4 German-made main battle tank (MBT) fitted with an Altay MBT turret. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/turkey_unveils_new_leopard_2a4_main_battle_tank_upgrade_fitted_with_altay_tank_turret.html

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Amazing to see this small Dutch anti arms trade organisation doing research in after refugee policies in Dunkirk. "The humanitarian association Care4Calais conducted a survey of 139 migrants living in Calais & Dunkirk with the Dutch campaign group @CTWnl." https://www.marseillenews.net/news/la-majorite-des-refugies-de-calais-pensent-que-le-brexit-facilitera-lobtention-de-lasile-au-royaume-uni-selon-un-sondage-130855.html

Addition: Same message in English: Majority of Calais refugees believe Brexit will make getting UK asylum easier, poll shows. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/calais-refugees-brexit-uk-asylum-easier-poll-b901263.html

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January 26

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UK sells arms to nearly 80% of countries under restrictions, says report

Exporting to countries under sanctions and embargos is ‘systematic failure to consider human rights records’

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/26/uk-sells-arms-to-nearly-80-of-countries-under-restrictions-shows-report

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Arms companies are supplying branded fairytale stories for nine-year-olds as part of a "dystopian" marketing drive in primary schools. Peace campaigners criticised the "bizarre" move by BAE Systems.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/arms-companies-fairy-tale-stories-bae-b1780982.html

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Jürgen Schulz, Germany’s Ambassador to Ankara on Berlin' arms export policy concerning Turkey: "Of course, we take into account the fact that Turkey is our NATO ally." But what else is considered seen "mutual interest in positive agenda"?
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-eu-have-mutual-interest-in-positive-agenda-german-envoy-161911

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EU Amends Regulation 147/2003 Concerning Restrictive Measures Against Somalia, included financial assistance and technical assistance related to military activities in relation to goods and technology included in the Common Military List.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.023.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A023%3ATOC

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ANTI-ARMS campaigners demanded that the British government stop arming repressive forces in Egypt today, 10 years on from the so-called Arab Spring uprising.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/government-must-stop-arming-egypt-campaigners-demand-on-arab-spring-anniversary

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Giulio Regeni: Family of murdered academic complain over Italy selling arms to Egypt https://www.euronews.com/2021/01/25/giulio-regeni-family-of-murdered-academic-complain-over-italy-selling-arms-to-egypt

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Activists in the Canadian province of Ontario have staged a protest at the site of a transport company they say is involved in transporting Canadian-made, light armoured vehicles (LAVs) to Saudi Arabia. https://dnyuz.com/2021/01/25/canada-protesters-renew-push-to-end-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia/ #YemenCantWait #WorldSaysNo #StopArmingSaudi

January 25

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Creating an image of EU arms trade in one picture. Three Indian (½ of World's poor) Air Force Rafale (by Dassault) fighters flying home from France this month will have tanker support from a #UAE (Human rights?) A330 MRTT (Airbus, delivered Getafe, Spain).
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-3-rafales-reaching-india-to-be-refuelled-mid-air-by-uae-air-force-101611209885564.html

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£30m injection for UK's first uncrewed fighter aircraft. It will be designed to fly at high-speed alongside fighter jets, armed with missiles, surveillance and electronic warfare technology to provide a battle-winning advantage over hostile forces.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/30m-injection-for-uks-first-uncrewed-fighter-aircraft

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On the murky business of arms contracts, court cases & secrecy especially about H&K/CG Haenel riffle acquisition for the German MoD. As an example of using court to settle contrasting interests Damen/Kiel shipyard German Naval Yards trial on the MKS180.
https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus224917513/Ruestungsgeschaefte-Ein-Ministerium-vor-Gericht.html

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Military aeronautic companies named in report on charge in Indonesian bribe scandal against former of PT Garuda, technology director Soedigno: Airbus/EADS, Roll-Royce & Bombardier Canada.

They are largely financed with tax payers to protect, not to harm. https://nasional.sindonews.com/read/313074/13/eks-dirtek-garuda-indonesia-didakwa-terima-suap-usd23-juta-dan-eur477-ribu-1611558063

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Bragging about exports of the Rafale fighter. With the Greek order 114 Rafale were therefore sold for export. The Rafale is competing in Switzerland (36-40 planes), Finland (up to 64), Croatia (12), a plan to sell Indonesia 36 is near, Florence Parly said.
https://www.epicos.com/article/674176/le-rafale-fleuron-de-laeronautique-francaise-qui-confirme-son-succes-lexport

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Retweet @londoncaat: The #DayofAction4Yemen is finally here! There are many actions taking place - you can check them out here https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/world-says-no-to-war-on-yemen-25-jan-2021 But the most important thing to do is take action! Check out the toolkit with actions to take https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GBqRslDSqzMyVcxu1nxo9dIRdXuKGPm_JqoZXVkdP_g/edit #YemenCantWait #WorldSaysNo

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Retweet @SadetKarabulut: De oorlog in #Jemen duurt na bijna zes jaar nog voort. Waarom? Het Westen verkoopt flink veel wapens aan Saudi-Arabië, dat ze inzet tegen Jemenieten. Raytheon bijvoorbeeld, een Amerikaans bedrijf, gevestigd op de Zuidas. NL belastingparadijs ook voor Amerikaanse wapenbedrijven.

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NATO has selected Thales to provide the 1st certified defence cloud solution that can be deployed in the theatre of operations in less than 24 hours. As military operations become increasingly data-driven, access to critical data & applications is crucial.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210125005006/en/

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Turkish President Erdoğan called his NATO allies “bad neighbors” over what he said their refusal to sell Turkey cameras used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). “We want cameras, but they are not giving them. Aren't we together in NATO?” Erdoğan asked. https://www.duvarenglish.com/turkeys-erdogan-furious-at-nato-allies-for-not-selling-turkey-drone-cameras-news-55977

January 24

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Germany as seen abroad: Germany breaks its own limits on arms exports during the pandemic.
https://www.eldiario.es/economia/pandemia-no-frena-exportaciones-armas-alemanas_1_7036664.html

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Nigerian MOD Emergency Procurement of two x 40m Fast Patrol Boat by DAMEN is also awaiting delivery.
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/19/five-years-of-bridging-maritime-security-gaps/

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Goed van mij hoeft Nederland ook geen onderzeeboten te kopen bij de Naval Group, maar om het Franse concern een broos bedrijf te noemen (
https://www.noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/DMF20210120_20471573) dat gaat toch de kant op van journalistiek om een bedrijf uit te schakelen. https://www.naval-group.com/en/naval-defence-5

Aanvulling: Voor wie naast deze opinie uit Noord-Holland ook een visie uit Australië wil lezen met interessante puntjes (zoals unmanned, de kosten van een Zweedse A26 en mogelijke redenen voor de commotie): Buyer's remorse on Attack-class subs? We should be so lucky. https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7097642/buyers-remorse-on-attack-class-subs-we-should-be-so-lucky/

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Rare-earths mining company Lynas closer to becoming supplier to the US military industry (amid ongoing tensions with China) after it agreed to build a $US60m processing plant to produce for US strategic stockpiles, with US MoD to pay for ½ of the facility.
https://www.mining.com/lynas-shares-jumps-on-deal-for-us-rare-earth-plant/

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Turkey launches indigenous frigate in show of navy power.
https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-launches-indigenous-frigate-in-show-of-navy-power-43518

This week Dutch government answered questions on naval sales to Turkey(/Pakistan). To summarize: Sales are NO problem.

https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1352233353332871175

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BAE Systems today announced in a press release the appointment of Ravi Nirgudkar as managing director for India. "India is a key strategic market for BAE Systems." Nirgudkar previously worked as country president at Raytheon, a major US military company.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bae-systems-appoints-ravi-nirgudkar-managing-director-for-india/articleshow/80404795.cms

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The Commissioner for Human Rights of the German Government, Bärbel Kofler #SPD, criticizes the German arms exports to Egypt.

Die Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Menschenrechte, Bärbel Kofler SPD, kritisiert die deutschen Rüstungsexporte nach Ägypten.

https://www.rnd.de/politik/menschenrechte-beauftragte-keine-deutsche-rustungsexporte-nach-agypten-XUHRRNZOESATWU66OJ2MAGATDA.html

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Call to suspend export licenses for any equipment which might be used for internal repression (in line with CP 2008/944/CFSP) & halt all exports to #Egypt of arms, surveillance technology, & other security equipment that can facilitate attacks on human ... https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/21/open-letter-european-union-and-its-member-states-egypt

January 23

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It isn't yet clear how far Biden will go in halting arms sales to Saudi's. US campaigners, like Codepink & Win Without War could have real influence here. It is important others support their calls and put pressure on their government to act too. https://caat.org.uk/news/will-president-biden-end-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia/

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Joint statement by France, Germany, Italy, UK and US on the 24 December 2021 Libyan elections, affirming the demands of the Libyan people for a change and stresses the full respect for the UN arms embargo, and ending the toxic foreign interference. https://www.libyaherald.com/2021/01/22/joint-statement-by-france-germany-italy-uk-and-u-s/

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Abu Dhabi has spent millions of dollars bankrolling Haftar, breaching an UN arms embargo on Libya to provide Haftar with Chinese, Russian, & South African weapons & drones, & paying the salaries of Russian mercenaries, Sudanese militias, & Chadian rebels. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/analysis/analysis-new-balances-in-libya-crisis/2119185

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The Security Council members took note of the request of the CAR authorities to lift the arms embargo. They reiterated their readiness to review the arms embargo measures, through suspension or progressive lifting, in the light of progress achieved. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-01/23/c_139690793.htm

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Outside Powers Are Making the Conflict in the Central African Republic Worse

Proxy wars pitting FRANCE and Chad against Russia and Rwanda threaten to destabilize the entire region while subjecting Central Africans to more violence and instability. https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/22/outside-powers-are-making-the-conflict-in-the-central-african-republic-worse/

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Russia is set to supply Myanmar with Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems, Orlan-10E surveillance drones and radars. The deal was signed during Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu’s visit to the country on Thursday. https://www.rt.com/russia/513296-russia-myanmar-missiles-drones/

January 22

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French arms company Thales has failed to overturn the charges against it in the Thales-Zuma bribery & corruption case. They may still appeal this decision, but we are a step closer to seeing Zuma & Thales facing a criminal trial in April.

https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/just-in-thales-challenge-to-racketeering-charge-it-faces-with-zuma-dismissed-paving-way-for-trial-to-start-20210122 @andrewfeinstein

Addition: Procès Zuma : la justice rejette la demande du groupe français Thales

22 janv. 2021 Par Agence France-Presse http://www.paradisfj.info/spip.php

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The EU has threatened Ankara with sanctions, including on arms exports. There is a wide range of reasons for that.

Greece, Cyprus, & France, want to punish Turkey, but EU member states like Germany & Italy are reluctant to go ahead with sanctions. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/21/eu-turkey-press-for-improved-relations-after-tumultuous-2020

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Retweet @CAATuk 250+ organisations from 17 countries have signed a call to action against the war on Yemen. On Jan 25th they'll be joining the #WorldSaysNo to War on #Yemen Global Online Rally. Be part of it: http://bit.ly/StopTheWarYemenCantWait #DayofAction4Yemen #YemenCantWait

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Retweet @ArmsTradeCT Toward A More Responsible US Arms Trade Policy: Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration https://justsecurity.org/74254/toward-a-more-responsible-us-arms-trade-policy-recommendations-for-the-biden-harris-administration/ via @just_security

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Under contract to Kership – a joint venture of Naval Group & Piriou Group - Thales Nederland is to supply its NS50 dual-axis multibeam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the Belgium/Netherlands future mine countermeasures (MCM) programme.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ns50-radars-to-equip-benl-mcm-mother-ships

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China rises from Russian customer to competitor in arms industry

Beijing's ability to package guns and economic deals threatens Moscow's revenue

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-rises-from-Russian-customer-to-competitor-in-arms-industry

January 21

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Daniel Cornet can't believe it, ING bank no longer wants him. The problem is his job.

“The ING group no longer accepts clients involved in the production or sale of small arms #SAWL to the private sector," ”says Joëlle Neeb, spokesperson for ING Belgium.

https://lacapitale.sudinfo.be/729292/article/2021-01-20/daniel-cornet-est-chasse-de-sa-banque-ing-cause-de-sa-profession

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Green MP Tobias Lindner asked the German government to clarify how Turkey could modernize its Leopard tanks. A spokesman for the Ministry of Economics said it isn't easy. What is behind the new Turkish armor concepts is "kept secret by the Turkish side."
https://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/neue-indizien-fuer-panzerdeal-im-fall-deniz-yuecel-30006334.html

Laut dem für Rüstungsexporte zuständigen Wirtschaftsministerium wird die Technologie hinter der neuen Zusatzpanzerung bisher "von türkischer Seite geheim gehalten".

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Dutch Ministers of FA are of the opinion recent sales of naval technology to Turkey to be asembled on warships for Pakistan and the deliverance of warships to Pakistan by Damen is in conformity with the arms export criteria.

"Wenn es schwimmt, geht es" https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=f04dff03-f93d-44e8-8d90-310058165b0a&title=Lijst%20van%20vragen%20en%20antwoorden%20over%20de%20afgifte%20vergunning%20voor%20export%20militair%20materieel%20naar%20Pakistan%20via%20Turkije%20%28Kamerstuk%2022054-333%29.docx

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The UAE on Jan. 20 signed off on a deal to purchase up to 50 F-35 fighter aircraft & 18 MQ-9 Reaper drones from the United States. The agreement was a final act of the Trump administration, occurred just an hour before President Joe Biden was inaugurated. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/01/20/just-hours-before-bidens-inauguration-the-uae-and-us-come-to-a-deal-on-f-35-sales/

January 20

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What is the Karachi affair?
https://www.lejdd.fr/Societe/Justice/quest-ce-que-laffaire-karachi-4019539

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German questions on a wide range of arms exports.
https://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/19/259/1925913.pdf

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A call for action. 14 years are gone since the 21-year-old Alex died in Basra. The mother notices the world has moved on but it has learned nothing, since. UK is the 2nd-biggest global arms dealer. "Vast fortunes are made, where does all that money go?" https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/politics/viewpoint-i-lost-my-son-iraq-we-all-need-question-arms-sales-3104413

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Two high-ranking French politicians (former PM Balladur and former MoD Leotard) stood trial on on charges of "complicity in the misuse of corporate assets" over the sale of submarines to Pakistan and frigates to Saudi Arabia between 1993 and 1995.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/19/ex-french-prime-minister-edouard-balladur-trial-kickbacks-arms/

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Secretary of state nominee Blinken said the Biden administration would cease arms sales & support to Saudi's for its war in Yemen & promised that it would immediately review Trump’s recent designation of Yemen’s Houthi's as foreign terrorist organization.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/biden-blinken-secretary-state-confirmation/2021/01/19/fa657ade-5aa4-11eb-a976-bad6431e03e2_story.html

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MOTION 4 A RESOLUTION on Human rights situation in Turkey. 14 Calls on the Council to agree on an EU-wide arms embargo on Turkey; also calls on the EU & its Member States to ensure that no jobs will be lost as a result of the implementation of this embargo https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2021-0072_EN.html

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A shipment of 100 armored patrol vehicles sailed from the U.K. on Tuesday as a donation from the British government to the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the northern and eastern borders. https://defensenews.com/land/2021/01/19/lebanese-military-to-receive-100-armored-vehicles-from-uk-to-secure-borders/
https://www.facebook.com/ukinlebanon/posts/3725549010821438

January 19

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Saudi Arabia makes artificial intelligence a cornerstone of its 2030 vision

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority #SDAIA is helping during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the economic and defense sectors, by tracking data. https://www.c4isrnet.com/artificial-intelligence/2021/01/15/saudi-arabia-makes-artificial-intelligence-a-cornerstone-of-its-2030-vision/

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The Indian Ministry of Defense announced that the Indian Army and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) have jointly developed India’s first indigenous 9 mm machine pistol. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1688547

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SIPRI essay Joe Biden’s arms control ambitions are welcome—but delivering on them will not be easy https://sipri.org/commentary/essay/2021/joe-bidens-arms-control-ambitions-are-welcome-delivering-them-will-not-be-easy

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Don't expect anything from Germany when it comes to a tight arms embargo to Turkey. FA Minister "Maas said in Ankara that there had been "so many positive signals" from Turkey in the past few weeks that he wanted to take up "this ball" right away. " https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/maas-in-der-tuerkei-die-zeichen-stehen-auf-wiederannaeherung-17152368.html

***
Roemeense Romania Libera verwijt Mark Rutte hypocrisie, aan de ene kant protesteren tegen corruptie. Aan de andere kant Damen bijspringen in Roemenië.

Rutte face trafic de influență pentru DAMEN, dar la ieșire se declară nemulțumit de lupta anticorupție

https://romanialibera.ro/opinii/liviu-dragnea-n-are-sapca-maga-836097

***
Turkey is increasing its role in the evolution of the Tunisian military by seeking to deepen defense industry ties and step up its military equipment exports to Tunis. Recently Tunisia became customer of Turkeys Anka-S Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/01/turkish-defense-industry-increases-its-role-in-modernization-of-tunisian-military/

***
US Teledyne Technologies had almost discreetly taken French optronics with Flir Systems & Photonis. The acquisition of the SME by Teledyne would then have been dangerous for France's strategic industrial interests and French veto against it is legitimised. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/rachat-de-photonis-par-teledyne-la-france-a-vraiment-evite-une-catastrophe-industrielle-872693.html

***
Airbus-built CSO-2 (Composante spatiale optique) Earth observation satellites for the French Armed Forces, has been successfully launched on a Soyuz launcher from the Kourou European Spaceport in French Guyana. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/12/airbusbuilt-cso2-french-military-earth-observation-satellite-launched-successfully.html

***
Retweet @FrontierMM The Tatmadaw has resumed its old ways, killing civilians and destroying villages, despite the early promise of peace initiatives backed by Norway and other Western countries. How will these same donor countries respond? ask Charles Petrie and Ashley South. https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/peace-is-broken-in-the-karen-hills-how-will-donors-respond/

***
Webinar: Resisting the arms trade - Frontex & Militarization of Borders, dinsdag, 19 januari, 2021 - 20:00.
https://www.mo.be/webinar-resisting-arms-trade-frontex-militarization-borders

https://vredesactie.be/node/14131

***
Approval of Australian military exports to Saudi Arabia and UAE condemned by human rights groups

Military goods to Turkey were also approved despite Syrian incursions ‘causing great civilian suffering’ https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jan/19/approval-of-australian-military-exports-to-saudi-arabia-and-uae-condemned-by-human-rights-groups

***
EU will soon have a more uniform approach to the export of small arms and light weapons #SALW & their ammunition. The Council established a set of common features that end-user certificates for the export of SALW and their ammunition will have to respect.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/01/18/arms-exports-control-council-establishes-a-eu-approach-on-end-user-certificates/

***
A GROUP of peace campaigners is calling for a controversial defence industry event in Malvern, UK, to be cancelled. They called for the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo #3CDSE to be cancelled. An “arms fair” is “totally inappropriate” for the area. https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/19019976.group-says-totally-inappropriate-malvern-defence-expo-cancelled/

***
UK arms sales were promoted at a trade event organised by the UK government for companies selling weapons to police in Brazil, even as police killings soared across the country.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3gqaj/the-uk-sold-weapons-to-police-in-brazil-as-killings-soared

***
UK trained military of 15 countries with poor human rights records

Campaigners seek inquiry into whether skills gained in UK were used to commit abuses in countries such as Bahrain, China and Saudi Arabia

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/17/uk-trained-military-of-13-countries-with-poor-human-rights-records

January 18

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Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reviewed cooperation frameworks between Egypt and the German shipbuilding company Lürssen, as he met on Wednesday with the company’s CEO Peter Lürssen, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/398794.aspx

***

Retweet @CentreDelas: “Never or almost never have changes in Government meant a change in the strategy of the [Spanish] State regarding the defence industry,” reasoned Jordi Calvo, from the Delàs Center, an NGO based in Barcelona. https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210118/6184205/espana-septimo-exportador-armas-mundo.html

***
1/... An Indonesian blog notes CN235 aircraft have been produced to meet export demand from countries such as Venezuela, Senegal, Burkina Faso, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Nepal, and Brunei Darussalam. ../2 https://tekno.harianjogja.com/read/2021/01/17/503/1061029/pesawat-cn235-buatan-indonesia-ternyata-punya-pasar-di-mancanegara

Addition: The sale of the military CN-235 was opposed by research based activism from Spain in the nineties. See e.g. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8nHmbT0qNjWOWRscFpKb0xpQXM/edit pp. 68-71.

***
Boeing failing on many fronts. Military and space revenue of $19.5 billion in the first nine months of last year eclipsed its commercial unit's $11.4 billion in sales, but aren't smoothly running.
https://ih.advfn.com/stock-market/NYSE/boeing-BA/stock-news/84108194/boeings-other-big-problem-fixing-its-space-progra

***
If the proposed US arms sale of F-35 fighters & Reaper drones to the UAE initiated by the outgoing Trump administration survives the incoming Biden admin then it would seem that there are few, if any, weapons systems Washington won’t sell Abu Dhabi. https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2021/01/17/what-weapons-systems-wont-the-us-sell-the-uae/

January 17

***
Dutch navy will replace close in weapon system #CIWS Goalkeeper. According to the Dutch acquisition agency #DMO, the replacement capability – will cost at between EUR100–250 million (USD120–300 million). https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/netherlands-sets-out-plans-for-goalkeeper-ciws-replacement

January 16

***
BAE Systems receives $500 million contract to provide new turret for Netherlands' CV90s.
https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-receives-contract-to-provide-new-turret-for-netherlands-cv90s

***
Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West criticised the British Government for its arms sales to India, which she argued "contribute to shedding the blood of the Kashmiri people."
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19015245.bradford-district-mps-call-freedom-kashmir-amid-human-rights-abuses/

***
Russia told the United Nations this week it plans to withdraw the 300 "military instructors" it sent to the Central African Republic at the end of 2020 for the presidential election, diplomats told AFP Friday.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210115-russia-pulling-military-instructor-out-of-central-african-republic-diplomats

***
French fighters included fire and forget missiles for India. IAF bigwigs headed last week to the Dassault Aviation plant near Bordeaux–Mérignac to check on them. https://asiatimes.com/2021/01/china-calculation-more-rafale-fighters-bound-for-ladakh/

Article remembers me to watch: China not our enemy by CODEPINK. (That is however on Okinawa or Lewchew. And I think the repressive and occupational behaviour of the US and Japan are not directly related to the US-China Cold War.) https://youtu.be/HRvWkEcr16o


This was much more interesting concerning China and war, especially the Bello and Klare part:

***
Will Safran's Patroller drone finally take off in 2021? Safran, which had tried to sell the Patroller to Egypt a few months ago, will try to surf in the countries using Sperwer: in addition to Greece, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/2021-enfin-l-annee-du-drone-tactique-patroller-safran-871680.html

***

European Commission selected major European launcher & satellite manufacturers, operators & service providers, policy & legal institutes to study & provide guidelines & recommendations on Space Traffic Management. #IIASL at Leiden University is one of them https://universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2021/01/iiasl-to-study-space-traffic-management


Addition: Other members are: Airbus, Arianegroup, Deimos Engineering and Systems, European Space Policy Institute, Fondation pour la Recherche Strategique, Indra Sistemas, Istituto Affari Internazionali, Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies at KUL, OHB System, EU Satellite Centre, Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio. Arianespace and Deimos Space are also involved as third parties to this project.

January 15

***
A New Estimate of China’s Military Expenditure by SIPRI

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates in a report published Jan 15, that Chinese military expenditures for 2019 were 1,803 billion yuan or $261 billion.

https://www.sipri.org/publications/2021/other-publications/new-estimate-chinas-military-expenditure

***
US DoD weapon tester wants to improve how Pentagon assesses tools & capabilities for offensive cyber ops that disrupt or destroy enemy data systems.

They grow in importance & testing that involves simulating realistic ops is not routine or rigorous enough. https://www.c4isrnet.com/cyber/2021/01/14/pentagons-weapon-tester-pushes-for-better-assessments-of-offensive-cyber-tools

***
As long as they are not held accountable for their actions, arms-exporting States will simply accept the risk that their arms could be used for human rights abuses.
https://cbap.cz/archiv/4626

***
There is one sector of international trade which has been give a major boost by Brexit – “defence and security”, also known as the British arms trade.
https://bylinetimes.com/2021/01/14/brexit-boost-for-arms-industry-and-human-rights-abusers-as-global-britain-gets-underway/

***
Rights groups have called on UK companies to stop providing parts for Turkish drones, following an announcement earlier this week by UK company Andair that it would no longer export to Ankara after its tech was found in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/arms-trade-group-calls-british-companies-stop-supplying-parts-turkish-drones

January 14

***
Koop schone wapens voor minder CO2 uitstoot? https://www.nidv.eu/nidv-ondersteunt-de-oproep-aan-het-kabinet-investeer-extra-in-rd/

***
First 100 days to reverse Trump policy? President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at pushing the DoD toward quickly developing and producing small nuclear reactors for military use — and to see if they could be used by military space vehicles.
https://www.defensenews.com/smr/nuclear-arsenal/2021/01/13/trump-orders-dod-to-explore-use-of-nuclear-power-for-space-systems/

***
WJ-700 takes to the skies at an undisclosed location two years after appearing as a prototype at Airshow China. With a top speed of 700km/h, the unmanned aircraft is capable of carrying out a range of missions, including strikes on land and sea targets.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3117569/chinas-high-speed-armed-reconnaissance-drone-completes-maiden

***
The idea of a NATO-bank to be established in London to support continued alliance investment seems far from reality. The authors however shortly & clearly sum up (finance of) export policies of major arms producers/exporters (US France UK Germany Sweden).
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/reports/2021/01/13/494605/natos-financing-gap/

***
UK anti-arms campaign group calls for an investigation into UK’s training of police forces that 've been accused of torture and other human rights abuses. Since its founding in 2012, the College of Policing provided training and assistance to 78 countries. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/campaigners-demand-investigation-into-training-of-international-police-forces-accused-of-torture

***
Dutch Damen frigate for Indonesia filmed at PT Pal ship wharf.
https://www.vlix.id/video/news/86739-gagahnya-kri-raden-eddy-martadinata-331-bantu-cari-sj-182

***
Naval Group propels Andromeda mine hunter with 3D printed propeller. Not first, but larger as the one Dutch Damen produced. After Airbus planes & space industry (Ariane 6 rocket), military shipbuilding is entering era of “3D Manufacturing” Le Figaro notes.
https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/naval-group-propulse-un-navire-militaire-avec-une-helice-fabriquee-par-impression-3d-une-premiere-mondiale-20210113

***
Kenneth Roth, HRW, in Foreign Policy: "Biden should insist that, absent major improvements, he will curb military aid or arms sales to abusive friendly governments such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel." https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/13/biden-human-rights-washington-trump/

***
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said it would be “very problematic” for Ankara to turn back on its purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems but expressed hope that a dispute with the United States on the issue could be resolved through dialogue.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-usa-defence/turkey-says-turning-back-on-s-400s-problematic-seeks-u-s-dialogue-idUSKBN29J0JV

***
EP Greens/ALE insists on the need of a truly EU defence industrial base through collaboration projects on R&D, acquisition & maintenance that include EU strategic autonomy, allowing the EU to promote a more integrated internal market for defence equipment. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2020-0266-AM-001-005_EN.pdf

January 13

Retweet @GKNAero DYK @GKNAero holds the military type certificate for the remarkable RM12 engine? RM12 has powered the JAS 39 Gripen throughout the 310,000 flight hours this aircraft has achieved. The RM12 delivers the highest operational effectiveness with the most favourable life-cycle cost.

***
On-site inspections of exported military materiel enables an exporting country to verify that the materiel is still present in the country of destination & at the authorized end user. An increasing number of EU countries are conducting on-site inspections.
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/bp_2012_post-shipment_controls.pdf

***
German arms exports by region:

Schleswig-Holstein leads nationwide (https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/hamburg-und-schleswig-holstein/Ruestungsexporte-Schleswig-Holstein-bundesweit-vorn-article22287613.html)

Lower Saxony ranks 2nd https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/hamburg-und-schleswig-holstein/Ruestungsexporte-Schleswig-Holstein-bundesweit-vorn-article22287613.html

Bavaria 3rd? with just under € 1.14 billion

Baden-Württemberg in 4th place https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/baden-wuerttemberg/Ruestungsexporte-Baden-Wuerttemberg-bundesweit-auf-Platz-vier-article22287612.html

***
Hyper irony. Figures obtained via parliamentary questions reveal the UK spent £2.4m over the last 4 years to help Saudi’s military comply with international humanitarian law while it was indiscriminately bombing and killing Yemeni civilians.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/uk-spent-24m-to-help-saudi-arabia-comply-with-international-law

***
The incoming Biden administration should cancel President Donald Trump's arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates after it takes power on January 20, Democratic House Representative Ilhan Omar said at a forum hosted by the Stimson Center. https://sputniknews.com/us/202101131081747427-us-congresswoman-omar-urges-biden-administration-to-cancel-arms-sale-to-saudi-arabia/

***
UN ferries aid to Libya on plane experts believe broke its own arms embargo

The aid flights took place earlier this month

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/un-libya-embargo-arms-aid-b1786173.html

***
On January 10, the Swiss French language daily Le Courrier published an article entitled “The Israeli-Swiss Weapon of Azerbaijan”, referring to the Israeli UAVs, outfitted with Swiss electric motors, used by Azerbaijan in the recent war against Artsakh. https://hetq.am/en/article/126189

***
A small, 2-year-old nonprofit think tank - the New York Center For Foreign Policy Affairs - has taken a step that most advocacy organizations never dare try: It has sued the U.S. State Department to derail a $23bn arms sale to the United Arab Emirates. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2021/01/12/lawsuit-threatens-23b-weapons-sale-to-uae/

***
Speech by Commissioner Thierry Breton at the 13th European Space Conference. He wants to create an European alliance for space tech. The words defence and military weren't mentioned, but space tech and military applications are tightly connected. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/breton/announcements/speech-commissioner-thierry-breton-13th-european-space-conference_en

Addition: Funding could come from the GovSatCom https://www.eda.europa.eu/what-we-do/activities/activities-search/governmental-satellite-communications-(govsatcom) program, the European Defence Fund or even quantum research programs, according to one of the European sources to AFP. https://www.notretemps.com/high-tech/actualites/l-europe-veut-sa-propre-constellation-de-afp-202101,i235250

***
Tussen 2014 en 2020 investeerde de EU €12 mrd in haar ruimtevaartactiviteiten. Voor de periode 2021-2027 moet daar nog eens €15 mrd bij. Die begroting moet overigens nog worden goedgekeurd door de lidstaten en het Europarlement. https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1370172/agressieve-ruimtevaartstrategie-eu-moet-amerikaanse-en-chinese-ambities-pareren

January 12

***
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded European missile producer MBDA in the United Kingdom a seven-year demonstration and manufacture contract for production of the SPEAR network-enabled stand-off air-to-surface weapon system.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/update-uk-orders-production-of-spear3-for-f-35

***
Israel's Elbit Systems stated that its UK daughter, was awarded a contract valued at +/- $166m from the UK MoD for the navy Future Naval Training Program (incl establishment of the Future Submarine School) as part of a consortium led by UK company Capita.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3887059,00.html

***
US ambassador in the Netherlands, Hoekstra, hosted Taiwan’s representative at US embassy in The Hague. It was 1st publicly announced visit to a US government office since the secretary of state lifted restrictions on interactions.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-usa/u-s-hosts-taiwan-in-netherlands-in-first-visit-since-restrictions-lifted-idUSKBN29H04C

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4100198

Addition: Why is the Netherlands chosen as foreign pivot for this major shift in US foreign policy on China and Taiwan?

***
Iranian press TV looks into the French ties to the emirates.

Despite public outrage, French arms deals to UAE have been getting bigger over the past decade between Paris and Abu Dhabi, according to the 2020 report to parliament on arms exports. https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/01/11/642753/France-silent-on-secret-UAE-prison-Yemen-Total-oil-and-gas

***
EP questions (021020) by Özlem Demirel (GUE/NGL, Die Linke) on supplies of arms to Libya and the military in Libya.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-005413_EN.html

Answers (110121) given by EU High Representative Borrell https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-005413-ASW_EN.pdf

***
Airbus crushed its competitors in 2020 in the civil military satellite business, according to French La Tribune.

It mentions launches of:

Australian Optus-11,

UAE's Thuraya NGS 4,

Arabsat's BADR-8,

two satellites for Intelsat, &

UK MoD's Skynet 6A

https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/en-2020-airbus-space-a-largement-domine-le-marche-des-satellites-de-telecoms-871270.html

***
Weapons for peace? What to expect in 2021 from the EU’s new ‘peace facility’? Major conclusion: it seems it will fall to civil society to hold member states to account.
https://www.forumarmstrade.org/blog/weapons-for-peace-what-to-expect-in-2021-from-the-eus-new-peace-facility

***
US Sen. Menendez, who clashed with Trump administration over its arms sales to the Mideast, its rejection of Cold War arms control treaties and withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal, is poised to become the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2021/01/11/incoming-foreign-relations-chairman-is-foe-of-trumps-massive-mideast-arms-sales/

***
Morocco has officialized the purchase of an Avante-class patrol vessel (OPV), from Navantia, a Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company. The warship reportedly cost around $183 million (MAD 1.6 billion).
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/01/331542/navy-morocco-to-commission-first-ship-from-spain-in-over-three-decades/

***

Retweet @dansabbagh: British fuel pump maker Andair confirmed today it has stopped supplying Turkey's Baykar Makina after it realised its components were being used in TB2 drones during the autumn Nagoro-Karabakh war http://andair.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cessation-of-supply-to-Baykar-Makina.pdf

See also: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/29/uk-defence-secretary-hails-azerbaijans-use-of-drones-in-conflict

January 11

***
Do all (European) participants delivering components agree? Or do they just follow Trump?

Contract for the sale of F-35 fighters to the UAE is likely to be inked before the end of the Trump administration, according to a top US State Department official.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/01/08/uae-f-35-contracts-expected-to-be-signed-before-end-of-trump-admin/

***
Why the Dutch government gives an export permission for a major naval arms export to Egypt, €114m. Navy protects sea lanes, fight terrorists & is doing nothing wrong. (Letter July 2020, but issue of naval exports to Sisi regime surfaces time and again.) https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/kamerstukken/2020/07/10/kamerbrief-inzake-afgifte-vergunning-voor-export-militair-materieel-naar-egypte/kamerbrief-inzake-afgifte-vergunning-voor-export-militair-materieel-naar-egypte.pdf

Addition: By the way in answer to questions on the deal, Dutch Minister of FA Kaag stated that the 'Report on Arms export: implementation of Common Position' (aka the Hannah Neumann report) refutes claims the Egyptian is involved in Human Rights violations in Yemen. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/kamervragen/detail?id=2020Z14089&did=2020D31774

***
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana has disclosed that his service is in talks with Israel to overhaul five Kfir fighters. http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/front_page/Several-AF-fighter-jets-combat-helicopters-to-be-overhauled-to-boost-air-power/238-203357

***
How to turn around the story line? Ivor Ichikowitz CEO of South African Paramount Group tells that arms producers are those who are willing - without subsidies and local contract - helping African governments to protect its citizens. https://www.defensenews.com/outlook/2021/01/11/paramount-group-chairman-africas-defense-industry-is-more-than-a-weapons-business/

***
According to reports in the Indian media, India will sign an agreement with Israel in the early part of this year for the supply of an additional amount of Harop loitering munitions manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). https://israeldefense.co.il/en/node/47634

***
Egypt’s TIBA-1 Military Communication Satellite (https://africanews.space/egypts-tiba-1-military-communication-satellite-ready-for-launch/) is manufactured by the consortium of French companies Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defense & Space, some of the largest international companies in the field. https://egyptindependent.com/president-sisi-discusses-future-usage-of-tiba-1-satellite/

***
If you'll make a documentary on the murder of Khashoggi don't be surprised streamers such as Netflix do not buy the product. They will not be foolish with Kingdom with its petrodollars. https://www.forbes.com/sites/andymeek/2021/01/10/you-need-to-watch-the-dissident-a-film-about-slain-washington-post-journalist-jamal-khashoggi-that-streamers-were-too-scared-to-touch/

***
Will India be next to face sanctions for buying Russian S-400 air defence missile system? https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/as-us-sanctions-loom-over-russia-deal-india-says-we-follow-an-independent-foreign-policy/articleshow/80180861.cms

Januaruy 10

***
The European Commission approved €9.7m to finance the Low Observable Tactical Unmanned System #LOTUS project, which is a new European Tactical drone designed for the effective border surveillance and reconnaissance of threats & high value targets. https://www.embention.com/news/lotus-program-a-step-forward-in-the-uav-formation-flight/

Addition: Involved are:
Intracom Defense #IDE

Aristotle Uni of Thessaloniki

Altus LSA Commercial & Manufacturing

CFT Carbon Fiber Technologies PC

Uni of Patras

Hellenic Air Force Telecommunications & Electronics

Signal Generix Ltd

CYRIC Cyprus Research & Innovation Center ltd

Geoimaging Ltd

RHEA Group

January 9

***

Helin Evrim Sommer, an MP for Die Linke, said that her party has called for sanctions on Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP), but rejected general economic sanctions that would affect the people as well.

“If the EU does not want to completely lose its political credibility, it should apply sanctions,” she said. https://ahvalnews.com/eu-turkey/german-kurdish-mp-says-erdogan-government-serious-threat-eu-calls-sanctions

***
Recent peace accords (also w Israel) in Middle East often seem to prepare for war on Iran. Embracing Qatar’s ruler, Saudi Crown Prince pushed a deal to end a row with Doha at a Gulf summit on Tuesday to try to strengthen an Arab alliance against Iran.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gulf-summit/from-embargo-to-embrace-saudi-arabia-pushes-gulf-detente-idUSKBN29A0K

***
India deal for Airbus transport aircraft will bring relief not only for European aerospace, which has seen its campaigns for lucrative defence contracts in India fail over the last few years, but also for the Indian Air Force and defence industry. https://swarajyamag.com/defence/how-the-c295-aircraft-deal-with-airbus-will-bring-relief-for-iaf-and-indian-defence-industry

January 7

***
Has someone already questioned what a temporarily Dutch export permission of Turkish teargas from the Netherlands to end user Chili in May 2020 meant.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen This was at a time protests over food shortages erupted in Chile

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-19/protests-over-food-shortages-erupt-in-chile-amid-virus-lockdown

***
NHIndustries (#Airbus Helicopters, #Leonardo Helicopters & #Fokker) has flown the first of 22 new NH90 helicopters for #Qatar, with the consortium announcing in late December 2020 that both variants ordered by the Gulf state had made their maiden flights. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/12/qatars-new-nh90-nfh-helicopter-makes-first-flight/

***
UK's Government's £550m splurge on supersonic missiles during the pandemic is an ‘insult’

Peace campaigners say money should have been used to support the NHS, patients and key workers. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/governments-550m-splurge-on-supersonic-missiles-during-the-pandemic-is-an-insult

Addition: The job argument is so worn out. When you invest £550m (€609m) it may be better spend on education, health care, renewable energy to create more jobs and more security as well instead of embarking on the next arms race. https://www.thecomet.net/news/jobs-at-stevenage-mbda-following-missile-contract-6887424

January 6

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A directory of Dutch space technology related industries, knowledge centers and universities.
https://www.nlspace.nl/en/spacedirectory/

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India - with its hundreds of millions under the poverty line - buys 56 C-295 Airbus transport aircraft, valued $2.5bn. #Airbus and #Tata Advanced Systems Limited #TASL will jointly execute the project under the Make In India initiative.
https://www.indiandefencetimes.com/india-to-sign-2-5-billion-contract-for-56-transport-planes-for-iaf/

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The German government was allowed to refuse the export of submachine guns to South Korea. This has been decided by the Berlin Administrative Court. The lawsuit brought by the manufacturer Heckler & Koch, failed the small arms producer.
https://taz.de/Verwaltungsgericht-zu-Ruestungsexporten/!5742206/

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Italy, Sweden & UK agreed to an equal cooperation for R&D & joint concepting of the Tempest fighter ahead of the full development phase from 2025. This fighter will compete with a Spanish, French & German variant. Both wil drain tight governmental budgets. https://theaviationist.com/2021/01/05/italy-united-kingdom-and-sweden-sign-tempest-fcas-cooperation-memorandum-of-understanding/

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Star Wars back! European MBDA has its own take on it with a space based endo-atmospheric interceptor against maneuvering ballistic missiles with intermediate ranges, hypersonic gliders, anti-ship missiles & conventional targets such as fighter aircraft.
https://asiatimes.com/2021/01/race-is-on-for-hypersonic-weapon-supremacy/

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Spanish Universidad Publica de Navarra

Dutch TNO

German Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung...

France based Thales; Tematys; Ultimetas; & Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches

are contracted by EDA on Hybrid Multifunctional Metamaterials for Defence Applications #HiMMODA

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Early 2021 a contract between Fincantieri and the Italian Navy will be finalized for 4 U-212 NFS submarines deriving from the Todaro class under license from the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The total value of the order is €2.3 billion.
https://www.ilcittadinoonline.it/finanza-e-mercati/fincantieri-in-arrivo-contratto-da-23-mld-con-la-marina-militare-italiana/

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As part of a $1.68bn deal between Israel & Greece — the largest-ever defense agreement between both — the Hellenic Air Force will acquire 10 M-346 aircraft and Israel’s Elbit Systems will establish a flight school and maintain training aircraft. https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2021/01/05/israel-greece-sign-17-billion-deal-for-air-force-training

January 5

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Where The Most Journalists Are Imprisoned Worldwide
https://www.statista.com/chart/3310/china-incarcerates-more-journalists-than-anywhere-else/

Saudi Arabia and Egypt respectively number 2 and 5 for EU arms exports in 2019. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/eeasqap/sense/app/75fd8e6e-68ac-42dd-a078-f616633118bb/sheet/24ca368f-a36e-4cdb-94c6-00596b50c5ba/state/analysis

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Italy based National Research Council secured a contract from European Defence Agency #EDA for Service Framework Contract for the Provision of Services in the Area of 'Quantum Technologies for Defence with Application to Optronics- #Quando. The amount of contract isn't disclosed.

Addition: Netherlands based Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research #TNO has secured contract from #EDA for Service Framework Contract for the Provision of Services in the Area of 'Quantum Technologies for Defence with Application to Optronics. Amount of isn't disclosed.

Addition: France based Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aerospatiales secured a contract from European Defence Agency for Service Framework Contract for the Provision of Services in the Area of Quantum Technologies for Defence with Application to Optronics. Amount isn't disclosed.

Addition: France based #Thales has secured contract from EDA for Service Framework Contract for the Provision of Services in the Area of 'Quantum Technologies for Defence with Application to Optronics'. The contract is valued approximately € 500 000.00.


As is Spain based #Tecnobit Sl

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Arguing as if decades of debates on German, EU and global arms export policy did not happen.



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Not even the pandemic stops them. Beretta doubled its exports to Mexico. The weapons have ended up in the hands of criminals and non-military police forces, who have also been accused of serious human rights violations. https://www.proceso.com.mx/reportajes/2021/1/4/ni-la-pandemia-detiene-la-importacion-de-armas-italianas-255594.html

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Libyans on Monday commemorated the victims of a drone strike by the United Arab Emirates (UAE https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53917791) a year ago on a military academy that killed 26 unarmed cadets and left many more wounded. https://www.dailysabah.com/world/africa/libya-commemorates-victims-of-deadly-uae-drone-strike-on-tripoli-military-academy

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How you can answer a question on arms embargo to Turkey. (Question by Georgios Kyrtsos (PPE) https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2020-005495_EN.html)

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell is mastering the art to do so fact free and almost without saying anything. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2020-005495-ASW_EN.pdf

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How deescalating. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar warned on Sunday that the forces of Khalifa Haftar and their supporters based in eastern Libya would be viewed as "legitimate targets" if they attempted to attack Turkish forces in the region. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplomacy-a-peace/turkey-warns-libyas-haftar-and-supporters-against-attacking-its-forces/

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France has not been able to hatch civil drone champions, despite the pioneering regulations of 2012, and has hardly distinguished itself in terms of military drone exports. But the time for a counterattack may have come... comments French L'Usine Nouvelle. https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/civils-et-militaires-les-drones-francais-contre-attaquent.N1042309

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Built by #Airbus D&S with significant Turkish contributions, the Turkish 5A satellite will provide Ku-band television broadcast services over Turkey, the Middle East, Europe and Africa." https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=82538

It will be used for military communications.

https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/spacex-to-launch-a-turkish-satellite-by-2020-39616

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‘In 2020 werden kernwapens illegaal. Weet onze regering dat?’

De vraag wordt hier aan Brussel gesteld, maar kan evengoed naar Den Haag doorgespeeld worden. https://www.mo.be/commentaar/ban-de-bom

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The UK is no longer implementing EU sanctions (the Brexit transition period has ended). This means: https://www.europeansanctions.com/2021/01/new-uk-sanctions-regimes-now-in-force/

Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation #OFSI notice here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/949055/Notice_Consolidated_List_Changes__31_December_2020.pdf

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World human rights champion Sweden? Yemen? Sweden’s Saab has received a much-anticipated order, worth $1 billion, for two additional GlobalEye spy planes from the United Arab Emirates, the company announced Monday. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/01/04/saab-nabs-1-billion-deal-for-two-more-global-eye-planes-to-the-united-arab-emirates/

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How did an Australian-made transponder, a key part of drone technology, end up in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan where human rights abuses are prolific? Michelle Fahy investigates the murky trail of the drone bit. https://www.michaelwest.com.au/australian-weapons-part-on-armenian-battlefield/

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Easy for China to counter US argument it is endangering international global peace and stability. "On arms control and non-proliferation, [the US] pulled out of the JCPOA and the INF Treaty, unsigned the Arms Trade Treaty, announced its withdrawal from..." https://fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1844368.shtml

January 4

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Oorlogsmisdadiger Guus Kouwenhoven (wapenhandel en medeplichtigheid aan oorlogsmisdrijven in Liberia tussen 1999 en 2003) komt toch nog niet naar Nederland om zijn straf uit te zitten. Dat stelde zijn Nederlandse advocate Inez Weski. Bericht van 24/12/20 https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/zuid-afrika-wil-hem-kwijt-maar-wanneer-komt-oorlogsboef-guus-kouwenhoven-ooit-naar-nederland~af25c075/

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Le Monde Diplomatique on Saudi war on Yemen, supported by Western powers, in particular by their exports of weapons, find themselves associated with a war that is as dishonorable as it is ineffective. https://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/2021/01/BERNIN/62670

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In a letter to member states, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, called for regional blocs to nominate monitors to oversee the ceasefire and a UN #arms #embargo that has been flouted, principally by #Turkey and the United Arab Emirates #UAE. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/01/un-to-bring-in-monitors-to-observe-libya-flouted-ceasefire-national-unity-government

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Arianespace launches French militaryCSO-2 spy satellite on Soyuz rocket to cap 2020 for the French CNES space agency and DGA military procurement agency (Direction generale de l'armement), on behalf of the French MoD. https://www.space.com/arianespace-soyuz-rocket-launches-cso-2-satellite

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Global space industry at dawn of a decade of upheaval. Growth of tiny satellite launches will lead to a paradigm shift in sector, especially on data collection & processing. The military is expected to remain a major customer and contribute to the growth. https://theconversation.com/lindustrie-spatiale-mondiale-a-laube-dune-decennie-de-bouleversements-majeurs-152338

January 3

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The German government has approved arms exports worth about 1.6 billion euros in 2020 to countries involved in the conflicts in Yemen and Libya. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/germany-approved-arms-exports-worth-over-1b-euros-to-middle-east-in-2020

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The UK’s new deal with Turkey ignores appalling human rights abuses and should have been scrutinised by parliament. According to Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Britain has exported £1.3bn worth of arms to Turkey since the 2013 Gezi Park popular uprising. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/03/global-britain-is-willing-to-trade-away-everything-including-scruples

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The UK government is under pressure to explain why a series of air strikes in Yemen, many involving civilian casualties, have not been recorded in its confidential log of alleged breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL). https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/03/lethal-airstrikes-in-yemen-left-off-confidential-uk-record