Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
March
31
***
Retweet
@RetePaceDisarmo with comment: Italian civil society organizations
ask the Cheddite company for clarification on the sale of ammunition
used by the military in #Myanmar to brutally repress the
demonstrations against the military coup. Read the joint statement:
https://retepacedisarmo.org/2021/bossoli-italiani-myanmar-societa-civile-chiarimenti-cheddite/
***
Second, an
embargo must be imposed on arms sales to Burma, Khin Ohmar, democracy
activist, said in an interview with Die Welt.
But how to massage Russia, China & India in that direction? And how stop EU members exporting on the fringes of the EU embargo?
***
Germany will
continue to contribute to implementing the UNs’ arms embargo on
Libya & driving the Berlin Process forward, Heiko Maas said
during UAEs Ambassadors Conference. We are counting on your support,
which will be crucial, he added.
& If #UAE don't?
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/maas-boko-vae/2451058
***
Not to forget
French complicity. During the genocide, Védrine, the former
Secretary-General of l'Elysée under #Mitterrand is known to have
given direct orders to rearm the #Rwandan army and #Interahamwe
militia, defying a UN arms #embargo.
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/activists-react-new-report-frances-role-1994-genocide-against-tutsi
***
As part of
the Franco-Japanese bilateral defence agreement, the 2nd fase starts
of the development by Thales & Mitsubishi Heavy Industries #MHI
of a sonar demonstrator at dual frequency for mine action. It will be
installed on an autonomous drone.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/journalist/press-release/thales-and-mitsubishi-heavy-industries-mhi-combine-forces-develop
***
Thales and
Inetum Deliver Smarter Border Management at Spanish Valencia and
Bilbao Airports. This technology eases passenger management at
borders by verifying the traveler’s identity and travel documents,
including biometric checks. http://libyabizinfo.com/storyad-z18836595
***
Turkey’s
security & intelligence forces detained 26 people in a March 30
joint operation, charging the suspects with defence industry
espionage. They are employees of Turkish Aerospace Industries,
Aselsan, Havelsan, TUBITAK, Roketsan, and SSM or SSB.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/03/30/turkey-detains-26-suspects-over-defense-industry-espionage-charges/
March 30
***
Retweet with comment: All you wanted to know about #EDA, but didn't dare to ask.
A number of AI-related projects have been launched in 2020, including on AUtonomous DROne Services #AUDROS.
One of the focus areas for member states to invest & cooperate is Defence in #Space.
And so much more. #PESCO
Retweet
@EUDefenceAgency: A comprehensive overview of
EDA's work and achievements across domains last year. Get it here |
https://eda.europa.eu/publications-and-data/latest-publications/annual-report-2020.pdf
#EUdefence
***
Retweet
@AktionAufschrei BGH bestätigt Urteil
gegen Heckler & Koch.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bgh-heckler-koch-103.html
***
The
German government is buying a minority stake in defense supplier
Hensoldt — a company that derives from European aircraft
manufacturer Airbus' former defense and security electronics division
— for security reasons.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/03/29/german-government-buys-stake-in-defense-supplier-hensoldt/
Addition: See also on #Hensholdt & #Airbus article on #NightOwl optech system; ordered in 2009 by #Saudi's for border control, but not delivered because of tightened arms export rules. Now part of a juridical fight between Airbus & its former section, now Hensholdt https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article229258479/Airbus-und-Hensoldt-Bizarrer-Streit-um-Nachteulen-made-in-Germany.html
***
Airbus
Helicopters has delivered the first H225M medium helicopter to the
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). At least one was ferried in
an Antonov An-124 to the RSAF base of Paya Lebar on March 22.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-03-29/airbus-delivers-first-h225m-helicopter-singapore
***
On MBDA: it
booked 2 major international export results in 2020: 1) The VL-Mica
NG missiles are part of the German frigates MEKO A200 frigates sold
to Egypt (estimated value €300m). MBDA has sold the same missiles
to the Saudi navy & also the Exocet MM40
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/le-missilier-mbda-plie-mais-ne-rompt-pas-en-2020-881105.html
***
Nederland
besteedt grensbewaking uit aan landen rondom Europa
https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/grensexternalisering
English summary: Dutch border protection outsourced to countries surrounding Europe. https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/sites/stopwapenhandel.org/files/English%20Summary%20Report%20Dutch%20Role%20Border%20Externalisation.pdf
***
Labour MP
Jones paid £9k paid-for six-day trip to Saudi Arabia. Jones has
previously argued in the Commons that UK should hold off on calls
from Jeremy Corbyn to suspend arms sales until a full review into the
arms export licences to the KSA had finished.
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/durham-mp-criticised-over-9000-20265171
***
The German
Greens published their Manifesto. Reason to look in the Greens on a
common European defence production (included the FCAS), a more
restrictive arms trade policy and the nonsense of the NATO 2% of GDP
claim and limit tech relations with China.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/bundestagswahl-2021-was-an-den-vorbehalten-gegen-die-gruenen-in-der-aussenpolitik-dran-ist/27040282.html?ticket=ST-2322774-2CiZF4VfMVn9e6LfiRrp-ap3
***
Attorney
Eitay Mack, who aims for greater public oversight of Israel’s
military export, and to exposing alleged arms deals with dark
regimes, explains to Israel Defense that if the current path
continues, the country could find itself in a lot of trouble
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/49077
***
Andere
invalshoek. Na 6 jaar oorlog blijft er slecht nieuws komen uit
#Jemen. De Jemenieten verlangen naar het moment dat de wapens
eindelijk zullen zwijgen. Dan zullen ook de imkers van de
beste honing ter wereld de economie weer mee vlot kunnen trekken.
https://www.mo.be/reportage/honing-uit-jemen
***
Turkey to
test indigenous engine for main battle tank Altay in April, it says.
The engine is made with the help of two South Korean companies,
Doosan Infracore Co. and S&T Dynamics Co.
Article contains more self confidence domestic arms production issues. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkey-to-test-indigenous-engine-for-main-battle-tank-altay-in-april
***
New Zealand's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) approved export permits
for military equipment that was sent to the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), a key partner in Saudi Arabia's military intervention in
Yemen, in 2018 and 2019.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/439445/mfat-approved-military-equipment-export-permits-to-uae-land-forces
***
The reopening
of hiking trails and various white-sand beaches on Vieques and
Culebra, two tiny Puerto Rican islands, long used as Navy bombing
ranges will be delayed more than a decade, according to a GAO report
released Friday.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/03/29/report-military-cleanup-on-puerto-rican-islands-once-used-as-navy-bombing-ranges-slow-going/
GAO https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-268
***
The
separatists’ war, Europe’s hottest armed conflict, has killed
more than 13000 people and uprooted hundreds of thousands.
For those in the Ukrainian weaponry industry, the war has a silver lining.
“The conflict gave us a boost,” an arms producer said.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/29/amid-war-ukraine-tries-to-boost-arms-sales
March
29
***
Retweet
@keesamok: Een geheime analyse
van de Duitse regering, waarover persbureau DPA beschikt, concludeert
dat de Europese militair-industriële samenwerking PESCO de
slagvaardigheid van Europa tot nu toe nauwelijks heeft vergroot.
Am Ende zählt, was auf dem Hof steht: Drei Jahre nach Beginn der europäischen Verteidigungskooperation unter dem Titel PESCO gibt es kaum nennenswerte Ergebnisse. https://www.reservistenverband.de/magazin-loyal/am-ende-zaehlt-was-auf-dem-hof-steht/
***
The good news
in a bad case: Activists Block General Dynamics Armoured Vehicles
Bound for Saudi Arabia: Demand Canada Stop Fueling War in Yemen.
https://socialistproject.ca/2021/03/activists-block-general-dynamics-armoured-vehicles-bound-for-saudi-arabia/
***
Dutch PM Mark
Rutte promised during debate with Parliament to raise arms embargo to
#Turkey during European summit of 25-26th of March. (Wij zullen een
moratorium op moratorium op het leveren van wapens aan Turkije op
blijven brengen.) What was the result?
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=cc77ebe1-1d2b-441d-a702-e8335456aab8&title=Debat%20over%20de%20Europese%20Top%20van%2025%20en%2026%20maart%20%28ongecorrigeerd%20stenogram%29.docx
***
#Mensenrechtensituatie
in #Thailand is zorgelijk en Bangkok onderhoudt vriendschappelijke
relaties met #Myanmar, erkent Regering, maar ze ziet er geen been in
'n exportvergunning voor wapentech aan de Thaise marine blijkt uit
overleg met de Kamer #SP #PvdA
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=33a4cbfc-58fe-418c-9e62-f66776d788d9&title=Verslag%20van%20een%20schriftelijk%20overleg%20over%20de%20afgifte%20van%20een%20vergunning%20voor%20de%20export%20van%20militair%20materieel%20naar%20Thailand%20%28Kamerstuk%2022054-337%29.doc
***
The immoral
world of military intervention. French, Belarussians, Ivorians, a
peace mission, a bombing raid and several dead. Preparations were
seen peeping through a small hole in a tent and the radio of the
planes intercepted.
https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/poitiers/proces-du-bombardement-de-bouake-l-incroyable-fuite-des-pilotes-mercenaires
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_French%E2%80%93Ivorian_clashes
More
is written on this angle to look at the
bombing in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, since last week, here Le Figaro:
L'étrange procès du bombardement de Bouaké (The
peculiar trial on the bombing of Bouaké)https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/l-etrange-proces-du-bombardement-de-bouake-20210330
***
France
announces start of next French aircraft carrier to replace the
Charles-de-Gaulle in 2038. Naval Group, Chantiers de l'Atlantique &
TechnicAtome, will join with the General Directorate of Armaments and
the CEA (the French atomic agency for engine).
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/le-porte-avions-du-futur-reunit-naval-group-et-les-chantiers-de-latlantique-1302174
***
As #Korean
defense companies eye potential expansion into the Middle Eastern
arms market, Defense Minister Suh Wook met his United Arab Emirates
#UAE counterpart in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to discuss defense and arms
industry ties.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/03/28/national/defense/defense-arms-exports/20210328181800529.html
***
Japan
hopes to sign an agreement with Indonesia on Tuesday to clear the way
for exports of defense equipment amid stepped-up Chinese activities
at sea.
Growing insecurity infuses regional arms buys and sales and doesn't calm down the tension. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-to-iron-out-deal-on-arms-exports-to-Indonesia
See also here: Japan, Indonesia sign arms transfer pact amid China concerns. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/03/30/japan-indonesia-sign-arms-transfer-pact-amid-china-concerns/
March
28
***
Study
analysed the types of strategies used by UAV or drones firms to
remove technology transfer barriers to legitimate the transfer of
controversial military-use technology to the general business,
humanitarian, and the entertainment sectors.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040162520313652
***
US #Raytheon
M&D has won a contract valued $518 million to produce AMRAAM
missiles to ten countries including #Saudi Arabia, South Korea and
Qatar. Opponents criticize the Saudi deal because involvement in the
Yemen War. See:
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2552501/
***
Retweet
@AndrewBuncombe: After six years of
war in Yemen, the UK is still arming Saudi Arabia, says @CAATuk
https://caat.org.uk/news/after-six-years-of-war-in-yemen-the-uk-is-still-arming-saudi-arabia/
***
The US House
Foreign Affairs advanced the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act it
limits arms exports to Saudi intelligence, internal security, or law
enforcement entities if the President finds that Saudi Arabia has
engaged in listed activities, see:
https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4255#:~:text=Connolly's%20bill%20would%20hold%20Saudi,intimidation%20and%20violence%20going%20forward
***
Russia wants
to strengthen military ties with Myanmar, state media reported on
Friday, after a meeting between senior defence officials and a junta
condemned by Western countries for killing hundreds of civilian
protesters.
https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-politics-russia/update-1-russia-says-it-is-seeking-to-strengthen-military-ties-with-myanmar-idUSL1N2LO197
***
Pakistani
paper states in support of democracy in Myanmar: "An arms
embargo could also be deliberated upon as a viable option. No arms
should be supplied to a military that subjects them to its people."
https://dailytimes.com.pk/738565/lets-support-democracy-in-myanmar/
***
Coalition
against Yemen justifies the naval blockade as enforcement of the arms
embargo on Yemen established in UN Security Council Resolution 2216
(2015), but says nothing about Saudi and Emirati aggression.
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/lift-the-blockade-on-yemen-now-1616853961
***
Retweet with comment: Buried in a new report by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Libya comes disturbing news about recent transfers of internationally banned antipersonnel landmines. See for full Panel of Experts Report (548 pages) https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=S%2F2021%2F229&Language=E&DeviceType=Mobile
@hrw: Russia-Linked Landmines Threaten Lives in Libya https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/25/russia-linked-landmines-threaten-lives-libya
***
Military
robotics and autonomous systems (virtual conference). April 12-13th,
UK.
Speakers from the Netherlands:
Lt. Col. Martijn Hädicke (Commander RAS Innovation Program, Royal Netherlands Army)
Eric den Breejen (Intelligent Autonomous Systems at TNO)
http://www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/uk/robotic-autonomous-systems
***
Universities
to develop civil/military applications with military industries. Here
it's about "photonic integrated circuits". The INSPIRE
project consortium is made up of TU/e, imec, Thales, University of
Cambridge, X-Celeprint, SMART Photonics, & Amires.
https://www.tue.nl/en/news/news-overview/24-03-2021-new-project-set-to-inspire-advances-in-photonic-devices/
***
How
surprising. Optimist, le patron de l'équipementier de défense
#Thales, Patrice Caine believes that Europe is not condemned to a
technological dropout, as long as it buys - among other products/tech
- weapons like the FCAS & spends more on its military.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/leurope-nest-pas-vouee-au-decrochage-technologique-affirme-le-patron-de-thales-1301731
March
27
***
Australia
is good at giving guns, but not at taking in victims of war. People
are fleeing wars in which Australia is deeply involved, so our
responsibility to provide asylum seekers with a safe home is not an
abstract one, writes Sam Brennan.
https://independentaustralia.net/article-display/were-good-at-giving-guns-but-not-at-taking-in-victims-of-war,14935
***
Retweet with comment (@beretta_g): Italy advances arms deals with Egypt despite opposition
As Egypt becomes one of the world's largest importers of arms, Italy is seeking to sign additional arms deals with Cairo despite sour bilateral relations in light of Egypt’s human rights record. https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/03/italy-advances-arms-deals-egypt-despite-opposition
***
Biden’s US
arms policy likely to allow blocked drone sales to Morocco. All signs
at hand show US President Joe Biden’s plans to further boost
Morocco-US relations despite maneuvers by some congress people to
strain cooperation between the two countries.
***
Some argued
nuclear weapons provide ‘cheap security’ to its possessors i.e.,
there wouldn't be a need to spend heavily on conventional armaments.
India, 3rd 2019 military spender, shows this isn't true. India imports 9.3% of the global arms production. https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/south-asia-without-nuclear-weapons-1502959578.html
***
The JSF
again. A Marine Corps F-35B flying out of a Marine Corps Air Station
in Arizona, was damaged in early March when one of its rounds
exploded while the plane was conducting a gunnery evaluation,
according to a report from the Naval Safety Center.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/03/26/marine-f-35b-damaged-by-exploding-round-for-corps-first-aviation-class-a-mishap-of-the-year/
***
ctivists
block railway near General Dynamics protesting arms sales. A group of
activists blocked some railway tracks in London on Friday, calling on
Canada to end exports of locally made arms to Saudi Arabia.
https://blackburnnews.com/london/london-news/2021/03/26/activists-block-railway-near-general-dynamics-protesting-arms-sales/
March 26
***
In
Asia Russia is developing military cooperation with China, India,
Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia and building ties with
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and other countries, Head
of the Defense and Security Committee, Viktor Bondarev said.
https://tass.com/defense/1270319
***
On
Saudi relations with Turkey (incl. defence industrial) to break away
from the position of isolation Ankara faces. Deepening cooperation on
defence industries "depend on whether Turkey and KSA could
resolve their deep-running disagreements in the
region." https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/03/25/playing-both-sides-will-saudi-greek-drills-impact-ties-with-turkey/
***
Rafale
may have edge in Ukraine fighter stakes
Dossier said to be at top of the agenda of French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to Ukraine
https://asiatimes.com/2021/03/rafale-may-have-edge-in-ukraine-fighter-pact/
***
Mint
press has its own explanation why Biden changed US policy towards
Saudi Arabia: it may be an attempt to control the narrative and save
face around what is looking like yet another defeat in the
long-running American-sponsored global war on terror.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/us-lobbyists-arm-dealers-scramble-reposition-amid-impending-saudi-defeat-yemen/276430/
***
There
are now fewer special operations forces deployed globally than at any
point since the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 after 9/11, the
commander of U.S. special operations said Thursday. Still there are
some 5000 US SOF deployed in about 62 countries.
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/fewest-number-of-special-ops-forces-deployed-since-2001-as-pentagon-reviews-decisions-to-draw-down-troops-1.667292
***
Big
money: Northrop Grumman (up to $3.9 billion) and Lockheed Martin (up
to $3.7 billion) won separate contracts to design the next-generation
interceptor for the US missile defence network, the Pentagon
announced.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/northrop-and-lockheed-win-missile-defence-contracts-valued-at-up-to-7-6-billion/articleshow/81670254.cms
Addition:
Not all won. Boeing’s Defense Unit Dealt Setback by Pentagon. Loss
in missile-killer contest comes just as plane maker is relying more
on military revenues.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/boeings-defense-unit-dealt-setback-by-pentagon-11616675746
***
F-35
deal could trigger arms race. The UAE hopes to finalise a deal to
acquire 50 Lockheed Martin-made F-35 fighters ahead of the 50th
anniversary of the country’s independence this year.
https://www.arabianaerospace.aero/f-35-deal-could-trigger-arms-race.html
March 25
***
Norway,
Germany to buy 6 submarines from ThyssenKrupp
https://malaymail.com/news/money/2021/03/24/norway-germany-to-buy-six-submarines-from-thyssenkrupp/1960539
TK
krijgt Noors-Duitse order voor 6 onderzeeboten
https://fd.nl/ondernemen/1378132/thyssenkrupp-krijgt-noors-duitse-mega-order-voor-zes-onderzeeers
Enighet om ubåtkontrakt https://regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/nyeubater/id2840758/
Agreement in German-Norwegian U212 Common Design project https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/press-detail-page/agreement-reached-in-german-norwegian-u212-common-design-u212cd-project-97392
***
Question MEP
Idoia Villanueva Ruiz @IdoiaVR: Will the Vice-President / High
Representative push for a joint arms embargo by the 27 on Saudi
Arabia?
https://europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000680_EN.pdf
Answer Josep Borrell @EUHighRep on behalf of EC: buzz of words, but in the end a No. https://europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000680-ASW_EN.pdf
***
The United Nations Human Rights Council #UNHCR approved a resolution calling for an arms embargo against Israel that had the support of many of the European countries but received a nod of disapproval from Bahrain. https://www.jpost.com/international/unhrc-arms-embargo-call-against-israel-passes-with-eu-ok-bahrain-absence-662938
***
UK
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin has outlined how more than £2bn of
investment in the #Tempest fighter programme will power the next
phase to build a 2nd European (besides #FCAS) combat air system in a
keynote speech at RUSI yesterday.
https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/Defence+to+invest+2bn+in+next+stage+of+UK+combat+air+system+24032021162500
March 24
***
Jordan makes new US defence
agreement public. It was published on news site Ammon
(https://en.ammonnews.net ). But where? Agreement stipulates that 'US
forces may possess weapons and circulate with them on Jordanian
territory while exercising their duties'
https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/407501/World/Region/Jordan-makes-new-US-defence-agreement-public.aspx
Not published Was it this one?
https://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-v/dtr_part_v_512.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nl&client=firefox-a
***
1/.. Ammunition & armaments
are shipped from Hamburg to ports of countries delivered, in which,
in the opinion of the questioner, armed internal conflicts persist
(like Cartagena in Colombia) and to countries directly involved in
the Yemen War (such as Jebel Ali in the UAE). ../2
Recently
civil society started a campaign to make the Port of Hamburg a
civilian port that does not contribute to the cause of war as a
logistical hub.
https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Ziviler-Hafen-Volksinitiative-in-Hamburg-will-Ruestungsexporte-verbieten-5995217.html
2. Ammunition is transported even to states with which Germany has no diplomatic relations (like Kaohsiung in Taiwan, http://daten.transparenz.hamburg.de/Dataport.HmbTG.ZS.Webservice.GetRessource100/GetRessource100.svc/a738bf8f-47be-49d4-b28e-76198fed4b4c/Upload__20210104_4._Quartal_Munition_2020.pdf). The transports were questioned by Die Linke, Martch 2020. https://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/19/276/1927684.pdf
***
Interesting article on
different looks on foreign and defence policy in Paris and Berlin.
There is also something on the double standards in Germany when it
comes to arms exports to defend its own military industry (exports to
Israel, Egypt & Algeria).
https://www.latribune.fr/opinions/armement-les-erreurs-allemandes-de-la-france-880193.html
***
Free' frigate offer from France
to Greece France offered to transfer 2 very old frigates in the
French Navy to the Greek Navy for free, if Greece accepts its frigate
program offer.
https://www.haber7.com/dunya/haber/3080400-fransadan-yunanistana-ucretsiz-savas-gemisi-teklifi
Addition:
The Dutch proposal plays a strong role in the preferences of the
Greek Navy. Nl includes in their proposal 4 SIGMA 11515 and 2 Karel
Doorman frigates as intermediate solution for Greece. US is also
offering ships until the new ones are ready. [In Greek]
https://newpost.gr/amyna/60599832114e2ed07fe1a937/neo-senario-gia-tis-fregates-toy-pn-amerikanikes-mmsc-erhontai-mehri-na-einai-etoimes-oi-ellinikes
***
Will
the UK Government cut its F-35 acquisitions, because of domestic
production? When the model for Tempest was unveiled in 2018 at
Farnborough, one of the biggest questions was how the UK government
could afford it while also maintaining its F-35 buy.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/23/new-british-plan-looks-to-boost-f-35-numbers-but-is-it-still-aiming-for-138/
Addition: More on the most expensive weapon ever. F-35 aims to use agile software development practices to ensure the it can quickly receive fresh code to meet emerging threats, but production of new software is still lagging behind schedule. https://defensenews.com/air/2021/03/23/f-35-program-not-moving-quick-enough-to-get-software-out-on-time-congressional-watchdog-finds/
https://gao.gov/assets/gao-21-226.pdf
***
The
EPF "marks a disturbing change" in the EU's foreign policy,
Oxfam, EPLO, Saferworld, Pax NL etc state. This "opens the door
for the EU to finance lethal equipment such as machine guns, pistols
and ammunition".
https://saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/917-joint-statement-a5billion-european-apeacea-facility-risks-fuelling-conflict-and-human-rights-violations-around-the-world
Addition: Despite criticism the EU adopted the €5bn worth French-brokered European Peace Facility #EPF on March 22, which will open the door for the bloc to deliver military aid to partner countries and finance the deployment of its own military missions abroad.
***
Damen Shipyards tugboats heading
to Kenyan navy Africa Intelligence The Dutch firm Damen Shipyards is
making the final preparations for its delivery of two tugboats to the
Kenya Navy to boost its logistics capacity.
https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-and-southern-africa_business/2021/03/24/damen-shipyards-tugboats-heading-to-kenyan-navy,109652644-bre
March 23
***
UK Telegraph reports that Babcock, BAE and Thales are hoping to sell their aircraft carrier technology to South Korea. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/03/21/aircraft-carrier-tech-offered-south-korea-royal-navy-extends/
***
Retweet @arjenvanderziel:
Kijk, #Uruzgan-veteraan Servie Hölzken vertelt in
een documentaire, die vanavond op tv komt, hoe hij in 2007 in de
#Chora-vallei huizen beschoot en mogelijk burgers doodde. Lees m'n
eerdere stukken hierover:
https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/militair-servie-holzken-ging-volledig-over-de-schreef-in-uruzgan-het-moet-verteld-worden~b9cafa0c/
#Defensie
#Afghanistan
***
On 25th of March in Lannion (France) the local Amnesty group will carry out a "die in" in front of the town hall. Lying in the street, the demonstrators will challenge passers-by on the “necessary transparency of the French arms trade and its control”. https://www.letelegramme.fr/cotes-darmor/lannion/a-lannion-un-die-in-pour-un-commerce-des-armes-francaises-plus-transparent-jeudi-25-mars-18-03-2021-12721236.php
***
Contract to develop the SAMP/T
NG for France & Italy signed at OCCAR premises in near Paris.
Present: the French Air and Space Force staff, the Italian Army
staff, OCCAR Director, French #DGA and Italian #SGD & backed by
MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales.
https://thalesgroup.com/en/group/journalist/press_release/european-cooperation-defense-occar-contracts-eurosam-sampt-ng
***
Fighter aircraft lobby mission
to Switzerland. French Minister of Defence Florence Parly promised
Swiss that it would have full control over its weapon systems, if it
is to decide to buy Dassault's Rafale fighter & long range
missile system Eurosam Samp/T
https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/fil-dactualites/220321/contrats-d-armements-mme-parly-promet-la-pleine-souverainete-aux-suisses
***
Workers in Dutch civil military
industry on strike. Workers employed and flex personnel of Damen
Shiprepair, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Fokker Elmo, and Fokker
Techniek expected to join Forces between 9-11.00 hours in Flushing
for better wages.
https://www.ad.nl/zeeland/metaalarbeiders-staken-woensdag-in-vlissingen~a54565d5/
March
22
***
Two Saudi
Arabian manufacturers have started co-producing a Turkish-made
medium-altitude, long-endurance drone.
Intra Defense Technologies and Advanced Electronics Company will produce the Karayel-SU under license from the Vestel Savunma.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/03/22/two-saudi-companies-to-produce-turkish-drones/
***
Retweet with
comment: Former Dutch Labour MP
Angeline Eijsink becomes chairwomen of Dutch military industry lobby.
@NIDVnews: Met trots kunnen wij u mededelen dat @AngelienEijsink benoemd is tot voorzitter van de Stichting NIDV. Zij volgt Hans Hillen op per 1 oktober a.s. https://nidv.eu/nieuws/angelien-eijsink-benoemd-tot-voorzitter-nidv/
***
Opinion: What
Next For European Military Aircraft? What about Germany? What about
the Tempest or FCAS?
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/opinion-what-next-european-military-aircraft
***
Turkish military
forces have now established 4 small bases near the town of Ain Issa
in northern Syria. Move comes as clashes continue between
Turkish-backed forces of the Islamist Syrian National Army and the
Kurdish-led Syria Democratic Forces #SDF, which controls Ain Issa.
Retweeted @FrankSlijper:
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/03/turkey-reinforces-military-posts-around-ain-issa-amid-clashes-kurdish-forces
***
A
license to pressure an acquisition. The U.S. government has cleared
the sale of five P-8A maritime patrol aircraft to Germany, but Berlin
is nowhere near ready to make a decision on the $1.8 billion
purchase.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/19/proposed-us-submarine-hunting-plane-prompts-hand-wringing-in-germany/
***
New
commercial success for Thales! The company has been selected by the
French Ministry of Interior to sell several hundred pre-registration
border kiosks, equipped with a biometric entry and exit system to
register non-European citizens passing.
https://www.capital.fr/entreprises-marches/thales-selectionne-par-la-france-pour-le-controle-de-lespace-schengen-1397695
***
Airbus
Joins Milipol Qatar 2021 to Showcase Solutions for Homeland Security
and Civil DefenceAirbus Joins Milipol Qatar 2021 to Showcase
Solutions for Homeland Security and Civil Defence.
http://www.qatarprnetwork.com/PR.asp?PR=2879469
***
Israeli-Indian
joint venture KRAS delivered 1st sections of India's medium-range
surface-to-air missile #SAM made jointly by the Kalyani Group &
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The SAM is manufactured at the KRAS
plant located near Hyderabad airport.
https://www.defencestar.in/defence-industry/defence-company/rafael-kalya
***
Without
much fanfare, Turkey has steadily spread its political, economic and
even military foothold across Africa. Is Turkey's expanding African
footprint also a proxy battleground for Erdoğan's Middle East and
European rivalries?
https://www.eurasiareview.com/21032021-making-turkey-great-again-analysis/
***
Drones,
counter drones (C-UAS), deceiving C-UAS tech. The classical arms
race.
Also the European Defence Agency #EDA has recommended the development of a European C-UAS capability to ensure better force protection.
No arms race, but human security.
March 21
***
Indian MoD
inks contract with Bharat Dynamics for 5,000 Anti-Tank Guided
Missiles. They can be deployed in Anti-Tank role for offensive and
defensive roles and will be produced by #Bharat Dynamics Limited
under license from #MBDA Missile Systems France.
http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Defence-Ministry-inks-contract-with-Bharat-Dynamics-Limited-for-nearly-5%2C000-Anti-Tank-Guided-Missiles&id=412295
***
Manifestation
27/03/21 in Chambéry organised by Amnesty International and Le
Mouvement de la Paix-#Chambéry. They ask the French government to
stop the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.
Manifestation contre la vente d'armes à l'Arabie Saoudite https://www.ledauphine.com/defense-guerre-conflit/2021/03/18/une-manifestation-le-27-mars-contre-la-vente-d-armes-a-l-arabie-saoudit
***
“European
Peace Facility”: Will the EU soon, for the first time be delivering
weapons to third countries?
Green MEP @HNeumannMEP warns: "We have seen it before that rules on arms exports are often ignored." https://www.rnd.de/politik/eu-bald-waffenlieferungen-an-drittstaaten-grune-fordern-kontrollmoglichkeit-ENWEM2OAOVEI5NCA55QRQK4EQI.html
***
Israel's
Armenian community urges government to stop arms sales to Azerbaijan
https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1046391.html
Addition: See also: Did Azerbaijan’s use of Israeli weapons make the war worse or better?
Answer: The full reports from the conflict last year remain to be published, illustrating how efficient the weapons were and whether civilian casualties were avoided. https://www.jpost.com/international/did-azerbaijans-use-of-israeli-weapons-make-the-war-worse-or-better-662442
Addition: Israel said to have accounted for 69% of Azerbaijan's arms imports in 2020. https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/48964 Based on SIPRI report https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2021/international-arms-transfers-level-after-years-sharp-growth-middle-eastern-arms-imports-grow-most
***
Iranian Press
TV: Sweden's arms manufacturer Saab opened an office in Abu Dhabi in
2017, in fact Saab, which has supplied military equipment to the
Saudi led coalition, is complicit in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/18/647608/Sweden-nowhere-near-paradise-for-human-rights
***
For who still
missed it:
Canadian drone tech used in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Internal government documents revealed that the Trudeau government exported drone optics to #Turkey, which were in turn used by Azerbaijan in its 2020 war with Armenia.
https://www.jpost.com/international/canadian-drone-tech-used-in-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-662553
***
Turkish
president Erdogan revealed on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia, struggling
in its war in Yemen, was looking to buy combat drones from Turkey
despite an ongoing rivalry between the two powers for influence in
the Middle East.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210319-after-big-wins-interest-in-turkish-combat-drones-soars
***
SA's state
arms export industry stained by blood of Yemeni civilians
Body authorising munition sales ignores our possible complicity in war crimes (Pay Wall) https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/opinion-and-analysis/2021-03-21-sas-state-arms-export-industry-stained-by-blood-of-yemeni-civilians/
Research of Open Secrets is public: https://www.opensecrets.org.za/yemen/
***
EU foreign
policy chief Borrell had a problem. It was hard to convince policy
makers the ships involved in controlling the Libyan arms embargo
(Irini) would not have a pull effect on refugees.
"Irini has not been involved in migrants issues," he said.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/migration-is-an-important-issue-for-all-europe-borrell/2182143
Addition:
IRINI has done a good job, foreign fighters must leave Libya, the
EU happy to send ceasefire monitors if the UN requests it: EU’s
Josep Borrel
https://www.libyaherald.com/2021/03/20/irini-has-done-a-good-job-foreign-fighters-must-leave-libya-the-eu-happy-to-send-ceasefire-monitors-if-the-un-requests-it-eus-josep-borrel/
Addition: Borrell: EU should support Turkey for hosting over 4 mln refugees. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-should-support-turkey-for-hosting-over-4-mln-refugees-borrell-163259 As if he wanted to underline a statement made by HRW: We are concerned that over the past year, the human rights situation in Turkey appeared to be largely absent... https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/18/joint-letter-hrvp-borrell-eu-turkey-relations
***
European
cooperation in military production: OCCAR contracts Eurosam for for
France and Italy to the Franco-Italian consortium eurosam; backed by
its three shareholders MBDA France, MBDA Italy and Thales.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/journalist/press_release/european-cooperation-defense-occar-contracts-eurosam-sampt-ng
***
Romania
based Damen Shipyards has secured a contract from the Romanian Border
Police for two maritime patrol and intervention boats, value € 26.5
million. The acquisition provides increased operative intervention
capacities.
https://www.politiadefrontiera.ro/en/main/i-two-vessels-will-be-purchased-by-the-romanian-border-police-7626.html
March
20
***
Thales
Completes HMS Dauntless S1850M Long Range Radar Overhaul. Picture of
the radar at Thales Nederland factory
(https://g7a6v6x7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Thales-completes-HMS-Dauntless-S1850M-Long-Range-Radar-overhaul_003-1024x737.jpg
Thales Nederland picture).
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/thales-completes-hms-dauntless-s1850m-long-range-radar-overhaul/
***
Dutch
shipbuilder Damen is proposing a new design for the Greek navy
frigate requirement. The brand-new SIGMA 11515 Frigates are part of a
wider package offer by Damen in partnership with Thales Nederland,
with support of the government of The Netherlands.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/damen-details-dutch-frigates-proposal-for-hellenic-navy/
***
A critical
review on Queen Elisabeth's Indo-pacific deployment. CSG-21 sets sail
in May. Will London underline its imperial past? Is it making the
position of smaller states to co-exist with China in the region
harder? Ben Ho and Wendy He ask questions.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/march/hms-queen-elizabeths-indo-pacific-deployment
***
Imagine any
other field (except construction of public buildings) where this
would be accepted.
Estimated development costs for the F-35′s modernization program increased by $1.9B in a year.
***
Mannenbolwerk
geslecht,
meldt de Defensiekrant (geïllustreerd
met een foto uit begin 2017). Het is maar wat je wilt zien.
Dit zijn de Europese bevelhebbers der strijdkrachten in 2019. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2021/10/02_vrouwelijke-ministers_10
***
F-35 saga
continues, AW&ST (pay wall). Title (The Lockheed Martin F-35A is
in trouble again.), the photo caption (engine issues) and the start
of the text (looking for alternatives) are not really an
advertisement for the most expensive weapon system ever.
https://aviationweek.com/forum/aerospace-defense/f-35a-caught-acquisition-dogfight-within-us-air-force
***
To be
remembered when the weapon is sold to regions with internal tension.
The Italian Navy is replacing its Teseo or OTOMAT Mk2/A anti-ship
missile with a new design designated as Teseo Mk2/E. This new missile
is also capable of attacking land targets...
https://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/mbda-to-supply-new-teseo-mk2-e-anti-ship-system-to-italian-navy/
***
Nigerian
Army’s CoS General Attahiru has warned China’s leading defence
equipment manufacturer Norinco that it could be sanctioned &
excluded from future military contracts after several recently
delivered armoured combat vehicles suffered tech problems.
https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2021/03/norinco-under-fire-for-supplying-inferior-armoured-vehicles-to-nigeria
***
French Company ARQUUS announced
it will deliver 300 latest generations of VLRA (Liaison,
Reconnaissance and Support Vehicle), also called VLRA 2, 4x4
all-terrain multirole tactical to the Moroccan armed forces illegally
occupying the Western Sahara.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2021_global_security_army_industry/arquus_from_france_to_deliver_300_vlra_4x4_light_tactical_vehicles_to_morocco.html
March
19
***
As noted by
The Tamil Guardian the leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey
said during debate on 'UK commitments to reconciliation,
accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka' that: "It is
preposterous that arms exports are still not banned."
https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/british-parliament-debates-uk-commitments-reconciliation-accountability-and-human-rights-sri
***
The F-35
still has its defenders. The chairman of the House Armed Services
Committee, Rep. Adam Smith, is referred to the program as a “rathole”
& news reports attacked the aircraft. However here's an other
conclusion: The F-35 is an operational success.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/03/18/f-35-in-the-crosshairs-despite-criticism-america-needs-the-fighter-jet/
***
#Airbus
executives said they see no viable “Plan B” for the embattled
Future Combat Air System #FCAS, as Eric Trappier, the CEO of fellow
prime contractor Dassault, suggested earlier this month.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/17/airbus-execs-tell-french-lawmakers-they-have-no-plan-b-for-fcas/
***
Can European
arms companies be held liable for war crimes in Yemen?
An Italian case raises a question rarely tested in courts: can arms companies be liable for crimes committed in war, regardless of whether they received state export authorisation? https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2021/3/18/how-european-arms-companies-are-aiding-yemens-war-crimes
***
Will
Biden Curb Trump-Era Surge In Arms Sales?
US arms exports grew 15 percent, to more than a third of the global market, driven largely by a surge in Mideastern buying – but Biden is reviewing major sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/will-biden-curb-trump-era-surge-in-arms-sales/
March
18
***
The chairman
of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) says the aerospace company
will be switching to Ukraine for the supply of engines for its T-929
attack helicopter.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkey-to-use-ukrainian-engine-in-its-heavy-class-attack-helicopters
***
Comment
at retweet: On how Dutch technology is
used for Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor. This is one of the first
military aircraft flying with thermoplastic technology on board. The
environment friendly war.
Retweet
@GKNAero: For
#GlobalRecyclingDay and #TBT, we are featuring the successful flight
testing of our thermoplastic ruddervators and recycled thermoplastic
access panels on the @BellFlight V-280 Valor. Read more here:
https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2020/gkn-aerospaces-thermoplastic-components-flight-tested-on-bell-v-280-valor/
#BellV280 #FVL #MakingThingsFly
***
10 years ago,
on March 14, 2011, Saudi-led intervention began in Bahrain at the
request of its government. Three days after Saudi and Emirati forces
crossed the border, all seven Bahraini opposition groups signed a
declaration condemning the intervention..
https://english.almanar.com.lb/1295747
***
Years into
its fight with Boko Haram, Nigeria is getting some new weapons: a
pair of Wing Loong II drones from China. The deal is one of a growing
number of sales by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp. But isn't the
biggest global arms trader. Guess who?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-17/china-s-combat-drones-push-could-spark-a-global-arms-race
***
Why India
Needs Israel & South Korea As ‘Role Models’ If Delhi Aims To
Become A Defense Super-Power.
https://eurasiantimes.com/india-russia-continue-to-hold-2nd-largest-importer-exporter-ranks/
Article mentions United States only once (1st arms
exporter), but US support was crucial for both to develop their own
military industry.
Addition: How India changed preference for
arms suppliers in 50 years
India's arms suppliers are changing from traditional arms partners like Russia, towards new markets such as South Korea, Brazil and South Africa. A report by India Today's DIU team. https://www.indiatoday.in/diu/story/how-india-changed-preference-for-arms-suppliers-in-50-years-1780458-2021-03-17
***
Psst
THE NETHERLANDS – AH-64 PILOT TRAINING & LOGISTICS SUPPORT.
Total overall estimated value is $190 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-ah-64-pilot-training-and-logistics-support
THE NETHERLANDS – CH-47 PILOT TRAINING AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT.
Estimated cost of $125 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-ch-47-pilot-training-and-logistics-support
Both to be spent in the US
March
17
***
World has
more border walls than ever. Trend would even be “the walling of
the world”, according to Damien Simonneau, researcher at Collège
de France and author of L'Obsession du mur. @TNI @CTWnl (Dutch not
German) @CentreDelas From 6 in 1989 to 63 today.
https://www.rfi.fr/fr/technologies/20210316-les-murs-frontaliers-se-multiplient-%C3%A0-travers-le-monde
***
The UK
Government's Integrated Review of Security talks of conflict
resolution, yet there is nothing about updating our arms export
regime, and in particular suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia,
noted Keir Starmer of the Labour Party yesterday.
https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2021-03-16/debates/52D67D49-A516-4598-AC69-68E8938731D9/IntegratedReview#contribution-0598BF1E-A088-46C2-B397-C2E8E29B6E49
***
Shots from various angles of Damen RoRo 5612 No. 529 in its launching ceremony. The ship is ordered by Vietnam People Navy and it could be used in a wide range of roles from logistics to troop transport.
***
France's
foreign minister said on Tuesday that the European Union would next
week approve sanctions against the business interests of those
responsible for last month's military coup in Myanmar.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-eu/eu-to-sanction-myanmar-militarys-business-interests-next-week-france-says-idUSKBN2B82NV
***
Retweet:
@JMJalel_H: The 2021 UN Panel of
Experts on #Libya report is now public. Link below 
548
pages
https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=S%2F2021%2F229&Language=E&DeviceType=Mobile
***
The
arms embargo imposed on Libya is "totally ineffective," say
UN experts in a stark report which underscores "extensive,
blatant" violations by actors including its own member states.
UAe, Jordan, Russia, Syria,Egypt, Turkey and Qatar all singled out.
https://www.aaj.tv/news/30255047/
***
Civil
military company Thales helps Microsoft customers protect their
sensitive data in the cloud https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/thales-helps-microsoft-customers-protect-090000202.html
Civiel militair bedrijf Thales helpt Microsoft-klanten bij het beschermen van gevoelige gegevens in de cloud https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210316005093/nl/#:~:text=cloud%20%7C%20Business%20Wire-,Thales%20helpt%20Microsoft%2Dklanten%20bij%20het%20beschermen%20van%20gevoelige%20gegevens,controle%20over%20hun%20encryptiesleutels%20behouden.
***
Lockheed
Martin Space won a $558.8m contract modification external link for
Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. The
UGM-133A Trident II, or Trident D5 is a submarine-launched ballistic
missile SLBM with a thermonuclear warhead.
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2536304/
***
Israel's
three defense giants, Elbit Systems, IAI and Rafael Advanced Defense
Systems, lead world in arms industry.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israel-and-middle-east-lead-arms-deals-662145
***
Staff
at Lancaster University have launched a petition aimed at shining a
light on the links between universities and the arms industry, and
putting pressure on Lancaster University and the University of
Cumbria to break their ties with BAE Systems
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/people/lancaster-universities-urged-to-break-ties-with-arms-industry-3167978
March
16
***
US-Taiwan
relations: Biden administration gives green light to exports of key
submarine technology
The island’s plans to build its own submarine fleet receive a boost after sales of the sensitive equipment are approved by Washington https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3125640/us-taiwan-relations-biden-administration-gives-green-light
***
Hypersonic
and directed-energy weapons: Who has them, and who’s winning the
race in the Asia-Pacific? Several countries in the Asia-Pacifi c
region are caught in a race for global hypersonic and directed-energy
weapons.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/03/15/hypersonic-and-directed-energy-weapons-who-has-them-and-whos-winning-the-race-in-the-asia-pacific/
***
Chaos,
cash and COVID-19: How the defense industry survived — and thrived
— during the pandemic
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/03/15/chaos-cash-and-covid-19-how-the-defense-industry-survived-and-thrived-during-the-pandemic/
***
Damen
Shipyards Roemenië wil fors investeren in modernisering van de
scheepswerf die het scheepsbouw-concern sinds 2018 samen met de
Roemeense staat exploiteert in Mangalia. De staatsbank CEC leent het
bedrijf daarvoor 12,3 miljoen euro.
https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2021/03/15/miljoenenlening-voor-damen-mangalia-in-roemenie/
***
Israel Elbit
Systems and South Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) are to co-operate
in the field of unmanned airborne intelligence, surveillance,
targeting and reconnaissance (ISTAR). A MoU was signed on March 15.
https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/korea-aerospace-industries-and-elbit-systems-to-cooperate-on-next-gen-uas-solution-for-istar-missions/
***
Lease
weaponry. The German Air Force has delivered a replacement Heron
drone from Israel to Afghanistan to replace one that was forced to
make a controlled landing on March 5. Germany leases two Heron drones
from Israel for its mission in Afghanistan.
https://www.flugrevue.de/militaer/a400m-der-luftwaffe-holt-uav-in-israel-ab-ersatz-heron-1-fuer-afghanistan/
***
Openheid nu!
In 2007 viel bij de Slag om Chora 1 Nederlandse dode. Aan Afghaanse
kant werden +- 250 mensen gedood. 't Nederlandse Ministerie v
Defensie houdt het op 50-80 dode burgers, maar hoeveel van hen werden
gedood door Nederlands vuur is onduidelijk.
https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/afghanen-eisen-logboeken-op-van-nederlandse-f-16-s-jullie-kwamen-helpen-maar-hebben-ons-verwoest~b6bca916/
***
Kernenergie is niet vredig
Kernenergie is niet groen
Kernenergie is niet schoon
Kernenergie heeft tal van problemen
en tot slot is het ook nog duur en langzaam, terwijl de klimaatcrisis snel ingrijpen vereist. https://www.kernenergiealarm.nl/
***
Israel breidt
nucleaire capaciteit uit blijkt uit foto's. Terwijl alleen al
verdenking van een nucleaire politiek elders in het Midden-Oosten
reden is voor oorlog en/of sancties kan Israel dit blijkbaar
ongestraft doen. De Rights Forum noemt dit hypocriet.
https://rightsforum.org/nieuws/hypocrisie-rond-israels-nucleaire-programma/
***
In Europe
Tatra is mainly known because of its steel production (closures) but
in India Tatra Defense Vehicle unveils first Titus Command and
Control vehicle.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2021_global_security_army_industry/tatra_defense_vehicle_unveils_first_titus_command_and_control_vehicle.html
***
Canadian
Government withheld documents on Turkish lobbying for arms export
permit
Files show PCO did not expect media coverage of lobbying efforts and provided more heavily redacted documents to Parliament than to the press. https://ricochet.media/en/3545/government-withheld-documents-on-turkish-lobbying-for-arms-export-permit
***
Pakistan
extends delayed T129 helo deal with Turkey — again
A diplomatic row between the United States and Turkey is continuing to jeopardize a planned procurement by Pakistan. US refuses Ankara export licenses for Karachi. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/03/15/pakistan-extends-delayed-t129-helo-deal-with-turkey-again/
March
15
***
After the
banks. Now we have: The Fighter Jet That's Too Pricey to Fail.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/12/opinion/f-35-fighter-jet-cost.html
***
Turkey hired
law firm Arnold & Porter for F-35 program in Feb. Despite
Turkey's removal from F-35 & sanctions imposed on Turkey's
military industry in December, the Pentagon has said it'll continue
to depend on Turkish contractors for key F-35 components.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkey-hiring-law-firm-for-f-35-program-also-benefits-us-firms
***
Airbus is
taking part in the 13th edition of Milipol Qatar for the very first
time to showcase its mission-critical collaboration and communication
solutions.
http://www.gulfindustryonline.com/stories/source/?url=IND_379947.html
***
Media planner
already mentions the DSEi Defence Systems and Equipment International
Exhibition, the world's largest military and security exhibition,
September 15-17.
"The event usually attracts protests outside by campaigners against military arms sales" http://www.dsei.co.uk/
Franco-German cooperation in defense is crippled. Dassault has shone the spotlight on the blockages in the negotiations on the #FCAS, but an other major Franco-German coop program launched in 2017, the combat tank of the future, is just as difficult. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/char-franco-allemand-les-negociations-prennent-du-retard-1298036
***
In the last 5
years, data provided should that +/- 30% of the weapons smuggled into
Mexico come from 6 European countries. Between 2014-19, authorities
seized more than 5,600 from Spain and 4,200 from Italy at the
US-Mexico border. More info in article.
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/03/the-european-union-and-necessary-fight.html
***
For
the first time since 2001–2005, the volume of deliveries of major
arms between countries did not increase between 2011–15 and
2016–20. However, international arms transfers remain close to the
highest level since the end of the cold war.
https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2021/international-arms-transfers-level-after-years-sharp-growth-middle-eastern-arms-imports-grow-most
More than a third of the global arms sold worldwide during the past five years originated in the United States, underscoring its role as the world’s top weapons seller, a Swedish-based research institute said on Monday. https://www.dpa-international.com/topic/report-us-world-top-arms-supplier-saudi-arabia-top-importer-urn%3Anewsml%3Adpa.com%3A20090101%3A210315-99-823616
The Netherlands is
11th in the table with the largest exporters of major arms and their
main recipients, 2016–20. Main recipients (share of exporter’s
total exports, %): Indonesia (17) USA (15) Mexico (10).
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/fs_2103_at_2020.pdf
Germany
remains the fourth largest arms exporter. In the period from 2016 to
2020, Germany exported 21% more armaments than in the previous 5-year
period.
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article228260015/Sipri-Bericht-Corona-legt-selbst-den-Waffenhandel-lahm.html
Exports of weapons of war by Western & European democracies - who pride themselves on their adherence to international norms and commitments to peace - surged over the last 5 years even as sales by the authoritarian nations they frequently decry plunged. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/arms-weapons-sales-western-military-b1817559.html
March
14
***
P-72 is the
Turkish Navy version of the ATR 72ASW, a highly effective,
middle-size, anti-submarine aircraft. The plane is build with
Leonardo as main contractors with the intense participation of
Turkish industry.
Against Greek submarines? https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/march/9810-second-p-72-maritime-patrol-aircraft-delivery-to-turkey-has-been-made.html
***
Over 30 major
French companies will attend Milipol Qatar 2021 in Doha from March 15
to 17 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The trade fair
specializes in for Homeland Security and Civil Defence.
https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/03/2021/Over-30-major-French-companies-to-attend-Milipol-Qatar-2021
***
Naval
shipbuilding in Northern Germany summarised. "Around 300
employees there have also built patrol boats for Saudi Arabia in
recent years. When these arms exports were stopped, ten finished
boats found Egypt as a new buyer in 2020. (...)"
https://www.abendblatt.de/region/article231778427/Hintergrund-Die-grossen-Werften-in-Norddeutschland.html
***
Congress
could prove to be a wild card: It will weigh the same issues as the
White House, but historically it has shown more appetite for
restricting arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/03/12/congress-may-have-act-punish-saudi-arabia/
***
State
Department spokesperson Price said on US arms sales, according to
Egypt Independent, US was reviewing sensitive arms deals with Egypt,
to make sure that they're in line with its interests & values.
https://egyptindependent.com/us-voices-concerns-about-human-rights-situation-in-egypt/
It was somewhat more vague.
https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-march-11-2021/
March
13
***
Shenstone:
The English village caught in anti-Israel rooftop protests
Locals of the Staffordshire village are divided over the presence of UAV factory owned by an Israeli company accused of war crimes against the Palestinians
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-uk-shenstone-village-protests
***
Within the
span of a few decades, the United States has utterly transformed its
military, or at least the military that is actively fighting. This
has taken place with little fanfare and little public scrutiny.
American Special Ops Forces Are Everywhere.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/04/how-special-ops-became-the-solution-to-everything/618080/
For
those less familiar with Special Operation Forces, Dutch military
magazine, the Military Spectator published in its latest issue, an
introduction to #SOF-forces, tactics and operations and their rol in
"diplomatic sensitive environments".
https://militairespectator.nl/thema/geschiedenis-operaties/artikel/special-operations-forces-explained
***
Het
Nederlandse Photonis heeft een groot contract gekregen van de NATO
Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) om nachtkijkers te upgraden met
4G-beeldversterkers voor een NAVO-land in Europa.
https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/photonis-wint-grote-opdracht-van-de-nspa/
***
France’s
Arquus unveils Scarabée, a hybrid armored vehicle that moves like a
crab.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/11/frances-arquus-unveils-scarabee-a-hybrid-armored-vehicle-that-moves-like-crab/
The vehilce may be armed e.g. with an 30×113 mm cannon
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/first-public-appearance-for-arquus-scarabee-hybrid-recce-vehicle
***
Nice result
of a peace agreement. Emirati defense conglomerate Edge plans to
develop counter-drone systems with Israel Aerospace Industries,
marking the first defense collaboration of its kind between the two
countries.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/03/11/uae-and-israeli-firms-to-collaborate-on-counter-drone-system/
***
For once good
arms trade news from Seoul. South Korea will suspend defence
exchanges with Myanmar and ban arms exports to the country after a
military coup and violent suppression of pro-democracy protests, the
foreign ministry said on Friday.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-myanmar-idUSKBN2B40M8
Addition: Burma Campaign UK today welcomed an announcement by South Korea that it is imposing an embargo on military supplies to Burma.
The announcement means that 42 countries now have arms embargoes against Burma, leaving 150 UN member countries which do not. https://burmacampaign.org.uk/burma-campaign-uk-welcomes-korean-arms-embargo-on-burma/
***
Elon
Musk’s SpaceX has signed two contracts with the Pentagon worth
$159m. The American aerospace manufacturer will be launching a
special spacecraft for the US military by the fourth quarter of
FY2023 as per a statement released by the DoD.
https://yourstory.com/2021/03/elon-musk-spacex-wins-defence-contracts-us-pentagon
***
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: Turkey aims to
transform its helicopter dock Anadolu into carrier ship for attack
drones.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/2021/03/11/turkey-plans-to-deploy-attack-drones-from-its-amphibious-assault-ship/
Retweet @KelGallagh: From today's federal dump of docs related to WESCAM/Turkey: In May 2020, Champagne approved the export of WESCAM sensors to Turkey, explicitly to be used in N. Syria - even though Turkey's Oct 2019 invasion of N Syria was the original cause for pausing Cdn arms exports #cdnpoli
Including many other things, interesting to note what other Cdn arms manufacturers recently had exports to Turkey approved. Some aren't surprising (CAE trainers, GD display units, etc); others are, such as ELCAN rifle scopes and MDA parts for Turkish satellites
***
Documents
released to Parliament show how Canadian-made military gear ended up
in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict show that an arms embargo was
circumvented after assurances from
Ankara that it would only be used to protect civilians under attack in Syria. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-turkey-pressed-canada-to-approve-export-of-air-strike-gear-later-used/
 |
March
12
Retweet @keesamok: Via de European Peace Facility (de groeten van George Orwell!) kan de EU nu ook zelf wapens gaan leveren aan krisisgebieden - 5,7 miljard euro tot 2027, Europese Raad beslist 22 maart - Geen kontrole door EU-parlement https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/monitor/eu-waffenexporte-101.html
***
Press
release: Parliamentary oversight of arms exports having an impact.
Report on arms export control in Western Europe published. It mostly
targets France for it lax arms export control. But it is also an
outside look at the Dutch arms export policy.
https://www.rosalux.eu/kontext/controllers/document.php/735.d/8/4655a2.pdf
***
US
want to torpedo Dutch ASML sales to China. Denying China access to
ASML's EUV scanners isn't enough, says a group of experts advising
the US government. Immersion lithography equipment should be subject
to export controls as well.
https://bits-chips.nl/artikel/us-report-recommends-sinking-more-asml-exports-to-china/
March
11
***
Retweet
@ElluinA“Enhancing parliamentary oversight
of arms export: A Contribution to European Defence” , summary of an
MPs report about the arms control export regime in France
https://www2.assemblee-nationale.fr/static/15/commissions/CAffEtran/PDF/Summary_of_the_report.PDF
@controlarms @saferworld @grip_org @StimsonCenter @PAXforpeace
@ParlForumSalw @SmallArmsSurvey
***
#Milipol
#Qatar is the international event for homeland security and civil
defence in the Middle East. The 13th edition will be held from 15 to
17 March 2021 in Doha. Who have a stand in the Middle Eastern nation?
See the list with exhibitors.
https://www.milipolqatar.com/Milipol-Qatar-Catalogue/exhibitors
***
Switzerland
exported weapons over 900 million francs in 2020. This is the highest
value since the start of statistics in 1983.
https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/exportations-darmes-suisses-montent-un-niveau-historique
***
At least 14
foreign firms from seven nations have supplied fighter jets, armored
combat vehicles, warships, missiles and missile launchers to Myanmar
since 2016, the UN Fact Finding Mission final report released in 2019
(https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/MyanmarFFM/Pages/Index.aspx)
noted.
https://www.bloombergquint.com/gadfly/myanmar-needs-un-security-council-to-sanction-military-protect-protesters
***
Unadvertising
Chinese weapons. The China- Pakistan joint venture JF-17 program is
an example of the state of affairs of Chinese military hardware. It
is riddled with problems ranging from its RD-93 engine, to refuelling
and the weapon systems.
https://www.eureporter.co/world/bangladesh/2021/03/09/bangladesh-faces-serious-problems-with-chinese-supplied-military-hardware/
***
State-owned
arms manufacturer Denel has come under fire from Members of
Parliament for supplying deadly weapons to what has been labelled an
“unjust war” in Yemen.
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/mps-flay-denel-for-supplying-weapons-in-yemen-conflict/ar-BB1erToq
***
Calming the
waters? No.
Stresses need for ‘high-level strategic deterrence’ and more tech innovation
Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks follow defence minister’s call for PLA to be battle ready amid ‘high-risk phase.’ https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3124733/xi-jinping-tells-chinas-military-be-prepared-respond-unstable
***
Article on
Dutch workshop (at industrial level) for servicing SALW in the Dutch
armed forces: Servicecentrum Kleinkaliber Wapen #KKW In Den Helder.
It repairs, adapts & overhauls for over 40 years. German army
considers to sent G-36 for overhaul to KKW.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2021/03/05_dmi-onderhoud-kkw
***
Stop
Wapenhandel heeft in kaart gebracht wat politieke partijen doen op
het gebied van wapenhandel, wapenexporten en de wapenindustrie.
Voor een uitgebreid overzicht zie: https://stopwapenhandel.org/verkiezingen2021
***
A PETITION
opposing UK's BAE Systems' involvement in the new university campus
in Barrow has been put forward. It is questioning whether BAE Systems
is a suitable fit for this collaboration due to its involvement with
arms deals with Saudi Arabia.
https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/19151200.petition-opposing-bae-systems-involvement-new-university-campus-barrow-started/
***
The
Bangladesh government spent more than $330,000 on phone-hacking
equipment made by an Israeli company, according to documents obtained
by Al-Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit) and Israeli newspaper
Haaretz.
https://www.dailysabah.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-buys-phone-hacking-tools-from-israel-despite-palestine-row
Addition: Israeli Cellebrite Sold Spy-tech to Bangladesh ‘Death Squad’
The Rapid Action Battalion is accused of extrajudicial killings and torture of hundreds of civilians. Documents show they purchased Cellebrite’s phone-hacking tech and received training https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/tech-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT-israeli-cellebrite-sold-spy-tech-to-bangladesh-death-squad-1.9603377
March
10
***
The UN SC
failed to agree to condemn the coup in Myanmar. China, Russia, India
and Vietnam all suggested amendments late on Tuesday to a British
draft, diplomats said, including removal of the reference to a coup
and the threat to consider further action.
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/world/china-russia-stop-un-security-council-move-to-condemn-myanmar-coup-1615350622
***
French Rafale
Performs First Operational Flight With Live Meteor Beyond Visual
Range Air-To-Air Missiles
https://theaviationist.com/2021/03/09/french-rafale-performs-first-operational-flight-with-live-meteor-beyond-visual-range-air-to-air-missiles/
***
Two
pleas on US policy connected to arms trade:
It is necessary to increase congressional powers surrounding major arms sales. https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2021/03/ending-u-s-offensive-military-support-to-saudi-arabia-was-the-right-decision-but-must-go-further
Why a Senate HR Commission is needed. It could be eg part of a policy to rein in the US global arms trade https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/542440-brave-new-world-why-we-need-a-senate-human-rights
March
9
***
Italian
ammunition, made by Italian firm Cheddite Italy S.r.l., used in
Myanmar police assault on ambulance raises questions. Article by Dr.
Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/italian-ammunition-used-myanmar-police-assault-ambulance-raises-questions.html
***
US Foreign Military Sale to
Jordan for an F-16 Air Combat Training Center at $51.2 million.
https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-04123.pdf?1614347140
***
The
European Union is preparing to widen its sanctions on Myanmar's armed
forces to target businesses they run, in protest at the Feb. 1
military coup, according to diplomats and two internal documents. The
measures could be agreed on March 22.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-eu-idUSKBN2B01D1
***
Announced by
Brazilian President Bolsonaro, the acquisition of 2 Airbus A330's for
the Air Force was blocked by the MoEconomy. The intention was to use
financial resources recovered from previous cases of corruption to
buy widebodies in the foreign market.
https://www.airway1.com/brazilian-air-force-without-funds-to-purchase-two-airbus-a330s/
***
Seoul
enables expansive Ankara to strengthen its muscles. Turkish armored
vehicle-maker BMC has reached an agreement with two South Korean
companies for work on the power pack of the future indigenous Altay
tank, a senior official with BMC told.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/03/08/at-long-last-turkeys-altay-tank-finds-an-engine-from-south-korea/
March
8
***
Korean and
Israeli firms eye partnership to arm helicopter with kamikaze drones.
KAI and IAI have signed a MoU that aims to pair helicopters with
loitering munitions and offer the drones to the South Korean
military.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/03/05/korean-and-israeli-firms-eye-partnership-to-arm-helicopter-with-kamikaze-drones/
***
Why
EU-members buy this product? US House Armed Services Committee
chairman railed at expensive F-35 on Friday, saying he wants to “stop
throwing money down that particular rathole,” ― just days after
the Air Force said it too is looking at other options.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2021/03/05/ripping-f-35-costs-house-armed-services-chairman-looking-to-cut-our-losses/
***
Plannen om
toezicht op AIVD & MIVD te beperken - waaraan 't demissionnaire
kabinet werkt, zullen privacy van burgers schaden. "Zonder
toezicht & kaders waarbinnen bulkdata binnengeharkt mag worden
opereren inlichtingendiensten als in een
surveillancestaat."https://www.villamedia.nl/artikel/toezichthouders-inlichtingendiensten-vrezen-voor-verzwakking-van-hun-rol
***
Spirited
young women who want to act against French arms sales. Covid did not
stop them.
https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/tours/ces-jeunes-femmes-qui-militent-et-qui-agissent
Not surprisingly, more than 80% of Germans oppose arms sales to countries involved in the Yemen war, according to a study by Greenpeace.
Cited in Die Welt March 8, 2021 by Amrit Siggh of the Open
Society Justice Initiative, which sued the US government to for the release docu..
***
Seattle's
surveillance contractor (Oregon-based FLIR Systems) has history of
illegal sales, bribery, worrying privacy advocates. In April 2018
FLIR agreed to pay $30 million in fines to settle 347 violations of
the Arms Export Control Act and ITAR.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/seattles-surveillance-contractor-has-history-of-illegal-sales-bribery-worrying-privacy-advocates/
***
Australia
ends defense cooperation with Myanmar over coup.
https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-australia-myanmar-economic-policy-2449dbf4d0948ecc9774837d6e211860
***
The committee
representing Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD)
legislators is also calling for robust, targeted sanctions and an
arms embargo against the junta in a letter dated March 4 to UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/myanmar-security-forces-use-stun-grenades-tear-gas-against-protesters
***
The MIC seems
to celebrate a day4change, but not to celebrate the War Machine.
So let me what I don't normally don't do: post some music. Leena Conquest sings: "Stop drop these bombs on me. … why you do not drop some food … drop your guns” https://youtu.be/6AQQyUQ0jNo?t=1024
***
Airbus and
Dassault have only a few days left to agree on the new phase of the
project. The future aviation combat system risks collapsing, while
Germany, France and Spain all want to have slice of the project and
can't agree.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/avion-du-futur-dassault-et-airbus-cherchent-le-compromis-1295976
***
Comment at
retweet: Think Clara Zetkin and her
sisters creating Women's Day in 1910 on the still unseen brink of the
first World War would be much more pleased by those visions on the
Women's Day as the view held by NATO.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qMHf2Iazdqc
https://youtu.be/2rXpp10uS7I
Retweet
@NATO: ❝As a women at that time, your role tended to get
reduced. You would get a sympathetic eye, but not more than that❞
#IWD2021#InternationalWomensDay This is Visare's story.
https://youtu.be/3l0B0D6iEBY
***
Comment at
retweet: International women's day was established in 1910
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women%27s_Day)
to improve the rights of women. Here is is used by a producer of
components of war machinery (Reaper, F-35), dropping bombs and firing
missiles on other people included women.
https://progressive.org/dispatches/trump-biden-bombing-wars-benjamin-davies-210305/
Retweet:
@GKNAero #HappyInternationalWomensDay! Today
we recognize and celebrate the fantastic work of all the women at GKN
Aerospace and beyond. Watch this video : https://youtu.be/m7IIFDZwpBk
#MakingThingsFly! #IWD2021#ChoosetoChallenge #EachforEqual
***
The largest
arms acquisition in Finnish history is moving towards an end. An
overview of ins and outs
(https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000007844019.html) automatically
translated from Finnish:
https://www.tellerreport.com/news/2021-03-07-%0A---the-largest-arms-trade-in-finnish-history-is-moving-towards-a-solution---here-are-the-latest-twists-and-turns%0A--.B1GuRjZGmu.html
***
End
Trump and Biden’s Secret Bombing Wars: The United States and its
allies have dropped more than 326,000 bombs and missiles on people in
other countries since 2001 -
https://progressive.org/dispatches/trump-biden-bombing-wars-benjamin-davies-210305/
March
7
***
What Does
China Have to Do With Israeli Weapons Industry Scandal?
https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/weapons-industry-scandal-israel-china-united-states-geopolitical-relationship-trade
***
Walloon arms
licenses for Saudi Arabia suspended. The La Coordination Nationale
d’Action pour la Paix et la Démocratie (CNAPD) argues for a
definitive ban.
https://www.rtbf.be/info/monde/detail_licences-d-armes-wallonnes-pour-l-arabie-saoudite-suspendues-la-cnapd-pour-une-interdiction-definitive?id=10713046
***
***
Retrofit on
Turkish Air Force’s First Airbus A400M Atlas Strategic Transport
Aircraft at the 2nd AMFD to be Completed in July 2021. Now hope (a
word not suited for international political concerns) they will not
be used to violate arms embargo's.
https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/retrofit-on-turaf-s-first-a400m-atlas-strategic-transport-aircraft-at-the-2nd-amfd-to-be-completed-in-july-2021-4413
***
Politicians
exonerated after 20 years of accusations. Balladur & his former
defence minister, Leotard, were charged in 2017 with "complicity
in the misuse of corporate assets" over the sale of submarines
to Pakistan and frigates to Saudi's between 1993-95.
https://www.hugheshubbard.com/news/la-cour-de-justice-de-la-republique-a-relaxe-monsieur-edouard-balladur-defendu-par-felix-de-belloy-dans-le-volet-financier-de-laffaire-dite-de-karachi
***
Before a Plan
A established, talk already started on plan B for the Future Combat
Air System. The #FCAS negotiations are facing a hard rock to climb.
During the presentation of his group's 2020 results, Dassault
Aviation CEO Eric Trappier explained why.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/scaf-la-mise-au-point-ferme-de-dassault-vis-a-vis-d-airbus-et-de-berlin-879245.html
***
Fragments of
truth: putting a spotlight on arms sales to Yemen
Rowena Loverance shares why the organisations Mwatana and CAAT have been nominated for a Nobel peace prize by Quakers for their campaigning work on the civil war in Yemen.
https://quaker.org.uk/blog/fragments-of-truth-putting-a-spotlight-on-arms-sales-to-yemen
***
Infamous
Israeli businessman hired to lobby in favor of Myanmar junta. Since
rising to early infamy after trying to sell Iran 3 US transport
helicopters, Ben-Menashe moved to Canada to start his own lobbying
firm, representing many controversial clients.
https://www.jpost.com/international/infamous-israeli-businessman-hired-to-lobby-in-favor-of-myanmar-junta-661132
***
David
Stirling who created the SAS was a war hero, mountaineer, and
landowner, and a controversial figure in his later years as a result
of his involvement in the arms trade and his anti-union activities.
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19130219.scottish-panoramas-david-stirling-memorial/
***
Although it
accounts for less than 1% of world trade, the war business is
estimated to account for 40-45% of global corruption. Arms trade
corruption goes right-to-the-top.
https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/ramping-up-the-war-business-e3c5dc6a-b6b9-438c-ae6d-09b0870be616
***
France
is stepping up its military presence in the South China Sea with a
strategically balanced approach to avoid increasing tension with
Beijing.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3123341/south-china-sea-how-french-navy-charting-its-own-course
March 6
***
Philippine
Defense Undersecretary Raymund Elefante and Indian Ambassador Shambu
Kumaran have signed an agreement that will support Manila’s
potential purchase of the BrahMos supersonic missile.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/194117/ph-eyes-deal-with-india-for-worlds-fastest-supersonic-missiles
***
UK
Minister Lord Grimstone answer on arms exports to Saudi's. Summary:
expect nothing.
The US announced it would end support to Saudi-led offensive operations in Yemen, including relevant defence exports. This is entirely a matter for the US Government. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2021-02-22.HL13362.h&p=13505
***
Commentary:
It’s time to rethink foreign military sales
“War is too important to be left to the generals,” former French PM Clemenceau is supposed to have said. In a similar vein, arms sales are too important to be left to the military-industrial complex. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/03/05/its-time-to-rethink-foreign-military-sales/
March
5
***
The Defense
Intelligence Agency announced a contract worth up to $12.6 billion
for a broad range of IT services, naming 144 vendors that can compete
for pieces of the award.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/it-networks/2021/03/03/defense-intelligence-agency-awards-it-services-contract-worth-up-to-126-billion/
***
Twee MO*
artikelen:
Israëlische technologie bedreigt privacy, en niet alleen die van Palestijnen
“Big Brother” Israël: al wie Palestijns is, is gezien https://www.mo.be/analyse/al-wie-palestijns-gezien
EU wil persoonsgegevens van Afrikaanse burgers in ruil voor ontwikkelingsgeld
https://www.mo.be/analyse/eu-wil-persoonsgegevens-van-afrikaanse-burgers-ruil-voor-ontwikkelingsgeld
***
In Vũng Tàu
vindt van 30/6-2/7 2021 de enige internationale maritieme beurs van
Vietnam plaats: INMEX Vietnam 2021. Nederlandse scheepsbouw maakt
zich klaar af te reizen. Marinebouw voor Vietnam, export &
dreigende conflicten bieden kans voor de bedrijven.
https://maritimetechnology.nl/events/inmex-vietnam-2021/
***
#Onderzeeboten
Koninklijke Marine, een geweldige kans voor de Nederlandse maritieme
industrie, schrijft lobbyorganisatie NMT. Er wordt vooral
getamboereerd op in Nederland aanwezige kennis. Vergeten lijk dat van
't laatste ontwerp niet één boot is gebouwd.
https://maritimetechnology.nl/onderzeeboten-koninklijke-marine-een-geweldige-kans-voor-de-nederlandse-maritieme-industrie/
***
Britain's
Labour Party is facing a legal challenge over its recruitment of
former Israeli spy Assaf Kaplan. The former spy's "social
listening" role raises "serious concerns" about
Labour's position on Palestine, its recruitment process and data
security.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210303-uk-lawyers-challenge-the-labour-partys-recruitment-of-ex-israeli-spy/
***
Turkey in
talks with supplier abroad for Altay tank engine. Crucial technology
it does not have itself. But Ankara does not tell which supplier.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkey-in-talks-with-supplier-abroad-for-altay-tank-engine
***
France
and the Sale of Rafale to Egypt: Sans Meteor.
https://sldinfo.com/2021/03/france-and-the-sale-of-rafale-to-egypt-sans-meteor/
March
4
***
Military
production as cushion during a pandemic. Thales resists crisis due to
military and security orders.
Thales résiste à la crise grâce à la défense et la sécurité, maintien des efforts de R&D
***
French Team
Submits New Strategic Package Offer For The Hellenic Navy (see also
previous posts on the issue)
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/french-team-submits-new-strategic-package-offer-for-the-hellenic-navy/
***
Turkey has again
blocked the EU's monitoring of the UN weapons embargo against Libya.
In February, Turkey's foreign ministry in Ankara vetoed the search of
2 merchant ships suspected of being used for illegal transports to
the war-torn North African country. DPA 4/3/21
Waarom wil de krijgsmacht miljarden meer? Lees het in het verkiezingsnummer v/d wapenindustrie lobby, NIDV. https://eds4.mailcamp.nl/url.php?subid=9zm56ownoeq1ty3&nstatid=5e6641wze&info=n9w3d0v&L=6935&F=H
Ook als je denkt dat veiligheid uit een
pen of injectiespuit komt en niet onder de vleugels van een F-35
hangt, aardig om eens kennis van te nemen.
Aanvulling:
Twee partijen worden uitgelicht. Het #SGP, kampioen opkomen voor
Defensie, maar ook #D66 dat wel wat miljarden extra voor wapens wil
uitgeven, als het maar zoveel mogelijk Europees gebeurd. Voor de
standpunten van anderen zie:
http://www.politiekeweegschaal.nl/standpunten/Defensie-uitgaven.pdf
Wil je dat de uitgaven +/- gelijk blijven stem dan GroenLinks of SP. Wil je dat t minder wordt, dan zijn er de van Ankara's lange arm, Partij vd Dieren of Bij1 (beide niet doorgerekend). Deze laatste wil Nederland ook uit de NAVO. https://cloud.bij1.org/s/xzrjkqFDMrggo42/download
https://www.cpb.nl/sites/default/files/omnidownload/Keuzes-in-Kaart-2022-2025.pdf
***
Report:
PROFITING FROM MISERY SOUTH AFRICA’S COMPLICITY IN WAR CRIMES IN
YEMEN; An Open Secrets Investigation.
https://www.opensecrets.org.za/wp-content/uploads/Profiting-from-Misery.pdf
***
US Reportedly
Renews Investigation of Israeli Spyware Company NSO Group
https://themedialine.org/top-stories/us-reportedly-renews-investigation-of-israeli-spyware-company-nso-group/
***
"China’s
military likely will remain relatively constrained for the
foreseeable future in its ability to project force beyond its
immediate periphery, let alone to marry power projection with
political and economic influence on a global scale."
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2021-03-03/china-not-ten-feet-tall
March
3
***
Pakistan
likely to tie up with Turkey in manufacturing missiles, fighters.
Turkey's addition to Pakistan's defence & military manufacturing
would also open a door for Istanbul to be part of the JF-17 Thunder
fighters, that Pakistan develops with China
***
Terror wave
in the eighties in Belgium by so-called Bende van Nijvel. Police is
still searching for special machine gun used at extremely violent
attack on supermarket in Aalst. The Ingram gun is probably stolen in
1982 at arms trader in Waverse.
https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/speurders-maken-jacht-op-zeldzaam-bendewapen~bfc21e2e/
***
Cherif
Mansour, exiled Egyptian human rights campaigner, said president
Biden must "not give Sissi carte blanche". The Biden
administration, however, approved a sale of weapons nearly $ 200m to
Egypt, as part of the massive military assistance to Cairo.
https://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/meme-exiles-les-militants-egyptiens-des-droits-humains-ont-peur-398308
***
Germany will
send another ship to the Mediterranean at the end of the week to join
the EU mission to monitor the United Nations arms embargo against
Libya. Countries accused of violating the embargo include Turkey,
Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). DPA March 3, 2021.
***
Share of
military production at French engine builder Safran grew during
Covid-19 to 25% against an previous average of 16% to 18%. Military
production is a cushion during times of crises La Tribune concludes.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/defense-spatial-les-sept-dossiers-capitaux-de-safran-878649.html
Addition:
Are there other sectors which can be
developed where the Government can freely invest to keep jobs and
which offer different, but important, security to citizens? Or which
barriers have to be removed to make this possible?
***
Tareq
Abdulraheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, said: "The
collaboration with #Thales Emarat Technologies to establish the Radar
Center of Excellence reflects Tawazun's commitment to the development
of the #defence and #security industry."
http://www.gulfprojects.me/DetailsTA/379130/Radar-Center-of-Excellence-set-up-in-UAE
***
Saffron
Walden’s Quaker community have said they are very concerned over
District Council's decision to invest in a new building in
Gloucestershire. The council's future tenant was named as Moog Inc, a
well known manufacturer of civil and military tech.
https://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/local-council/quakers-urge-council-to-reverse-decision-7799864
***
OPEN SECRETS
REPORT
Exposed: South Africa’s role in Yemeni civil conflict’s humanitarian crisis
***
WMP, a
prominent German PR & lobbying agency has accused its former
chairman Michael Inacker of concealing alleged evidence of terror
funding & arms deliveries from Qatar to Hezbollah.
https://www.businessinsider.com/arms-germany-hezbollah-qatar-khashoggi-weapons-terrorist-terrorism-hezbollah-2021-2
Inacker denied accusations.
Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.de/wirtschaft/finanzen/lobbyagentur-wmp-michael-inacker-anzeige-untreue-saudi-arabien-katar/
***
A
plea to use offsets in Japanese foreign arms acquisitions. The
interview is full of advances. Lowering the (debatable) cost of the
military is emphasized. https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/d00676/
There are many disadvances too, like corruption often following
offsets.
https://ti-defence.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1004_corruption_risk_offsets.pdf
March
2
***
Iran's Press
TV reports on overhaul of Iran military aircraft, which are
identified as F-4, F-14, #Fokker F-27 Friendship, and Mirage planes,
and said the transport planes were of the 704, 707, and the C-130.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/01/646309/Iran-military-planes-overhauled
***
The Dutch
pension fund for doctors Pensioenfonds Huisartsen #SPH invests in
companies such as General Electric and Leonardo, whose customers
include Air Force of Saudi Arabia. Also the Pensioenfonds Medisch
Specialisten #SPMS invests in military companies.
https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1375336/pensioenfondsen-artsen-beleggen-deels-in-wapens
***
In 2019, EU
member states spent no less than 1,400 billion kroner on their
military. It shows an annual report from the EU Defense Agency. The
agency warns that the cost of fighting the corona could mean less
money for the military. [in Danish]
https://arbejderen.dk/indland/eus-milit%C3%A6re-oprustning-n%C3%A5r-nye-h%C3%B8jder
***
White House
National Security Council (NSC) leads a process to evaluate proposed
weapons transfers. That’s the way it should be. They’ll be
evaluated based on those criteria on a case-by-case basis based on US
interests and US values going forward. #Saudi
https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-march-1-2021/
***
UAE ignored
an arms embargo & supported Marshal Khalifa Haftar. ‘The UAE
has been involved in numerous arms transfers to Libya, both for the
rebels and Emirati forces based in Libya, in violation of the arms
embargo,’ according to NGO PAX.
https://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/2021/03/THIEBAUD/62841
@FrankSlijper
***
Israeli
drones, hacking software used in Myanmar coup - NYT
Israel was supposed to end all military exports to Myanmar, after allegations emerged that weaponry was being sold to the army.
***
The Pentagon
announced Monday a $125 million military aid package for Ukraine, the
first of its kind under the Biden administration. The package funded
by the Foreign Military Financing program.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/01/us-announces-125-million-in-military-aid-for-ukraine/
***
The story
returns regularly as the tide does: US wasted billions of dollars in
war-torn Afghanistan on buildings and vehicles that were either
abandoned or destroyed, according to a report released by a US
government watchdog.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/03/01/report-us-wasted-billions-on-cars-buildings-in-afghanistan/
Rep: https://www.sigar.mil/pdf/evaluations/SIGAR-21-20-IP.pdf
***
Dhaka
has genuine interests in learning more about Israel's arms trade with
Myanmar because that country poses the principal threat to
Bangladesh's physical security.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Is-Bangladesh-moving-to-normalize-relations-with-Israel
'Disastrous decision': UK slashes aid to Yemen while approving arms sales to Saudi Arabia Politicians and non-governmental organisations condemn major humanitarian cut as military exports to Riyadh continue https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-uk-aid-half-cut-saudi-arms-sales
March
1
***
There are
politicians & militaries, pointing at the other when it comes to
military expenditures. “They spend much more than we do!,” they
call out in public space.
Europe has its own statistic bureau and
that offers the next diagram with the 2019 figures.
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/images/2/29/Total_general_government_expenditure_on_defence%2C_2019_%28%25_of_GDP%29.png
***
The combined
military expenditure of the member states amounted to €186 billion
in 2019. This represents 1.4% of European Union GDP.
https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/brochures/2019-eda-defence-data-report.pdf
Luitenant-admiraal Bauer komt met 1,9%. voor Europa. (Maar
zelfs met de Engelsen erbij 1.7% halen we die 1.9% niet.)
***
To block arms
supply to Myanmar military from major providers China & Russia as
violent crackdowns on demonstrators continue, the in Japan expats are
calling on Tokyo to lobby other UN members so the Security Council
urgently imposes a global arms embargo.
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/7851420e2bcc-focus-side-with-citizens-not-military-myanmar-expat-tells-japan-asean.html
***
A
view on the German military production at Airbus (such as the FCAS)
and how the and how the trade unions support the proces.
https://www.wsws.org/de/articles/2021/03/01/igme-m01.html
***
The
Saudi regime is responsible for one of the world’s worst
humanitarian crises through its war in Yemen. The Biden
administration has now frozen arms sales to the Saudis, but Trudeau’s
government seems happy to continue arms sales.
https://jacobinmag.com/2021/02/trudeau-canada-saudi-arabia-arms-sales-yemen
