Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
May 31
***
Haftar backs
Libya unity but is ready to 'impose peace by force'. His forces
"managed, in what are near-miracles, to arm itself with all
kinds of sophisticated weapons and ammunition, despite the unfair
sanctions," he said on pro-LNA Libya al-Hadath TV (May 29)
BBC World 30/5
***
#Saudi
Minister of Interior, met at his residence with CEO's of various
leading #German companies, including #Hensoldt, #Airbus Defense and
Space, Veredus, #ThyssenKrupp, #Lürssen, Transportation Sector at
Siemens, and #Heckler & Koch.
Why? https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2232360
May
30
***
What kind of
missile launchers (or components of them) the Netherlands sold to Malaysia in 2020? (The
monthly report isn't clear on this also.)
Missiles and missile launchers Malaysia 10 Launchers, according to UN Report: https://www.unroca.org/netherlands/report/2020/
***
Q. by
@bgroothuis, #VVD defender in European Parliament for the
Dutch military industry, asked on alleged NL exclusion from PESCO
funds and very vaguely questioned on the effect of export policies by
The Hague in the context of the EU Defence Fund #EDF.
https://europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000808_EN.html
A.
@ThierryBreton: “No company has been excluded,” and arms export
is not the Commissions responsibiliy.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000808-ASW_EN.pdf
***
Addressing
the council's special session, Michelle Bachelet, UN high
commissioner for human rights, said #Israel's deadly strikes on #Gaza
might constitute war crimes & that #Hamas had violated
international humanitarian law by firing rockets into Israel.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/israel-reacts-angrily-over-un-decision-to-hold-war-crimes-inquiry-1.4578186
***
The Security
Council renewed the arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze
imposed on South Sudan for another year.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14536.doc.htm
***
#ASEAN wants
the United Nations to drop a call to suspend arms sales to the
#Myanmar military, which has killed hundreds of civilians since
mounting a coup in February, a European diplomat told Thursday.
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/asean-embargo-05272021184301.html
***
***
Rules
based international order? The United States, the leader of NATO, is
a notorious bipartisan scofflaw when it comes to signing and
ratifying major treaties that would diminish the horrors of weapons,
war and arms trafficking.
https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/556080-rules-based-international-order-must-begin-at-home
May
29
***
Defense and
technology company Lockheed Martin has confirmed that the United
States government will not stand in the way if Indonesia acquires the
latest version of F-16 fighter jets and their advanced weaponry
system.
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/lockheed-martin-us-will-approve-if-indonesia-buys-full-package-of-latest-f16-jets
***
Fighter tech
not very expensive. Honeywell has to pay $13m in fines &
compliance costs after company officials sent multiple engineering &
tech docs to China with details of multiple aircraft, incl. the
Lockheed Martin F-35 and F-22, over a 7-year period.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/honeywell-admits-sending-f-35-f-22-part-drawings-china
***
Saudi F-15s
and Greek F-16s together upgrade the skills of the air, technical and
backup crews and reinforce their readiness, in addition to military
experiment exchange to the best interest of the leadership two
countries.
At the cost of ...
***
Two major
French technology companies, Atos and Thales, are joining forces in
an effort to become the European nation’s premier institution for
artificial intelligence and big-data efforts.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/27/thales-atos-take-on-big-data-and-artificial-intelligence-in-new-joint-venture/
***
Israeli
#Elbit sells more military tech for years on a row.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/elbit-systems-reports-revenue-increase-in-q1
May 27
***
Q. by
@ThierryMARIANI on Franco-German tensions on defence cooperation.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-005726_EN.html
A. @ThierryBreton: Defence cooperation among companies, research actors & between the Member States is at the very core of the EU defence initiatives. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-005726-ASW_EN.pdf
***
Miriam Otto
(Hoofd afdeling wapenexportcontrole BuZa) vertelt hoe Buitenlandse
Zaken werkt als het gaat om het afgeven van wapenexport vergunningen
en het informeren over de wapenhandel. Informatief artikel.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/ministerie-van-buitenlandse-zaken/het-werk-van-bz-in-de-praktijk/weblogs/2021/wapenhandel-vraagt-om-openheid-van-zaken
***
@jordicalvo:
the military portray a world riddled with threats to defend ourselves
against, where even the maximum precaution is not enough. But are
military structures useful for combating these threats? What exactly
do we've to defend ourselves against?
https://www.alainet.org/en/articulo/212402
***
Australia
is building a billion-dollar arms export industry. This is how
weapons can fall in the wrong hands. Moreover there are questions
about the economic efficiency of investing in defence, and arms
procurement is highly susceptible to corruption.
https://theconversation.com/australia-is-building-a-billion-dollar-arms-export-industry-this-is-how-weapons-can-fall-in-the-wrong-hands-159817
May
26
***
Solidarity
with action DisruptLandForces and the protest in West Papua.
Australian solidarity movements are protesting at arms companies selling arms to Indonesia, including Thales Australia.
Stop Pendagangan Senjata
Stop Arms Trade
Stop Wapenhandel
See https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/disruptlandforces
***
The United
States had already suspended $23 million in security aid to Ethiopia.
Officials say the new measures will preclude any American arms sales
to Ethiopia, although much of the country's weapons come from Russia.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/24/world/africa/ethiopia-us-sanctions-tigray.html
***
Activists
have stormed a factory in a protest over the sale of arms to Israel.
Members of Palestine Action scaled a roof and daubed red paint across the Elite KL site on Amington Industrial Estate in Tamworth this morning, Tuesday, May 25.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/palestine-action-group-storms-elite-20671049
Addition:
Activists held a protest on Thursday, climbing onto the roof of
Brussels arms company SABCA (Sociétés Anonyme Belge de
Constructions Aéronautiques) to unfurl a massive banner reading ‘War
Starts Here,’ and spreading fake blood at the factory gate.
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/171164/vredesactie-sabca-activists-hold-protest-at-brussels-arms-company-saying-war-starts-here/
***
"When it
comes to trade in the tools of death and destruction, no one tops the
United States of America," by @WilliamHartung
https://www.juancole.com/2021/05/america-dominant-again.html
***
China's arms
trade shows now preview not just what will equip the PLA next, but
what will also show up next in the battlefields of the developing
world.
https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2021/05/introducing-china-intelligence/174256/
***
The
British government has committed £2 billion ($2.8 billion) to the
Tempest fighter jet program over the next four years, with industry
expected to contribute as well and already starts to talk about the
enormous returns to appease the population.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/05/25/british-team-tempest-is-itching-to-enter-new-fighter-design-phase-this-summer/
***
Egypt
announced an agreement this month with France to purchase 30
French-made Rafales in a deal reportedly worth $5bn. The agreement is
part of a larger trend in which Egypt is purchasing fewer weapons
from the United States and more from Russia & France.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/05/25/egypts-transition-away-from-american-weapons-is-a-national-security-issue/
***
The twists,
turns and loopholes when it comes to export of US (and #Canadian)
tech assembled into heli's (and drones) exported by Turkey to the
Pakistan, the Philippines, Morocco, Azerbaijan.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/05/25/turkey-to-export-t129-helos-to-philippines-despite-block-on-pakistani-order/
Addition:
The Philippines has acquired Turkish
helicopters for its attack helicopter program, Defense Secretary
Delfin Lorenzana said. "We have already ordered six,"
according to Lorenzana. The budget is placed at around PHP13.8
billion (€ 234m). https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141272
***
UK government
approved export of more riot gear to US months after repression of
BLM protests
On anniversary of George Floyd killing campaigners accuse UK government of ‘empowering’ and ‘enabling’ crackdown on anti-racism protesters https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-government-approved-export-of-more-riot-gear-to-us-months-after-repression-of-blm-protests-b1853742.html
***
70% of
Americans say arms sales make US less safe. The question is: Can such
public sentiment be mobilized in favor of actions to stop at least
the most egregious cases of U.S. weapons trafficking, even as the
global arms trade rolls on?
https://truthout.org/articles/70-of-americans-say-arms-sales-make-us-less-safe-were-the-worlds-top-dealer/
***
Greens
spokesperson Robert Habeck wanted to show of how fit the party is to
rule. He has said that the Greens could be open to weapons exports to
Ukraine, although the party promised "to end European arms
exports to war and crisis regions."
https://www.dpa-international.com/topic/furore-backing-germany-greens-arms-exports-ukraine-urn%3Anewsml%3Adpa.com%3A20090101%3A210525-99-739547
Addition:
Grüner Waffenbruder; Parteichef Habeck offen für
Rüstungslieferungen an Ukraine.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/robert-habeck-ukraine-waffenlieferungen-1.5303788
Addition: There has been criticism from many quarters for Green leader Habeck’s demand for arms deliveries to Ukraine. After he has made his statements more precise, his co-boss Baerbock takes him under protection and refers to the party platform. https://gettotext.com/no-to-arms-exports-baerbock-endeavors-to-combat-damage/
May
25
Retweet @SAMonitorOrg: The European Peace Facility, the EU’s project that seeks to project “hard power” to help partner countries address their security challenges, is receiving criticism for its plan to arm friendly gov’ts in #Africa and elsewhere, reports @Mikepeeljourno . https://www.ft.com/content/dd29eb4d-1fc0-4123-ada1-290c4c63d966
***
Russia warns
Turkey over ties with Ukraine. Turkey and Ukraine had launched a
platform with their foreign and defence ministers to discuss defence
industry cooperation.
https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-warns-turkey-over-ties-with-ukraine-2021-05-24/
***
Veiligheid?
Misschien, dacht Gerard Veldman uit Jelsum vijf jaar geleden,
misschien wennen we wel aan het geluid van de F-35. "Maar niks
gewenning. Het geluid van de F-35 is harder, en het dreunt veel
langer door."
https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/vallend-stucwerk-huilende-kinderen-en-een-doodgetrapt-kalf-f-35-s-drijven-friese-dorpen-tot-wanhoop~bfd69262/
#F35
***
Polish
Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak has announced his ministry will
buy 24 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey.
Under the plan, Warsaw will acquire four sets of unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with anti-tank missiles. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/05/24/poland-to-buy-turkish-bayraktar-tb2-drones/
May
24
***
In the midst
of the covid-19 pandemic these developments have slipped under the
radar, but Europe is flexing its military muscles by funding
independent military research and equipping allies in the Middle East
and other regions, argues the Philly Trumpet.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/24046-a-core-europe-with-global-military-powers-is-forming
***
Algeria has
ordered a Chinese-made Pattani or Type 056 class corvette. Previous
Algerian Chinese surface ship acquisition included Thales Netherlands
Smart-S Mk2 3D radar.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/may/10190-algeria-has-ordered-one-chinese-made-pattani-or-type-056-class-corvette.html
Designation uncertain; delivery planned 2023. https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php
***
Croatian
daily Jutarnji says the country has decided to select the #Rafale F3R
as the winner of the fighter competition. These are 2nd-hand jets
that #France has offered to #Croatia. A total of are to be sold.
Delivery is to start in 2024.
https://www.jutarnji.hr/video/news/jutarnji-doznaje-hrvatska-kupuje-francuske-borbene-avione-rafale-evo-koliko-ce-kostati-15074628
***
A written
reply to a question in South African Parliament has shown that the
DoD & Military Veterans (DDMV) has spent over R1 billion, in the
past 10 years, paying Cuban service providers to maintain and repair
its defence equipment under Project Thusano.
https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/over-r1-billion-spent-on-cuban-service-providers--
***
ARMS firms in
Scotland who sell weapons to Israel received nearly £10 million in
grants in four years from Scottish Enterprise (SE), prompting
concerns taxpayers’ money is contributing to human rights abuses
and prolonging the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/19322575.anger-arms-firms-get-grants-worth-nearly-10m-scottish-enterprise/
***
A
killer of an expo in Australia. It may surprise that the Brisbane
Exhibition Centre, normally the venue for bridal expos and trucking
displays, will play host to the Land Forces Expo, an arms fair where
the business of war will be very much on display.
https://www.echo.net.au/2021/05/land-forces-a-killer-of-an-expo-in-brisbane/
Addition:
Protesters arrested at Land Forces defence equipment expo
at Brisbane Convention Centre
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-01/qld-weapons-protest-brisbane-land-forces-rally/100180604
May
23
***
Zijn
er eigenlijk onderzoeken naar politieke voorkeuren militairen? In de
VS bestaat en dergelijk onderzoek naar politieke voorkeuren wel.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/08/31/as-trumps-popularity-slips-in-latest-military-times-poll-more-troops-say-theyll-vote-for
Aanvulling: Wapens liggen niet voor het grijpen bij 't leger, Schrijft Gerard ten Voorde in 't Reformatorisch Dagblad. https://www.rd.nl/artikel/928681-wapens-liggen-niet-voor-het-grijpen-bij-het-leger
Groepscontrole zorgt ervoor dat radicalisering snel wordt opgemerkt, aldus @gerardtenvoorde. Maar valt sympathie voor PVV of FVD ook onder die visie?
***
"Organizers
on the ground are keenly aware that the pro-Israel lobby is doing
everything in its power to end the open and free political debate and
intellectual exchange on this [systemic violence & oppression:
racial, gender, sexual or economic] subject."
https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1262714/-aux-etats-unis-le-lobby-pro-israelien-sait-quil-est-en-train-de-perdre-la-bataille-de-lopinion-publique-.html
***
Transparency
is just a first step in a political process, but lacks.
Decision-making on Defence is rarely as open and fair as it should be
and lawmakers must shine a light on lobbying by the arms industry,
argues @charlie_linney, Transparency International
https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/opinion/lobbying-and-undue-influence-its-time-to-put-the-spotlight-on-defence/
***
Question by
MEP @tbasescuon how the EU will develop a civil military use of
space.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-006736_EN.html
And the answer of commissioner @ThierryBreton.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-006736-ASW_EN.pdf
#space #satellites #edf
***
Guess
who? Macron said it is important for other members not to focus "on
national interests that are contradictory to the security of other
allies, as has been the case in recent years in Syria, the Eastern
Mediterranean, Libya, in the Caucasus."
https://thearabweekly.com/macon-takes-indirect-swipe-turkeys-conduct-within-nato
***
UK-made
military components and hardware were used by Israeli forces carrying
out airstrikes on Gaza, according to research. Raids on the
Palestinian territory began on 10 May and only halted on Friday after
killing over 232 people, including 65 children.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/israel-gaza-uk-arms-exports-airstrikes-b1851734.html
***
Why
I can never read about the Bronco SOF plane without a thought on East
Timor?
Bronco II, the special variant of the
South African-made Ahrlac multi-role aircraft 've been selected by
the US #SOCOM to participate in Armed Overwatch flight demonstration.
https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2021/05/us-socom-selects-bronco-ii-for-next-stage-of-armed-overwatch
May
22
***
Declassified
can reveal that a third of cabinet ministers and the foreign minister
responsible for the Middle East, have been courted by the Israeli
government or pro-Israel lobby groups.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-05-22-revealed-third-of-british-cabinet-including-boris-johnson-has-been-funded-by-israel-or-pro-israel-lobby-groups/
***
Die
Linke fraction in Bundestag asks for law to prohibit arms exports.
https://dip21.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/19/299/1929963.pdf
***
Did the NATO
leadership ever excused for the havoc it created? "Libya has
been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime
dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011 and split the oil-rich North African
country under two
leaderships."https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/un-envoy-failure-to-get-rid-of-libya-mercenaries-a-threat/2021/05/21/fb8dbed8-ba91-11eb-bc4a-62849cf6cca9_story.html
***
"No
single country or industry has the capacity or economic strength to
deal with new technologies: collaboration, especially at the European
level, is a fundamental element, and the #EDF will play an important
role," said Lorenzo Mariani, CEO MBDA Italia.
https://www.agenzianova.com/a/60a4f462c8f768.58341296/3452740/2021-05-19/speciale-difesa-mariani-mbda-italia-cooperazione-europea-cruciale-per-affrontare-nuove-tecnologie
***
Retweet
@nicholadrummond: ARTEC Boxer IFV
with @kongsbergasa RT60 remote turret developed for a Middle East
customer. It features the @northropgrumman XM813 30x173 mm chain
gun, coaxial 7.62x51 mm MG, 12.7 x 99 mm HMG, @ThalesDefence
Catherine sensors and @byMBDA MMP anti-tank missiles. (Qatar as
customer is several times mentioned in threat under tweet)
***
#French
#submarine sale to Pakistan, #bribes, #bombing of bus (15 deadly
victims, incl. 11 French naval engineers). "Karachi Affair, the
endless ordeal."
19 years later, the victims want to unravel the secrets of a case that has never been closed. https://www.lemonde.fr/police-justice/article/2021/05/21/on-est-toujours-la-on-n-a-jamais-abandonne-pour-les-karachi-la-verite-entravee_6080938_1653578.html
May
21
***
"As
Canadians, we demand that our government holds Israel accountable for
war crimes and stops the Canada-Israel arms trade," activists
said.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/21/canadian-activists-pour-river-blood-israeli-consulate-steps-symbolize-devastation
***
Resisting Militarism: Direct Action and
the Politics of Subversion, door Chris Rossdale
https://broekfoto.blogspot.com/2021/05/boeken-in-mei.html
***
“Vuurleiding
is eigenlijk een ouderwetse term; het FCS is een performance
based scheduling systeem. In gewone mensentaal: het systeem
zoekt uit hoe de eigen eenheid optimaal haar sensoren en wapens in
moet zetten tegen 1 of meerdere dreigingen.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2021/04/04_gezicht_van_dmo_ltz1_rick_jutte
***
Nederland
schaft onderwater drone van SAAB, de Sea Wasp aan. Bedoeld om
explosieven onderwater op te sporen en onschadelijk te maken.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2021/04/08_saab-sea-wasp-tegen-explosieven-onder-water
Stap op weg naar onbemand infiltreren? https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/de-kikkeropleiding-heimelijk-leren-opereren-op-de-grens-van-land-en-water/
***
Op 't
jaarlijkse Innovation in Defence Digital 2X event in april tekenden
Defensie Materieel Organisatie #DMO en de kennisinstituten #TNO, #NLR
& #MARIN een overeenkomst voor langdurige en intensieve
samenwerking op het gebied van technologieontwikkeling.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2021/04/06_dmo-tno-nlr-en-marin-versterken-samenwerking
***
Defensiekrant
rapporteert over Israëlisch-Palestijns conflict. Er vallen raketten
op Israëlische steden, huizen hebben bunkers en er zijn opstootjes
in steden. Rara wat wordt vergeten (behalve de achtergrond, context,
van huidige uitbarsting)?
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2021/19/02_situatie-israel_19
***
Velen
verwelkomen het bestand en roepen op nu naar echte vrede te streven. Scepsis zoals deze is echter op zijn
plaats.
Dat betekent o.a. ook dat kritiek op
wapenleveranties aan en importen uit Israel niet van tafel moeten.
Retweet @roelants_c: Er is nu een bestand tussen Israël en Hamas. Maar lees mijn column van maandag nog maar eens: waarom het oorlog zal blijven. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/05/17/de-palestijnse-burgers-blijven-alle-rekeningen-betalen-a4043769
***
To improve security
under a authoritarian regime: Egyptian sources tell Breaking Defense
that #Egypt is now eying also the #Rafale
F4. “We are looking to increase the (overall) number to 72 or 100
units, depending on Egypt’s financial capacity.” @France
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/egyptian-deal-for-rafale-fighters-boosts-data-sharing/
***
Timely
opinion: The sale of $735m worth of arms to Israel undermines calls
for a ceasefire in the ongoing bombing of #Gaza and can only make a
terrible situation worse, according to @CAAT. The sale reportedly
includes licences for bombs & other munitions.
https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/42242
***
The
Netherlands goes to East Asia as dog of the UK, the UK goes as dog of
the US.
It looks like a Western Babouska Matrouska in naval grey with the roaring of F-35 fighter jets and the decks as tableau's to sell weaponry.
Retweet @marineschepen:
http://Zr.Ms. Evertsen over bijzondere reis:
'Ook wij zullen F-35's gaan aansturen' Lees meer:
https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Evertsen-reis-ook-wij-zullen-F35s-aansturen-200521.html
***
Defence
Industry Influence on European Policy Agendas: Findings from Germany
and Italy.
https://ti-defence.org/publications/defence-industry-influence-europe-germany-italy/
***
The story on
the Eric Prince connection to Libya continues. A UN probe into the
conflict led to a small airstrip south of Belgrade, where an
‘agricultural’ plane – modified to carry rockets & traced
to US security contractor Prince – was serviced in 2018.
https://balkaninsight.com/2021/05/20/serviced-in-serbia-the-lethal-crop-duster-destined-for-war-in-libya/
***
A new
security crackdown on armed separatists in the central highlands of
Indonesia's restive Papua region will be maintained until they are
wiped out, the country's police intelligence Paulus Waterpauw chief
said, pictured in a personalised shirt.
Retweet
@westpapuamedia: EXCLUSIVE Indonesia's
troop surge in Papua aims to 'wipe out' armed rebels: police intel
chief
https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/exclusive-indonesias-troop-surge-papua-aims-wipe-out-armed-rebels-police-intel-2021-05-21/
***
The fighter
which came to an end of its lifespan in the Dutch debate on the
acquisition of the noisy and expensive F-35 (15 years ago!) still
enters into new production runs.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/05/19/14-billion-contract-marks-start-of-new-push-build-us-f-16-fighters-partner-nations.html
***
Germany’s
#Rheinmetall has announced two new deals for high-tech weaponry,
featuring ground robots and active protection systems, with the UK
and #Hungary.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/19/rheinmetall-delivers-combat-robots-to-britain-tank-defenses-to-hungary/
For the robots (mission master cargo vehicle) see also:
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/05/rheinmetall-duits-nederlandse-connectie.html
***
Senator
Bernie Sanders issued a resolution on Thursday disapproving the sale
of precision-guided weapons to Israel for $ 735 million in the United
States.
The sale of precision guided weapons was approved before the Biden administration. https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/CAN215035.pdf
***
Japanese
government hopes to sign a contract with Indonesia for joint
manufacturing of maritime vessels based on the design of a Japan
Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer, it was learned on May 11.
Interesting for both nations, bad news
for Damen.
https://japan-forward.com/japan-offers-to-jointly-build-warship-with-indonesia/
Addition: The Japanese government might deliberately bypass the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology restrictions and sell 30FFM multi-mission frigates to Indonesia, according to recent Japanese media reports. http://english.chinamil.com.cn/view/2021-05/20/content_10037635.htm
***
Judge Navi Pillay | SA’s
record on international human rights law is concerning including
theSouth African Rheinmetall Denel Munition arms sales to Saudi
Arabia and UAE.
https://news24.com/news24/columnists/guestcolumn/judge-navi-pillay-sas-record-on-international-human-rights-law-is-concerning-20210521
via @news24
May
20
***
Pumps to
#Taiwan are for pumping liquids, it is explained in the dual use
monthly reports. But it makes some difference if it is in a lemonade
factory or aboard of a submarine.
#China receives nuclear technology.
***
Does not
sound wrong on first impression: sun sensor. But it is delivered to
#Israel to be used in an observation satellite. It raises questions,
observing whom and to what purpose. #Satellites are an essential part
of modern war fighting capabilities.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
Questions
can also be raised at delivering technology for infra red camera's to
Israel for development of these camera's.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
The caretaker PM Rutte just said "on arms trade to Israel we follow a very strict policy." https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/plenaire_verslagen/detail/559b414c-5ec0-4afe-b3f3-5f4a9946330c#ida75bc48a
***
Wonder which
civilian carrier in the military ruled Myanmar ordered dual use
navigation equipement in the Netherlands for the considerable €
2.487.562 and 19 cents. An order which was licensed in March 2021
(coup February 1) & which company delivered.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
***
European
Defence Agency and European Defence Fund are going hand in hand, but
are not the same as EU High Representative Borrell in a Freudian Slip
answers in question by @LefChristoforou on state of European
defence-industry which repeat earlier answers.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000301-ASW_EN.pdf
***
Die Linke
questions #German arms exports to #Jordan, because of reports on
policy by Amman violating UN arms embargo on Libya. What consequences
will be drawn from these?
https://www.bundestag.de/presse/hib/842790-842790
***
Strijd tegen
#lawaai gaat door. #Leeuwarden kan zich uitspreken over voorgestelde
luchtruimvoorziening. Dat is een netelige zaak, want sommige
geluidsgegevens over de #F35 zijn op last van de fabrikant in VS
geheim, wat een goed oordeel ingewikkeld maakt.
https://www.lc.nl/friesland/leeuwarden/Leeuwarder-raadsleden-maken-zich-ongerust-over-geluidsoverlast-door-F-35-26838630.html
***
#Dutch
caretaker PM Mark Rutte is of the opinion an arms embargo to #Israel
is unwise and on #Apartheid, "such a classification has not been
established by an international court."
***
Saga of
Russian attacks on munition depots in the Eastern Europe continues,
involves also UK.
Secret agents are not always that secret: "The same names were allegedly given by two Russians who had visited a hotel near Vrbetice just before the explosion." https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/19/how-a-tiny-czech-village-was-caught-up-in-a-huge-russian-spy-case#new_tab
***
Retweet
@MCABIROL: L'Indonésie très,
très proche de monter à bord du Rafale @Dassault_OnAir @Armees_Gouv
@florence_parly @prabowo @jokowi @DGA @byMBDA @ThalesDefence @SAFRAN
@francediplo @FranceJakartaFR
https://latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-indonesie-tres-tres-proche-de-monter-a-bord-du-rafale-884904.html
***
Indian armed
forces lease military equipment, because buying is to costly. Army
leased 4 Israel Aerospace Industries drones.
Navy leases MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs & plans to lease heli's.
Air Force plans to lease an Airbus tanker & maybe Dassault rafales. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/dont-overdo-leasing-of-military-equipment-255020
***
How Malaysian
Defence MinisterAhmad Zahid Hamidi on advice of shipbuilding company
Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd overruled advice of Malysian Navy to
buy Damen sigma class frigate and in favour of French Gowind, an
acquisition pestered by delays.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/574308
***
Teledyne $8.2
billion acquisition of FLIR wrapped up on Friday and on Monday the
merged teams started work to ensure all the new company’s drones
can work with one another. The combined Teledyne-FLIR builds a lot of
drones.
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/teledyne-flir-merger-creates-tactical-drone-powerhouse/
***
US Army is
checking out 2 sizes of a low-recoil howitzer system: a 155mm gun on
a 6×6 truck, Brutus, & a 105mm on a 4×4 Humvee, Hawkeye. That’s
an extraordinarily small vehicle to mount an artillery piece, and
reducing recoil is the key to making it work.
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/army-tries-out-humvee-mounted-howitzer/
***
Human Rights
and ending military repression is for the others.
UK government backs Israel’s bombardment of Gaza
Minister says Israel has ‘legitimate right to defend itself’ as Gaza death tolls hits 217, including 63 children.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/israel-gaza-uk-james-cleverly-b1850137.html
***
Ocasio-Cortez
Introduces resolution against weapons sales to #Israel. “At a time
when so many, including President Biden, support a ceasefire, we
shouldn't be sending ‘direct attack’ weaponry to Prime Minister
Netanyahu to prolong this violence” #AOC said.
https://sunnysidepost.com/ocasio-cortez-introduces-resolution-in-opposition-to-weapons-sales-to-israel
May
19
***
Hard
power: Europe’s military drift alarm causes alarm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/19/hard-power-europes-military-drift-causes-alarm
***
The 209 new
Lynx infantry fighting vehicles recently ordered by Hungary will be
equipped with Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield hard-kill active
protection system (APS) under a new $171 million contract signed.
https://www.rheinmetall.com/de/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_25216.php
***
The French,
German & Spanish Ministers of MOD announced "the
finalization of discussions on the content of the next phase of the
program, which should lead by 2027 to the first flight of a
demonstrator of the new generation of combat aircraft (NGF)”.
https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/futur-avion-de-combat-accord-politique-entre-etats-20210517
***
EU ombudsman
probes job switches from EU executive to private sector. E.g.,
then-European Defence Agency chief Jorge #Domecq executive took up
his employment with #Airbus last year without EDA's approval - which
the agency considered a breach of its staff regulations. DPA 180521
https://realnewsmagazine.net/investigators-probe-job-switches-from-eu-executive-to-private-sector/
and
https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/european-ombudsman-to-launch-new-probe-on-eu-revolving-door-job-moves
***
How China’s
military–civil fusion policy ties into its push for world-class
universities. And how to build understanding of the implications of
the expansion of China’s military–civil fusion by a Australian
tracker.
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/how-chinas-military-civil-fusion-policy-ties-into-its-push-for-world-class-universities/
***
For fewer
people to flee, experts believe that the German government should
take stronger action against global warming and limit arms exports.
Recommendation was done by Expert Commission on Causes of Flight set
up by the grand coalition of CDU/CSU & SPD.
https://www.bmz.de/de/entwicklungspolitik/fachkommission-fluchtursachen
***
Geluidsexpert
Ton Tukkers ziet dat het geluidsniveau van de F-35 zo hoog is dat er
geen geluidsisolatie tegen bestand is. F-35's zullen vooral vliegen
boven Noord-Nederland, waaronder boven Nationaal Park
Wieden/Weerribben. Debat gaat door. Overlast ook.
https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/1663160/Gepensioneerd-overheidsadviseur-Tegen-het-extreme-geluid-van-de-JSF-valt-niet-te-isoleren
***
Largest
undercover force world has ever known is created by Pentagon over the
past decade. Some 60,000 people now belong to this secret army, many
working under masked identities & in low profile, all part of a
broad program called "signature reduction."
https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-inside-militarys-secret-undercover-army-1591881
***
Kleiss &
Co. BV, located in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands was penalised by a
fine of US$ 60,000 for covertly selling technology (butyl sealants)
to Iran.
https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2021/1308-e2661/file
***
A
summary of Western arms trade to the Israeli Apartheid state.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-which-countries-companies-arming
For Dutch sales see:
Dutch report English summary
https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2414
English
https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2432
English
https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2395
***
The
#UAE has awarded a 3.5 billion durham (US $952.7 million) contract to
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (Marine division of #Singapore’ ST
Engineering) to produce four Falaj 3-class offshore patrol vessels,
the largest-ever order for the company.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/18/emirati-shipbuilder-receives-record-1b-order-for-navy-ships/
May
18
***
Big oil and Dutch maritime and naval sales to Nigeria. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/05/dutch-naval-and-maritime-protection-of.html
Table with active URL's in blog.
***
Retweet @CTWnl: Dutch
companies are major suppliers of small vessels to Nigeria. The
government provides financial insurance for these exports to
providers of services to major oil companies active in the Niger
Delta, such as Shell and Total. New blog by @martinbroek:
https://stopwapenhandel.org/node/2510
***
More
on the Stategic Compass at Statwatch:
The EU is bolstering its ability to project power abroad. The latest means for doing so is through the adoption of a "Strategic Compass", intended to "help strengthen a common EU security and defence culture"
@ASDEurope Thank
you @EU_ISS for inviting us and for the excellent panel discussion on
this important topic! #StrategicCompass
http://twitter.com/EU_ISS/status/
***
This is even
a step further than current conflict. Some #Greens make you sad.
The German Green Chancellor candidate no longer rules out the delivery of submarines to Israel.
Die Grünen-Kanzlerkandidatin schließt die Lieferung von U-Booten nicht mehr aus. https://www.msn.com/de-de/nachrichten/politik/kanzlerkandidatin-der-gr%C3%BCnen-wie-h%C3%A4lt-es-baerbock-mit-waffen-f%C3%BCr-israel/ar-BB1gJTNm?li=BBqg6Q9
***
Germany’s
silence on Israeli violence is deafening.
"Israel is one of the largest recipients of German weapons, constituting a special case as Germany cannot export weapons to countries that are at war or face a conflict at their borders." https://mondoweiss.net/2021/05/germanys-silence-on-israeli-violence-is-deafening/
***
UK Green
Party has written to the Foreign Secretary to urge the UK government
to end sales of arms to Israel by UK companies & officially
recognise the state of Palestine in the wake of an alarming
escalation of violence in the region. Something to follow?
https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2021/05/18/mil-osi-united-kingdom-green-party-urges-dominic-raab-to-end-sale-of-arms-to-israel-by-uk-companies/
***
The Japanese
government intends to provide low-interest loans through the Japan
Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to promote exports of
defense equipment, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0007403439
***
Andrew
Smith of CAAT said: “We know that UK made arms have been used
against Palestinians before, but that has done nothing to halt the
flow of weapons. There must be a suspension of arms sales, and a full
review into whether UK weapons have been used ..."
https://leftfootforward.org/2021/05/calls-made-to-investigate-if-uk-arms-have-been-used-in-the-bombing-of-gaza/
May
17
***
Nederland
trekt zich terug uit Afghanistan. Hiermee komt de veiligheid van de
Afghaanse tolken die hielpen tijdens de missie in het land in gevaar.
Velen van hen hebben namelijk nog geen asiel gekregen in Nederland.
Daarmee laat Nederland hen in de steek.
https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/30727/nederland-laat-haar-afghaanse-tolken-in-de-steek-de-taliban-ziet-tolken-als-verraders
***
German
defense officials expect to sign up new European partners for the
Franco-German Main Ground Combat System following a September
conference in Berlin devoted to the effort, according to a government
report to parliament.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/05/14/germany-expects-wave-of-new-eurotank-partners-after-september-conference/
***
Russia is
openly advocating for enhancing military tech cooperation with the
military regime in Myanmar. In doing so, Russia seems to see the new
military rule as an opportunity to increase its influence in Myanmar
whilst boosting its arms exports.
https://globalriskinsights.com/2021/05/russia-and-the-myanmar-coup-an-opportunity-for-increased-arms-exports/
***
Declassified
visited villages in Nigeria ruined by indiscriminate air strikes,
which killed civilians, levelled marketplaces and hit a school —
months after we revealed Nigerian air force pilots were secretly
training in the UK.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-05-13-helicopter-attack-on-nigerian-civilians-puts-british-pilot-training-under-fresh-scrutiny/
Addition:
UK export licences approved for
military goods to Nigeria since 2011
https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/company?region=Nigeria&date_from=2011
***
Bernie
Sanders: “How does it happen that about ½ of $740bn annual defence
budget goes not to our troops, but to defence contractors, while
virtually all of them have paid huge fines for misconduct & fraud
while making massive profits on those contracts?”
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/budget/2021/05/12/bernie-sanders-wants-to-cut-defense-spending-not-all-democrats-agree/
***
New ships
"would significantly add to the lethality of Pakistan Navy’s
capabilities & contribute in maintaining peace, security, and
balance of power in Indian Ocean Region.”
https://eurasiantimes.com/pakistan-navy-get-another-booster-shot-from-turkey-with-third-jinnah-class-warship/ Dutch play an important role in Karachi's naval build-up. https://stopwapenhandel.org/pakblog
***
The Pentagon
has awarded Israeli company #Xtend a contract to deliver dozens of
small unmanned aerial systems #drones for use indoors and in urban
environments by special forces #SOF in the Navy, Marine Corps and
Army.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/05/10/pentagon-orders-small-israeli-drones-for-indoor-special-operations/
***
American
Rheinmetall Vehicles #ARV opened a facility in the DC3S complex,
Michigan, as it prepares to compete to replace US Army’s Bradley
Infantry Fighting Vehicle with an optionally manned one, according to
a company statement.
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/05/10/rheinmetall-plants-roots-in-michigan/
https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_24832.php
More
on Rheinmetall: ( url blocked by twitter
https://anfdeutsch.com/aktuelles/berlin-antimilitarismus-bedeutet-auch-kampf-gegen-patriarchat-26148).
***
European
Council adopted a regulation modernising the control system on
exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of
dual-use items. These are goods, software and technology that can be
used for both civilian and military applications.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/05/10/trade-of-dual-use-items-new-eu-rules-adopted/
***
War of words
and euro's: MEP Costas Mavrides protests EU sponsoring Turkish
acquisition of patrol boats.
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: EU-funded Turkish
coastguard vessels targeted #Frontex: Cypriot MEP Mavrides (S&D –
DIKO)
https://euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/mep-eu-funded-turkish-coastguard-vessels-targeted-frontex/
***
 |
| DEFENSE NEWS MAY 2021 |
"Technology Serving People and Planet." Military products are sold to provide a secure, peaceful and prosper world for our allies and partners the company states.
Like those in Azerbaijan e.g. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/azerbaijan-front-line/turkish-defense-industry-moving-on-despite-embargoes/1997685
***
How COVID-19
has impacted South China Sea defence spending and procurement.
Article also points at Europe: Growth in European defence spending is expected to reach 5.5% in real terms in 2021, a rate likely to be the highest globally. (Content of online and printed versions differ consiuderably.) https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/05/10/how-covid-19-has-impacted-south-china-sea-defense-spending-and-procurement/
***
An anti-war
campaign group has called on the Islington Council to stop investing
in companies that manufacture military vehicles and equipment. If
divesting from fossil fuel is possible, "why can’t it do the
same for the arms trade?”
http://islingtontribune.com/article/council-urged-to-ditch-arms-firm-deposits
***
Documents
released under Freedom of Information reveal #Australia approved 103
military export permits to UAE & Saudi during the Yemen war –
and denied just three permit applications. On Australia’s
escalating export to the #Saudi dictatorship.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/revealed-australia-defies-un-pleas-over-atrocities-in-yemen-escalates-weapons-exports-to-saudis/
May
16
***
Retweet
@NadiaWhittomeMP:
Italian port workers have refused to load an arms shipment destined
for Israel. We need governments to stop arms sales to the Israeli
military immediately. And we need workers all over the world to
replicate this act of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/amp/news/2021/5/15/pro-palestine-italian-port-workers-refuse-arms-shipment-to-israel
***
Anglo-German armored vehicle-maker Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land has signed a deal with British MoD to upgrade Challenger 2 main battle tanks. The £800 million (US$1 billion!!!) contract will see 148 British Army tanks upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/07/britain-awards-1-billion-contract-to-upgrade-challenger-2-tanks/
More on Rheinmetall: ( url blocked by twitter https://anfdeutsch.com/aktuelles/berlin-antimilitarismus-bedeutet-auch-kampf-gegen-patriarchat-26148).
***
European
Union members have admitted the United States into a project aimed at
quickening the flow of military personnel and equipment across the
continent, hoping the move will open a new front in trans-Atlantic
cooperation.
Dutch Defence
Minster Ank Bijleveld described the step as a “concrete and
positive signal that the EU wishes to cooperate with Washington,
Ottawa and Oslo on defense.” The Dutch MoD serves as coordinator
for the military mobility PESCO project.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/05/06/eu-and-us-defense-leaders-pounce-on-new-pet-project-military-mobility/
Addional retweet @FrankSlijper: NATO member Turkey's request to participate in Dutch-led EU PESCO project on military mobility apprehended as 'Trojan horse'. EU diplomats split over Ankara’s possible participation. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/turkeys-participation-request-in-eu-military-project-apprehended-as-trojan-horse/
***
The
creation of a collective security system in Europe with the
participation of Russia is the strategic goal of Die Linke, Bartsch
said. "We advocate for reducing arms spending & creating a
collective security system" Bartsch said.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/germanys-left-party-member-advocates-for-col-1247246.html
***
On the
expanding military relationship between the UK and Israel. The
deepening alliance involves UK military training of Israel for
combat, joint exercises, arms deals, as well as intelligence
cooperation.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-05-15-how-the-uk-military-supports-israels-combat-operations-against-palestinians/
***
Three
girls killed during combined police (Polri) and armed forces (TNI)
operation in the North Llaga district in West-Papua. They are the
next victims of the operation against the Papauan independent
movement, ongoing since 27 April 2021.
https://suarapapua.com/2021/05/16/breaking-news-militer-indonesia-tembak-mati-3-perempuan-muda-di-kab-puncak/
May
15
***
The
Dutch company Van #Halteren (with Dutch government consent) is
working with Israeli #Bagira to improve fighting capabilities (see
second part of blog written for @CTWnl:
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/imports-and-exports-both-part-of.html)
Addition: Bagira: "This further strengthens our bonds
with a NATO member state...Another bond reinforced by this project is
the one between us and the country of The Netherlands, through the
cooperation between #Bagira Systems & Dutch company Van #Halteren
Defence”.
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/bagira-systems-to-supply-and-operate-the-simulator-of-the-national-cbrn-training-center-for-the-netherlands-ministry-of-defence
May 9
***
#Egypt
wants to acquire a spy satellite and two multi-role tanker transport
#MRTT aircraft manufactured by #Airbus. La Tribune reported citing
sources that the recently concluded Egyptian Rafale deal hides
contracts for an satellite and 2 MRTT's by Airbus.
https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29526/Egypt___s____5_4B_Rafale_Deal_to_Include_Airbus_Spy_Satellite___MRTT_Aircraft
May 8
***
British
Aircraft Carrier Departs on Landmark Deployment with Marine Corps
F-35s Aboard. Dutch frigate joins this UK-US trip to Asia.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/05/05/british-aircraft-carrier-departs-landmark-deployment-marine-corps-f-35s-aboard.html
***
In Virginia, CodePink co-founder Medea
Benjamin interrupted a shareholder meeting of General Dynamics
Wednesday to protest the company’s arms sales to Saudi Arabia and
other countries. Medea Benjamin addressed General Dynamics CEO Phebe
Novakovic, who she says has personally pocketed $21 million a year.
https://www.democracynow.org/2021/5/7/headlines/codepink_co_founder_calls_out_general_dynamics_ceo_over_arms_sales_to_saudi_arabia
***
US
shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls bullish on unmanned growth
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/05/06/huntington-ingalls-bullish-on-unmanned-growth/
***
Norway’s
security authority launches investigation into publication of
classified arms export information. It states that the FA Ministry
allowed arms exports to the UAE, despite warnings that the weapons
could be used in the civil war in Yemen.
https://norwaytoday.info/news/norways-security-authority-launches-investigation-into-publication-of-classified-arms-export-information/
In
Norwegian: Senior researcher Sverre Lodgaard is clear: The Ministry
of Foreign Affairs has violated the Storting's premise that it is not
permitted to export weapons to countries at war, or where war
threatens.
https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/LnbXnJ/forsker-vaapeneksporten-til-emiratene-et-klart-brudd-paa-stortingets-ve
***
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: There is compelling evidence
that mortars used in a 2018 attack on a fish market and hospital in
Hodeidah which killed 64 civilians – and deemed a war crime – had
likely originated from Rheinmetall Denel Munition: @Suraya_Dadoo for
@The_NewArab
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2021/5/3/how-south-african-weapons-fuel-war-crimes-in-yemen
***
#Finish Act
on Military Intel "made available completely new methods, such
as targeted acquisition of communications data from border-crossing
telecommunications cables, foreign computer network exploitation and
use of covert human #intelligence sources."
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/20699312/pv_sotilastiedustelu_raportti_www_eng.pdf
***
EU
seeks rapid response military force, two decades after first try
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-seeks-rapid-response-military-force-two-decades-after-first-try-2021-05-05/
Nederlandse samenvatting: http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2021/05/eu-wil-snelle-interventiebrigade.html
May
6
***
Dutch center
right Liberal MEP Bart Groothuis aims for a European control on arms
exports. "The Netherlands can't solve every thing." A
former VVD colleague in the Dutch Parliament even proposed to end all
Dutch controle to EU/NATO+ countries 4 components (+75% of Dutch
exports).
@NIDVnews "Wapenexportbeleid
vraagt om een Europese oplossing', aldus @bgroothuis van de @VVD in
een blog voor @NIDVnews. "Nederland kan en moet niet alles zelf
oplossen."
https://nidv.eu/nieuws/gastcolumn-bart-groothuis-mep-vvd-wapenexportbeleid-vraagt-om-een-europese-oplossing/
@VVD_EP
***
The gain for
Dassault, the risk for French tax payers. Export financing, essential
in the sale of arms and activated in the Rafale export to Egypt. The
supplier helps the buyer to finance his order, by granting its
guarantee to the creditor banks.
https://www.epicos.com/article/694106/la-garantie-export-argument-de-vente-des-contrats-darmement
#COFACE
***
Egypt: war
crimes with French equipment at Arte TV. (Surely next time they will
include German deliverances for a German spoken channel!?)
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/091513-004-A/aegypten-kriegsverbrechen-mit-franzoesischer-ausruestung/
***
Extensive
report (with much comments) on Swiss small companies arms export
policy kept secret. If companies withhold such exports, it would mean
that “they themselves do not believe that what they are doing is
right,” says an expert at the Dynamics Group.
https://www.zuonline.ch/sogar-unscheinbare-kmu-exportieren-kriegsmaterial-662474777421
***
A look into
Scotish political parties views on military matters, included the
arms trade and military industry (criticised and subsidised).
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-05-05-the-tail-wagging-the-dog-how-scottish-independence-could-transform-british-foreign-policy/
***
Background on
Syria's Rifaat al-Assad: From 'butcher of Hama' to real estate
tycoon. "Some French intelligence figures even saw him as a
useful intermediary in the arms trade – and as a potential
pro-Western successor to Hafez."
https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210505-syria-s-rifaat-al-assad-from-butcher-of-hama-to-real-estate-tycoon
***
“No
government should sell a single bullet to the junta under these
circumstances,” NGOs said. “Imposing a global arms embargo on
#Myanmar is the minimum necessary step the Security Council should
take in response to the military’s escalating violence.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/more-than-200-ngos-call-for-un-arms-embargo-on-myanmar/2021/05/05/e599c174-ade1-11eb-82c1-896aca955bb9_story.html
***
A new State
Department-approved deal to sell six more P-8 submarine-hunting
aircraft to #India comes with the provision that 30% of the
acquisition cost be spent in the Indian aerospace sector. One of the
local companies is #Fokker Elmo Sasmos.
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/boeing-to-build-one-third-of-p-8s-in-india-in-new-deal/
***
Agreement
close on the #FCAS Future Combat Air System of Germany, Spain and
France. The three countries seem to have covered 99.99% of road to a
signature for launching the development and design of a demonstrator
to fly +/- 2026-2027. Meeting today.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/scaf-un-accord-est-imminent-884038.html
May
5
***
A man
portable air defence system (MANPADS) fired by the Kachin
Independence Army (KIA) shot down a Myanmar military helicopter on
May 3.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/kachin-independence-army-shoots-myanmar-military-helicopter.html
***
German
submission to UN register of conventional arms for 2020 now at
https://unroca.org/germany/report/2020/
***
China's
support for UN peacekeeping operations and anti-piracy efforts in
Africa, may be used by Beijing to expand its rights to set up bases,
using them to extend its military reach and grow arms sales to
African countries.
Sounds logic and familiar. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3132150/us-welcomes-chinas-peacekeepers-africa-wary-beijings-military
***
“Significant
progress” en route to a political solution in Libya is, according
to the UN and its international partners, welcome but has not seen
any lessening of an arms embargo on the north African country.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/irini-assets-continue-to-enforce-libyan-arms-embargo/
***
Military
lobby ASD welcomed European Parliament’s adoption of the European
Defence Fund #EDF.
ASD represents the Aeronautics, Space, Defence & Security Industries in Europe with the objective of promoting and supporting the development of the sector. https://asd-europe.org/asd-welcomes-european-parliament%E2%80%99s-adoption-of-the-european-defence-fund
***
Turkey will
prioritize the production of its indigenous TF-X fighter jet amid an
estimated loss of $1.4bn for local industry following the country’s
expulsion from the US-led F-35 program.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/05/03/with-f-35-expulsion-turkeys-top-weapons-buyer-prioritizes-tf-x-work/
It must be seen who will deliver the parts it can not produce.
***
According
to the investigative, not-for-profit website Disclose, the new
Egyptian Rafale deal, signed on April 26, is worth almost €4 bn.
The Egyptian MoD said the purchase would be financed through a loan
that would be repaid over at least 10 years.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/05/04/egypt-bumps-up-its-rafale-fleet-by-30-new-planes/
May
4
***
Lees het
onderzoek Rheinmetall: Duits-Nederlandse connectie, financiële
constructies en componenten. Download hier de PDF.
https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2507
***
Is that's how
you'll keep the military business going? Honeywell Admits Sending
F-35, F-22 Part Drawings To China.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/honeywell-admits-sending-f-35-f-22-part-drawings-china
***
Trump’s
Secret Rules for Drone Strikes Outside War Zones Are Disclosed
The release of the 2017 policy — with redactions — stemmed from open-records lawsuits by The Times and the A.C.L.U. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/01/us/politics/trump-drone-strike-rules.html
Samenvatting in het Nederlands: http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2021/05/trumps-regels-voor-drone-aanvallen.html
***
Retweet:
@AktionAufschrei: Anlässlich der
Hauptversammlung von Rheinmetall am 11. Mai findet vor der
Konzernzentrale in Düsseldorf eine Protestaktion statt. Dabei sollen
die Rüstungsproduktion und die Waffenexportpolitik des
Rüstungskonzerns kritisiert werden.
https://aufschrei-waffenhandel.de/presse-video-audio/presseerklaerungen/04052021-protest-gegen-rheinmetall-am-11-mai-in-duesseldorf-11-12-uhr/
***
BORDER POLICE WANTS
A BITE OF BURGEONING ANTI-DRONE INDUSTRY
Citing threats from drug cartels to migrants, CBP’s interest dovetails with a $487 million effort by the U.S. government to counter small drones. https://theintercept.com/2021/05/03/cbp-border-drones-military/
***
Safran
Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines, through their new joint
venture EUMET, and ITP Aero, agree on cooperation to power Europe’s
Next-Generation Fighter (NGF)
https://www.safran-aircraft-engines.com/media/safran-aircraft-engines-and-mtu-aero-engines-through-their-new-joint-venture-eumet-and-itp-aero-agree-cooperation-power-europes-next-generation-fighter-ngf-20210429
***
Ankara and
Baku mull military cooperation. The Turkish Defence Industry
Executive Committee, STM, ROKETSAN, HAVELSAN companies, and
ASELSAN-Baku office were welcomed by the Azerbaijan Minister of
Defence.
https://menafn.com/1102018509/Azerbaijan-Turkey-mull-military-cooperation
***
UN Security
Council preconditions lifting of arms embargo
https://eyeradio.org/un-security-council-preconditions-lifting-of-arms-embargo/
***
Today,
#Turkey’s security and intelligence forces detained 26 people
charged with military industry espionage and claims they are linked
to Fethullah Gulen's organisation. Most of them were working for
companies such as TAI, Aselsan, Roketsan and Havelsan.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/03/30/turkey-detains-26-suspects-over-defense-industry-espionage-charges/
***
Wow that's
what India needs: there is significant scope for even more UK
investments and UK-India co-creation of defence and aerospace
technologies. UK businesses, like Rolls Royce, BAE systems, Babcock,
MBDA and Thales are deeply committed to India.
https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/ukibc-welcomes-bilateral-talks-between-pms-boris-johnson-narendra-modi-121050301156_1.html
One should
almost forget that a Dutch frigates sails with UK fleet to Asia.
(UK's new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and accompanying fleet
set to be deployed on a maiden voyage to the Indian Ocean this month.
) What Dutch (military) business is in to it?
***
How
and who to cooperate on drone tech?
SAN DIEGO, May 3 -- #GeneralAtomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)issued the following news release:
- 3rd Annual Event Seeks to Attract New #Belgian Businesses to Support #SkyGuardian
***
According to the
Directorate General for Armaments, a merger between the two competing
programs - the SCAF supported by France, Germany and Spain and
Tempest rallying the United Kingdom, Sweden and Italy - would make it
possible to share the costs & would promote
a Europe of armaments. In addition, the states supporting the SCAF
should find an agreement by the end of the week.
https://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/la-france-favorable-au-rapprochement-de-son-projet-d-avion-de-combat-du-futur-avec-celui-du-royaume-uni.N1089324
***
How French
capital, incl. Airbus, wants to protect itself by weaving close
network.
Conseils du CAC40, à la fin de la saison, pourraient bien ressembler aux fameux « noyaux durs » de 1986, censés protéger le capitalisme français des prédateurs extérieurs.
https://hebdodesag.fr/ledito-de-benedicte-hautefort-126/
***
Voor werf
Damen ziet het er goed uit, kopt De Helderse Courant. De fregatten
voor Duitsland worden ook hier genoemd. Damen is wel de exporteur,
maar de motoren, wapens, wapentechnologie (Thales) komen van andere
bedrijven. Het vertekent kortom het beeld.
https://www.noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20210503_90546200
***
Aircraft, missiles
and armor are the most exported armaments to Saudi Arabia and the
United Arab Emirates. What companies are profiting from the war in
Yemen? What banks finance them? It is revealed by the report
#NoBancaArmada #StopArmasContraYemen
http://centredelas.org/publicacions/financament-de-les-armes-de-la-guerra-del-iemen-analisi-del-financament-de-les-empreses-darmes-que-han-exportat-a-arabia-saudita-i-emirats-arabs-units-2015-2019/
***
What explains
the high-profile Russian delegation to Myanmar? Russia’s muted
response to the coup should be understood in the context of Russia’s
trade relations with Myanmar, the Kremlin’s ideology & the
current state of Russia’s relations with the West.
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/05/04/moscows-interests-in-myanmar-are-fuelled-by-rivalry-with-the-west/
***
France
has agreed to sell 30 more Rafale fighter jets to the human rights
respecting ? military of Egypt, a source close to the contract said
on Monday, confirming an online report of a secret mega-defence deal.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/830039-egypt-orders-30-more-fighter-jets-from-france
May 3
***
Om wat te
doen aan de chronische verstopping van de Jemenitische havens werd de
hulp ingeroepen van het Rotterdamse Havenbedrijf. Consultant
Wormmeester inspecteerde de staat van de havens, samen met een
collega van consultancybedrijf Solid Portsolutions.
https://www.mo.be/nieuws/jemen-oorlogseconomie-daarom-moeilijk-oorlog-stoppen
***
New
Zealand has exported military aircraft parts to the Indonesian Air
Force. In most years, including 2020, these parts are listed as "P3
Orion, C130 Hercules & CASA Military Aircraft: Engines,
Propellers & Components including Casa Hubs and Actuators".
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/military-exports-indonesia-strain-nzs-human-rights-record
***
Scottish
Parliament elections 6 May 2021. Why are voters turning to the
Greens? For Yasmin Luqman, it is the Greens’ stance on the arms
trade, its radical social policy and what she described as
“hostility” from the UK Government towards immigrants.
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scottish-election-2021-why-are-voters-turning-to-the-greens-3222166
May
2
***
Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Laboratory #APL & #TNO collaborated on various
projects for government and business sponsors. Previous research
collaborations have accelerated the science and technology
development in the areas of defence & security.
https://www.tno.nl/en/about-tno/news/2021/4/johns-hopkins-apl-and-tno-sign-memorandum/
***
Dutch
research institute MARIN's share of contract research for the
government has increased significantly in recent years.mainly
defence-related.
Aandeel contractonderzoek van #MARIN in
#Wangingen voor de overheid is de laatste jaren sterk toegenomen,
voor militair van aard.
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=5a0b4a62-9fcc-4f6a-ad51-2ca5e528b0ab&title=Eindrapport%20deelevaluatie%20MARIN.pdf
Samen met TNO en NLR is MARIN bezig om voor defensie nieuwe simulatietrainingen te ontwikkelen.
Met de defensiesector (Marines) wordt samengewerkt in de CRS en in het speciaal daarvoor opgerichte Cooperative Research Navies (CRNAV) consortium.
Dutch National Air and Space Research #NLR in #Amsterdam wants to strengthen relationship with MoD (most important customer, 46%), according to evaluation. (Verbreden en verdiepen van de inbedding van het NLR in het Ministerie van Defensie.). https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=0314a51d-f005-4b92-b2a1-7d547069adf6&title=Eindrapport%20deelevaluatie%20NLR.pdf
Het NLR geeft aan
dat een belangrijk deel van het onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd voor het
Ministerie van Defensie, wat geen ruimte biedt voor het openbaar
maken van onderzoeksresultaten.
Largest department of Dutch
Applied Science Organisation #TNO is on Defence, Safety &
Security DSS. Of the turnover of €541m in 2019, € 138m was on
DSS.
TNO ziet kansen in Horizon Europe en andere
innovatieprogramma’s zoals het #EDF.
***
Austrlia to
invest $ 1.2bn in reliable robotic weapons.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/creating-reliable-robotic-weapons/news-story/6a46b8210b1e359442ac1a9f086bcec5
***
#Rheinmetall
CEO Armin Papperger; 'To protect Europe, we need powerful,
well-equipped army forces'. He's not affraid of the Greens, because
they "only want to ban exports to countries that do not belong
to Europe or NATO." With Turkey as the exception.
https://www.wiwo.de/my/unternehmen/industrie/rheinmetall-chef-armin-papperger-um-europa-zu-schuetzen-brauchen-wir-schlagkraeftige-gut-ausgeruestete-heereskraefte/27141936.html
"If we want
more sustainability in Germany, we also need more commitment to
safety. We are just as valuable in that respect as vaccine
manufacturers," he argues to defend his own shop.
***
Given the
lack of EU common ground with Turkey, "Germany’s decision to
supply that country with state-of-the-art naval submarines is all the
more regrettable," @loucas_fourlas @PPE wrote.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000900_EN.html
He got @JosepBorrellF's routine non-answer.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000900-ASW_EN.pdf
***
Given the
lack of EU common ground with Turkey on human rights and freedoms,
the migration issue, compliance with international law and respect
for EEZs, Germany’s decision to supply that country with
state-of-the-art naval submarines is all the more regrettable,
@loucas_fourlas of the @PPE, fractie
stated.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000900_EN.html
Borrell gave his routine non-answer.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000900-ASW_EN.pdf
***
Airbus Vega
rocket
(https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/03/pliades-neo-satellites-arrive-in-kourou-for-launch.html)
launched Pleiades Neo 3 satellite into orbit. It will be operated by
Airbus, and "exploited for mapping, town planning and defense
applications," & "a game changer for Airbus and its
geo-intelligence customers."
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/vv18-succes-capital-pour-le-lanceur-italien-vega-et-pour-l-europe-spatiale-883532.html
***
A deadline to
pressure the German Bundestag on the FACS fighter jets, wasn't
regarded a deadline anymore after it showed impossible to get a nod
from German parliament.
https://www.rfi.fr/fr/europe/20210501-d%C3%A9fense-le-futur-avion-de-combat-franco-allemand-prend-du-retard
***
Klinkt toch
minder zielig dan eerdere tranentrekkende berichten
(https://www.nt.nl/scheepvaart/2020/08/04/damen-shipyards-schrapt-1050-banen/).
"Orderboek scheepsbouwer Dames Scheepswerven naar record; Positief resultaat in eerste kwartaal 2021." Dus waarom al die ontslagen? https://www.msn.com/nl-nl/nieuws/Binnenland/orderboek-scheepsbouwer-damen-shipyards-naar-record/
***
Retweet
@_ENAAT: "German Green
@henrikehahn said she worries about handing a “blank cheque” to
industry. “For the next seven years, the European Parliament won’t
be involved in scrutinising the spending,” she noted" writes
@scibus #noEUmoney4arms #EUdefencefund #EUdefence
***
The North
Atlantic Treaty Organization was created to contain the Soviet Union,
which no longer exists, but now it seems designed to supply the
military industrial complex with an ever-expanding list of global
clients, writes Tamara Lorincz.
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/the-saturday-debate/2021/05/01/the-saturday-debate-should-canada-leave-nato.html
***
Colombian
police are killing civilians. British police are training them. Over
recent days, the Colombian national police have killed a number of
civilians protesting a proposed tax hike on basic goods.
https://www.thecanary.co/investigations/2021/05/01/colombian-police-are-killing-civilians-british-police-are-training-them/
May 1
***
Germany is
proud of its allegedly restrictive arms export controls. The Study
'German Arms Exports to the World? Taking Stock of the Past 30 Years'
shows these tight controls are a myth.
https://www.infosperber.ch/politik/warum-ruestungsexporte-immer-problematisch-sind/
Report
https://www.hsfk.de/wissenstransfer/news/news/news/bittere-realitaet-der-deutschen-waffenexporte
***
Kissinger
warns #China and US to guard against all-out artificial intelligence
#AI conflict
Kissinger tells German newspaper those believing China’s foreign policy must be confronted at all levels will generate ‘a maximum of resistance’
***
Arms
transfers to conflict zones: The case of Nagorno-Karabakh by
@SIPRIorg
https://www.sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2021/arms-transfers-conflict-zones-case-nagorno-karabakh
***
Die Linke
expressed concern that the German government continued to approve
arms exports to India. “Furthermore, in the northern states
paramilitary groups implement the interests of the Indian government
using German machine guns and pistols,” they wrote.
https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/german-government-treads-with-caution-on-questions-by-left-party-on-state-of-indian-democracy
***
Egypt has
been the top importer of arms from Italian military companies for 2nd
year in a row, the Italian Network for Peace and Disarmament said.
This despite an ongoing legal case against Egyptian officials for
murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni.
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2021/4/30/egypt-top-importer-of-italian-weapons-despite-regeni-case
***
Turkish
Aerospace Industries #TAI has converted its Simsek High Speed Target
Drone (tested in Azerbaijan) into a kamikaze drone.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/04/30/turkey-converts-simsek-training-system-into-a-kamikaze-drone/
***
#Airbus
"heeft een belang van 50 procent in de ArianeGroup. Dat concern
produceert onder meer kernwapens – maar hoe moet je dat als gewone
deelnemer nou weten?" Over de beleggingen van Pensioenfondsen.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/belegt-uw-pensioenfonds-ook-in-kwalijke-zaken-u-kunt-er-iets-aan-doen~b2046bba/
***
Greek
naval modernisation. Thales is expected to be involved in most of the
possible proposals for Hydra-class mid life upgrade (valued €400-450m
and connected to the acquisition of four new frigates, valued op to
€5bn).
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/04/hellenic-navys-hydra-class-frigates-mlu-limited-budget-but-many-possibilities/
