Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
June
30
***
Er loopt een
strafzaak tegen Zuma vanwege corruptie, het aannemen van
steekpenningen en witwassen. Hij zou geld hebben aangenomen van de
Franse wapenfabrikant #Thales. Dit proces begint waarschijnlijk
volgende maand.https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/ex-president-zuma-van-zuid-afrika-veroordeeld-tot-15-maanden-cel~beb9137f/
Zit Thales niet ook in #Hengelo?
***
Grote
wapenproducenten zijn - ten minste op papier - in Nederland gevestigd
en gebruiken het als tussenstation of doorsluisland voor militaire
activiteiten. Hoe verantwoordelijk maakt dat Nederland voor
wapenleveranties aan dubieuze regimes?
De Groene Amsterdammer - 30 juni 2021
***
Greenpeace
denounces that the Spanish Government again reported incorrect data
in 2020 on arms exports. The export of 84 60mm mortars to Saudi
Arabia does not appear anywhere.
"English" https://spainsnews.com/greenpeace-denounces-that-the-government-again-reported-incorrect-data-in-2020-on-arms-exports/
Original Spanish https://www.eldiario.es/politica/greenpeace-denuncia-gobierno-volvio-reportar-datos-incorrectos-exportaciones-armas_1_8085712.html
June
29
***
Vraag
@NOSRadio1 7.36
Schrikt U van de conclusie van @CAATuk dat VK wapens levert aan 2/3 v/d landen die de mensenrechten schenden?
Antwoord @FrankSlijper
Ja en nee.
Ja, het is schandalig.
Nee, het gebeurt al jaren.
De politiek speelt een dubbel spel.
***
Shedding
light on the possible US power politics behind the scenes to force
#Switzerland to buy the Lockheed F-35 fighter jet instead of Fr.
Rafale or Eur. EFA and Raytheon Patriot missile instead of SAMP/T of
MBDA. It is about billions of €€€ or $$$.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/les-etats-unis-vont-ils-imposer-le-f-35-a-la-suisse-face-au-rafale-et-a-l-eurofighter-887769.html
***
Naval
Group #NG reageert op kritiek ivm Australische onderzeebootbouw.
Duidelijk is dat het NH-Dagblad een positie inneemt in de
verwervingsprocedure, waarbij de Franse aanbieder de klos is. Zelfs
in een bericht over het Australische 'debacle' speelt dit.
https://noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20210628_27215681
Dit leidt
af van een discussie over de wenselijkheid van de peperdure
onderzeeboten. De krijgsmacht zegt PANG te moeten ropen, omdat de
kogels te duur zijn, maar waarom zouden boten honderden miljoenen
p.s. dan wel kunnen? Er zijn grotere bijdragen aan de veiligheid te
bedenken.
Het leidt er ook af dat Australië teveel eigen defensie-industrie wil voor de hoeveelheid gekwalificeerd personeel. Daar hebben meerdere bedrijven last van. De Australian noemt, NG, Lürssen Australia, ASC, Austal, Saab, Navantia Australia, en Lockheed. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence-industry-faces-critical-skill-shortage-placing-future-submarine-and-frigate-programs-under-threat
***
Moderate? In the upcoming US
budget debate, a group of moderate Democrats are trying to set a
floor for 2022 defence spending before progressive Democrats try to
push it lower.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2021/06/28/moderate-democrats-rebuke-defense-budget-cuts/
June
28
***
#Greece
investigates the possibilities to particiapte in the #FCAS and for
budgetary reasons needs to include funds by the European defence Fund
#EDF in the process, because of budget cap limitations.
Would such a step diminish tension with Ankara? https://www.onalert.gr/eksoplismoi/fcas-ti-eipe-o-yetha-gia-tin-entaxi-elladas-sto-programma-machitikoy-6is-genias/422479/
***
While in
earlier decades the U.S. was a major supplier of weapons to military
regimes in Latin America, China now has the advantage by offering low
prices for weapons with few strings attached.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/28062021-arms-iron-ore-and-electricity-boost-chinese-influence-in-latin-america-analysis/
Addition: SIPRI said on Latin America: "While Mexico had no notable open deals for major arms at the end of 2020, Brazil’s outstanding deliveries included 35 combat aircraft from Sweden, 5 submarines from France and 4 frigates from Germany." Strings attached? https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/fs_2103_at_2020_v2.pdf
***
"It’s
time to end all US military support to that regime {Saudi Arabia] as
leverage to get it to end its unconscionable and unacceptable
conduct, both internally and in the broader Middle East," wrote
@WilliamHartung in the NYT (last letter).
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/24/opinion/letters/republicans-dialogue.html
***
Major US arms
sale to the the Philippines of F-16 Block 70/72 Aircraft and related
equipment for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/philippines-f-16-block-7072-aircraft
Addition:
US House members co-sponsored a bill to
suspend arms sales to the Philippines: "until violence against
dissident ceases and accountability against the perpetrators
commences."
https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/06/25/philippines-arms-humanrights-wild/2991624639198/
***
BBC reports
that: Several Arab media outlets have picked up on reports that the
United Arab Emirates has reportedly asked Italian troops to leave a
key military base in the country in response to an arms embargo by
Rome. BBC Monitoring 27 Jun 21
***
Jeune Afrique
reports on the powerful defence-industrial lobby of the French
Minister for FA/Europe Jean-Yves Le #Drian and especially for
companies in Brittany & active support for Malinese biometric
passport production by Oberthur Technology now #Idemia.
https://www.africa-press.net/mali/homepage-french/enquete-mali-france-jean-yves-le-drian-a-t-il-fait-pression-sur-ibk-2-2
***
The
new Future Combat Air System #FCAS is neither be a Rafale nor a
upgraded European Fighter Aircraft.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/dirk-hoke-airbus-defense-space-le-scaf-ne-sera-ni-un-rafale-ni-un-eurofighter-ameliore-1327302
The program will be carefully watched by the SPD, and surrounded by
armed drones which are already splitting the German Greens
https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2021/06/24/l-avion-de-combat-du-futur-s-invite-dans-le-debat-politique-allemand_6085486_3210.html
June
27
***
Fury as £700k
of Scots taxpayers’ cash given to arms giants supplying nations
accused of bombing raids
The Scottish Government jobs quango Scottish Enterprise has been criticised in the past for giving grants to defence and munitions companies. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-enterprise-arms-companies-pay-24405796
***
Was this
gunboat diplomacy? Following the controversy generated by HMS
Defender route, documents found at a bus stop confirm that passage
through the TSS was a calculated decision by the UK to make a show of
support for Ukraine, despite the risks involved.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57624942
***
So that's why
others continue delivering, to have free exercise space? UAE is
evicting Italian aircraft & personnel from a key military base in
retaliation for an arms embargo on the UAE by Rome since January, an
Italian politician has told Defense News.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/06/25/italian-forces-kicked-out-of-middle-east-base-over-uae-arms-embargo-lawmaker-says/
***
Betekent een
VS-terugtrekking uit Afghanistan ook een stopzetting van de
bombardementen?
https://vrede.be/nl/nieuws/betekent-een-vs-terugtrekking-uit-afghanistan-ook-een-stopzetting-van-de-bombardementen
***
Retweet
@MichaelStone: Airbus offers to assemble
Eurofighter in Switzerland to win $6.5 bln deal -report
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/airbus-offers-assemble-eurofighter-switzerland-win-65-bln-deal-report-2021-06-27/
***
For the first
three days of June, thousands of engineers, public servants and
business moguls involved in the global arms trade packed the Brisbane
Convention & Exhibition Centre for the Land Forces 2021
exhibition.
https://redflag.org.au/article/protesting-against-war-profiteers-brisbane
***
To
make the world a safer place for all?
£17bn of UK arms sold to rights’ abusers
Weapons licensed for export to two-thirds of states on ‘not free’ register, including Libya, Saudi Arabia and Turkey
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/27/17bn-of-uk-arms-sold-to-rights-abusers
June
26
***
Middle East:
An Emerging Market for Chinese Arms Exports. But somewhere halfway
article: "the United States accounting for 79 percent of its
total imports in 2016-2020." And given SIPRI source states:
"Russia and China both saw their arms exports falling."
https://thediplomat.com/2021/06/the-middle-east-an-emerging-market-for-chinese-arms-exports/
***
#Sweden involved in
developing US hypersonic vehicles? Johns Hopkins Applied Physics
Laboratory #APL Boundary Layer Transition #BOLT said so. The team is
targeting a late-June launch of the vehicle from the Esrange Space
Center #SSC in Kiruna, Sweden.
https://www.jhuapl.edu/PressRelease/210622-BOLT-experiment-readies-for-final-flight-Sweden
***
UK Supreme
Court has ruled that protests can be a “lawful excuse” to block
roads, as the government pushes for new laws to limit peaceful
demonstrations. Most senior judges said so in case of protesters who
blockaded the #DSEI arms fair in London, 2017.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/supreme-court-backs-protesters-and-rules-blocking-roads-can-be-lawful-way-to-demonstrate/ar-AALr8ls
***
The U.S.
State Department has approved the potential sale of F-16 fighter
jets, as well as Sidewinder and Harpoon missiles, to the Philippines
in three separate deals with a combined value of more than $2.5
billion, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-state-dept-approves-possible-sale-f-16-fighters-missiles-philippines-pentagon-2021-06-24/
***
Who is the
mystery buyer of Airbus C295 aircraft?
It is likely to be Vietnam, 1 of the 3 Souteast Asian countries already using the plane: Indonesia, the Philippines & Vietnam (Thailand will be added in the region). Globally there are 28, including Egypt. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/06/24/who-is-the-mystery-buyer-of-airbus-c295-aircraft/
***
Syria's Dep.
FA Minister Jaafari confirmed Sedat Peker's claims about arms
shipment & illicit trade between Turkey & armed groups in
Syria. Peker said that SADAT, a private contractor, had been sending
weapons to "terror" groups, including the Nusra Front.
https://m.bianet.org/english/world/246225-syria-s-deputy-foreign-minister-confirms-sedat-peker-s-claims-on-arms-shipment
***
US
CONGRESS HAS THE POWER TO STOP ARMING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSERS
Congress can and must act to improve oversight of US security assistance.
(This a bit more than arms trade related, because it stresses the power of politics instead of its incapability.)
https://inkstickmedia.com/congress-has-the-power-to-stop-arming-human-rights-abusers/
June
25
***
Another
blow for the most expensive weapon system ever. High costs of
supporting F-35s & a failure to quickly integrate the MBDA Meteor
missile to the jets could slow British plans to buy more of them, UK
defence secretary Ben Wallace warned June 23.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/06/23/two-reasons-britain-could-slow-its-purchase-of-the-f-35/
June
24
Thales omzet komt voor 66% voort uit export. In 2020 maakte het € 45 miljoen winst. Het bedrijf is een van de voornaamste producenten van militaire producten in Nederland en dus een echte wapenhandelaar.
De overheid heeft 1%
van de aandelen in handen. Zo wordt het geïnformeerd over het reilen
en zeilen. Het bedrijf wordt dan ook beschreven in het Jaarverslag
Beheer Staatsdeelnemingen 2020 (net als bijvoorbeeld het #UCN).
#ThalesNederland
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2021/06/23/aanbieding-jaarverslag-beheer-staatsdeelnemingen-2020
***
HLD
militarises. In 2018 it acquired 60% in Rafaut, supplier of the
Rafale. Now there's the scheduled €370m takeover of the night
vision producer Photonis. Article states it is contrary to the trend
to leave military business as to harmful for reputation.
http://lirelactu.fr/source/challenges/01a511c8-ad92-4da7-bc14-04f3d12a5f57
***
A little more
light on French arms exports, but teh creation of a parliamentary
delegation for arms control on the model of that dedicated to
intelligence is seemingly a bridge to far.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/exportations-darmes-le-gouvernement-fait-une-encoche-au-secret-defense-1325955
***
European cooperation
in armaments is fascinating, Les Echos states. Even a project that
seemed obvious like that of the Eurodrone, to provide Germany,
France, Italy and Spain with a drone of medium altitude and long
endurance (Male) fails to materialize. Even though a budget of €500m
is reserved by the #EDF for this military program. Even though states
are obliged to buy US or Israeli in order to equip themselves and
despite the fact that a single military operation does not do without
such intelligence equipment.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/nouveaux-nuages-sur-leurodrone-1326339
***
After
months of suspense, German members of the Budget Committee gave on
Wednesday, on the last day of the session before the summer break,
their green light for the €4.5bn financing of a prototype of the
European Air Combat System of the Future #SCAF.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/scaf-les-feux-enfin-au-vert-pour-le-futur-avion-de-chasse-europeen-132622
***
The creation
of a new branch in the European Commission – DG Defence Industry
and Space (DEFIS), long resisted by Britain – has been the most
recent attempt to put a European stamp on the emerging domain.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/outer-space/news/eu-reaches-for-the-stars-as-new-space-programme-lifts-off/
***
Canadian
government is due to protect Canada's minerals industry, as China
tightens its grip on supplies of rare earths and other crucial
materials, a new Parliamentary report says. So that "defence
industry...not starved of these important materials.
https://nationalpost.com/news/federal-government-needs-to-protect-critical-minerals-industry-as-china-tightens-grasp-report-says
NIDV-magazine (Dutch military and security industry lobby) is advertising the Barak MX missile of #Israeli Aircraft Industries. It may point to lobby by #IAI to Dutch MoD. There is a strict export policy, but not for imports from the Apartheid State. (https://www.nidv.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NIDV-Magazine-2021-2-DEFINITIEF-web.pdf)
***
Jane’s
reports that the #Indonesian Ministry of Finance has given the green
light to seek foreign loans up to $700 million for the acquisition of
two aerial tankers for the Indonesian Air Force. It considers buying
a #Airbus KC-30A (A330) MRTT.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indonesia-approves-usd700-million-in-foreign-loans-for-aerial-tanker-buy
***
Saab has
signed a contract for the delivery of live training systems and
services to the Dutch armed forces. The order comprises the supply of
new equipment and functionality at $85.1m, with a 10-year support
contract with an annual value of $7.8m.
https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/saab-to-deliver-combat-training-solutions-to-the-netherlands
***
Ukraine is on
course to rebuild the capabilities of its navy with the help of a
possible deal with British warship builder and support-services
company Babcock International.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/06/22/british-shipbuilder-babcock-to-help-beef-up-ukraines-navy/
***
#Argentine
defense minister Rossi is furious with the #UK for having blocked the
purchase deal of several #Korean manufactured training jet fighters
FA-50 to re-equip the Air Force. "A new display of imperial
arrogance", Rossi described the incident.
https://en.mercopress.com/2021/06/23/argentina-s-purchase-of-korean-fighters-falls-through-uk-s-arms-embargo
***
EU Commission
Publishes Summary After Public Consultation on EU Compliance Guidance
for Research Involving Dual-Use Items
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2021/june/tradoc_159653.pdf
***
While
much of the economy is still reeling from the pandemic, the #Swiss
arms industry has posted record exports figures. Yet it often deals
with disreputable business partners. Parliament (pressured) is
seeking to tighten the screws on weapon exporters.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/the-controversial-lucrative-business-of-swiss-arms-deals/46725694
June
23
***
According
Akkerman of @CTWnl, author of several studies by @CentreDelas &
@TNInstitute on equipment used in the control of refugees, use of
biometric data demonstrates a clear strategy by the EU to intercept
refugees befor they even reach Europe.
https://www.rfi.fr/fr/technologies/20210620-pour-les-r%C3%A9fugi%C3%A9s-la-biom%C3%A9trie-tout-au-long-du-chemin
***
Vechten voor
vreemden, Elsevier Magazine utigebreid over private military
companies #PMCs.
https://www.ewmagazine.nl/buitenland/achtergrond/2021/06/vechten-voor-vreemden-238493w/
***
French
technology - French executives face torture charges for selling spy
gear to Libya, Egypt
https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20210622-french-executives-face-torture-charges-for-selling-spy-gear-to-libya-egypt-amesys-nexa-human-rights
***
Turkish
national charged with wire fraud and illegally exporting defence
items to Turkey.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/turkish-national-charged-wire-fraud-and-illegally-exporting-defense-articles-turkey
***
India
abstained June 18, at the UN General Assembly #UNGA, when a
resolution calling upon the Myanmar Military to reverse its
suppression of democracy was put to vote for minor formal reasons.
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-indias-abstention-at-the-un-on-myanmar-vote/385912
***
The
German-Norwegian classification society DNV Group
(https://www.dnv.com/)
will play a key role in the implementation of the most important
armaments project of the German Navy the four F-126 frigates
(formerly MKS-180)
https://www.thb.info/rubriken/maritime-sicherheit/detail/news/dnv-mit-schluesselrolle-bei-f-126.html
***
Thierry
Breton does not let go. He insisted on endowing Europe with a third
great spatial constellation and will bring together most of the
political and industrial decision-makers in the space, defence and
aeronautical sectors.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/thierry-breton-veut-pour-l-europe-une-constellation-de-connectivite-multi-orbitale-887375.html
***
The German
Audit Office #FAO has flagged the #FCAS project in which Germany is
partnering with France & Spain. The auditors are also critical of
the construction of a prototype in Germany and recommend an analysis
of the economic viability. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29855
In English: Damen and DNV sign F126 frigates classification and verification contract https://www.naval-technology.com/news/damen-and-dnv-sign-f126-frigates-classification-and-verification-contract/
***
EU Contract
Award: Thales Polska Sp. (consortium leader), Thales AVS France SAS,
Ruag Defense France win EU Contract worth 71,302 485,00 PLN (€
15.8m) for 'Tactical battlefield simulation systems'.
https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:311474-2021:TEXT:EN:HTML&src=0
***
Royal Navy as
military sales agent in Turkey: HMS Defender hosted a UK Industry Day
event June 10th organised by Department for International Trade (DIT)
of the UK Government to foster further economic growth both in the UK
and Turkey, from seas to space.
https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/hms-defender-d36-hosted-dit-s-uk-industry-day-event-in-istanbul-4609
***
Retweet Egypt Defence Expo - EDEX 2021 @visitedex: Spaces on the #EDEX2021 floor plan are filling up fast, with only 5 months to go until the second edition of the event opens in Cairo. Contact the team today to secure one of the remaining prime stand locations: https://www.egyptdefenceexpo.com/stand-enquiry #defence #egyptdefenceexpo
***
Protest
against military fair in the UK: The Three Counties Campaign Against
the Arms Trade (3CCAAT) has delivered an open letter to the Three
Counties Showground asking it to reconsider hosting the Three
Counties Defence and Security Expo on July 7 and 8.
https://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/villages/19390233.peace-campaigners-call-malvern-arms-expo-cancelled/
***
5
US citizens are charged in a plot to send export-controlled military
thermal scopes, night vision goggles & weapon sights to Russia
without a license over a 4-year period. They falsely used the name of
guitarist @JohnMayer as sender of the shipments.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/russia-thermal-scopes-nighti-vision-john-mayer/
June
22
***
4 times as
many US troops and vets have died by suicide as in combat, study
finds. “There are clear contributors like high exposure to trauma,
stress and burnout, the influence of the military’s hegemonic
masculine culture, co...,” according to the report.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/21/four-times-as-many-troops-and-vets-have-died-by-suicide-as-in-combat-study-finds/
***
Dutch
military industry complains it has difficulties obtaining financial
services.
https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/enquete-nidv-toegang-financiele-diensten-steeds-moeilijker/
ENAAT & RLS would like to warmly invite you to join the launch of the booklet:
A militarised Union – Understanding and confronting the militarisation of the European Union, 30.06.21 at 18h00.
https://www.rosalux.eu/en/topic/23.events.html?id=1248
***
The #USAF
Warfighting Integration Capability #AFWIC office has drawn up a new
future fighter roadmap that would cap Lockheed Martin F-35A
deliveries at "about 1,050 jets" representing a 720
aircraft reduction. #F35
https://armadainternational.com/2021/06/beginning-of-the-end-for-f-35/
***
Two main
German churches criticised the Federal Government's licensing
practice for arms exports. Figures from the arms export report
contradict the German government's claim that it is pursuing a
"restrictive" arms export policy, they said.
https://www.domradio.de/themen/kirche-und-politik/2021-06-21/kritik-ruestungsexporten-kirchen-beanstanden-genehmigungspraxis-fuer-waffenausfuhren
***
At the arms
fair #DEFEA2021 in Athens the Greek MoD General Directorate of
Defense Equipment & Investments will organize the European
Defense Fund #EDF Info Day with the central theme: "The
opportunities that EDF creates for the industry".
https://www.onalert.gr/eksoplismoi/defea-2021-ayto-einai-to-programma-tis-ekthesis-amynas-kai-asfaleias/422071/
***
Retweet @JonInarritu Estadísticas españolas de exportación de material de defensa, de otro material y de productos y tecnologías de doble uso, año 2020. Precisamente a quienes no tendrían que vender munición por estar inmersos en conflictos son los principales compradores.
***
Did Turkish combat drones ‘autonomously’ attack soldiers in Libya?
It is said this was the 1st AI-based autonomous killing. Turkish producer STM denied the use of autonomous tech to attack targets, stressing upon “a manual operator pressing a button.” https://eurasiantimes.com/did-turkish-combat-drones-autonomously-attacked-soldiers-during-the-libyan-civil-war/
June
21
***
Uurtje met
gevechtsvliegtuig F-35 op pad kost (inde VS) $33,000. #F35
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/how-2852-sum-threatens-lockheeds-f-35a-cost-saving-plan
***
Houthi's
in Yemen claimed Sunday to have downed an American ScanEagle spy
plane while it was carrying out hostile actions in the airspace west
of Marib, spokesman Yahya Saree said on Twitter, without elaborating
on the hostile actions.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-rebels-claim-to-down-us-spy-plane/2279999
***
Egypt
has unveiled a new local-made version of the French-made Sherpa Light
4x4 armored vehicle.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2021_global_security_army_industry/egypt_develops_new_local-version_of_french_sherpa_light_4x4_tactical_vehicle.html
***
French
Le Temps expects Swiss will choose an European fighter aircraft in
its € 5.5bn acquisition program, which only got 50.1% of Swiss
voters behind it. It would make the 'neutral' Switzerland more
European as many EU member states buying in the USA.
https://www.letemps.ch/opinions/ne-se-tromper-davion-combat
June
20
***
Egypt has
unveiled a new local-made version of the French-made Sherpa Light 4x4
armored vehicle.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2021_global_security_army_industry/egypt_develops_new_local-version_of_french_sherpa_light_4x4_tactical_vehicle.html
***
An end to
perpetual war?
Would improve security in the world!
The socialist Left party has adopted its policy platform for Germany's September general election. Internationally, it is calling for NATO to be replaced and an end to troop deployments. https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-left-party-plans-to-scrap-nato-end-troop-deployments/a-57973017
***
Thales
Alenia Space and Telespazio win Italian deal to develop SICRAL 3
https://satelliteprome.com/news/thales-alenia-space-and-telespazio-win-italian-deal-to-develop-sicral-3/
(Sicral is Italy’s satellite system for military communications, boasting unprecedented flexibility and versatility. https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/products/sicral)
June
19
***
In #Niger, Africa, a
few men from Franconia make the business of their lives. Under the
seal of secrecy, they organize the supply to a foreign missions of
#German elite soldiers. Now there are allegations of #fraud. How is
the Ministry reacting?
https://www.welt.de/politik/plus231927439/Betrugsvorwuerfe-Im-Schatten-der-Bundeswehr.html
Retweet @investigativ_de: Im Auftrag der Bundeswehr machen ein paar Männer aus Franken das Geschäft ihres Lebens. Nun gibt es Betrugsvorwürfe gegen die Firma, hat @IbraNaber mit @ChSchweppe von @ThePioneerDe recherchiert. Wie reagiert das Ministerium? @welt
***
'When
the Rafale enters Greek service..Turkey will have a serious problem
in the balance of power vis-a-vis Athens. And if the US embargoes
spare parts for their existing F-16s, then the problem will become
extremely serious, at least for the medium term,'
http://www.thenewathenian.com/2021/06/in-arms-race-for-air-superiority-russia.html
***
Turkey’s
national defense minister said Thursday that he had a "constructive"
meeting with his German counterpart in the capital Ankara, where the
two defense chiefs discussed a wide range of issues, including the
fight against terrorism.
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkish-german-defense-chiefs-discuss-fight-against-terrorism
***
An
initial draft UN resolution on Myanmar included stronger language
calling for an arms embargo. Nine South-East Asian countries wanted
that language removed. The compromise text "calls on all member
states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar".
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-19/un-official-warns-myanmar-at-risk-of-large-scale-civil-war/100228250
***
A
kabar buruk. Indonesia reportedly signed a ‘Coming into force’
contract with France/Dassault Aviation for 36 Rafale jets on June 7
which will go into effect in December 2021.
https://www.airspace-review.com/2021/06/10/kabar-baik-kemhan-dan-dassault-sudah-tandatangani-kontrak-awal-36-rafale/
***
Why
are sanctions against Belarus not more effective?
https://www.dw.com/en/why-are-sanctions-against-belarus-not-more-effective/a-57931877
***
What a
remarkable connection: National Association of Smallholders of
Malaysian palm oil producers wants the government to flex its muscles
by leveraging the huge multi-billion dollar military contracts with
EU countries against palm oil exports.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/06/18/use-eu-defence-deals-to-save-palm-oil-industry-says-smallholders-body/
***
All
the drone companies in China — a guide to the 22 top players in the
Chinese UAV industry.
https://supchina.com/2021/06/18/all-the-drone-companies-in-china-a-guide-to-the-22-top-players-in-the-chinese-uav-industry/
***
Er zijn
mensen die straaljager gebulder wél als muziek in de oren klinkt en
het zou de sound of freedom zijn?
Retweet
@dennisluyt: We realiseren ons
als @Kon_Luchtmacht dat ‘t geluid van onze vliegtuigen boven NL
niet voor iedereen als muziek in de oren klinkt. We proberen altijd
de overlast te beperken, maar dat kan nooit 100%. Alle reacties
hieronder toch wel hartverwarmend #eenandergeluid #soundoffreedom
June
18
***
Some
loose their keys, or wallet, but US military lost a large number of
weapons, like rifles and pistols, even a rocket launcher. This may
have serious consequences, like when they are used in the streets, as
AP found.
https://www.statista.com/chart/25084/missing-or-stolen-us-military-weapons/
***
https://www.statista.com/chart/25084/missing-or-stolen-us-military-weapons/
***
Boeing
and Airbus could find themselves duking it out as early as next year
to provide aerial refueling aircraft to the US Air Force, reigniting
a bitter battle between Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 Multi
Role Tanker Transport.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/06/16/another-boeing-airbus-tanker-war-is-coming-soon/
***
Airbus is
expecting permission from the United States to deliver US-made parts
for the Angolan communication satellite AngoSat-2, Vladimir Terekhov,
the head of Airbus Defense and Space in Russia and Belarus, told
Sputnik on Wednesday.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/technology/airbus-asked-us-to-allow-delivery-of-parts-fo-1278879.html
June 17
***
Some do if it
is fixed already, but the FCAS: The European fighter plane has yet to
convince German MPs, French Les Echos states. It is the €4.5 bn
budget for the prototype which makes them hesitant. But how about the
erosion of German arms export policy?
https://www.lesechos.fr/monde/europe/lavion-de-chasse-europeen-doit-encore-convaincre-les-deputes-allemands-1324307
***
Thanks to
Dutch #Damen: #Nigerian Navy launched a new Landing Ship Tank-100 at
Damen Shipyard, Sharjah, UAE. It would boost the navy’s sealift
capabilities, enhance the transportation of troops, military
hardware, vehicles
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/06/16/bolstering-the-navys-sealift-capability/
See also: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/05/dutch-naval-and-maritime-protection-of.html
***
Greek FA
Minister Dendias said on Wednesday that Greece is “disappointed, to
say the least” by the German Social Democratic Party’s decision
to vote against a bill banning submarine exports to Turkey, the
Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) reported.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1163028/spd-s-stance-on-arms-embargo-to-turkey-disappointing-says-greek-fm/
***
The Real
Welfare Cheats Are War Profiteers.
Unlike actual citizens, US arms
manufacturers seem entitled to ever-increasing government
subsidies—welfare for weapons.
https://tomdispatch.com/social-security-versus-national-security/
Addition:
“"Or, to put it another way, which would you rather be
entitled to: food, housing, education, and healthcare, or your
personal share of a shiny new hypersonic missile?"
Or why growing military expenditures has every reason to be opposed.
***
The right
facts, but the wrong angle. Indonesia isn't shifting to Europe for
naval weaponry. It's shifting from a surface fleet supplied for
decades (corvettes, frigates) by Dutch State & Damen towards EU
country Italy for the next batch of frigates.
https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/indonesia-turns-to-europe-for-arms
***
#Finish arms
export licneses 2020: In euro the #UAE were the alrgest recipient
(€139m). This is mainly because of two export licenses for various
vehicle components, VALID FOR SEVERAL DECADES.
https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/annual-report-on-export-of-defence-materiel-2020-published
***
Germany
approved fewer arms exports last year than the average over
2016-2020. The German arms export licenses for 2020 valued € 5.82
billion the Ministry of Economics stated in its arms export report
2020.
***
MEP on €7.6bn
military fund: Throwing billions into the arms industry is
politically wrong, not least because this money could be used to
tackle the economic, ecological and social crisis. Instead, we're
developing equipment to fuel violence and war. #EDF
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1450544/EU-news-European-Defence-Fund-law-suit-Germany-constitutional-court-Ozlem-Demirel-MEP
For
those who have(understandable) problems with this paper, here the
original source:
https://www.guengl.eu/european-defence-fund-immoral-illegal/
Thnx to @_ENAAT .
***
How Nigerien
Arms Supplier Ran Off With Funds In 2014 "As time goes by
without a big name conviction, there are doubts about whether a
significant dent will be made in #Nigeria’s culture of
#corruption."
https://niyitabiti.net/2021/06/aboubakar-hima-how-nigerien-arms-supplier-ran-off-with-funds-in-2014/
***
While the
total number of nuclear weapons in the world decreased in 2020, the
estimated number of nukes deployed with operational forces increased,
along with modernization and expansion programs, #SIPRI reported in
its latest analysis.
https://menafn.com/1102293754/Growth-of-nuclear-arsenals-a-worrisome-sign
***
Azerbaijan
and Turkey have strengthened ties during Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan’s visit on Tuesday. Azerbaijan was the 2nd-largest
buyer of Turkish weaponry, valued $117.3 million between January and
April 2021.
https://caspiannews.com/news-detail/azerbaijan-turkey-show-solidarity-in-new-joint-shusha-declaration-2021-6-16-0/
Addition:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday that a
Turkish military base could be created in Azerbaijan under the
recently signed bilateral Shusha Declaration, aimed at strengthening
defense partnership.
https://eurasiantimes.com/turkish-military-base-in-azerbaijan-may-be-established-under-shusha-declaration-erdogan/
June
16
***
Het
leveren van industriële producten, materialen en diensten aan het
Amerikaanse ministerie van Defensie (en de daaraan gelieerde
defensie-industrie) wordt makkelijker. Dat gebeurt op basis van de
Netherlands Defense Priorities and Allocations System (NL-DPAS). De
ministeries van Defensie, Economische Zaken en Klimaat en de
Nederlandse Industrie voor Defensie en Veiligheid hebben daarvoor
vanmiddag hun handtekeningen gezet.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/06/16/overheid-steunt-bedrijven-bij-leveringen-aan-amerikaanse-defensie
***
The
Police Service of Northern Ireland is facing fresh scrutiny over its
long-standing ‘public order’ and security training of Omani
police, following last month’s suppression of protests in the
country.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-16-northern-irish-police-trained-gulf-regime-ahead-of-crackdown/
***
Autonomous
Weapon Systems and International Humanitarian Law: Identifying Limits
and the Required Type and Degree of Human–Machine Interaction.
SIPRI Publication: 16 June 2021
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/2106_aws_and_ihl.pdf
***
The US
commits "to work towards an Administrative Arrangement for the
#US with the #EDA, with discussions, including on modalities and
conditions for a closer and mutually beneficial cooperation in this
framework, beginning as soon as possible."
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/15/u-s-eu-summit-statement/
Addition:
See also the not on this by Euroactive: See also on how the EU and
the US are considering a deal to further strengthen EU-US defence
cooperation, which could entail the US starting to cooperate with the
European Defence Agency #EDA on more military projects than the one
recently sealed.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/leak-eu-us-to-mend-trade-ties-align-on-russia-china/
***
On
US arms export: will they willing to drastically changing their
"economy so that Yemeni and Palestinian parents who put every
ounce of love into raising their children do not have to live in fear
that their whole world could be taken in an instant?"
https://consortiumnews.com/2021/06/14/arms-sales-what-americans-know-about-bombs-dropped-in-their-name/
June
15
***
Large #ammo
(5.56-76mm) #exports passing #Rotterdam by ship. From/to
Bosnia/US
Brazil/Letland
Canada/Greece
Czech/Peru, South Africa, US
Finland/Ireland
Hungary/US
Italy/South-Africa, US
South Korea/Austria, Poland
Serbia/US
US/Ireland, Norway, Swiss
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen
By
the way large ammo transito (500+) going through Rotterdam harbour in
the monthly report totals 50 million pieces of ammo; in March and
April 2021 only.
***
1.
Dutch dual use exports in April. Remarkable: Large sale of image
intensifiers, wafersteppers inspection equipment (and high frequency
equipment for radar) to Israel. ../2
2. Information security
technology is exported to a wide array of countries, but alsoto Libya
(final destination) after it had gone to UAE (destination).
Tech for Info Security is also exported to destination "High Seas”. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
***
Dutch monthly
reports on military exports March-April. Remarkable:
€ 170 million aircraft component
exports (heli's €60m and aircraft €111m)
Two exports to Egypt (sonar cables via
Germany €1.4m and military communication systems €2m)https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen
***
Netherlands
based Thales Nederland BV Fire Control Cluster F124/LCF has bagged
contract from Bundesamt fur Ausrustung, Informationstechnik for
Pre-feasibility study and technological demonstration. The value of
the contract is not disclosed.
https://www.gpcgov.be/en/show-public-tender/773164/2021s-107-283316
***
Civil-military
industry #Thales and tech giant #Google strengthen their partnership
to improve the confidentiality and privacy protection capabilities of
Google Workspace.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/journalist/press-release/thales-and-google-expand-partnership-support-enhanced-privacy-and
***
After
Copernicus and Galileo, #Europe and its Commissioner @ThierryBreton
are actively working to launch a 3rd major European #space project.
The project should compete with foreign mega-constellation projects,
in particular led by Amazon and SpaceX.
https://toulouse.latribune.fr/entreprises/business/2021-06-14/spatial-et-souverainete-la-constellation-breton-au-coeur-des-debats-a-toulouse-886647.html
***
Airbus is
engaged in intense negotiations with the French DGA to renew the
complete fleet of Army, Air and Navy helicopters.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/airbus-helicopters-mise-son-avenir-militaire-sur-une-mega-commande-francaise-1323565
***
Biden
administration wants the UAE to remove Huawei equipment from its
networks within the next 4 years before it is scheduled to get the
F-35, Bloomberg reported.
Security? It's not bombing Yemen, but Cold War with China which is backbone of US policy. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-11/biden-prods-uae-to-dump-huawei-sowing-doubts-on-key-f-35-sale
***
Defence
#Turkey, a news outlet covering Turkish military developments,
reported that the Pakistani Navy had opted to use a surface-to-air
missile, the Albatros NG, developed by European defence behemoth
#MBDA, instead of the HQ-16.
https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/06/14/pakistan-dumps-chinese-missile-for-new-warships-chooses-european-weapon.html
***
Will #ASEAN
turn to #China to put pressure on #Myanmar?
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2021/06/15/will-asean-turn-to-china-to-put-pressure-on-myanmar/
***
An extensive
German arms export ban has been in place for Saudi Arabia since 2018.
However, the federal government is still allowing certain deliveries.
In the past few months, these have totaled more than € 30 million.
https://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/trotz-ruestungsexportstopp-ruestungsgueter-fuer-ueber-30-millionen-euro-fuer-saudi-arabien-30572046.html
***
"Heel
interessant allemaal, ook door het moment van al die openhartigheid:
nu Amerika en Iran proberen het nucleaire akkoord nieuw leven in te
blazen."
Retweet @roelants_c:
Israel announces further liquidations and
explosions in Iran. My column about a remarkable interview.
https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/06/14/the-Mossad-warns-iran-ourLiquidations-going-through-a4047177
***
De
een noemt het veiligheidsbeleid. De ander zijn lieve leven wordt er
door verpest en vergald. Geluid F-35 maakt lesgeven in Marsum soms
onmogelijk: "Het went eigenlijk nooit echt" Of wel: It lûd
fan de #F35 makket it lesjaan yn Marsum somtiden ûnmooglik.
https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nieuws/1066766-geluid-f-35-maakt-lesgeven-marsum-soms-onmogelijk-het-went-eigenlijk-nooit-echt
June
14
***
At its
General Assembly last week, European shipbuilders and equipment
suppliers’ trade body SEA Europe appointed former Damen CEO René
Berkvens as the association’s new Chair for a period of two years.
https://shipinsight.com/articles/sea-europe-appoints-rene-berkvens-as-chair/
***
Exercise
African Lion will take place in #Morocco over 2-weeks. 3 US C-130J
from the 86th Airlift Wing are participating. The crews will train
their Moroccan counterparts --illegally occupying Western Sahara --,
in airdrop, airlift & evacuation capacities.
https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/2652904/c-130js-arrive-in-morocco-for-african-lion/
***
NRC over
#Damen-werf in #Amsterdam. Ze moet verdwijnen om plaats te maken voor
woningbouw. Verstandig, vragen planologen.
Je kan je ook bedenkingen hebben bij het militaire werk dat op de werf gebeurt (of bij onderhoud aan zeer vervuilende cruiseschepen). https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/06/11/is-er-in-de-stad-nog-plek-voor-industrie-of-krijgen-woningen-prioriteit-a4046995
***
5,000 kg of
ammunition was offered for shipment at the end of May at the Dutch
airport in Beek. But because the papers were not in order, customs
were called in and confiscated the cargo. No further information was
provided. https://limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20210611_95198838
Aanvulling:
Vijfduizend kilo munitie werd eind mei ter verscheping aangeboden op
het vliegveld in Beek. Maar omdat de papieren niet in orde waren,
werd de douane erbij gehaald. Die nam de lading in beslag. De douane
wil helemaal niets kwijt over de munitievondst.
https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20210611_95198838
***
What?
#Canadian Waterbury Farrel has announced the launch of a joint
project with Canadian GL Munitions INC, #Ukroboronprom & #Artem
to set up in #Ukraine a company producing ammunition for small arms.
Ukroboronprom on Facebook. May be Ukraine propaganda.
https://www.facebook.com/ukroboronprom/posts/3826477204142314
***
Italy keen to
invest in Indian defence industry; India-Italy-Japan trilateral meet
for Indo-Pacific next week according to Italian envoy to India
Vincenzo De Luca.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/italy-keen-to-invest-in-indian-defence-industry-india-italy-japan-trilateral-meet-for-indo-pacific-next-week-envoy/
***
Some UK FOI
requests go to a "Clearing House" in the Cabinet Office,
which centralizes decisions on how to handle each request. Documents
sent in error to POLITICO identify where requests came from — like
the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-trade-department-referred-to-information-watchdog-over-data-breach/
***
South African
weapons export to Saudi Arabia, UAE may be breaking international
law. Weapons from South Africa have been found at scenes of civilian
attacks, according to the two non-profit organisations. #Rheinmetall
#RDM
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/sa-weapons-export-to-saudi-arabia-uae-may-be-breaking-international-law/
***
It is not
only by delivering weapons to Egypt that Paris strengthens its
relationship with the brutal regime in Cairo. France agrees to
€1.8bnin financing for Egypt, the metro (Thales?), power generation
and water management in this case.
https://www.sharenet.co.za/views/views-article.php?views-article=669080
***
Beleid maken
op basis van een zwart gat is een colunm in het AD waar F-35 cq.
#JSF, de geheime #Fokker-deal, Papendrecht, militaire industrie,
evaluatie, gemeente financiën en Investeringsfonds #Melrose bij
elkaar komen.
https://www.ad.nl/dordrecht/welkom-in-papendrecht-waar-ze-beleid-maken-op-basis-van-een-zwart-gat~a583730c/
***
British
backing for Israel helps to sustain the unbearable status quo.
Diplomatic and military support – and a thriving arms trade –
make the UK complicit in the oppression of Palestinians.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/13/british-backing-israel-unbearable-status-quo-palestinians
Israel has made itself central to the international arms and homeland security industry by exporting cutting-edge military equipment, technologies and tactics to other countries. Israel exports to an estimated 130 countries worldwide – see graph. https://truthout.org/articles/israels-arms-and-security-industry-is-reshaping-state-violence-everywhere/
June
13
***
Ligt nu ook
Thales Hengelo dwars als het gaat om het plaatsen van windmolens?
Liever wapentechnologie dan schone energie?
https://www.ad.nl/hengelo/college-hengelo-twee-windturbines-en-zonnevelden-in-de-oksel-van-de-a1-en-de-a35~a739cb3d/
***
Next
step in Greek € 5 billion frigate order. Germans and Spanish no
longer in the race. Naval Group (France) and Damen (Netherlands) into
next phase.
https://newpost.gr/amyna/60c30582337e58db54938a6f/fregates-pn-kras-test-belhara-kai-sigma-galloi-kai-ollandoi-epistrefoyn-drimyteroi-i-stasi-ton-ipa
***
Damen
Shipyards Mangalia employees protest over announced layoffs in front
of Ministry of Economy. Romanian State is majority shareholder and
management is delegated to Damen.
https://www.agerpres.ro/economic-intern/2021/06/11/problema-concedierilor-colective-de-la-santierul-naval-damen-shipyards-mangalia-va-fi-discutata-la-nivelul-guvernului-afirma-ministrul-economiei--729813
***
The US DoD
announced a Saudi contract valued $78.35 million to Boeing for 36
Stand-Off Land Attack Missile #SLAM despite oppositon in Congress
aiming at pressure on Saudi Arabia to end its blockade tactics in
war-torn Yemen.
https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29780/Boeing_Secures__78M_Saudi_Contract_for_SLAM_ER_Missiles
***
Parliamentary
initiatives by Die Linke and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen on a halt to
arms exports for Turkey and Algeria and the militarisation of the EU
and French German defence industrial cooperation were rejected by the
Bundestag inclueded the SPS on June 10.
https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2021/kw23-de-waffenexporte-stoppen-843430
Greenpeace protests against arms exports
Greenpeace protestiert gegen Rüstungsexporte
https://www.greenpeace.de/themen/umwelt-gesellschaft/frieden/mit-strassenmusik-gegen-waffenexporte
***
Oped in
Süddeutsche Zeitung: NATO and its member states are by far the most
heavily armed states in the world ... And it is also the NATO states,
including Germany, that are responsible for over two thirds of global
arms exports.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/kolumne/bundeswehr-viel-wandel-viel-kritik-1.5318799
***
Airbus
Defence and Space GmbH secures contract for Procurement of Galileo
Transition Satellites. The contract is valued approxmately €
699,589,608.
https://spacenews.com/esa-airbus-sign-long-delayed-galileo-contract-after-court-ruling/
***
According
to NATO's draft summit communiqué, the EU & US are considering a
deal to further strengthen defence cooperation, which could entail
the US cooperation with the European Defence Agency #EDA on more
military projects than the one recently sealed.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/global-europe-brief-special-edition-transatlantic-summitry-cheat-sheet/
June 12
***
@ministerBZ
Sigrid Kaag D66 is duidelijk: "Zoals u weet is de #NAVO een
nucleaire alliantie. Zij zal dat ook blijven zolang er nog kernwapens
bestaan." https://debatgemist.tweedekamer.nl/node/25515
Kortom al is er nog maar één: hij zal v/d NAVO zijn. Deel van vertrouwenwekkende maatregelen #CBM's?
***
Report on US
amphibious vessels. LHA's maybe equipped with AV-8B Harrier II,
F-35B's. Although their designation is otherwise they may be regarded
as middle seized air craft carriers (they stay mostly out of
comparisons with inventories of other nations).
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/20805931/navy-lpd-17-flight-ii-and-lha-amphibious-ship-programs-background-and-issues-for-congress-june-10-2021.pdf
***
Continuing
delays from COVID-19 disruptions mean it will take longer than
expected to make up the backlog of F-35 jets stemming from the
pandemic, said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president
and general manager for the fighter.
https://www.airforcemag.com/lockheed-f-35-production-covid-longer-than-expected/
***
Regulation
(EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May
2021 setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering,
technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items (recast)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2021:206:TOC
***
Book
on drones & power. "In 2020, DARPA went looking for a
network that could coordinate everything. The Israelis already had it
in something called a “glass battlefield” being built for the
Germans, which would network all [battlefield] units together."
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2021/06/11/drone-wars-new-book-wonders-who-will-be-the-next-drone-superpower/
June
11
***
Palestinian
rights activists occupy Israeli drone factory in Cheshire
The activists claim that the factory is a “key supplier” of drone components to Elbit Systems — Israel’s largest private arms firm. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/palestinian-rights-activists-occupy-israeli-drone-factory-in-cheshire
***
Israel-Palestine:
The EU does not lack leverage. It prefers not to use it
The EU has deliberately, gradually and steadily tied its own hands in all matters concerning the Middle East conflict
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-palestine-eu-leverage-lacks-political-will
***
New anti-arms
protest against Instro Precision over Israel link. There will be two
anti-arms protest gatherings this Saturday in Sandwich, and at
Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, where Instro Precision is based.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sandwich/news/double-action-by-anti-arms-activists-248800/
***
Fincantieri
has signed to sell six FREMM frigates to Indonesia, a deal which CEO
Giuseppe Bono said allowed the Italian yard to “assume global
leadership” in the surface ships sector.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/06/10/indonesia-orders-six-fremm-frigates-from-fincantieri/
June
10
***
Myanmar
resistance fighters from Chin state had procured weapons from India
and from the Arakan Army, an ethnic militia in Myanmar’s Rakhine
region, fuelling a clandestine arms trade in the Indian border
region.
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-myanmar-politics-india-border/india-frets-as-myanmars-pro-democracy-fighters-cross-border-idUSKCN2DM138
***
“Onder een
sluier van objectiviteit kregen raketten die op Israël werden
afgevuurd - en significant minder schade aanrichtten - net zoveel
media-aandacht als Israëlische aanvallen op medische faciliteiten en
het vernietigen van volledige wooncomplexen."
https://www.villamedia.nl/artikel/verslaggeving-rond-israel-moet-fundamenteel-op-de-schop
***
Oped in
Singapore's Straits Times: Asean, EU and the swing-state perception;
Geopolitical circumstances and interests are pushing the two closer
together. Maybe concluding remarks overestimating Europe, but
opinions are thought provoking.
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/asean-eu-and-the-swing-state-perception
***
The Friends
Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) joined more than 100
national organizations in signing a letter to President Joe Biden
urging him to block the delivery of $735 million in weapons to
Israel.
https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2021-06/national-coalition-calls-biden-halt-weapons-sales-israel
***
Wow the
largest arms trader in the world, the United States, opposes arms
trade to its enemies. "US warns Venezuela, Cuba to turn away
Iranian ships believed to be carrying arms." Joe clean-up your
own kitchen as well.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3136716/us-warns-venezuela-and-cuba-turn-away-iranian-ships
***
Yadanar
Maung, of Justice for Myanmar, a research activist group, called on
the EU to push for a global arms embargo on Myanmar. The UN earlier
introduced a non-binding resolution for an arms embargo. However, the
ASEAN bloc has opposed the UN resolution.
https://www.dw.com/en/myanmar-eus-third-round-of-sanctions-raises-eyebrows/a-57826141
***
Der Spiegel
unleashed a murderous tackle last weekend on the agreement signed by
Berlin, Madrid & Paris on the Future Air Combat System based on a
report by BAAiNBW, the Federal Office for Equipment, Information
Technology and Support for the Bundeswehr.
https://www.titrespresse.com/22280552102/scaf-allemagnea-bundestag-defense-contraires-validation-accord-programme-rapports-ministere-allemand
***
Korean
LIG Nex1 will soon showcase its advanced close-in weapons system, or
CIWS, developed for the South Korean Navy which for long is using a
Dutch CIWS by Thales Netherlands called Goalkeeper.
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210608000995
June
9
***
#MBDA-Germany
& Krauss-Maffei Wegmann #KMW start to cooperate on the
construction of a modern missile launcher. It is designed to fire
small cruise missiles with a range of more than 300 kilometers from
tracked or wheeled vehicles. by @GeHegmann
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article231679345/Mini-Cruise-Missiles-So-soll-die-Bundeswehr-duellfaehig-werden.html
***
#UAE refused
#Italian military plane (Boeing 767) with journalists en route to
Afghanistan use of its airspace. "Diplomatic relations with the
UAE became tense after the Italian...decision on an arms embargo for
that country due to its bombing of #Yemen."
https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2021/06/08/italian-fm-summons-uae-ambassador-keenly-disappointed_b023a565-6778-4457-ae49-71061d260be7.html
***
A call to
arms for the EU by German CDU MEP @davidmcallister. The EU as a force
fot the better is quickly eroding.
https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/a-wakeup-call
***
The
Take-Back-Control UK government prefers US missile (Lockheed's JAGM)
over UK made missile (Brimstone by MBDA UK).
https://industry-update.com/uk-confirms-jagms-choice-over-apaches-brimstone/37774/
***
#Indian
government invited #Swedish firms to invest in 'defence corridors' in
Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu, saying that they can benefit from the
unique incentives being offered by the State governments & the
presence of a highly-skilled Indian workforce.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/
Terwijl de politiek zich druk maakt over het chronische financiële wanbeheer bij het Ministerie van Defensie (zie Rekenkamer overzicht) maakt de militaire industrie zich vooral druk over het investeringsklimaat, ze willen nog meer steun van de overheid. https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/nederlandse-investeringsklimaat-onder-druk/
***
Norway’s
reputation as a force for peace and good has come into question
The nation’s foreign ministry has been accused of exporting weapons to the UAE despite ‘harbouring suspicions’ they were being used in Yemen
***
Answers by
Sigrid Kaag @ministerBZ on questions by @JaspervanDijkSP concerning
Dutch arms exports to Brazil. Government doesn't see a single problem
supplying the country with military technology of a Dutch company
(confident, but Thales) valued at € 20m.
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=05bcad12-6063-4bc9-b1e1-c72fc50628a9&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20het%20lid%20Jasper%20van%20Dijk%20over%20het%20verlenen%20van%20een%20wapenexportvergunning%20voor%20Brazili%C3%AB.docx
***
View from the
UK political right: Frontex is a step towards a European army and
away from Anglo influence. NATO, "an agglomeration of individual
national armies" is preferred and will be weakened by relocation
of resources.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1446772/eu-army-news-frontex-border-agency-military-brexit-news-ben-habib-nato
***
It
is encouraging when a report on the change in technology at a
military producer (here BAE Systems) also includes views of anti-arms
trade groups. Because sales are no numbers on a spreadsheet, but
"potentially deadly."
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19356802.bae-systems-lancashire-firms-factory-future-plans
June
8
***
***
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: Turkish companies
Aselsan, Roketsan a.o. work on upgrading German-origin Leopard 2A4
tanks
@IsmailDemirSSB:
KKK envaneterindeki #Leopard 2A4
tanklarının modern muharebe ortamına uygun olarak yeteneklerini
artırma çalışmamız kapsamında @roketsan’daki Balistik Koruma
Merkezinde tasarlanıp üretilen zırh paketinin seri üretimine
geçtik ve tanklara entegrasyonuna başladık.
***
Retweet @_ENAAT:
Germany warns: AI arms race already underway
https://p.dw.com/p/3uOTE?maca=en-Twitter-sharing "It's a reality
at the heart of the struggle for supremacy between the world's
greatest powers (and) a multi-trillion dollar question"
***
After the
arming Ukraine remark Green leader Habeck corrected herself. The
election manifesto: "We are campaigning ... to end European arms
exports to war and crisis areas and to autocrats with restrictive
export controls ." Nobody wants to change that.
https://www.fr.de/hintergrund/und-jetzt-die-offenen-grundsatzfragen-90792460.html
***
Four
decades on, the Israeli attack that may have fuelled Saddam's
#nuclear ambitions.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/israel-iraq-nuclear-osirak-military-b1861255.html
And FOIA documents
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/iran-nuclear-vault/2021-06-07/osirak-israels-strike-iraqs-nuclear-reactor-40-years-later
On role of #TIVC in Amsterdam intercepting Italian info in preparation of the bombing. https://books.google.nl/books?id=KaR5O4PKNAoC&lpg=PA273&ots=MEAxJ-zb7i&dq=%22TIVC%22%201981%20Iraq%20Wiebes&pg=PA273#v=onepage&q=%22TIVC%22%201981%20Iraq%20Wiebes&f=false
***
Letter to
president Biden by 63 National Security Leaders: We urge you to
demonstrate U.S. openness to including missile defenses in strategic
stability talks with Russia and China.
https://livableworld.org/63-national-security-leaders-urge-president-biden-to-put-missile-defense-on-the-table/
***
Interview
with spokesperson of French MoD, on 1st assessment of "unprecedented
plan" Action PME. This was aimed to make MoD more attractive to
businesses. Fully military companies digested the Covid-crisis better
as those military & civil production.
https://www.optionfinance.fr/entreprises-finance/communaute-financiere/nous-sommes-tres-soucieux-de-faire-grandir-les-entreprises-avec-qui-nous-collaborons.html
***
Article in
Die Welt on Turksih drone development, production, acquisitions and
export. "It is remarkable that Turkey alone has about 140 armed
drones, while Great Britain, for example, has only ten armed models."
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article231640723/Bayraktar-TB2-Warum-die-tuerkische-Killerdrohne-zum-Exportschlager-wird.html
***
#BAESystems
is one of the major partners in the creation of #F35 fighter jets,
which the Israeli military recently confirmed are part of the
aircraft they use in the bombing of ##Gaza.
How about other participants in the program? #Netherlands, #Italy, etc. https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/thousands-descend-bae-systems-stop-20757148
June
7
***
#Turkish
military & aviation exports to the US have surged by 56% during
Jan-Apr 21. Turkey has experienced a major sales increase of
semi-automatic pistols, semi-automatic rifles & shotguns. The
movement in the US regarding civilian armament is a target.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkish-arms-exports-to-us-jump-56-as-gun-control-looms
***
 |
| HALDAG-Class fast patrol boat, built by Israel Shipyards Limited (ISL) |
#Damen vessel for the #Nigerian navy @CTWnl reported on when construction started (https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2019/12/damen-to-help-nigerian-military-to.html) is launched today at Damen Shipyard, Sharjah, UAE. https://guardian.ng/news/nigerian-navy-launches-new-warship/
The ship will be used for a wide array of military tasks. (Not ship pictured in article.)
***
A Turkish
rogue killer drone 'hunted down' a human target in Libya without
being instructed to, UN report says.
https://www.businessinsider.com/killer-drone-hunted-down-human-target-without-being-told-un-2021-5
***
broekstukken:
Boekbespreking: French arms exports; the business of sovereinity door Lucie Béraud-Sudreau https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/06/boekbespreking-french-arms-exports.html
***
French offers
line of credit for Rafale jets proposal to Ukraine. Is this true?
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/06/02/french-offers-line-of-credit-for-rafale-jets-proposal-to-ukraine/
***
US #MIC alive
& kicking. US DOD leaders are asking for a record amount of money
next year -nearly $122bn- to fund tech development in
microelectronics, hypersonics, artificial intelligence #AI, cyber
security, & similar high-priority military capabilities.
https://www.militaryaerospace.com/defense-executive/article/14204506/dod-budget-military-research-technology-development
***
Dutch pilots
got medal for air operations over
Syria.https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2021/21/03_air-medal_21
But was it something to celebrate or see also also the negative
effects? My thought on it was influcenced by Patrick Cockburn's War
in the Age of Trump. Here my review:
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/12/bespreking-war-in-age-of-trump-door.html
***
Retweet
@ClareDalyMEP: With the "European Defence
Fund" #EDF in place, the talk in Brussels is now about reeling
in member states with no history of arms production & bringing
them further into the "defence industrial" complex. How's
this supposed to work out in the case of neutral Ireland?
***
Meer
over Fox-IT en dual-use export op gelinkte site.
Retweet
@keesamok: Inhoudsopgave
Observant #76 / juni 2021 Fox-IT in Rusland
https://burojansen.nl/fox-it/inhoudsopgave-observant-76-juni-2021-fox-it-in-rusland/
June
3
***
GMV
https://www.gmv.com/en/Sectors/BusinessICT/IA_Big_Data/ has won new
European Defence Agency #EDA contracts, for #AI tech. GMV announced
June 2 that it will work on 2 projects, SAFETERM & Artificial
Intelligence in Guidance, Navigation and Control for Aerial
Applications (AI-GNCAIR).
https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2021/06/02/gmv-wins-2-ai-focused-european-defence-agency-contracts/
***
EU is
committed to strengthening cooperation on #IRINI with like-minded
organisations, including
#NATO, within the framework of the relevant UNSC resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya, in
order to best pursue the objectives set out in those resolutions. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-000733-ASW_EN.pdf
***
Question by
MEP @OezlemADemirel to provide an overview of weapons confiscated
under EUNAVFOR MED #IRINI
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001265_EN.html
and
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001266_EN.html
Jointly answered: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001265-ASW_EN.pdf
***
While the US
failed destroying a ballistic missile
(https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/05/30/military-weapon-system-test-fails-to-intercept-target/,
the combination of Dutch/US tech was successful.
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2639860/uss-paul-ignatius-ddg-117-successfully-intercepts-ballistic-targets/
But the US military doesn't buy the best product
for the lowest price, but products of the own weapon producers.
***
US Defense
Department agencies are working with a who's-who of military
contractors, commercial satellite operators, and technology companies
to finally demonstrate the feasibility of a proliferated
constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
https://www.sda.mil/us-military-places-a-bet-on-leo-for-space-security/
***
The Bahamian
government signed a 3-year service agreement with #Damen Shipyards
for training of marines and officers in vessel maintenance. Valued
approximately $5.6 million. The #Bahama Ministry of National Security
operates Damen vessels.
https://thenassauguardian.com/government-signs-5-6-million-contract-with-damen-shipyards/
***
Best
opmerkelijk dat Nederland 'n groot marineschip laat bouwen bij Damen
in Roemenië. Boekarest zelf wil niet dat Damen schepen voor Roemenië
bouwt in Roemenië. Ze heeft liever de concurrent van Damen uit
Frankrijk. Van mij mag het, maar het blijft apart.
https://maritimetechnology.nl/kiel-legging-combat-support-ship-bij-damen-naval-in-roemenie/
June
2
***
#UAE firm
Beacon Red and US-based #Quali announced an agreement to work
together to deliver #cyber training and testing environments to Gulf
Cooperation Council #GCC countries.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/industry/2021/05/28/uae-us-companies-partner-to-provide-cyber-ranges-in-gulf/
***
In March
2021, the EU Council established the ‘European Peace Facility’
#EPF with a provision allowing the EU to arm non-EU actors. This is
the first time that the EU will be able to directly supply military
coalitions and national armies with arms.
https://www.e-ir.info/2021/06/01/gunning-for-peace-the-european-peace-facility-and-the-legitimation-of-european-arms-exports/
***
Retweet
@ElluinA: "The Minister of
the Armed Forces Florence Parly indicates in the report to have"
started to integrate the proposals "of the deputies. The report
thus specifies that Paris refused a total of 47 licenses of exports
in 2020, in great majority bound for countries of Asia . " And
the Middle East?
***
Canadian
report says this decrease in export value was largely attributed to
the lower value of military exports to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was
the largest non-US destination of Canadian military exports,
accounting for $1.311bn or 67% of sales.
***
How
helpful
Israeli Arms Exports Spiked by 15% in 2020, State Data Shows.
Rise mostly due to ammunition and armaments sales, but increase in exports to Europe also registered ■ Gulf states bought $800 million worth of Israeli defense technologies.
***
Activists
protest Australia's role in arms trade, human rights abuses. #Thales
#BAESystems supply of armed vehicles and fighter-bomber jets to the
Indonesian military and its special forces, Kopassus, implicated in
the torture and murder of West Papuans.
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/activists-protest-australias-role-arms-trade-human-rights-abuses
***
BAE
Systems helps manufacture jets used by the Israeli military has been
condemned by campaigners as putting "profits ahead of
Palestinian lives," protesters stated in front of the aerospace
giant sites.
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19340692.bae-systems-lancashire-firm-condemned-supplying-israeli-jets/
June
1
***
Retweet
@SIPRIorg: In this @EU_NonProlif
paper, SIPRI Associate Researcher Nivedita Raju provides an overview
of past destructive anti-satellite (ASAT) tests and argues that
destructive ASAT testing requires urgent policy intervention
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/eunpdc_no_74.pdf
***
Can
one become business lawyer when his former position was
anti-#corruption magistrate at French Parquet National Financier
#PNF? Can he join the law firm which defended #Airbus in criminal
proceedings, and he as a prosecutor, signed the deal in the case?
https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/la-liberte-conditionnelle-d-un-ex-procureur-du-parquet-national-financier-31-05-2021-2428909_23.php
***
Space:
Thierry Breton would like to get the green light from the EU Member
States to launch a 3rd major European space infrastructure this
winter. Not satisfied with the industrialists' proposals, he wants to
consult the start-ups in the sector.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/spatial-thierry-breton-veut-un-nouveau-projet-de-constellation-europeenne-1319572
***
Brasil is
flooded with small arms, and there is hardly any other country where
so many people die from police bullets. This is also due to German
and Swiss exports.
Die tödlichsten Waffen kommen aus Europa
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/brasilien-polizeigewalt-herkunft-der-waffen-1.5308540
***
Tarmo Ranisoo,
manager of the Estonian Defence Industry Association, said major
German investment in Estonia-based robotics and autonomous systems
developer Milrem Robotics will provide the military industry better
access to the global military market.
Baltic News Service 31 May
***
The
Land Forces 2021 International Land Defence Exposition will be the
largest land defence event ever held in Australia, and may indeed be
the first exposition of its type in the world since the Covid-19
pandemic began in early 2020.
https://theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/armys-threeday-industry-expo-will-be-largest-ever/news-story/a2d3d12486dde15d2d524218a7f45eeb
Addition: + protest against it: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-01/qld-weapons-protest-brisbane-land-forces-rally/100180604
***
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: “The survey we are
releasing today is a reminder that the arms trade is not a business
like any other and that the government must be held to account on
this issue. The French people are asking for it": @ElluinA
@amnestyfrance
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/most-french-uninformed-about-the-arms-trade-want-public-debate/
***
Information
on German armament projects: sea, land and air (like drones, FCAS,
MGCS, MKS 180 or 126 class).
https://www.bmvg.de/resource/blob/5087624/36a242084736fe0766e88e45f888893a/R%C3%BCB%20Fr%C3%BChjahr%202021%20Teil%201.pdf
***
The UK's new
legal battle over the Saudi arms trade
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/analysis/uks-new-legal-battle-over-saudi-arms-trade
***
Small arms
sales in Syria, April 2021. It was possible to identify the national
origin of 210 of the 271 sales. Turkish weapons were the most common
(24%). Czechoslovakian (11%), Chinese (11%), and Russian (8%
including Soviet) weapons were next. For more:
https://armamentresearch.com/analysing-the-online-arms-trade-in-opposition-controlled-syria-april-2021-update/
***
Relations
between South Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are on the up – a
source of shame for the South African state. These relations are
deeply linked to the arms and military trade for the Arab nations
involved in the war on Yemen.
https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/6/20427/South-Africa-One-of-the-Biggest-Arms-Suppliers-to-Saudis-in-Yemen-War
