maandag 5 juli 2021

My tweets for July 2021

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

July 31

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Turkish state-owned defense firm ASFAT has received an order for four unmanned minesweeping equipment to Burkina Faso. “We made our first defense industry export to the region with the sale of 4 Mechanical Mine Clearing Vehicle,” the company announced. https://militaryleak.com/2021/07/29/turkeys-asfat-exports-mematt-mine-clearing-equipments-to-burkina-faso/

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CAAT Spokesperson Andrew Smith said: "BAE Systems has a long and shameful history of arming and supporting human rights abusers and selling weapons into conflict zones. These sales aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet, they are potentially deadly." https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19476814.bae-systems-lancashire-firms-earnings-top-1billion/

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The British MoD has signed a £250m deal with Team Tempest, a group of companies working on the country’s future combat jet, to provide digital & physical infrastructure to develop the aircraft. It also spoke with Japan to cooperate on power and propulsion. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/07/29/britain-inks-200-million-contract-with-team-tempest-for-future-fighter-jet/

***
Private security contractors, often referred to as mercenaries, have made a poor reputation for themselves throughout the Global War on Terror. And it turns out the Pentagon isn’t really monitoring whom it’s hired, or verifying backgrounds and compliance. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/07/30/dod-really-has-no-idea-who-its-hired-to-do-private-security-report-finds/

July 29

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US Democrat Senator Murphy calls on the Biden Administration to withhold aid to Egypt based on Human Rights violations. He wonders: "Why ... Egypt get showered with $1.3 billion in military aid each year?"
https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2021/07/29/mil-osi-usa-murphy-calls-on-the-biden-administration-to-withhold-aid-to-egypt-based-on-human-rights-violations/

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Some United States lawmakers have halted the planned sale of arms worth $875 million to Nigeria over concerns about the President Muhammadu Buhari's-led government's human rights record.
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/us-lawmakers-stop-875m-arms-sale-to-nigeria/

***
Somalia and Ireland will cooperate on Somalia's campaign in the UN Security Council to completely lift the arms embargo imposed on it on January 23, 1992. https://www.mfa.gov.so/somalia-and-ireland-discuss-security-support-and-partnership/

***
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has contracted Damen Marine Components (DMC) for a series of rudders and steering gear systems. The equipment is for five F110 frigates Navantia is constructing for Armada Española – the Spanish Navy.
https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/damen-to-supply-rudders-and-steering-gear-for-navantia-built-frigates-66750

***
#NSO Group affair is latest in Israel’s long history of arming shady regimes

Aversion to arming human rights violators often trumped by political expediency; only new legislation can keep Israeli firms from selling wares to bad actors, activists say https://www.timesofisrael.com/nso-group-affair-is-latest-in-israels-long-history-of-arming-shady-regimes

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The British government plans to nationalize specialist steel components-maker Sheffield Forgemasters in order to protect the supply chain involving critical defense programs in the nuclear submarine and other sectors. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/07/28/british-government-to-nationalize-steel-components-maker-in-354-million-deal/

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President Biden told US intelligence officials that he thinks a cyber breach could lead to a “shooting war” with a major global power. I think it’s more likely we’re going to end up in a war as a consequence of a cyber breach of great consequence, he said. https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-warns-cyber-attacks-could-lead-a-real-shooting-war-2021-07-27/

July 28

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Canada last year approved a deal involving Canadian business for the sale of nearly $74m of weapons to Saudi Arabia, even as there were calls for Canada to stop arms transactions with the Saudis, one of the main combatants fuelling the war in Yemen.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-approved-brokered-arms-deal-to-sell-74-million-of-explosives-to/

***
Despite Rabat illegally occupying Western Sahara Raytheon won a $212 million delivery order external link for Morocco Fighter Aircraft Engines. The order is for F100-PW-229 install engines.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2707824/

***
Verrassend wapenindustrie vindt wapenexportcontrole te streng: het huidige restrictieve beleid zorgt voor problemen bij industrie en belemmert de ambities van het kabinet voor de defensie- en veiligheidsindustrie.
https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/gestage-groei-export-veiligheidssector-ondanks-aanhoudend-streng-beleid/

Surprising: Dutch arms industry considers the arms control policies to tight.
https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/gestage-groei-export-veiligheidssector-ondanks-aanhoudend-streng-beleid/

***
smoking guns

How European arms exports are forcing

millions from their homes

https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/smokingguns-report-tni_final.pdf

July 27

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Thales optimistic for the whole of 2021, hoping to achieve a turnover of between €17.5-18bn. During the 1st half of 2021 it had won 7 contracts worth more than €100m, 4 military - like a share of Rafale fighter sales - & security, & 3 in the space field. https://www.lacorrespondanceeconomique.fr/2020-07-31

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#Damen & ENGIE Axima Germany (formerly Noske-Kaeser) have concluded a contract for the design & supply of the heating, ventilation & air-conditioning systems, the CBRN protection systems and the refrigeration systems for the German F126-class frigates. https://www.damen.com/en/news/2021/07/damen_assigns_responsibility_for_f126_air-conditioning_systems

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The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is a ground-modernization effort to replace nearly 3,800 Bradley Fighting Vehicles among the US Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams.

Retweet @RheinmetallAG: #Rheinmetall’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle concept down-selected for #USArmy’s program Team of industry-leading experts to digitally design advanced #OMFV https://rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_26496.php

#defence #army

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Amendment MEPs Demirel, @wallacemick: #EDF & the entire “Defence” budget line violate Art 41.2 TEU that prohibits any funding from EU budget of measures & operations having military or defence implications. The budget lines therefore have to be cut to 0. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-DT-695297_EN.pdf

***
Amendment MEPs Demirel, @wallacemick:
#Frontex is criminalising migration & militarising EU borders & its management. Serious human rights violations became institutionalised and accepted...funds shall be reallocated for tackling root causes of migration. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-DT-695297_EN.pdf

***
The Ukrainian Navy has accepted delivery of the first notorious Bayraktar TB2 drone from Turkish defense company Baykar, according to Ukraine’s Defence Ministry. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/07/26/turkey-delivers-first-armed-drone-to-ukraine-much-to-russias-ire/

***
Bolsonaro government ended 150% tax that Brazilian exporters selling arms to Central & S American countries had to pay. Tax was imposed in 2001 after it surfaced 1000s of arms exported to neighboring countries, later came back to Brazil in criminal hands.
https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil/brazil-eliminates-taxes-on-domestic-arms-exports/

July 26

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Murphy, Lee, Sanders statement on #drone strikes in #Somalia: "We need to reestablish a system of checks and balances ... to make Congress a part of these decisions about war and peace and put the interests of the American people front and center,"
https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2021/07/23/mil-osi-usa-murphy-lee-sanders-statement-on-drone-strikes-in-somalia/

***
Czech military used the Airbus A-330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) from the international fleet, in which the Czech Republic participates, for transport of its soldiers for the first time this week, from Pardubice, east Bohemia, to the Baltics.

***
Who will sell a frigate to Bangladesh? A $2.5 billion program. China, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey made the offers that reached the final stage.

One would think security issues in #Bangladesh aren't met by with expensive naval ships. #rivers #climate https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkish-shipbuilder-front-runner-in-bangladesh-frigate-program

More on same: Bangladesh Shortlists Chinese, Dutch, Italian and Turkish Shipyards for its $2.5B Frigate Project. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30097/Bangladesh_Shortlists_Chinese__Dutch__Italian_and_Turkish_Shipyards_for_its__2_5B_Frigate_Project

***
Massive lay offs at #Damen Shipyards in Romania (Damen Mangalia and Damen Galaţi shipyards) also involved in building Dutch naval vessels. https://www.capital.ro/sute-de-angajati-romani-raman-fara-un-loc-de-munca-o-mare-companie-din-romania-da-masiv-oameni-afara.html

July 25

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How to make yourself unmissable as weapon producer? Exclusive Interview: Lockheed’s CEO Wants His Company to Connect All the Pentagon’s Weapons.

What will this mean for other nations buying arms at Lockheed?https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/07/exclusive-interview-lockheeds-ceo-wants-his-company-connect-all-pentagons-weapons/183957/

***
Britain has invested $268 million for another 13 Protector aircraft, Defense Minister Jeremy Queen announced Thursday during a visit to GKN Aerospace, a press release stated. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/07/22/britain-protector-aircraft-deal/2811626972446/

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/195m-contract-signed-for-13-additional-raf-protectors/

***
Most costly weapon system ever (#F35) disarmed by weather conditions.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/07/23/lightning-strike-grounds-2-f-35b-lightning-ii-jets

***
Sarah Roussel from Amnesty told Euronews: "On one hand you have the minister of Foreign Affairs calling this a dirty war.

"And on the other hand, France is still exporting military weapons to the two main countries engaged in this conflict.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1467018/Emmanuel-Macron-latest-France-weapons-exports-Yemen-conflict-EU-arms-sales-amnesty-VN

***
“NSO Group can no longer hide behind the claim that its spyware is only used to fight crime, it appears that Pegasus is also the spyware of choice for those wanting to snoop on foreign governments,” said Amnesty International’s Secretary General Callamard.
https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19467071.david-pratts-four-corners-foreign-affairs-writer-gives-expert-analysis-insight-france-australia-tunisia-peru

***
Photo exhibition at #Greenpeace ship “Beluga II” by the award-winning photographer Nikita Teryosin to show the negative effects of the German arms export policy. #Teryoshin took photographs at arms fairs around the world.
https://www.archyworldys.com/greenpeace-sailing-ship-in-wurzburg-protest-against-arms-exports/

July 22

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Retweet @keesamok: Middle East Eye has compiled a list of Middle East and North Africa figures who have either been targeted in the past or whose numbers are known to have been in the latest Pegasus surveillance software leaks. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pegasus-spyware-middle-east-north-africa-names-list-targeted

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‘Bandits’ shoot down Nigeria fighter jet; pilot survives. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/19/bandits-shoot-down-nigeria-fighter-jet-pilot-survives

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#Embargo? During a military parade that was held in #Libya on May 2021, Libyan armed forces have unveiled 2 new wheeled armored vehicles that are produced in #Jordan, the Al-Wahsh (4x4 armored vehicle) & the Al-Mared (8x8 APC, Armored Personnel Carrier). https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2021_global_security_army_industry/jordanian-made_al-wahsh_and_al-mared_armored_vehicles_in_service_with_libyan_army.html

***
Roads fall apart, health care is minimal, social welfare almost not existent, but US Senate members will consider increasing White House military spending for next year by $25bn as part of this week debate over annual defence spending. #SecurityForWhom https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/07/21/plan-to-boost-bidens-defense-budget-could-see-bipartisan-support/

July 21

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Retweet @SIPRIorg The volume of international arms transfers in 2016–20 was 35% lower than the peak reached in 1981–85, at the height of the cold war. Read more in the summary of #SIPRIYearbook 2021 https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/sipri_yb21_summary_en_v2_0.pdf

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Israel doesn't care whether journalists or activists are targeted. Instead it says: we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and they do not interfere in ours, said lawyer Eitay Mack who's been suing Israeli exports, but to no avail. https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/pegasus-software-warum-sich-israel-nicht-dafuer-interessiert-wer-ins-visier-der-cyberwaffe-geraet-a-0440e45b-6a8e-48db-9980-30d0aaea9d29

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Quarrel on Peninsular. Egypt & Saudi Arabia have been seen in the past decades as prominent Arab countries. Riyadh the financial & Egypt its military hub. But in the last decades, the emergence of the UAE has begun to change that equation. Iranian analysis https://en.abna24.com/news//analysis-tip-of-iceberg-recent-saudi-emirati-spat-not-easy-to-solve_1161828.html

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US Senators Murphy (D-Conn.), Lee (R-Utah), and @BernieSanders (I-Vt.), on Tuesday introduced bipartisan legislation to reclaim Congress's critical role in national security matters such as the use of military force, emergency powers and arms exports. https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-lee-sanders-introduce-sweeping-bipartisan-legislation-to-overhaul-congresss-role-in-national-security

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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik (Society for Foreign Policy) under criticism: It doesn't clearly disclose payments from industry & apparently forms hidden reserves. The current president, former Airbus boss Thomas Enders, limited transparency. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus232569931/Thinktank-mit-Tradition-Verdeckte-Foerderung-in-der-Denkfabrik.html

***
German KMW recently acquired a significant stake in Estonian Milrem Robotics, by which KMW hopes to obtain supplementary knowledge on autonomous military systems while Milrem may be part of the development of various defence industry projects. Baltic News Service/BNS, 20/07/21

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De lobby voor #onderzeeërs van #Damen in het Noordhollands Dagblad gaat door. Nu niet in de redactionele kolommen maar met een ingezonden stuk. "Waarom duurt het zo lang? Nederland profiteert van de bouw van goede #onderzeeboten." https://www.noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20210713_71437261

***
Diplomat on Malaysian shipbuilding, but looking at PT PAL, a state-owned shipbuilder in Surabaya, Indonesia. It cooperates with S. Korea (submarines) & the Netherlands (frigates) not for financial reasons but to acquire "advanced knowledge and technology." https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/the-challenge-of-modernizing-a-navy-malaysias-boustead-heavy-industries/

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The frigates Dutch Damen wants to sell to Greece are accompanied by a funding package of 80+% of the contract amount, enabled by the Dutch State Export Credit Agency, which has extensive experience in arranging loans in cooperation with commercial banks. https://www.sofokleousin.gr/i-ollandiki-protasi-gia-tis-fregates-tou-pn

***
Longread in Haaretz on Israeli cybersurveillance firm NSO, its Pegasus tech phone infections and the persons targeted. It surpasses encryption programs like Telegram and Signal. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/tech-news/.premium-nso-s-pegasus-the-israeli-cyber-weapon-used-against-180-journalists-1.10010446

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A campaign adviser to former President Donald Trump who also served as chair of his inaugural committee was arrested Tuesday and accused of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government by secretly lobbying on behalf of the #UAE. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/20/thomas-barrack-chairman-of-trump-2017-inaugural-fund-arrested-on-federal-charge.html

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Noise of F-35 fighter jets is not only a problem in Dutch province #Friesland. Duane Peterson & Patrick McCormack made a short movie on the ear-shattering “sound of freedom” & living under a #F35 flight path, or how weaponry intrudes on everyday life. https://jetlinefilm.com/



Addition: Dutch Secretary for Defence Visser said: 'I am aware of the fact that people are disturbed by the noise of fighters flying over. However, the defence forces must practice and train so that its personnel and aircraft are ready for its constitutional tasks.' https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/kamervragen/detail?id=2021Z11172&did=2021D29558

***
Dutch arms exports lowest since 2002. With 1. US, 2. Pakistan, 3. S. Korea, 4. Indonesia, 5. Germany, 6. Romania as major clients.

Licenses (export and transit) refused for Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi A., UAE. For more details see: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2021/07/12/rapport-over-het-nederlandse-exportcontrolebeleid-in-2020/rapport-over-het-nederlandse-exportcontrolebeleid-in-2020.pdf

July 20

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It took the European Commission eight months to give this 'answer' (
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-006257-ASW_EN.pdf) on the role of Thierry Breton, Commissioner with responsibility for industry, in establishing the EDF. The Questions were raised November last year (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-006257_EN.html).

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De macht van president Erdogan is groter dan ooit en met talloze buitenlandse interventies schendt hij het internationale recht. Volgens @SadetKarabulut hoort Turkije niet meer thuis in de NAVO en stop met het leveren van wapentuig. Zie verder.
https://www.nporadio1.nl/nieuws/buitenland/c28ab7eb-bd92-4330-a251-6b74da1dc9af/sadetstop-met-turkije-vol-te-stouwen-met-wapens

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Italië, Frankrijk, Duitland en Nederland zijn heus niet de enige landen die wapens leveren aan het brute regime van Al-Sisi. De zelfverklaarde politieagent van de wereld uit Washington steunt Egypte al jarenlang met miljarden aan militaire steun.
https://www.justsecurity.org/77513/bidens-egypt-problem/

***
In 2020 then-candidate Biden called for “no more blank checks” for al-Sisi; yet in February, the Biden administration approved a $200m arms sale & the 2022 budget requests $1.3bn in military aid to Egypt, with no human rights reforms or commitments.
https://www.justsecurity.org/77513/bidens-egypt-problem/

***
Retweet @SadetKarabulut Dit is hoe de Israëlische Pegasus-software wordt gebruikt om kritische journalisten de mond te snoeren. De Marokkaanse journalist Radi wordt ook beschuldigd van spionage voor Nederland. Dit kan niet zo passeren lijkt mij. #journalismisnotacrime #freeRadi https://nos.nl/artikel/2390006-zes-jaar-gevangenisstraf-voor-marokkaanse-journalist-radi

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A very personal lifelong view on the Endless War fought by the US by @mazzarino_a.

Worthwhile to read for several reasons.

It concludes with "Don’t doubt it for a second. War is a cancer on our democracy." https://live-thenation.pantheon.io/article/world/american-endless-wars/

***
Tony Blair’s defence secretary defended BAe by criticizing the Foreign Office for delaying the controversial export of Hawks to Indonesia in 1997. Despite the fact some believed Labour came to power with a new ‘ethical foreign policy’.
https://afegames.com/blairs-defence-secretary-berated-foreign-office-over-delays-to-hawk-jet-exports/

***
UN human rights experts expressed grave concern for the situation of human rights defenders in Myanmar & called for coordinated sanctions & an arms embargo by an ‘emergency coalition of nations’.

But what is needed to get those unwilling aboard too?

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27323&LangID=E

***
Former South African president Zuma is accused of pocketing 4m rand (€234,000) in bribes from French defence giant Thales, which has been charged with corruption and money laundering. Thales is meanwhile selling its arms to all Western democracies.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210718-zuma-graft-trial-to-resume-despite-deadly-s-africa-protests

***
Is #Hungary acquiring Spike missiles for its 220 Lynx Rheinmetall KF41 APCs? Other potential use are the 20 H145M helicopters purchased from Airbus, or the APCs that Hungary plans to produce indigenously, based on the Artec Boxer APC of Rheinmetall & KMW.
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/50957

***
What's happening with the Damen vessels (four patrol vessels and six utility vessels – plus an interceptor for each vessel) sold to Trinidad and Tobago after they were delivered? https://newsday.co.tt/2021/07/19/lyder-queries-new-coast-guard-patrol-boats/

July 19

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Pegasus, the spyware program of Israeli company NSO Group, has been used to hack dozens of smartphones of journalists, human rights activists, businesspeople, and even of the fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-report-claims-nsos-pegasus-spies-on-journalists-rights-activists-1001378595

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Once upon a time the EU was a project for peace. Now: Europe’s fledgling #Eurodrone program received a boost in the form of a €100m #grant from the EU, while an official promised a long expected, €7.1bn production contract will be signed by October.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/07/16/eurodrone-effort-gets-118m-funding-boost-updated-production-timeline/

***
Western nations and arms companies are complicit in aiding regimes in the Middle East to spy on their citizens, speakers at an international conference shedding light on the human rights implications of the arms trade, said on Saturday.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/speakers-international-conference-arms-trade-criticise-western-governments-over-hypocrisy

***
Teething diseases for fighter with a first flight in 2006, that is 15 years ago.

The number of major F-35 flaws is shrinking, but the Pentagon is keeping details of the problems under wraps (huh?). And the number of minor problems runs into the hundreds. https://www.navytimes.com/smr/hidden-troubles-f35/2021/07/16/the-number-of-major-f-35-flaws-is-shrinking-but-the-pentagon-is-keeping-details-of-the-problems-under-wraps/

July 16

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hina's military has overcome numerous techn challenges to chip away at the US' supremacy in recent years, but continues to be stymied by lagging domestic innovation and corruption in its defence industry, according to a RAND US government-financed study.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3141151/pla-faces-persistent-problems-innovative-weaponry-relying

***
Robot wars may have started by NATO member. The report by independent experts of UN panel on Libya arms embargo breaches stated that four-rotor drones were programmed in autonomous mode to attack convoys and vehicles without further human intervention.
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/5/232159/Robot-wars-may-have-started

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US "Democrat" argues for larger role of US Special Forces #SOF to counter threats. The grey covert and poorly controlled and rapidly growing army already active in dozens of countries globally isn't the the force to defend democracy. It is a threat itself.
https://news.usni.org/2021/07/15/lawmaker-special-operations-must-adapt-to-gray-zone-conflict

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Top US generals planned to resign en masse if Trump refused to leave office. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff compared President Donald Trump to Hitler, and his administration to the birth of the Nazi party. Read More https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/07/15/top-generals-planned-to-resign-en-masse-if-trump-refused-to-leave-office-reports/

July 15

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‘Pressure transducers’ are used for a wide range of civil, but also military applications, from commercial airliners to nuclear submarines. The specification "for the production of technology" given by Dutch on a sale to Israel is thus to vague to judge. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

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A image intensifier tube of € 16,464 isn't the cheapest one. May an export license was provided for a sale to India "for scientific use." But optech is an integral part of the military ops on India's borders. Can such a (in)direct connection be excluded? https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

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Jorge Domecq took the revolving door from the the European Defence Agency #EDA to #Airbus. MEP's @TonoEPP, @DolorsMM both (PPE) question this. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001623_EN.html

@JosepBorrellF answers https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001623-ASW_EN.pdf which can unsurprisingly be summarised: "No big deal at all."

Addition: For more details on the case, read this article from @corporateeurope and @Vredesactie. https://corporateeurope.org/en/2021/05/eu-defence-agency-under-pressure-change-rules-after-airbus-revolving-doors-scandal

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#Bolivia’s FA Ministry published evidence on how #Argentina, under President #Macri, supplied bullets used by the Añez dictatorship to repress anti-coup protests across the country, including in Sacaba and Senkata, where numerous protesters were shot dead. https://kawsachunnews.com/argentinas-macri-sent-arms-for-bolivia-coup-massacres

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US warned Egypt not to target rights campaigners after a prominent activist was indicted, saying the issue would be a factor in arms sales to Cairo. But recently US sold $200m in weapons to Egypt despite human rights abuses. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/17/us-sells-200m-in-weapons-to-egypt-despite-human-rights-abuses

ill: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33003.pdf

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A British colonel blocked an 80 million dollar weapons sale to Haftar from Jordan. End-user certificates: “You can declare that the destination is Tunisia or anywhere else you find acceptable.” #UK, #Jordan, #Libya https://www.libyanexpress.com/a-british-colonel-blocked-an-80-million-dollar-weapons-sale-to-haftar-from-jordan/

***
UK asking SA Armscor to market its surplus arms in Africa. It includes: minimi's, Sig Sauer pistols heli's, patrol boats, armoured vehicles etc. "Trying to put a morally superior justification into something morally questionable just makes it worse." https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1461731/Army-equipment-sale-African-countries-morally-supsect

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4 builders left for Greek frigate acquisition, part of its military build up sending an indirect message to Turkey that "the Armed Forces are being modernized and the country is shielded against any challenge and threat ... in the region," said MoFA. https://newpost.gr/amyna/60edc6ac4de2b83e5a4ef3c1/minymata-ishyos-pros-tin-agkyra-efialtis-oi-fregates-kai-ta-rafale-gia-toys-toyrkoys-aystiri-apantisi-panagiotopoyloy-se-akar

***
Erdoğan, his associates enriched themselves on back of Turkey-Qatari military, defense deals, states Gülen connected Nordic Monitor of exiled journalist (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_Bozkurt) in long article and illustrated with documents. https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/erdogan-his-associates-enriched-themselves-on-back-of-turkey-qatari-military-and-dense-deals/

***
New CAAT research reveals that the majority of UK arms sales are supplied via secretive Open Licences, meaning official figures on UK arms exports only tell part of the story. Share if you agree we need real transparency to stop the arms trade. http://caat.org.uk/hiddenarmssales

***
Infamous Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's ruling military leaders to represent them in Washington and other capitals said on Wednesday he has stopped his work with the generals because sanctions prevented him from being paid. https://www.jpost.com/international/infamous-israeli-lobbyist-for-myanmar-junta-ceases-efforts-wasnt-paid-673871

July 14

***
A'dam fractie van Bij1 heeft schriftelijke vragen gesteld over gemeentelijke plannen om de verhuizing van de firma Damen subsidiëren:
https://amsterdam.raadsinformatie.nl/document/10389523/1/232%20sv%20Veldhuyzen%20inzake%20behoud%20scheepswerf%20Damen

Las net dat Damen Senegal schepen gaat leveren. Handig voor contraguerrilla in de Casamanche. https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-and-west-africa_business/2021/07/09/damen-shipyards-beats-off-turkey-s-desan-and-tais,109678797-art

VVD Raadslid noemt opsommen van de feiten een smeercampagne. De handel van de eerlijke ondernemer uit Gorinchem, met een vestiging in Amsterdam, klinkt blijkbaar toch niet zo prettig. https://twitter.com/ClaireMartens3/status/1413800322879918080

(In het geval Senegal gaat het niet persé om Amsterdam wel om Damen).

***
At Greek arms DEFEA 2021: Ssmart and Signaal Hellas (https://www.ssmart.gr/ssmart-sa/ssmart-participation-in-domestic-international-programs/)showcased Thales Netherlands Lirod Mk2 system.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-exhibitions/defea-2021-news-official-show-daily/10428-defea-2021-ssmart-and-signaal-hellas-showcases-lirod-mk2-system.html

***
German group Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems handed over controversial S44, the fourth Type 209/1400mod-class submarine, to the Egyptian Navy.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/fourth-class-209-1400mod-submarine-officially-handed-over-to-egypt/

***
MDT Armor won a $9.9 million contract for procurement of the David Urban Light Armored Combat Vehicle by Israel. The David Urban Light Armored Combat Vehicle is based on a LandRover Defender 4x4 wheeled chassis and is built in MDT Armor’s Alabama facility.
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2687878/

***
Pakistan has hired an Italian defense company to convert three Embraer Lineage 1000 regional jetliners into long-range maritime patrol aircraft for its Navy.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/07/08/pakistan-hires-leonardo-paramount-group-for-aircraft-conversion-program/

***
Europa heeft ambitieuze plannen voor een satellietnetwerk dat de digitale groei aanzwengelt. ,,We willen aan de top blijven en data uit de ruimte zijn onmisbaar’’, zegt directeur Rodrigo da Costa van Europees ruimteprogramma Euspa.
https://www.ad.nl/tech/interview-rodrigo-is-de-grote-baas-van-de-europese-satellieten~aea7a640/

***
NEW: Israeli oppression in #Gaza did not end with the ceasefire. The UK must end military support & all arms exports to Israel. Statement by the UK Working Group on Arms (UKWG):
https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/971-uk-working-group-on-arms-statement-on-the-continuous-conflict-between-israel-and-palestine-

***
Brochure: de militarisering van de Europese Unie. Korte introductie, bespreking en met veel links.
https://www.globalinfo.nl/Recensies-enzo/brochure-de-militarisering-van-de-europese-unie

***
Dutch #Damen vessels for contraguerrilla in #Senegal? It has has been contracted to deliver 3 military logistics ships to the Senegalese navy. These ships could help improve the army's deployments in the insurgent province of #Casamance.
https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-and-west-africa_business/2021/07/09/damen-shipyards-beats-off-turkey-s-desan-and-tais,109678797-art

***
'Important milestone' as Norway, Germany conclude 'Gigantic' submarine deal. Russian https://sputniknews.com/military/202107091083343872-important-milestone-as-norway-germany-conclude-gigantic-submarine-deal/ But based on Norwegian source
https://e24.no/internasjonal-oekonomi/i/4zz7bV/kongsberg-gruppen-datter-inngaar-gigantavtale-med-norge-og-tyskland

***
Chinese military threat is overstated, states professor at Australian Strategic & Defence Studies. However the Pentagon will continue to worst-case China’s military capability to support its claims for funding in a competitive US ­fiscal environment.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/chinese-military-threat-is-overstated/news-story/93b69ed912992e9996d204fba2bc7893

***
"Zuma also faces a corruption case related to the $2 billion arms trade when he was vice president in 1999. He denied the allegations in this case."

It puzzels me why only the receiver of the bribes is always mentioned & not the briber arms giant #Thales. https://quebecnewstribune.com/news/business/former-south-african-leader-zuma-faces-court-hearing-during-robbery-and-killing-reuters-28430/

***
Morocco becomes poluar destination for arms sales. It overtakes Algeria to become Africa’s top importer of French Arms. Morocco ordered €425.9m worth of arms from France, whereas Algeria ordered €41.1m.https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/07/343357/morocco-overtakes-algeria-to-become-africas-top-importer-of-french-arms
#WesternSahara ?

***
UK government refuses to reveal details of its support for the Saudi war machine.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/07/13/saud-j13.html

***
Skirmisses. US Navy has denied China’s claim that its military chased an US warship out of the South China Sea. The statement from the Navy comes after one of its guided-missile destroyers performed a freedom of navigation operation in the SCS on Monday. https://news.usni.org/2021/07/12/navy-denies-chinese-forces-chased-away-destroyer-during-fonop

***
Military industry revenues of the top 100 defense companies in the world climbed for a fifth consecutive
year, a sign that fiscal 2020 was good for the industry despite the crippling coronavirus. https://www.defensenews.com/top-100/2021/07/12/riding-the-wave-defense-revenues-rise-despite-a-dark-2020/

***
The German military has announced the creation of a separate command dedicated to #space, becoming the latest of a handful of nations prioritizing more resources and missions among the stars. It follows the US, UK and France who established space commands.
https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/07/13/germany-establishes-new-military-space-command/

***
Indonesian naval wharf PT Pal order book (expected and realisations) shows intake from Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and expected sale of amphibious vessel for Philippine navy Rp. 1,529 bn (€ 2.613.675). https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/indonesian-defense-equipment-and-arms-exports.345821/page-19#post-13228020

July 9

***
SIPRI arms & ME programme’s Smith points out, even as military options are considered by the Southern African regional bloc & EU “adding new arms to the conflict in Mozambique risks worsening an already dire situation for local civilians, not ending it”.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sipri-warns-arms-for-mozambique-will-not-necessarily-end-insurgency/

***
Switzerland looks to the US with F-35 & Patriot selections. But protest is already brewing over the decision. Campaigners have begun securing signatures for a referendum through the country’s voting system that could yet ditch an F-35 buy altogether.
http://now.eloqua.com/es.asp?s=966913078&e=817603&elqTrackId=4c85114565b64dab9d00441ca5178163&elq=c252494e99f7483db974276855671119&elqaid=29066&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=24570

***
Warning tumbles over warning: When US Air Force, Navy & Marine Corps’ F-35 operations reach their peak in 2036, it will be exponentially difficult to afford sustaining the F-35 if the cost per tail remains at current estimates.

https://www.navytimes.com/air/2021/07/07/watchdog-group-finds-f-35-sustainment-costs-could-be-headed-off-affordability-cliff/

GAO https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-439

July 8

***
EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations. European Parliament resolution of 7 July 2021 on EU-NATO cooperation in the context
of transatlantic relations.

On EDA, EDF, "fostering the development of the European defence industry," etc https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2021-0346_EN.pdf

***
French arms sales order intake in Africa in 2020: Morocco and Algeria leading customers. https://maghrebemergent.net/ventes-darmes-francaises-en-afrique-en-2020-le-maroc-et-lalgerie-en-tete-des-clients/
Based on annual report (https://defense.gouv.fr/content/download/616773/10303962/file/Rapport%20au%20Parlement%20sur%20les%20exportations%20d'armement%20de%20la%20France%202021.pdf

***
Corruption in the military business, paid with Government money to protect society. 10 years after juicy contracts with Kazakhstan, Tunisian intermediary, Lyès Ben Chedli & a former #Airbus executive, Olivier Brun, were indicted in the "Kazakhgate" survey. https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/kazakhgate-un-ex-cadre-d-airbus-et-un-intermediaire-mis-en-examen-20210707

***
Retweet @shustry: SCOOP: Documents Reveal Erik Prince's $10 Billion Plan to Make Weapons and Create a Private Army in Ukraine. https://time.com/6076035/erik-prince-ukraine-private-army/

***
#France will soon end its participation in the Franco-German program for maritime patrol aircraft #MAWS and turn to a Franco-French solution. #Germany's decision to buy 5 P-8A Poseidon aircraft from #Boeing for €1.43bn is at the origin of this withdrawal. https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/defense/avions-de-patrouille-maritime-la-france-claque-la-porte-au-nez-de-l-allemagne_772419

Addition: In English on same issue: Germany's Purchase of Boeing P-8A Poseidon Casts Doubts over Franco-German MPA Program https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29971/Germany_s_Purchase_of_Boeing_P_8A_Poseidon_Casts_Doubts_over_Franco_German_MPA_Program

***
Thales wants to launch a drone on the commercial market, which can also perform military and government missions. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/thales-booste-son-offre-sur-le-marche-commercial-des-drones-civils-et-gouvernementaux-888371.html

***
Raytheon Technologies will get up to $2 billion to develop the U.S. Air Force’s Long Range Standoff Weapon system, a new nuclear-capable, air-launched cruise missile that will be carried by B-52 and B-21 bombers. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/07/06/raytheon-wins-2b-for-new-nuclear-cruise-missile/

***
Revealed: UK troops ‘secretly operating in Yemen’

By Naseh Shaker, Phil Miller and Mark Curtis

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-07-06-revealed-uk-troops-secretly-operating-in-yemen/

July 7

***
#Argentine Air Force undertook "huge effort" to modernize 2 Fokker 28s & a #Fokker 27 "that had been deprogrammed & can continue to operate," MoD Agustin Rossi said July 1st at the Cdr Rivadavia air base.
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/rossi-en-chubut-el-reequipamiento-de-la-fuerzas-armadas-es-uno-de-nuestros-objetivos

History of planes sold to Argentine is notorious.

***
Bad news: Italy has loosened restrictions on arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, government sources said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at easing diplomatic tensions with the two Gulf states.
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/italy-eases-curbs-arms-sales-saudi-arabia-and-uae

***
Belarus was the only country voting against the UN resolution on Myanmar urging - among more - to “prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar”.

Why? It is one of the countries that continue to sell arms and air defense capabilities to the Myanmar military.

https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/un-vote-puts-spotlight-on-myanmar-belarus-connection.html

***
#France is arming its MQ-9 #Reaper drones with GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs for Operation Barkhane operations in Africa. The French Air and Space Force will this month put the bombs into service on 3 of its MQ-9 Reaper UAVs deployed to #Niger (...)
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/unmanned-aerial-vehicles/france-arming-operation-barkhane-reaper-uavs/

***
The US State Department approved a contract to Kuwait for heavy tactical vehicles. The contract, estimated to be worth $445 million, will cover 517 total Heavy Tactical Vehicles.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kuwait-heavy-tactical-vehicles

***
IISS reports on the development of different aspects of cyber capabilities in a selection of countries. https://www.iiss.org/-/media/files/research-papers/cyber-capabilities-and-national-power---a-net-assessment.pdf Is seems the Netherlands stayed under the radar.

C$ISRNet summarised: Who can match the US as a cyber superpower? No one

https://www.c4isrnet.com/cyber/2021/06/28/who-can-match-the-us-as-a-cyber-superpower-no-one/

***
Retweet @Vredesactie: Juridische strijd keldert de wapenexport

Het afgelopen jaar trokken we 3 keer naar de Raad van State om de wapenexport naar Saudi-Arabië te schorsen. Mét effect, tonen de jaarverslagen van FN Herstal & Mecar nu.

***
Protestors of @3CCAAT against military expo in UK ask to focus efforts not on weapons, but to concentrate technology on climate instead. https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/19422383.three-counties-defence-expo-concentrate-technology-climate-instead/

July 6

***
Retweet @JaspervanDijkSP Replying to @DeGroene @GidiPols and @jvstaalduine Onze Kamervragen:

***
1.2 billion euros! What "major things" can the European Defense Fund accomplish? A Chinese view - readable with Google translate - on the European Defence Fund (the writers miss the national military contributions, Europe is hard to understand).
https://news.sina.com.cn/w/2021-07-03/doc-ikqciyzk3314125.shtml

***
Prabowo’s European trip seems to be aimed at further arms procurement to modernize the Indonesian Military (TNI).The notorious former Special Forces general has deep pockets, with a budget of US$ 125bn for arms procurement for the period 2020-24.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2021/07/05/prabowos-defense-diplomacy.html

***
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba has said "We're working to change Germany's position on number of issues", like Ukraine's EU membership, a more constructive German position on Ukraine's membership of NATO, as well as arms sales to Ukraine.
https://ukranews.com/en/news/786532-foreign-ministry-hopes-for-change-in-germany-s-position-on-ukraine-s-membership-in-eu-and-nato

***
Athens seeking to contain Turkish influence in Libya. Greece suspects Turkish influence in a recent request by Libya that Greece return 8 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles confiscated from a ship traveling from Turkey.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1163917/athens-seeking-to-contain-turkish-influence-in-libya/

***
Franco-Italian military industrial cooperation stuck. There are several cases of friction. On a naval engine eg the French are frustrated a General Electric propulsion system is introduced in Europe "as Trojan horse" by Italian Avio at the cost of Safran. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/armement-la-cooperation-entre-la-france-et-l-italie-au-plus-bas-888270.html

July 5

***
Yemen war: Britain cannot be both arms dealer and peacemaker

The international community must send Britain a message: either stop selling weapons to the Saudis, or give up the UN penholder role for Yemen

https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/uk-yemen-war-arms-dealer-and-peacemaker

***
OCCAR Extends Contract for Binocular Night Vision Goggles for Belgian Defence and German Army with HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS. The first phase alone will amount to a high two-digit million-euro value.
https://forceindia.net/occar-extends-contract-binocular-night-vision-goggles-belgian-defence-german-army/

***
7 projects involving the participation of #Estonian defence industry received € 6m from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme #EDIDP to develop new technological solutions. The Estonian state is providing almost €500,000 for the projects.
https://kaitseministeerium.ee/en/news/projects-estonian-defence-industry-companies-received-eur-6-million-europe

***
De krijgsmacht is er voor de veiligheid? Wiens veiligheid dan en tegen welke dreigingen?

'Extreme' militair kan in wapendepot; Zelfs na zaak-Jürgen Conings moet aan Hells Angels gelinkte Bart D.S. nog wacht houden bij opgeslagen munitie. https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/opnieuw-extremistische-militair-die-in-munitiedepot-kan-zelfs-na-zaak-conings~bc2e09c7/

***
#German arms export report or 2020 published. https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/ruestungsexporte-bmwi-070221.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=12 The largest recipients in value outside NATO/EU are Egypt (€763.8m), Tunesia (€57.1m), Indonesia (€56.9m), India (€48.6m) and the Philippines (€24.8m).

***
East Lancashire Girl Guides (promoting an interest in engineering amongst young females) participated in a programme run by #BAE, notorious for its arms trade.

#CAAT said: "We would urge the Guides to think again, and to end their relationship with BAE." https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19403979.bae-systems-3000-east-lancs-girl-guides-take-part-clever-clogs-partnership/

***
A top German court largely confirmed a decision to force Sig Sauer to pay back earnings from illegal sales. It found it largely right to confiscate € 11.1m for legally exporting 38,000+ pistols to the US, from where they were illegally sent to Colombia. https://then24.com/2021/07/02/arms-export-to-colombia-via-detours-sig-sauer-costs-dearly-to-export-them/

***
A legal campaign to expose details about Israeli arms exports came to an end last week, as the country's Supreme Court rejected a petition regarding tracking technology made by an Israeli cyber company and also shut the door on all future petitions. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-arms-sales-transparency-court-decision-ends-hopes

Aanvulling Nederlands: Israëlische rechter sluit de deur voor tegenstanders van geheime wapendeals. Wapenindustrie Activisten al jaren in Israël trachtten openheid te krijgen over de wapenhandel met dubieuze regimes. De juridische weg is nu afgesneden. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/07/06/israelische-rechter-sluit-de-deur-voor-tegenstanders-van-geheime-wapendeals-a4050114

***
Arming the Philippines: It’s a Duterte job, but does UK have to do it?

Thousands of people have been killed in the Philippines under President Duterte, but the UK has massively increased arms exports to his authoritarian regime http://southafrica.shafaqna.com/EN/AL/2776924

***
Miroslav Číž & @monika_benova of EP S&D fraction asked if the Commission is prepared to take sanctions to Members providing arms used in the Yemen conflict. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-002355_EN.html It took @JosepBorrellF 2 months to state it's up to the Member States. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-002355-ASW_EN.pdf

***
Where Beijing buys its military hardware? Mainly SIPRI based answer is: Russia 1st, than France (9.7%) & Ukraine (6.3%). China is 2nd-largest client for Swiss exports, receiving 13% of total exports during 2016-20, and also imports from Germany and UK. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3139603/how-china-grew-buyer-major-arms-trade-player

***
With the #Swiss buying the US #F35 fighter jet, the Swiss Federal Council upset its European partners. The issue will be settled in the coming weeks, when the losing bidders meet with Swiss government officials in Bern, a conference, called a #debriefing. https://www.msn.com/de-ch/nachrichten/schweiz/kampfjet-krimi-amherds-entscheid-kostet-die-deutschen-15-millionen/ar-AALKdy8

***
The weaponisation of the T&T juridical system. List of cases provided includes: investigation between the Anti-Corruption Bureau & Dutch prosecuting authorities, concerning a criminal investigation into a suspicion of bribery committed by #Damen. More see: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/ag-some-weaponising-courts-as-business-ventures-6.2.1350877.2b0960b3c3

July 3

***
The new face of war:

Israeli Rafael combines AI and automatic target recognition in new Sea Breaker missile and also performs “deep learning” that it combines with its AI capabilities. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/07/02/rafael-combines-ai-and-automatic-target-recognition-in-new-sea-breaker-missile/

***
Nederland heeft zijn eerste eigen militaire satelliet in de ruimte.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2021/25/05_lancering-nanosatelliet_25

***
Terwijl het Nederlandse marineschip Zr. Ms. Evertsen in de Zwarte Zee de Koude oorlog opzoekt, liggen de grootste grijze griezels in de haven van #Amsterdam. Je zou wensen dat er meer aandacht voor ntspanning zou zijn dan voor grijs spierballengerol.
https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Karel-Doorman-Rotterdam-in-Amsterdam-020721.html

***
Dutch government sold 12 F-16's to private US company, Draken International. Draken offers contracted air support to air forces around the world during exercises and earlier bought F-16 Fighting Falcons which were retired from the Israeli Air Force.
https://www.aerotime.aero/28274-draken-buys-12-dutch-f-16-fighters-to-train-usaf-pilots

***
Earlier this year, it was reported that the Sri Lankan Air Force was in talks with Israel to overhaul five Kfir fighters. Now Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has confirmed that a deal worth $50 million was signed recently with Sri Lanka. https://www.iai.co.il/iai-to-upgrade-sri-lanka-air-force-kfir-aircraft

July 1

***
There was a time the European Community was seen as a force for diplomacy, peace and development. Defence Industry: the Commission kick-starts the European Defence Fund with €1.2bn and awards 26 new industrial cooperation projects for more than €158m.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_3325

***
#German #submarines are giving #Turkey an edge over #Greece

That may make the eastern Mediterranean less stable.

https://www.economist.com/europe/2021/07/03/german-submarines-are-giving-turkey-an-edge-over-greece

***
Data en inlichtingen als wapen, zo laat informatiemanoeuvre zich kort omschrijven. Het is verontrustend dat in de Militaire Specator wordt gepleit dit 'wapen' onderdeel te maken van de militaire diplomatie. Een 'quick win' wordt dit genoemd.
https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/geschiedenis-operaties/artikel/informatiemanoeuvre-en-nieuwe-traditieverbanden-de-koninklijke

***
Lost at the bus stop. The bundle of top-secret files includes updates on arms export campaigns between the UK and other nations. Within these documents are sensitive observations about areas that Britain might find itself competing with European allies.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1455085/Brexit-news-leaked-documents-bus-stop-MoD-European-Commission-OCCAR-EU-army-vn

***
Hulpdiensten zijn gisteren uitgerukt naar #Fokker Landing Gear in #Helmond, actief op militair en luchtvaart gebied. Medewerkers voelden zich niet lekker nadat ze giftige dampen hadden ingeademd. Na een grondige controle bleek het mee te vallen.
https://www.ed.nl/helmond/groot-alarm-om-lek-giftige-stoffen-bij-fokker-in-helmond-loopt-af-met-een-sisser~a2804a24/

Aanvulling: Voor blogs met informatie over het bedrijf zie: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/search?q=Fokker+landing+gear

***
Retweet @Vredesactie: Turkey uses the A400M airplane to violate international arms embargoes. The Belgian export of components for this aircraft has to end immediately. #StopArmingTurkey https://www.brusselstimes.com/news/belgium-all-news/175814/ego-amnesty-international-flemish-brussels-walloon-government-libya-syria-turkey-united-nations-weapons/

***
Hier een link naar het Groene artikel: https://www.groene.nl/artikel/de-financiele-draaischijf

En het project in het Engels https://www.journalismfund.eu/supported-projects/tax-avoidance-arms-industry (overigens exporteert Nederland wel direct naar Egypte en is het zelfs een grote klant voor Nedelandse wapens).

Aanvulling: Kamervragen rond de Nederlandse rol als financiële draaischijf voor wapenindustrie door Jasper van Dijk @SP en @MahirAlkaya https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/kamervragen/detail?id=2021Z13008&did=2021D27992

Schriftelijke vragen in de Amsterdamse Raad door @AmsterdamBIJ1 @GroenLinks020 en #SP

https://amsterdam.raadsinformatie.nl/document/10343666/1/224%20sv%20Ernsting%20N_T_%20Bakker%20Veldhuyzen%20Nederland%20zegt%20ja%20tegen%20het%20G7-akkoord

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Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has emerged victorious in Switzerland’s $6.5 billion fighter competition, beating out entrants from Eurofighter, Dassault and Boeing. Switzerland plans to buy 36 F-35's. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/06/30/lockheeds-f-35-topples-competition-in-swiss-fighter-contest/