woensdag 4 augustus 2021

My tweets for August 2021

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

August 31

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How the failure of a military option is used to stress the imporance off ... more military https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/breton/blog/afghanistan-common-european-defence-no-longer-option_en and more cooperation with the US https://thehill.com/opinion/international/569845-transatlantic-ties-that-bind-europe

Or how to create a U turn if what happens doesn't fit the military and security establishment.

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Iraqi MoD Sadun said on Television that Iraq and Turkey reached a consensus on buying the Bayraktar TB2, 12 T-129 ATAK helicopters and 6 electronic warfare systems from Turkey. https://www.azernews.az/region/182727.html

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German government approved exports worth € 22.5 billion in the current parliamentary term. Deliveries to #Egypt are particularly controversial / Besonders umstritten sind die Ausfuhren nach Ägypten.

https://www.zeit.de/news/2021-08/29/wahlperiode-ruestungsexporte-fuer-225-milliarden-genehmigt

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A show of naval force in the India-Pacific. 6 task groups from the US, UK, Australian, Japanese & Indian navies are currently on operational deployments. The Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805) is the contribution of the Netherlands to the sable rattling. https://news.usni.org/2021/08/30/6-naval-task-groups-from-u-s-u-k-india-japan-and-australia-underway-in-pacific

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Mexico allowed in 2018 & 2019 the export of armoured vehicles used by the Colombian police during the violent protests that left dozens of wounded & several dead in April-May 2021. It did not report the sales to the ATT-secretariat to which it is a party. https://today.in-24.com/News/309084.html

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Interventions and arms sales make the world a safer place? India worries Afghan arms will be sold to Karachi and used by Pakistani sponsored armed groups. https://www.oneindia.com/india/taliban-s-new-us-weapons-likely-to-fall-into-hands-of-terror-groups-targeting-india-3305389.html

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Duits-Nederlandse samenwerking 't klonk de wapenindustrie als muziek in de oren, maar 't kleine Nederland verliest de slag om nieuwe raketverdediging op Duitse fregatten. Deze komt nu van Duits-Israëlische samenwerking. Volgen de Denen ook dit voorbeeld? https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Fregattensamenwerking-met-Duitsland-lastiger-na-kauze-voor-Hensoldt-in-plaats-van-Thales-300821.html

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3 US citizens facing federal indictment for attempting illegal exports of fire arms and ammo to Nigeria (38 semi-automatic firearms; over 35,000 rounds of ammunition; and 44 magazines and more, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/three-maryland-residents-facing-federal-indictment-attempting-illegally-export-arms-and).

Nigeria and Russia have signed a military cooperation deal providing a legal framework for the supply of equipment and the training of troops, the Nigerian embassy in Moscow said on Wednesday. https://www.reuters.com/world/nigeria-signs-military-cooperation-agreement-with-russia-2021-08-25/

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Turkish shipyard Ares said it has designed and developed an unmanned anti-submarine warfare vessel, hoping to begin mass production this year. Will be fitted with STAMP-gun (https://www.aselsan.com.tr/STAMP2ENG_7674.pdf) and sonar (by Armelsan Defence).

https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/08/30/turkish-shipyard-develops-anti-submarine-drone/

Here more info on the anti-submarine drone. https://youtu.be/GUFHVBBF08o

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has told exhibition organisers planning to exhibit arms in the capital city to "reconsider". According to letters seen by staff at The Independent, he said the fair's presence was insulting to those who have escaped violence. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1483851/sadiq-khan-london-mayor-DSEI-evg

August 30

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LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has told the organisers of an arms fair in the capital next month to reconsider the event and not come back, newly seen letters reveal. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/sadiq-khan-tells-organisers-london-arms-fair-cancel-event-and-not-come-back

August 28

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Boeing formally rolled out its new F-15QA fighter for the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). The first set of F-15QA jets will ferry to Qatar later this year following the completion of pre-delivery pilot training.
https://militaryleak.com/2021/08/26/boeing-unveils-its-new-f-15qa-ababil-fighter-for-qatar-emiri-air-force/

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Civilian control over the military is embedded in the US Constitution. But that control has quietly but steadily degraded over the past three decades, write Risa Brooks, Jim Golby & Heidi Urben.

Is that slippery slope to militarism? New? Stronger now? https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2021-04-09/national-security-crisis-command

August 27

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The 5000 kg of #ammo confiscated by Dutch customs in June (see
https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1404354544000249856) were 500.000 stuks 9X19mm parabellum 115 GR FMJ cartridges were destined for #Brunei. Logistical problems in Brussels caused a rerouting without the right papers. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=d98ea222-b1e0-4496-9bf7-be07b4fe3087&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20het%20lid%20Jasper%20van%20Dijk%20over%20een%20lading%20onderschepte%20munitie%20op%20vliegveld%20Beek%20.docx

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What will be more influential?

Biden warns Kabul airport attackers: “We will hunt you down” https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-warns-kabul-airport-attackers-we-will-hunt-you-down-2021-08-26/

China says it has established an “open and effective communication and consultation with the Afghan Taliban.” https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/08/25/china-blasts-us-over-afghanistan-pullout-describes-effective-talks-with-taliban/

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Retweet with comment: A US diplomatic cable on the JAS Gripen Fighters stated: "The Swedish military lobbied for the deployment, arguing that possible combat experience would be good for the Air Force -- and enhance the marketability of the Gripen."

@wikileaks: US Cable: Sweden wanted to bomb Afghans in order to 'enhance the marketability' of their new Gripen fighter jets Link:
https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/08STOCKHOLM29_a.html

A Swedish blogger already in 2011: "Slightly surprising that the Swedish media has not picked this up yet." http://wisemanswisdoms.blogspot.com/2011/09/wikileaks-gripen-och-afghanistan.html

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The EU is militarising its borders. A €7bn Internal Security Fund has been used since 2014 for border surveillance and security, coast guard patrols & information exchange with non-government “3rd parties” to violently regulate the journey of refugees. https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/newsdetail/index/6/20818/eu-border-security-and-arms-exports-create-circle-of-profit

August 26

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Veiligheid komt niet uit de loop van een geweer, maar uit een brandblusslang, een injectienaald, van 'n schoolbord, en sociale voorzieningen.

De roep om de graai in de schatkist voor 't leger is toch al weer begonnen in Nederland (in Elsevier) en België: https://trends.knack.be/economie/magazine/investeer-in-defensie/article-normal-1770653.html

Aanvulling: Opinie uit Trouw, afgelopen voorjaar: Hogere budgetten voor defensie maken de wereld niet veiliger. https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/hogere-budgetten-voor-defensie-maken-de-wereld-niet-veiliger~b2a1c5f4/

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Making money on misery as a business model in privatised security bizz.

The notorious organisation of Eric Prince charges US$ 6,500 for a seat on a plane to leave Kabul. https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewsolender/2021/08/25/white-house-bashes-erik-princes-6500-evacuation-flights-efforts-to-profit-off-peoples-agony-and-pain/

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Anger: While we see the terrible pictures from Afghanistan, an armaments fair was held in Turkey, at which despots and warmongers could help themselves. At IDEF21 in Istanbul (Aug 17-20) participants from all over Europe. https://netzfrauen.org/2021/08/24/afghanistan-5/

https://forms.tuyap.online/Exhibitors/FirmaDisEn.php?page=1

August 25

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Turkish Aerospace Industries #TAI said it inked a contract with Pakistan's National Engineering and Science Commission #NESCOM to produce components for TAI's medium-altitude, long-endurance #MALE combat drone, Anka.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkish-aerospace-pakistani-institution-to-jointly-produce-uav-parts

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Fincantieri is seeking to grow where it counts. The € 1.2 billion Italian shipbuilder is talking to 3.9 billion euro defence group Leonardo about a possible acquisition of its OTO Melara unit, which makes naval guns, Reuters reported on Saturday read more.
https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/italys-fincantieri-flags-bigger-defence-ambition-2021-08-23/

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Europe is preparing for drones. Millions of them are due to fly by 2035. Euroactiv [in Slovak]
https://euractiv.sk/section/obrana-a-zahranicie/news/europa-sa-pripravuje-na-drony-do-roku-2035-ich-maju-lietat-miliony/

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Hear, hear: In fact, it aren't the criminal enterprises that produce the arms, but the large arms companies, considered to be the flagships of France. It would be to the credit of France, as a great power, to put the question of disarmament on the table.
https://www.humanite.fr/narcocriminalite-marseille-est-le-miroir-grossissant-de-la-france-717835

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German application to stop arms exports to the countries of the Middle East immediately.

Rüstungsexporte in die Länder des Vorderen und Mittleren Orients sofort stoppen.

By Amira Mohamed Ali, Dr. Dietmar Bartsch Die Linke.

https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/19/320/1932082.pdf

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Remarkable: Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a military cooperation agreement at an arms expo outside Moscow. Saudi Dep. Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman announced the agreement is “aimed at developing joint military cooperation" between both nations.
https://www.rferl.org/a/saudi-russia-arms-weapons-/31425164.html

See for announcement on twitter:
https://twitter.com/kbsalsaud/status/1430172573577449481

Addition: Saudi-Russian defence agreement reflects Riyadh's diversification drive. The deal came at a time when diversification of int partners is of increasing importance to KSA in light of the growing disengagement from the region of Riyadh's historic ally the US. https://thearabweekly.com/saudi-russian-defence-agreement-reflects-riyadhs-diversification-drive

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The CRS issued the following report (No. R44000) on Aug. 23, 2021, entitled "Turkey: Background and US Relations In Brief" by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Jim Zanotti and Middle Eastern affairs analyst Clayton Thomas. Not yet available at:
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R44000

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Thoughts on the call for an arms embargo on Myanmar in Irrawaddy, an independent news medium. Myanmar (Burma): Can a UN Arms Embargo on Myanmar Work?
https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/can-a-un-arms-embargo-on-myanmar-work.html

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The passage of UK carrier group (involving Dutch frigate Evertsen) to Japan is expected to be controversial and a balancing act between avoiding what might be regarded by China as provocation in their back-yard, & and a display of a robust show of resolve.
https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/202108131307345335.pdf

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The Aug. 15 launch of its new PNS Babur corvette from a Turkish shipyard marks a major step in a wide modernization effort underway for Pakistans Navy (PN).
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/pakistan-turkey-tighten-ties-with-first-corvette-launch/

Will the Netherlands now ask Islamabad to withhold its destructive influence in Afghanistan in exchange for the sales of Dutch military tech for the vessels? Or is it just sell, and keep eyes closed. (See:
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/11/dutch-military-naval-technology-to.html)

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Solving problems with power and military means only increases problems not for the United States - which has seen its war industry flourish and thrive again over the last twenty years - but for the EU Member States. https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/51511

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Weapons from Serbia and other European nations are being used by extremists in the Sahel and supporting armed conflict, according to a new Amnesty International report. https://africatimes.com/2021/08/24/amnesty-europes-weapons-sales-are-arming-sahel-extremists/#wpcf7-f3852-o2
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/08/sahel-amnesty-identifies-serbian-weapons-in-stockpiles-of-brutal-armed-groups/

August 24

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The Dutch government licensed technology for nuclear reactors to China in June 2021. What kind of tech?
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

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#Leonardo held the 2nd EU OCEAN2020 demonstratio. The Italian firm coordinates this European #EDF funded research defence programme and will include its SW-4 SOLO remotely piloted helicopter, Osprey 30 radar and the naval Combat Management System.
https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/23-08-2021-leonardo-stands-ready-for-second-ocean2020-demonstration-europe-s-most-important-research-project-for-maritime-surveillance

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Amnesty Int USA calls on the Biden government to forgo a waiver & further halt arms sales to #Egypt due to the credible evidence confirming use of US-provided arms in flagrant violations by security forces, including extrajudicial killings just weeks ago.
https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/waiving-restrictions-on-u-s-military-assistance-to-egypt-risks-u-s-complicity-in-human-rights-abuses/

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Early August the EU published 2 new contract award notices for aerial surveillance services for Frontex, worth €84.5m. Some of the companies already contribute to the system of increasingly militarised borders, which results in pushbacks and violence.
https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2524

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Two women have been arrested at a factory in a protest against the arms trade.

Palestine Action has been protesting at the Ferranti factory in Oldham - owned by Israeli firm Elbit Systems - since about 06:00 BST yesterday.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-58305265

Addition: 'Beyond ridiculous': Oldham Conservatives hit out after Elbit factory roof protest. The debate following the action. Conservatives versus progressives and activists. https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/news/19532390.oldham-conservatives-hit-elbit-factory-roof-protest/

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Retweet: @dwnews Germany’s Left party says it was a mistake to cut off development funds to Afghanistan in response to the Taliban takeover. In a DW interview, the lead candidate @Janine_Wissler says too many people are suffering on the ground. https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1429594735908245504?s=20

August 23

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Running into a new Cold War. The main contractor for China's nuclear projects has seen a massive increase in orders from the military since a year ago, signalling Beijing's intensified push to boost its strategic power amid tensions with Washington.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3145851/chinas-military-nuclear-orders-rise-fourfold-push-catch-us

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And Now? Since the beginning of the international military operation in Afghanistan almost 20 years ago, the German government has approved the export of arms to Kabul valued € 400 million+. https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/nachrichten/afghanistan-deutsche-lieferten-ruestungsgueter-fuer-millionen-1666617.html

August 22

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"Every time a border gets militarised, migrants are pushed to other routes, to more dangerous routes," Mark Akkerman of @CTWnl said. "Then that becomes a big problem in the eyes of the EU and they put more focus and more militarisation on that route."
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2021/08/14/fortress-europe-eu-turns-to-military-to-stop-new-migrant-crisis/

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Has Biden become a hawk? Since he was sworn in his administration has stepped up support for Taiwan, incl issuing new guidelines allowing US officials to increase their direct engagement with Taipei. This month it approved its 1st arms sales to the island.
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/east-asia/us-biden-taiwan-china-b1905913.html

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"Er past ons meer bescheidenheid. We gingen in de eerste instantie niet naar Afghanistan voor vrouwenrechten en democratie," zegt Lt.-kolonel in actieve dienst Mirjam Grandia, "Als Nederlands staatsburger schaam ik mij voor de arrogantie van mijn land."
https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1408353/onze-aanwezigheid-in-uruzgan-heeft-juist-tot-meer-geweld-geleid

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Taliban's captured war material; Afghanistan's army was well equipped - with weapons from Nato countries.

https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus233224119/Afghanistan-Deutsches-Kriegsgeraet-in-den-Haenden-der-Taliban.html

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Called many names from the Iran-Contra Scandal to the McFarlane affair, to simply Iran Contra, the Iran-Contra affair involved US officials illegally funding Central American rebels and violating an arms embargo on Iran while it was at war with Iraq.
https://text-message.blogs.archives.gov/2021/08/17/iran-contra-affair/

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The Vietnam People's Navy received its first submarine search-and-rescue ship July 30, at the Z189 shipyard in Hải Phòng. Named Yết Kiêu (pennant number 927), the 93.11 m-long vessel was built by in co-operation with Dutch Damen.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/vietnamese-navy-receives-submarine-rescue-ship

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On the still not signed Romanian corvette acquisition and the ongoing battle between Dutch Damen and the French Naval Group (NG won the contract). [in Romanian]
https://atitudinea.ro/romania-in-marea-neagra-naufragiul-corvetelor-moderne-in-valoare-de-peste-un-miliard-de-euro/

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The Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship #LAW program envisions procuring a class of 24-35 amphibious ships for the Marines, to particularly implement a new operational concept: Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations #EABO. #Damen is one of the contenders.
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/R46374.pdf

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For who thinks this is an investment advice; it isn't. After 20 years and trillions of dollars gushing into the Afghanistan war and rebuilding effort, it's the private military contractors that have come out on top, laughing their way to the bank. https://www.firstpost.com/world/so-who-won-the-afghanistan-war-americas-boots-on-the-ground-didnt-but-its-the-suits-who-made-a-killing-9900441.html

August 21

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Beter never than to late.

Biden administration suspends all arms sales to Taliban-held Afghanistan. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-suspends-arms-sales-exports-defence-contractors-afghanistan-taliban-takeover-1842865-2021-08-19

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Wonder how Turkey acquires its military technology to be reexported? TUSAS Engine Industries #TEI, a subsidiary of Turkish Aerospace Industries #TAI, signed a MoU with US based GE Marine to explore opportunities to produce engines for warships.
https://www.ge.com/about-us

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http://nidv.eu/nieuws/directeur-nidv-benoemd-in-ec-expert-group/ Deze Expert Group on policies and programmes relevant to EU Space, Defence and Aeronautics industry assisteert EC bij voorbereiding / implementatie EU-wetgeving, programma’s en beleid m.b.t. dit ecosysteem. @Defensie @Defensie DMO@defis_eu @ministerieEZK

August 20

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US contractor industry groups, like the National Defense Industrial Association - are set to meet Friday with U.S. government agencies, as companies try to help their former employees in Afghanistan find a way to leave the country. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/08/18/us-contractors-rush-to-get-former-employees-out-of-afghanistan/

August 19

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Voor wie Bette Dam's 'Op zoek naar de vijand; het verhaal van een terrorist die een vriend wilde zijn' nog niet gelezen heeft: 't verbreedt de blik op het Afghanistan v/d taliban. De vraag waarom 'n oorlog met Afghanistan niet vermeden is, staat centraal. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/01/waarom-werd-een-oorlog-in-afganistan.html

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If we’re serious about stopping impending climate disaster, we have no choice but to radically rein in one of the world’s worst polluters: the US military. https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/08/climate-change-crisis-military-spending-arms-sales

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Better F-35 engines proposed by - guess who - General Electric, also the producer of current engine, but "you have to think about what the return on the investment might be there,” said Brig. General who leads the AF’s program office for advanced aircraft. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/08/12/the-pentagon-is-exploring-its-options-for-a-more-efficient-and-powerful-f-35-engine/

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Activists blocked the entrance to a US Raytheon Tech plant last week to protest the company’s role in “the killing of civilians” and “other human rights abuses,” like “weapon sales to Saudi's, Israel, and their involvement in enforcing US-Mexican border.” https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/08/12/protesters-block-entrances-to-raytheon-plant

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US won bid to expand scope of Assange extradition appeal. But without Wikileaks we would have known far less of Western military operations in Afghanistan, like the one covered by the Dutch MoD. https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/defensie-verzwijgt-60-doden-in-uruzgan~b9a8b405/

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A Speed Racer is that what the world needs? Lockheed Martin unveiled some details on its: “Small, Penetrating, Expendable Decoy Radically Affordable Compact Extended Range.” The 'E' of Expensive may be added to let the abbreviation fit the name. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/lockheed-confirms-new-details-speed-racers-role-future

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While UK activist are preparing to protest the #DSEI arms fair, a next military London event is already planned : the International Fighter Conference, 2-4 Nov. Not familiar with military language? Fighters are the planes which e.g. do the bombing raids. https://www.defenceiq.com/events-internationalfighter/landing/international-fighter-21-event-schedule

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US SOF to Mozambique and Congo. [in Dutch]

Special forces VS naar Congo en Mozambique

http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2021/08/special-forces-vs-naar-congo-en.html

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Illegally occupation of Western Sahara by Rabat no problem. Rules are for some, not all. If you’re in the business of selling drones, precision weapons or stealth technology, Morocco’s Air Force could be your next customer. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/08/18/here-are-moroccos-top-priorities-for-modernizing-its-air-force/

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We also need to urgently stop pumping out weapons into a world awash with them – turn our arms trade to essential, rather than abusive, purposes. The Taliban is now extraordinarily well armed – with weapons from the UK, US and other allied nations.

Of the $83 billion the US spent on Afghanistan’s army and police, a very large percentage was on those weapons, now in the hands of forces with, for the people of Afghanistan and beyond, a terrifying record of human rights abuse.
https://leftfootforward.org/2021/08/natalie-bennett-war-in-afghanistan-was-a-catastrophic-failure-we-cant-afford-more-mistakes-in-its-aftermath/

Addition: 3. In Defense News Valerie Insinna looks into potential use and the hurdles the Taliban will find on its way using US delivered aircraft and helicopters. From hiring pilots, to after flight overhaul, to repercussions. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/08/17/the-taliban-has-access-to-us-military-aircraft-now-what-happens/

@keesamok: Taliban zou biometrische gegevens over Afghaans personeel van de VS in handen hebben - #HIIDE = Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment - Pakistaanse geheime dienst ISI kan helpen die leesbaar te maken https://interc.pt/2UtA1Y8
@kenklippenstein, @SaraLSirota

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UK universities have received at least £190 million in research funding from arms producing and military services companies since 2013, the Byline Intelligence Unit (BITE), working with Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) can reveal. https://bylinetimes.com/2021/08/18/uk-universities-received-at-least-190-million-from-major-arms-manufacturers-in-past-eight-years/

August 18

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Fortress Europe: EU turns to military to stop new migrant crisis.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2021/08/14/fortress-europe-eu-turns-to-military-to-stop-new-migrant-crisis/

Dutch general (Ret.) chair of Int Military Council on Climate & Security #IMCCS Middendorp predicts hundreds of millions of refugees because of Climate Change. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/08/10/oud-cds-middendorp-steeds-groter-beroep-op-defensie-door-klimaatverandering

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Lobby for more budget for military related scientific research. A slight growth isn't enough according the vison brought forward here.

How about scientific research into the quality of the security provided by the militaries? Budget: almost none existant. https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2021/08/10/defense-research-forms-the-foundation-for-national-security-funding-cuts-crack-it/

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SPECIAL REPORT: "No Credible Evidence" - Canada's flawed analysis of arms exports to Saudi Arabia
https://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/special-report-no-credible-evidence-canadas-flawed-analysis-of-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia/

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Activists across Canada marked the third anniversary of the Yemen school bus massacre on Monday with protests at weapons manufacturers and government offices, calling on Canada to stop all weapons exports to Saudi Arabia.
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2108/S00025/activists-paint-tank-tracks-to-doors-of-weapons-dealers.htm

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Bosnia's arms exports reached €67 million. The full year is expected to be as successful as the record-high, pre-pandemic 2019. Main export destination: Egypt 32% of total exports, followed by Saudi Arabia with 20% and Turkey with 11.2%.
https://seenews.com/news/bosnias-arms-exports-up-20-yy-in-h1-21-report-751166

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Provoking China via arms sales to Tapei narrows the space in which the world’s most powerful nations can make progress on global concerns. US & Taiwanese security would be best served in a world where the US and China avoided provocative military actions.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/08/17/new-arms-sales-send-the-wrong-signal-on-taiwan/

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Wondering who benefited from the war in Afghanistan? They’ll be meeting in London next month in London at one of the world’s largest arms fairs. At least 1,700 arms companies will be exhibiting, and government employees will be doing their shopping.
https://www.thecanary.co/opinion/2021/08/17/wondering-who-benefited-from-the-war-in-afghanistan-theyll-be-meeting-in-london-next-month/

Addition: Wonder what the Covid policies at arms fairs are? Here a description of the measures at:
MSPO, Kielce, Poland, Sept. 7-10.
DSEI, London, Sept. 14-17.
AUSA Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., Oct. 11-13.
FEINDEF, Madrid, Nov. 3-5.

for some more see https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/08/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-2021-defense-trade-shows/

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Bolivia’s ambassador to #Argentina, Jorge Ramiro Tapia, stated that the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts #GIEI found evidence for the Argentine government sending weaponry to #Bolivia during the alleged coup against Evo #Morales, Nov. 2019. https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/mercosur/bolivia/bolivian-ambassador-to-argentina-calls-on-former-president-macri-to-admit-arms-trade-with-his-country/

August 17

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"The best way to fight terrorism is to invest in education," said Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in October 2014. She advocated the international community to follow new policies of aid: "Instead of guns, send books. Instead of weapons, send teachers"

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Arms firms funded by Scottish Enterprise linked to the displacement of 10.000's of civilians escaping fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh & Northern Syria. https://theferret.scot/arms-firms-linked-to-displacement/

What about others mentioned? #MBDA e.g. which is for tax reasons based in the Netherlands.

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Generals plan REACTION on climate change: Gen. b.d. Middendorp: Steeds groter beroep op Defensie door klimaatverandering (Implicatie meer €€?) https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/08/10/oud-cds-middendorp-steeds-groter-beroep-op-defensie-door-klimaatverandering

As US defense leaders prioritize climate measures, how are armed services adapting? https://www.defensenews.com/smr/energy-and-environment/2021/08/09/climate-change-is-going-to-cost-us-how-the-us-military-is-preparing-for-harsher-environments/

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NATO sees continued investment in autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence and big data as critical to understanding how a thawing Arctic Ocean will impact military operations, planning and infrastructure in the High North. https://www.c4isrnet.com/global/europe/2021/08/06/autonomous-systems-to-help-nato-examine-climate-change-effects-in-arctic-waters/

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Italian military ship builder #Ficantieri wants to use cow dung and crops not fit for consumption (but harvested from land used for agriculture) to propel the naval ships across the seven seas. https://www.defensenews.com/smr/energy-and-environment/2021/08/09/fincantieri-eyes-biofuels-to-power-future-warships/
#ClimateChange #hunger

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Damen Shipyard Curaçao needs financial investments urgently the CEO stated. The Curaçao Chronicle points out that Damen Shipyards Group (Curaçaos incl.) on April 30 reported that the Order Portfolio doubled in 2020 compared to the end of 2019 to € 8bn. https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/damen-shipyard-curacao-needs-financial-investments-urgently/

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The story on the Iraqi super canon of Bull and the journalist Bazoft surfaced this weekend.

Mother of journalist Farzad Bazoft says documents relating to UK connections to so-called supergun were stolen from him days before he traveled to Baghdad. https://www.timesofisrael.com/mom-of-iraqi-reporter-killed-in-1990-as-israeli-spy-says-he-was-lured-into-trap/

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Hypersonic Weapons: New Global Arms Race?

There is growing international interest in the development of offensive hypersonic weapon systems. See for an overview AW&ST graph. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/hypersonic-weapons-new-global-arms-race

***
Ukrainian firm Practika reportedly delivered Kozak-5 lightweight armored vehicles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kozak_(armored_personnel_carrier)#cite_note-12) to Saudi's this year. The vehicle is based on 4×4 truck Ford F550 (and can be exported freely to Riyadh without US consent of Ford, US Government?). https://www.ukrgate.com/eng/?p=19229

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#UAE firm #Milanion Group signs agreement with #Ukrainian Armor on robotic vehicles. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/08/09/emirati-firm-signs-agreement-with-ukrainian-armor-on-robotic-vehicles/

#Agema can be armed with firepower including 7.62mm machine gun, 12.7mm HMG and 20mm canon. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/agema-unmanned-ground-vehicle-united-arab-emirates/

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In US Military Times: Built and trained at a two-decade cost of $83bn, Afghan security forces collapsed so quickly and completely — in some cases without a shot fired — that the ultimate beneficiary of the American investment turned out to be the Taliban. https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/afghanistan/2021/08/16/billions-spent-on-afghan-army-ultimately-benefitted-taliban/

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The people who have suffered most have not, of course, been fundamentalist warlords or western politicians, but the people of Afghanistan, sacrificed to the ideals and military interests of the competing forces. https://leftfootforward.org/2021/08/why-calls-for-more-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-spectacularly-miss-the-point/

August 16

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Nederlands' grootste wapenfabrikant #Thales heeft een eigen interne Starbucks in huis.

(De Amerikaanse koffiebrander is bekend van de belastingontwijking (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/nieuws/2017/07/dit-moet-je-weten-over-belastingontwijking), waar ook de wapenindustrie zijn weg naar Nederland weet te vinden (https://www.groene.nl/artikel/de-financiele-draaischijf).

August 9

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The Egyptian military - a major client for European and US arms - has been accused of extrajudicial executions. Now wasn't the first time. None of the previous cases have been independently investigated.
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/egypt-deeply-disturbing-propaganda-video-shows-military-killings

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In the meantime, it is busy in the corridors of the Greek MoD. Lockheed Martin is offering an adapted version of its Multi-Mission Surface Combatant for the Greek government’s future frigate program, which is scheduled to be awarded later this fall.
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/lockheed-facing-intense-competition-to-build-greeces-next-frigate/

***
The renewable military:

“Fuel, additives you don’t have to bring everything.”

"The only thing I wish to move is lethality,” Marine Lt. Gen. Smith said.

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/08/06/is-expeditionary-foraging-in-the-corps-future/

August 5

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The next offer of weaponry to Greece: Two of Britain’s aged and retiring warships are to be offered to the Hellenic Navy to help Babcock International win a multibillion-pound deal with Greece to build new frigates and upgrade its fleet.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britains-ageing-frigates-are-a-gift-in-greek-navy-deal-nj2wgjsqz

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Are the billions for the military - protecting a fossil fuel economy - well spend or do we need more to counter climate change?
"A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West."
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/08/04/more-national-guard-soldiers-ordered-to-help-with-wildfires-in-montana/

Addition: Zijn de miljarden voor Defensie - dat de fossiele brandstof economie verdedigt - goed besteed of hebben meer nodig in de strijd tegen klimaat verandering.
In Defensie PR-bericht missen de woorden "Klimaat verandering," zoals wel in de Military Times.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/08/04/defensiehelikopters-naar-albanie-voor-blussen-natuurbranden

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US, Afghan airstrikes pummel Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch asked both sides to take care to prevent civilian casualties as the fighting rages on.
https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2021/08/04/us-afghan-airstrikes-pummel-taliban-positions-in-southern-afghanistan/

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Germany's informal hold on defence exports to Turkey remains in place over concerns about the destination of arms, a European official told journalists on Wednesday.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-germany-informal-halt-arms-exports-continues

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Some lines may temper optimism: Sales of major systems, such as air defense systems or naval systems, could be slowed although they likely would still go ahead/Overall, the Biden people seem to be in the same mode as the Trump people ...on... arms exports
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-biden-plans-shift-arms-export-policy-favor-human-rights-sources-2021-08-04/

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Mexico sleept Amerikaanse wapenproducenten (o.a. Smith & Wesson, Barrett Firearms, Beretta, Glock en Colt) voor de rechter. De bedrijven zouden medeschuldig zijn aan de instroom van wapens die het geweld in Mexico aanwakkeren. https://www.telegraaf.nl/financieel/1736122533/mexico-sleept-amerikaanse-wapenproducenten-voor-de-rechter

Geteisterd Mexico sleept wapenfabrikanten voor de rechter. https://fd.nl/samenleving/1414014/geteisterd-mexico-sleept-wapenfabrikanten-voor-de-rechter

Addition: Mexico has sued weapons manufacturers (Smith&Wesson, Barrett Firearms, Colt, Glock, Sturm, Ruger & Co and others) in a US federal court over the reckless business practices that allowed Mexican drug cartels to possess weapons, causing thousands of deaths. https://voi.id/en/news/73164/mexican-government-sues-colt-to-glock-over-illegal-arms-trade

August 4

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Some info, not details, of the compliance of #EDF are not releasable, but - how reassuring - the Commission will ensure that the ethics procedures are as transparent as possible & include them in its interim evaluation report of the European Defence Fund, @ThierryBreton answered.

Question on Ombudsman guidance on ensuring the European Defence Fund projects comply with international law and have no adverse impact on human rights,
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001518_EN.html
zanswer:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001518-ASW_EN.pdf
Decision Ombudsman:
https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/decision/en/139074
Thanks to @Vredesactie

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As Myanmar's crisis deepens amid a growing Covid outbreak, collapsing economy & repressive military coup, rising anger & insecurity are galvanizing calls 4 the shadow National Unity Government #NUG to launch a nationwide armed uprising against the regime.
https://asiatimes.com/2021/08/rising-cry-for-civil-war-in-myanmar/

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The repeated misery in armed forces around the world: Women soldiers say they are facing repeated attempts at unwanted sexual relations, being “ignored,” “mistreated” & “insulted “due to their gender and hearing they aren't as good as men, Rand concluded. https://rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RRA1300/RRA1385-1/RAND_RRA1385-1.pdf

Addition: More than half of women in US Army report facing some form of sexual harassment https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/08/03/more-than-half-of-women-in-army-report-facing-some-form-of-sexual-harassment-study/

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US Special Ops Command will acquire light aircraft. Congress & the Air Force remain wary. #SOCOM doesn't want to depend on fighter jets, such as the F-22 or the F-35, that cost between $30,000 to $70,000 an hour to operate and develops its own air force.
https://www.businessinsider.com/us-socom-has-big-plans-for-armed-overwatch-attack-planes-2021-8


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By adopting resolution 2588 (2021) by 14 votes in favour and one abstention (China), the Security Council decided to extend the arms embargo on the Central African Republic #CAR for one year, while creating a new exemption for mortars of a certain caliber. https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/no-arms-supplies-in-the-central-african-republic-for-another-year/

Addition: Clause 1.g of S/RES/2588 (2021) states that the measures shall not apply to: Supplies of weapons with a calibre of 14.5, mortars 60/80mm, RPGs & ammo intended solely for support of or use in the CAR process of SSR, as notified in advance to the Committee. https://undocs.org/S/RES/2588(2021)

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UK and Kenya sign new Defence Cooperation Agreement to tackle shared threat from Al-Shabaab. Includes the annual training 1,100 Kenyan soldiers annually to fight Al-Shabaab and around 5 joint training exercises, involving +/- 750 Kenyan & 5,000 UK troops. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-kenya-sign-new-defence-cooperation-agreement-to-tackle-shared-threat-from-al-shabaab

August 3

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Dutch government is restrictive on arms exports, but gave green light for #Damen naval vessel export to Pakistan (region of tension India-Pak; and major ally of China). Now second of class is being build.
https://www.hilal.gov.pk/eng-article/detail/MTQ4Nw==.html

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Growing support for legislation by Murphy, Sanders, and Lee to reclaim Congress's critical role in national security matters, included on arms exports.
https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-grows-for-murphy-lee-sanders-bipartisan-legislation-to-overhaul-congresss-role-in-national-security

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US firm Parker-Hannifin want to takeover UK Meggitt, a company with 9,000 staff globally, which makes parts for Typhoon fighters, US F-35s and Hercules military planes. Some want UK government to protect Meggitt against it. This the limit on #FreeMarket? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9853901/Minister-goes-battle-6bn-defence-raid.html

August 2

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Frankfurter Rundschau forum on arms exports links peace and environmental policy, and rightly so.
Who wants to protect the climate must disarm (Wer das Klima schützen wolle, müsse abrüsten) argued Linke MP Dagdelen. https://www.fr.de/politik/abruesten-fuers-klima-90895729.html

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Biometric identity database and registry systems in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, much of the funding comes through Civipol, a consulting firm attached to France's interior ministry & part-owned by #Milipol, one of the most important global arms trade fairs.
https://www.euronews.com/2021/07/30/european-funds-for-african-ids-migration-regulation-tool-or-privacy-risk

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Committees on Arms Export Controls #CAEC calls for comments on UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2020.
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/15/committees-on-arms-export-controls/news/156984/uk-arms-exports-in-2019-further-call-for-evidence/

When searching for CAEC and arms I get back a mixed appreciation of its work and membership. https://twitter.com/search?q=CAEC%20arms&src=typed_query

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Engineers from QuTech (a collaboration between TU Delft and TNO) can use measurement device-independent (MDI) quantum key distribution (QKD) to ensure untappable communication that is scalable in costs for multiple users.
https://qutech.nl/2021/07/06/untappable-quantum-cryptography-becomes-practical-with-mdi-qkd/

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#Airbus' overall turnover jumped 30% to €24.6bn, with a net profit €2.2bn Jan-Jun 2021. Turnover for commercial aircraft rose 42%, Airbus Helicopters climbed 11%. Military & space remained stable, although earnings before interest and taxes doubled.
https://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/financial-and-company-information/Press-Release-Airbus-H1-2021-Results.pdf

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Rocket Ariane 5 takes off successfully carrying 2 #satellites into orbit. Intelsat will market will market capacity on Eutelsat Quantumto the US military https://spacenews.com/intelsat-to-market-half-of-capacity-on-eutelsats-quantum-satellite/ and the other the Star One D2 with a military X-band payload. https://spacenews.com/brazils-star-one-taps-ssl-for-satellite-arianespace-for-launch/