Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
August
31
***
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.
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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)
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
#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
***
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/
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
"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/
***
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
***
"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
***
Taliban's
captured war material; Afghanistan's army was well equipped - with
weapons from Nato countries.
***
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/
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
"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"
***
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.
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
#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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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.
August
5
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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/
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
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/
***
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
***
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)
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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
***
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/
***
#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
***
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/
