woensdag 8 september 2021

My tweets for September 2021

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

September 30

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Isn't this problematic in the light of the illegal occupation of Western Sahara? Moroccan Royal Air Forces #FRA personnel is currently undergoing intensive training on US 24 AH-64E #Apache attack helicopters, which the Kingdom will receive (+ 12 optional). https://moroccolatestnews.com/intensive-training-for-apache-ah-64e-pilots-and-technicians/

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Missile defence back into nuclear arms control talks has security gains—curbing the current offence–defence arms race, enabling progress on nuclear disarmament— & would outweigh political costs. https://www.sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2021/time-factor-missile-defence-nuclear-arms-control-talks

"capping the US strategic interceptors to 200?" as a start?

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The Netherlands delivers in millions to the island State. In the first four months of 2021 submarine parts valued € 3.3 million were licensed. It is a steady flow year after year since the Sea Dragon submarines were delivered. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_uitvoer_rev06092021.csv

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“Be a goldfish,” with “a 10-second memory”. That may be good advice to an athlete needing to put the distracting memory of a failure behind. It is not an approach that the US government should take deciding on arms sales and military assistance to Egypt. https://www.justsecurity.org/78394/dont-be-a-goldfish-human-rights-and-u-s-military-financing-for-egypt/

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Labour leader Keir Starmer hoped he would hammer the final nails into the coffin of support for Jeremy Corbyn and his left-wing policies in Brighton.

But delegates had other ideas. Labour's Palestine motion means Keir Starmer's war on the left is not over. https://dissidentvoice.org/2021/09/labours-palestine-motion-means-keir-starmers-war-on-the-left-is-not-over/

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The bypassing of ASEAN. Former Malaysian deputy MoD Liew Chin Tong concurred that there is still a role for ASEAN in the current geopolitical landscape. He would like to see member states to find a strong common position to hold back the great powers. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/alliance-09282021162640.html

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Russia is holding up the appointment of experts to monitor implementation of sanctions on 4 African countries, South Sudan, Congo, CAR and Mali. It is saying the panels are not geographically balanced and some members are not impartial. https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/2021/09/30/un-diplomats-say-russia-is-blocking-sanctions-experts-in-africa/

The Reports on the sanctioned countries are extremely important. Just some examples (Google for more):

On Libya (panel selected untill 150822 https://apnews.com/article/europe-middle-east-africa-russia-united-nations-5736d78d22ec648198dfab74600d9132)

US Eric Prince, and Dutch involvement. https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=S%2F2021%2F229&Language=E&DeviceType=Mobile

On Canada and Yemen: https://twitter.com/stevenchase/status/1304136706585751554

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Arms exports are not a predominantly an economic activity but first of all a political enterprise as the previous tweet https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1443479775952134146 in combination with the MoU between Greek MoD Panayotópoulos, Naval Group and MBDA on the frigate sale shows. https://www.naval-technology.com/news/naval-group-mbda-fdi-frigates-mou/

“As a first-rank frigate, the FDI HN is a compendium of the best technologies of Naval Group, Thales and MBDA, which will notably supply the ASTER 30 B1 and Exocet MM40 Block 3C missiles.”

The fight for Greece. How France and Washington try - and sometimes succeed - in countering eacht other arms sales programs. FDI frigates in Greece: behind-the-scenes games from the United States and France. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/fregates-fdi-en-grece-les-jeux-en-coulisse-des-etats-unis-et-de-la-france-893489.html

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BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific 290921 collected Chinese opposition articles. on Aukus. In one piece it is regarded as as part of a wider network of China-targeted alliances & activities promoted by Biden, the Quad, Group of Seven G7 & Indo-Pacific military exercises & naval visits.

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France and Greece have signed a major arms deals but also a landmark military agreement that provides mutual assistance in the event of one party coming under attack by a third country, even if the latter belongs to NATO. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/france-and-greece-take-first-step-towards-eu-force-in-nato/


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The 23rd EU Annual Report on Arms Exports was adopted by the Council yesterday. With over 30.000 licenses issued for a license value of almost € 167 billion the EU remains an important exporter of military equipment and technology. https://eeas.europa.eu/topics/security-defence-crisis-response/104754/23rd-annual-report-arms-exports-launched-today-289-eu-transparent-and-responsible-trader-arms_en

Although I should know better, again surprised by the Swedish arms export policy to Saudi Arabia.

The report in one piece. It is published by the EU in 7 different pieces. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Idhs2GpQPyg-RGllE8DBByW6AGqYcbFl/view?usp=sharing
For those who want the report in one piece I've merged it.

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Italy plans to arm its #Reaper #drones, years after it first received permission from the US to do so. Rome detailed planned spending of €59m on the project over the next seven years in its 2021 budget, adding that the total outlay would rise to €168m. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/29/italy-funds-arming-its-reaper-drones/

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Ukraine hopes to quickly buy 24 Turkish drones, but the former’s adversary & the latter’s ally could upend the potential sale. Turkey is Russia’s closest ally in NATO — which Ukraine wants to join — but Ankara and Moscow have diverging interests over Kyiv. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/09/29/ukraine-is-set-to-buy-24-turkish-drones-so-why-hasnt-russia-pushed-back/

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Canada goes from human-rights defender to gunrunner. https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/cohen-canada-goes-from-human-rights-defender-to-gunrunner

September 29

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Iraq is planning to acquire a dozen JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan and has reportedly set aside $600 million for the procurement, as local media reports.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/26-Sep-2021/iraq-plans-to-buy-12-jf-17-thunder-jets-from-pakistan-reports

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Rwandan colonel, convicted of “war crimes” & “genocide”, died. Bagosora's dead points at an open nerve in French arms export policy. He concluded a arms sale with the backing of French bank, BNP, in June 1994, months after the start of the massacres.
https://www.humanite.fr/rwanda-mort-de-theoneste-bagosora-une-des-figures-du-genocide-721667

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Rüstungsexporte in Bürgerkriegsländer; Waffenlobby muss Niederlage einstecken

Arms exports to civil war countries; Swiss military-industrial lobby suffers defeat.

Blick, 29. September 2021 by @Daniel_Ballmer

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Two wrongs don't make a right, but it is good to remember: No one does self-interested arms deals like the French.

Articles provides some clear examples: helicopter carrier for Russia, marketing nuclear subs to Brazil, exocet missiles to Argentine. https://www.themandarin.com.au/170248-no-one-does-self-interested-arms-deals-like-the-french/

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Struggle for super power influence. Algeria is a major destination for Chinese arms exports and bought between 2010-20 30% of Chinese arms sales to Africa. While Morocco still buys most from the US, China is expanding its military-to-military cooperation.
https://asiatimes.com/2021/09/chinas-rise-in-north-africa-wont-abate-any-time-soon/

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Pressure for a UN arms embargo on Myanmar does not stop, like here by Human Rights Watch. But how to get all members of the Security Council backing it, remains the question for diplomats.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/09/27/what-impunity-looks

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The Norwegian Defence Material Agency #NDMA signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defence Material Organisation #DMO for five Thales Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars (GM200 MM/C) in May 2021.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/norway/press_release/thales-and-ritek-expand-their-radar-collaboration

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Difficult to find a better example showing how arms sales & acquisitions go at the cost of security instead of improving it. CASA CN-235 painted in Madagascar's colors of the island nation, but never delivered. It couldn't pay for it. € 4 million lost.
https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2021/09/16/mauvais-payeur-madagascar-perd-son-seul-avion-de-transport-militaire_6094928_3212.html

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3 #NavalGroup frigates for #Greece. #French PM Macron and Greek PM Mitsotakis announced September 28, this as a show of a strengthening of strategic cooperation. Greece wants to oppose Turkey's presence in the eastern #Mediterranean. #NATO
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2021/09/28/la-france-vend-trois-fregates-de-defense-a-la-grece-deux-semaines-apres-la-crise-des-sous-marins-avec-l-australie_6096287_3234.html

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AUKUS raakt ook Den Helder, schrijft @EricVrijsen in de komende Elsevier. Hij verwacht o.a. dat het Franse aanbod voor Nederlandse onderzeeërs wordt en goedkoper, dat de link met Australische onderzeebootofficieren verminderd.

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Could Britain stop Argentina from buying the Chinese/Pak JF-17 warplane? The UK previously pressured suppliers to cancel deals with Argentina, or sabotaged them by embargoing critical British components.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2021/09/28/could-britain-stop-argentina-from-buying-the-jf-17-warplane/

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The Czech Ministry of Defence has signed a deal to acquire the Spyder surface-to-air missile systems made by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The contract is worth 13.69 billion koruna (US$627 million), the ministry said in a statement. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/28/czech-republic-buys-israeli-spyder-air-defense-weapon-for-627-million/

September 28

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Jury finds that MD Helicopters broke federal rules through its relationship with Army procurement officer. A federal jury awarding $36 million in damages to the government and whistleblowers, an amount that could be tripled under a federal law. #corruption
https://www.wsj.com/articles/lynn-tilton-backed-army-contractor-hit-with-36-million-verdict-in-fraud-case-11632771635

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Indonesia, Turkey strengthen aerospace cooperation with new deal. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) (PTDI) and Turkish company Hava Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.?. (HAVELSAN) agreed to jointly develop a simulator for N219 aircraft.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/indonesia-turkey-strengthen-aerospace-cooperation-with-new-deal

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CATO institute on US arms control Bill. Nowhere is the current imbalance of power more obvious than in arms sales. Over the past 20 years, the White House has sold weapons worth more than $888 billion to 167 countries, including countries mired in conflict, countries .../2
whose governments routinely turn weapons on their own people, and countries in which corruption makes it impossible to know where American weapons will wind up being used, or by whom.
https://www.cato.org/commentary/new-bill-seeks-patch-flaws-arms-export-control-act

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New Zealand independent arms export control review acknowledges that administering a system of export controls is inherently difficult and is becoming more so with the changing international situation and the pace of technological developments.
https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/independent-report-into-export-controls-system-released/

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Emily Thornberry, UK shadow international trade secretary, has told a fringe meeting that Labour would apply the same controls to the provision of military & police training to foreign governments as already apply to the exUAEport of arms to foreign regimes.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2021/sep/27/labour-conference-live-keir-starmer-mandelson-leadership-election-rule-change-corbyn

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Liverpool mobilises against the AOC Europe arms fair

After two decades of war in Afghanistan, there is no option but to protest a conference for companies complicit in human rights violations

https://www.redpepper.org.uk/liverpool-mobilises-against-the-aoc-europe-arms-fair/

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Turkse media uitten hun bezorgdheid erover dat een spionagecel technologieprojecten heeft gelekt naar Israëlische bedrijven. Eerder beschuldigde een openbare aanklager 11 personen van het lekken van defensie-industrieële info naar internationale bedrijven. https://www.dejongeturken.com/spionagecel-lekt-details-van-turkse-defensieprojecten-naar-israel/

September 27

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Rohde & Schwarz was awarded a contract to provide the R&S KORA system for communications and radar electronic support measures (ESM) for new German, Damen built, F126 frigates. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/rohde-schwarz-to-provide-rs-kora-for-f126-frigates/

September 25

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Retweet @JafariPeyman: AUKUS marks the intensification of great power politics, which some of us prefer to call by its name, inter-imperialist rivalry. But its military dimension also underlines the continuity of American foreign policy under different presidents. https://www.economist.com/international/2021/09/19/the-strategic-reverberations-of-the-aukus-deal-will-be-big-and-lasting

September 26

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Turkey reportedly handed over first units of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones to Morocco last week. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (Far-Maroc) signed an agreement with Turkish drone maker Baykar Savunma for 13 Bayraktar TB2s in April. Contract was worth $70m.https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/morocco-receives-1st-turkish-bayraktar-tb2-delivery-reports

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The war has stopped, but the war goes on. When U.S. Central Command authorizes strikes against groups like ISIS-K or al Qaida in Afghanistan, they won’t be negotiating with the Taliban about where and when they can drop bombs.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/09/24/us-wont-be-asking-taliban-permission-to-strike-terror-groups-in-afghanistan/

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India the 2nd biggest importer of arms after Saudi Arabia beat it in the arms-buying race, whereas Pakistan is ranked at the 10th position in this respect, according to a yearbook 2021 of SIPRI. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/894876-india-second-pakistan-10th-biggest-arm-importer-sipri

What about the EU: http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/overview

September 23

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The expulsion of convicted Dutch businessman Guus Kouwenhoven from South Africa is one step closer, according to the South African newspaper Daily Maverick, "the convicted war criminal can indeed be sent packing."
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-09-22-supreme-court-dismisses-dutch-war-criminal-guus-kouwenhovens-appeals-in-attempt-to-avoid-extradition/

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Has India's position to buy French nuclear submarine strengthened because of the AUKUS pact? India's First Post believes it is.
https://www.firstpost.com/india/aukus-has-opened-a-huge-strategic-opportunity-for-india-and-france-is-a-key-player-in-the-equation-9989041.html

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The UN said the Congolese army is involved in the trafficking of arms and ammunition to fuel armed conflicts in the east. UN experts confirmed the seizure of 83 boxes of ammo and a bag containing various ammunition for automatic weapons.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/un-concerned-rebels-in-eastern-dem-rep-of-congo-getting-arms-from-army/2372449

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Wat 'n niveau: 'Liever Hollands welvaren in zee dan een Frans stokbrood langs de kade,' zegt SGP'er @chris_stoffer Gaat over 'n Zweedse! gedateerde onderzeeër, die gebouwd zou worden MET Damen. Tegenover een Franse onderzeeër MET IHC. Beide geen ervaring. https://www.nd.nl/nieuws/economie/1061741/een-potje-risk-met-onderzeeboten

En passant maakt hij van Airbus, de Duits-Frans-Spaanse vliegtuigbouwer een Frans project i.p.v. een Europees. Hij vergeet dat de Britten liever hun eigen weg gingen. Airbus zetelt overigens in Nederland om belastingtechnische redenen en heeft een ruimtevaart afdeling in Leiden.

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A proud history: "Nevesbu has been designing submarines since its founding year in 1935."
http://www.nevesbu.com/en-US/Nevesbu/Markets/Submarines

#Nevesbu started in '35 in the building where also the German U-boot companies AFAT & IvS (in NL to escape '18 treaty clauses) were located. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2018/09/onderzeeboten-in-troebel-vaarwater-een.html

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The Netherlands Defence Academy #NLDA published a book on Compliance and Integrity in

Int. Military Trade #CIIMT focussing on economics, export control, ethics, and legal aspects. Attention is given to Saudi Arabia, F-35, Dutch arms control history etc. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-94-6265-471-6.pdf

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Years of cooperation with NATO countries and investing hundreds of billions of lire - at the cost of Turkish citizens - has created a small step forward for the Turkish military industry. It can now independently produce a tiny missile engine (KTJ-3200).
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/09/21/turkish-firm-kale-delivers-homemade-turbojet-engine-for-missiles/

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Human rights? The UAE & UK recently signed a MoU on #AI that would see the transfer of related knowledge & investment. Also the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Council signed a memo with the UK MoD to strengthen cooperation in defense-related R&D.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/2021/09/22/uae-britain-ink-defense-research-and-ai-tech-deals-heres-what-comes-next/

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#AUKUS is drawing fresh attention to nascent EU cooperation programs designed to build bridges to the US & UK. Involved in several so-called PESCO programs, Paris has veto power when it comes to allowing non-EU members into this defence collaborations.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/22/french-submarine-snub-tests-eu-defense-cooperation-avenues/

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President Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to the Middle East next week in an effort to smooth over relations with Saudi Arabia. He's also expected to visit Egypt and the UAE.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10018237/National-Security-Advisor-Jake-Sullivan-travel-Saudi-Arabia-smooth-relations.html

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Chinese Global Times connects AUKUS pact to growing influence of US military industry: The desire of arms dealers to get profited is constantly pushing Washington to keep pursuing war targets, creating tensions in some hot spots, and gaining profits by ...
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202109/1234813.shtml

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"A major blow" against a French policy aiming for "a unified Europe that can stand as peer to the US or China ... to bring France, a vehicle for its ambitions, and for all Europe, escape from US dominance."

The blow also keeps the EU under the US. #AUKUS https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/22/world/europe/france-submarines-biden.html

September 22

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Krauss-Maffei Wegmann partnered with Dutch company #Defenture https://www.defenture.com/) to build new vehicles to replace the German Army’s 2 decades-old vehicles. They plan to develop a vehicle based on Defenture’s VECTOR light all-terrain tactical vehicle.
https://www.kmweg.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fce/PDF/Pressemitteilungen/20210916-Krauss-Maffei_Wegmann_und_DEFENTURE_planen_Kooperation.pdf

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Progress on the development of a new cruise missile for the British and French militaries could become a victim in the row over the nuclear submarine pact announced by Australia, the US and UK last week.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/21/decisions-on-new-british-french-cruise-missile-are-left-hanging-after-submarine-row/

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Peace organisations on AUKUS:

Many anti-nuclear reasons to oppose AUKUS. https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2021/09/20/many-anti-nuclear-reasons-to-oppose-aukus/

Why we say No to AUSUK https://newcoldwar.org/kate-hudson-why-we-say-no-to-ausuk/

September 21

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Systematic A/S, a software and systems company headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, never ceased to supply military software to the UAE, even though Denmark has put a stop to all military exports to a country suspected of war crimes in Yemen.
https://danwatch.dk/en/undersoegelse/despite-a-danish-export-ban-denmarks-largest-it-company-is-arming-the-uae-military/

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Nuclearise space: Pentagon taps industry for nuclear-powered propulsion for its satellites.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/09/10/pentagon-taps-industry-for-nuclear-powered-propulsion-for-its-satellites/

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When you'll fly away (better not) know that Boeing recently clinched a contract involving the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The Air Force #Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill Air Force Base, UT has awarded the agreement.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/boeing-ba-wins-%241.6b-deal-to-repair-minuteman-iii-icbm-2021-09-20

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Boris Johnson’s military alliance in the Pacific is reckless post-imperial nostalgia, an Oped in the Guardian headlines.

But @POTUS & @ScottMorrisonMP, are also members of the confrontational Cold War pact. Indeed, they are no Europeans. But is Johnson? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/20/boris-johnson-military-alliance-pacific-reckless-post-imperial-nostalgia-aukus

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UK Ministry of Defence advertises lethal pistols as 'crowd control' weapons at arms fair.
https://inews.co.uk/news/ministry-defence-surplus-pistols-crowd-control-arms-fair-1208365

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Schrijfster May-May Meijer vindt dat de Europese Unie terug moet naar haar vredesideaal. De door @CTWnl geconstateerde uitgave van € 8 miljard voor onderzoek en ontwikkeling van wapens en militaire technologie staat hiermee op gespannen voet.
https://www.parool.nl/columns-opinie/opinie-zet-deze-vijf-stappen-op-de-weg-naar-vrede~b9e9bdce/

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US member of congress AOC introduces amendment to halt US arms sale to Israel. https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/aoc-introduces-amendment-to-halt-us-arms-sale-to-israel-679763

Amendment: https://amendments-rules.house.gov/amendments/OCASNY_070_xml210915124303632.pdf

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Le Gican, the union that organise companies in the French naval industry, assumes 26 entities have created or strengthened their presence in Australia because of this program, which was to connect Paris and Canberra for decades.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/sous-marins-australiens-les-negociations-sur-les-indemnites-demarrent-1347762

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Maakt Damen meer kans om Nederlandse onderzeeërs te mogen bouwen nu de Naval Group, de levering aan Australië misloopt? Defensiespecialisten betwijfelen het. Behalve Dick Zandee van @Clingedael. Jaime Karremann van @marineschepen heeft een scherpere visie.
https://www.bndestem.nl/zeeland/internationale-onderzeebootrel-niet-per-se-gunstig-voor-damen-frankrijk-zal-nu-de-druk-op-nederland-opvoeren~ad70716a/

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Malaysia and Indonesia laid out worries about a potential nuclear arms race in Asia, after the AUKUS nuclear subs deal was announced last week.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3149451/not-defence-alliance-australia-looks-assuage-aseans-concerns

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Brief, “Demystifying End-Use Monitoring #EUM in US Arms Exports“, provides an overview of current EUM policies, dispels commonly held misconceptions of current EUM practice, and offers recommendations for how these regulations could be strengthened. https://civiliansinconflict.org/eum/

September 20

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The Iranian nuclear scientist and the A.I.-assisted Israeli remote-control killing machine. Only one part of the operation did not happen according to plan, so the Revolutionary Guards’ could assess how the assassination by Israel in Iran was executed.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/18/world/middleeast/iran-nuclear-fakhrizadeh-assassination-israel.html

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If an assault rifle augmentation system from Israeli Elbit Systems works as advertised, special operations troops or dismounted infantry could gain the ability to shoot around corners or fire from the hip “Rambo style” with no loss of accuracy.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2021/09/17/soldiers-could-shoot-rambo-style-with-elbit-systems-smart-assault-rifle-tech

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Een belangrijk argument voor de Nl diesel AIP onderzeeërs was dat ze moeilijk te detecteren zouden zijn in kustwateren. Sandee denkt kennelijk dat wapenproductie commercieel van aard is. Wie de andere betrokken zijn? Zelfs Damen houdt een slag om de arm.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1413043/militaire-pact-australie-verbetert-positie-damen-bij-bouw-nederlandse-onderzeeers-lti1ca6cLtQ3

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The Indian Air Force is about to spend $31 million to acquire 24 second-hand Mirage 2000 fighters to bolster its fleet and create a spare parts pool.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-to-bolster-fighter-fleet-with-24-second-hand-mirages-101631836620386.html

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The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Continuation of Maintenance Support Services (MSS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/saudi-arabia-continuation-maintenance-support-services-mss-0

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Analysts say the United Arab Emirates could look into the purchase of Rafale fighters from France again as the Gulf State aims to diversify its weapons supply base and reduce its reliance on the United States.
https://thearabweekly.com/uae-eyes-french-alternative-us-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-holds-talks-paris

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Britain rules the waves (in the wash of Washington now proliferating nuclear subs), but waste water isn't treated, empty shelves in supermarkets etc. That's the kind of security post-Brexit UK provides its citizens and the world.
https://www.standaard.be/cnt/DMF20210917_97362759

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Threatening the security of many: 10 Years after the Western supported overthrow of Ghaddafi the flow of weapons into the region from the Libyan arsenals is still streaming.

Sudanese authorities confiscate a shipment of weapons smuggled from Libya. https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/sudanese-authorities-confiscate-shipment-weapons-smuggled-libya

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What the US/UK/Aus pact of last week created is a array of criticism towards a narrow and dangerous power political approach to security. Arms races and nuclear policy are not in the interest of the population of Asia, it is argued eg in the Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/20/opinion/columns/new-arms-and-nuclear-risks-could-spell-end-to-asian-century/1815369

September 17

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Retwweet @londoncaat: Nothing to hide here’: Inside the world’s largest arms fair in the heart of London https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-09-17-nothing-to-hide-here-inside-the-worlds-largest-arms-fair-in-the-heart-of-london/

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Slovak parliament okays strengthening of Irini military operation. https://www.tasr.sk/tasr-clanok/TASR:2021091600000485

***
Head of Saudi Arabian Military Industries believes the state owned business could be run by a Saudi female in the future as it seeks to attract top talent back to the Kingdom. Good news for those in Yemen & others repressed by KSA? More on #SAMI in article https://www.arabnews.com/node/1929801/business-economy

Joint venture deals have already been struck with French company Thales and Belgium based firm CMI Defence, and memorandums of understanding have been signed with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, US’s Boeing, and France’s Naval Group.

***
UK, US, Australia fight China & France in a single blow. France "has an important presence in the Indo-Pacific, & is a key partner & ally," said Joe Biden. Paris considers this kindness to be poor in view of the turnaround, under probable US pressure. https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2021/09/16/crise-diplomatique-entre-washington-et-paris-au-sujet-des-sous-marins-australiens_6094856_3210.html

***
Retweet @tribunemagazine: The nuclear submarine deal between the UK, the US, and Australia has been sold as an effort to promote peace and stability – but it’s just the latest confrontation with China in what is quickly becoming a new Cold War. https://tribunemag.co.uk/2021/09/aukus-is-one-step-closer-to-the-new-cold-war

***
It is an enormous decision made by Australia to embark on a nuclear submarine program in the context of nuclear and security policy. Here a thread with some backgrounds.

Retweet with comment @EngageStrategy1: A couple of thoughts on the Australian decision to abandon the Attack-class diesel-electric submarine programme in favor of pursuing a nuclear-powered submarine fleet in co-operation with the USA and UK./1

***
India’s #HAL signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce for Make-in-India Adour engine parts to support the latter's international defence customer base. India’s Jaguar aircraft are powered by 2 Adour engines, license (by RR/Turbomeca) produced since 1981. https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/hal-rolls-royce-sign-pact-for-make-in-india-adour-engine-parts-121091400931_1.html

***
US House Armed Services Committee noted that 20 years of agressieve “development and production schedules” have resulted “in longer schedules and much higher costs than planned to realize less than full warfighting capabilities required by the DoD.” https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-15/f-35-risks-falling-behind-china-and-russia-defenses-panel-warns

September 16

***
Lockheed refines bid to modernize the Greek frigate fleet. Here’s what it’s offering.

The Greek Navy wants to buy 4 new frigates, modernize existing ones and receive an interim capability during the entire process.

Greece will choose by the end of 2021.

https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/16/lockheed-refines-bid-to-modernize-the-greek-frigate-fleet-heres-what-its-offering/

***
Canada must stop arming Saudi Arabia, four former MPs say

'So long as the arms continue to flow, this war is just going to get worse,' says one expert.

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/canada-must-stop-arming-saudi-arabia-four-former-mps-say

***
President of ParisTech downplays connection to Chinese military #PLA.

1st by a blunt “If so, so what ?”

2nd he argues all universities in France have had a contract with Thales !

Implicating French universities and thus science are part of the MIC. https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2021/09/15/un-partenariat-passe-entre-paristech-et-une-universite-chinoise-inquiete-les-services-de-securite-francais_6094764_3224.html

***
UK's defense secretary Wallace said: "It's time that together we take Saudi and British capacity together, in Saudi with #Saudi skills, for the next generation, I think that's really very important, absolutely vital." One of the reasons to state: #StopDSEI
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1929466/business-economy

***
Weer tijd om wapens te slijten! Kom op 28 nov naar Rotjeknor er is nog ruimte op de bazaar.

"#NEDS is het grootste zakelijke evenement voor de Nederlandse defensie- en veiligheidssector en hét moment om producenten, gebruikers en uw netwerk te ontmoeten." https://www.nidvexhibition.eu/

***
Although Germany is not imposing a formal arms embargo against Turkey, an “informal” one is in place, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told columnist Sedat Ergin from pro-government daily Hürriyet.
https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/yazarlar/sedat-ergin/almanyadan-turkiyeye-adi-konmamis-silah-ambargosu-41894252 Rightly so, one may add.

***
Is a new Cold War emerging?

Boris Johnson, Joe Biden & Scott Morrison “We will leverage expertise from the US and the UK, building on the two countries’ submarine programmes to bring an Australian capability into service at the earliest achievable date.”

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/submarine-pact-with-australia-against-china-qnjv9rskn

Addition: While the new pact is yet another step to counter China’s, it will also upend Australia’s largest-ever defense contract, a AUS$90 billion deal to build submarines designed by the French company Naval Group, the Australia-based ABC News was first to report. https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/congress/2021/09/15/new-pact-with-the-us-and-uk-is-set-to-sink-australias-historic-submarine-buy-from-france/

***
Swiss won’t vote on arms export ban proposal. The broad alliance of political parties and non-governmental groups behind the proposal says it is pleased that parliament has agreed a compromise.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-won-t-vote-on-arms-export-ban-proposal/46950044

Addition: After the Council of States, the National Council tightened the criteria for arms exports on Wednesday. The Federal Council should no longer make its own decisions. https://news.in-24.com/news/167299.html

***
UK, Sweden, Italy and Japan

against France, Germany and Spain.

Japan could be the next partner nation for the trinational, British-led next-generation fighter program, an official hinted at the DSEI arms trade show in London. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/15/japan-could-become-partner-nation-on-uk-led-future-fighter-effort-says-program-director/

And many other Member States with the US (F-16, F/A-18, F-35) against Germany, France, Brussels, Spain, Sweden and Italy. What a mess, veiled under a state of the union.

***
How to make buying European more attractive:

Ursula von der Leyen: One example could be to consider waiving VAT when buying defence equipment developed and produced in Europe.

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/SPEECH_21_4701

September 15

***
The next step in the submarine marketing. Saab is pleased to invite media, financial analysts and investors to the annual submarine seminar on September 28. Join our online seminar to learn more about Saab´s submarine operations. Obviously with Dutch Damen https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/welcome-to-saabs-submarine-seminar

***
Protest from personnel inside the DSEI arms fair against 'British imperialism'. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9989741/Communist-ExCeL-staff-sabotage-London-arms-fair.html

***
3 Ex-Officers in US Intelligence admit hacks for UAE https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/men-charged-us-united-arab-emirates-hacking-scheme-80020627 Marc Baier, Ryan Adams and Daniel Gericke left their intelligence jobs in the US to work for Project #Raven, an advanced cyber ops program.

Additional: Backgrounder on this cyber operation which included targeting human rights activists and preventing it by law. Lawfare: “Prosecuting Project Raven: A New Frontier for Export Control Enforcement” https://www.lawfareblog.com/prosecuting-project-raven-new-frontier-export-control-enforcement

***
During the last few weeks, the US has removed its most advanced air defense system, the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense #THAAD system, as well as Patriot missile batteries from Saudi Arabia. For political reasoning behind this redeployment more here:
https://apnews.com/article/iran-asia-afghanistan-dubai-middle-east-b6aaf30d689d0a8e45901e51f0457381

***
CDR Hofkamp defensieattaché in Washington:
“En toch is Nederland als klein land een belangrijke bondgenoot voor de VS, omdat we een grote investeerder zijn, zoals in het F-35 project. Daarnaast beschikken we over innovatiekracht, ook binnen het cyberdomein, en over belangrijke kennisinstituten.” https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2021/07/09_washington

Het is enigszins bevreemdend dat tegelijkertijd in Brussel door Ursula von der Leyen een heel andere werkelijkheid wordt uitgedragen, waar de EU centraal staat bij vraagstukken van militaire kwesties, zoals de aanschaf van gevechtsvliegtuigen. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/SPEECH_21_4701

***
Germany and the Middle East: A tale of morals and markets Germany's foreign policy is explicitly values-based. But what happens when democracy, the rule of law and human rights collide with the logic of trade and business, like in case of arms sales. https://dw.com/en/germany-and-the-middle-east-a-tale-of-morals-and-markets/a-59120611

For those in the UK who really believe it is only the UK and US (and maybe France) who aren't walking the arms control talk, read e.g. this peace on German arms export policy. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-and-the-middle-east-a-tale-of-morals-and-markets/a-59120611

***
Arms exports: there are signs of stricter export practices in Swiss parliament

A majority is emerging in the National Council for this. On Monday, people raised the question of whether the policy would allow the Federal Council a loophole.

https://www.theswitzerlandtimes.com/arms-exports-a-stricter-regime-is-emerging-in-parliament/

***
European academia, R&D, and industry from six nations start to develop a new anti-submarine system. Remarkable is that the Netherlands (with its industry bragging how good they are on submarine tech as part of a sales pitch) isn't not involved. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/14/thales-led-industry-group-moves-to-boost-europes-undersea-warfare-chops/

***
Pigs in space:
BAE Systems eyes new space business with acquisition of In-Space https://defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/14/bae-systems-eyes-new-space-business-with-acquisition-of-in-space/

***
European-based companies Milrem Robotics and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace are teaming up to design and build a new robotic combat vehicle geared to meet requirements for European militaries and the U.S. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/14/milrem-and-kongsberg-are-building-a-robotic-wingman/

***
How long will it take before it's communicated target isn't reached.

DoD awarded Lockheed a contract worth up to $6.6billion to sustain the F-35 fighter from fiscal 2021 to 2023, a deal that will reduce the cost of flying the aircraft by about 8 percent. https://www.navytimes.com/air/2021/09/14/lockheed-nabs-f-35-sustainment-contract-worth-up-to-66b/

***
Questions by @JaspervanDijkSP on meeting Elbit Systems Industry Day, (https://www.nidv.eu/agenda/elbit-systems-industry-day/) to investigate the potential collaboration with Dutch arms industry. No reason to end the meeting when arms export policy is implemented. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=371ad9f3-332a-4054-81b8-e31a0f29a8e7&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20het%20lid%20Jasper%20van%20Dijk%20over%20een%20online%20informatiebijeenkomst%20over%20de%20mogelijke%20samenwerking%20tussen%20Elbit%20en%20Nederlandse%20bedrijven.doc

An already established military industrial cooperation involves contracts for military simulation technology for the Dutch armed forces built by a consortium between Israeli Bagira and Dutch Van Halteren in Bunschoten. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/imports-and-exports-both-part-of.html

September 14

***
Soon in Egypt: ThyssenKrupp developing modifiable unmanned underwater vehicle #uuv.
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/51206

***
Vandaag 4 tweets over Nederlandse vergunningen voor export van strategische goederen (dual use & militair), mei-jul 2021:

Egypt M https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1437703704396845061
Jordan DU https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1437710787091501062
Nigeria M https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1437706032306917383
Verenigde Arabische Emiraten M https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1437707705137893376

***
Dutch government license to export Image intensifier tubes for military use to Jordan, July 6, 2021, valued € 1,360,350.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen/Cumulatief-overzicht-du-vergunningen-2004-juli-2021.csv

***
In the period May-July 2021 the Dutch government licenses 4 exports to the UAE as final destination. Three valued € 8.5 million connected to C3-systems. One for software, value € 0 via Canada. For the notorious vehicles?
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_uitvoer_rev06092021.csv

Addition: The license for Canada and end-use UAE was for "Software" specially designed for military use and specially designed for modelling or simulating military operational scenarios. Which kind of scenario's isn't reported.

***
Showing the Dutch-UAE-Nigeria triangle, 2 export licenses in period May-July:

- Canon (UK origin) €1,548,756
- Amphibious landing vessel (Dutch), operating helicopters and with fitting for 12.7 mm machine guns €2,635,517.

Both via the UAE to Nigeria.

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_uitvoer_rev06092021.csv

***
In the period May-July 3 Dutch export licenses for Egypt:

- Tech for radar- & C3-systems € 1,000,000 (via France)
- Software for frigates € 58,013 (via Poland)
- Thermal image intensifiers 1,602,564 (via US)

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_uitvoer_rev06092021.csv

***
Arms go to human rights violating regimes, poverty stricken countries and zones of war/conflict, & even than there is surprise weapon manufacturers MAY not fit new criteria in terms of sustainable finance at the level of the European Commission.

https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/les-deputes-se-mobilisent-pour-le-financement-de-l-industrie-de-l-armement-892198.html

**
Due to after sales controls on the whereabouts of exported weapons, an Arab country has refrained from ordering arms from Germany. This is according to a previously unpublished confidential report by the German government dealing with the on-site inspections which began in 2017.

The Airbus Group is open to an expansion of controls, the industry association for the security and defense industry against it. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article233661100/Waffenexporte-Drohende-Kontrolle-schreckte-arabischen-Kunden-ab.html

***
Milrem Robotics & MSI-Defense Systems Ltd present armed drone. "Milrem Robotics is Europe's leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems and systems integrator with offices in Estonia, Sweden, Finland and soon the Netherlands."
https://www.suasnews.com/2021/09/milrem-robotics-and-msi-defence-systems-limited-present-unmanned-kinetic-c-uav-capabilities/

***
Just Arrived! A Brand New EU Dual-Use Regulation
https://www.loyensloeff.com/be/en/news/articles-and-newsflashes/just-arrived-a-brand-new-eu-dual-use-regulation-n23471/

***
Saferworld report 'European security assistance: the search for stability in the Sahel'. With e,g, table on arms exports by EU members pp 33-34.
Arms exports by EUMS to G5 Sahel countries, total value 2013–2019: €416 million. https://www.saferworld.org.uk/downloads/pubdocs/european-security-assistance-web.pdf

***
We can not even manage nuclear energy on the globe, but: The US DoD is looking to industry for nuclear-powered propulsion technology to drive its spacecraft, freeing them from the low-energy limitations of current electric & solar-based propulsion systems.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/09/10/pentagon-taps-industry-for-nuclear-powered-propulsion-for-its-satellites/

***
Israel unveiled a new remote-controlled killer robot Monday at a major weapons fair in the U.K. that human rights advocates are criticizing as an event to sell "death machines" and tools of abuse.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/09/13/israel-unveils-new-armed-robot-amid-outcry-over-death-machines

Addition: Israel Aerospace Industries will debut REX MK II, its newest ground robot set to be fielded to British troops, at DSEI, the London-based defense exhibition, which begins Tuesday.
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/13/iai-debuts-new-hybrid-ground-robot-joining-the-uk-army-inventory/

***

Self-learning futuristic military robot can track targets and fire with machine guns

The ground drone is controlled from an electronic tablet but can also perform some functions autonomously. There are fears if it can distinguish civilians from combatants.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/self-learning-futuristic-military-robot-24986821

***
The UK government claims to have a ‘robust’ system to regulate arms exports–but this is an illusion. Britain routinely arms states abusing human rights & those at war.
Who really holds the government to account for its arms exports, asks @andrewfeinstein. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-09-14-britains-robust-arms-export-controls-are-a-fiction/

September 13

***
US Special Forces #SOCOM wants tiny cruise missiles.

This would give their Ghostrider gunships the ability to strike targets while remaining safely out of range. https://asiatimes.com/2021/09/pint-sized-punisher-socom-wants-tiny-cruise-missiles/

***
The costly fighter with to many negative stories:

The U.S. Air Force’s top general backs proposed legislation that would cap the number of F-35s the Defense Department can buy unless it meets affordability goals for operating and sustaining the jet. https://www.defensenews.com/smr/defense-news-conference/2021/09/08/top-us-air-force-general-supports-proposed-f-35-cost-constraints/

***
"As the UK welcomes refugees fleeing Afghanistan, Art the Arms Fair aims to harness the power of art to tell the story of the arms trade and its effects on people around the world.”
https://fadmagazine.com/2021/09/09/award-winning-exhibition-against-london-arms-fair-back-for-third-run/

***
How war and arms sales are exacerbating global poverty
https://www.thedailystar.net/views/opinion/news/how-war-and-arms-sales-are-exacerbating-global-poverty-2172411

***
The new EU Export Control Regulation entered into force last week and tightens controls on trade in dual-use items.
https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2297

***
Emerging Technologies Developments in Context of Dual-Use Export Controls.

Factsheets:

- DATA ANALYTICS AND ADVANCED COMPUTING
- ADVANCED MATERIALS
- AI – ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE
- ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
- AEROSPACE – HYPERSONIC PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES
- QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
- SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY

https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2021/september/tradoc_159791.pdf

***
For years, Jacob #Zuma used Stalingrad tactics to avoid facing prosecution in the Arms Deal corruption case. His “ill-health” – while he's reluctant to undergo an examination by a doctor chosen by the state – is now delaying proceedings in Court. #Thales
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-09-09-jacob-zumas-mystery-medical-condition-takes-centre-stage-in-arms-deal-court-proceedings/

***
Antwoord op vragen van de leden @JaspervanDijkSP en @MahirAlkaya - beide SP - over de positie van Nederland als financiële draaischijf in de wapenindustrie n.a.v. artikel in Groene Amsterdammer. https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/ah-995918.pdf https://groene.nl/artikel/definanciele-draaischijf

Staatssecretaris Vijlbrief (Financiën – Fiscaliteit en Belastingdienst) “Daarbij maakt het niet uit welke economische activiteiten deze bedrijven uitoefenen.” Wapens zijn geen product als anderen goederen. Dat wapenbedrijven vrijwel uitsluitend aan overheden leveren en vervolgens de belasting ontwijken, maakt wel uit. Dat is dubbel verwerpelijk.

***
Paper on cooperation and collaboration between EMSA and FRONTEX to stop migrants to Europe and the technology needed to close Europe's border. https://www.academia.edu/50947643/Cooperation_and_Collaboration_between_EMSA_and_FRONTEX

***


US Airstrikes Killed at Least 22,000 Civilians Since 9/11. UK NGO Airwars (https://airwars.org/news-and-investigations/tens-of-thousands-of-civilians-likely-killed-by-us-in-forever-wars), which analyzed declared US airstrikes since 2001, is more than twice as high at around 48,000.

***
The war has ended, the war goes on: The MQ-9 Reaper is helping the U.S. military demonstrate it can continue air strikes in Afghanistan without forces on the ground. (Reaper components produced at, among others, GKN Fokker in the Netherlands.) https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/how-effective-can-over-horizon-operations-be-afghanistan

September 12

***
Tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft & Twitter made billions through contracts with the US military and government agencies during the so-called “war on terror”, according to a report released ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
https://bigtechsellswar.com/

***
Massive Attack cancel Liverpool gig to boycott arms fair at venue. A band member said: arms barons are shop-windowing technologies that inevitably harm and incarcerate people; often in the hands of states already acknowledged to be human rights violators.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/sep/10/massive-attack-cancel-liverpool-gig-to-boycott-arms-fair-at-venue

***
Three years on Nigerian N50b (€102m) floating dry dock idles away The facility, measuring 125 metres by 35metres, was built by one of the world’s largest ship building firms, Damen Shipyards, and its partner, NIRDA, in Amsterdam.
https://guardian.ng/business-services/three-years-on-n50b-floating-dry-dock-idles-away/

***
The revelation that an army colonel allegedly trafficked arms from the Tolemaida base is the latest in a series of arms trafficking scandals involving the Colombian military.

Guns sold to Colombia’s police by Sig Sauer 2009-2011 also ended up elsewhere. https://colombiareports.com/colombia-claims-army-colonel-provided-guerrillas-with-arms-and-explosives/

***
Amerikanen in hun hemd: coup Guinee gepleegd door commando’s die zij aan het trainen waren https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/amerikanen-in-hun-hemd-coup-guinee-gepleegd-door-commando-s-die-zij-aan-het-trainen-waren~b85461eb/ Maar hadden er niets mee te maken.

U.S. Forces Were Training the Guinean Soldiers Who Took Off to Stage a Coup https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/10/world/africa/guinea-coup-americans.html But had nothing to do with it.

Addition: Guinea coup is the latest in a series of recent military takeovers in a strategic region for Chinese trade ambitions.
China is a key player in the Guinean economy, buying most of its bauxite and with a key stake in its iron ore reserves https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148473/guinea-coup-adds-growing-knots-chinas-belt-and-road-plans

Addition: Coup puts spotlight on Guinea's huge bauxite reserves https://www.africanews.com/2021/09/09/coup-puts-spotlight-on-guinea-s-huge-bauxite-reserves/

September 9

***
The dangerous impact of 9/11 on arms control measures

Momentous decisions made during the post-2001 era have failed to control weapons of all types, but now is the time to put right those wrongs. https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/09/dangerous-impact-911-arms-control-measures

For this we,the people,have to force the powers of our time.

***

Remember 911? Remember also what followed (this is from a military magazine review):

"Bush and every one of his lieutenants promoted the war with passion—or enabled it because of passivity. Not one senior member of the Bush administration stepped up and argued against the war." https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/september/book-reviews

***
The Indian Ministry of Defense has approved the purchase of 56! C-295MW military transport planes. Sixteen planes will be delivered by #Airbus from Seville, and the other 40 will be manufactured by #Tata in India as part of the "Make in India" policy. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-inde-s-offre-56-avions-de-transport-c-295mw-airbus-891962.html

Addition: English: $2.5-billion buy of 56 C-295 military transport planes cleared. The C-295 has a rear ramp door for quick loading and unloading and for para dropping of troops and cargo. https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/2-5-billion-acquisition-of-56-military-transport-planes-cleared-121090900032_1.html
As if poverty stricken India is in need of billions spend on military planes.

***
#Fokker #Elmo SASMOS Interconnection Systems, a joint venture between #GKN Aerospace and Bengaluru/India-based SASMOS HET Tech, has bagged a contract from Saab to manufacture electrical interconnections systems (EWIS) for the #Boeing-#Saab T-7A Red Hawk. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/sasmos-gkn-aerospace-jv-wins-long-term-wiring-contract-from-saab-for-boeing-saab-t-7a/articleshow/86036322.cms

***
Canada for the second year in a row is named as one of the countries helping fuel the war in Yemen by a panel of experts monitoring the conflict for the United Nations and investigating possible war crimes among combatants. :https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-urged-to-stop-fuelling-war-in-yemen-with-saudi-arms-sales-un/

September 8

***
On 15 January 2021, the US Bureau of Industry and Security ('BIS') published a rule under the Export Administration Regulations ('EAR') with new restrictions targeting 'military-#intelligence end uses/end users' (#MIEU)
https://www.steptoe.com/images/content/2/1/v2/215042/Pages-from-THE-CHINA-QUESTION-Steptoe-Johnson-reprint-4.pdf

***

A July report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction — a US congressionally created organization to audit/investigate programs & ops in Afghanistan — provides a snapshot of some defense materials potentially in the hands of the Taliban.

***
Selling drones, precision weapons or stealth technology? Morocco’s Air Force could be your next customer.

“Morocco used a UAV for the first time during its April 2021 airstrike in the Polisario Front-controlled desert area (sic!) of the Western Sahara.” https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/08/18/here-are-moroccos-top-priorities-for-modernizing-its-air-force/

***
Defense industry giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are investing in Orbit Fab, a San Francisco-based startup that wants to build gas stations in space that can refuel satellites and prolong their lifespan, the companies announced Monday. https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/09/07/lockheed-northrop-invest-in-a-startup-that-wants-to-refuel-satellites-in-space/

***
Two Saudi companies to co-produce Sky Guard drone to enhance military capabilities https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/08/22/Two-Saudi-companies-to-co-produce-Sky-Guard-drone-to-enhance-defense-capabilities

***
'Our friend's in Kiev and Myanmar’s Armed Forces: The Ukraine Connection

According to a local advocacy group, the European nation is “aiding and abetting the atrocity crimes of the Myanmar military.”

https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/myanmars-armed-forces-the-ukraine-connection/

***
Amphib ship/small aircraft carrier for Spanish fleet & to export. The Turkish Anadolu is nearing completion @ shipyard in Istanbul & expected in service by 2022. A 2nd Turkish ship of the class reportedly is planned; more gun rattling in the Mediterranean. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/september/next-generation-air-dominance-needs-new-flight-path


***
"It has long been said that Rome fell because it could no longer afford to pay the Centurions to man its borders," writers state in connection to the ballooning costs of the F-36 in repect to production, overhaal and flight hours. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/september/next-generation-air-dominance-needs-new-flight-path

***

Retweet: Ben benieuwd wat Mark Akkerman van @CTWnl heeft bijgedragen aan de Gutmench scheurkalender 2022 (en natuurlijk vele anderen).

@uitgeverijMaaS JAWEL de Gutmensch Scheurkalender 2022 ligt in de boekhandel. Deze tweede editie is nog eigenzinniger, scherper, en opgewekt van toon. Met bijdragen van o.a. Adriaan van Dis, Geert Mak, Sheila Sitalsing, Micha Wertheim, Paulien Cornelisse en nog een kleine honderd anderen.

***
March 2022 Saudi arms fair almost fully booked. Those who want to raise sales in Riyad: Embraer, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, NORINCO and Rolls Royce. #StopArmingSaudiArabia http://www.gulfindustryonline.com/stories/source/?url=IND_386730.html

***
Airbus in in France, is after a contract to upgrade Algeria's Ecureuil aircraft operated by the army and the gendarmerie, Maghreb Mergent said to have learned from knowledgeable sources. https://maghrebemergent.net/aeronautique-airbus-helicopters-frappe-a-nouveau-a-la-porte-de-lalgerie-pour-cette-raison/

***
Linn Htet, a central deal maker in Myanmar's aeronautic industry was involved, via Aero Sofi, in a US$38.6 million purchase for the air force of two Airbus C295 military transport planes from the Jordanian air force in 2020. https://www.sharenet.co.za/views/views-article.php?views-article=732482

***
The Colombian Air Force command has officially announced its intention to adopt 24 T-6C "Texan-2" turboprop trainer aircraft of the American company Textron Aviation. According to https://www.defensa.com/colombia/fuerza-aerea-colombiana-dotara-24-aviones-entrenamiento-texan-ll

***
Egyptian security forces have been accused of a campaign of #extrajudicial killings disguised as shootouts with alleged militants, #HRW said in a report, adding that the int. community should impose targeted sanctions and halt arms exports to the country. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-extrajudicial-killing-masked-shootouts-human-rights-watch

***
Peter Lürssen, director of German shipyard #Lürssen, is about to put forward a proposal for the establishment of facilities not far from Suez to enable the production of military & commercial ships locally, which would anchor his company firmly in #Egypt. https://www.africaintelligence.com/north-africa_business/2021/09/08/by-courting-sisi-lurssen-shipyard-hopes-to-gain-a-foothold-in-suez,109689819-art

September 7

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Activists block weapons and equipment from reaching the world’s largest arms fair in London
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/activists-block-weapons-and-equipment-from-reaching-the-world-largest-arms-fair-in-london

***
Despite everything: the show must go on, pounds must roll & security seems to come from the battle of a gun (not schools, hospitals, social welfare, water management, & climate policy). #StopDSEI
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2021/09/07/major-london-arms-fair-proceeds-amid-covid-fears-afghanistan-shock/

***
SIPRI/EUNPDC Publication:

7 September 2021

Implementing the 2021 Recast of the EU Dual-use Regulation: Challenges and Opportunities

https://www.sipri.org/publications/2021/eu-non-proliferation-and-disarmament-papers/implementing-2021-recast-eu-dual-use-regulation-challenges-and-opportunities

***
The hospitalization of the former S. African president Zuma's is of interest to justice in a court case, the so-called Thales affair after the brothers in arms of Zuma in an alleged corruption scandal which listed for September 9.
https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20210906-afrique-du-sud-la-remise-en-libert%C3%A9-conditionnelle-de-jacob-zuma-suscite-des-r%C3%A9actions

***
Weren't we told in the Netherlands the F-16 was an outdated fighter aircraft; billions must be spend on the F-35? And now two decades later the Fighting Falcon is still considered to be acquired by the largest global air force. In the end #Lockheed wins.
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/air-force-association/2021/09/07/new-us-air-force-study-asks-whats-the-right-number-of-f-35s/

***
The battleship KRI RE Martadinata-331 (built by PT PAL Indonesia in collaboration with a Dutch Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding #DSNS) is used for security operations in Eastern Indonesia, which will goes from the waters of Maluku to instable West-Papua.

https://www.cnnindonesia.com/teknologi/20210906092743-199-690129/mengenal-kapal-perang-tni-al-re-martadinata-331-pengaman-ri

***
UK Stop the Arms Fair launches with protest against weapon sales to Israel
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/stop-the-arms-fair-launches-with-protest-against-weapon-sales-to-israel

***
IAI beats Airbus and Thales to Vietnamese spy #satellite deal [pay wall] https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2021/09/07/iai-beats-airbus-and-thales-to-vietnamese-spy-satellite-deal,109689536-eve

September 6

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It is so easy to picture the US as a war addicted country, because it is.

During a 2019 speech, former US President Carter said the US is "the most warlike nation in the history of the world," it has only enjoyed 16 years of peace in its 242-year history. http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/0903/c90000-9891960.html

***
The Times of Israel warns - by words of an undisclosed source - the Israeli government doesn't want Biden to be to critical towards the regimes of Al-Sisi #Egypt & bin-Salman #SaudiArabia. The source is glad Biden's criticism is merely rhetorical so far.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-officials-cautioned-biden-against-heavy-criticism-of-egypt-saudi-arabia/

***
September 1, the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced a contract worth about $ 80 million for the supply of weapon systems for the Shaldag Mk.5-class high-speed patrol boats being built by Israel Shipyards for the Philippines.
https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0903/111564354/detail.shtml

***
The #Damen built Landing Ship Tank #LST for the Nigerian Navy (NN) would enhance the transportation of troops, military hardware, and vehicles in the conduct of maritime security operations launched from sea.
https://www.opinionnigeria.com/cns-gambo-and-modern-maritime-security-by-abu-ahmad-and-ahmadu-dansardauna/

***
The US National Security Agency #NSA awarded Hewlett Packard #HP a $2 billion contract for high-performance computing capabilities the agency needs to meet its artificial intelligence and data analytics requirements, the company announced Wednesday.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/artificial-intelligence/2021/09/01/nsa-awards-2-billion-high-performance-computing-contract/

***
The Pentagon is not ruling out possible collaboration with the Taliban as it looks to target the Islamic State-Khorasan group within Afghanistan for “over-the-horizon” counterterrorism strikes with no U.S. forces in the country. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/dod-taliban-collaboration-possible-strikes-targeting-isis-k

September 5

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It's like the failure in Afghanistan was not because of the wrong policy, but because the military expenditure wasn't sufficient. It seems military US & EU lobbyists use Afghanistan to get more of the tax payers money.
https://www.militarytimes.com/congress/2021/09/02/defense-spending-increase-afghanistan-withdrawal-dominate-debate-over-defense-policy-measure/

Addition: When all would've developed as desired it would've been an argument to strengthen the military. Now it went the other way around this is also argumented.

Afghanistan crisis is a 'massive defeat' for NATO but an opportunity for EU, says Timothy Garton Ash. https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/06/afghanistan-crisis-is-a-massive-defeat-for-nato-but-an-opportunity-for-eu-says-timothy-gar

***
Indian Army to buy more than 100 explosive-laden drones from the Bengaluru firm Alpha Design in a joint venture with Israeli firm Elbit Security Systems.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/85883391.cms

***
Afghanistan’s Corruption Was Made in America

How Self-Dealing Elites Failed in Both Countries

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2021-09-03/afghanistans-corruption-was-made-in-america

***
The estimated value of Australian defence export permits in fiscal year 2020-21 reached about AUD2.7 billion (USD2 billion), according to recently published official statistics.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/australian-defence-exports-dip-in-202021

***
US defends strike that Afghan family says killed innocents. Analysts warned that the risk of civilian casualties during drone strikes will only grow, now that the US no longer has on-the-ground intelligence AND (my addition) continue its war.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/09/02/us-defends-strike-that-afghan-family-says-killed-innocents/

***
An Italy-based defense firm that has supplied small drones to the country’s special forces was quietly and illegally purchased. Police said they discovered the real owners of Alpi Aviaton were “two important government-owned companies in China.”
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/09/03/italian-police-raid-drone-maker-over-alleged-chinese-takeover/


***
Transfers of major arms to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2020 by Siemon Wezeman and @Alex_Kuimova, SIPRI. https://sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2021/transfers-major-arms-afghanistan-between-2001-and-2020

September 2

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Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission (1.9.2021) about the defence research project OCEAN2020
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-003073-ASW_EN.pdf on a question about alleged drone swarms in the Mediterranean and the Baltic by MEP Özlem Demirel (Die Linke). https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-003073_EN.html

***
Die Linke wanted a German halt on arms exports to the Middle East and especially Pakistan, because of its support to the Taliban. The request was rejected by all other parties in a committee meeting on Wednesday.
https://www.bundestag.de/presse/hib/856352-856352

***
"ongoing crackdown on local human rights groups casts serious doubt that #Kazakhstan’s leadership is genuinely interested in reforms or improving its rights record," HRW reported in January.

This country will be client at European #Airbus for A400M plane? https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/airbus-decroche-un-premier-client-a-lexport-pour-la400m-1342499

Addition: In English: The Republic of Kazakhstan orders two Airbus A400Ms https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/09/the-republic-of-kazakhstan-orders-two-airbus-a400ms.html

***
As it continues with fleet expansion, the Nigerian Navy earlier this year received two patrol vessels from Damen and is acquiring two more offshore patrol vessels as well as fast patrol craft from China.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/nigerian-navy-received-two-damen-patrol-vessels-multiple-additional-vessels-on-order/

Addition: Wrote back in May: Dutch naval and maritime protection of Shell in Nigeria https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/05/dutch-naval-and-maritime-protection-of.html

***
"Offended, irritated and worried" workers of Damen Shipyards Mangalia wharf in Romania PROTEST on Thursday, September 2, between 16:30 and 18:00 in front of the HOUSE OF CULTURE in Mangalia against the steadily decreasing work force. https://amosnews.ro/jigniti-iritati-si-ingrijorati-protestam/

***

Learn the Impact of ITAR, EAR & OFAC Controls on Non-US Companies, Affiliates, Transactions
EXPORT COMPLIANCE TRAINING SEMINAR SERIES
11-12, 13-14 October
@ Hilton Amsterdam Hotel
Apollolaan 138, Amsterdam, Netherlands
https://www.learnexportcompliance.com/event/amsterdam-2021/
Ohhhh cost: both seminars: $3,250!

***
Wij hadden Prins Bernard sr. (gisteren werd weer een hoofdstukje aan zijn CV toegevoegd) en hebben zijn kwalijke opvolger.

In Denemarken hebben ze een prins die open en bloot meegaat op een trip om wapens te verkopen: Brigadier General Prince Joachim. https://www.danskindustri.dk/arrangementer/soeg/arrangementer/internationalt/forsvarsdelegation-paris-2021/

***
If they bomb by accident innocent civilians (https://guardian.ng/news/nigerian-air-force-denies-bombing-innocent-civilians/), you know where they are trained. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/08/31/nigerian-air-force-super-tucanos-ready-to-fight-against-isis-with-us-air-force-training/
#Nigeria #Moody #US

***
Enough isn't enough. US House Armed Services Committee has endorsed a Republican plan - backed by Democrats - to add $24 bn more than President Biden requested for defence. This will increase R&D spnding by $5.2bn and for weapons procurement $9.8bn. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/budget/2021/09/01/house-panel-approves-25-billion-defense-boost/

***
"While the Moscow-Riyadh partnership is developing slowly, there seems to be little optimism about its possible success as there are no fundamental factors that can push it to the next level making Russia just one among many of Saudi Arabia's key partners" https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/russia-saudi-arabia-egypt-military-cooperation-increasing

September 1

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€ 8.6 billion agreement. France, Germany and Spain have finalized an agreement to finance the future European air combat system, with the SCAF or FCAS program expected to replace current fighter jets around 2040. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/paris-berlin-et-madrid-prevoient-86-milliards-deuros-pour-le-futur-avion-de-combat-europeen-1342107

Addition: "It's almost a tradition in Europe" (French frustration): the main European states launch competing new generation fighter jet programs. Here FCAS and the Tempest, even managing to get Italy and Sweden on board. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/leurope-part-desunie-dans-la-course-aux-avions-de-combat-de-sixieme-generation-1342152

But US Boeing and Lockheed do the same.

***
"The FRC design is based on a Dutch patrol boat design, the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708." https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21040977/r44972-13.pdf The FRC is build by Bollinger Shipyard since 2011. The ships are armed with

1 × 25 mm autocannon

4 × M2 machine guns

Party based in Bahrain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-class_cutter

Addition: US Coast Guard modernises fleet, expands presence in Indo-Pacific to counter ‘bad actors in the region’ https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3148209/us-coast-guard-modernises-fleet-expands-presence-indo-pacific

***
US trained Khashoggi's killers. A review of all military training programs is necessary, argue William D. Hartung and Elias Yousif.

Recent revelations have exposed the United States' role in providing military and paramilitary training to at least some of the alleged hitmen behind two of the most high-profile assassinations of the past decade -- the murder of Saudi journalist and political dissident Jamal Khashoggi, and the recent killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/30/opinions/khashoggi-moise-killers-us-military-trained-hartung-yousif/index.html