De-escaleren, geen wapens naar Oekraïne

Rond de crisis in de Oekraïne hangt een kille oorlogssfeer. Gesprekken tussen Russische en Amerikaanse diplomaten leiden tot niets, want beiden partijen weigeren te bewegen en leggen de schuld bij de ander. Over het algemeen wijzen westerse waarnemers naar Rusland als enige oorzaak van de spanningen. De Amerikaanse hoogleraar geschiedenis Michael Kimmage merkt in Foreign Affairs op dat “de NAVO lijdt aan een ernstige ontwerpfout: ze reikt te diep in de ketel van Oost-Europese geopolitiek en is te groot, te ongedefinieerd en te provocerend voor haar eigen goed.” Dit soort westerse zelfreflectie is zeldzaam.

bron

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Stap-voor-stap de NAVO in

In 2018 werd de Oekraïne toegevoegd aan het lijstje aspirant-NAVO-leden. En al jaren zijn de NAVO-landen de Oekraïense strijdkrachten aan het bewapenen. Vooral de Verenigde Staten heeft een fors wapenprogramma voor Kiev. Sinds 2014 leverde de VS militaire ondersteuning aan Oekraïne voor meer dan $ 5,4 miljard. Voor de doorvoer van Amerikaanse munitie naar Oekraïne wordt veelvuldig gebruik gemaakt van de Rotterdamse haven. Ook NAVO-lid Canada is sterk betrokken bij de bewapeningsprogramma’s, en ontwikkelt onder meer plannen om een munitiefabriek in de Oekraïne te bouwen. De EU heeft een structurele bewapeningsrelatie met Oekraïne en liet in het Associatieverdrag van 2014 vastleggen dat “Oekraïne en het Europees Defensieagentschap (EDA) nauwe contacten zullen leggen om de verbetering van de militaire capaciteit, met inbegrip van technologische kwesties, te bespreken.”

Oekraïne beschermen

De Oekraïne vraagt het westen op dit moment om extra wapens. Voor Europa is dit een testcase voor zijn wapenexportbeleid, dat bepaald dat geen wapens mogen worden geleverd aan crisisgebieden en landen in conflict. In criterium 3 van de EU Gemeenschappelijk Standpunt wapenexport staat dat: “De lidstaten een uitvoervergunning weigeren voor militaire technologie of uitrusting die gewapende conflicten zou uitlokken of verlengen of bestaande spanningen of conflicten in het land van eindbestemming zou verergeren.” Dit criterium wordt door EU-landen regelmatig toegepast (en ook regelmatig geschonden) bij wapenexport naar landen in confict. Maar niet vaak was Europa zo nauw betrokken. Geldt ook nu het EU wapenexportbeleid?

Een oorlog is zelden beter te rechtvaardigen dan in geval van zelfverdediging tegen een agressor. Men moet met sterke argumenten komen om wapens te weigeren aan het slachtoffer van agressie. Maar wat extra wapenleveranties gaan geen beslissende bijdrage leveren om het Oekraïense leger op gelijke voet met het Russische leger te brengen. Wapenleveringen hebben nu alleen symbolische waarde. Ze bemoedigen de Oekraïne, maar ze verkleinen de kans op een diplomatieke oplossing, en vergroten het risico op escalatie.

Diplomatiek Duitsland

De nieuwe Duitse regering heeft dit begrepen. In een interview met de Sächsische Zeitung zei de nieuwe Groene minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Anette Baerbock: “Ik denk niet dat het realistisch is om de militaire onevenwichtigheid met dergelijke leveranties te keren. De beste bescherming is dat er geen verdere agressie zal zijn.” Bovendien “hebben wapenleveringen de neiging bij te dragen aan escalatie en zouden ons de mogelijkheid ontnemen om in dialoog te gaan en te bemiddelen met Rusland”, zei Stefan Meister van de Duitse Raad voor Buitenlandse Betrekkingen. IJzervreters van de NAVO roepen Duitsland op ‘zijn militaire verantwoordelijkheid te nemen’, maar Duitsland neemt zijn veiligheidsverantwoordelijkheid. Beweren dat veiligheid alleen met militaire middelen bereikt kan worden is kortzichtig en gevaarlijk.

Ook de Zweedse minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Ann Linde zei recent dat het land geen wapens zal leveren aan Oekraïne vanwege wapenexportregels. Het Buitenlands- en Defensiebeleid van de nieuwe Nederlandse regering moet het doen zonder de diplomatieke sensitiviteit van Sigrid Kaag. Hoekstra en Ollengren stellen zich in lijn met de Amerikaanse stoerdoenerij, en het beleid van de vorige regering om geen wapens aan Oekraïne te leveren is teruggedraaid.

Het Europees overeengekomen wapenexportbeleid bevat overigens nog een criterium dat reden geeft om geen wapens aan Oekraïne te leveren. Criterium 7 van het EU Gemeenschappelijk Standpunt stelt dat van export moet worden afgezien als het risico groot is dat wapens worden “omgeleid binnen het kopende land of opnieuw worden geëxporteerd”. Oekraïne is berucht vanwege het feit dat zijn wapens in verkeerde handen belanden, en diefstal vindt plaats op industriële schaal. “Oekraïne is waarschijnlijk een van de grootste markten voor wapenhandel in Europa. Het is al lange tijd een belangrijke schakel in de wereldwijde wapenhandel, en deze rol is alleen maar geïntensiveerd sinds het begin van het conflict in Oost-Oekraïne”, meldde de Organised Crime Index.

Spierballen

De druk op de Duitse coalitie om het beleid te veranderen is groot en komt gedeeltelijk ook van binnenuit. Waarom verkoopt Duitsland wel wapens aan Egypte en niet aan Kiev? vroeg Groene Europarlementariër Sergey Lagodinsky zich af. Blijkbaar heeft hij even gemist dat de Groenen ook oproepen om de verkoop aan Caïro te stoppen. Kiev gedraagt zich intussen als een straatvechter om het Duitse standpunt te ondergraven en geeft het land bijna de schuld van de acties van Poetin. De Oekraïense minister van Buitenlandse Zaken, Dmytro Kuleba, riep zijn “Duitse partners op om te stoppen met het ondermijnen van de eenheid met dergelijke woorden en daden en Vladimir Poetin aan te moedigen een nieuwe aanval op Oekraïne te lanceren.”

Het Duitse standpunt is echter verstandiger, en meer in het belang van de vrede in Oekraïne. In plaats van het leveren van wapens is een heel scala aan beleidsmaatregelen mogelijk. Dit is niet het moment voor de grootste spierballen maar voor de grootste hersenen. Buitenlands beleid moet niet gaan over macht en prestige, maar over veiligheid van staten en mensen.

Martin Broek & Wendela de Vries – Stop Wapenhandel

De-escalate, no arms to Ukraine

It is mid-January. The cold of war is in the air. Last week Russian and NATO diplomats have been meeting, but as neither of them wants to move an inch the talks had no result. NATO continues to defend its expansion to the east as if Ukrainian membership is “purely a matter of respecting the alliance’s charter, which enshrines the open-door policy, or if Kyiv’s* God-given right to choose its allies”and not if it may be wiser to end expansion which “would be an act of self-defence for the alliance itself, giving it the gifts that greater limitation and greater clarity confer” as US professor of History Michael Kimmage wrote in Foreign Affairs. He remarks that“NATO suffers from a severe design flaw: extending deep into the cauldron of eastern European geopolitics, it is too large, too poorly defined, and too provocative for its own good.”

This kind of western self-reflection is rare. In general, western observers point to Russia as the only cause of tension and trouble, ignoring that NATO members have been arming the Ukrainian armed forces for years. One of the examples is that although the Association Treaty between the Ukraine and European Union of May 29, 2014 was almost exclusively advertised as on economics, in Article 10(2) it stated that:“The Parties shall explore the potential of military-technological cooperation. Ukraine and the European Defence Agency (EDA) shall establish close contacts to discuss military capability improvement, including technological issues.” The Treaty has a long history but it was initiated in its final form on March 30, 2012. At the time Moscow and Brussels were aiming to get Kyiv in their respective spheres of influence. In 2018 Ukraine was added to the list of NATO aspiring members and step by step is tugged further into the Western sphere of influence. And although the debate on arms sales to Kyiv is stronger than ever, arms sales to Ukraine are not a new phenomenon. Turkey e.g. in 2018 sold armed drones used during the conflict.

Protecting Ukraine 

80 tons of weapons from the US

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In this moment of crisis Ukraine asks European countries to provide it with arms. This is a real test case for the European Union Common Position (EUCP) on military exports, which states that no arms should delivered to crisis areas and countries in conflict. Criterion 3 of the EUCP says that “Member States shall deny an export licence for military technology or equipment which would provoke or prolong armed conflicts or aggravate existing tensions or conflicts in the country of final destination.” This criterion has been used (and violated) in many situations of armed conflict before, but hardly ever were EU countries so involved. And hardly ever can there be a more justified war than a war of self-defense against an aggressor. One has to come up with strong arguments for refusing weapons to the victim of aggression. However, especially in this case the intention of the EUCP becomes clear. A few extra weapons would not make a decisive contribution to bringing the Ukrainian army on an equal footing with the Russian army. A delivery would have only symbolic value, which would make Ukraine feel good, but would further reduce the chances of a diplomatic solution – and increase the risk of escalation.

This is understood in Germany. In a interview with the Sächsische Zeitung, the fresh Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Anette Baerbock said:“I don’t think it’s realistic to reverse the military imbalance with such supplies. The best protection is that there will be no further aggression.” She proposes other means if needed:“In an interconnected world, the ability to cut a country off from international supply chains or restrict payments can have a much greater impact than supplying arms.” In the Netherlands, not impact on peace but falling in line with US policy has taken over foreign politics, as the newly-installed minister reversed the former policy of non-deliverance.

The viewpoint embedded in Criterion 3 is the reason the German government will not export to conflict regions, included the Ukraine. Moreover “weapons deliveries tend to escalate and would deprive us of the possibility to be in a dialogue and mediation with Russia,” Stefan Meister of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) said.

Also Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde clearly said that the country will not supply arms to Ukraine because of arms export rules. There is an additional reason not to deliver arms to the Ukraine, which is formulated in Criterion 7 of the EUCP: to prevent that arms are “diverted within the buyer country or re-exported under undesirable conditions.” Ukraine is notorious for its weapons ending up in the wrong hands, and pilferage takes place on an industrial scale.“Ukraine is believed to have one of the largest arms trafficking markets in Europe. While it has long been a key link in the global arms trade, its role has only intensified since the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine,” the Organized Crime Index reported.

What has been delivered to the Ukraine over the last decade?

It is first and foremost the United States which is for years embarking on a programme to arm Kyiv. Since 2014 the US has provided assistance to Ukraine in the amount of more than $ 5.4 billion. The US libertarian CATO Institute stated in November last year: “Western leaders are pursuing a reckless strategy that is generating increasingly pointed warnings from Kremlin officials. On two occasions since early April, Russia also has made ominous military deployments near its border with Ukraine. Shortly before the earlier episode, the Biden administration had announced a new $125 million arms sale to Ukraine. Although the transaction was put on hold temporarily in June, during U.S. secretary of defence Lloyd Austin’s visit to Kyiv in late October.” A footnote in this policy of US military exports, but important on a Dutch** level, is the use of Dutch harbour facilities for ammo exports to Ukraine

(text continues under table).

Transit of US ammunition by boat from Rotterdam to the Ukraine
Date	Quantity	Description
24/10/18	1,300,000	5.56x45mm cartridges
24/10/18	21,000	9x19mm cartridges
24/10/18	2,250	0.5 cartridges
24/10/18	1,000,000	9x19mm cartridges
24/10/18	5,000	.338 Win-Mag cartridges
24/10/18	11,000	.308 Win cartridges
24/10/18	11,000	7,62x54mm cartridges

Canada

NATO member Canada is also heavely involved in the armament programmes of Ukraine. Canada is in the primarily stages of planning to build an ammunition factory in the Ukraine with help from a number of Ontario-based companies. Canada has already supplied some equipment to Ukraine, including mine-clearing gear, helmets, tents, first-aid kits and bullet-proof vests. A Winnipeg company also provided sniper rifles. Instead of a deeper involvement with the international arms trade, Canada should take Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s own advice: “de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue” an open letter stated referring to Parly’s words addressed to Russia, January 10 (source behind pay wall). The Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Agreement constitutes also a means to expand arms sales from Canada to the Saudi Arabia.

UK

UK planes fly around Germany with military shipments.

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Closer to home is the UK supplying Ukraine with short-range anti-tank missiles for self-defence. The UK, “meanwhile, does what it so often does on the international stage these days, talks up ‘Global Britain’ and sends guns even at the risk of making a bad situation worse” editor David Pratt wrote in a very informative article in the The National under the title:The UK should deploy diplomacy rather than weapons in Ukraine. The question on what was aboard the RAF carrying arms bypassed German airspace brings us closer to home. The planes supplying the weapons flew around Germany, not because Berlin forbid the flights, but because the procedure for air transports with military materiel would take too much time for London.

Germany

The German coalition is in the middle of a stormy debate. The pressure even raised within the ranks of the Greens. Why can Germany sell arms to Egypt and not to Kyiv, Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky wondered. He seems to have missed the Green position to stop sales to Cairo. The North Stream gas pipeline is often mentioned as reason for the German hesitation; Germany has however warned it will end the cooperation in case of Russian action in Ukraine.

Kyiv in the mean time is street fighting the German position, blaming it for Putin’s actions (and that is only the more civilised part of the criticism). Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba calledon his “German partners to stop undermining unity with such words and actions and encouraging Vladimir Putin to launch a new attack on Ukraine.”

The German position however is the wiser one, and more for the benefit of peace in the Ukraine. There is a range of potential policy measures possible other than selling arms. It is not time for the largest muscles but for the biggest brains to come out of that danger. It is not rocket science to see why that is in the interest of the European population. Foreign affairs should not be about power and prestige but about security of states and, let’s not forget, also people.

Exports since 2010 by EU member countries
	Ordered by Ukraine		Ordered by Russia
country of origin	Value of exports		Value of exports
	EU in € million	SIPRI in million TIV	EU in € million	SIPRI in million TIV
Austria	20.0		37.0
Bulgaria	35.0		32.0
Croatia	1.2		1.3
Czech Republic	62.0	50.0	34.0	70.0
Estonia	0.7		0.4
Finland	1.1		1.3
France	57.0	9.0	391.0	5.0
Hungary	2.7		0.5
Italy	5.6		134.0	54.0
Latvia	0.0		0.1
Lithuania	8.9		1.1
Luxembourg			0.0
Malta			0.2
Netherlands	0.4		0.2
Poland	129.0	24.0	0.2
Portugal	0.3
Romania	0.2		0.0
Slovakia	3.6		0.1
Slovenia	0.1
Spain	1.6		0.0
Sweden	0.3		6.0
Ukraine				4.0
Total	329.7		639.3
Note SIPRI uses a so-called Trend Indicator Value (TIV) to measure arms sales. The sales include only only major weapons. See for more explanation: https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers/sources-and-methods). Figures come from Importer/exporter TIV tables https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/values.php European Union via European Network Against Arms Trade (ENAAT) EU Export Data Browser, http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/

* In this article I use Kyiv and not Kiev as the former is the Ukrainian-language version capitals name.

** In my last blog I referred to the Dutch position in line with Germany. The new Dutch government has chosen not to exclude ‘defensive’ arms deliverances by NATO to Kyiv beforehand. Debate is ongoing on the character of the deliverances. The Socialist Party raises the problems with the concept of defensive and offensive arms in Parliamentary Questions.

Written for Stop Wapenhandel.

My tweets for January 2022

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

January 31

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“Hoogtechnologische bedrijven die actief zijn in projecten van het Europees Defensie Fonds #EDF”, zijn indrukken bij bezoeken van voorzitter NIDV Eijsink aan bijv. Microflown (binnenkort te zien op een wapenbeurs in #Saudi Arabië https://www.worlddefenseshow.com/exhibit/exhibitor-list/). https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/werkbezoek-nidv-voorzitter-eijsink-aan-microflown-thales-en-demcon/

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#Nexter is selected by the #Italian Army to evaluate its robotic platforms. It chose the ULTRO-600, in the mule version for evaluation. This multi-purpose tactical robot can carry up to 600kg of load or accommodate a weapon system ranging from 5.56-12.7mm. https://www.defesanet.com.br/en/technology/noticia/43440/Nexter-is-selected-by-the-Italian-Army-to-evaluate-its-robotic-platforms/

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Je zou ze bijna vergeten, maar ook de Nederlandse F-16's worden nog opgelapt. De miljoenen vallen weg tegen de miljarden voor de F-35. Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $10.7 million contract for F-16 flaperons. https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2914949/

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@lailazwaini 'Als landen steun aan Jemen stoppen, raken kogels een keer op.' @NOS @Nieuwsuur: goed dat er meer aandacht voor de #Yemen-oorlog is èn voor onze rol als westen daarin! Maar: niet de steun aan Jemen moet stoppen, maar onze wapensteun aan de Saudi-coalitie.. https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/artikel/2415038-als-landen-steun-aan-jemen-stoppen-raken-kogels-een-keer-op

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Germany’s foreign minister Baerbock, defended the country’s ban on arms exports to Ukraine, saying that allowing them would run the risk of “closing the door for de-escalation which has just opened up again in such a tentative way”.https://www.ft.com/content/b02434fc-b00b-4e6b-8fc8-218601eb18ec

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Why arms to Riyad (article gives many examples) and not to Kyiv, while the 1st is governed by a brutal regime and the 2nd under threat of a terrible neighbour? As if human rights on the Arab peninsular improve by supplying fuel to the conflict with Russia. https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2022/01/31/Canadas-Military-Aid-Hypocrisy/

This brings the two together: "Defense Express" reported on August 13, 2021, the Ukrainian company NVO Practika has announced two export contracts for 2021, including the delivery of Kozak-5 4x4 armored vehicles to Saudi Arabia. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_august_2021_global_security_army_industry/ukraine_has_delivererd_kozak-5_4x4_armored_vehicles_to_saudi_arabia.html

January 30

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Incredible but true: Australia joins OCCAR, a European armaments agency. Not liked in La Tribune: OCCAR welcomes a country which has ostensibly turned its back on Europe and France. The Paper mentions AUKUS, NH-90, and Tiger heli.

https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/incroyable-mais-vrai-l-australie-entre-a-l-occar-une-agence-d-armement-europeenne-902864.html

http://www.occar.int/occar-and-australia-signed-framework-agreement-facilitate-australias-participation-occar-programmes

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US blocks $130 million in aid for Egypt over rights abuses (10% of annual military aid). But the Middle Eastern ally continues to buy billions of dollars worth of military equipment from the United States. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/us/politics/egypt-us-human-rights.html

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China's newest combat drone, the Wing Loong-1E - aimed at competing with the US MQ-1C Grey Eagle - has completed its maiden flight, as its state-owned developer adds to its fleet and potentially its overseas market. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3165186/could-chinas-new-combat-drone-be-rival-us-armys-grey-eagle

Addition: China in talks with Egypt to deliver Wing Loong I-D drones https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/china_in_talks_with_egypt_to_deliver_wing_loong_i-d_drones.h

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Amnesty said the Saudi-led coalition used US-manufactured precision-guided munition in its Saada prison massacre in Yemen. The laser-guided bombs are manufactured by US military company #Raytheon, Lynn Maalouf of the human rights organisation said. https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-us-made-weapon-used-air-strike-killed-scores-escalation-saudi-led-coalition

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CAAT's reaction to Statement by the Quint (Oman, Saudi Arabia UAE, UK, and US) on Yemen: "This extremely disappointing statement cements the UK's selective application of International Humanitarian Law to customers of UK arms exports." https://caat.org.uk/news/international-and-yemeni-civil-society-responds-to-extremely-disappointing-uk-government-statement-on-yemen-conflict/

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Nonprofit Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the international community on Friday to block the Myanmar military junta's access to funds and weapons. https://www.laprensalatina.com/hrw-urges-blocking-myanmar-military-juntas-access-to-funds-weapons/

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1/2 Based on the UN "final report of the panel of experts on yemen" AFP reports: The report did not confirm frequent US and Saudi allegations that Iran is directly involved in the violations. https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2022/01/767367/huthi-continuing-violate-arms-embargo-yemen-un-report

2/2 The experts said evidence showed that weapons components and other military equipment "continue to be supplied overland to the Huthi forces by individuals and entities based in Oman."

https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/S_2022_50.pdf

January 29

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Jan. 26, 2022 Congressional Research Service In Focus report, on Ukrainian Armed Forces. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21190949-ukrainian-armed-forces-jan-26-2022

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In the book Has China won? Kishore Mahubani makes the point the many wars the US fought (1798-2018, 1.1x & 1989-2014, 6.1x a year) is the result of groupthink. At least Germany seems not to fall for a so-called NATO-solidarity. Look for allies in Europe for a diplomatic solution.

Retweet @dwnews: Is Germany the 'weak link' of the West in its standoff with Russia?

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The UAE tries to balance relations between the US and China. It recently suspended F-35 acquisition talks amid US concerns over 5G of Huawei, but is still carrying on with its network connectivity efforts. Will it circle back to negotiations over the F-35? https://www.c4isrnet.com/smr/5g/2022/01/27/f-35-fighters-5g-networks-and-how-the-uae-is-trying-to-balance-relations-between-the-us-and-china/

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Dick Zandee (Clingedael) knap dat een land zonder wapenindustrie (https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/03/01_rusland-oekraine_03) zo hoog scoort in de SIPRI overzichten wapenexport. https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/fs_2103_at_2020_v2.pdf

Waarom willen VVD (geen echte wapens, https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=bbf40ffa-584c-4b8d-904f-4af67f446bc8&title=Verslag%20van%20een%20commissiedebat%2C%20gehouden%20op%203%20november%202021%2C%20over%20Wapenexportbeleid%20.pdf) en Zandee van 'wapen' af? Klinkt dat te rot?

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Lobby organisatie #NIVD stelt wapenbeurs uit tot 17/11. Thema: krijgsmacht en klimaatverandering. Grote motoren & veel mobiliteit, geen wonder dat de organisatie die de toegang tot de fossiele brandstoffen mede waarborgt, zo bijdraagt aan de CO2 uitstoot. https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/neds-uitgesteld-tot-17-november-2022/

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#Sonar: onmisbaar bij onderzeebootbestrijding #ASW, maar potentieel schadelijk voor de #zeezoogdieren die in het ruime sop zwemmen. Defensie onderwatergeluid expert: "We doen er alles aan milieuschade zoveel mogelijk te voorkomen." https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/03/03_sakamata_03

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#US companies tied to the military regime in #Myanmar run the risk of engaging in conduct that may expose them to significant reputational, financial, and legal risks, including violations of US anti-money laundering laws and sanctions. https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/january/u-s-warns-of-risks-to-businesses-with-supply-chains-involving-burma

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Even UK weapons manufacturers are impacted by Brexit. They are being forced to wait up to six months for licenses to export their products due to #Brexit red tape, MPs have been told. A trade group representing engineers wants a speedier handling. https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-arms-exports-held-up-months-brexit/

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Gouden driehoek loopt vast. Vice-admiraal wast publiekelijk de Nederlandse industrie en kennisinstituten de oren in verband met mega-project. Jullie moeten sneller en goedkoper werken!

Retweet @marineschepen: Zorgen bij Defensie om nieuwe fregatten voor Nederland en België (ASWF). Deel 1 van interview met directeur Defensie Materieel Organisatie: https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Zorgen-bij-Defensie-om-nieuwe-fregatten-260122.html

January 28

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“China appreciates the strong support given by the Saudi side on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and fully respects Saudi sovereignty and firmly supports [its chosen] development path,” Chinese MoD General Wei Fenghe told Saudi colleague. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3164943/china-saudi-arabia-set-closer-military-ties-sun-sets-us-middle

January 27

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In plaats van wapenleveranties aan de Oekraïne is een heel scala aan beleidsmaatregelen mogelijk. Dit is niet het moment voor de grootste spierballen maar voor de grootste hersenen. Buitenlands beleid moet niet gaan over macht en prestige, maar over veiligheid van staten en mensen. Martin Broek en Wendela de Vries https://www.grenzeloos.org/content/de-escaleren-geen-wapens-naar-oekraine

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EU High representative takes title literally and want to organise a European military presence in #space. https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/110109/space-speech-high-representativevice-president-josep-borrell-14th-european-conference_en

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France: A “die-in” organized by Amnesty International on January 29 against arms sales resulting in the death of civilians. The statue below of Jean Mathon will be blindfolded with a scarf to symbolize the secrecy around arms exports. https://www.ledauphine.com/societe/2022/01/26/aubenas-amnesty-international-organise-un-die-in-le-29-janvier

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US Congressman have called on Joe Biden to update and upgrade Turkey's current fighter jet inventory. They claim that under President Erdogan, Turkey used its military to destabilize the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, South Caucasus, and North Africa. https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-and-colleagues-oppose-sale-f-16s-turkey-demand-information-state

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La UE pide información a España sobre las exportaciones de armas a Turquía https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-ue-pide-informacion-espana-exportaciones-armas-turquia-20220125151635.html

Turkey/Spain - EU requests information from Spain on arms exports to Turkey. Financial News Español 25/1/22

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It isn't only Germany. "We have very strong rules on arms exports, so it is not an option for us. But we do support Ukraine in many ways, especially through a very high level of aid for reforms" said Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/sweden-doing-everything-to-keep-out-of-war-says-foreign-minister/

However using the UK to export. Swedish made NLAW anti-tank weapons have recently been exported from UK to Ukraine. https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/svenska-tank-dodaren-kan-anvandas-i-ukraina/

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MEP @androulakisnick raises concern on Spanish military exports to #Turkey & demands an arms embargo. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-005215_EN.html

@JosepBorrellF answers the concern according to EU policy: it's on Madrid to interpret the rules & responds negatively to demand. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-005215-ASW_EN.pdf

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A confidential EU military report calls for continuing a controversial EU programme to train and equip Libya's coast guard and navy despite growing concerns about their treatment of migrants, a mounting death toll at sea, and lack of any central authority. https://www.euronews.com/2022/01/25/eu-report-calls-for-libya-training-to-continue-despite-migrant-abuse-claims

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#Eurodrone agreed by France, Germany, Italy & Spain. The drone - wingspan of 30 meters - will be an essential part of the future air combat system #FCAS; used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance ops. It will be armed. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/defense-leurodrone-enfin-en-piste-apres-le-feu-vert-espagnol-1382168

Addition: With Spain on board, final contracts imminent for Eurodrone program. The participants (States/military industry) and the European intergovernmental Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation #OCCAR will now get together to finalize the global contract. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/01/27/with-spain-on-board-final-contracts-imminent-for-eurodrone-program/

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Retweet: @_ENAAT: French Presidency of the #EU and #Europeandefence: serving French military interests? @letysedou, @t_fortin and @stopfuellingwar write about how the government misuses its Presidency for national strategic and industrial interests #noEUmoney4arms http://enaat.org/2022/01/27/eu-presidency-and-european-defence-serving-french-military-interests

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In the endless “Fat Leonard” scandal, another Navy officer pleaded guilty to taking bribes from foreign defense contractor Leonard Glenn Francis in exchange for classified ship schedules and other information, the US Justice Department announced Wednesday. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/01/26/fat-leonard-scandal-brings-another-guilty-plea-from-a-navy-officer/

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Italy’s Leonardo said it is not subject of a judicial investigation in relation to the Kuwait Eurofighter program. (https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/leonardo-says-it-is-not-subject-kuwait-eurofighter-investigation-2022-01-25/)

Kuwait’s Anti-Corruption Authority said that high ranking army officers would face prosecutors in a corruption case related to this purchase. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2011066/middle-east

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Boeing has handed over the 1st CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for #Saudi Arabia (https://www.janes.com/defence-news/air-platforms/latest/saudi-receives-first-chinooks). The US government approves a FMS to Saudi Arabia for CH-47F Chinook Cargo Helicopters & related equipment, training, and support back in 2016. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-ch-47f-chinook-cargo-helicopters

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Damen commissions Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, to deliver the automation solutions (in German FüSAS – Führungssystem Automation Schiffstechnik) for the four new F126 frigates for the German Navy. https://en.portnews.ru/news/324366/

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US has approved an arms sale to Egypt valued at about $2.5bn, despite continued calls for Washington to curtail its support until Cairo improves its human rights record. The sale, which is not finalised, includes 12 Super Hercules C-130 transport aircraft. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-egypt-military-sales-state-department-approves

Addition: US approves $2.2 billion sale of C-130J aircraft to Egypt. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/01/25/us-approves-22-billion-sale-of-c-130j-aircraft-to-egypt/

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Most Germans oppose arms sales to Ukraine.

Mehrheit der Deutschen gegen Waffenlieferungen an Ukraine

https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/verteidigung-mehrheit-der-deutschen-gegen-waffenlieferungen-an-ukraine-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220127-99-865619

Januari 26

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Game developer Unity hired to create a ‘dogfight’ simulation, according to internal USAF documents obtained by Waypoint. Contracting agency is the Air Force’s “Kill Chain Integration Branch". Kill chain is a military term related to performing a strike. https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgdv8q/unity-dogfight-simulation-air-force-kill-chain

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#Thales's offshore payments system exposed by court case brought by former agent in India. [1049 words behind pay wall] https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2022/01/25/thales-s-offshore-payments-system-exposed-by-court-case-brought-by-former-agent-in-india,109718900-eve

See also e.g.: Indian sues for unpaid 'cut' in deal https://www.pressreader.com/uk/eastern-eye-uk/20220114/281586653956821 #corruption

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broekstukken: De-escalate, no arms to Ukraine https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2022/01/de-escalate-no-arms-to-ukraine.html

January 25

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Retweet kees kalkman: Newly obtained photographs of missile fragments provide the first material evidence that Ethiopia used a Turkish drone this month in an attack that killed 58 civilians sheltering in a school. https://www.politico.eu/article/evidence-civilian-bombing-ethiopia-turkish-drone/

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European Defence Agency #EDA concluded an Arrangement with Ukraine Dec 7, 2015. To date, there remains potential for deepening cooperation in capability development @JosepBorrellF answered https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2021-005446-ASW_EN.pdf to questions by Polish MEP @AnnaFotyga_PE https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2021-005446_EN.html

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The uses of space transport are multiplying: telecommunications, climate monitoring, #military, space monitoring, science, tourism, human exploration and in that respect Airbus and Safran will soon be launching the new Ariane 6 rocket. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/arianegroup-prepare-deja-lapres-ariane-6-1381615

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Specialized asset management company Ossiam, a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers, has decided to exclude arms industries. European military manufacturers - BSDI (Bel), AFDA (Fin), CIDEF (France), BDSV (Germany), NIDV (Nld) & FSi (Norw) complain. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/industrie-de-l-armement-ossiam-natixis-joue-contre-la-souverainete-de-la-france-902570.html

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The maritime leg of the SA National Defence Force #SANDF is due to take the first of 3 multi-mission inshore patrol vessels #MMIPVs into service in the 1st quarter of this year. #Damen Shipyards in Cape Town is contracted to build all three. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/end-of-the-road-for-sas-adam-kok/

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Israel launches state probe into German submarine purchase
The graft scandal surrounds a possible conflict of interest and alleged bribery involving a $2 billion purchase of naval vessels from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2022/01/24/israel-launches-state-probe-into-german-submarine-purchase/

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Six people arrested after Palestine Action activists storm roof of Shenstone factory. Palestine Action had been "calling for an end to the company's facilitation of Israel's arms production." https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/six-people-arrested-after-palestine-22861017

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Overview on US arms export control policy and why it doesn't work. Writer argues the license policy needs to be flipped over and the process must be revised by requiring congressional approval for every sale and removing the presidential veto. https://www.cato.org/blog/new-attempts-change-arms-sales-policy-same-old-problems

January 24

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Arms supplies to Ukraine – Sweden will not export arms to Kiev https://www.world-today-news.com/arms-supplies-to-ukraine-sweden-will-not-export-arms-to-kiev/

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Retweet @JaspervandijkSP: De Kamer moet bovendien veel beter geïnformeerd worden (ipv een schimmige deal):

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Bearbock: "if other states are willing to supply weapons for defence, it isn't 4 us to criticize that. But I don't think it's realistic to reverse the military imbalance with such supplies. The best protection is that there will be no further aggression." https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/baerbock-sz/2507780

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#Morocco drives a war in Western #Sahara for its Phosphates. The #US, meanwhile, has continued with its arms sales to Morocco. https://menafn.com/1103577208/Morocco-Drives-a-War-in-Western-Sahara-for-Its-Phosphates

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Wapens naar Oekraïne: SP'er Van Dijk noemt het 'opmerkelijk wat Hoekstra hier doet. Zijn voorganger Ben Knapen zei nog geen vier weken geleden in de Kamer dat Nederland geen wapens aan Oekraïne levert, want dat draagt niet bij aan een politieke oplossing.' https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/binnenland/10465505/kabinet-welwillend-over-voor-militaire-steun-aan-oekraine

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FDP more open to arms exports than Greens & SPD. But if weapons went to Ukraine, the new coalition would be even more offensive than the previous CDU/CSU-SPD government under Merkel, which at least claimed not to want to supply weapons to crisis areas. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus236406821/Werte-vs-Realiaet-Wie-wertegeleitet-ist-Deutschlands-Aussenpolitik-wirklich.html

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Now, 11 countries have placed 176 orders for the #Airbus A400M. Nations that have orders with Airbus include Malaysia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, #Turkey, #Saudi Arabia, #UAE, Kazakhstan, and the UK. Overview article on the plane. https://www.businessinsider.com/see-inside-airbus-a400m-atlas-military-cargo-plane-tom-cruise-2022-1

January 23

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The new German government is continuing to pursue the previous cabinet’s policy on the non-supply of weapons to Ukraine and reaffirms its commitment to the idea, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. https://ibcworldnews.com/2022/01/german-chancellor-reaffirms-berlins-stance-on-non-supply-of-weapons-to-kiev/

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Hier een hartenkreet: We roepen op tot verzet tegen de volgende #NAVO-top in #Madrid in juni 2022 en te tonen dat we oorlog en militarisme afwijzen. Laten we onze krachten bundelen in de strijd voor vrede, en voor ecologische en sociale rechtvaardigheid! https://vrede.be/nl/nieuws/vredestop-madrid-2022

January 22

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“Ukraine is believed to have one of the largest arms trafficking markets in Europe. While it has long been a key link in the global arms trade, its role has only intensified since the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine,” Organized Crime Index. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2022/01/21/why-sending-anti-tank-weapons-to-ukraine-may-end-badly/

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China blasts US over 'hegemonic' missile sanctions. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/590751-china-blasts-us-over-hegemonic-missile-sanctions

Imposition of Missile Proliferation Sanctions on Three Entities in the People's Republic of China https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/21/2022-01117/imposition-of-missile-proliferation-sanctions-on-three-entities-in-the-peoples-republic-of-china-prc

China Aerospace and Tech corp. in Myanmar: https://burmacampaign.org.uk/take-action/china-aerospace-science-and-technology-corp/

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South Korean civic group #PSPD argued against arms exports to the #UAE due to the buyer's role in Yemen's civil conflict. "The [S #Korean] government should stop its arms export policy as it is trying to make economic growth sacrificing others," it stated. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/South-Korea-inks-deal-to-lend-Egypt-1bn-for-infrastructure

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Damen Shipyards Group has opened new service hub in Panama City which will serve Central America and the Caribbean, for both Damen-built and third party vessels. https://www.bunkerspot.com/americas/55288-americas-damen-opens-service-hub-in-panama-city Panama navy operates several Damen vessels. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2018/01/kleine-schepen-t-bahamas-panama-deel-8.html

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After a year of Biden, why do we still have Trump’s foreign policy? it is asked in The Progressive Magazine. @medeabenjamin & @NicolasJSDavies give several examples; 3 Are arms trade related: weapons to Israel and Saudi's and the arms race with China. https://progressive.org/latest/why-we-still-have-trump-foreign-policy-benjamin-davies-220120/

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Baltic nations send US-made weapons to Ukraine. It seems not all EU-members just interpret the arms control policy the same here. Germany has refused to issue permits because of a longstanding policy over arms exports to tense regions. https://www.theepochtimes.com/baltic-nations-send-us-made-weapons-to-ukraine-amid-russian-threat_4229076.html

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What arms export control? French arms export tot the notorious regime in Egypt increased in 2016-202 by % compared to 2011-2015, with Egypt receiving 20 percent of French arms exports – making it the second largest customer for French arms after India. https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/86239

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#Germany is said to be blocking Estonia from providing German-origin military support to Ukraine, US newspaper The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Report comes after the US State Dep. gave Estonia the green light to send US-made weapons to Ukraine.

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-blocks-estonian-arms-exports-to-ukraine-report/a-60520988

January 21

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New Dutch government will end resistance to supply of 'defensive' weapons to Ukraine. And is not at forehand against delivering itself, when requested.

Nederland geeft verzet tegen levering defensieve wapens in Oekraïne-crisis op.

https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/nederland-geeft-verzet-tegen-levering-defensieve-wapens-in-oekraine-crisis-op~b565e3d5/

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German politicians urge new government to stop arms exports to Egypt and Saudi Arabia – Middle East Monitor https://worldakkam.com/german-politicians-urge-new-government-to-stop-arms-exports-to-egypt-and-saudi-arabia-middle-east-monitor/662336/

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The UK, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are reported to have obtained authorisation by the US State Department to transfer US-origin missiles and other weapons from their inventories to Ukraine, as required by US export control regulations. https://www.europeansanctions.com/2022/01/uk-baltic-states-authorised-to-transfer-us-weapons-to-ukraine/

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Israeli attack drone manufacturer Aeronautics Ltd. and 3 senior employees are reported to have been charged on 29 December 2021 with violating the Israeli Defence Export Control Law during their dealings with a prominent international client. https://www.europeansanctions.com/2022/01/israel-charges-export-control-violations-updates-cyber-end-use-controls/

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Qatar has requested an offer to Eurosam to acquire SAMP/T air defense missile system https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/qatar_has_requested_an_offer_to_eurosam_to_acquire_samp/t_air_defense_missile_system.html

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ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is to build three submarines worth a total of three billion euros for Israel in Kiel. The deal is controversial – due to suspicion of corruption and because the submarines could be upgraded with nuclear power. https://exactrelease.org/arms-exports-submarine-deal-agreed-with-israel/

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Conflicting claims made by the two militaries after USS Benfold enters the chain in the disputed South China Sea

PLA accuses US of ‘navigational hegemony’ but US Navy says ‘Chinese-claimed straight baselines’ around the islands are unlawful

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3164125/china-says-it-warned-us-warship-paracel-islands-american-navy

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NATO has its internal problems. French-built fighter jets roared Wednesday over the Acropolis as Greece races to modernize its military and flaunts new security alliances aimed at checking neighboring Turkey. Read More https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/01/19/greece-boosts-air-force-with-advanced-french-jets/

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There will be pressure on Germany to join forces and throw fuel on the Ukrainian fire. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/20/biden-lays-bare-nato-divisions-over-russia-aggression-in-ukraine

January 20

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In Israel läuft immer noch das Verfahren wegen Korruption im U-Boot-Deal mit TKMS und es soll einen Untersuchungsausschuss dazu geben und trotzdem unterzeichnet man neue Verträge?. https://www.thyssenkrupp.com/de/newsroom/pressemeldungen/pressedetailseite/grosser-auftrag-fur-thyssenkrupp-marine-systems-126291

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With 200 million in military aid, Washington is encouraging an arms race in Ukraine. Avec 200 millions d'aide militaire, Washington favorise en Ukraine une course à l'armement. https://www.humanite.fr/monde/ukraine/ukraine-vente-darmes-et-appel-la-paix-735189

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MEP Sergey Lagodinsky used the hypocrisy argument to defend arms sales to Ukraine: Why are the Greens against arms to the Ukraine and got Egypt arms worth billions, he questions. https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/ukraine-bedrohung-durch-russland-kritik-an-baerbocks-waffen-boykott-waechst-78882504.bild.html He seems to have missed their are also strong calls in this party to this. https://zeit.de/news/2022-01/19/gruenen-politiker-nouripour-keine-waffen-mehr-fuer-aegypten

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The UK should deploy diplomacy rather than weapons in Ukraine. https://www.thenational.scot/politics/19860289.uk-deploy-diplomacy-rather-weapons-ukraine/

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It's time to defend stand of Greens on this. Germany continues blocking arms exports to Ukraine due to new foreign 'peace' policy. https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/internal-rifts-loom-as-germany-ponders-arms-exports-to-ukraine/

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Why s the UAE a South Korea air defence system developed in partnership with Almaz-Antey (officially JSC Concern VKO, Russia’s premier air defence system developer) and with Fakel (P.D.Grushin Machine-building Design Bureau)?
South Korean contractors participated included. Samsung-Thales – a partnership with France’s Thales Aerospace Group – LIG Nex1 Co, Ltd and Doosan.
https://asiatimes.com/2022/01/why-the-uae-opted-for-south-korean-missiles/

Thales Samsung ended in 2016. Hanwha defense unit ends partnership with Thales.

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Interessant artikel over #Myanmar: Het is onze taak levens te redden, het is de taak van anderen om tegen het regime te vechten, zei de chirurg. In zijn woorden klonk geen spoor van ironie. Hij vond het nu of nooit om de macht van de militairen te breken. https://www.groene.nl/artikel/als-mensen-willen-vechten-dan-zal-ik-dat-respecteren

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Turkey should strive to balance its status as a major exporter of drones with careful adherence to best practices and norms on arms sales and export controls. https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/01/18/strengthening-turkish-policy-on-drone-exports-pub-86183

January 19

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Retweet @RetePaceDisarmo: Italian munitions (Fiocchi) seized in #Senegal: “UAMA, Customs Agency and La Spezia Port Authorities must clarify immediately”. @AdmGov @ItalyMFA @ItalyMFA_intJoint statement by @RetePaceDisarmo, @OpalBrescia& WeaponWatch https://retepacedisarmo.org/english/2022/italian-munitions-fiocchi-seized-in-senegal-uama-customs-agency-and-la-spezia-port-authorities-must-clarify-immediately/

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Under the coordination of deputy Fabien Gouttefarde, a working group of the French ruling party on defence proposes the deployment of a permanent amphibious group in the Indo-Pacific zone. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/elysee-2022-et-pourquoi-pas-un-groupe-amphibie-permanent-francais-en-indo-pacifique-lrem-902143.html

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Eye on China, Indonesia launches naval spending spree. Remarkable it is not any longer German and Dutch vessels the notorious Prabowo looks for but het signed contracts for Italian and UK frigates. https://asiatimes.com/2022/01/eye-on-china-indonesia-launches-naval-spending-spree/

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The top recipient country of #German arms exports was Egypt last year. The Greens politician Omid Nouripour has called for a stop to German arms deliveries to #Egypt. https://www.zeit.de/news/2022-01/19/gruenen-politiker-nouripour-keine-waffen-mehr-fuer-aegypten

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#Turkey kicks off serial production for armed trainer Hurjet plane. #Azerbaijan will likely become the second foreign customer. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/01/14/turkey-kicks-off-serial-production-for-armed-trainer-hurjet/ Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney #Canada PT6A-68T turboprop aircraft engine, 1,200 kW (1,600 shp). https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=1088

January 18

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Gamble at cost of tax payer? While the Dutch in the midst of a tricolore quarrel if inexperienced #Damen gets the costly chance to build 3-4 submarines, the Germans & Norway build theirs. Last year #TKMS was awarded €5.5bn to build two German and 4 Norwegian 212CD submarines. https://www.hensoldt.net/news/hensoldt-equips-norwegian-and-german-submarines-with-next-generation-optronics-suite/

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Two British C-17 transport aircraft carrying anti-armour weaponry to Ukraine were forced to fly around German airspace after Germany refused to supply defensive weapons to Ukraine https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-aircraft-avoid-germany-on-ukraine-weapon-supply-run via @ukdefjournal

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Congressional Report #CRS on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (#JSF) Program. Includes advise to limit the number of F-35s that could be procured based on the cost of operating and maintaining them. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21180828/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-jsf-program-jan-14-2022.pdf

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There will be an arms export control law before the end of 2022 TAZ reported (Tuesday), citing State Secretary for Economic Affairs Sven Giegold. "Decisions on arms exports need a restrictive and clear legal basis," said Giegold. https://taz.de/Entscheidung-zu-Ruestungsexporten/!5828552/

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Contrary to German policy London embarks on adding glowing embers to conflict in Ukraine: UK supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons, MPs told. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jan/17/uk-supplying-ukraine-with-anti-tank-weapons-mps-told

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Warn famine in Yemen will risk an entire generation. Meanwhile, arms companies are making billions of pounds from arms sales to Saudi Arabia, helping to prolong the conflict. https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/aid-agencies-warn-famine-in-yemen/

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Perspective

People who have died as a result of war in developed nations is down 50% this decade versus 90s.

In 2021, there were 20 African countries with armed conflicts. Result: over 25000 Africans were killed, an almost 10x increase from a decade ago. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/how-wars-are-derailing-africa-s-progress-3685078

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#Uganda has written to the UN SC, detailing Uganda’s military hardware by type and numbers as well as infantry and air force support weapons used in offence against #ADF in eastern #DRC. (Newspaper has the full inventory but withholds details). https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-lists-arms-troops-in-adf-fight-3685162

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In Foreign Affairs a plea for NATO to change course by publicly & explicitly refusing to add any more member states. Ending NATO expansion would be an act of self-defense for the alliance itself, with positive result concludes the writer, Michael Kimmage. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2022-01-17/time-nato-close-its-door?

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Germany reiterated its refusal to send defensive weapons to Ukraine. This comes as part of a new German peace policy that aims at restricting arms exports and fostering peace via diplomacy. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/germany-continues-blocking-arms-exports-to-ukraine-due-to-new-foreign-peace-policy/

January 17

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The arms bazaar. In a deal hailed as the biggest single defense equipment export ever by South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will reportedly buy a surface-to-air-missile system for 4 trillion won (US$3.3 billion). https://asiatimes.com/2022/01/south-korea-uae-strike-3-billion-missile-deal/

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Austrias Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner told she met with the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency Jiří Šedivý to discuss current projects and future cooperation between the EDA and the Austrian Armed Forces. https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2022/01/11/ce-in-austria-for-high-level-talks

Saab to deliver the Carl-Gustaf M4 and ammunition to Lithuania. In 2014, Saab signed a framework agreement with the European Defence Agency #EDA to provide Carl-Gustaf ammunition to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Poland. https://www.army-technology.com/news/saab-deliver-carl-gustaf-m4-lithuania/

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By preferring to buy 36 F-35 fighter planes from the Lockheed rather than French Rafales, Bern has blurred its relations with Paris. A confidential note revealed that “France has severed all high-level diplomatic relations” since last June. https://www.lesechos.fr/idees-debats/editos-analyses/coup-de-froid-entre-la-suisse-et-la-france-1379308

January 16

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Business diplomacy firm LODI Consulting has walked away empty-handed after a lengthy legal wrangle (since 2018) with the ODAS, France's military exports office. [Paywall] Case shedded light on ODAS dealings & who was involved arms deals in Cairo and Ryadh. https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2022/01/17/lodi-loses-battle-for-damages-over-riyadh-and-cairo-odas-defence-contracts,109717002-art

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Remarkable Dutch dual use licenses in November 2021:

Nano observation satellites for #SouthAfrica, € 1.2 m. (Probably wild park control.)

Contribution to #Turkish (military) tech development. Cryocoolers for research into image intensifiers. € 80.560 https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

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Scrap plan for Ukraine ammunition factory. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canada-making-plans-to-build-ammo-factory-in-ukraine-amid-tensions-with-russia Instead of a deeper involvement with the international arms trade, Canada should take Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly's own advice: "de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue." https://www.pressreader.com/canada/ottawa-citizen/20220115/281724092914808

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Blurring the lines between civil and military. US multinational conglomerate holding company focused on transportation, e-commerce and services based in Memphis wants to fit some of its planes with anti-missile lasers. https://www.businessinsider.co.za/fedex-seeks-faa-approval-anti-missile-lasers-2022-1

Addition: FAA rejects FedEx request to install anti-missile systems on Airbus planes. https://www.valuewalk.com/faa-rejects-fedex-request-to-install-anti-missile-systems-on-airbus-planes/

***
Airbus has been contracted to supply space start-up Loft Orbital with more than fifteen satellite platforms derived from the Airbus Arrow platform. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-01-industry-first-loft-orbital-signs-agreement-with-airbus-to-procure Loft is seriously interested in becoming a service provider for the US military. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/06/loft-orbitals-rideshare-sats-take-an-uber-to-space/

***
While experts in #AI wrote an open letter to the new German government calling for a ban on autonomous weapons systems, the EU military industry is already developing such software. Industry representatives are openly promoting its development.

Welt am Sontag NR. 3 January 16, 22

***
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered a thorough investigation into alleged legal violations in the procurement of a defence satellite that inflicted Rp800 billion (€ 49 million) in losses to the state exchequer. https://en.antaranews.com/news/209573/president-orders-probe-into-defense-ministrys-satellite-project

January 15

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Ik kreeg de Militaire Courant met in 'n column de stelling dat #GroenLinks & #SP volledig ontgaat wat er in de wereld aan de hand is. Freek Jansen #FVD mag 'n Nationaal militair ruimtevaartprogramma bepleiten. Blad wordt verspreid via middelbare scholen, mbo, hbo & universiteiten. https://militairecourant.nl/column-niels-roelen-contrast/

***
What a position.

10 yr AgustaWestland ban revoked after 6 yrs. It isn't in India’s interest to ban significant military firms an observer said. “Not only does it have a massive impact on competition, but it is also against national interest.” https://law.asia/agusta-westland-ban-revoked/ #corruption

***
Dutch MoD has signed a 10-year lease agreement for a medium #RoRo ship, most probably the Finnmerchant of Finnlines (http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2431755), that will allow the military to move cargo and vehicles on strategic operations. https://defbrief.com/2022/01/14/dutch-lease-roro-ship-for-military-operations/ Name and 'F' are hidden. Why?

***
Thailand's cabinet approved a plan to buy four fighter jets starting in the next fiscal year. The approval follows a recent expression of interest by the air force chief Marshal Napadej Dhupatemiya, in procuring eight F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2245879/air-force-eyes-b13-8bn-jets-purchase

***
Leonardo has won 260 million euros ($296 million) in Eurofighter European Common Radar System Mk1 E-scan radar work from Germany’s Hensoldt, meaning the Italian firm now has a major role in all 3 of the new e-scan radars being built for Typhoon customers. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/01/14/deal-with-hensoldt-expands-leonardos-stake-in-eurofighter-radar-business/

***
For India, Philippines’ BrahMos missile order is a win as LAC border dispute with China continues.

New Delhi is also talking to Vietnam and Indonesia about buying the supersonic cruise missiles as part of its efforts to ramp up arms exports.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3163456/india-philippines-brahmos-missile-order-win-lac-border-dispute

January 13

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Article by military historians on the recent use of #drones in warfare, most notably Turkish and Israeli drone tech, but also on counter measures by the US naval ships in the Middle East. Based on public available sources. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2022/january/new-wrinkles-drone-warfare

***
In the lawsuit filed by the Mexican government before a US court against illegal trafficking of 500,000 weapons a year, the country can defeat giant arms producers (Beretta; Glock; Sturm, Ruger & Co etc.) and distributors that feed criminal organizations. https://www.dossierpolitico.com/vernoticias.php?artid=260205&relacion=&tipo=Principal&categoria=12

***
French MoD Parly will put on the table of the CEO of Airbus Helicopters the problematic maintenance of the Cayman heli's (French navy #NH90 version) whose availability under the supervision of NHIndustries (#Airbus Helicopters, #Leonardo & #Fokker) is bad. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/soutien-le-caiman-de-la-marine-nationale-boit-la-tasse-899907.html

***
It is not a secret Damen Shipyards is building a naval shipyard in Kenya. But it has never been reported in the Dutch press. Not with and not without context. Kenya has its election violence cycles, oil and conflicts and is near Somalia. https://nation.africa/kenya/news/uhuru-kenyatta-makes-impromptu-visits-to-kisumu-port-mbita--3680458

***
For years, #Egypt has been a major customer for #German arms exports. However, a policy reassessment is long overdue as the exports to Cairo are sending dangerous political signals.

Placing an embargo on all deliveries to Egypt would be a strong signal.

https://ip-quarterly.com/en/germanys-problematic-billion-euro-weapons-deals-egypt

January 12

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Which companies will visit March arms fair in Saudi Arabia, the WORLD DEFENSE SHOW 2022?

So far it is only one from the Netherlands: Microflown Avisa. But it is 20 from the UK, 13 from France, and 8 from Italy and 2 from Germany. https://www.worlddefenseshow.com/exhibit/exhibitor-list/

***
Ah that's the tool we need to fight climate change and improve health standards.
Retweet @lauderdale_l: Last week, we released the first F-35 Fast Facts of 2022. The new look and feel showcases how @theF35 enables 21st Century Warfare. I encourage you to check out some of the links to see the F-35 in action! To see the latest: https://f35.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/aero/f35/documents/F35FastFacts01_2022.pdf

***
Vervang dan ook 't woord pemuda door jonge strijders. Zoals het woord nu gebruikt wordt, is 't alsof alle Indonesische jongeren rond liepen met rotan speren om mensen af te maken. Dat versterkt pas rassenhaat. Jongeren waren nog diverser dan het geweld. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/01/10/schrap-term-bersiap-voor-periodisering-want-die-is-racistisch-a4077367

***
Came across this summary of Dutch industrial participation in the F-35 fighter program: Lockheed Martin Rolls out the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s First Operational F-35A Lightning-II (last column). https://www.defenceturkey.com/files/issues/5c6ef9ccb75bb.pdf

Netherlands Economic Impact The design expertise, development and manufacturing proficiencies Dutch industry bring to the F-35 will ensure future economic growth and national security for the Netherlands. Dutch Industry including 25 suppliers continues to benefit from the F-35 program with contracts awarded for high technology work. As estimated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the F-35 has already generated more than $1B in contracts for Netherlands Industry, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for this country over the next 30-40 years. Dutch industry is currently participating in high volume production, critical technology development and strategic structural design ventures that are integral to the F-35 program. Key industrial partners include Fokker Technologies, Aeronamic, Thales, NLR, Airbus Defense and Space, and DPCC. Dutch Industry will continue building F-35 parts for over 3,000 aircraft over the next 30+ years. The Netherlands was also assigned four major European regional sustainment projects: Engine Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U), Landing Gear Component MRO&U, PTMS MRO&U, and Regional Warehousing.

***
The #Bremen Port Act is used to deny harbour use for nuclear fuel transports. This also served as blueprint to prevent eg. arms exports. Has also this become impossible with the recent Karlsruhe decision that nuclear transport is a federal responsibility? https://taz.de/Karlsruher-Entscheid-zu-Atomtransporten/!5825099&SuchRahmen=Print/

***
The US should draw a distinction between the Taliban as former insurgents and the state they now control.

This starts by beginning to lift sanctions on the Taliban as a group (leaving sanctions on some individuals and an arms embargo in place)

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/11/opinion/afghanistan-taliban-us.html

***
Czech FA Minister announced that licenses for arms exports for Kazakhstan would be scrapped. In 2020 the Czech Ministry of Trade provided 11 export licenses. Companies have been able to export firearms, vehicles, chemicals and "riot control agents." https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/why-unrest-in-kazakhstan-strikes-a-nerve-in-the-czech-republic

***
A UK South/Africa arms #corruption story of the 90's retold. "Given his complicity 20 years ago in the BAE/Saab fleecing of SA, perhaps Hain [a “Blair’s buddies”] might now prevail upon the present UK government to make restitution .. to the people of SA?" https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/letters/2022-01-11-letter-hains-bain-critique-applies-to-arms-deal-too/

"I was soon informed that it was [then] not illegal in English law to bribe foreigners, and therefore there was no crime."

***
#Corruption claims threaten Emmanuel Macron’s fighter jet deal. Claims by defence consultant against #Thales brings scrutiny to #French arms deals with India. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/01/09/corruption-claims-threaten-emmanuel-macrons-fighter-jet-deal/

Is Thales corrupt? Oh we did know that already. But its only the French part.

***
#Rafale's to #UAE may destabilize Europe’s efforts at defence collaboration. For it strengthens Dassault’s hand in the still-troublesome negotiations with Airbus’s German-based defence division over Europe’s proposed Future Combat Air System #FCAS. https://www.ft.com/content/095d4c62-f215-499e-9ea0-cd26e0f5b42b

Meanwhile, the new German government’s plans to codify into law the country’s tougher restrictions on arms exports — potentially limiting them to just NATO and the EU — is adding to tensions. Such constraints on exports “would be a deal killer”, said one French defence executive. https://www.ft.com/content/095d4c62-f215-499e-9ea0-cd26e0f5b42b

January 11

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Why France must not sell weaponry to India (a view from Islamabad):

1) it currently ruled by hawkish and insane leadership

2) already one of the world’s largest arms importers

3) it fuels regional tensions https://www.globalvillagespace.com/disturbing-trajectory-of-indo-french-defense-partnership/

***
Japan's international arms sales never really have taken off. Uncompetitive, with high prices, aging technology and scant government support, arms makers in Japan increasingly are just withdrawing from the business. https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-12-29/despite-defense-buildup-japans-arms-industry-struggles

***
Arms sales to Kazakhstan are relatively small, but significant. Kazakhstan's energy wealth gives it money to spend. Israel and Kazakhstan signed a defense agreement in 2014, particulars have never been revealed but appear to deal mainly with weapons sales. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/oil-cyber-weapons-relations-israel-kazakhstan-protests-1.10527645

***
How US policy on China and BDS-campaign against illegal occupation of Palestine have impact on the Middle Eastern Apartheid State.

Israeli arms exports, the best-known trademark of Israeli industry, were closely controlled by the US; China was off-limits. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bds-israel-china-us-trade-policy

***
Fighter arms race in Middle East. Now besides EU and US also Russia became more active. It showed off its SU-75 Checkmate jet fighter in hopes of getting Middle East business. Will it win contracts over the F-35, Defense News asks. (No, it answered.) https://www.defensenews.com/video/2022/01/10/will-the-russian-checkmate-jet-beat-the-f-35-actionable-intelligence/

***
Information for sale. Retweet @AirbusDefence: Whether you’re looking for geospatial intelligence analysis or critical mission planning, #PléiadesNeo has the vision. When it comes to Defence and Security, our satellites deliver precise, reliable and continuous information to prepare, confirm and assess operations. https://www.intelligence-airbusds.com/imagery/constellation/pleiades-neo/#defence

***
The technology developed by spyware firm NSO should be more strictly regulated but not discarded altogether, Israel’s cybersecurity guru said — though he acknowledged that the scandal surrounding the Herzliya-based firm was blackening Israel’s reputation. https://www.timesofisrael.com/dont-toss-the-spyware-with-the-nso-scandal-bathwater-says-israeli-cyber-guru/

***
Members of the group Palestine Action celebrated victory on Monday as Israeli arms giant Elbit Systems sold off one of its UK factories.

The group has carried out a sustained direct action campaign at the site since August 2020.

https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/asa-winstanley/israels-elbit-sells-uk-arms-factory-targeted-activists

***
‘Een groep van 60 leden van het Parlement vraagt de Commissie een streep te zetten door de associatie van Israël met Horizon Europe. Zij vinden dat Israël’s opstelling jegens Palestina niet in lijn is met de waarden van de EU. Zie verder: https://www.neth-er.eu/onderzoek/groep-meps-wil-isra-l-uitsluiten-van-horizon-europe

January 10

***

Germany and the Netherlands both have a new coalition government. France will have elections in April. What will this mean for EU arms export policy? New blog by @martinbroek https://stopwapenhandel.org/arms-exports-and-new-governments-in-the-netherlands-and-germany/

***
In South China Morning Post on Myanmar: Interviewees with the anti-junta fighters, activists and aid agency members suggested that without int. action being stepped up, including an arms embargo endorsed by the UN, such killings were likely to intensify. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3162697/bound-gagged-shot-myanmars-military-massacre-women-children

Whichever country clinches the submarine deal, it is very clear that Russia or China have absolutely no intention of heeding US's recent call for a worldwide ban on arms sales to Myanmar. The geoeconomic stakes are too high for Moscow and Beijing. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/commentary-why-china-transferred-submarine-myanmar-2416416

***
Does Berlin go American? US Joint Strike Fighter could become Germany's nuclear bomber (thus not Eurofighter); German government to reconsider purchase of US F-35 fighter as Tornado successor for nuclear bombs. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus236130848/F-35-Ploetzlich-ist-der-US-Jet-eine-Option-als-Deutschlands-Atombomber.html

January 9

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Warships for the dictator; The Bremen-based Lürssen shipyard wants to build corvettes for Egypt's ruler al-Sisi. Trouble is programmed in the traffic light coalition. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article236097286/Ampel-Koalition-Gruene-gegen-Plaene-zum-Bau-von-Kriegsschiffen-in-Aegypten.html

***
Military industry has a bad reputation. GIFAS (French Aerospace Industries Association) worried about reluctance of the banking sector to finance military production. Strictly follow the arms trade export rules, don't produce nukes etc. & change will come. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/financement-un-mauvais-vent-souffle-sur-la-defense-guillaume-faury-gifas-899700.html

***
Also military industry in Turkey negatively impacted by inflation. TAI, which will lead Turkish fighter aircraft project at the facilities inaugurated by President Erdogan, is experiencing a currency crisis with its subcontractors. [in Turkish] https://www.ogunhaber.com/genel/savunma-sanayisinde-kur-krizi-2260566h.html

***
The Department of Aeronautical Maintenance of the French MoD awarded a contract to ensure the monitoring of all aerial surveillance equipment. Thales becomes its single point of contact. The contract over 10 years is valued +/- € 1.5 bn. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/defense-la-france-confie-a-thales-son-systeme-de-surveillance-aerienne-1377662

***
#Sogeclair, whose head office is located in Blagnac, and operates on aerospace (commercial aviation, business, space), simulation (automotive & rail) and defence (military vehicles), quietly liquidated its #Moroccan subsidiary in mid-December 2021. PayWall https://mobile.ledesk.ma/enoff/le-toulousain-sogeclair-liquide-sa-filiale-aeronautique-au-maroc/

***
Worth reading on one of the major issues in International Polltics.

What Should the Left Do About China?

Progressive thinkers are developing a foreign policy approach that opposes military confrontation while acknowledging Beijing’s oppressive policies.

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/china-left-foreign-policy/

Rayhan Asat, a Uyghur human rights lawyer prefers an approach that the US should apply targeted sanctions against Chinese officials complicit in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. She's against a military buildup in response because the US has a credibility problem on human rights.

January 8

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Germany has temporarily halted arms exports to Kazakhstan, report German media based on a report from German news agency DPA. Last year, Germany issued twenty-five export licenses for weapons worth €2.2 million in total. https://www.paudal.com/2022/01/08/germany-stops-arms-supplies-to-kazakhstan-us-diplomats-are-allowed-to-leave-the-country/

***
The U.S. has established a forward operating headquarters in Albania and will use the facility in the Adriatic Sea-facing country as a home base for missions in the broader Balkans. https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-01-06/albania-us-special-forces-forward-operating-headquarters-4202023.html

***
An overview of military industrial meetings mainly in London, but also Hamburg and Washington DC. https://www.defenceiq.com/air-land-and-sea-defence-services/editorials/download-defence-iqs-event-calendar Looking for an arms fair in the Netherlands? Protest the NIDV-NEDS fair in February 2022 at Ahoy in Rotterdam. https://www.nidv.eu/agenda/

***
Experts doubt the quality of the Chinese arms given the fall in China’s global market share of arms exports. Besides the hidden costs Chinese weapons are seemingly losing charms as they remain largely untested in real combats, unlike the western systems. https://nationalcybersecuritynews.today/why-chinese-weapons-are-fast-losing-edge-in-global-arms-export-market-despite-tall-claims-cybersecurity-cyberattack/

***
Foreign arms sales plummet; F-35 deliveries rise. Lockheed delivered 142 F-35 fighters in 2021. That’s up from 120 it delivered in 2020, a no. well below the 141-aircraft goal due to the supply chain issues related to the pandemic.

https://www.defenseone.com/business/2022/01/defense-business-brief-foreign-arms-sales-plummet-f-35-deliveries-rise-leidos-sponsor-nascar-driver-and-more/360495/

https://www.state.gov/fiscal-year-2021-u-s-arms-transfers-and-defense-trade/

January 7

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Aselsan has been adapting the Sarp remote weapon station able to fire the Atom 40 mm high-velocity airburst munition. Atom Sarp was test-fired in June 2021 against dummies representing dispersed insurgents under cover, inside buildings, and in the field. https://www.turdef.com/Article/aselsan-s-40-mm-atom-is-ready-for-action/1110

***
Elbit Systems’ Brazilian subsidiary, AEL Sistemas S.A. won a contract to supply additional Hermes 900 UAS to the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira). https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/elbit-systems-awarded-a-follow-on-contract-to-supply-hermes-900-unmanned-aircraft-systems-to-the-brazilian-air-force-10896057

January 6

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Zijn wij al wakker?

Wereldmachten spelen zeeslag in Azië.

‘De Australische vredesbeweging was klaar en duidelijk over AUKUS. Zij zeiden: “Dit is niet wie wij zijn. Wij hebben niets, maar dan ook niets te maken met dit nieuwe, witte kolonistenpact.”’ https://www.mo.be/analyse/wereldmachten-spelen-zeeslag-indische-en-stille-oceaan

***
A New York federal judge on Wednesday set a fall trial date for a former adviser to ex-U.S. President Donald Trump who stands accused of an illicit lobbying campaign on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2JF1NP

***
The #Qatar Air Force took delivery of the first #NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) recently, manufacturer Leonardo has announced. The first TTH version helicopter for land-based tasks was delivered on 11 December. https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/news-and-stories-detail/-/detail/03-01-2022-leonardo-qatar-s-nh90-helicopter-programme-marks-major-milestone-with-first-delivery

***
Left in EP demands:

– a non-military CFSP that relies on diplomacy & maintains peace

– strict interpretation of article 41(2)TEU that prohibits to use EU-budget for arms industry or military ops

– sanction mechanism in Common Position on arms exports

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2021-0358_EN.html

January 5

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CRS-report: Turkey: Background and U.S. Relations with e.g. information on the Bayraktar TB2s drones and arms sales policy. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21173835/turkey-background-and-us-relations-in-brief-dec-30-2021.pdf

***
An F-35A fighter operated by South Korea's Air Force made an emergency landing during a training session. SK's Air Force and the US military plan to initiate a joint investigation into what went wrong with the fighter produced by Lockheed Martin. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220104005053325?section=national/defense

***

1/2 „Dictators over de hele wereld willen de Israëlische surveillance hebben, van Bolsonaro tot Orbán”, zegt Benjamin Baars, die voor de Nederlandse campagne Stop Wapenhandel onderzoek deed naar de Israëlische veiligheidsindustrie. .../2

2/2 „Maar ook Nederland wil Israëlische technologie, zoals drones en gezichtsherkenning. Toegang tot de Israëlische veiligheidsindustrie kan voor Europese landen een reden zijn om kritiek voor zich te houden.” https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/01/04/surveillance-industrie-israel-in-schijnwerpers-door-pegasus-schandaal-a4075654

***

If the German government is serious about a value-oriented foreign policy, then it must also include a more restrictive arms export policy. Because it does not go together to demand the protection of human dignity worldwide and at the same time allow arms deliveries.

***
Military sales also include satellite exports. #Airbus is ahead of its competitors in the field, French La Tribune argues. In recent Airbus sold (in cooperation with #Thales Alenia Space) to the #UAE and #Morocco. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/comment-airbus-va-croitre-sur-le-marche-mondial-de-l-observation-spatiale-898707.html

January 4

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Blind anger is often not the best advisor.

Heckler & Koch CFO Björn Krönert has no clue why his company is "being put in a half-silence corner by banks and the EU!" https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/neuer-eu-plan-angriff-auf-unsere-ruestungsfirmen-78715942.bild.html

Ever heard of Mexico? https://www.dw.com/en/court-heckler-koch-must-pay-for-illegal-arms-sales-to-mexico/a-57047654

***
The cynical views from one of the largest military companies. Read and shiver. "Peace is not going to break out in the Middle East anytime soon," Raytheon's CEO said. "I think it remains an area where we'll continue to see solid growth." https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/02/business/they-have-massive-influence-how-raytheon-turned-potentially-hard-year-into-good-one/

***
The German defence industry has expressed fears that it will suffer a significant competitive disadvantage as a result of the new German government's plans to restrict arms exports. https://www.trtdeutsch.com/wirtschaft-inland/rustungsindustrie-warnt-vor-einschrankung-der-exporte-7580374

***
Excerpts leaked to media of interim UN Panel of Experts report on Libya arms embargo indicate that that the embargo remained ineffective and existing stockpiles of weapons and ammunition in the country are sufficient to fuel future conflict. https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/libya-situation-security-councils-january-agenda

***
Tanker planes better protected in the air. Good news for UAE Air Force, Elbit and Airbus (+ shareholders), not so for victims of Emirati bombardments. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-691394

***
Military (industry) funded organisation give their opinions. At a minimum, media outlets should point out their contributors’ direct or indirect financial ties to the military when offering their opinion on the armed forces. A view on this from Canada. https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/of-course-these-experts-are-pro-militaryfollow-the-money

January 3

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The new German government wants to continue the arms export stop for Saudi Arabia in the coming year. However, it is still unclear whether, like the previous government, it will allow exceptions for joint projects with alliance partners. https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/waffen-ruestungsexportstopp-fuer-saudi-arabien-bleibt-bestehen-ausnahmen-aber-unklar/

***
Employee of CMI Command proposes to expand military exchange with UAE, eg with Special Forces & Air Force. And points to the fact Dutch Defence attache in Abu Dhabi considers The Hague policy on Emirati human rights violations harmful to military relations.https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/geschiedenis-internationale-veiligheidspolitiek/artikel/klauwen-van-de-valk

***
Spanish news Larazon reports that #Morocco will soon be taking delivery of the #MBDA VL MICA ground based air defense missile system. The new system will complement the #Chinese-made FD-2000 air defense system. #endlessconflict #Algeria https://www.larazon.es/internacional/20211228/ixbrxbyqhverfkttxc44svsza4.html

***
Royal IHC rondt verkoop bedrijfsonderdelen die niet tot kern behoren nagenoeg af. De werf blijft samen met de Franse Naval Group meedingen naar de de bouw van onderzeeboten voor de Koninklijke Marine. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1425412/royal-ihc-rondt-verkoop-bedrijfsonderdelen-die-niet-tot-kern-behoren-nagenoeg-af

***
Turkey’s top defense industry official has reiterated that armed drones sold to other countries will never pose a risk to Turkey in the future, suggesting that engineers placed a kill switch on the exported versions of the drones. https://nordicmonitor.com/2022/01/turkey-may-have-planted-a-kill-switch-in-exported-bayraktar-armed-drones/

January 2

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While French President Macron visions a more federalized EU, his government has also made it clear that this goal does not apply to arms exports, on which its arms industry relies. https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/france-wants-a-federalized-eu-but-not-for-arms/

So its up to the French NGOs to counter the arms sales.

***
The political reasoning behind arms sales. Here the French example. Arms sales are the thermometer of a nation’s influence abroad: it gives the exact measure of its diplomatic, military, industrial and technological influence. https://miwi-institut.de/archives/1609

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1/6 De Nederlandse Commando Stichting klaagt over vooringenomenheid bij het onderzoek naar het Nederlandse optreden 1945/50 in Indië/Indonesië (alleen al dit laatste woord in deze tweet zal tot een zelfde veroordeling leiden. Men is het immers nog steeds niet eens met het gestelde dat Indonesië op 17 augustus 1945 onafhankelijk werd.). https://www.korpscommandotroepen.nl/stichting-nieuws/de-groene-baret-december-editie-2021-deze-week-in-de-bus/

2/6 Er bestaat een klankbordgroep die de onderzoekers gevraagd en ongevraagd van advies voorziet. Ze is naast het Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei samengesteld uit organisaties van en voor veteranen en Nederlanders uit Indië. De klankbordgroep heeft een zelfde kritiek, maar is zelf niet bepaald onafhankelijk van samenstelling. https://www.ind45-50.org/maatschappelijke-klankbordgroep

3/6 Hebben Indonesische vluchtelingen een formele status om ongevraagd en gevraagd advies te geven of vredesorganisaties, oppositie groepen, politieke stromingen, de nazaten van de Doopsgezinden, Remonstranten, de dienst- en Indiëweigeraars?

4/6 In 1994 sprak ik de Indonesische activist en antimilitarist Indro Tjahyono. Hij had een boek geschreven 'Indonesia was under boots' https://sangpemikir.wordpress.com/2018/07/29/indonesia-was-under-boots/ Die boots waren soldatenlaarzen. Hij wilde de historische context aangeven van waarin het repressieve regime van Suharto wortelde. Hij zelf ondervond de gevolgen aan de lijve.

5/6 In dat jaar las ik ook Harolds Crouch standardwerk 'The army and politics in Indonesia' https://books.google.nl/books?id=TJptHWc4i1EC&redir_esc=y en leerde dat de Nederlandse militaire acties na 1945 de opmaat waren naar het militaire regime en het idee van Dwi Fungsi. Het gevangen zetten van de politieke leiding betekende immers de versterking van de militaire tak van het verzet zowel politiek als militair.

6/6 Commentaar op het optreden van destijds is hard voor wie vochten en hun leven waagden. Die kritiek is echter nodig om Nederland eindelijk volwassen met haar geschiedenis om te laten gaan en niet gericht op de militairen, maar op hen die de beslissingen namen. Die de tekenen van de tijd niet verstonden en grepen naar militaire macht om te verdedigen was onjuist was. Nu nog niet zien dat Indonesië zelf bepaalde wanneer het onafhankelijk was, is alleen vanuit een verstarde visie te begrijpen. Er waren destijds al heel wat mensen die vonden dat Nederland onjuiste keuzes maakte.

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#Ukraine's state-owned arms exporter, Ukrspecexport, received 144 foreign delegations and signed contracts worth $332 million in 2021, the company's press service has said. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3378521-ukraines-state-arms-exporter-signs-332m-worth-of-contracts-in-2021.html

January 1

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#Berkel & #Rodenrijs gets #satellite plant to build earth observation satellites. The US-Argentine firm Satellogic plans to produce 25 satellites per quarter. [in Dutch] https://www.computable.nl/artikel/nieuws/digital-innovation/7297148/250449/berkel-en-rodenrijs-krijgt-ruimtevaartfabriek.html

Also for military and intel apps? https://satellogic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Satellogic_Solutions-for-Defense_Intelligence.pdf

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Will Germany freeze the arms deal with #Egypt? Spoiler alert: Berlin will not. The market is to big. https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/12/will-germany-freeze-arms-deal-egypt Maybe even more important Cairo is a crucial geopolitical ally, despite its terrible human rights record.

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Czech military to adopt new small arms including Belgian FN Minimi machine guns. Earlier this year, Norway also adopted the Minimi—and it has clearly become the NATO standard. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/czech-military-adopt-new-small-arms-including-fn-minimi-machine-guns-198826

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All over the world, countries are spending exorbitant amounts on national security, while spending on human welfare is declining.

Millions of children are out of school in Pakistan because its government doesn't spend similar resources on education. https://nation.com.pk/01-Jan-2022/guns-and-butter

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India's deployment will provide a major fillip to its air defence capacity as the weapon system is capable of neutralising assets from +400km away.

Next logical step is Pakistan aiming for more nuclear warheads, to keep its nuclear threat at same level. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/eye-on-china-pakistan-s-400-unit-deployed-punjab-7700617/