Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
February 28
No NATO IS NOT underfunded compared to the rest of the world
***
Nld wapenlobby ziet kansen. Ook
in Nederland is de discussie of de extra investering van € 3
miljard voldoende is en we versneld naar de 2% NAVO-norm moeten. De
NIVD bouwt onverminderd door aan goed contact met verantwoordelijke
ministeries.
https://eds4.mailcamp.nl/webversion.php?subid=9zm56ownoeq1ty3&ccode=n79z9n5dnjj7hzod669yjyz4hdggy4x2303lby1exnv9d44zuj51v4q8elwda0gxj&lid=070e08w&nstatid=4o1v00xgw&nid=g4z4mwdnq&statid=4o1v00xgw&info=n9w3d0v
***
Er zijn ook
sprekers die vinden dat nog meer wapengekletter niet de oplossing is
voor de crisis. Wendela de Vries van de organisatie @CTWnl
bijvoorbeeld. "Poetin heeft kernwapens tot zijn beschikking. Een
confrontatie brengt de hele planeet in gevaar."
https://www.parool.nl/amsterdam/betogers-voor-oekraine-op-de-dam-poetin-moet-gewoon-oprotten~bc07e4ee/
Onder
het duivenkleed blijkt toch nog een beetje havikendrift te schuilen,
wanneer De Vries afsluit met de bondige mededeling dat 'Poetin
natuurlijk wel gewoon moet oprotten uit Oekraïne', melden Parool en
Nu.nl
https://www.nu.nl/uit-andere-media/6186721/betogers-voor-oekraine-op-de-dam-poetin-moet-gewoon-oprotten.html
***
European values worthless when
it comes to war?
“By blindly subjecting its military industries to ethical and environmental criteria, Europe is shooting itself in the foot”
***
Swiss weapons keep ending up in
crisis areas. Submachine guns in a zone controlled by separatists in
eastern Ukraine. Or assault rifles in Yemen, in the middle of the
greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time. And armoured vehicle
in the Favela's.
https://magazin.nzz.ch/nzz-am-sonntag/hintergrund/so-landen-sig-sturmgewehre-im-jemen-krieg-ld.1670995
***
Schweizer Know-how für
russische Kampfjets und Drohnen: Der Geheimdienst interveniert wegen
heiklen Exporten
Camouflaged Swiss military dual use exports to Russia.
***
Interesting text: Review of
Sanctions and Export Control Developments in 2021 and What to Expect
in 2022.
Information on countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey & Egypt is missing. Or is that incapsulated in: "surprising degree of continuity with the Trump". https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/review-of-sanctions-and-export-control-8026283/
***
Winners: German move sparked
gains of as much as 89% for sensor/radar maker Hensoldt, while
Rheinmetall, a producer of tanks and vehicles, soared 49% to a
record. French fighter jet maker Dassault Aviation jumped as much as
9.2% while Thales gained 16%.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/28/business/europe-is-re-arming-its-defense-firms-stand-profit
***
#Airbus and the Joint
Organization for Armaments Cooperation #OCCAR have signed a contract
worth €7.1 billion for the development and production of 20
#eurodrones: seven systems for Germany, five for Italy, four for
France and four for Spain.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/eurodrone-berlin-madrid-paris-et-rome-signent-un-cheque-de-7-milliards-pour-20-systemes-904841.html
***
Squire radars, resterende helmen
en scherfvesten zijn op weg naar Oekraïne. Vanochtend is een C-130
Hercules transportvliegtuig van de luchtmacht met deze goederen
opgestegen vanaf vliegbasis Eindhoven naar een buurland van Oekraïne.
https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/02/28/squire-radars-helmen-en-scherfvesten-onderweg-naar-oekraine
***
Boon for defense industry also
helps US corporations; Airbus, Rheinmetall & Co. are not the only
ones to benefit from the €100bn budget, writes @GeHegmann A large
share is flowing to US military industries like Lockheed, Boeing,
Sikorsky, Raytheon.
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article237188145/Milliarden-fuer-die-Bundeswehr-Geldsegen-fuer-Ruestungsindustrie.html
***
Contra-guerilla in West-Papua.
As many as 400 Special Raider Battalion 113/Jaya Sakti were
dispatched to Papua.
https://surabaya.tribunnews.com/2022/02/25/400-pasukan-berlambang-badak-hitam-berangkat-ke-papua-dilepas-langsung-mantan-danjen-kopassus
***
In the meantime arms trade
continues. Two more #Damen corvettes to #Pakistan? It would keep the
Dutch one of the major suppliers of the Pakistani armed forces. The
Chinese are by far the biggest.
https://quwa.org/2022/02/27/monthly-defense-news-recap-february-2022-2/
***
Mr Soames, of #Serco uses the
current situation to oppose those who aim for an ethical military
industry. As if a 'wrong' on one side makes a 'good' on the others
arming of dictators, corruption, and producing nuclear and
controversial arms. It doesn't.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/02/27/ukraine-highlights-ethical-value-defence-industry-says-serco/
***
U.S. President Joe Biden
authorized the State Department to send another $350 million in
weapons, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, to help Ukrainian
forces fight back the ongoing Russian invasion.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/02/26/biden-to-send-350m-in-military-aid-to-ukraine/
February 27
***
Retweet @TalkEuropeTweet: FOR
THE FIRST TIME EVER #EU WILL FINANCE SUPPLY OF "LETHAL
MATHERIAL" IN ONGOING CONFLICT "Yes, we are providing arms
in a war because we need to support Ukrainian army, said
@JosepBorrellF @eu_eeas#UkraineUnderAttack #selfdefense
#InternationalLaw
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/111738/urgent-assistance-ukraine-high-representative-josep-borrell-convenes-extraordinary-meeting-eu_en
Money
comes from the "peace facility." A policy according to the
adagium by the roman general Vegetius: If you want peace, pay for
war?
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/111738/Urgent%20assistance%20to%20Ukraine:%20High%20Representative%20Josep%20Borrell%20convenes%20extraordinary%20meeting%20of%20EU%20Foreign%20Ministers
***
Retweet @alexanderdecroo:
Ukraine has the right to defend itself against this Russian
invasion. That's why we will provide an additional 3,000 automatic
weapons and 200 anti-tank weapons.
***
Retweet Ministerstvo obrany
(@ObranaTweetuje): Machine guns, submachine guns,
sniper rifles, pistols and ammunition worth 7.6 million EUR. This
morning, the Czech government approved further military assistance to
Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia. Our aid and support
continues
***
A driver who passed a
broken-down Russian military vehicle: “I asked the whole column,”
he said of the Russian soldiers. “No one knows where they are and
where they are going.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/26/how-ukrainian-defiance-has-derailed-putins-plans
Februari 26
***
Third arms deliverance (2nd of today
26/02/22) from the Netherlands to Ukraine: 50 Panzerfaust 3-anti-tank
weapons with 400 missiles.
https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/02/26/ook-antitankwapens-van-nederland-naar-oekraine
Germany
has agreed to deliver 400 anti-tank missile launchers to Ukrainean
government in a change the direction of its policy. They will be
delivered via the Netherlands (see above). In addition 14 armored
vehicles have been approved for Ukraine.
https://www.prudentpressagency.com/germany-agreed-to-send-weapons-to-ukraine/
***
Retweet
@ForumArmsTrade: Yesterday, @POTUS authorized
$350 million in security assistance for #Ukraine. Today, @StateDept
Blinken "This package will include further lethal defensive
assistance to help Ukraine address the armored, airborne, and other
threats it is now facing."
https://forumarmstrade.org/ukrainearms.html
***
The #Serbian Ministry of Defense
placed an order for two #Airbus C295 aircraft. The contract was
signed in Madrid in the presence of senior government members of the
Republic of Serbia and Spain.
No problem Serbian government is Putin minded. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-02-serbian-air-force-and-air-defence-becomes-new-c295-operator
***
Arms exports to #Egypt. 2nd
French FREMM frigate starts sea trials Lorraine is also the first
FREMM DA to be fitted with a @thalesnederland STIR 1.2 EO Mk 2
radar/electro-optical tracker, and this is planned to be retrofitted
to Alsace in due course.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/second-french-fremm-air-defence-frigate-starts-sea-trials
***
Belgium Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Sophie Wilmès considers arms shipments to Ukraine.
Wallonian arms research institute @grip_org points at the danger they may fall in Russian hands. https://www.sudinfo.be/id447290/article/2022-02-26/invasion-de-lukraine-envoyer-des-armes-une-operation-risquee-elles-pourraient
Belgium delivers 2,000 machine guns it is said (the FNC is however an assault rifle) to the Ukraine. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/DMF20220226_94044410
***
France will decide “very soon”
whether or not to ship additional arms to Ukraine, French Defence
Minister Florence Parly said on Friday when asked about the Ukrainian
governments’ urgent requests to support the country in its fight
against Russia.
https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/france-to-decide-very-soon-on-sending-arms-to-ukraine-says-defense-minister
***
In zijn nieuwe boek
#Klimaatgeneraal gaat voormalig CDS, generaal Tom Middendorp, in op
de ontwrichtende invloed van klimaatverandering op de
veiligheidssituatie in de wereld. De Defensiekrant legde hem vijf
vragen voor.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/07/02_klimaatgeneraal-middendorp_07
Of lees https://joop.bnnvara.nl/opinies/krijgsmacht-kan-zich-niet-uit-klimaatcrisis-innoveren
***
The EU has updated its Common
Military List of the European Union (equipment covered by the Council
Common Position 2008/944/CFSP), adopted by the Council at its meeting
of 21 February 2022.
https://www.worldecr.com/news/eu-publishes-new-military-list/
https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6441-2022-INIT/en/pdf
***
The
Dutch military has ordered the Israeli Smart Shooter
(https://www.smart-shooter.com/about-smart-shooter/)
Smash AD (anti-drone) fire-control system for small arms after
testing it over the past year, the Israeli company announced in a
press release on 21 February.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/c4isr-command-tech/latest/dutch-military-orders-smart-shooters-smash-system-to-counter-uavs
***
Sanctions on Russia have major
influence on far away arms exports. One of them the BrahMos.
Sanctions imposed by the US and Europe on Russia could jeopardize
India’s recent $375 million BrahMos cruise missile export contract
with the Philippines.
https://eurasiantimes.com/not-s-400-systems-indias-brahmos-missiles-russia-sanctions/
***
Putin’s Invasion
De-escalation and negotiation are the only way out of this crisis.
"It is time to recognize that there remain options that, if pursued in good faith, could bring the current crisis to a peaceful conclusion."
By @KatrinaNation
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/putin-invasion-ukraine-war/
***
They'll gave acte de présence.
Unmanned ground and aerial systems developed by #Emirati companies
dominated the tradeshow floor at the country’s unmanned systems
expo #UMEX, Feb. 21-23, but foreign businesses also pitched their
wares.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2022/02/25/heres-what-stood-out-at-the-uaes-unmanned-defense-expo/
#drones
***
Netherlands delivers 200 Stinger
shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.
https://rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/5291078/200-nederlandse-luchtdoelrakketten-naar-oekraine-oorlog-rusland
Brings back memories of transits to
Afghanistan fighters. Different kind of receiver, but also against
Russian targets, long history afterwards.
https://www.businessinsider.nl/32-year-anniversary-of-first-stinger-missile-use-in-afghanistan-2018-9
‘We
need as much Stinger and anti-tank weapons as possible,’ says
Ukraine’s defense minister
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/24/we-need-as-much-stinger-and-anti-tank-weapons-as-possible-says-ukraines-defense-minister/
Februari 23
***
Damen built many Russian ships:
"we have built 36 ships in Russia including several dredgers and
lots of tugs,” Dredging Product Director of Damen told
https://www.dredgingtoday.com/2022/02/22/damen-building-a-lot-of-ships-in-russia/
during
Congress in Moscow on dredging, mainly Dutch sponsored. https://en.portnews.ru/video/photolist/680/
***
UK targets three oligarchs and
five Russian banks in first tranche of new sanctions. ICIJ’s
Pandora Papers provide rich source on them.
https://www.icij.org/investigations/pandora-papers/uk-targets-three-oligarchs-and-five-russian-banks-in-first-tranche-of-new-sanctions
***
#Morocco spent $443 million in
the acquisition of Spanish weapons between 1991 and 2020, a 30-years
period. This is according to Senator Carles Mulet, representative of
the Coalició Compromís party.
https://www.military.africa/2022/02/spain-exports-443-million-arms-to-morocco-in-30-years
Presently relations between Morocco and #Spain are tense.
***
Public erosion on restrictive
arms export policies in Sweden and Finland because of potential
shipment to Ukraine.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/finland-sweden-challenge-ukraine-arms-embargo/
***
UN expert blames China, Russia
and Serbia for arming Myanmar despite 'atrocious crimes'.
https://www.dw.com/en/china-russia-arming-myanmar-junta-un-expert-says/a-60868089
Serbia
exported millions of euros worth of rockets to Myanmar in 2021 days
after a military coup that has since triggered a civil war. And four
more export licences followed.
https://balkaninsight.com/2022/02/22/serbian-rockets-sent-to-myanmar-even-after-2021-coup/
***
Pilatus PC-12 aircraft have been
involved in attacks in Afghanistan that have killed hundreds of
civilians.
https://gettotext.com/swiss-arms-exports-pilatus-aircraft-involved-in-airstrikes-in-afghanistan-news/
https://www.srf.ch/audio/hotspot/fall-pilatus-2-auf-der-spur-der-pc-12?id=12148110
***
Amid increasing concern over
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Czech drone manufacturer Primoco UAV
has announced the company will halt its activities in the Russian
market and sell its local subsidiary AO Primoco BPLA.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/22/czech-drone-maker-withdraws-from-russia-amid-sanctions-concerns/
***
German prosecutors said
Tuesday they have indicted a businessman on suspicion of breaking
arms control laws by helping Russia purchase sophisticated machinery
that could be used to make chemical weapons.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/22/germany-indicts-arms-control-breach-suspect-over-russia-sale/
Februari 22
***
Krijgsmacht en klimaat.
De-escalatie, diplomatie en ontwapening moeten een grotere rol gaan
spelen. De Oekraïne laat zien hoe moeilijk dat is. Mens en milieu
het meest gebaat bij meer dialoog en minder spierballen.
https://joop.bnnvara.nl/opinies/krijgsmacht-kan-zich-niet-uit-klimaatcrisis-innoveren
***
Retweet @keesamok: A senior US
administration official similarly said Washington would sanction the
breakaway territories, but not impose sweeping sanctions against
Russia yet
https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/live-from-ukraine-poland-trip-trade-and-tech-council/#driving-the-day-russia-rolls-in
***
White House confirms US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with China’s FA Minister
Wang Yi on Tuesday about Russia’s aggression
China’s envoy to the UN Zhang Jun called on all sides to show restraint and avoid any action that escalates tensions
***
Retweet @JensFranssen:
BREAKING: Oekraïne heeft zeker 3 weken geleden
militair materieel gevraagd aan ons land. Het gaat onder meer om
vraag voor 5000 helmen, kogelwerende vesten en wapens of munitie. De
regering niet ingegaan op die vraag: onder meer geen eensgezindheid.
#vrtnws #ukraine
Februari 21
Retweet @janbuelinckx: ‘De benadering van de Europese veiligheid had in de jaren ‘90 meer rekening moeten houden met Rusland. En de gedachte dat ‘wij’ de goeden zijn en niemand bedreigen, is dwaas.’ https://www.mo.be/interview/als-rusland-en-de-navo-niet-onderhandelen-dreigt-gevaar-voor-ons-allemaal-niet-alleen-voor
***
In 2020, Wallonia granted two
export licenses to Egypt, for 14 million euros.
En 2020, la Wallonie a accordé deux licences d’exportation vers l’Egypte, pour 14 millions d’euros.
***
Wolfgang Ischinger has been
chairman of the Munich Security Conference for 14 years. The Agora
Strategy Group, he founded, apparently wanted to broker questionable
arms deals during the #MSC2022.https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/militaer-verteidigung/id_91686556/firma-von-wolfgang-ischinger-wollte-wohl-bei-waffendeals-helfen.html
***
Three #Turkish-based companies
supplied ISIS with materials to assemble and weaponize #drones,
according to the findings of Turkey’s Financial Crimes
Investigation Board (MASAK).
https://turkishminute.com/2022/02/07/l-procured-equipment-to-weaponize-drones-through-turkish-based-companies-report/
Source
for article: Mersin’de IŞİD’e milyonluk satış
https://www.birgun.net/haber/mersin-de-isid-e-milyonluk-satis-376230
***
Damen would be interested in the
so-called Strategic Surface Platform (PES), an Navy project that
seeks to expand the capabilities of the Colombian Cotecmar shipyard,
with the aim of building frigates and modernizing vessels.
https://www.larepublica.co/economia/duque-explora-nuevas-posibilidades-de-participacion-con-damen-tras-visita-a-paises-bajos-3304038
***
Major change in European
military industry: Thyssen-Krupp wants to merge subsidiary #TKMS with
competitor. Partner of choice would be Italian Fincantieri (without
enough financial resources). Other candidates have their own
disadvantages.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/industriekonzern-thyssen-krupp-will-werftentochter-mit-wettbewerber-verschmelzen/28073940.html
***
Retweet @londoncaat: West
plans to arm resistance if Russian forces occupy Ukraine. We say
again, the talk of war needs to be dialled down and sending more
weapons to a volatile area is not going to help.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/19/west-plans-to-arm-resistance-if-russian-forces-occupy-ukraine
Februari 20
***
Bayraktar armed drones
manufactured by a Turkish company performed poorly in the field and
were an easy target for ground fire, UN investigators said. The
drones “were easily destroyed in the air by the Pantsir S-1 air
defence system,” supplied by the UAE.
https://nordicmonitor.com/2022/02/turkish-drones-were-destroyed-in-libya/
Original
source: Letter dated 8 March 2021 from the Panel of Experts on Libya
established pursuant to resolution 1973 (2011) addressed to the
President of the Security Council. https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3905159/files/S_2021_229-EN.pdf
***
Veiligheid
is iets wat witte mannen in pak voor alle Europeanen organiseren. We
mogen hen wel dankbaar zijn. Informele veiligheidstop in Munchen.
#MuenchnerSicherheitskonferenz #MSC2022
***
Game of
drones. On Chinese drone deployment from South China Sea to
Himalayas; in the air and submerged; for attack and reconnaissance.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3166475/chinese-military-plays-game-drones-himalayas-south-china-sea
Februari 19
***
Tip: "Elevating Russia to
the status of Enemy Number 1 is actually a diversion from matters of
far greater immediate importance. It’s time for Americans to wake
up to the fact that we face far more pressing concerns."
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ukraine-biden-putin-exceptionalism/
***
Bernie Sanders’s Smart Take on
NATO, Ukraine, and Diplomatic Options
“A simplistic refusal to recognize the complex roots of the tensions in the region undermines the ability of negotiators to reach a peaceful resolution,” said the Vermont senator. https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/bernie-sanders-ukraine/
#Emirati defense firm #Halcon plans to begin offering its tube-launched Hunter 10 #drone in early 2023. It can be fired from the back of an armored or artillery vehicle. It’s designed to perform reconnaissance and attack missions. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2022/02/18/uaes-edge-group-to-release-tube-launched-hunter-10-drone-in-2023/
***
China will deliver 25 J-10C fighter jets to Pakistan within weeks as part of a deal that will bolster Islamabad’s military capabilities against mutual rival India. https://ft.com/content/b505d504-6447-4ffb-bb7d-3a33db837c9a
(In table sales of major weapon systems to Pakistan, in Trend Indicator Value, TIV)
Februari 18
***
Naast her-en-der genoemde
geweren, munitie & vesten gaan er 2 draadgeleide detectierobots
voor (zee)mijnopsporing, 2 gevechtsveldbewakingsradars (vermoedelijk
tegen drones) en 5 wapenlocatieradars (om schutters te kunnen
uitschakelen) naar de #Oekraïne.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/02/18/nederland-van-plan-om-militaire-goederen-aan-oekraine-te-leveren
In English: The Dutch cabinet has agreed to supply 100 sniper rifles, 30,000 rounds of ammunition, 3,000 helmets, 2,000 bullet proof vests, radar systems for situational awareness and for fire location and mine detection systems to Ukraine. Value €7.4m https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2022/02/dutch-agree-to-send-100-sniper-rifles-and-and-protective-gear-to-ukraine/
***
#Dutch MoD spokesperson cannot
say why Nl military are expelled from #UAE. It may be a retaliation
for restrictions on arms trade with the Emirates. Several years ago,
the Dutch decided to no longer sell weapons to the UAE, because of
the war in #Yemen.
https://then24.com/2022/02/17/united-arab-emirates-expel-dutch-soldiers-from-the-country/
Onlangs
stond in de Militaire Spectator 'n artikel over de groeiende
machtspositie van de VAE. Een van de opmerkingen door Boris Wijmer (1
Civiel en Militair Interactiecommando) was dat Nederland met zijn
restrictieve wapenexportbeleid kansen laat liggen.
https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/geschiedenis-internationale-veiligheidspolitiek/artikel/klauwen-van-de-valk
In
Dutch: Een Defensiewoordvoerder weet niet waarom de Nl-militairen
uitgewezen zijn. Het kan gaan om 'n vergelding voor beperkingen op
#wapenhandel met de VAE. Nederland besloot in 1998 om geen wapens te
verkopen aan de VAE, vanwege de oorlog in #Jemen.
https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1995418219/verenigde-arabische-emiraten-zetten-nederlandse-militairen-het-land-uit
***
Chinese “Vanguard” has
been selected as partner of a maintenance and repair hub to be set up
in #Bangladesh for the FM-90 air defence missile.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/china-to-set-up-missile-repair-base-in-bdesh-370800
F-90 missiles are fitted on frigate #Dutch #Thales annually delivers guidance tech for to Dhaka.
Februari 17
***
Pentagon warns that mergers in
arms industry put US military at risk. Extreme consolidation in
defence sector since cold war has led to higher prices and threats to
readiness, it needlessly overburdened taxpayers.
https://ft.com/content/c408c7bd-466a-496b-9889-9f83cc85e813
Slightly connected: Boardroom coup Legal documents viewed by Breaking Defense reveal the #AerojetRocketdyne's board is split into warring factions, each seeking to oust the other's leader in the wake of Aerojet's failed merger with Lockheed Martin. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/02/inside-the-alleged-boardroom-coup-at-aerojet-rocketdyne/
***
The Polish Ministry of National
Defence has shortlisted two offers for the Miecznik (Swordfish)
frigate acquisition program, submitted by UK Babcock International
with its Arrowhead 140 vessel, and German Thyssenkrupp Marine
Systems’ Meko-A300 warship.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/15/poland-shortlists-babcock-thyssenkrupp-for-2-billion-frigate-program/
***
Report on sale of 12 Dutch Air
Force F-16's to US civil company Draken. Draken has a fleet of +/-
100 jets, more than a small middle seized country
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draken_International).
***
The UK and Japan will undertake joint research on a
key fighter jet sensor. Japan is working with Lockheed on a next F-X
fighter & the UK on the Tempest with Sweden & Italy. Other
cooperation is on: air-to-air missile #JNAAM; combat jet engine
demonstrator
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/15/new-warplane-sensor-team-boosts-uk-japan-defense-agenda/
***
#Damen signs contract with
#Lockheed for German F126 frigates for the MK 41 Vertical Launching
System for Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block 2. In this way, Lockheed
Martin will significantly support the construction of the new
frigates for the German Navy.
https://www.damen.com/insights-center/news/another-milestone-for-the-f126-project
***
"Je zou het als een
vorm van oplichting kunnen zien: het leger rechtvaardigt een budget
van miljarden euro's om Nederland te 'beschermen' tegen conflicten en
humanitaire rampspoed die het zelf mede veroorzaakt," zoals de
hier genoemde #kimaatcrisis.
https://lc.nl/opinie/Defensie-gevaar-voor-%E2%80%98vrede-en-veiligheid%E2%80%99-27482408.html
***
On
the eve of the past century alleged racketeering, corruption, money
laundering and fraud charges by deputy SA president Zuma and French
based civil military company #Thales took place. It was connected to
a major arms deal. Justice still isn't done.
https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2022-02-16-jacob-zuma-denied-leave-to-appeal/
Februari 16
***
Drones are at the heart of
France’s ambitions to further explore and exploit the deep sea
waters under a new seabed strategy to equip the French military with
the ability to reach depths of 6,000 meters (bringing 97% within
reach) .
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/14/french-military-tees-up-new-tech-in-rush-to-conquer-the-seabed/
***
Today the European Commission
presented its Defence Package (delayed several times), seen as a
"Contribution to European defence, covering the full range of
challenges, from the conventional defence industry and equipment on
land, sea and air, to cyber, hybrid and space threats, military
mobility and the relevance of climate change; and a roadmap on
critical technologies for security and defence. "
https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/communication-roadmap-critical-technologies-security-and-defence_en
Press release
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_924
Official
factsheet
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/attachment/871330/Defence_FS_2022.pdf.pdf
Thanks
to @_ENAAT
Nederlandstalig: ‘De EC wil dat
lidstaten van de EU meer samen gaan optrekken bij de ontwikkeling en
inkoop van militair materieel. De Commissie doet daarom enkele
voorstellen die dit moeten bevorderen.’
https://fd.nl/politiek/1430432/brussel-wil-europese-inkoop-van-militair-materieel-stimuleren
***
#Canada stated it will donate
over $7 million of lethal weapons and assorted support items to the
Armed Forces of #Ukraine. This equipment includes machine guns,
pistols, carbines, 1.5m rounds of ammunition, sniper rifles, and
various related equipment.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/02/canada-commits-lethal-weapons-and-ammunition-in-support-of-ukraine.html
***
Egypt is not impressed by US and
European linkages between arms and human rights. The flow will
continue, as it did. The relations are cemented by its role in
preventing illegal migration to Europe and the fight against
terrorist organisations.
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/461165.aspx
***
Thoughts on European fighter
projects, costs, export potential, arms export policies and why
France & Germany should separate. French fighters could be a 2nd
option besides the US. Article lacks view on what proposal means for
F-35 position in Europe.#FCAS
https://123hindinews.com/why-a-franco-german-fighter-jet-is-a-bad-idea-more-germany-news/
Februari 15
***
Old news: In March 2018, Arquus
signed an export partnership with Thales. Thales' #SOTAS
communication systems will be integrated into #Arquus export
vehicles. „ Countries in Africa and the Middle-East are among
Arquus' prime targets.
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/551381/9392521/CALEPIN_DGA_EDITION_2018_VA_16012019.pdf
(p. 16)
***
According to Defense Arab
(https://twitter.com/defensearab/status/1491828945209151488)
10/02/22, Saudi Arabia has received a new batch of 153 American-made
M1A2 Abrams MBTs at the end of 2021 that will be upgraded to the
M1A2S standard.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/saudi_arabia_received_153_additional_us_m1a2_main_battle_tanks_mbts_at_the_end_of_2021.htmlNot
yet clear if Dutch Thales #SOTAS is integrated.
***
The #Ukroboronprom state concern
has classified the content of the cooperation agreement with Thales
International SAS, part of the #Thales Group. The cooperation
agreement between Ukroboronprom and Thales Int. SAS was signed on
February 8, 2022. Ukrainian News Agency, 14/02/22
***
#Singapore’s biennial mil/civ
air show opened Today. Experts said defence innovation and spending
weren't affected by the pandemic, apart from disruptions to supply
chains. The military industry has the wind in its back because of
rising military budgets.
https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2022-02-15/singapore-air-show-subdued-2-years-into-pandemic
***
#Airbus Space and #Thales Alenia
Space have - under the aegis of the Ministry of the Armed Forces -
built a common industrial team for space observation for the IRIS
program, two satellites which will succeed CSO (optical space
component).
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/spatial-militaire-airbus-et-thales-enfin-prets-a-signer-une-paix-armee-903509.html
***
A growing alliance between Cairo
and Paris is resulting in significant foreign policy coordination.
But French support for the Egyptian government does not reduce
repression and contributes to the impoverishment of Egypt's middle
and lower classes.
https://en.qantara.de/content/egypt-france-a-growing-alliance-the-cairo-paris-axis
***
The
Government of Argentina is planning to send a military team to China
in March to broker the purchase of combat aircraft, for which over US
$ 600 million have been allocated as per the 2022 Budget bill, it was
reported.
https://en.mercopress.com/2022/02/14/argentina-to-send-military-team-to-china-to-discuss-arms-deal
Februari
14
***
Ethiopia is said to have fought rebels with
Turkish drones, with dozens of dead civilians in the process,
@corajamine & @christianputsch wrote.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus236748345/Drohnenkrieg-Erdogans-Exportschlager-verantwortlich-fuer-Hunderte-tote-Zivilisten.html
They also pointed to the lax German export controls (#Egypt) &
how companies like #Rheinmetall evade control.
***
It seems German chancellor
Scholz and Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht want to buy the US
F-35, Bild reports.
https://www.bild.de/politik/2022/politik/ukraine-scholz-soll-putin-mit-us-atombomber-von-angriff-abhalten-79130946.bild.html
***
Remarkable Dutch military export
licenses Nov-Dec 21:
#UAE: launchers & tech guided
projectiles, € 8m
#India: Parts Kaylani M4 armoured vehicles, v
€ 200,800
Three largest:
#Pakistan, radar & C3,
€45m
#France, radar, € 38
#Brazil, radar, € 20m
See:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen
Februari 14
***
Value of Dutch DU exports in 2020 to Russia was € 156m (2021:
€401m). In December 2021 (latest figures) €60m. For more
information see:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
***
In November and December 30
million pieces of ammo passed the Rotterdam harbour mainly to NATO
countries, but also Malta, and Indonesia.
Smokkel van cocaïne door de Rotterdamse haven wordt aangekaart. Maar wie weet dat in nov-dec 2021 30 miljoen stuks munitie via de haven werden verscheept. Dat is alleen de gerapporteerde doorvoer. Hoeveel blijft onder de radar? Hoe wordt dit gecontroleerd? https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen
***
A SCOTLAND-WIDE environmental
charity has been urged by the United Yemeni Community in Scotland
#UYCS to drop “greenwashed” money from BAE Systems.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/19921535.keep-scotland-beautiful-urged-reject-cash-arms-dealers-bae-systems/
Februari 14
***
Who will pay the price? It is
imperative that the #Ukrainian crisis be resolved by diplomatic
means. It is equally imperative that the nuclear armed nations learn
from this dangerous situation and act to eliminate it, included the
danger of nuclear war.
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ukraine-russia-nuclear-threat
US
government officials estimated that the fighting could kill 25,000 to
50,000 civilians, 5,000 to 25,000 Ukrainian military personnel, and
3,000 to 10,000 Russian soldiers. It could also generate 1-to-5
million refugees. When no nuclear arms are involved.
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ukraine-russia-nuclear-threat
***
Top House Republicans are urging
President Joe Biden to reject calls from Russia and China to limit US
deployments of intermediate-range and short-range ground-based
missiles in Europe and the Pacific region, according to a letter
obtained by Defense News.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/02/11/top-republicans-urge-biden-to-reject-russia-china-demands-on-missile-deployments/
***
Another view on US current
global policies. America’s real adversaries are its European and
other allies. The U.S. aim is to keep them from trading with China
and Russia.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/12022022-americas-real-adversaries-are-its-european-and-other-allies-analysis/
***
In a case that has shocked the
Netherlands, a senior serving officer in the elite Dutch military
unit, the KCT, has been charged with stealing weapons and giving them
to Ridouan Taghi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridouan_Taghi),
the most notorious Dutch criminal.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjbwg7/netherlands-soldier-arrest-ridouan-taghi
De opgepakte commando die zou worden gelinkt aan het criminele netwerk van Ridouan Taghi, wilde in Suriname een trainingscentrum opzetten. Hij had al een stuk land in de jungle op het oog waar Special Forces uit de hele wereld zouden kunnen oefenen. https://www.pzc.nl/binnenland/ongeloof-over-commando-die-wordt-gelinkt-aan-mocro-maffia-hij-droomde-over-eigen-schietbasis~a48f423bb/
***
German arms exports under
scrutiny as Baerbock visits EgyptGerman Foreign Minister Annalena
Baerbock is ending her first official Middle East trip in Egypt,
where she spoke about human rights and their influence on Germany's
weapons
sales.https://www.dw.com/en/german-arms-exports-under-scrutiny-as-baerbock-visits-egypt/a-60753732
Februari
11
***
Indonesia looks to French industry to supply new
fighter jets, attack submarines.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/10/indonesia-looks-to-french-industry-to-supply-new-fighter-jets-attack-submarines/
Indonesia
to buy 42 Rafale jets as it boosts ties with France
Paris is
looking to expand geopolitical relations in Indo-Pacific after
Australia scrapped a multibillion-dollar deal.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/10/france-seals-deal-with-indonesia-on-rafale-fighter-jets
Notorious Indonesian MoD #Prabowo Subianto has big dreams. He wants to invest $100bn in military modernisation programs. Shortly after the order in France the US gave the greenlight for export of 36 F15 fighter planes to Jakarta ($13.9bn). https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/les-etats-unis-souhaitent-vendre-des-f-15-a-lindonesie-1386669 @annebauerbrux
Februari 10
***
ASML Holdings, the world’s
largest supplier of lithography machines used in manufacturing chips,
has alleged that a Chinese company could be infringing on its
intellectual property (IP) rights.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3166499/chip-lithography-leader-asml-flags-possible-intellectual-property
***
Indonesia to buy 42 Rafale jets
as it boosts ties with France Paris is looking to expand geopolitical
relations in Indo-Pacific after Australia scrapped a
multibillion-dollar deal.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/10/france-seals-deal-with-indonesia-on-rafale-fighter-jets
Indonesia
looks to French industry to supply new fighter jets, attack
submarines
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/10/indonesia-looks-to-french-industry-to-supply-new-fighter-jets-attack-submarines/
***
Why Israel is reluctant to give
the #UAE help against the Houthis. #Israel will have to balance
between its desire to sell weapons around the globe - it granted
military export licenses to 139 countries - and protecting its
homemade sensitive equipment.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-houthis-uae-israel-reluctant-help-why
***
Yemen’s war explained in maps
and charts. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out more than 24,000
air raids since 2015, according to data collected by the Yemen Data
Project. Nearly two-thirds of these raids have struck non-military or
unknown targets.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/9/yemens-war-explained-in-maps-and-charts-interactive
***
It is not in #India’s
interest to ban significant global players from bidding for defence
contracts - even if they were involved in major #bribes. “Not only
does it have a massive impact on competition, but it is also against
national interest.” https://law.asia/agusta-westland-ban-revoked/
#Leonardo
Februari 9
***
German FA Minister Annalena
Baerbock in the Middle East: how about arms shipments to Israel and
Egypt?
https://www.fr.de/politik/annalena-baerbock-israel-aegypten-waffen-palaestina-jordanien-nahost-konflikt-aussenministerin-news-91290937.html
***
Under the heading Western
weapons in Ukraine the site OpinioJuris investigates why arms to
Ukraine and arms export control are not biting each other.
http://opiniojuris.org/2022/02/08/western-weapons-in-ukraine/
Its like throwing logs on a fire to put out the fire. Maybe it works
and the wood industry flourishes.
***
In her Gastkommentar "Wir
brauchen feste Kriterien für Waffenexporte" Isabelle Ley turns
arms control regional tension criterium upside down. When Germany
decides not to deliver arms to those regions it refuses to export
arms for defensive purposes, she states. Die Welt 9/2/2022
***
Thales Secures Contract To
Provide Satellite Stations For French Air, Space Force
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/press_release/thales-equip-french-military-tanker-aircraft-secure-satcom-solution
***
Ukroboronprom, the Ukrainian
State Concern, and Thales International SAS signed a joint statement
on reforming the military-industrial complex of Ukraine."
https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/796946.html
***
Nederlandstalige versie blog
@CTWnl vertaling door @VredeVZW: Wapenindustrie verkrijgt felbegeerde
permanente dialoog met Europese Commissie. Toegang tot financiering
is op de agenda gezet als het eerste te behandelen punt.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/wapenindustrie-verkrijgt-felbegeerde-permanente-dialoog-met-europese-commissie/
***
Migranten worden in Libië
mishandeld en onder „helse omstandigheden” vastgehouden. De EU
blijft deze aanpak
steunen.https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/02/07/u-en-ik-werken-mee-aan-de-mishandeling-van-migranten-a4084543
Jan Pronk stelt: Er moet nu eindelijk een eind komen aan het wegkijken door het kabinet en het zwijgen in de Kamer. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6896570311815622656/
***
24 februari, Den Haag:
protestactie tegen wapenbeurs
Onder het motto “Geen uitstel maar afstel” organiseren vredes- en klimaatactivisten op 24 februari in Den Haag een protestactie bij NIDV (de lobby organisatie voor de militaire en veiligheidsindustrie).
https://www.doorbraak.eu/24-februari-den-haag-protestactie-tegen-wapenbeurs/
***
Article on the
reasons for Japan to develop fighter aircraft. The first is
strategic: Japan’s lack of faith in the F-35 to play an air
superiority role in a major conflict; the second is diplomatic and
economic; the potential for export.
https://intpolicydigest.org/why-japan-is-developing-its-own-fighter-jet/
Februari 8
***
Ukrainian officials want closer
collaboration with NATO’s cyber center of excellence, even as last
year Kyiv was denied a formal membership status. Affiliation would
constitute “another important step” in Kyiv’s aspirations to
become a member of NATO.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/01/ukraine-seeks-closer-ties-with-nato-on-cyber-defense/
***
Argument that arms export policy
is not legally binding. It can be used by those in favour of arms to
Ukraine & those aiming for restrictions on arms exports to Kyiv.
Article tend in first direction. German government is using a
restrictive interpretation.
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ukraine-krise-die-rechtslage-erlaubt-waffenlieferungen-sagt-ex-ruestungskontrolleur-a-6a39a2fa-87d7-46d9-935f-1c95f13e5401
***
Donderdag 24 februari - 11:00
uur - Bezuidenhoutseweg 161, Den Haag - Gezamenlijk protest vredes-
en klimaatactivisten bij de lobby-organisatie van de wapenindustrie
(NIDV) tegen de aangekondigde wapenbeurs met als thema Klimaat en
Krijgsmacht. Zie:
https://stopwapenhandel.org/stop-killing-people-and-planet/
***
Geen wapenleveranties maar een
kopgroep in de EU, met Nederland, Duitsland en Frankrijk, voor
ontspanning, vrede en collectieve veiligheid in Europa. Wellicht kan
dat leiden tot een warme wind van vrede.
https://www.groene.nl/artikel/de-escalatie-2022-02-09
***
US approves $100 million arms
sale to Taiwan for missile upgrades.
https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220208-us-approves-100-million-arms-sale-to-taiwan-for-missile-upgrades
Or read all 4 approvals in Feb. 2022: Taiwan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and UAE https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/archive-date/202202
***
ISR Satellites Prioritized In UK
Defense Space Efforts
Satellite programs are taking the lion’s share of a £1.4 billion investment in the defense space domain.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/space/isr-satellites-prioritized-uk-defense-space-efforts
***
The Eolika
(https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/EOLIKA-IMO-8214968-MMSI-750512000),
owned by a Greek owner, has a crew from Ukraine [pay wall].
https://cananewsonline.com/main/guyana-maritime-government-distances-itself-from-the-international-maritime-safety-agency-of-guyana/
In Chinese
http://info.shippingchina.com/bluenews/index/detail/id/192149.html
Italian peace groups demanded info: https://www.lanazione.it/la-spezia/cronaca/sequestrati-in-africa-tre-container-di-armi-sarebbero-passati-dal-porto-della-spezia-1.7268447
***
British universities could 'help
China build superweapons': Oxford and Cambridge among universities
that have 'accepted £240million from Chinese institutions for
research to develop drones, fighter jets and missiles'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10480061/British-universities-help-China-build-superweapons-investigation-finds.html
***
Paris does not want arms exports
to Kiev to fuel escalation around Ukraine, but recognizes its right
to defend itself, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said on
Monday.
https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/webstreaming/subcommittee-on-security-and-defence_20220207-1345-COMMITTEE-SEDE
***
Eolika, a
Guyana-flagged cargo vessel, detained in the port of Dakar due to
'inconsistent' declarations. Senegalese authorities then searched the
ship, seizing three containers of Italian manufactured ammunition
worth an estimated US$5 million.
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1137227/arms-trade-to-africa-can-be-opaque-why-this-is.html
Februari 7
***
Arms industry gets its
much-wanted permanent dialogue with the European Commission. Access
to finance was put on the agenda as the first main issue to be
discussed.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/arms-industry-gets-its-much-wanted-permanent-dialogue-with-the-european-commission/
***
The new face of war: "Wave
trackers" at the front of electronic warfare: listening to,
locating and jamming enemy communication signals. [in French]
https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/les-traqueurs-d-ondes-au-front-de-la-guerre-electronique-20220206
***
@SevimDagdelen of Die Linke:
That the new federal government hasn't stopped arms exports to Turkey
and development aid for the Turkish armaments industry makes a
mockery of the self-postulated value-based foreign policy.
https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/welt-nationen/new-york-times-russland-koennte-blitzkrieg-in-der-ukraine-fuehren-li.210306
***
More than a dozen US states have
sided with the Mexican government in its lawsuit against US gun
manufacturers where it accuses them of being liable for a rise in gun
violence in the nation.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/massachusetts-mexico-lawsuit-gun-manufacturers-b2008812.html
***
Long (2300 words, behind pay
wall) article on Israeli arms trade history with #Uganda. But it
includes also more recent developments, like filing of a court case
at the District Court of Tel Aviv seeking to revoke an Israeli MoD's
arms export licence.
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/spy-files-expose-israel-s-arms-deals-with-lutwa-museveni-3706910
For who missed it, article ends: 'It is
actually Israel and the Western countries that had supported Idi
Amin. Therefore, Amin's hobnobbing with the terrorists was a crime in
itself. Fortunately, his illiterate army had no discipline to deploy
properly,' President Museveni in 2016.
***
Embargoes have become a weapon of
choice in response to war, the fight against terrorism, or human
rights breaches. AFP lists some of them.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1551022/embargoed-countries-left-out-in-the-cold
Curren
EU list:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/banking-and-finance/international-relations/restrictive-measures-sanctions_en
UN sanctions:
https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/information
US sanctions:
https://www.tradecompliance.pitt.edu/embargoed-and-sanctioned-countries
Scholz has told the Washington Post that Germany was observing strict criteria on weapons exports in declining to supply Ukraine with arms. https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-olaf-scholz-responds-to-ukraine-criticism/a-60681953
Februari 6
***
#Greenwashing 2.0: EDA sponsored
circular military production (financial contribution by European
Commission and Luxembourgs Directorate of Defence of € 784,000), by
organisation called Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European
Defence (IF CEED).
https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2022/01/27/eda-s-new-forum-for-circular-economy
***
#Israel's spyware diplomacy an
extension of its long bloody history of arms sales. There's nothing
surprising about the fact that the Israeli Ministry of Defense and
the Mossad encouraged #NSO Group to sell its invasive Pegasus
@spyware to Arab states.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/tech-news/.premium-israel-s-spyware-diplomacy-is-an-extension-of-its-long-bloody-history-of-arms-sales-1.10586372
***
Matthew Smith of Fortify Rights:
"None of the Asean states are major arms traders with the
Myanmar junta, but the entire region is left to deal with the
aftermath of the junta's gross attacks on civilians. An arms embargo
makes sense for Asean."
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3165880/asean-maintains-hardline-myanmar-stance-force-junta-peace-plan
Interesting
read: If the likes of Russia and China are getting away with
allegedly selling weapons to the military, why can’t Western
democracies arm those fighting to restore democracy and freedom?
https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/why-doesnt-the-west-sell-weapons-to-myanmars-anti-junta-rebels/
***
In the stock market jungle,
injured animals are the focus of attention. #Thales is looking at the
cybersecurity and big data (11% of turnover) activities of @Atos
(left by @ThierryBreton a few years ago) as these activities are part
of the growth strategy.
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2022/02/03/cybersecurite-pour-thales-la-proie-atos-est-tentante_6112144_3234.html
Thales eyes purchase of Atos cybersecurity business. Several investment firms approached to discuss a joint deal that would've the private equity firms picking up the IT services of Atos that Thales isn’t interested in owning. https://www.crn.com/news/security/thales-eyes-purchase-of-atos-cybersecurity-business-reports
More in English at Reuters.
On sale of French #biometrics firm
#IDEMIA. #Thales said it is “potentially interested” in any
cyber-security asset that up for sale, stressing it would not
diversify beyond its three core businesses of aerospace, defence and
digital identity and security.
https://www.sharenet.co.za/views/views-article.php?views-article=834115
#Atos denies wanting to put its #cybersecurity business up for sale. With 6,000 experts in the field, strong positions on the French and international market and an aggressive technology acquisition strategy, it is one of the French leaders in the field. https://www.usinenouvelle.com/editorial/atos-un-poids-lourd-de-la-cybersecurite-tricolore-qui-suscite-les-convoitises.N1781342
***
#Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury
interviewed in Welt am Sontag. He can live with German #arms export
policy if it's clear and discussed over borders. Second defence topic
plans by buy a US fighter for German #nuclear capability: "the
Eurofighter can do if asked." Welt am Sontag 6feb22
The
cross-Atlantic fight. Confirming the first media reports dating back
to the beginning of January, multiple sources told Reuters[1] last
week that, after being discarded in 2019, the F-35 option would be
'back on the table'.
https://theaviationist.com/2022/02/05/germany-considering-again-the-f-35-to-replace-the-tornado/
The head of the German
parliament’s defense committee warned Ukraine on Saturday that it
must stop criticizing what it sees as Berlin’s unjustified refusal
to supply it with weapons.
https://www.naveenbharat.in/germany-warns-ukraine-against-crackdown-on-arms-embargo/
The
cross-Atlantic fight. Confirming the first media reports dating back
to the beginning of January, multiple sources told Reuters last week
that, after being discarded in 2019, the F-35 option would be 'back
on the table'.
https://theaviationist.com/2022/02/05/germany-considering-again-the-f-35-to-replace-the-tornado/
***
While the #Pakistan navy is
build by China, Turkey and the Netherlands, Karachi's Air Force
expects next month to add 50 JF-17 fighter jets built jointly with
#China to replace old aircraft and upgrade capability against India's
missile defense system.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Pakistan-to-boost-air-strike-power-with-50-enhanced-fighter-jets
Februari 5
***
Russia continues to expand its
influence in the Asia-Pacific "throughout Australia’s sphere
of interest" by arms sales. The tension in Ukrainian will be
felt in Australia, the Australian Institute of International Affairs
states. No word on nuclear AUKUS.
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/looking-beyond-ukraine-a-view-from-australia/
***
Dutch government offered
cybertechnology knowledge to Ukraine, offers a scuba team for
ordnance removal and a frigate. This adds to earlier offered military
capabilities like 2 F-35's, an amphibious assault ship (included
heli's and assault vessels).
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/02/03/verzoek-levering-militaire-goederen-oekraine
Debate
on Ukraine in Dutch Parliament
(https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/plenaire_verslagen/detail/2021-2022/46#id242e445f)
Press concludes a shift towards a policy of Dutch military equipment
transits.
https://www.parool.nl/wereld/hoe-het-kabinet-toch-ineens-bereid-bleek-wapens-naar-oekraine-te-sturen~bd915a12/
The decision will be made in few weeks time
https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/kamer-steunt-nederlandse-opstelling-in-oekraine-crisis-besluit-over-wapens-binnen-enkele-weken~b43c5891/
Why the Ukraine seems not to be
interested to the Dutch offer of cybersecurity experts. The experts
on offer come (probably) from the Dutch Defensie Cyber Security
Center.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/nederlandse-cyberhulp-aan-oekraine-experts-hebben-er-nauwelijks-beeld-bij~bfafb307/
Ronald Prins (founder of Fox-it and now director of Hunt & Hackett) considers the UK and US help in this field most of all an activity to gather intelligence on Russian hacking operations. https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/nederlandse-cyberhulp-aan-oekraine-experts-hebben-er-nauwelijks-beeld-bij~bfafb307/
***
Voices from inside Egypt
criticized the approach many EU states take on Egypt under el-Sissi.
But "They all ultimately argue that the need for a stable Egypt
(...) means that they must nurture positive links with the
government." This includes arms sales.
https://www.dw.com/en/un-asked-to-monitor-egypt-human-rights/a-60649827
***
Ukraine and Turkey will sign a
framework agreement on manufacturing Turkish drones in Ukraine,
Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov told a briefing ahead of a visit by
President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-sign-deal-during-erdogan-visit-building-drones-kyiv-says-2022-02-03/
***
France's #Thales is working on a
plan to buy the #cybersecurity business of IT consultancy group
#Atos, sources told Reuters, in a potential $3 billion tie-up likely
to test the political determination for shoring up France's digital
(military) capability.
https://www.marketscreener.com/business-leaders/Patrice-Caine-2250/news/Exclusive-France-s-Thales-considers-move-for-Atos-cybersecurity-arm-BDS-sources--37722261/
***
In 2019, the UK halted new arms
export licences to #Turkey but last December under #BorisJohnson's
orders they resumed normal licencing. Former Foreign Secretary
Dominic Raab raised concerns that weapons might be used during
military operations in Syria.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1559779/turkey-erdogan-invasion-war-uk-liz-truss-arms
***
France, Italy and other EU
countries promote democracy and human rights while selling more and
more arms to Egypt, where the student was assassinated six years ago.
#Egypt has become the 3rd largest global arms importer, behind only
Saudi Arabia and India.
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/north-africa-west-asia/giulio-regenis-murder-speaks-the-truth-about-egypt-and-europe-too/
Februari
4
***
The Court of Justice of the EU
has, for the 1st time, provided its interpretation of Art 5 of the EU
Blocking Regulation, which prohibits EU persons from acting in
compliance with certain sanctions imposed by the US on Iran &
Cuba. Here an overview:
https://www.clydeco.com/en/insights/2022/01/european-court-interprets-eu-blocking-regulation-f
***
Netherlands and Israel signed
MoU on undefined military cooperation. Activities will be defined
yearly by (Defence) authorities of both nations.
This despite the role of the Israeli armed forces in the repression of internal dissent and against Palestine. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/wetsvoorstellen/detail?id=2022Z01747&dossier=36021
***
Washington's ban on #NSO Group
is not about safeguarding human rights. It's about curbing Israel's
dominance of 'espionage diplomacy'
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/pegasus-spyware-row-who-controls-cyber-weapons
***
Korea doesn't have problems
with delivering arms to gross human rights violators. Hanwha Defense
has signed the largest deal to export its K9 self-propelled howitzers
and other support vehicles to #Egypt, S #Korea’s Defense
Acquisition Program Admin said.
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/02/01/egypt-inks-17-billion-deal-for-k9-howitzers-from-south-korea/
Why did Egypt choose S Korea's
Hanwang and not the other contenders for the deal, French Nexter
(with Caesar), Russian Koalitsiya-SV, and Chinese PLZ-45?
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/02/01/why-did-egypt-choose-to-buy-south-koreas-k9-howitzer/
Februari 1
***
Op hun trip nemen Rutte en
Hoekstra (nog) geen wapens mee.
https://www.trouw.nl/politiek/rutte-en-hoekstra-nemen-nog-geen-wapens-mee-op-hun-trip-naar-kiev~b144bab5/
Dutch Ministers do not (yet) offer weapons to Kyiv on their trip.
***
#Zuma is accused of
receiving 791 payments, totaling R4.1-million, between 1995 and 2004
from his former financial advisor/economic advisor Schabir Shaik and
Shaik’s companies to help French arms manufacturer #Thales.
https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/world-news/south-africas-zuma-makes-final-push-to-avoid-arms-deal-charges/
#bribes
#Thales is facing 1 count of racketeering, 2 of
#corruption and 1 of money laundering. Both parties have pleaded not
guilty to all charges. Advocate Breitenbach told the court that the
criminal trial had already been “delayed unreasonably” for
Thales.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-31-zumas-fight-to-remove-prosecutor-billy-downer-from-arms-deal-trial-continues/
