Mijn tweets maart 2022

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

No NATO IS NOT underfunded compared to the rest of the world

March 31

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Shifts in international and military relations. Indonesia Looks to the UAE for Military Cooperation. https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/indonesia-looks-to-the-uae-for-military-cooperation/ UAE is/was major customer of EU arms: http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/overview?destination=united-arab-emirates&year_from=2010

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Dual use draadje

Ik zat klaar voor de journalist die contact op zou nemen, maar zoals zo vaak, was de voorbereiding te vergeefs. Het moest gaan over goederen voor tweeërlei gebruik (dual-use = militair en civiel) naar Rusland. Die leveringen liggen onder een vergrootglas. Welke het zijn kan je hier zien: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen Het staat al de hele dag open waarbij het keurig is gesorteerd Tijdelijk of Definitief, Land, financiële omvang.

Ik las nog even mijn stukje van een paar maanden geleden om het geheugen op te frissen: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/10/who-are-clients-for-dutch-information.html Te weinig informatie om de leveringen te beoordelen zou de korte samenvatting kunnen zijn. Maar er is wel informatie o.a. de uitleg van de SG-post: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0821

En keek nog even na hoe het nu precies zat met de status van dual-use leveringen aan Rusland. Hoewel precies dat is vrij ingewikkeld. De basis is dit stuk van de Europese Commissie: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/NL/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R0328&from=NL Dat stelt dat het verboden is dual te leveren “indien bedoel voor militair gebruik.” Dit wordt verder uitgewerkt.

Die formulering past ook bij de adviezen die de rijksoverheid geeft aan exporteurs: Er is een exportverbod voor bepaalde producten en technologieën voor tweeërlei gebruik naar Rusland https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/internationaal-ondernemen/landenoverzicht/rusland/sancties

Om het vervolgens weer wat onduidelijker te maken, stellen de Ministers van BuZa en Defensie dat ook, maar voegen toe dat aanvragen voor exportvergunningen van dual-use goederen tijdelijk niet in behandeling worden genomen. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2022/02/26/kamerbrief-stand-van-zaken-oekraine Hoe tijdelijk staat daar niet bij.

Het gaat om leveringen van grote waarde, maar niet om een verbod als het om civiele toepassingen gaat.

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"#EPF, created in 2021, has made a striking debut: under its provisions, the EU can now deliver military equipment to a theatre of operations. Previously, its international interventions were strictly limited to development aid and peacekeeping. #LeMondeDiplomatique 1/4/22 notes.

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Germany won't train Libyan coast guard due to alleged abuse, like repeated unacceptable behavior by individual units of the Libyan CG toward refugees, migrants and also toward non-governmental organizations,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Andrea Sasse said. https://upjobsnews.com/germany-wont-train-libyan-coast-guard-due-to-alleged-abuse-more-news-here/

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Revolving doors. #Palantir Technologies, a software and data integration firm that specializes in defense, intelligence and homeland security matters, has named several prominent former defense officials to its first federal advisory board. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/03/30/palantir-taps-former-pentagon-officials-for-new-advisory-board/

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Part 2 of a serie complaining about Berlin. With the exception of the Eurodrone, the programs announced at the Franco-German council meeting July 2017 have been very slow #FCAS #MGCS or almost abandoned by Germany #MAWS, Tiger Mk3, missile of the Tiger. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/bilan-de-florence-parly-des-cooperations-avec-l-allemagne-dans-l-impasse-2-5-906751.html

The 3rd part is to applaud the French arms exports. E.g. those to Egypt, Qatar, UAE and Indonesia. Yemen wasn't a hurdle. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/bilan-de-florence-parly-des-exportations-qui-atteignent-des-sommets-jamais-atteints-3-5-906769.html

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Wapenindustrie kampt met dezelfde problemen als 'gewone' bedrijven, zoals personeelsgebrek.

https://www.trouw.nl/economie/het-chiptekort-raakt-ook-de-wapenhandel-wereldwijd-lange-wachtrijen-voor-defensie~b2510258/

Toch hebben ze eindeloos het werkgelegenheidsargument gebruik. Voor deskundigen was duidelijk dat ze bij krap aanbod juist technisch geschoold personeel wegkaapten.

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Uruguayan Navy reported it received 3 bids for the delivery of two ocean patrol vessels. Bids are significantly lower than those submitted in the original tender 8 years ago. They came from Chinese CSTC, Dutch Damen and Kership (http://www.kership.com/en). https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/mercosur/uruguay/damen-kership-and-cstc-compete-to-supply-uruguay-with-two-ocean-patrol-vessels/

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Leonardo 127mm Vulcano gun for German navy's F126 Damen build frigates. https://www.naval-technology.com/news/leonardo-to-equip-germanys-f126-frigates-with-oto-127-64-lw-vulcano-gun/ The gun is intended for surface fire and naval gunfire support as main role and anti-aircraft fire as secondary role. https://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/20142/3151097/OTO_127_64_LW_VULCANO_LQ_mm08728_.pdf

Costs unkown.

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Globes reports that Bahrain and UAE want to acquire the IAI Arrow 3 ballistic missile defence system. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-uae-bahrain-and-morocco-seek-israeli-missile-defense-systems-1001407372 The potential purchase was discussed in Israel. Besides the Arrow 3, both countries and Morocco are keen on purchasing the Iron Dome.

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Retweet Emad Hajjaj Cartoons, @EmadHajjaj: ملي الكاريكاتيري الاخير حول عبثية الحرب ينشر على الصفحة الاولى لصحيفة لوموند الفرنسية ، نقلا عن صحيفة العربي الجدي

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The Saudi arms emperium continues to grow. the regime, known for serious human rights violations both inside and outside its borders, develops a plan to increase military skills. A plan to which Spain is about to contribute a few tons: Navantia will deliver the 1rst of 5 warships

Retweet @Soligato: The Government clings to the Official Secrets Law to protect the delivery of warships to Saudi Arabia https://publico.es/politica/gobierno-aferra-ley-secretos-oficiales-proteger-entrega-buques-guerra-arabia-saudi.html An essential reading article by @Danialri #SecretosOficiales #SecretosQueMatan #NoMasArmasParaAtrocidades #ArabiaSaudi #Yemen

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Parliamentary questions on Dutch arms sales to Egypt by #SP.

@JaspervanDijkSP SP stelt vragen over 'Mogelijk gebruik van Nederlands defensiematerieel door Egyptische speciale eenheden tegen Palestijnse burgers' https://app.1848.nl/document/kamervraag/95560

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Russia’s arms sales have slumped in recent years, and the Western sanctions and Russia’s poor performance in Ukraine won’t help. The US can use this opportunity to lure partners away from Russian arms. But it must sanction harder and more consequent. https://www.wsj.com/articles/sell-american-weapons-arms-russia-sanctions-discounts-military-s-400-turkey-caatsa-nato-india-egypt-uae-united-arab-emirates-ukraine-putin-11648670749

March 30

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Why defence stocks have no place in responsible portfolios. Diverting capital to, and taking profit from defence investment simply constitutes a degree of moral equivocation too far. https://www.investmentweek.co.uk/opinion/4047333/defence-stocks-responsible-portfolios

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Call by the European Left for peace and end of the war in Ukraine in 8 points. https://left.eu/our-call-for-peace-to-end-the-war-in-ukraine/

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Swap Korea for Germany? Turkey is negotiating the purchase of up to 100 South Korean-made engines and transmissions to power its first indigenous tank, the Altay. Turkish armored vehicles manufacturer BMC has been negotiating with Doosan and S&T Dynamics. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2022/03/29/turkey-wants-to-buy-up-to-100-south-korean-tank-engines/

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Somewhat speculative. Subhead: Beijing becomes partner and POTENTIAL supplier to former source of military equipment. But this informative story on change in Chinese-Russian arms relation is written like China currently continues arms sales to Russia. https://www.ft.com/content/dc4bc03c-3d9d-43bd-91db-1ede084e0798

March 29

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US Cape Washington (T-AKR-9961) in Dutch harbour of Flushing (came from Beamont US) bringing heavy armour for exercise Defender 22. #HNS

Retweet @Defensie: Amerikaanse tanks gaan momenteel van boord in de haven van #Vlissingen. De Amerikaanse strijdkrachten zijn hier op doorreis in verband met de grootschalige oefening Defender 22. Tot medio april gaat alles vanuit #Zeeland richting Oost-Europa. #Defender22 https://defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/03/29/amerikaanse-tanks-en-ander-materieel-aangekomen-in-vlissingen

Ook wielvoertuigen, containers, uitrusting en onderhoudsmateriaal gaan mee. Nederland levert Host Nation Support tot al het materieel bij #Venlo de grens over is. Zover is het nog niet. Daarom verzorgen voorlopig zo’n 75 defensiemedewerkers o.a. de bewaking van het havengebied.

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New face of war; drones from planes. #Airbus #A400M, the multi-role airlifter utilised by military forces around the globe, has demonstrated an airborne launch of a #drone fulfilling a vital function for the Future Combat Air System #FCAS. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/news/2022-02-future-combat-air-system-a400m-clears-the-first-hurdle-as-a-remote-carrier

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"A lot has already been delivered, more than is publicly known," says a person familiar with the events. Armored vehicles could also be delivered in the direction of Kyiv. "Later maybe corvettes too," says an industry representative who wishes to remain anonymous. There is also field catering for the Ukrainian army.

Remarkable: According to industry and parliamentary circles, this could also affect air defense systems from the German manufacturer Diehl. Shortly before the end of their term in office, the grand coalition had approved the controversial export of 16 systems to Egypt. Well, according to parliamentary circles, the delivery could be diverted to Ukraine.

https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/der-100-milliarden-euro-plan-fuenf-korvetten-50-kampfjets-350-puma-panzer-wie-deutschland-aufruestet/28207456.html

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Wil de #SP echt alle productie bij #Fokker Helmond openhouden? https://www.ed.nl/helmond/sp-wat-doet-helmond-tegen-vertrek-fokker~a94ac52a/ Ook de productie voor drones die bij allerlei oorlogen zijn en worden ingezet? https://www.ravage-webzine.nl/2018/10/31/dodelijke-reaper-drones-en-fokker/ Dat moet een vergissing zijn!

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Military industry was excluded from trade missions. That policy has been changed. Companies producing +10% for defence may participate in trade missions & Dutch Trade and Investment Fund will be opened so was revealed in answers to questions by VVD MP. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=bb35d170-bbc7-4f6e-a952-bcc13e19a2c7&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20het%20lid%20Bosman%20over%20discriminatie%20van%20de%20defensie-industrie%20door%20het%20kabinet%20tegen%20de%20achtergrond%20van%20de%20Defensie%20Industrie%20Strategie.pdf

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Een brisant zinnetje in 'n column in NRC:

"De „op regels gebaseerde orde”? Van Chili tot Indonesië wordt daar doorheen geprikt: met westerse wapens zijn tal van democratische leiders omvergeworpen."

Even tot je door laten dringen als je denkt dat 'zij' overal de schuld van zijn.

Retweet @JafariPeyman: De rest van de wereld begint terug te praten - NRC https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/29/de-rest-van-de-wereld-begint-terug-te-praten-a4105555

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Israeli Elbit Systems was awarded contracts with a value of +/- $130m to deliver an artillery munitions production line to an undisclosed country in Asia-Pacific. The contracts will be performed over a period of 2.5 years, the company said. https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-130-million-in-contracts-to-provide-artillery-munitions-production-line-in-a-country-in-asia-pacific/

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Japan and Australia Should Sanction the Myanmar Military

Betting on ASEAN’S Fruitless Diplomacy Undermines International Action

https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/28/japan-and-australia-should-sanction-myanmar-military

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Vrij Nederland doet onderzoek naar handel en wandel van Jack de Vries, lobbyist bij Hill+Knowlton en voormalig Staatssecretaris van Defensie. De Vries was een krachtig pleitbezorger voor de aanschaf van de JSF/F-35 en het joint logistiek ondersteuningsschip (JSS).

Retweet @vrij_nederland: Het is opmerkelijk dat een (deeltijd)lobbyist vrije toegang krijgt tot een departement, aangezien de Kamer eind november nog instemde met een voorstel voor een verplicht register waarin bewindspersonen ontmoetingen met lobbyisten moeten bijhouden. https://vn.nl/lobbyist-jack-de-vries-toegangspas/

Het stuk is er over lobbyïst, spinndoctor, prominent CDA'er, die zo'n prominante rol speelde bij het masseren van belanghebbenden om de weg vrij te maken voor de aanschaf van de F-35 en ook de man die nu een pas heeft tot het Ministerie van Defensie: https://www.vn.nl/jack-de-vries-profiel/

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Informative line of thought on the importance of Peace and Conflict masters programs for universities, from Down Under:

Peace in our time? Nah, better teach them war

Our universities have scrapped degrees on peace making, preferring we learn to make war.

https://honisoit.com/2022/03/peace-in-our-time-nah-better-teach-them-war/

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Nigerian business man Ogundeyin rumoured (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzgc9sE9S_4&ab_channel=InterVlog) to have sold locally produced armoured vehicles to Belarus. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/03/27/how-tokunbo-ogundeyin-is-cleaning-out-with-multi-billion-dollar-nigeria-defence-contracts/

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US Air Force would cut 150 aircraft, including A-10s, buy fewer #F35 s in 2023 budget. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/03/28/air-force-would-cut-150-aircraft-including-a-10s-buy-fewer-f-35s-in-2023-budget/

The Canadian government has selected Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as the preferred offering in its competition to buy a new fighter jet, government officials said Monday. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/03/28/canada-picks-the-f-35-in-fighter-replacement-competition/

A budgetary analysis by #Finland’s Ministry of Finance has determined that the government’s $10 billion buy of 64 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets can be funded from within the Finnish Defense Force’s #FDF established annual income and expenditure framework. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/28/audit-clears-finnish-f-35-buy-amid-rising-spending-on-pandemic-ukraine/

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It was big. It will be even more. Biden requests $773bn for Pentagon, a 4% boost. That's 7.5% of the whole requested US 2023 budget. Congress may even ask for more. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/budget/2022/03/28/biden-requests-773-billion-for-pentagon-a-4-boost/

How about global vaccination & health, CLIMATE action, infrastructure, poverty eradication.

Ukraine is the crow bar to open the treasury. But China is still the dominant focus of the Defense Department despite the ongoing ground war in Eastern Europe following Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine. https://news.usni.org/2022/03/28/773b-pentagon-budget-request-places-emphasis-on-china-russia-now-poses-acute-threats

In total it is even more, when the remainder - mostly for #nuclear weapons programs managed by the National Nuclear Security Administration - is included the amount reaches $813bn. (Can be compared with whole GNP of major, top-20, economy Switzerland.) https://www.law360.com/aerospace/articles/1478074/white-house-seeks-813b-defense-budget-for-2023

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Many African states are in an advantageous position as China, Russia, the US and European states compete for influence in Africa by offering arms ... They may find it difficult if they are expected to align themselves with one bloc or another. Whole blog https://blogs.prio.org/2022/03/security-logics-of-africas-divided-position-on-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/

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Will #Ukraine crisis help #Turkey dodge Western arms embargoes? Drawing on the role of Turkish #drones in bolstering Ukraine’s defense, Erdogan has urged NATO partners to lift restrictions on military sales. https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/03/will-ukraine-crisis-help-turkey-dodge-western-arms-embargoes But sanctions were not because of Ukraine.

March 28

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"Aramco attack condemned," https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1037654/Aramco-attack-condemned.

But who condemned Saudi-led coalition hits Houthi targets in Sanaa, Hodeidah https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/26/saudi-air-raids-hit-yemens-houthis-after-attack-on-aramco-depot

Or all other previous attacks? (souce illustration: https://mailchi.mp/44ee74b497a3/seven-years-of-the-saudi-led-air-war-in-yemen-yemen-data-project-march2022-13474205)

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Ankara looks for excuses. #Turkey has always preferred to purchase defense systems from its allies, including the United States, but the inability to do so has forced it to look elsewhere, its top diplomat said Saturday. #S400 https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/allies-top-choice-for-defense-systems-turkey-to-look-elsewhere-if-needed

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2021 made Thales Alenia Space world leader in geostationary telecoms satellites with 5 contracts won out of 10 available. In 2022 TAS continues its momentum with 2 for US Intelsat & a 3rd for Luxembourg operator SES with "services to military parties." https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/thales-alenia-space-engrange-les-contrats-20220327

March 27

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Definitive Dutch dual use exports only in February 2022:

€ 17.613.428.065 (included 4 licenses for nuclear tech valued €0).

Destinations range from Bangladesh to Belarus and from Israel to Russia. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

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No body armor for Ukraine, but heavy weapons for the Saudis. The practice of Swiss arms exports remains contradictory. #Switzerland without Army #GSoA criticizes the continuation of deliveries to #Saudi Arabia: These deliveries should “finally be stopped”. https://www.bote.ch/importe/fupep/bdu-epaper/bu_ausland/kanonen-fuer-die-saudischen-oelscheichs;art149188,1387952

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Elsewhere: #Bahrain M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems #MLRS will be upgraded, estimated value of contract $175.98m. It improves the security of a major ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the #MiddleEast. https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/files/mas/Press%20Release%20-%20Bahrain%2022-04%20CN.pdf

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Airstrike on Camp for Displaced Likely War Crime. An apparent armed drone dropped 3 bombs on the compound in the town of Dedebit, killing at least 57 civilians and wounding more than 42 others. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/03/24/ethiopia-airstrike-camp-displaced-likely-war-crime So think twice when you start to applaud the Bayraktar drones.

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Yesterday in the Dutch news. Saudi revenge attack on Sana'a, #Jemen. Western supplied fighters, probably with western bombs caused plums of fire and smoke of enormous sizes. Reported as if the worst human disaster started just a day before and not 7 years. https://tvblik.nl/nos-journaal/26-maart-2022

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Thales onboard Greek navy's French FDI HN Frigates. Work will be done at Thales’s facilities, particularly in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Greece. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/03/thales-onboard-the-hellenic-navys-fdi-hn-frigates/

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Hidden arms trade by #Damen. In all, Metal Shark is producing 13 NCPVs under a $54m FMS contract from the USN for sales to allies such as the Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala & Honduras. NCPV is based on the Damen Stan Patrol 2606. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/metal-shark-gains-fms-modification-for-four-defian/

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While Russian and Chinese arms exports have shown no signs of slowing [arms sales to Myanmar], Serbia, which delivered rockets and ammunition shortly after the military seized power, has since said that it will halt all future sales. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/27/holdstronger-togethermyanmarrussiaparademilitary-relationship

March 26

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Een unanieme veroordeling en een oproep tot militaire de-escalatie in Knack. https://www.knack.be/nieuws/wereld/in-tijden-van-crisis-moeten-de-democratische-waarden-het-kompas-blijven-dat-het-handelen-stuurt/article-opinion-1850431.html "We wijzen erop dat het leveren van wapens ook risico's inhoudt voor een wereldwijde en ongecontroleerde verspreiding van wapens in de rest van de wereld."

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De Egyptische marine is betrokken bij mensenrechtenschendingen en schendingen van het internationaal humanitair recht. Dat blijkt opnieuw uit een onderzoek van Lighthouse Reports waarover de Volkskrant vandaag een artikel publiceert. https://paxvoorvrede.nl/nieuws/berichten/nieuw-bewijs-betrokkenheid-egyptische-marine-bij-mensenrechtenschendingen

In 2020, the Dutch cabinet issued a license to the Dutch arms producer Thales to equip the Egyptian navy with high-quality defense equipment. (https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/07/grote-nederlandse-wapenexport-naar.html) Now it appears there are indications of human rights violations, also by the navy.

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Retweet @argosonderzoekt: Achter de muren van de CIA vindt een interne strijd plaats tussen de 'haviken' en 'duiven'. Lees nu alvast het hele interview met Richard Barlow over de ‘historische vergissing’ die van Pakistan een nucleaire macht maakte. https://www.vpro.nl/argos/lees/onderwerpen/artikelen/2022/De-man-die-te-veel-wist-woont-nu-in-een-camper-in-Montana.html

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Stinger & Javelin production can be boosted, says Army acquisitions chief. He added: “Congress provided a large amount of money in the omnibus to help us replenish our stocks, which we greatly appreciate.” Producers: Raytheon (S+J) & Lockheed Martin (J).

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/03/25/stinger-and-javelin-production-can-be-boosted-says-army-acquisitions-chief/

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US-owned Avio Aero wins race to make ‘#Eurodrone’ [‘’not mine] engines for France, Italy, Germany & Spain. Engine for EU’s new flagship drone will be produced by a @generalelectric-owned company despite criticism it is not a sufficiently European solution. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/25/us-owned-avio-aero-wins-race-to-make-eurodrone-engines/

Addition: This is bad news from Airbus for its French counterpart Safran. "It remains to be seen what the consequences of Airbus' choice will be: a simple setback or real blow to Safran's ambition in the very buoyant sector of military drones?" https://www.larepubliquedespyrenees.fr/economie/economie/eurodrone-safran-ejecte-par-airbus-10297302.php

Letňany propellers, the Czech division of the US aircraft engine manufacturer GE Aviation will be mass-producing turboprop engines in the north of Prague for the very first EU drone. [in Czech] https://www.e15.cz/byznys/prumysl-a-energetika/letnany-budou-vyrabet-motory-do-nove-zbrane-eu-dronum-airbusu-nahrava-evropske-zbrojeni-1388888

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Swiss companies exported $801 million worth of war materiel to 67 countries in 2021, down 18% on the previous year, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs said on Friday. High ranking customers are Botswana and Saudi Arabia, also the UAE is listed. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-arms-sales-down-by-almost-a-fifth/47463804

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“Stopping Burmese military airstrikes is the most urgent priority, and it is very good to see the UK government begin the process of targeting suppliers to the air force,” Mark Farmaner of Burma Campaign UK, said. Air attacks take place almost every day. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/26/us-uk-canada-target-myanmar-airforce-arms-dealers

March 25

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Vragen van Van Wijngaarden & Heinen #VVD over financiering wapenindustrie vandaag beantwoord. Ze zijn deel van een Europese lobby om ethisch beleid voor wapenindustrie te ondergraven. Minister Kaag zal het uitsluiten van wapenindustrie in EU aankaarten. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=40ed3bc1-addb-4910-9dcd-71eca81e1c8f&title=Uitstel%20beantwoording%20vragen%20van%20de%20leden%20Van%20Wijngaarden%20en%20Heinen%20over%20%E2%80%98Defensie-industrie%20vangt%20vaker%20bot%20bij%20banken%20die%20reputatieschade%20vrezen%E2%80%99%20.pdf

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The war in #Yemen enters its 7th year. The German humanitarian & development organization Action Against Hunger handed over 52,000 signatures of the petition "Stop arms exports, end hunger" to State Secretary for Economics & Climate Sven Giegold yesterday. https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/pr/presseportal/jemenkrieg-52000-menschen-fordern-einen-ruestungsexportstopp-aktion-gegen-den-hunger-uebergibt-petition-an-staatssekretaer-sven-giegold-humanitaere-situation-ist-katastrophal_aid-67457999

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Panzerfaust, rockets, night vision devices, a confidential government list shows, according to SPIEGEL information, that Germany has already given Ukraine more armaments than is publicly known. Further deliveries are being prepared. https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ukraine-krieg-deutschland-lieferte-waffen-fuer-37-millionen-euro-a-460a7b35-70aa-40bb-8ec7-80f5606f0d5a

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France overtakes China as third biggest arms exporter, report shows.

It increased its sales by 59% in the past 10 years, more than any other country.

Egypt, Qatar and India made up 56% of France’s total arms exports between 2017 and 2021.

https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/French-news/France-overtakes-China-as-third-biggest-arms-exporter-report-shows

***
Turkish business body, military attaches in Ankara hold cooperation meeting to applaud the growth of military industrial capabilities. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-business-body-military-attaches-in-ankara-hold-cooperation-meeting/

***
At the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference #DIMDEX hosted by Qatar this week, Iran revealed new weapons to sell on the international market.

This isn't only a show of arms but also of the complexities of international relations. https://www.dohanews.co/irans-military-flaunts-its-new-weapons-at-dimdex-2022-defence-exhibition/

***
In South China Morning Post: UNSC member states should also support a Security Council resolution to impose a global #arms #embargo on #Myanmar's military, while governments should impose targeted sanctions against military-owned enterprises. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3171682/they-burned-my-skin-barbecue-myanmar-people-recount-attacks

***
French l'Humanité has article on enduring actions for better social positions of workers at French Thales facilities.

Thales: à salaires bloqués, sites bloqués

https://www.humanite.fr/social-eco/mobilisations/thales-salaires-bloques-sites-bloques-743419

***
Pakistan Agosta 90B Class Submarine HAMZA (S-139), modernized by Turkish firm STM managed to hit and sink a decommissioned frigate with a single torpedo shot. https://www.stm.com.tr/en/agosta-90b-class-submarine-modernized-stm-hits-its-target-precise-accuracy

Thales tech (https://alphadefense.in/a-comprehensive-analysis-of-pakistan-navy/) has been replaced by Turkish tech (with Thales support?)

***
The UK government has given Ukraine over $132 million, worth of weapons and other equipment to help Ukrainian forces fend off Russia’s increasingly bloody invasion, according to documents published by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on March 23. [And more figures.] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/23/british-budget-outlook-touts-weapon-deliveries-for-ukraines-defense/

***
An Australian coalition of civil society organisations supporting the rights of Palestinians are calling on the Morrison government and the Andrews government to boycott their involvement with Israeli intelligence and weapons company Elbit Systems. https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/boycott-elbit-systems-an-interview-with-boycott-divestment-and-sanctions-bds-australia/

***
Bidders coming from countries hostile towards #Slovakia and its inhabitants will be excluded from trade with the state or will be prevented from entering business fields considered to be critical, such as the energy sector and military contracts. https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22868361/companies-from-risky-countries-will-be-excluded-from-public-procurement.html

***
The #Greek government has signed the paperwork for three new French #frigates, plus a fourth if things go well, in a deal that could be worth around $3.5 billion.

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2022/03/24/greek-officials-sign-contract-for-three-naval-group-frigates/

Thales on deal: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/greece/press_release/thales-welcomes-greeces-decision-acquire-three-belhrrar-frigates

***
Indian press: China has decided to increase its arms exports to Pakistan, initiating sale of arms ranging from stealth fighters to submarines, a move viewed as Beijings attempt to inflict more pressure on its border dispute rival India. https://thenewsmen.co.in/world/china-to-ramp-up-arms-exports-to-pakistan/67248

***
Regulating new tools of warfare: Insights from humanitarian disarmament and arms control efforts, a report by Jessica West, Branka Marijan, and Emily Standfield for Project Ploughshares, March 2022.

Annoucement: https://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/regulating-new-tools-of-warfare-insights-from-humanitarian-disarmament-and-arms-control-efforts/

Report: https://ploughshares.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Humanitarian-Arms-Control.pdf

***
Italian cargo workers at the #Pisa airport refused to load ammunition disguised as humanitarian aid to #Ukraine. Dock workers in #Genoa also pointed out the disembarkation of tanks at the seaport, allegedly destined for Ukraine. https://peoplesdispatch.org/2022/03/24/workers-in-italy-protest-ammunition-dispatches-to-ukraine-disguised-as-humanitarian-aid/

***
Nederland exporteerde vorig jaar voor meer dan 400 miljoen euro aan goederen naar Rusland die zouden kunnen worden ingezet bij oorlogsvoering, zo blijkt uit onderzoek van BNR. Door de sancties die Rusland nu treffen komen deze inkomsten nu stil te vallen. https://bnr.nl/nieuws/economie/10471209/dual-use-exportverbod-kost-nederland-400-miljoen

Aanvulling: Mijn tabel 7 maart (zie hier onder). Er zijn nog 3 leveringen in februari bijgekomen. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

Ik ben het met Ronald Prims eens dat het bij deze zogenaamde dual use exporten vaak om civiele leveringen gaat.

Deze viel me de afgelopen jaren het meest op: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2019/09/stiekem-onderwater.html

March 24

***
Overwegingen in een notendop: Zolang Oekraïne wapens krijgt en voldoende mannen heeft, houden zij het nog even vol; tenzij 't humanitaire leed te groot wordt. Maar Poetin zal niet stoppen tot hij er iets uitsleept dat hij kan verkopen als een overwinning. https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/03/23/hoogleraar-war-studies-osinga-rusland-wijkt-in-oekraine-af-van-de-eigen-doctrine

***
Biden administration unveils new security assistance policy towards Taiwan. But is focussing on the speed of arms deliveries to Tapei the method of getting China aboard in pressuring Russia on its war against Ukraine or just counter productive? https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/biden-administration-unveils-new-security-assistance-policy-towards-taiwan/

***
Suddenly Germany has weapons for Ukraine after all; Delivery of new Strela missiles and bazookas. Sources told Die Welt: the German government is also preparing another delivery with brand-new armaments. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus237738753/Hilfe-fuer-die-Ukraine-Ploetzlich-deutet-sich-eine-Wende-bei-Deutschlands-Waffenlieferungen-an.html

German Defence Ministry aiming to send Kiev 2,000 anti-tank weapons https://www.anews.com.tr/world/2022/03/23/german-defence-ministry-aiming-to-send-kiev-2000-anti-tank-weapons

***
The mix of European Fighter Aircraft and Lockheed Martin F-35's acquisition by Germany is explained by Die Welt bluntly as a choice for Airbus. I am sure in France it is overall considered in a different light. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus237730311/Warum-Olaf-Scholz-die-Bundeswehr-nun-zur-Chefsache-macht.html

***
Lockheed Martin and Israeli IAI partnered up to jointly promote a Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) system, which is centered around the Lockheed Martin UK SkyKeeper and the BARAK MX system. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-iai-teams-with-lockheed-martin-on-ground-based-air-defense-1001406544

Retweet @YemenData: The murder of Jamal Khashoggi put pressure on Saudi Arabia and focused international attention on the Saudi-led war in Yemen, correlating with a notable decline in bombings. In the 7th year of the air war civilian casualties in bombings increased more than fourfold year-on-year. https://mailchi.mp/44ee74b497a3/seven-years-of-the-saudi-led-air-war-in-yemen-yemen-data-project-march2022-13474205

***
Examples of China selling bad military equipment to good friends or does not provide overhaul when needed. (Indian sources.) https://dialogo-americas.com/articles/china-sells-bad-military-equipment-to-good-friends/

***
Turkey on the rise.

Turkish official urges US to supply F-35 jets, Patriot systems 'without preconditions'

Fahrettin Altun, President Erdogan's senior adviser, responds to remarks that Turkey could send S-400s to Ukraine to repair US-Turkish relations.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-urges-us-supply-f35-jets-patriot-missile-systems

***
Timely, CRS report to US Congress: Russia’s Nuclear Weapons: Doctrine, Forces, and Modernization Updated March 21, 2022 https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21485207/russias-nuclear-weapons-doctrine-forces-and-modernization-march-22-2022.pdf

Another CRS report: Hypersonic Weapons:

Background and Issues for Congress

Updated March 17, 2022 https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21446946/hypersonic-weapons-background-and-issues-for-congress-march-17-2022.pdf

***
India's Russian arms explain "shaky" Ukraine stance

Facing an increasingly assertive China closer to home, these ties help explain Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reluctance to criticise Vladimir Putin -- a regular visitor -- over the Ukraine invasion. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/indias-russian-arms-explain-shaky-ukraine-stance-8268931.html

***
What we need, before a new arms race gets out of control, is a sober strategic debate (...) As long as this war lasts, it's too early to propose détente, but in the long run such a policy is needed. In the meantime, de-escalation is required, Herbert Wulf https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/5170-putin-s-war-in-ukraine-how-to-get-out-of-the-catch-22-situation

***
Position of Chinese rightwing military in Global Times: Analysts point out that the US (...) actually does not care about restoring peace in the country, and some US arms firms and politicians would even be happy to take advantage of wars to become rich. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202203/1256639.shtml

***
Germany will fast track its decision making on arms exports to Ukraine - Die Welt. Applications for Ukraine would be processed with the "highest priority", with the economy ministry agreeing to applications immediately, Die Welt reported. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2022/03/24/germany-will-fast-track-its-decision-making-on-arms-exports-to-ukraine---die-welt

***
Dutch Socialists (SP) aren't against arms supplies to Ukraine.

Shipments must be judged case-by-case said @JaspervanDijkSP. How does he quickly get his information on the specifics?

https://lc.nl/binnenland/SP-is-nu-ook-voorstander-van-wapenleveranties-aan-Oekra%C3%AFne-27561898.html

Stop Wapenhandel (Stop Arms trade) https://stopwapenhandel.org/arming-ukraine/

***
Ko Colijn legt uit waarom de Oekraïense situatie hopeloos lijkt en meest opvallende: zijn oproep aan Zelensky het vechten te stoppen.

https://www.nu.nl/spanningen-oekraine/6190999/defensie-expert-colijn-legt-uit-waarom-de-oekraiense-situatie-hopeloos-lijkt.html

Een vraag aan het Westen: meer en zwaardere sancties tegen Rusland. Waarbij meer int. bedrijven Rusland verlaten.

March 23

***
Article on US #Saudi relations. But it also explains why the #Ukrainian war & the rising oil prices are bad for the #Yemen population. Pressure is on the US president to comfort - arms sales, military support - the Saudi regime to enlarge its oil exports. https://dailynewsegypt.com/2022/03/23/opinion-the-us-loses-saudi-arabia-as-a-strategic-ally-because-of-bidens-policies/

***
Dutch #GKN #Fokker facilities in Helmond and Hoogerheide are in the news because they will be closed by GKN. But #Dutch production for the #Predator drones, used in numerous wars and conflicts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-1_Predator), continue. https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2022/ga-asi-installs-first-v-tail-from-gkn-aerospace-onto-mq-9b-rpa/

***
European military budgets will sharply rise. A shopping list:

- the industrial & tech base will've to be strengthened to answer demand
- more stocks
- higher numbers of armour, ships and planes
- faster development
- less ethical red tape for financing

https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2022/03/23/les-industries-de-defense-se-preparent-a-un-regain-de-commandes_6118686_3234.html

***
During Greek HEMEXPO’s visit to Damen they paved the way for their participation in the corvettes program where Damen is in competition for the Hellenic Navy’s award. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/damen-shipyards-to-cooperate-with-hemexpo/

***
EU nations circle the wagons in new ‘Strategic Compass’

I wonder what is alarming to me in this heading?

(Photo subscript misses one of the wagons: Russians are also protesting.)

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/21/eu-nations-circle-the-wagons-in-new-strategic-compass/

We need a European settler mentality - with an unbroken history of violence?

***
Outgoing President Moon Jae-in changed South Korea’s into a major arms exporter to South Asia (India), the Middle East (Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Egypt) and the Baltics/Scandinavia (Estonia, Finland, Norway). https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/president-moons-legacy-boosted-arms-exports-for-south-korea/

***
"Calls for better treatment of the EU military industry by banks are coming from lobbyists and other stakeholders," Euroactiv noted. Besides the lethal effects of weapons, "the environmental impact of the production and operation of weapons is extensive." https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/arms-production-to-change-label-in-eu-taxonomy/

***
Clear: "There is no doubt that arms production is terribly profitable. It is the most lucrative branch of heavy industry – and in itself it acts as an incentive to war. It is also the greatest danger to our environment. The vicious circle of military s..." https://www.irishnews.com/opinion/letterstotheeditor/2022/03/23/news/military-solutions-is-no-solution-2621485/

***
“... it is also important to remember to think about the longer term. The US supplied Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to the mujahideen in Afghanistan and was subsequently unable to account for many of them”, warned professor Dr Goldring. https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/armaments/nuclear-weapons/5167-the-ultimate-winners-in-ukraine-are-the-world-s-arms-merchants

At a press briefing March 22, UN Sec-General António Guterres was explicit when he said the war in Ukraine “is unwinnable”.

“Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. This is inevitable. The only question is: How many more lives must be lost?”

***
Another arms to Ukraine information survey activity. Politico table will be updated with future arms transfers and as more information becomes available. https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/22/ukraine-weapons-military-aid-00019104

***
Battle proven or battle failure? Offensive by Moscow is being keenly watched by both India and China, the biggest customers of Russian military hardware. India purchases a 1/4 of its arms from Russia, followed by China. https://eurasiantimes.com/india-china-take-a-hard-look-russian-military-hardware-in-ukraine/

March 22

***
De logistiek van het bewapenen. Nu het luchtruim boven Oekraïne een no-go is, gaan de Stingers en Panzerfausten over de Poolse weg https://ftm.nl/artikelen/reportage-rosanne via @FTM_nl

***
On the previous battlefield. Grave times ahead for millions of Afghans and farming communities as fields remain bare of the annual spring corps, noted the Red Cross and Red Crescent #IFRC in a worrying statement on Tuesday. https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-food-shortages-escalate-spring-fields-remain-bare

***
At the moment the potential for use of nuclear arms is more and more debated in the press, others are arguing to escalate even further.

Russia has no right to dictate - who ever said it is about rights? - who may fly into and out of Ukrainian airspace.

https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2022/03/its-time-protected-humanitarian-airlift-lviv/363414/

***
‘They own the long clock’ — How the Russian military is starting to adapt in Ukraine. And the longer it takes the more lives are lost (on both sides). https://taskandpurpose.com/news/russian-military-tactics-ukraine/

***
Despite all military support by Washington in bombing Yemen Russia-Ukraine war shows cracks in US ties to Middle East allies.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are pursuing their own interests, analysts say, as the US urges a united front against Russia’s Putin.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/21/ukraine-war-exposes-cracks-us-ties-middle-east-allies

***
Quad participant India has, indeed, taken advantage of the fact that Russia is selling its oil 20 per cent cheaper in order to fund its disastrous war in Ukraine. https://theprint.in/opinion/global-print/modis-india-is-in-a-foreign-policy-sweet-spot-by-playing-all-sides-us-china-eu-russia/883185/

***
Emirates look to the east for military planes. UAE Minister of State for Defence, Ahmed Al Bowardi, visited South Korea. The UAE has expressed interest in KAI’s T-50. The UAE had recently announced its decision to buy the Chinese L-15 advanced jet trainer. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220318007200325

***
It doesn't take a genius to understand that the more weapons there are, the more likely someone is to get hurt. And it is in the spirit of this certainty that the report of @ENAAT and @TNI warn against, what it calls, the European Union's arms race. https://www.capital.ro/niciodata-nu-au-fost-alocati-atat-de-multi-bani-pentru-cheltuielile-militare-ale-ue.html

***
Investeerder #Melrose doet zijn reputatie van schaamteloze roofridder eer aan met de sluiting van #Fokker Landing Gear in #Helmond, stelt hoofd opinie Chrs Paulussen in een Commentaar, ED 22/03/22. #Papendrecht gaf een een lening (€12m) & subsidie (€4m) die dit in gang zette.

***
Je kan stellen dat er weinig mis is met bedrijven die wapens aan westerse landen verkopen. "Het probleem is echter dat zij vaak ook wapens verkopen en dat je nooit kunt uitsluiten dat de producten in verkeerde handen terecht komen," aldus Mercurius Vermoge https://www.telegraaf.nl/financieel/1294865434/vermogensbeheerders-laten-opmars-defensieaandelen-schieten-onethisch

***
The EAQG (European Aerospace Quality Group) met in Istanbul and brought together (under the sponsorship of TAI) Airbus, Leonardo, BAES, Thales, Dassault Aviation, HENSOLDT, AIAD, Meggitt, FACC, Fokker Aerostructures, Ariane Group, Aselsan, TEI – TUSAŞ. https://raillynews.com/2022/03/european-aviation-and-space-quality-group-term-meeting-was-held-in-istanbul

#EAQG is the European sector of IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) providing Aerospace and Defense products and services is a joint European global organization of companies. https://iaqg.org/event/eaqg-spring-sector-meeting/

***
Dutch government loosens control on exports of military tech developed in the framework of the EU Defence Fund #EDF. Those will be covered by a general license. The policy is aiming at a strong and resilient European Defence & Tech Industrial Base #EDTIB. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=c65819d5-b96c-49b7-a84f-355a835d02cd&title=Fiche%3A%20Mededeling%20Defensiepakket.docx

***
New form of civil solidarity? American gunmakers ramp up efforts to help Ukrainians fight back against Putin. No not new, but the unveiled and authorised way it unfolds is. https://fortune.com/2022/03/18/us-gunmakers-weapons-shipment-ukraine/

Here some thoughts into an other direction: https://stopwapenhandel.org/arming-ukraine/

***
Wapenleveranties worden betaald uit Europese #Vredesfaciliteit. EU-ministers van Buitenlandse Zaken hebben maandag in Brussel een akkoord bereikt over een tweede militair steunpakket voor Oekraïne. Het gaat om een steunpakket ter waarde van €500 miljoen. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/03/21/akkoord-eu-landen-tweede-militair-steunpakket-500-miljoen-euro-voor-oekraine

***
Columnist: "Goede, leerzame stukken over de oorlog, geschreven door @CTWnl. Lees dit en zeg het door. Ik kan me daar in hoge mate in vinden en ga het niet nog een keer zeggen, althans nu niet."

https://boeddhistischdagblad.nl/auteurs/180778-oekraine/

Zie https://stopwapenhandel.org/ daar is veel goeds te vinden.

March 21

***

And who is surprised: “The European defence industry stands ready to support national governments and European institutions, as a competent partner for the successful implementation of the actions outlined in the #StrategicCompass.”

Today, the @EUCouncil adopted the EU's #StrategicCompass which sets out the path towards strengthening the #EU's security and #defence by 2030. Find the ASD Press release, including a statement from ASD President & @LDO_CEO Alessandro Profumo, here: https://asd-europe.org/asd-welcomes-eu-strategic-compass-for-security-and-defence

***
A Concept Note produced by the European Council, (publicly available on State Watch site https://www.statewatch.org/media/3168/eu-council-ukraine-csdp-epf-military-assistance-concept-note-6661-22.pdf), outlines the 'potential risks and benefits' of support to Ukraine by sending weaponry. https://www.statewatch.org/news/2022/march/eu-concept-note-on-providing-arms-to-ukraine/

***
Nicely worded thought on: What Germany’s turning point means for its feminist foreign policy.

But it misses the structural change in German military policy by injecting € 100 bn for weaponry - that's not for once - and acquiring nuke delivery systems. https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-turning-point-feminist-foreign-policy/

***
Meer werk bij Fokker Elmo in Hoogerheide (Vooral sinds de VS in Turkije geen F-35 werk meer laten verrichten en die klussen voor de JSF tijdelijk in West-Brabant zijn ondergebracht), maar toch gaat de fabriek sluiten en het personeel moet naar Papendrecht. https://www.bndestem.nl/bergen-op-zoom/personeel-in-hoogerheide-zwijgt-want-geen-kwaad-woord-fokker-is-altijd-goed-voor-ons-geweest~a410f637/

#Fokker #GKN Landing Gear in Helmond produceert onder meer vanghaken voor de landing van F-35 straaljagers op een vliegdekschip of het landingsgestel van 'n Reaper drone. Helmond gaat ook dicht en dit gaat gepaard met ruzie over het lot van de medewerkers. https://www.ed.nl/helmond/helmondse-fokker-fabriek-maakt-nare-landing-einde-met-geruzie-over-lot-van-medewerkers-br~af79f74e/

***
Ukraine becomes a showcase for arms dealers

L'Ukraine se transforme en vitrine pour les marchands d'armes

"This conflict is an opportunity for manufacturers to publicize their products, but also to promote a "culture of war" favorable to arms sales."

https://www.humanite.fr/monde/guerre-en-ukraine/drones-bayraktar-missiles-hypersoniques-lukraine-nouvelle-vitrine-pour-les

***
The riddle of weapons from Germany's factories

But after four weeks of Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, not a single new weapon from these manufacturers [Rheinmetall, Thyssenkrupp, Airbus, H&K] has been purchased and delivered to Ukraine. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus237657595/Ukraine-Hilfe-Das-Raetsel-um-die-Waffen-aus-Deutschlands-Fabriken.html

***
Another issue which shows recent lack of arms control has very negative consequences.

Russia says it used hypersonic weapons in Ukraine for the first time. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus237646861/Kinschal-Rakete-Gegen-Russlands-Hyperschallwaffen-gibt-es-kaum-Abwehr.html

This is what I wrote less than two years ago on the hyper weapons. https://stopwapenhandel.org/hypersonic-weapons-fast-and-dangerous/

***
The Ukraine war indicates that any of the Western combat aircraft (F-15/16/18, Rafale, Grippen) in skilled hands are more than adequate against Russia. How many of these planes can be had for the price of 35 F-35As? One may presume the answer is “more.” https://warontherocks.com/2022/03/germans-awake-how-the-bundeswehr-should-spend-its-money/

***
@UAWeapons#Ukraine: As it turns out, not all Western aid is helpful. Sometimes it even becomes dangerous. According to Ukrainian fighters, two Czech STV Group LGL-7 grenade launchers burst after a few shots. As a result, two soldiers were injured - severed ear and broken collarbone.

Retweet @tomas_polivka: The head of ministry of defence @jana_cernochova tweeted that this weapon was NOT part of the official weapon supply…

***
Srinjoy Chowdhury of Times Now says the #Indian government will soon place an #order with #Russia for 12 new Su-30 #fighters. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to approve the purchase during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council next week. https://www.timesnownews.com/india/exclusive-big-boost-for-indias-defence-12-sukhoi-30-mki-fighter-aircraft-order-on-the-anvil-article-90253717

***
Indonesia’s military took delivery of the first batch of Kaplan medium-weight tanks jointly produced by Turkish FNSS and Indonesian PT Pindad. It is the 1st export of Turkish-developed tank. https://monch.com/turkey-to-deliver-first-kaplan-mts-to-indonesia/

A John Cockerill, Belgian, 3105 tower (https://johncockerill.com/en/defense-2/weapons-systems/cockerill-3000-series/cockerill-3105/) equipped to fire high-pressured 105mm shells provides the tank’s primary firepower. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/31594#.YjhKe-eZND8

***
When we watch the east, do not forget the Middle East.

Italian company #Beretta has won, through #Saudi General Authority for Military Industries #GAMI, a contract to supply 3,500 PMX #submachineguns in 9×19 mm caliber to the Saudi Royal Guard. https://www.edrmagazine.eu/beretta-the-pmx-submachine-gun-will-equip-the-saudi-royal-guard

***
Putin's regime is making its Global presence felt with the range of weaponry it exports, proving Russia’s status as the world’s 2nd biggest arms exporter. Article shines also some light on the political positions of Russia's clients. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1570315/putin-barbarism-in-ukraine-shines-light-on-russias-war-imports

Addition: Pak-Russia ties: prospects and challenges

History casts a long shadow.

For Karachi, Moscow is needed against New Delhi. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2021/08/05/pak-russia-ties-prospects-and-challenges/

***
Europese bedrijven die oorlogsapparatuur zoals tanks, kanonnen maken, doen het goed dit jaar. Dat is duidelijk bij de bedrijven met een beursnotering: de aandelenkoersen daarvan stegen met tientallen procenten sinds de uitbraak van de oorlog in Oekraïne. https://fd.nl/financiele-markten/1433318/munitiemakers-beleven-hoogtij-op-beurs-door-russische-agressie

Zinnige opmerking (op vraag: En de Amerikannen?) want daar zitten de 5 grootste wapenfabrikanten (https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/) en Lockheed kreeg al direct na de $ 100 miljard extra aankondiging een order voor F-35's uit Duitsland. Maar het zijn dus ook de Europese bedrijven die er garen bij spinnen.

***
Thuisopvang van vluchtelingen door militairen en hun gezin kan invloed hebben op de verklaring van geen bezwaar. Het hoe en wat in de Defensiekrant. Aan zogenoemde A-functies hangt het hoogste veiligheidsniveau. Bijvoorbeeld iedereen die met de F-35 werkt. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/10/02_vgb-oekraine_10

March 18

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Money, money, money, its so funny in an arming world. Haa-Haah (sorry)

Russian invasion spurs European demand for US drones, missiles

Poland urgently wants to purchase sophisticated Reaper drones from the US, a Polish government official said this week.

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-701600

***
Prio-blog argues arms supplies involve complex tradeoffs between perceived risks and benefits. There are several interlinked reasons why supporters of Ukraine may decide to restrict supplies of arms that Ukraine wants to use in its fight against Russia. https://blogs.prio.org/2022/03/arms-and-influence-in-ukraine/

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Protest at #Belfast factory over ‘ludicrous nature of arms trade’ with #Thales-built equipment aiding both #Russia and #Ukraine

Activists mounted a protest at Thales’ facility in east Belfast, over what it called the “ludicrous nature of the arms trade”.

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/defence/protest-at-belfast-factory-over-ludicrous-nature-of-arms-trade-with-thales-built-equipment-aiding-both-russia-and-ukraine-3616476

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Revealed: Ukraine war makes Lords members richer through arms investments

Tory peers are among five House of Lords members with investments of at least £50,000 in BAE Systems

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-money-investigations/ukraine-war-uk-lords-richer-arms-investments-russia-bae-systems/

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Ukraine war brings promise of profit for German arms firms

Shares in Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall up 51% on pre-war levels to ‘all time high’

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/ukraine-war-brings-promise-of-profit-for-german-arms-firms-1.4829793

#Rheinmetall and #MBDA are winners, but first multi billion slice went to US #Lockheed Martin.

***
The Nordic Monitor (opposing Ankara) reported Turkey has speeded up the approval of bilateral defence cooperation agreements with African countries in order to increase arms sales to the continent. https://nordicmonitor.com/2022/03/turkey-accelerates-ratification-of-bilateral-defense-agreements-to-increase-arms-exports-to-africa/

***
Just over a year ago, Vladimir Putin and his army were still good customers of the European arms industry Investigate Europe stated. 1/3 of the EU’s member states exported arms to Russia, according to official data (see eg here: http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/overview?metric=export,approved&destination=russia&year_from=2014).

https://www.investigate-europe.eu/en/2022/eu-states-exported-weapons-to-russia/

March 17

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@FrankSlijpervan PAX waarschuwt dat het zicht op het materieel dreigt te vertroebelen. Al jaren pleit de vredesbeweging voor meer controle op de wapenhandel. Die controle is nu belangrijker dan ooit. NRC (economie) 16/03/22.


***
Chinese Peoples Daily in #SIPRI arms export report (https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/global-arms-trade-falls-slightly-imports-europe-east-asia-and-oceania-rise): Global transfers of major arms saw a slight drop of 4.6% between 2012-16 and 2017-21, but the #US #increased its exports 14%, moving its global share from 32 percent to 39%. http://en.people.cn/n3/2022/0317/c90000-9972340.html

***
Dutch Army confirms Thales Bushmaster armored vehicle Mid-Life Update. Thales Netherlands will lead the MLU, the project expected to run through to 2027. The first upgraded Bushmasters are scheduled to re-enter Dutch service in early 2024. https://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2022/03/dutch-army-confirms-thales-bushmaster.html

***
Around 40 companies across Europe are already involved in the European Patrol Corvette project.

According to a release from the Italian Navy, a contract for constructing the future European Patrol Corvette (EPC) could be signed as soon as 2025.

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/european-patrol-corvette-contract-could-be-signed/

***
Questions on secret status to citizens of EU Strategic Compass by @schirdewan https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-000441_EN.html and answers by @JosepBorrellF https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-000441-ASW_EN.pdf "Once agreed by the EU Member States, the Strategic Compass will be a public document."

***
Retweet @_ENAAT: The #EuropeanUnion is taking a deeply worrying path away from its founding principles of peace and dialogue and towards war mongering and militarism Want to know more? Read our new report with @TNInstitute here: http://enaat.org/2022/03/17/fanning-the-flammes-how-the-eu-is-fuelling-a-new-arms-race-new-report #EuropeanDefence #EDF

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Ukraine’s military claimed that a #Russian #drone crossed into Polish airspace before reentering the Ukraine, where it was shot down. it is believed to be Forpost UAV, a license-produced version of the Searcher II reconnaissance drone, built by Israel #IAI.https://www.uawire.org/russian-drone-reportedly-enters-polish-airspace-shot-down-over-ukraine

***
Military planners assert they have more relevant and dangerous threats to consider 1st. This argument may hold water in the extremely short term, but it loses all credibility beyond even the most immediate concerns. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/02/23/its-time-for-a-climate-change-version-of-the-manhattan-project/ But must it be the Pentagon at the helm?

***
Escalation. Debate on NATO-Ukraine fighter deal continues. While the politics surrounding the transfer of Polish MiG-29s to Ukraine are complicated, experts say the technical and logistical difficulties involved should not stand in the way of a deal. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/03/16/not-brain-science-heres-how-the-ukraine-fighter-swap-could-work/

***
Most expensive weapon program ever, but: "F-35 did not suddenly become a more reliable aircraft in 2021” Dan Grazier of the Project on Government Oversight wrote. “It takes extraordinary effort to keep the fleet operating even close to the required levels."https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/03/16/full-weapons-tester-report-highlights-f-35-availability-software-problems/

***
Retweet @fionadove: Russia’s Feminists Are in the Streets Protesting Putin’s War. https://www.jacobinmag.com/2022/02/russian-feminist-antiwar-resistance-ukraine-putin

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US provide Ukraine with #killerdrones called Switchblades. There are two variants of the weapon, the Switchblade 300 (against persons) and the 600 (against tanks & armoured vehciles), that have been sold to US Special Forces by manufacturer AeroVironment. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/ukraine-asks-biden-admin-armed-drones-jamming-gear-surface-air-missile-rcna20197

March 16

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Retweet @ForumArmsTrade: List of weapons @POTUS pledged for #Ukraine today. https://whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/16/fact-sheet-on-u-s-security-assistance-for-ukraine/ See this an other arms for Ukraine in our resource page at https://forumarmstrade.org/ukrainearms.html

***
Experts warn that Canadian weapons shipped to Ukraine could end up in the wrong hands https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-weapons-ukraine-misuse-1.6386109

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According to Justice for #Myanmar a private Myanmar military arms broker, Miya Win International, has procured #Austrian Schiebel Corporation parts for the Myanmar military's Camcopter S-100 #drones via Russia after last year's coup. https://www.mizzima.com/article/eu-firms-still-supplying-myanmar-military-despite-arms-embargo

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Latvian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Artis Pabriks has confirmed the country’s interest in buying #Bayraktar TB2 combat drones from Turkey, which have been used on battlefields in Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Iraq; and now in Ukraine. https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Latvia-ready-to-defend-itself-like-never-before-deputy-PM

***
If Russian tanks are currently firing at Ukrainian residential buildings or civilians, then this is apparently also happening with the help of French armaments technology. More than 1000 Russian tanks are equipped with French thermal cameras. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus237554219/Ukraine-Krieg-Franzoesisches-Hightech-hilft-Putin-beim-Krieg-gegen-die-Ukraine.html

Addition: “France has complied in accordance with its commitments to international law,” Macron said answering questions on supplies to Russian army by French military giants #Safran and #Thales (mother company of Dutch largest military company Thales #Nederland). https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/macron-denies-france-violated-european-sanctions-with-russia-arms-sales/2536410

Addition: #Thales in top 1% performers of CAC40 Index in March 2022. Thales has climbed €27.21 in March to close at €111.45 on Tuesday.

When cynical one would state: hardly surprising when you've such a business model. Arming adversaries & defending against them with your products.

***
Power of the Russian armed forces was overestimated, this article points out. Putin was kept in the dark & so were we. What does this mean for Western military budgets answering the 'enormous' Russian military power (something else than aggressive policy)? https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2022/03/16/humiliating-russian-military-russia-has-asked-china-for-missiles-drones-armoured-vehicles-financial-times/

***
After the Russian aviation sector was hit Western sanctions because of Ukraine, China refused to supply Russia with aircraft parts. Moscow now plans to seek assistance from India, Turkey and others, reported Global Defense Corp. https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/china-refuses-aircraft-parts-deliveries-to-russia20220316072253/

https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2022/03/14/china-refuses-to-supply-aircraft-parts-to-russia/

***
Comment: HMC Sentinel will used for anti-smuggling interceptor duties, maritime law enforcement and surveillance of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters #BGTW, maritime law enforcement, rapid response actions and supporting and assisting other law enforcement agencies in their operations.

Retweet @FabianPicardo: Today we commissioned HMC Sentinel from @Damen for @HMCustomsGib with @Convent_Gib. This investment comes from work started in 2019 by John Rodriguez & has been delayed by C19 & Brexit. Investing public money in our law enforcement capability & the protection of our officers. https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/press-releases/hmc-sentinel-commissioned-for-duty-in-bgtw-1462022-7727

***
US plans to sell F-15 fighter jets to Egypt, top general says

General Frank McKenzie told senators the deal, which hasn't been finalised, 'was a long, hard slog' amid concerns in Washington about human rights

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-f-15-fighter-jets-us-planned-sale-general-mckenzie

March 15

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Om over na te denken opinie van journalist De Haan die ooit zelf weigerde militair te zijn en daarvoor het gevang indraaide.

Zelenski: stop deze oorlog. Nu de wapens neerleggen is niet stoer, maar betekent wel het einde van de vernietiging van Oekraïne. https://dvhn.nl/meningen/Opinie/Zelenski-stop-deze-oorlog-27538948.html

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Switzerland is traditionally neutral and peaceful. In fact, Swiss companies exported to Russia camouflaged civilian technology, which is of great military use there. https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/ukraine-schweiz-waffen-1.5547276

***
Engines are among the most difficult parts of a fighter jets & main battle tanks. Turkey is helped on both (jets https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1503645333783560195). It is S Korea offering help to power Turkey’s #MBT Altay. 'Needed' because of German arms control measures on Ankara. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/engine-to-power-turkeys-long-awaited-mbt-altay-arrives-from-s-korea

***
Despite a 2014 European embargo on new orders, France, through Safran & Thales, continued export to in support of previously concluded contracts, Disclose stated https://disclose.ngo/fr/article/ukraine-france-a-livre-armes-russie. Deliveries mainly concern sighting equipment and thermal cameras. https://www.liberation.fr/international/europe/la-france-a-continue-dequiper-militairement-la-russie-jusquen-2020-20220314_DNZIPVS3TVD4FGUS7YIM4PSKBE/

***
As long as German - the biggest economy of Europe - fighter capability for US nuclear bombs weights more than European military aerospace industry partnerships, an independent European foreign policy is behind the horizon and merely a budgetary argument. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/la-commande-davions-americains-f-35-de-berlin-destabilise-le-couple-franco-allemand-1393490

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UK engine maker Rolls-Royce and its local partner Kale will launch a joint effort to produce an engine to power Turkey’s first indigenous fighter jet, the TF-X.

The effort will be undertaken by TAEC, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Kale. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/03/14/rolls-royce-kale-to-develop-engine-for-turkish-fighter/

***
France is several years into a multibillion-euro investment in military space capabilities, and the country is using its temporary role leading the European Council presidency to emphasize the operational domain’s importance across the continent. https://www.defensenews.com/space/2022/03/14/france-puts-space-at-top-of-national-and-european-security-priorities/

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Germany will buy up to 35 F-35 fighter jets, reversing years-long plans that saw the warplane eliminated from consideration. The planes will take over by 2030 the niche, but crucial, nuclear-weapons mission from the aging fleet of Tornado aircraft. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/14/germany-to-buy-f-35-warplanes-for-nuclear-deterrence/

March 14

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That is how it's called a defence supercycle. Aviation week can not forecast if it will be a short term or longterm phenomenon, but military expenditures will go up at the cost of ... https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/opinion-start-new-defense-supercycle

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Nederland is op twee na grootste wapenimporteur van Europa https://www.nu.nl/economie/6189201/nederland-is-op-twee-na-grootste-wapenimporteur-van-europa.html

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Jeune Afrique reports on the craftsmen of the Kremlin's African diplomacy. Sergei Chemezov and Anatoly Isaikin are both influential in arms export policies because of their respective positions as head of Rostec and Rosoboronexport.

https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1325958/politique/russie-ideologues-marchands-darmes-riches-oligarques-qui-conseille-vladimir-poutine-sur-lafrique/

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Ukraine is one of the largest arms trafficking markets in Europe, with war profiteering and associated criminal elements having grown over the last 8 years. https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/03/14/is-americans-strategic-goal-the-isolation-and-collapse-of-russia.html

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Despite suggestions human rights should become a more prominent part of US arms export policy to the Middle East, president Biden follows largely the policy of his predecessors. The Congressional Research Service report on Bahrain, here: https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/95-1013.pdf

***
Think also about Russians against the war.

Hundreds of anti-war protesters arrested across Russia

Independent monitoring group OVD-Info says 756 people have been arrested across 37 cities, with about half of arrests in Moscow.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/13/russia-ukraine-war-protesters-arrested

***
Here Russia is used to defend higher military expenditures #ME and arms buys (while much higher NATO ME didn't prevent Russia invading Ukraine).

In Asia it is China having that role. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/4ea637abba4b-asian-countries-accumulate-weapons-as-china-tensions-grow.html

It isn't true nobody wins with tension and war: the arms industry does.

***
Retweet @CTWnl: Will sending arms to Ukraine help to end the suffering and offer a way out of violent conflict? New blog at: https://stopwapenhandel.org/arming-ukraine/

Comment: Welcome blog by @Ctwnl.
Supplying arms might not be the best way to support the people of Ukraine, and it is not the only way either.

Addition: Sahra Wagenknecht (Die Linke) was in Die Welt confronted with the question why the left sticks to its demand of 'No Arms Exports'. She answered: The weapons currently being supplied are prolonging the war, but they will not lead to Ukraine winning it. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus237506761/Sahra-Wagenknecht-Weder-Sanktionen-noch-Waffenlieferungen-stoppen-diesen-Horror.html

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Retweet @AFP: #UPDATE Germany plans to buy up to 35 F-35 fighter jets made by US firm Lockheed Martin and 15 Eurofighter jets, a parliamentary source said Monday, as part of a major push to modernise the armed forces in response to Russia's invasion of #Ukraine.

Comment: Germany chooses US fighter aircraft over European variants. The F-35 is chosen because completed its final test with the US B61-12 guided #nuclear bomb last October; and Eurofighter certification for US nuclear bombs was considered by Germany to be too complicated and expensive.

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Retweet @SIPRIorg: 4 of the top 10 arms-importing states in 2017–21 are in the #MiddleEast: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the UAE. The region accounted for 32% of global arms imports between 2017 and 2021. New SIPRI data out now https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/global-arms-trade-falls-slightly-imports-europe-east-asia-and-oceania-rise

Comment: Europe is shifting its supplies of gas from Russia to the authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. One of the advantages is that payments will return in the form of arms acquisitions. (Although the US grasps a large proportion and they are building domestic military industries).

***

Retweet @SIPRIorg: Who were the five largest arms exporters in 2017–21? 1) USA 2) Russia 3) France 4) China 5) Germany Together, they accounted for 77% of all arms exports in 2017–21. New SIPRI data on global #ArmsTransfers out now https://www.sipri.org/publications/2022/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-international-arms-transfers-2021

***
Retweet @roelants_c: Overal oorlog: gouden tijden voor de wapenproducenten! Mijn column over de Saoedische wapenbeurs waar ook de Russische wapenfabrieken ruim vertegenwoordigd waren. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/14/overal-oorlog-gouden-tijden-voor-de-wapenproducenten-a4100787

March 13

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China uses Pakistan to clandestinely supply defence hardware in Myanmar, according to Asian News International. The Myanmar military is planning to purchase 60 and 81 mm mortars, M-79 grenade launchers and heavy machine guns from Pakistan. https://theprint.in/world/china-uses-pakistan-to-clandestinely-supply-defence-hardware-in-myanmar/871400/

March 12

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Thales French - nation wide - employees demand "a fair sharing of wealth" https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/cholet-49300/cholet-des-salaries-de-thales-souhaitent-une-meilleure-repartition-des-richesses-24c5c138-7f77-11ec-96be-f0c0563e9325

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+/- 50% of the money for arms goes to air forces. In that context it isn't difficult to see Macron's words in Versailles fall on infertile soil. He said "it will not make much sense” to import military equipment from elsewhere.

https://www.liberation.fr/international/europe/la-guerre-en-ukraine-ranime-les-ambitions-militaires-de-lunion-europeenne-20220311_FRJTX2AUKJCINJWRDZZCFYGCW4/

See https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1502231539622555654

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From behind the stategist table: Arming Ukraine Is Worth the Risk; West Can Raise the Cost of Russian Aggression.

But it also raises the cost for Ukrainians. Fight will not won on the battle field, but putting the lid on the Kremlin. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/ukraine/2022-03-11/arming-ukraine-worth-risk?

***
Magazine states the best option for Ukrainians is to do what most overmatched adversaries of superpowers have been doing for more than a century: create a violent insurgency that will bleed Russian resources and drain their will to fight and occupy Ukraine.https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/03/11/urban-combat-veterans-share-lessons-for-ukraine-fight/

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As long as Sisi only quells his own population. US Senate backs $2.2bn arms sale to #Egypt, but discontent within Washington grows. The Senate easily threw out a bid by Senator Rand Paul to block the sale, but experts say the vote itself was unprecedented. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/senate-backs-2bn-sale-egypt-discontent-cairo-human-rights-grows

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US Senate backs $2.2bn arms sale to Egypt, but discontent within Washington grows

The US Senate easily threw out a bid by Senator Rand Paul to block the sale, but experts say the vote itself was 'unprecedented' https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/senate-backs-2bn-sale-egypt-discontent-cairo-human-rights-grows

***
People show posters that read, 'Stop the war, No more Hiroshima, No more Nagasaki, No nukes, No war,' during a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/japanese-communists-say-humanitarian-relief-needed-in-ukraine-war-not-more-weaponry/

Addition: #Japan has for the 1st time provided non-lethal equipment such as helmets & bulletproof vests to another country, sending a shipment to front-line fighters in Ukraine. The delivery is significant even if there are no plans for Japan to send lethal weapons. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-sends-military-equipment-to-aid-ukraine-toughens-language-on-russia

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EU wil nog eens €500 mln voor wapens aan Oekraïne vrijmaken, Rutte weet van niets https://fd.nl/politiek/1433005/eu-wil-nog-eens-500-mln-voor-wapens-aan-oekraine-vrijmaken-rutte-weet-van-niets

March 11

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While the MIC is aiming for larger budgets, critical voices, leaning to the military, state: "Bigger budgets won't solve the Pentagon's problems — and could make them worse." https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/597291-bigger-budgets-wont-solve-the-pentagons-problems-and-could-make In the Netherlands Ko Colijn follows a similar line: https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/03/wat-gaat-defensie-doen-met-meer-geld-a4096654

***

Dutch police (civil and military Kmar) yesterday stopped transport of armoured vehicles, weapons and ammunition en route to the UK. The weaponry is privately owned. https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/184244297/transport-met-pantserwagens-wapens-en-munitie-aan-de-kant-gezet-op-a2

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US Senator and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Member Rand Paul (R-KY) urged the Senate to support his bipartisan joint resolution of disapproval to block a proposed $2.2 billion US arms sale to #Egypt.

US "arms a regime at war with its own people." https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-puts-senate-record-arms-sale-egypt

***
A somewhat overstated intro, but the warnings against arms companies lobbies in this 2nd oldest Indian Newspaper (2.3m circulation) must be taken seriously. If #India gets drawn into an arms race its resources can get diverted from more pressing needs. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/columnists/arms-lobbies-rip-s-asia-with-forced-weaponry-sales.html

***
Why are some wars condemned more than other wars? People in Myanmar want to have the same backing as those in Ukraine. https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/with-ukraine-in-the-limelight-spotlight-on-myanmar-fades.html And I am sure the same counts e.g. for those in Yemen.

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UK defence secretary Wallace acknowledged Ukrainian soldiers would need to be trained in how to use donated Starstreak high-velocity man-portable anti-air missiles. “How we are doing it [training] is sensitive,” he added. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/09/uk-plans-to-send-anti-aircraft-weapons-to-ukraine-says-ben-wallace

***

Why German rearmament will benefit the United States and not a European military industry. The French fear they are left with studies to build a Future Air Combat System but without fighters actually build and acquired. https://www.lefigaro.fr/vox/monde/francois-d-orcival-pourquoi-le-rearmement-allemand-profitera-aux-etats-unis-20220311

This fear is understandable. Many EU countries are buying F-35s instead of EFA's, Gripens or Rafales. These are Denmark, Italy, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and the UK. And it isn't over yet: Greece, Spain and the Czechia are in talks to acquire the US fighter.

***
The European civil and military space industry's dependencies on Russian and Ukrainian suppliers are highlighted with the war in Ukraine. It reveals holes in the European space sector, like on transport planes, launching locations and engine production. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/la-guerre-en-ukraine-revele-crument-les-lacunes-de-l-autonomie-de-l-industrie-spatiale-europeenne-905748.html

***
Secrets of ransomware gang spilled after it announced support for Russia. “it seems like they had a relationship to a Russian government group,” said John Fokker, head of cyber investigations at Trellix & a former member of a Dutch police anti-hacker unit. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/secrets-of-ransomware-gang-spilled-after-it-announced-support-for-russia-1.1735137

***

Yelena Osipova, overlevende van het beleg van Leningrad, vorige week nog afgevoerd door veiligheidstroepen, gaat door met haar protest in St. Petersburg.

"Soldaat leg je wapens neer en wees een echte held."

***
More of this please!

Even Russian State TV Is Pleading With Putin to Stop the War

State propagandists called for Putin to end the “special military operation” before “frightening” sanctions destabilize his regime and risk civil war in Russia.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/even-russias-state-tv-admits-ukraine-disaster-has-putin-in-trouble

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3 new #UK Fleet Solid Support vessels must be designed and built in Britain, union bosses insist.

4 consortia - one of them with Dutch #Damen - are bidding for the £1.5billion contract.

Trade unionists fear the bumper deal could go to a foreign-led bid.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/unions-step-up-fight-build-26438423

***
Nederlandse bedrijven kunnen mogelijk ook profiteren van de oorlog in Oekraïne. Onderzoekster @WendelaVries over wapenleveranties: “De belangrijkste vraag lijkt mij: hoe kunnen we de situatie de-escaleren? Meer wapens ertegenaan gooien, is onverstandig.” https://www.trouw.nl/economie/nederlandse-bedrijven-kunnen-mogelijk-ook-profiteren-van-de-oorlog-in-oekraine~b567df40/

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US lawmakers on Wednesday unveiled a $13.6 billion Ukraine aid package that took President Joe Biden’s request for weapons and training for Ukrainian forces. The package will contain $3 billion in new weapons for Ukraine. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/03/09/bidens-ukraine-aid-package-is-getting-super-sized-by-congress/

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Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle grilled Biden administration officials Thursday over the Pentagon’s rejection of #Poland’s plan to give the #Ukraine its MiG-29 fighter jets to repel #Russia’s mightier forces. While it was clear why not. #Escalation https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/03/10/frustrated-lawmakers-blast-stalled-transfer-of-european-aircraft-to-ukraine/

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There seems to be surprise over India's - inaccurately coined the biggest democracy - position on the Russian invasion in the Ukraine. But since 1991 alone, India has spent $70billion US on Russian arms, and it plans to spend much more, according to SIPRI. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-war-india-russia-1.6379189

March 10

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Op donderdag 17 maart 11 uur online presentatie van het rapport 'Fanning the Flames'. Q & A met schrijvers van het European Network Against Arms Trade (ENAAT) en het Transnational Institute (TNI). Aanmelden hier: https://stopwapenhandel.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da68ac2d1769c731dfb319be1&id=b01d43e1fa&e=0a4f036058

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Four reasons why the West should think twice about arming a Ukrainian insurgency. https://taskandpurpose.com/opinion/us-shouldnt-arm-ukrainian-insurgency-opinion/

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Tweets on EDF meeting

Session on the European Defence Fund in English in the Dutch Parliament. (First part in English, Second in Dutch with TNO, Damen and NIDV https://debatdirect.tweedekamer.nl/2022-03-09/internationaal/suze-groenewegzaal/europees-defensiefonds-13-00/markeringen) Daniel Fiott: it is not about acquisition, but Research and Capability. So that may the next the step.

Laetitia Sedou: The EDF beneficiaries, the happy few, the big military 4: Germany, French, Italy and Spain get almost 70% of the allocated budget. More than half of the EU countries get less than 1% of the funding. It goes also in an extreme way to the largest companies. David Fiott foresees EDF opens up supply chains.

She also points at the corruption in the international arms trade. It does not get enough attention in the EDF. Another issue brought forward by her is de facto deregulation of ethical checks on new and disruptive weapon programs.

There is not over regulation, because there is no history of regulation on military issues. It's new, as some say he EDF is a game changer, it need a specific regulations. The legal and political frame for the new kind of weapons developing, like AI, killer robots. The EU should take the lead on this, also to reign in China on this.

Rob Nulkes NIDV wil Defensie Materieel Proces afslanken. Past niet in Europa. #Walrus-verhaal vergeten? https://tweedekamer.nl/vergaderingen/livedebat/suze-groenewegzaal

Het Europees Defensie Fonds lijkt te nopen tot minder regels om de Nederlandse rol te consolideren en uit te breiden. VVD wil meer 'harde' wapens.

TNO stelt voor te investeren in bedrijven die niet van oudsher in een militaire industrie actief zijn. Zoals quantum, laser, AI technologie, zo kan een nieuwe bedrijfssector worden gebouwd voor militaire componenten.

Sandee (Clingedael) en Nulkes pleiten voor aansluiting bij Future Air Capability System #FACS & Main Ground Combat System #MGCS. Kleyheeg (TNO) pleit ook voor aansluiten bij FCAS. F-35 kennis inzetten. Zoals NLR-windtunnel, TNO-simulator. Zo kunnen NL bedrijven aansluiten.

The information meeting is a quick update on the European Defence Fund.

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Indonesia's Navy has announced plans to acquire France's Scorpene-class submarines.

Scorpene-class subs are jointly built by French shipbuilder Naval Group and Spain's Navantia.

https://asiatimes.com/2022/03/indonesia-picks-france-for-its-new-sub-ambitions/

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A next step. UK to deliver world-leading Thales Belfast made Dart missiles; Anti-aircraft weapon will be deployed to help thwart Russia and regain control of the skies, says UK Defence Secretary Wallace. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/03/09/britain-send-worlds-advanced-anti-aircraft-missile-system-ukraine/

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Opportunities for Belgium military companies to profit of German military budget hike inventoried. But in the defense market it is every country for itself. https://trends.knack.be/economie/magazine/op-de-defensiemarkt-is-het-elk-land-voor-zich/article-normal-1844125.html

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The Romanian Ministry of Defense has dismissed statements of the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Defense, on Wednesday, which accredits the idea that Ukrainian fighter jets were relocated on the Romanian territory, saying it is not true. https://www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/dedfmin-there-are-no-ukrainian-military-aircraft-in-romania/

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When German companies pay bribes in other countries, it rarely has serious consequences, internal files show. Defense companies are particularly frequently targeted by investigators on suspicion of foreign corruption. @hmtillack writes.

The files also show that prosecutors often put a lot of effort into such suspicious cases - with searches at the company's headquarters and requests for legal assistance to foreign states. But in the end, almost no one ever ends up behind bars. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus237401091/Auslandskorruption-Ruestungsfirmen-sind-besonders-auffaellig.html

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#Airbus signed a MoU at the Defence Show in Riyadh. The MoU covers Airbus' portable LTE tactical bubble Everus Manpack (https://securecommunications.airbus.com/en/systems/tactical-networks), cybersecurity managed services, satellite communications, and the secure collaboration platform TactilonAgnet. https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/airbus-seals-mou-with-stc-at-world-defense-show-2022-in-riyadh-h9z3kll

Addition: Saudi Arabia signed 23 contracts worth $3.5bn at Defence Show. Companies involved: Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Chinese Poly Technologies, Thales, Swiss Rheinmetall, Aerovision International, and some Saudi companies like SAMI (5 deals), AAC, NCMS, and AEC. http://www.gulfindustryonline.com/stories/source/?url=IND_394078.html

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Chinese and Saudi firms create joint venture to make military drones in the kingdom. Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems Co. signed an agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corp. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2022/03/09/chinese-and-saudi-firms-create-joint-venture-to-make-military-drones-in-the-kingdom/

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Turkey gambled and lost. But who will help the country to new fighters (besides the UK, without a moral compass on Ankara)? The foreign & arms export policy of Ankara is a nuisance for years now. Defence News sees only financial and problems of choice. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/09/russian-invasion-of-ukraine-is-reviving-euro-turkish-fighter-efforts/

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De Rus Vagit Alekperov - eigenaar van #Lukoil - doet een stap terug bij Heesen Yachts uit Oss. Hij blijft wel eigenaar van de Osse werf. #Alekperov heeft zijn belang ondergebracht in zijn Cypriotische vennootschap Morcell.

Nl: https://www.bd.nl/oss-e-o/russische-commissarissen-stappen-op-bij-osse-heesen-yachts~a6606e30/

Engl: https://www.reuters.com/business/two-russians-resign-supervisory-board-dutch-yacht-maker-heesen-2022-03-09/

Addition: Dutch but Russian owned - fact not mentioned here - Heesen presenteert 55 meter staal Project Serena op Dubai International Boat Show. https://maritimetechnology.nl/heesen-presenteert-55-meter-staal-project-serena-op-dubai-international-boat-show/

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The United States remains the world’s largest purveyor of arms, representing nearly 37% of

global arms exports between 2015 and 2020. End-use monitoring #EUM fails to adequately address concerns about the human impact of US arms transfers. Brief on EUM. https://securityassistance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EUM-Brief.pdf

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De Speciale Eenheden van de Belgische federale politie hebben dertig krachtige machinepistolen (het zou gaan om 30 #Scar-geweren) moeten afstaan aan het Oekraïense leger. “Het gaat om onze enige reserve. We gaan in problemen komen”, zegt een anonieme bron. https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20220308_97415113

The Special Units of the Belgium Federal Police have had to hand over 30 high-powered submachine guns (presumably 30 Scar-rifles) to the Ukrainian army. “It is our only reserve. We're going to get in trouble," said an anonymous source. https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20220308_97415113

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The vultures of international politics. How the world’s defence giants are quietly making billions from the war. Ahead of the conflict, top western arms companies were briefing investors about a likely boost to their profits. https://theconversation.com/ukraine-how-the-worlds-defence-giants-are-quietly-making-billions-from-the-war-178806

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Russia exports nearly 90 percent of its arms to 10 countries. Its biggest customer, India, bought 23 percent of Russia’s weapons for some $6.5bn over the past five years. Half of India’s total arms imports, 49.3 percent, come from Russia. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/9/infographic-which-countries-buy-the-most-russian-weapons

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Australia’s Future Fund bans investment in Israeli defence contractor over cluster munitions allegations.

Norway’s largest pension fund KLP also excludes Israeli defence contractor, Elbit, from its portfolio. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/10/elbit-systems-denies-making-cluster-bombs-after-australia-future-fund-bans-investment-in-it

March 9

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If you lecture us on human rights than ... In a surprise move, the #UAE defense ministry announced Feb. 23 it was planning to contract with China’s National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corp. #CATIC to purchase 12 L-15 advanced jet trainers. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/uae-surprisingly-plans-chinese-jet-trainer

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Russia Doesn't Train Troops for Urban Warfare. It's About to Learn the Consequences in Ukraine. Russian combined-arms doctrine on this is based on the belief has been that if the enemy's main force in the field is destroyed, then his cities will surrender. https://www.military.com/daily-news/opinions/2022/03/08/russia-doesnt-train-troops-urban-warfare-its-about-learn-consequences-ukraine.html

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Stinger systems from the US's stocks didn’t arrive in Ukraine until late February shortly after the Russian invasion. By than the military was able to withdraw a sensitive item from the missile’s hand-held launcher, opening the way to sending the weapons. https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-stinger-deliveries-to-ukraine-followed-long-search-for-technical-fix-11646773886

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NATO Members Mount Huge Operation to Resupply Ukrainian Fighters

Although the transport planes and trucks are highly visible, the operation to supply Ukraine in many countries has been shrouded in secrecy. https://www.wsj.com/articles/nato-members-mount-huge-operation-to-resupply-ukrainian-fighters-11646761821

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How #Israel Is Helping #Putin Crush Anti-war Protests in Russia. Unfortunately, it is likely that some of the courageous anti-war #protesters in #Russia, once arrested, have their mobile phones confiscated and hacked using the #Cellebrite system. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/ukraine-war-how-israel-is-helping-putin-1.10656759

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How to make a safer world? Central and Eastern European arms industries seek to profit from new Cold War, wrote Intellinews - Slovakia Today. It uses also ENAAT information to underline its statement. https://www.intellinews.com/cee-s-arms-industry-seeks-to-profit-from-new-cold-war-237208/

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A voice from Pakistan: Only putting pressure, pressure, and pressure on Myanmar's military can compel the junta to abide by the international customary law and restore democracy. The world community, [China are you listening], must pressurise. https://dailytimes.com.pk/897246/pressure-pressure-and-more-pressure-on-myanmars-military/

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Retweet @_ENAAT: We invite you to the launch of our report with @TNInstitute. We examine how #EU public money is used to fund controversial military wares through the #EuropeanDefenceFund precursor programmes, without appropriate ethical and legal checks.
Registration➡️https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gKedDDOlRXCTNsVj8yTpJg

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There are other brutal regimes. #Saudi Arabia’s authority for military industries gave the OK for 2 projects to locally manufacture parts for the advanced #US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense #THAAD missile system. That is even more than selling arms. https://sdarabia.com/2022/03/%d8%aa%d9%88%d8%b7%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%b5%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%b9%d8%a9-%d8%a3%d8%ac%d8%b2%d8%a7%d8%a1-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%85%d9%86%d8%b8%d9%88%d9%85%d8%a9-%d8%b5%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%ae-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7/

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The war strengthens the position of the arms industry, like in the sentiment we lack national production. Its worded by Mr. Brugière, CEO of Cybergun, just bought Etienne Verney-Carron with the aim to relaunch French small arms production (5,000 annually) https://region-aura.latribune.fr/strategie/2022-03-08/armes-de-petit-calibre-cybergun-rachete-verney-carron-et-veut-defendre-un-marche-strategique-pour-l-hexagone-905607.html

Here is another example: After #arms wrestling with the arms industry, #banks are changing position and supporting the military sector since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. In #Sweden, SEB bank will again authorize some of its funds to invest in armaments. https://www.lesechos.fr/finance-marches/banque-assurances/ukraine-la-volte-face-des-banques-europeennes-sur-le-financement-des-armes-1392253

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"The PAF welcomes the arrival of two units of T129 'ATAK' helicopters onboard the Airbus A-400M from Turkey at 30 minutes past midnight 09 March 2022 at Clark Air Base," a Philippine Air Force spokesperson said in a message to reporters. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169348

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In the meantime equipping a gross human rights violating regime seems to continue. Cairo has expressed to Paris and the Naval Group to acquire conventional powered Barracuda submarines as well as an aircraft carrier equipped Rafale's. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/naval-group-des-sous-marins-et-un-porte-avion-pour-l-egypte-905688.html

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Will tech export controls against Russia further strengthen Sino-Russian high-tech cooperation? At this point, it seems unlikely that Beijing will put its future on the line to back Putin. https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/the-china-factor-in-tech-export-controls-against-russia/

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'#Sweden’s Military Transfers to Ukraine for Beginners' is a wide ranging article on (the history) of Swedish arms exports (recently to Ukraine), the human rights and security arguments used and the move towards "militarist expansion". Useful observations. https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/03/08/236324/
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Some of the most remarkable #Dutch licenses for #dualuse technology in January, 2022 (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen/cumulatief-overzicht-du-vergunningen-2004-januari-2022.csv)

#India: two deliverances of measurement tech to test satellites. Values: € 24,209 and € 41,806.

#Turkey: measurement tech to develop helicopter parts. Value € 18,310.

March 8
1915. Vrouwen tegen de oorlog.

Aanvulling: Ruim 100 jaar later in NRC-Handelsblad: Wie zijn die mensen naar wie straten, pleinen en bruggen zijn vernoemd? Aflevering 50: de Wilhelmina Druckerstraat in Nieuw Sloten. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/12/wilhelmina-druckerstraat-a4102491?t=1647865717

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At last, some movement here. Members of the US Congress have called on President Joe Biden not to enter into any arms deal with Morocco amid fears over the use of these weapons against the Sahrawi people. https://www.spsrasd.info/news/en/articles/2022/03/05/38407.html

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Hoe actueel. Morgen in Kamer gesprek over het Europese Defensie Fonds #EDF. @letysedou van het Europees Netwerk tegen Wapenhandel @ENAAT niet alleen enige vrouw, maar ook enige deskundige vanuit de vredesbeweging. 9 maart 2022, 13-15uur, Suze Groenewegzaal https://www.tweedekamer.nl/vergaderingen/livedebat/suze-groenewegzaal

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The broad German alliance Stop the War wants to call for mass protests throughout Germany again next Sunday. On March 13, demonstrations are planned in Berlin and in another 5-7 major cities against Russia and the announced German arms budget rise. https://taz.de/Massenproteste-gegen-Ukrainekrieg/!5834074/

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#Japan will review its guidelines on the transfer of defense equipment overseas, government officials said Tuesday as the country prepares to send supplies from its Self-Defense Forces to the #Ukraine. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220308/p2g/00m/0na/037000c

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How many Europeans wants this:

The US Can Turn Europe Into Putin's Nightmare.

Fortress America: NATO expansion, permanent U.S. deployments in Eastern Europe and a fearsome Navy presence in the Black Sea. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-03-06/ukraine-invasion-u-s-and-allies-can-turn-europe-into-putin-s-nightmare

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Since 2018, US & European officials have quietly helped Ukraine implement key portions of a total defense framework that military officials call the Resistance Operating Concept #ROC. A US SOF official discussed the project with the Military Times. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/03/07/how-the-us-and-europe-helped-ukraine-prep-for-insurgency

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Argentina is considering Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 for its light fighter jet procurement among a host of Russian, Chinese and European contenders. The country is facing anarms embargofrom the U.K., over unsettled issues concerning the Falklands Islands. https://m5dergi.com/defence-news/argentina-begins-constructing-integrated-naval-base-in-ushuaia/

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Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) delivers new batch of locally manufactured armoured vehicles.

Paramount is a South African group of companies operating for militaries world wide.

Kazachstan is a country violently repressing its population. http://www.paramountgroup.com/media/news/kazakhstan-paramount-engineering-kpe-delivers-new-batch-of-locally-manufactured-armoured-vehicles/

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Becoming a NATO member and supporting the Israeli military industry, it is #Finland. The Finnish MoD has selected Israel's #Rafael and #IAI to go to the final round of negotiations for Finland's new, ground-based air-defense system #GBADS requirement. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/finland-pick-between-two-israeli-companies-anti-aircraft-systems-2022-03-05/

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Thales (Pay Bas, Tacticos) va équiper les frégates MIECZNIK de la Marine nationale polonaise

Thales (Netherlands, Tacticos) will arm the new Polish frigates.

https://www.boursedirect.fr/fr/actualites/categorie/accords/thales-va-equiper-les-fregates-miecznik-de-la-marine-nationale-polonaise-boursier-eb23a3e1c09a13d9c100535bc3fe4f40ebd2b6f3

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Many countries have announced sending weapons to Kiev to counter the Russian invasion, but not all of them communicate with the same level of transparency on it. Le Monde gives overview on transparency policy & arms [French], but check the details. https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2022/03/08/guerre-en-ukraine-des-livraisons-d-armes-plus-ou-moins-assumees_6116555_3210.html

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A Green and Social Responsible preparation for war? Bombs, guns and fighter jets aren’t typical E.S.G. investments, but two Citi analysts say they should be. Advocates for “socially responsible” investing call the idea “absurd.” https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/04/business/military-stocks-russia-ukraine.html

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In de Roemeense Galati heeft Damen een werf. De stad ligt dicht bij de Oekraine. Afgelopen week werd Galati getroffen door nepnieuws dat paniek veroorzaakte. Het licht bij strategische infrastructuur zou uitgaan. Het bericht werd ontkent ook door Damen. https://adevarul.ro/locale/galati/un-fake-news-creat-panica-pus-jar-autoritatile-galati-nu-stinge-lumina-obiective-economice-1_621f5a335163ec4271aad4dd/index.html

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In the Chinese Global Times doubts if the sanctions against the Russian arms industry will have the desired effect. The publication point at disadvantages for Russia, but also to advantages, like the best advertisement for arms: used in war. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202203/1253960.shtml

Asia Times reports point out the slow gains of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine is far from an advertisement for Russian arms. How can it be that a large Russian army a is being checkmated and systematically devastated by Ukraine’s military? https://asiatimes.com/2022/03/russias-arms-sales-could-go-to-zero-over-ukraine/

Maybe something to read for those in the MIC who see the Russian tanks rolling into the Ukraine as a show the West is incapable of, because it phased out the MBT's. They are not as powerful as you want to picture them to underline demands for more budget and weaponry.

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European Union countries have increased their arms sales to #Egypt significantly since general-turned-president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi seized power following a military coup in 2013. That is because he is such a staunch defender of human rights, isn't he. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypt-eu-arms-sales-explained

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Russia on Sunday warned countries neighboring Ukraine against providing military airfields for Ukrainian combat aircraft. MoD spokesman Konashenkov said Russia is aware of Ukrainian combat aviation trips to Romania and some other neighboring countries. https://www.globalvillagespace.com/russia-warns-countries-against-hosting-ukraine-military-aircraft/
March 7

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Same information also in the well informed The Hill. Blinken says Poland sending fighter jets to Ukraine gets a 'green light' from US. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/597056-sending-polish-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-gets-a-green-light-says

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Sinds Poetins troepen Oekraïne zijn binnengetrokken, loopt de belangstelling voor een baan als militair op. Gemiddeld ligt het aantal sollicitaties bij Defensie rond de 350 per week, nu waren het er 736.

De marine fansite tekenaar denkt het zijne van de heldhaftigheid: https://marineschepen.nl/dossiers/cartoon-703.html

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1 / 2 Though Russia has now committed about 95% of the combat power it amassed along Ukraine’s borders, the Pentagon has seen “limited changes on the ground” while the airspace remains contested, a senior U.S. defense official said Sunday evening. https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/03/06/russians-shell-ukraine-cities-as-safe-passage-again-promised-in-south US gives ‘green light’ for NATO allies to send military planes to Ukraine, Blinken says. “In fact, we’re talking with our Polish friends right now about what we might be able to do to backfill their needs if in fact they choose to provide these fighter jets to the Ukrainians.”

Although Putin is the agressor, this US policy of calling for fighter aircraft transits to Ukraine is an ernormous step on the escalation ladder.

Same information also in the well informed The Hill. Blinken says Poland sending fighter jets to Ukraine gets a 'green light' from US. https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/597056-sending-polish-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-gets-a-green-light-says

Poland however denied it is willing to implement the suggestion by Blinken to transfer fighter jets or open its airfield for the Ukraine. They seems wiser on this than the US Scretary of State. https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1500286309440630787

Can someone explain what is happening here? What game the US are playing when the Polish government clearly states it is not planning to follow Blinken's dangerous suggestion/advise? Raising the pressure by words alone or was it a serious offer?

White House & Pentagon on Monday downplayed the likelihood of a 3-way deal for Poland to give MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine & for the US to backfill the Polish fleet with US F-16 fighters. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/03/07/white-house-dod-lower-expectations-of-polish-warplanes-for-ukraine/ Still what was happening here? Not just US emotions playing with fire?

The unpolished and dangerous plans started Sunday to collapse on Wednesday.US rejects Poland’s offer to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. Pentagon says Polish proposal to transfer Soviet-era planes to Kyiv via US base in Germany is ‘untenable’.https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/9/us-rejects-poland-offer-to-send-mig-29-fighter-jets-to-ukraine

Retweet @ForumArmsTrade: Need links to the official statements from #Poland and #Pentagon on sending jets to Ukraine (via Poland, via U.S.) -- check our updated resource page for them.
https://forumarmstrade.org/ukrainearms.html

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U.S. European Command is at the center of ongoing international efforts to provide Ukraine with the weapons and other security assistance that the country needs to fight Russia, a senior U.S. defense official said Friday. https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-03-04/european-command-ukraine-russia-invasion-supplies-weapons-5228451.html Wat is 'other'?

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Voor wie er brood van kan bakken. Nederlandse vergunningen dual use naar Rusland januari 2021 - januari 2022. Bron: https://rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen/cumulatief-overzicht-du-vergunningen-2004-januari-2022.csv

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Comment: Heb er niets over kunnen vinden, ook niet op de site van strana.news/СТРАНА.ua. Gezocht in het Latijns en Cyrillisch schrift op Lutsk/Луцьк. Wanneer waar, zeer ernstig. Militair logisch, maar beheersen van dat gebied zou wel erg grote stap in de Russische opmars betekenen.

Retweet @keesamok: 5-3 Twee Russische bataljonsgroepen zouden gezien zijn halverwege Kowel en Luzk (noordwest prov. Wolyn) - Mogelijk om wapentransporten af te snijden [http://strana.news] https://jungewelt.de/artikel/421968.krieg-in-d05.03.2022
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Comment: "The United States has walked to the edge of direct conflict with Russia in an operation that is reminiscent of the Berlin airlift of 1948-49, but far more complex."

Retweet @ForumArmsTrade: Arming Ukraine: 17,000 Anti-Tank Weapons in 6 Days and a Clandestine Cybercorps https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/us/politics/us-ukraine-weapons.html

March 5

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Comment: In the last year, the United States has committed more than $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, the senior defense official said.

Retweet @AlexHortonTX: Ukraine got miniguns, patrol boats, shotguns and Stingers and more in waves of security assistance, according to a declassified list, w/ @karoun https://washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/03/04/us-weapons-ukraine/

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Former Scottish Conservative Party media chief John McLellan lectures Scottish National Party on anti-nuclear weapons stand. https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/why-snp-should-reconsider-its-opposition-to-nuclear-weapons-john-mclellan-3597281

Instead current destabilised situation screams for (nuclear) arms control asap. https://www.icanw.org/dmitry_muratov_beatrice_fihn_ican_joint_statement

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Microsoft’s Friday decision to suspend sales in the country means that the many Russian businesses and institutions that use its software won’t be able to buy new versions, leaving them increasingly vulnerable as flaws are inevitably discovered. https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2022/03/putin-lost-cyber-and-information-war-abroad-will-he-lose-home/362794/

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Nederlandse wapenindustrie maakt zich op voor groeimarkt. Er zij meer dan 300 Nederlandse bedrijven, met een totale omzet van zo'n €5 mrd (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2019/10/16/bijlage-onderzoek-nederlandse-defensie-en-veiligheidsgerelateerde-industrie/bijlage-onderzoek-nederlandse-defensie-en-veiligheidsgerelateerde-industrie.pdf), stelt het FD. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1431986/nederlandse-defensie-industrie-maakt-zich-op-voor-groeimarkt Elders staat in die krant: het grootste wapen is de knop op de verwarming.

Thanks @PWezeman. Military exports are roughly € 1 bn over the last ten years. https://stopwapenhandel.org/bestemmingen-nederlandse-wapenexport/ The security + military dual use exports seem unlikely to make € 4bn. My doubt is also why I included the research @NIDV Nulkes based his remarks on. Like you I am not convinced.

Bestemmingen Nederlandse wapenexport
15 FEBRUARI 2022
De waarde van de Nederlandse wapenexport in de periode 2011-2020 bedraagt ruim €10 miljard. De 15 belangrijkste bestemmingen zijn: https://stopwapenhandel.org/bestemmingen-nederlandse-wapenexport/

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War what is it good for? Op 3 maart openden Defensie en #wapenlobby het NIDV Steunpunt #Oekraïne. Dit is bedoeld voor vragen van Nederlandse bedrijven die klaarstaan voor leveringen van militair materieel aan Defensie of die export naar Oekraïne plannen. https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/nidv-steunpunt-oekraine-geopend/

March 4

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Unity in the fight against Putin is necessary. But not a waiver of critical debates about the means. It is a fundamental principle of the open society that we cannot do without if we want to defend it against him.

Fragen müssen sein also on the arms deliverances: like on the fact that weapons can also contribute to further escalation or fall into the wrong hands. https://www.fr.de/meinung/kommentare/fragen-muessen-sein-91383808.html

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Saudi Arabia plans to spend over $20 billion for its military industry, with more than half of it going into R&D over the next decade. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2035756/amp

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Saudi bombings on Yemen are reported again and again but Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman makes first visit to Saudi to enhance military cooperation. To make the word a safer place? http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220304000666

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Let me do a prediction: 2022 will even be better. War what is it good for? Thales published on Thursday a 125% increase in its consolidated net profit, to 1.09 billion euros, against 483 million in 2020.

https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/thales-realise-la-meilleure-annee-commerciale-de-son-histoire-1391165

Also: https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/la-hausse-du-budget-de-la-defense-sinscrit-encore-dans-une-logique-de-rattrapage-1391217

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Dochters van Russische oligarchen halen hard uit naar Poetin. Het groeiende verzet illustreert dat steeds meer Russen niet op een oorlog zitten te wachten. Duizenden [rijke] Russen verlaten hun eigen land uit angst voor wat er in de toekomst gaat komen. https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/799265296/dochters-van-russische-oligarchen-halen-hard-uit-naar-poetin-grootste-en-succesvolste-leugen

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Security for all? Courtcase against Damen workers who burned gate in protest to downgrading #asbestos (Fr. amiante) pollicy of #Damen in Brest. https://www.letelegramme.fr/finistere/brest/pour-echapper-au-tribunal-les-ouvriers-de-damen-proposent-de-reconstruire-le-portail-de-la-sous-prefecture-de-brest-01-03-2022-12931211.php

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Damen Shipyards [moet beslissen] of het superjachten blijft bouwen voor Russische miljardairs. De baan van een werknemer of het belang van een zakenpartner in Rusland kan zelden zwaarder wegen dan de vrijheid en de levens van Oekraïners. Eindhovens Dagblad 4/3/22

Aanvulling: #Damen heeft Russische opdrachten. Het gaat niet om luxe jachten voor oligarchen uit de kring van president Poetin, maar om bagger- en vissersschepen en slepers. Damen gaf aan dat deze niet vallen onder de sancties, er is toch besloten 'alles te pauzeren'. https://www.pzc.nl/zeeuws-nieuws/na-wikken-en-wegen-besluit-ook-scheepsbouwer-damen-de-handel-met-rusland-stil-te-leggen~a01a7bef/

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Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom said it has repaired and restored several military hardware and weapons for use by the Army as the war with Russia rages on for the seventh day. https://ukroboronprom.com.ua/en/news/rosiyani-znishhili-an-225-mriya-vona-bude-vidnovlena-za-kosti-okupanta Are they also still exporting weapons to regions under the boots of war?

***
Retweet @CNDuk: “With a new cold war or worse starting, the #peace movement is going to become both more demonised and more vital.” #StopWarInUkraine #NoNuclearWar https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/03/pacifists-british-politics-anti-war-putin-ukraine-crisis

***
List of 30 most prominent destinations for US arms sales. No. 1 the democratic & peaceful Saudi Kingdom. Categories listed:

Value arms exports 2010-20:
US arms imports as share of total
Largest arms suppliers, 2016-20
Value military expenditure (% GDP)
https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/03/03/countries-buying-the-most-weapons-from-the-us-government-4/6/

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The Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to supply two Squire manportable 2D ground surveillance radars and five AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder weapon locating radars to Ukraine. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-netherlands-to-supply-weapon-locating-radars-to-ukraine

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Another look on the now loudly applauded Turkish Bayraktar drones: Ethiopia's catastrophic civil war is unwinnable. Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drones have given Prime Minister Abiy, a brief battlefield boost, but drones won't hold the peace. | Opinion https://www.newsweek.com/turkeys-game-changer-bayraktar-drones-wont-secure-ethiopias-shaky-peace-opinion-1683463

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When the words "defence contracts" reach the sports pages something is wrong with how the game is sponsored (& cycling, ...). Not only in the UK, playing for the Emirates FA Cup (remember #Yemen), but where sport is to spin a better image of what is wrong. https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19965974.saudi-arabian-policy-decisions-will-dictate-newcastle-uniteds-fortunes/

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Russian ambassador said ongoing defence contracts and trade between India and Russia wouldn’t be affected by sanctions imposed as Moscow and Delhi have put in place “mechanisms” that are independent of Western financial mechanisms. How long can Dehli ... https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-student-s-death-in-ukraine-russian-envoy-promises-probe-101646209621671.html

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#Quad partner India’s refusal to join UN condemnation over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has infuriated its strategic partners and heightened the risk of US sanctions over its defence -relationship with Moscow. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/modi-risks-us-sanctions-over-russian-missile-defence-deal/news-story/7d3db73f5ca6c8f2477a2f942cc0baa4

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More of these please. Russian soldiers leaving their advanced weaponry behind. It is one of the routes against the war. (With some informative comments, under the post.) https://twitter.com/LostWeapons/status/1499639791100444674

March 3

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Nederland rommelt zich de oorlog in, maar we mogen niet weten hoe. Vrijheid en militarisme gaan slecht samen.

Kabinet: eventuele wapenlevering aan Oekraïne niet meer in detail gecommuniceerd.

Maar even nog welk soort voertuigen gaat Nederland leveren?

https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/03/kabinet-eventuele-wapenlevering-in-oekraine-niet-meer-gecommuniceerd-a4096656

Thanks to @D66

NEXT Overview of pledged and/or delivered weapons:
...

Lithuania: Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems and ammunition

Netherlands: secret for public

Norway: 2000 anti-tank weapons, helmets, bulletproof vests, other protection equipment

...
https://forumarmstrade.org/ukrainearms.html

Volgens de woordvoerder is het „niet gebruikelijk” om gedetailleerde informatie over wapenlevering prijs te geven, omdat dit „de tegenstander in de kaart speelt”. Maar andere landen doen dit ook. (Zie lijst van @ForumArmsTrade.) Bovendien de hele situatie is toch ongebruikelijk?

Day after the Dutch MoD #Ollongren introduced #secrecy on arms transits to the #Ukraine (argument it was uncommon to do), the UK government published a #report: Military assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9477/CBP-9477.pdf The #Netherlands is included.

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Toespraak @WendelaVries van @CTWnl bij actie tegen #Gazprom, samen met Extinction Rebellion

De vreselijke oorlog in de #Oekraïne dwingt ons met onze neus opnieuw op onze afhankelijkheid van fossiele brandstof.

https://stopwapenhandel.org/stop-gazprom/

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Our ally in the Middle East has a different opinion. UAE stance on Ukraine war reflects ‘strong alliance’ with Russia. UAE toes fine line as it navigates increasingly strong ties with Moscow amid Western fallout over Ukraine conflict, say analysts. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/3/uae-stance-on-ukraine-war-reflects-strong-alliance-with-russia

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Step by step. US and NATO intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets on NATO’s eastern flank are providing tactical information to the Ukrainian Air Force as new air defense assistance arrives inside Ukraine. https://www.airforcemag.com/us-air-force-discusses-tactics-with-ukrainian-air-force-as-russian-advance-stalls/

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Risks of #Swedish arms exports to Ukraine. Sweden offered the Ukraine 5,000 Pansarskott 86. They can be used to destroy armored vehicles. But also be used in combat inside the cities, says Björn Fägersten of the Foreign Policy Institute’s European program. https://nord.news/2022/03/02/the-risks-of-swedish-arms-exports-to-ukraine/

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Why not alle MEP's voted in favour of the Unkraine motion in the EParliament. “It correctly condemns Russian aggression and calls for humanitarian support for Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees. These are terms we wholeheartedly support.”

For the 'but's' see: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/03/02/meps-were-asked-to-condemn-russia-s-invasion-of-ukraine-13-voted-no-here-s-why

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See also: NATO Countries Pour Weapons Into Ukraine, Risking Conflict With Russia Brussels is proud to be providing military aid, but Moscow may see it as a dangerous intervention. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/nato-weapons-ukraine-russia.html

Comment: “The European Alliance of Peace is now party to a conflict with a military and nuclear power. The Kremlin spokespersons will have noticed that these war funds come from a Brussels Peace Facility.”(MB: Indeed, they wrote that on Sputnik yesterday.)

Retweet @LuukvMiddelaar: Europe (and Germany 🇪🇺🇩🇪) after 1 week of war: political will to live in abundance, but strategic calm a scarce commodity. Column @nrc today. https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/02/het-eu-vredesverbond-is-nu-partij-in-een-conflict-a4095717

Bron Volkskrant, latere aanpassing MB

***
On arms shipments:

Weapons might also fall into Russian hands and be turned the other way. https://www.ft.com/content/38c1ee58-6bc0-4d47-a5f9-3f7021fb46ef

Western arms: How are they getting there? https://www.dw.com/en/western-arms-supplies-for-ukraine-how-are-they-getting-there/a-60959864

Overview of EU arms offered [in Dutch, with pics and numbers). https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/na-jarenlang-weigeren-sturen-veel-landen-nu-toch-wapens-naar-oekraine-wie-stuurt-wat~b9b14117/

March 2

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Well worth reading. Can sanctions stop Putin? History says it will take time.[paywall]

The long reference to sanctions on apartheid S. Africa misses an important aspect of this policy. South Africans called for them and made them part of their struggle. https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7640142/can-sanctions-stop-putin-history-says-it-will-take-time/

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Oh oh irony. The gross human rights violating and well EU and US armed #Egyptian regime welcomed the expansion of the arms #embargo on #Yemen and the condemnation of attacks against civilian and commercial vessels. https://dailynewsegypt.com/2022/03/02/egypt-welcomes-un-security-council-resolution-on-houthis/

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More of these. Plagued by poor morale as well as fuel and food shortages, some Russian troops in Ukraine have surrendered en masse or sabotaged their own vehicles to avoid fighting, a senior Pentagon official said on Tuesday. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/01/world/europe/russia-troops-pentagon.html

***
De Mikhail Dudin https://vesselfinder.com/vessels/MIKHAIL-DUDIN-IMO-9057329-MMSI-371950000), het Russische schip dat #uranium van #Urenco naar #Rusland vervoert, ligt sinds gisteren bij Liverpool. Het is daar om verarmd uranium v/d Urenco verrijkingsfabriek in Capenhurst te laden voor vervoer naar Rusland. https://www.laka.org/nieuws/2022/samenwerking-urenco-met-rusland-lijkt-gewoon-door-te-gaan-16405 [in Dutch]

The Mikhail Dudin https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/MIKHAIL-DUDIN-IMO-9057329-MMSI-371950000), a Russian vessel carrying #uranium from #Urenco to #Russia, has docked near #Liverpool since yesterday. It is there to load depleted uranium from the Urenco enrichment plant in Capenhurst for transport to Russia.

***
Niet 10 maar 17x zoveel. Westerse wapens zijn geavanceerder. Rusland is een Europese en Aziatisch land en zal toch echt ook die flank moeten verdedigen in een conflict met NAVO/VS. Russische soldaten tja, if you pay peanuts, geen gemotiveerde vechters.#MIC https://eenvandaag.avrotros.nl/item/navo-landen-geven-samen-meer-geld-aan-defensie-uit-dan-rusland-maar-zijn-daarmee-niet-per-definitie-sterker/

Ga rondneuzen in deze grafieken als je wilt beoordelen hoe machtig en sterk #Rusland is (als je meent dat het om dit land draait). https://datacommons.org/place/country/RUS?utm_medium=explore&mprop=amount&popt=EconomicActivity&cpv=activitySource%2CGrossDomesticProduction&hl=en

Een ding ja, kernwapens. Houd het hoofd een beetje koel in het belang van de veiligheid op deze aardkloot. #wapenbeheeersing

***
Wie volgt. Europa vindt zichzelf rap opnieuw uit. "Daarmee komt een vreedzaam einde aan dit conflict echter niet dichterbij (...) De vrees is dat dit conflict een escalatie-dynamiek gaat krijgen waarop iedereen in het Westen de greep aan het verliezen is. https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/de-eu-of-rusland-wie-stopt-deze-escalatie-van-twee-kanten~bdd2033e/

@Opiniestukken via @Telegraaf ’Wereld niet gebaat bij hysterie Haagse politici’ https://www.telegraaf.nl/watuzegt/464111563/wereld-niet-gebaat-bij-hysterie-haagse-politici

***
Tweet reactie @derksauer: ‘De bankier van Poetin’ is grootaandeelhouder van TUI. Boycot TUI zolang Mordashov zich niet uitspreekt tegen oorlog. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/mar/02/alexei-mordashov-russias-richest-man-is-now-an-eu-sanctions-target

Misschien zijn de recente woorden wel mooi, maar geen staal meer leveren aan #Rosoboronexport bedrijven zou meer betekenen. #TUI

#Mordashov, rose from humble origins as the son of mill workers, to become the chief executive of Russia’s largest steel and mining company #Severstal.

***
#Hungarian PM Orban, who has close ties with Vladimir Putin, has refused to supply weapons to Ukraine to resist the Russian invasion. His pro-Putin stance might put Orban in an awkward position ahead of next month’s general election.https://www.eurasiatimes.org/en/01/03/2022/hungary-to-block-arms-supplies-to-ukraine-amid-russian-invasion/

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Article on why Israel is not transferring arms to Ukraine. There is much I do not share, but it shows the often forgotten complexity and interconnectedness of international relations.

(For more background see: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-698899).

https://forward.com/opinion/483249/israel-cant-help-ukraine-and-its-americas-fault/

***

Weapons from the west vital if Ukraine is to halt Russian advance, it is argued here https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/28/weapons-from-the-west-vital-if-ukraine-is-to-halt-russian-advance. But more crucial is to globally isolate Putin to pressure the Russian elites and enforce a diplomatic route out of the war. For this India and China are also needed.

***
Poland eyes rapid Reaper drone buy as Russia’s war on Ukraine drags on

“We want to urgently acquire these unmanned aerial vehicles, and we’re currently in talks with our American partners,” a Polish government spokesman told Defense News.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/01/poland-eyes-rapid-reaper-drone-buy-as-russias-war-on-ukraine-drags-on/

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Italy joins growing list of weapon donors to help Ukraine’s defense

The Italian cabinet signed off on a measure authorizing the dispatch of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, mortars and Milan, or Panzerfaust, anti-tank weapons.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/02/28/italy-joins-growing-list-of-weapon-donors-to-help-ukraines-defense/

March 1

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Comment: diplomacy is what's needed now—not more military force—to bring about an immediate ceasefire, end the war & to discuss broader security issues. The failed & devastating wars conducted by our own governments in the post-Cold War era show that military force won't solve this crisis

Retweet @keesamok: The military invasion launched last week by Vladimir Putin is an unprovoked, monstruous crime perpetrated against Ukraine’s citizens. It is also part of a broader and darker picture https://natowatch.org/default/2022/are-putins-days-numbered-people-power-will-be-his-undoing

***
Geopolitical instability feeds S. #Korea’s growing arms industry, leaving bitter taste for some. Korea recently concluded multiple deals to export its domestically made K9 howitzer, a trend that’s likely to continue amid the outbreak of conflict in Europe. http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_business/1032923.html

***
De Europese Unie stuurt Oekraïne wapens en munitie. Ook België stuurt extra wapens naar Oekraïne. Rusland bedreigt landen die dodelijke wapens sturen naar Oekraïne en laat weten dat een harde reactie niet zal uitblijven. https://www.hln.be/nieuws/herlees-moskou-bedreigt-landen-die-wapens-leveren-aan-oekraine-satellietbeelden-tonen-hoe-russisch-konvooi-oprukt~aa9ba417/