Killed by Thales military technology in Bucha

Late april it was reported that optical technology of the French/Dutch military company Thales was found in a Russian armoured vehicle near Bucha, which was captured by Ukrainian forces. The technology in the vehicle was produced in 2016 (see picture), two years after the EU imposed an arms embargo on Russia.

Thales is a mayor global military company (52 per cent military) with production and research facilities in 68 countries on all continents. It has its headquarters in Paris. A spokesman of the company denied that Thales had signed any contracts with the Russians after 2014. He made clear that no technology has been delivered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine: "any information suggesting otherwise is erroneous and therefore misleading." The Dutch press – missing the devil in the details – reproduced this version and wrote that no exports have been made.

The war in Ukraine is not only financially profitable for military companies (see graph), it also is good for Public Relations. Helping the Ukrainians to fight the Russian invaders is considered noble and heroic. Ethical second thoughts on war profits are quickly eroding. The first Dutch military support for Ukraine in February 2022 involved several items of Dutch Thales, such as battlefield radar systems. But finding tank equipment near Bucha could cast a doubt that changing picture.

And let's also not forget Thales still is involved in the lingering corrupion trial against the former president of South Africa. Not only South Africa, also India is mentioned as playing field for Thales bribes and irregular trade practices. So why help Thales downplay any irregular trade?

It is not the first time Thales equipment in tanks is an issue. Thales Netherlands provided the Saudi's with the technology for battlefield communication for main battle tank and armoured vehicles, and convinced the government in The Hague it was civil technology like used in trains. Saudi Arabia tank commanders can use Thales equipment in Yemen (another countries terribly under fire of an authoritarian regime, but one without arms embargo or sanctions on its oligarchs).

In this Ukrainian case a view is given into the captured BMD-4 armoured vehicle. We see the control panel with the Thales logo, the optical device itself and the tag stating the device is produced in Russia in 2016 (see pictures). In a clip made by jounalist Pavlo Kashchuk a car is shown with the 30mm holes made by a BMD mounted gun fired bullets made in a small car. We are informed that the car's passengers were fleeing the war. And that they took their cat (there are traces of cat).

Now back to the Thales denial. The spokesperson did not say no military technology was delivered after 2014. He said no new contracts were signed. But the 2014 EU arms embargo on Russia left space for existing deals to continue. It is clear from the French arms export figures the transit of military technology to Russia only slowly came to an end as previous contracts were fullfilled.

The French Thales involvement in expanding the ability of the Russian tank optech industry is no secret and a long running project. It was a win-win situation for Paris and Moscow. Tanks for domestic use and export can be equipped with French technology. The optronic device found in Boucha is a so-called Catherine thermal image intensifier. In 2007 Catherine was exported to Russia. In May 2010 Alla Kuznetsova, the Country Director of Thales International in Russia, organised a seminar: “that brought together representatives of Thales Optronics and the Russian visor manufacturer VOMZ. Igor Sevastianov, number two at Russian armaments exporter Rosoboronexport, was among those present,” Intelligence Online reports.

In the summer of 2010, the publication continues, “under licence to Thales, VOMZ will begin manufacturing Catherine FC night vision cameras to equip Russian T90, T80, and T72 tanks and BPM-3 armoured transport vehicles [close to the bmp-4, MB] . Catherine FC, which weighs 5.5kg, can detect a tank at 10km, can classify a target at 4.5km and identify it at 2.3km.”

In 2012 Russian military industry was proud to exhibit at one of the world's largest arms fairs, Eurosatory in France. The French product became the backbone of developments on this military technology in Russia and was further developed “in 'Essa', 'Plisa' and 'Sosna-U' sighting systems produced for the Russian armoured vehicles, including T-72B3 tanks and export versions of T-90S (exported to India, Algeria and Azerbaijan). And since 2012 Russia was able to produce 3rd-generation of Catherine XP cameras based on QWIP matrix technology,” an Ukrainian source revealed. Thales enabled Russia to improve its military capabilities. It is always difficult to foresee the consequences of arms sales, but clearly the damage was done.

However the Catherine sage continues after that. In 2014 the Russian took the Crimea and the European Union adopted arms export sanctions on Russia. This was bad news for Thales and for Russian tank exports. The Russians were not able to mass produce the high quality thermal image intensifiers until 2016. After that an offspring product, the Sosna-U is made in Belorus and Russia.

“Joint developments between French and Russian weapon industries made Russian weapons more competitive in the market, without which Russian arms industry would slowly starve,” as a source characterised the function of the French-Russian relationship from the perspective of Moscow. For French industrialists cooperation was part of a policy to ramp up against stiffening competition in the global market. The hurdles because of the sanctions, following the Russian annexation of the Crimea, needed a solution for both.

This solution was found in the export of products to Joint Ventures created in the customer countries to have France supply directly to these third party projects rather than have these sensors assembled inside Russia, as such actions are barred by sanctions. “The Algerian-Russian joint venture to assemble T-90s in Algeria is one such example. Thales, according to some reports, has agreed to supply components for these Russian made tanks only if they are assembled in Algeria. OJSC Peleng, a Belorussian company that makes fire control systems and sensors for the Russian military, have been in close cooperation with French companies to provide components for their sensors used in Russian made tanks for export. In all, the sanctions had negligible effect for armoured vehicle sales and were nothing more than a nuisance.” France and Russia remain close.

Thales is not a complete private company. It is 26% in the hands of the French state (Thales Netherlands is also for a minor part government owned ). This “casts a shadow over the entire country, which appears to be a sponsor of terrorism that supports Russia's military aggression against Ukraine,” a report on the find concludes. It remains an anomaly to have a military company operating on the international military market for profits, thriving by war, while depending on the budgets of governments buying weapons.

My tweets for April

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

April 30

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The peaceful situation inside NATO:

Greece has accused Turkey of undermining NATO unity by violating its airspace with fighter jets, prompting an angry Turkish response that blamed Athens for “provocative” violations of its own airspace. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/28/unacceptable-provocation-greece-turkey-spar-over-airspace

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NH Industries is owned by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Fokker (GKN).

Retweet @NHIndustriesSAS: NHI would like to thank Qatar MoD for their trust. We are proud to have contributed to the achievement of an ambitious goal, for a prestigious, professional and demanding customer. https://twitter.com/MOD_Qatar/status/1518831140932669440

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Russia used a diesel submarine in the Black Sea to strike Ukrainian military targets with Kalibr cruise missiles, the first time Moscow has announced the use of its submarine fleet to hit its former Soviet neighbour. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-submarine-strikes-ukraine-with-cruise-missiles-defence-ministry-2022-04-29/

April 29

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The 4 methods Germany arms Ukraine:

1 Bundeswehr inventory deliveries

2 Weapons purchases from the German arms industry at the expense of the state

3 Arms paid for by the EU Peace Facility

4 Ring exchange: Compensation for NATO partners who supply Ukraine

https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/faktenfuchs-wer-zahlt-fuer-die-waffenlieferungen-an-die-ukraine,T4BATuO

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A senior State Department official said in congressional correspondence that the sale of F-16s to Turkey would serve US interests and bolster NATO unity.

That is more important than human rights, peace and political freedoms.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/us-top-diplomat-says-arms-sales-to-turkiye-should-be-expedited/2575898

https://thecradle.co/Article/news/9261

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An economic role of the military industry is to compensate for downfalls in economic performance. La Tribune evaluates the French industry played this role well to compensate for the enormous air pocket encountered by the civil sector during Covid. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/gifas-la-defense-et-l-espace-ont-bien-joue-leur-role-d-amortisseurs-915798.html #GIFAS

Big are the commercial aviation problems, the core business of Boeing, but it can count on the very good results of its defence and space branch. An activity for which he enjoys very broad support from the US authorities. https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2022/04/27/boeing-en-perte-de-vitesse-soutenu-par-washington_6123954_3234.html

I leave it to people involved in e.g. renewable energy to suggest that Government sponsorhip can lead to economic gains in other parts of the economy aswell. Often even more.

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RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE

White House sends Congress $33B request for Ukraine

The package is by far the largest single funding proposal of the war.

Can someone find, press a brake on the road to escalating further & further, against enormous cost for all? https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/28/ukraine-funding-request-congress-biden-00028552

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Preventing and mitigating the risk of arms diversion in Africa, a Saferworld briefing under the Africa-China-EU project. Download here in English (Chinese and French also available): https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/publications/1388-preventing-and-mitigating-the-risk-of-arms-diversion-in-africa

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The US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance fighter could be the most expensive aircraft program in history, with each piloted, aircraft expected to cost hundreds of millions. But also the drones which will accompany it will cost more than a F-35. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/04/28/future-ngad-fighter-jets-could-cost-hundreds-of-millions-apiece/

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Ukraine weapon switcheroos are flushing Soviet arms out of Europe. But also this: Poland, once interested in joining the German-French Eurotank development effort, will now be flush with modern US and UK tanks for decades to come. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/28/ukraine-weapon-switcheroos-are-flushing-soviet-arms-out-of-europe/

April 28

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More than half of the 90 US howitzers bound for Ukraine now delivered. https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-04-27/ukraine-russia-war-howitzers-training-nato-5821871.html

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Retweet @_ENAAT: Sous-marins vendus à la Malaisie en 2002: Thales mis en examen, les investigations terminées https://www.rfi.fr/fr/en-bref/20220426-sous-marins-vendus-%C3%A0-la-malaisie-en-2002-thales-mis-en-examen-les-investigations-termin%C3%A9es via @RFI @ShadowWorldInv1 @ArmsTradeCT

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Retweet @_ENAAT: 'Killed by Thales military technology in Bucha' French/Dutch Thales optical technology was found in a Russian armoured vehicle captured by Ukrainian forces near Bucha. The technology was produced in 2016. Read more on @CTWnl blog by @martinbroek https://stopwapenhandel.org/killed-by-thales-military-technology-in-bucha/

Or read this one in French: Guerre en Ukraine : du matériel militaire français aurait servi dans le massacre de Boutcha https://twitter.com/ElluinA/status/1519599744028401664
https://disclose.ngo/fr/article/des-equipements-militaires-francais-impliques-dans-le-massacre-de-boutcha

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CRS report on SLCM-N

Critics have argued that the capabilities highlighted by advocates of SLCM-N deployment—regional presence, lower yield, & discriminate attack options—would lower the threshold for nuclear use and increase the likelihood of nuclear war. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21748548/if12084.pdf

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With the help of former Romanian intelligence officials, Dutch shipbuilder Damen has resumed its offensive to supply warships to Romania's Navy under a contract that France's Naval Group has been trying to finalise for three years. https://intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2022/04/28/dutch-shipbuilder-damen-mobilises-ex-intelligence-generals-to-compete-with-naval-group-in-romania,109781117-art

See also this on same issue [in Romanian] https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1516723240986722304

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Qatar's military expenditure increased by a whooping 434% since 2010. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220427-qatars-military-expenditure-increased-by-434/

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US DOD is 4 years into #F35 modernisation developments, known as Block 4, this continues to experience cost growth & schedule delays. Costs continued to rise during 2021 due to higher costs associated with upgrading crucial hardware, testing upgrades, etc. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21746553/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-cost-growth-and-schedule-delays-continue-april-25-2022.pdf

The troubled F-35 sustainment enterprise is getting better but is still falling short of the services’ goals for the program, officials told Congress on April 28. And lawmakers are running out of patience. https://www.airforcemag.com/f-35-sustainment-improving-lawmakers-patience-growing-thin/

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+/- $7bn of military equipment the US shipped to Afghanistan over the course of 16 years was left behind in Afghanistan after the US completed its withdrawal from the country in August, according to a congressionally mandated report from the US MoD. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/27/politics/afghan-weapons-left-behind/index.html

April 27

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Chinese drone giant DJI suspends business in Russia, Ukraine Shenzhen-based firm says it is “reassessing compliance requirements” following controversy over role in Ukraine war.
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/4/27/chinese-drone-giant-dji-suspends-business-in-russia-ukraine?

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Spiegel noted that an announcement would have made yesterday at Ramstein Air Force Base regarding the transfer and training of Ukrainians to operate the PzH 2000 155 mm self-propelled howitzer that the Netherlands is donating to Ukraine. https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ukraine-krieg-deutschland-will-gepard-panzer-liefern-a-c53fa755-c0d1-4b59-b8a6-7d2dbaaebd74

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Switerland's Ministry of Economics #SECO confirmed that German authorities had asked for passing on of Swiss ammo to Ukraine. In both cases this was refused. It's believed the ammo in question was for a German-made infantry vehicle. https://www.dw.com/en/is-switzerland-right-to-prevent-the-delivery-of-ammunition-to-ukraine/a-61597284

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Based on estimates for Russian equipment lost so far, Ukrainian forces have destroyed the equivalent of at least 2 years of Russian tank production and one year’s supply of aircraft during 2 months of conflict, said Mark Cancian of a Washinton think tank. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/russian-military-equipment-losses-will-take-years-to-replace-lwbtv5d2b

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The US may not be able to make more of the shoulder-fired Stinger anti-aircraft missiles it has been sending to Ukraine until at least 2023 due to parts and materials shortages, the head of manufacturer Raytheon Technologies said Tuesday. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/04/26/as-raytheon-struggles-to-replenish-stinger-missiles-lawmaker-pushes-defense-production-act/

April 26

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Of more than $700m newly announced funds for Ukraine, $391m in FMF is for 15 allies in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, while another $322m is for Ukraine forces to “transition to more advanced weapons and air defense systems,” State Dep said. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/25/us-pledges-391-million-for-euro-allies-to-buy-american-to-backfill-weapons-donations-to-ukraine/

US Looks to Shift Ukraine from Soviet to NATO Weapons

“It would just be easier if we were using similar systems,” said one expert, as U.S. officials mull long–term efforts to resupply Ukraine’s arsenal.

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2022/04/us-looks-shift-ukraine-soviet-nato-weapons/366097/

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"Many NATO countries have answered the call to provide Ukraine with heavy weaponry. It could be argued that the NLs went above and beyond the call"

Who looks from a diplomatic perspective & in the context of the goals of the war (those seem to be beyond support to the Ukraine)?

Retweet @FrankSlijper: Analysis of committed and potential transfers of Dutch MoD surplus weapons to Ukraine by @oryxspioenkop https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/04/beyond-call-dutch-arms-deliveries-to.html

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William Arkin said Russia’s military failures have exposed them as a paper tiger, invalidating all the resources poured into NATO. The apparent US intentions to turn this conflict into a prolonged proxy war pose the greatest danger to Ukrainians. https://scotthorton.org/interviews/4-22-22-william-arkin-on-russias-failures-in-ukraine/

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Link tussen olie en wapens. Sipri stelt dat Rusland zijn militaire uitgaven vorig jaar kon verhogen doordat het meer geld verdiende met olie en gas verkopen. Russische militaire bestedingen tussen 2016 en 2019 daalden, o.a. vanwege lagere energieprijzen. https://www.nu.nl/economie/6197103/wereldwijde-wapenhandel-op-recordhoogte-ook-rusland-schroefde-uitgaven-op.html

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International armaments companies are preparing large deliveries of ammunition for battle tanks to Ukraine - and are thus increasing the pressure on Grman Chancellor Scholz. https://www.businessinsider.de/politik/deutschland/internationale-ruestungsfirmen-bereiten-munitionslieferungen-fuer-kampfpanzer-an-ukraine-vor-und-erhoehen-damit-druck-auf-scholz-a/

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Russian bragging. Rostec is a partner of the world's leading manufacturers, such as Boeing, Airbus, Daimler, Pirelli, Renault. Its products are supplied to +100 countries. Almost a 3rd of the company revenue is provided by the export of high-tech products. https://www.akm.ru/eng/news/the-ministry-of-defense-received-the-il-76md-90a/

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Airbus is looking at Southeast Asia for military exports. The Phillipines is an important market for the civil military aerospace giant. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/26/business/top-business/airbus-to-back-ph-defense-sector/1841267

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Heated debate. Bulgarian deputy PM and Minister for Economy Ninova said Bulgaria exports arms to about 60 countries but no exports (of arms or dual-use items) since 2015 for Ukraine and nor to Russia. https://newsbeezer.com/bulgariaeng/ninova-to-borissov-you-are-lying-we-do-not-export-weapons-to-ukraine/

Alexander Mikhailov the dismissed director of Bulgarian Kintex (suppling military equipment to all branches and services of the Armed Force) suggest he was fired to enable a new leadership to deliver secretly arms to Ukraine. https://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=214892

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The SIPRI data also shows that roughly 50 per cent of India’s defence exports from 2017 to 2021 were to its immediate neighbour Myanmar, followed by Sri Lanka at 25 per cent and Armenia at 11 per cent. https://theprint.in/defence/india-3rd-largest-military-spender-50-defence-exports-go-to-myanmar-shows-data-from-sipri/930570/

April 25

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A Russian affair; Rheinmetall allegedly paid bribes until 2014 to win a 100-million-euro contract from the Russian military for the "the world's most modern training base with simulation-based training." https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article238311415/Ein-Rheinmetall-Deal-in-Russland-und-der-Verdacht-auf-Bestechung.html

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If Czechia delivered any arms to Russia in 2015 or later, it was based on contracts that had been concluded before August 2014, Industry and Trade Ministry spokesman Vojtech Srnka told. CTK National News Wire, April 24, 2022.

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R. Bitzinger (https://www.policyforum.net/authors/richard-a-bitzinger/) said that while Western commercial satellite operators & armed forces had closely partnered, top tech firms in China such as Huawei hadn't developed innovative hardware or software useful 4 military systems or intell. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3175365/military-race-low-earth-orbit-satellites-and-why-china-behind

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Retweet @SIPRIorg: Even amid the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, world military spending reached an all-time high of $2.1 trillion in 2021. New SIPRI data out now.

Press Release https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2022/world-military-expenditure-passes-2-trillion-first-time

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Peculiar to bring it like this in the introduction. For who does not read the rest: the 52% is 38% for the US plus 14% for China. Spending for the European Union is not given.

Retweet @dwnews: The US and China spent the most on their military in 2021, accounting for 52% of the total global defense expenditure, according to a new @SIPRIorg report. https://dw.com/en/world-military-spending-hits-all-time-high-report-finds/a-61577840

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Small protests in Russia against the war continue. Site gives an overview in short texts.

Retweet @OvdInfo: В Москве на Красной площади из-за одиночного пикета задержали Дмитрия Данилова. Он держал в руках плакат с надписью «Мариуполь, Буча, Харьков» https://24live.co/live/UPrXz?n=3036977684519629697

(Automatic translation: Dmitry Danilov was arrested at the Red Square in Moscow because of a single picket. He was holding a poster with the text "Mariupol, Bucha, Kharkiv")

April 24

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Putin's regime has been accused of 'covering-up' the no. of Killed at a Russian weapons research facility - central to the design of Iskander missiles & S-400 system. A local journalist claimed that at least 25 were killed not 'up to seven' like claimed. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10746369/Cover-25-military-scientists-killed-fire-Russian-weapons-research-facility.html

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Retweet @dwnews: Switzerland is reportedly holding up delivery of German heavy arms to Ukraine after vetoing Berlin's requests to re-export Swiss-made ammunition used in German Marder infantry fighting vehicles. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-zelenskyy-says-blinken-austin-will-visit-kyiv-live-updates/a-61571371

April 23

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Retweet @dwnews: Switzerland is reportedly holding up delivery of German heavy arms to Ukraine after vetoing Berlin's requests to re-export Swiss-made ammunition used in German Marder infantry fighting vehicles. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-zelenskyy-says-blinken-austin-will-visit-kyiv-live-updates/a-61571371

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#Thales denies it sold weapons (whole group?) used to kill civilians to Russia as reported by Huftintonpost France. This report based on a thermal camera claimed to be from an abandoned Russian tank with Thales logo, dated 06/16 & words “made in Russia.” https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/entry/thales-dement-avoir-vendu-a-la-russie-des-armes-utilisees-pour-tuer-des-civils_fr_6263a754e4b00b4e017e9465

Below is a link to a video clip on the tank and the target it hit with an image of the thermal camera.

Retweet Михайло Подоляк, @Podolyak_M: A tiny car of the French brand. A family was trying to escape but was killed by murderers. Killed, as it is now proved, with French weapons sold in circumvention of sanctions in 2015. Anyone in who tries to make up to must see the result of their actions. https://twitter.com/i/status/1517460909379268608

Older article. The Algerian-Russian joint venture to assemble T-90s in Algeria. Thales, according to some reports, has agreed to supply components for these Russian made tanks only if they are assembled in Algeria.

French & Russian weapon industries made Russian weapons more competitive in the market, without which Russian arms industry would slowly starve. To get around #sanctions , Russia went through a no. of 3rd party countries via JVs to have France supply directly to these 3rd parties

https://seadr.quora.com/Progress-in-Russian-thermal-imaging

According to http://Army-guide.com the Sosna-U (Gunner's sight) is made at Novosibirsk Instrument Making Plant FSUE PU and Peleng JSC. http://army-guide.com/eng/products.php?pageNum=0&printmode=1&p1=&p2=82&p3=11&p4=&p5=&p6= Contacts between Thales and Russian military optronics have a linger history. https://rostec.ru/en/media/pressrelease/312/ and the Catherine FC thermal imaging cameraswas part of the T-90 tanks. https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-catherine-for-russia-french-ir-for-t-90-tanks-03696/

Much information from an Ukrainian source: https://sundries.com.ua/en/the-french-company-thales-supplied-russia-with-its-catherine-fc-thermal-imagers-for-the-bmd-4m/

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Bandung-based state-owned defence electronics firm PT Len Industri has signed an agreement with Thales to strengthen collaboration in defence technology developments to support Indonesia's defence modernisation plans. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/c4isr-command-tech/latest/pt-len-thales-partner-to-advance-indonesias-c5isr-capabilities

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@jasperhamann living in Morocco recently visited Europe & was shocked by the near-universal panic & push for war related to the Ukraine. He said: "Ironically, it was the Western intervention in Libya that made possible many of the current coup attempts." https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/04/348513/beware-the-drums-of-war-echoing-through-the-halls-of-democracy

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Cameroonian and Russian Ministers of Defence established military cooperation for a period of five years. We now know a little more about the details of the defence agreement concluded between Cameroon and Russia. https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1340620/politique/cameroun-russie-ce-que-contient-leur-nouvel-accord-de-defense/

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ASEAN should show its support for a UN Security Council resolution instituting a global arms embargo, referring the situation in #Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, and imposing targeted sanctions on junta leadership and military-owned companies. https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/myanmar-asean-s-failed-5-point-consensus-year

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The fight for the civil drone market, fought in Ukraine (where they have military use) against Chinese drones - justified or not - and in favour of US products. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-sounds-alarm-on-chinese-drones-opening-skies-to-u-s-startups-11650619800

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In its effort to quickly arm Ukraine against Russia, the Pentagon has announced the equivalent of an open casting call for companies to offer weapons and commercial systems that can be rushed to the fight. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/04/22/calling-all-weapons-makers-pentagon-seeks-new-ideas-to-arm-ukraine/

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The Dutch Are Sending Huge German Armored Howitzers To Ukraine https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2022/04/21/the-dutch-are-sending-huge-german-armored-howitzers-to-ukraine/

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Britain has trained the Ukrainian military since 2015, following Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2022/04/22/britain-reveals-ukrainian-soldiers-are-training-locally/

April 22

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1/2 China’s Growing Influence in Africa Seen in Arms Trade and Infrastructure Investment. Data compiled in a new report show Beijing gaining ground in areas like weapons sales. https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-growing-influence-in-africa-seen-in-arms-trade-and-infrastructure-investment-11650554282

2/2 According to SIPRI Russia was the largest supplier to Africa in 2017–21, accounting for 44% cent of imports of major arms to the region, followed by the USA (17%), China (10%) and France (6.1%). https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/fs_2203_at_2021.pdf

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the Elbit ‘eco-drone’ project is a gimmick

Being oppressed or killed by green military equipment, let’s be honest, is hardly different from being oppressed or killed by the usual hardware.

https://www.thecanary.co/opinion/2022/04/21/sustainable-warfare-new-green-elbit-drones-are-a-masterclass-in-military-weirdness/

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Boris Johnson offers to boost arms trade with India in talks with Hindu extremist Narendra Modi.

South Asian giant becomes first ally in Indo-Pacific region to enjoy a special licence for sales.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-modi-arms-exports-b2062671.html

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"Er is bij de bedrijven een probleem met grondstoffen en personeel", zegt Nulkes van wapenlobby organisatie NIDV. "Technici zijn moeilijk te krijgen. Veel bedrijven hebben zich teruggetrokken uit de branche." https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20220422_92098289

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More cannon fodder? Queues formed outside the Russian embassy in Ethiopia's capital. Men with their military records in hand, arrived with hopes of fighting for Russia in Ukraine. There is however no evidence that any Ethiopians have been sent to Ukraine. https://www.reuters.com/world/ethiopians-queue-up-volunteer-russias-fight-ukraine-2022-04-21/

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Retweet @wammezz: "We zien dat drones een verleide­lijk instrument blijken te zijn om ingezet te worden in schimmige conflicten" We spraken met het @Adnl over mogelijke bewapening van drones en waarom heldere waarborgen geweldsinzet nodig zijn

https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/luchtmacht-nog-helemaal-niet-klaar-voor-bommen-gooien-met-drones~ab49a2dc/

***

Voor Nld. Lockheed heeft een vestiging in Amsterdam. Er werkt maar 1 persoon. Niet veel meer dan een brievenbus dus (al zocht men onlangs een Import And ExportAnalyst). Rond De Peel vreest men komst F-35. https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20220421_93564407 In Leeuwarden zijn velen er al niet zo blij mee.

Retweet @WorldBeyondWar: Today, while @LockheedMartin holds its AGM and brags about record-breaking profits from war, the Global Mobilization to #StopLockheedMartin kicks off! Learn more and find an action near you here: https://buff.ly/3L65GE6

Handelsnaam: Lockheed Martin Global Inc.
Bezoekadres: Herikerbergweg 238, Luna ArenA, 1101CM Amsterdam

World Without War' held the 'Stop Lockheed Martin International Day of Action Performance' in front of Lockheed Martin's Korean branch in Seoul on the 21st. [Photo provided - World Without War] 출처 : 통일뉴스 http://www.tongilnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=204837

***
Canon fodder. Russia has deployed up to 20,000 mercenaries from Syria, Libya and elsewhere in its new offensive in Ukraine’s Donbas region, sent into battle with no heavy equipment or armoured vehicles, according to a European official. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/19/russia-deployed-20000-mercenaries-ukraine-donbas-region

***
Amsterdam Trade Bank is door Britten en VS gesanctioneerd, maar niet door de EU. Een bedrijf valt onder de Europese sancties als een gesanctioneerde oligarch meer dan 50% van de aandelen bezit. Hier is dat niet zo. Michaïl Fridman en Petr Aven hebben 42%. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1437051/russische-oligarchen-zetten-amsterdam-trade-bank-in-etalage

April 21

***
First American howitzers bound for Ukraine arrive in Europe as US troops begin training Ukrainians on the cannons. Not all – of the 18 howitzers and 40,000 artillery rounds part of the arms shipments authorized April 13 have arrived yet. https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-04-20/ukraine-russia-war-military-aid-howitzers-training-donbas-5747428.html

***
Future Forces Exhibition will take place in Prague on 19-21 October 2022

Buyers, users, military expert groups’ members, scientists, manufacturers, businesspeople and other stakeholders meet.

https://www.kurzy.cz/zpravy/646130-future-forces-exhibition-will-take-place-in-prague-on-19-21-october-2022/

***
Walking a fine line, Israel has rejected Ukrainian requests for arms sales and access to Israeli surveillance technology. UAE and Saudi Arabia are closely monitoring how Israel manages what amounts to a geopolitical minefield. https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2022/04/21/israels-ukraine-conundrum-may-have-implications-for-gulf-states/

***
Israel reaps diplomatic benefits through chequebook diplomacy and questionable support for dictators. Israel uses spyware, weapons and agritech to buy influence in Africa. https://mg.co.za/opinion/2022-04-20-israel-uses-spyware-weapons-and-agritech-to-buy-influence-in-africa/

***
Russia-Vietnam ties put US in a sanctions dilemma. Communist Party authorities have since arrested protestors demonstrating inside Vietnam against the Russian invasion. https://asiatimes.com/2022/04/russia-vietnam-ties-put-us-in-a-sanctions-dilemma/

***
CRS report

US Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Current and

Potential Programs

April 13, 2022

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21674362/unmanned-aircraft-systems-current-and-potential-programs-april-13-2022.pdf #drones

***

#Thales has launched a new Security Operations Center (SOC) in Morocco to tap North African low-cost tech hub appeal. Thales has already established five SOCs in Canada, France, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and the UK. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/security/press_release/thales-launches-its-sixth-cyber-security-operations-center-morocco

***
Eve UAM, LLC, an Embraer company, and Thales have teamed up to support the development of Eve’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) in Brazil. https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2022/04/21/mil-osi-economics-eve-and-thales-enter-a-partnership-to-develop-evtol-aircraft-2/

***
Australia sees opposition to AUKUS-pact submarine building capacity based in the history of the chosen location - Wharfies in Port Kembla, South of Sidney - against militarism. https://community99.com/australias-nuclear-submarine-project-under-the-aukus-pact-stuck-as-us-uk-aim-to-cut-off-wings-of-the-self-sustaining-chinese-navy/

***
War in Ukraine is a ‘gold rush’ for Western arms makers, experts say

Ukraine invasion is not the first conflict Western governments have used to showcase weapons, writes @AndrewBuncombe

@CAAT: "we reject the calls for increased militarisation of Europe."

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-war-weapons-arms-russia-b2061662.html

***
Late 2019 Columbian weekly Semana reported that the Canada produced Bell 407 Halcón (Falcon) helicopter would be used by the National Police to monitor National Strike protests in Bogotá with high resolution cameras with facial recognition technology. https://rabble.ca/labour/did-canadian-made-helicopters-surveil-labour-protests-in-colombia/

***
Ko Colijn geeft een overzicht van wapenzendingen en afgeschafte of niet afgesloten verdragen. https://www.nu.nl/spanningen-oekraine/6196097/defensie-expert-colijn-legt-uit-welke-wapens-oekraine-van-het-westen-krijgt.html

***
The US MoD has awarded the first contract of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative’s for this year, a $19.7 million deal with AeroVironment for a small, hand-launched surveillance drone called the RQ-20 Puma AE.

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/04/20/aerovironment-inks-20m-contract-for-hand-launched-drone-to-ukraine/

See also: https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3000253//

April 20

***
US a 'co-belligerent' in Ukraine war, legal expert says. US involvement goes deeper than arms sales and intelligence sharing. A Pentagon official anonymous pointed at US intelligence operatives and paramilitaries - but not regular military on the ground. https://asiatimes.com/2022/04/us-a-co-belligerent-in-ukraine-war-legal-expert-says/

***
Lack of traceability of arms supplied to Ukraine could be a concern for US. (...) in the long run, the lack of traceability could mean that some of these weapons may end up in the hands of other militaries & mercenaries that the US did not intend to arm. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/russia-ukraine-war/story/russia-ukraine-war-american-weapons-supply-1939621-2022-04-20

***
Sven Giegold, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate, explains arms export procedures and shipments to Ukraine. https://chrismon.evangelisch.de/artikel/2022/52566/sven-giegold-ueber-waffen-fuer-die-ukraine

***
The other problems. Rising inflation & pandemic supply chain disruptions could push the cost of the F-35 stealth fighter higher than expected, delaying the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin from reaching a deal for hundreds of new jets, company executives said. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2022/04/inflation-supply-problems-could-push-f-35-cost-higher-expected-lockheed-says/365856/

***
Sancties werken. Oligarch Tinkov haalt op Instagram hard uit naar de Russische troepen, die volgens hem voor een ’slachting’ zorgen in Oekraïne. „Negentig procent van de Russen is tegen deze oorlog”, stelt Tinkov. „Maar tien procent van het land bestaat uit idioten.” https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/975183686/russische-oligarch-tinkov-bespot-leger-van-poetin

***
1/2 Damen and the revolving doors in Romania: Florin Spătaru passed from the position of head of the Damen Shipyards in Galați and Mangalia directly to that of Minister of Economy! https://www.national.ro/dezvaluiri/olanda-isi-da-singura-ajutor-de-la-statul-roman-759769.html

2/2 A week before the National (part of German WAZ Media Group) published an article on the role of the intelligence AIVD in Romanian naval and maritime issues (Rotterdamse haven, Naval Group, Black Sea). https://www.national.ro/dezvaluiri/romania-colonia-algemene-inlichtingen-en-vei-ligheidsdienst-759133.html

***
Damen CEO Van Ameijden on involvement as main contractor in the largest German naval acquisition program (F-126 frigates) after WWII.

He also promotes again his view on a private Northwest European naval shipbuilding consolidation with a stark German role. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus238108029/Deutsche-Marine-F126-soll-eine-deutsche-Faehigkeitsluecke-schliessen.html

***
It is not me, but the Jeruzalem Post: A video shows that Israeli/German/Singapore-developed MATADOR (Man-portable disposable anti-armour weapon system) are now in the hands of the Azov Battalion, which has been widely characterized as a Neo-Nazi militia. https://www.jpost.com/international/article-704680

***
We need tanks and cybertech.

We need aircraft carriers and hyper sonic weapons.

We need new lighter weapons for manoeuvre and missile defence.

We need the weapons of the past and the weapons of the future.

We need more budget.

At the cost of what? https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/04/13/cyberattacks-dont-win-wars/

***
This is the reasoning why military budgets only go up: One of the key lessons is to not abandon land-maneuvering capabilities in favor of investing too much in technology. Both abilities are needed, but not at the expense of one or the other. At the expense of? https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/04/13/cyberattacks-dont-win-wars/

***
Anxiety about provoking a wider war persists among some NATO allies, most visibly Germany, which worries that supplying Marder infantry-fighting vehicles, considered among the world’s best armoured vehicles, could be perceived by Russia as making Berlin & NATO parties to the war.

Ook hier wordt gewaarschuwd voor nieuwe risico’s van zenden zwaardere wapens. Kan een grote oorlog met Rusland ontketenen. Ben benieuwd hoe dat wordt meegenomen in besluiten - The New York Times https://nytimes.com/2022/04/19/world/europe/us-ukraine-weaponry.html

***
In making the decision to send billions of dollars of weapons and equipment into Ukraine, the Biden administration factored in the risk that some of the shipments may ultimately end up in unexpected places, a defense official said. And so do the others. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/19/politics/us-weapons-ukraine-intelligence/index.html

Addition: Recently someone refreshed my memory on this German broadcast on a Ukraine harbour used to ship arms to other parts of the world.

Deutsche Reeder transportieren Waffen aus geheimem Hafen in der Ukraine zu ausländischen Warlords. Unbedingt ansehen! https://www.infosperber.ch/freiheit-recht/recht-auf-oeffentlichkeit/so-deckt-der-bnd-waffenlieferungen-in-kriegfuehrende-laender/

***
Written by peace activists? No.

West "may need to consider the least-worst option – a mediated solution (...) Only through astute leadership analysis and negotiation psychology can our leaders steer the ship of state to calmer waters." #diplomacy #Ukraine https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column/alternative-perspectives/is-negotiating-with-putin-even-possible-at-this-point

***
Dutch research on maritime issues (MIIP003: NL MoD, TNO, Dutch (Hoofddorp)/Ukraine (Nikolayev) C-Job naval architects, Maritiem Kennis Centrum) is investigating the potential of nuclear energy for ship propulsion. @LakaNieuws https://maritiemland.nl/news/miip003-inzet-kernenergie/

***
Het gecompliceerde van dual-use samenwerking. #NASA- en #ESA-directeuren hebben aangekondigd dat de samenwerking in #ISS, een project van #Rusland, de VS, Canada, Japan en de Europese ruimtevaartorganisatie ESA, als een van de weinige voorlopig doorgaat. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/04/19/russen-sleutelen-dik-zes-uur-aan-nederlandse-robotarm-voor-iss-a4114978?t=1650437635

***
Schotltz's Ukraine response on arms deliveries to Ukraine is leading to discontent in Germany. He slows down the process is said. Te article also point towards the secrecy of what Germany has on offer and transited. https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-scholz-problem-discontent-grows-in-berlin-over-chancellor-s-ukraine-response-a-47dae068-fd09-4890-9ef8-d13c144b10a6

***
The UK Embassy in Belgrade on Tuesday denied reports by several media outlets in Serbia about alleged arms exports from the UK to Kosovo, labelling them as totally bogus. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/british-embassy-in-serbia-denies-reports-about-arming-kosovo-as-bogus/ Will be continued.

April 19

***
Retweet @PPUtoday: Ukrainians suffer while arms dealers profit. Our allies in the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement insist that sending weapons will not help to achieve a just solution. We need to push for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and real peace talks. #MoreWeaponsWontHelp https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/ukraine-boris-johnson-volodymyr-zelensky-lviv-donbas-b2060450.html

***
Dutch Minister of Defence Kasja Ollongren announces Netherlands will ship armoured vehicles to Ukraine.

Retweet @DefensieMin: De oorlog in Oekraïne gaat een nieuwe fase in nu Poetin het offensief is gestart in de Donbas. We blijven Oekraïne steunen. Daarom gaat Nederland in samenwerking met andere landen zwaarder militair materieel leveren, te beginnen met pantservoertuigen.

***
#Rheinmetall UK and Israeli #UVision have disclosed to Janes details of the future of their strategic co-operation agreement, which was signed in October 2021. The partnership works on the integration of Hero LMs on board a variety of Rheinmetall vehicles. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rheinmetall-uk-uvision-outline-plans-for-partnership-development-and-opportunities

Simon Valencia of #Rheinmetall said: “... in the aftermath of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno- Karabakh, UVision is experiencing a growing interest in its LM portfolio. Due to the reported extensive and successful utilisation of LMs in that conflict.” #War

***
Retweet MarshyNic: Yes, arms supplies and protracted conflict tends to be associated with wars where one or both sides get enough external support to stop them losing but not enough to win. Difficult to think of arms supplies that probably shortened a war. Maybe US to Israel in 1973. https://twitter.com/MarshyNic/status/1516130347775401991

***
If there had been calls for a more independent European military policy after the US defeat in Afghanistan, Russia’s war has brought EU countries back into Washington’s orbit, and European militarisation will help the US by allowing it to “pivot to Asia.” https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/there-are-no-upsides-nato-russia-proxy-war-over-ukraine

… the peace movement here is right not to line up behind the Westminster Establishment’s “arm Ukraine” policy, besides its other drawbacks, which include abandoning resistance to Britain’s place at the heart of the global arms trade ...

***
No one spared. US military bases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic are failing to prepare for long-term #climate change as required, even though soaring temperatures and melting ice already are cracking base runways and roads and worsening flood risks up north. https://media.defense.gov/2022/Apr/15/2002977604/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2022-083.PDF

***
Fog over Bulgarian ams transits to Ukraine. Ukrainians say they received Bulgarian weapons, but government in Sophia says otherwise. @JosepBorrellF shows Bulgaria is fully aware and paid its share in the € 1.5 billion financing of arms supplies https://www.novinite.com/articles/214779/MP%3A+Ukrainians+say+they+received+Bulgarian+Weapons+but+our+Government+says+otherwise

***
As Pentagon officials gauge the defense industry’s ability to ramp up arms production in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, firms are still grappling with pandemic-related supply chain and workforce woes. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/04/18/pentagon-industry-wrestle-with-how-to-boost-weapons-production-for-ukraine/

***
If true, good news. Source @MargoGontar, a Ukrainian journalist/activist. Putin war plans in tatters as arms production grinds to a halt in wake of sanctions. Article refers to BUK and tank parts. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1597649/putin-russia-ukraine-war-arms-production-sanctions-buk-missiles-tanks

***
Comment: A short introduction on diplomacy in times of war (in Catalan, but easy to translate).

Experts point to the possibility that a conflict will have cycles of negotiations. Military victory and the destruction or defeat of the adversary are imposed only in 1 out of 10 conflicts.

Retweet with comment @ICIPeace: Com es negocia la pau mentre continua la guerra? Anàlisi de @KristianHerbolz (@ICIPeace), @josepmroyo (@escolapau) i @ticafont (@CentreDelas) a @Catinformacio #CatalunyaMigdia amb @nbonet_catradio @albabarb_ https://ccma.cat/catradio/catalunya-migdia-cap-de-setmana/com-es-negocia-la-pau/noticia/3158579/… #Noalaguerra #StopPutin #Ucraïna

***
The US will will not conduct a anti-satellite #ASAT missile test, after recently criticising a similar test by Russia for the dangers of debris.

Strategic reason: concerns that space-based intelligence satellites could be shot down by Russia amid the war. https://www.trtworld.com/americas/us-won-t-conduct-direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile-test-56465

Addition: US to encourage other nations to join ban on anti-satellite weapons testing. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2022/04/21/us-to-encourage-other-nations-to-join-ban-on-anti-satellite-weapons-testing/

***
Tientallen mensen hebben zich maandagavond (zoals iedere week) verzameld op het Museumplein. De demonstranten staan tegenover de Russische handelsvertegenwoordiging en hebben een groot spandoek bij zich met daarop “Russische troepen weg uit Oekraïne!”. https://wnl.tv/2022/04/18/protest-op-museumplein-tegen-oorlog-in-oekraine/

April 18

***
Retweet @jeffabramson: All cluster munition use should be condemned. Really awful to see NYT report that Ukrainian forces are using them. @banclusterbombs @johnismay @nytimes @MarkHiznay @marywareham @hrw @noclusterbombs https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/world/europe/ukraine-forces-cluster-munitions.html

***
Comment: One thing is guaranteed: a new gold rush of “defense” spending is a disaster in the making for all of us not in that complex. If you want to know why, read the article by @WilliamHartug and @JuliaGledhill. Also on how Pentagon contractors are cashing in on the crisis in Ukraine.

Retweet with comment @TomDispatch: From TomDispatch last evening: What the "profits of war" really mean in Washington in this Ukrainian moment -- William Hartung and Julia Gledhill, "The New Gold Rush, How Pentagon Contractors Are Cashing in on the Ukraine Crisis" https://tomdispatch.com/the-new-gold-rush/

***
The arms race continues. DARPA Launches Next Phase Of Glide Breaker Program. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/darpa-launches-next-phase-glide-breaker-program

***
Turkey launches offensive against Kurdish rebels in Iraq. Special forces, backed by unmanned aerial vehicles and attack helicopters involved in Operation Claw-Lock, are targeting PKK hideouts in the Metina, Zap and Avashin-Basyan MoD Akhar said. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/18/turkey-launches-new-offensive-against-kurdish-rebels-in-iraq

***
Pentagon officials recently announced that the Defense Department will build a #nuclear microreactor that can be flown to an austere site by a C-17 cargo plane and set up to power a military base. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/04/15/pentagon-to-build-nuclear-microreactor-to-power-far-flung-bases/

***
Russia’s mounting losses of wepons in the Ukraine war—& its likely inability to replace that hardware anytime soon, due to economic sanctions—won’t substantively change how the US views the threat from that country, US General Brown said. Why? NBC-weapons. https://www.airforcemag.com/losses-in-ukraine-wont-change-russian-threat-or-usaf-posture-brown-says/

***
The unfolding tragedy behind the curtains. The war in Ukraine could plunge more than one fifth of humanity, or up to 1.7 billion people, into poverty and hunger, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2022/04/13/ukraine-war-poverty-hunger-united-nations/7302438001/

***
The war in Ukraine is threatening world food security, amid high inflation. More hunger, more poverty and more social unrest - especially for countries that have struggled to escape fragility and conflict for many years," IMF Director Georgieva warned. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/04/14/ukraine-war-may-create-more-hunger-and-social-unrest-warns-imf-chief

***
During the first quarter of 2022 16.7 million bullets were transited through the Netherlands by boat and plane, most went to NATO countries, from Hungary to the US, from the US to Norway, some to South Africa etc. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_doorvoer_17012021.csv

***
"Je kunt op tv zelfs een deskundige in luchtmachtblauw tegenkomen. Dat zorgt wel voor een professionele kijk, maar brengt ook zekere oncontroleerbare vooroordelen met zich mee - bijvoorbeeld ten voordele van de krijgskunst en investeringen in defensie." https://www.nu.nl/spanningen-oekraine/6195284/deze-lessen-trekt-defensie-expert-ko-colijn-uit-de-oorlog-in-oekraine.html

***
Czechia got a message from Russia it is “supposedly not allowed to provide weapons of Soviet provenance to third countries without Russia’s permission. ... it is factual nonsense and that there is no re-export clause for this material,” FM Lipavský said. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/czech-fm-says-russian-ban-on-weapons-export-to-ukraine-is-nonsense/

April 17

***
HENSOLDT has signed a contract worth over a € 100 million with mission combat system integrator Thales, to deliver its TRS-4D naval radar to the future Damen built multi-purpose frigates F126 of the German Navy. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/hensoldt-to-deliver-trs-4d-radars-on-german-navy-f126-frigates

***
The three issues making the US profits from Russia's war in Ukraine, according the Le Figaro:

1) Sell more expensive gas to Europe

2) A boon for the arms industry

3) Jackpot for farmers in the Midwest

https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/les-cles-pour-comprendre-comment-l-amerique-profite-de-la-guerre-en-ukraine-20220415

***
Long article on lessons learned by US and EU from Russian sanctions for potential use on China. And lessons for China which is and unforeseen confronted by the quick changes in world politics and its own position vis-a-vis similar measures. #NewColdWar? https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3173916/chinas-support-russia-galvanises-us-europe-washington-examines-once

April 16

***
Can Chinese defence firms profit as Western sanctions hit Russian arms makers? China is already the world’s fourth biggest arms supplier and has started to make inroads into the market for high-end equipment. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3174499/can-chinese-defence-firms-profit-western-sanctions-hit-russian

***
Sweeping arrests stifled antiwar protests, turning them from a daily event in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg into rare occurrences barely attracting any attention.

Still, reports of police detaining single picketers come in almost daily. https://www.thejournal.ie/kremlin-crackdown-on-russia-protesters-5738823-Apr2022/

***
On the difficulty of protesting in hybrid totalitarian Russia. Inside story: Struggle for truth about Ukraine war in an Orwellian regime. https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/20073251.inside-story-struggle-truth-ukraine-war-orwellian-regime/

***
"financial impact of sanctions on defense companies is likely to result in little harm, especially when weighed against the increased spending and activity for the sector’s products and services"

concludes Scott Sacknoff in a DefNews column on the effects 4 military industries.

***
Military related R&D in NATO: Artificial Intelligence, big data, autonomy, space, novel materials, biotech, quantum, and hypersonic. See Defense News April 2022.

***
Analysts say the US military industry has spent billions lobbying Congress while quietly making much more in profit by manufacturing weapons that fuel deadly conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen and elsewhere under little effective congressional oversight. https://truthout.org/articles/ukraine-and-yemen-wars-highlight-uss-role-as-biggest-arms-dealer-in-the-world

***
Canada prohibits export of goods and technologies listed on the restricted goods and technologies list to Russia. Prohibitions and exceptions clearly listed. https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/2607-2/

The policy was followed by two amendments. https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/russia-russie.aspx

***
Morocco had paid its two tranches of a total payment of 22 million dollars intended for the acquisition of Harop kamikaze drones, a self-flying device incorporating precision strike technology, developed by the IAI. https://www.archyde.com/the-prominent-share-of-moroccos-purchases-in-israels-arms-export-record/

***
An IMF chart shows a quarterly index, but also plots a new monthly measure specifically focused on the war in Ukraine. The monthly index tracks uncertainty related to Ukraine in 42 countries that represent about 90 percent of the global economy.

https://blogs.imf.org/2022/04/15/global-economic-uncertainty-surging-amid-war-may-slow-growth/

April 15

***
The fastest end to the human suffering is to confront the Russian dictator with the gradual destruction of his military if he continues this war of conquest. https://www.wsj.com/articles/arming-for-the-next-fight-in-ukraine-russia-war-biden-administration-pentagon-11649972971

Still want to ask the rather naive question: what kind of diplomacy efforts are ongoing?

***
US approved a possible FMSale to Nigeria of AH-1Z Attack Helicopter and related equipment for an estimated cost of $997m. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/nigeria-ah-1z-attack-helicopter-related-fms-acquisitions

The military and law enforcement agencies often engage in extrajudicial killings, torture & other abuses. https://freedomhouse.org/country/nigeria/freedom-world/2022

***
The US Air Force (USAF) could use an additional $921 million to buy seven more Lockheed Martin F-35A conventional variant fighters to add to its official request for 33 fighters. https://www.airforcemag.com/air-force-sends-4-6b-unfunded-priorities-list-to-congress-space-force-requests-additional-600m/

***
Retweet @FrankSlijper: EU finally closes loophole that allowed arms sales to Russia to continue https://voanews.com/a/eu-closes-loophole-allowing-multimillion-euro-arms-sales-to-russia/6529031.html

Comment: Ukraine: EU agrees fifth package of restrictive measures against Russia. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_2332

***
A debate in Italy over selling a stake in cannon-maker Oto Melara is rumbling on with a junior defense minister backing Germany’s Rheinmetall, and the CEO of Leonardo, which owns Oto Melara, calling French-German joint venture KNDS the “ideal choice.” https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/13/italian-debate-over-future-of-cannon-maker-rumbles-on

***
After capturing Kabul, Taliban gained control of all the US-made weapons and military equipment that were left behind by the fleeing Afghan forces. The US-made arms and military accessories are openly traded in shops by Afghan gun dealers. The traffickers are collecting the weapons from the abandoned Afghan army bases, and procuring them from the Afghan government soldiers and Taliban fighters. These weapons are then mostly sold in weapons markets or arms bazaar in tribal areas of the Afghan-Pakistan border, it added.
https://www.bollyinside.com/news/world-news/the-taliban-are-importing-weapons-into-pakistan-for-use-in-cross-border-conflicts-with-india

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We don't want your president, but want your weapons. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Germany to make a quick decision on weapons delivery to Ukraine, saying Kyiv was counting on Berlin's leading role in Europe. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/ukraine-foreign-minister-urges-berlin-for-quick-arms-delivery-decision/47519076

***
With Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine continuing to stir Poland’s defense posture, Warsaw decided to accelerate the procurement by several years. https://defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/14/poland-will-get-a-new-air-defense-system-after-the-summer/

***
Tja. The Biden administration has a better long-term bet: to scale up its already-rising arms exports to India, encourage France and Israel—two other key Indian arms suppliers—to do the same, and help India strengthen its indigenous production capacity. https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/04/14/us-india-relationship-russia-ukraine-war/

***

Retweet @SIPRIorg: #Russia's arms exports fell by 26% between 2012–16 and 2017–21, and its share of global arms exports decreased from 24% to 19%. India, China, Egypt and Algeria together received 73% of total Russian arms exports. More on global #ArmsTransfers https://www.sipri.org/publications/2022/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-international-arms-transfers-2021

***
US must push for transparency in UAE defence sector, experts urge

UAE's close collaboration with Russia, as well as its secret contracts tied to arms deals, have created concerns over corruption and money laundering.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-greater-transparency-uae-defence-sector-experts

***
Over the last 20 years, US defence companies and their affiliates have spent more than $2.6 billion on lobbying politicians and $300 million making contributions to support and influence their campaigns. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/reports/capitalizing-on-conflict/yemen-case-study

April 14

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Not much reported, the Ukrainian military industry; it should not be underestimated, article states. https://www.eurasiareview.com/14042022-ukraines-military-industry-should-not-be-underestimated-analysis/

Wendela de Vries van Stop Wapenhandel schreef in 2016 dit rapport: Wapenexportcontrole in de Oekraïne (https://stopwapenhandel.org/app/uploads/2016/03/oekraine.pdf)

***
Serbia reminded of EU rules after Chinese airlifts air defence system to Belgrade. Warning will be refering to a watered down arms embargo on China established in 1989, in response to a crackdown on protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3174115/serbia-must-follow-eu-rules-if-it-wishes-join-bloc-germany-says

***
Regulations on U.S.arms exportsoften skirted, rarely enforced. https://menafn.com/1103990614/Regulations-on-US-arms-exports-often-skirted-rarely-enforced

***
It took a while, but European Space Agency says it will no longer work with Russia on future moon missions following Putin's invasion of Ukraine. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10715925/European-Space-Agency-scraps-plans-work-Russia-future-moon-missions.html

***
Airbus has a new boss. He foresees more military orders. he hope: "as little as possible outside Europe." https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2022/04/13/guillaume-faury-president-executif-d-airbus-je-suis-tres-volontariste-pour-constituer-l-europe-de-la-defense-mais-pas-du-tout-naif_6121944_3234.html

His Italian colleague of Leonardo, doesn't give a shit. He foresees orders for the F-35. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/13/leonardo-ceo-european-defense-programs-will-bloom/

***
The Dutch Air Force #RNLAF will begin operating the MQ-9s Reapers later this month out of Curacao to provide long-range, persistent surveillance to support missions protecting the Netherland’s national interests General Atomics reports. https://www.ga-asi.com/rnlaf-to-begin-mq-9-operations-in-curacao

***
US company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the selection by the Japan Coast Guard for the purchase of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV. As planned, these UAVs will be used in operations from October 2022. https://www.ga-asi.com/ga-asi-selected-for-japan-coast-guard-rpas-project

***
NATO to launch €1B fund for high tech start-ups in dual use tech. NATO has fleshed out plans for a network of tech accelerators and test labs, paired with a €1B fund. The push to promote private sector innovation marks an almost ‘revolutionary’ shift. https://sciencebusiness.net/news/nato-launch-eu1b-fund-high-tech-start-ups-dual-use-technologies

***
Canada’s arms exports to Israel at a 30-year high
There is precedent in Canadian history for restricting sales to Israel over concerns about human rights and military aggression

https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/canadas-arms-exports-to-israel-at-a-30-year-high

Report: https://assets.nationbuilder.com/cjpme/pages/6073/attachments/original/1649696945/Final_-_Arming_Apartheid_-_CJPME_-_2022-04-13.pdf

***
Three tweets on a row this morning on the front position of the US military industry (aiming at India, Ukraine and NATO).

NATO planners put the F-35 front and center in European nuclear deterrence. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/13/nato-planners-put-the-f-35-front-and-center-in-european-nuclear-deterrence

***
President Biden announced Wednesday that his administration would authorize $800 million in additional security assistance to Ukraine, including artillery, helicopters and armored personnel carriers. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/overnights/3267062-defense-national-security-new-artillery-to-head-to-ukraine/

Western weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped blunt Russia’s initial offensive and seems certain to play a central role in the approaching, potentially decisive, battle for Ukraine’s contested Donbas region. Yet the Russian military is making little headway halting what has become a historic arms express. https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/04/13/russia-has-yet-to-slow-a-western-arms-express-into-ukraine/

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The #US should help #India address its defence needs so as to reduce its dependence on #Russia, an Indian-US community leader has quoted US Senator Roger Wicker (Rep.) as saying. Since 2010 Russia has been the source of 62% of all Indian arms imports. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-should-help-india-address-its-defence-needs-says-republican-senator/articleshow/90836774.cms

April 13

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@LeonVerdonschot worstelde gisteren in dagblad De Limburger met de rol van de wapenindustrie, Samenvattend: wel tegen wapenfabrikanten maar ook voor terugvechten door Oekraïne. https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20220411_96113018
Herkenbaar. Maar alles op een hoop hoeft niet. 1/2

2/2 Ook hier bestaat zwartwit niet. Er zijn officiële criteria om wapenleveranties aan te meten (national, EU, VN) en NGO maatstaven op typen wapens (nucleair, controversieel (cluster, AP mijnen e.d)) en eigen politieke en morele afwegingen. We hadden geen moeite met uMkhonto we Sizwe en wel met Contra's. Maar niet vergeten dat wapens geen oplossing brengen.

***
Igor Kesajev stalt €1 mrd in Nederland. Kesajev is o.a. grootaandeelhouder van wapenfabriek Degtiariov, die bijv. raketwerpers, zware machinegeweren levert aan het Russische leger. Hij heeft daarnaast banden met een fonds voor voormalige agenten v/d FSB. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1436120/russische-sigarettenkoning-en-wapenfabrikant-herbergt-1-mrd-in-nederland

***
Use of Turkish drones by Ukraine but Ankara's policy didn't shift. No sanctions on Russia. Airspace isn't closed to Ru planes. Instead the drone has become a tool to boost military exports & Turkish influence, enriching those around Erdogan in the process.https://balkaninsight.com/2022/04/13/behind-ukraines-turkish-drones-erdogans-interests-home-and-abroad/

***
South Korea says it will send its first locally-developed spy satellite into space orbit next year using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. There will be a total of four 800kg satellites which will be equipped with infrared sensors or synthetic aperture radars. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220408005700325

***
Next article on military and satellites following 37th Space symposium in Colorado Springs early april. https://www.spacesymposium.org/agenda/

Space companies investing in small satellite production capacity as customers shift to hybrid architectures. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2022/04/12/space-companies-investing-in-small-satellite-production-capacity-as-customers-shift-to-hybrid-architectures/

***
Next article on military and satellites following 37th Space symposium in Colorado Springs early april. https://www.spacesymposium.org/agenda/

Space companies investing in small satellite production capacity as customers shift to hybrid architectures. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2022/04/12/space-companies-investing-in-small-satellite-production-capacity-as-customers-shift-to-hybrid-architectures/

***

Opjagen militaire uitgaven is de oplossing niet om oorlog te voorkomen. Dan zou Putin thuis zijn gebleven en Oekraïne gespaard. Militaire uitgaven helpen de wapenindustrie wel vooruit. Niet alleen in Oekraïne, ook in Jemen, Libië, Irak, etc. voelen ze de gevolgen aan de lijve.

Reactie: Grafiek is misleidend. China, India en Rusland geven samen meer uit dan de VS bijvoorbeeld. https://voxeu.org/article/why-military-purchasing-power-parity-matters

Mijn reacties:

Niet in de serieuze bronnen die ik ken. Je kan best kritiek op de grafiek hebben, maar die gaat dan over onderliggende vraagstukken: PPP,
gefragmenteerde uitgaven, NBC-wapens, soldij etc. & verschuiving van verhoudingen (kort geleden gaf de VS meer uit dan ALLE anderen samen.)

Hier heb je een grafiek uit rechts van het midden bron, IISS. Die gebruiken PPP cijfers, dat maakt het deel Rusland, en China in vergelijking groter.

Er is wel het een en ander aan te merken op de PPP-benadering die jij schijnt te omarmen. Een voormalige vier sterren generaal noemde het toepassen ervan het vergelijken van appels met wieldoppen. Anderen noemen dit juist ronduit misleiding. Zie: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2018/11/coocking-budget-drive-for-higher.html

***
Step by Step. First acquire unarmed drones. Now Dutch right (VVD, CDA), extreme right (PVV, JA21) and Christian fundamentalists (CU, SGP) aim for arming the Dutch Reaper drones. Next step targeted killings in the footsteps of Washington? https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/753160410/verzet-tegen-killerdrones-lijkt-af-te-nemen-misgaan-kost-alleen-materiaal-geen-mensenlevens

April 12

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The West Papua National Liberation Army -Free Papua Organization or TPNPB-OPM claimed that there was a mortar bomb attack carried out by the TNI-Polri at their headquarters in the Alguru area, Nduga, Papua from Thursday (31/3/22) to Saturday (2/02). 4/22). https://www.suara.com/news/2022/04/04/113549/tpnpb-opm-klaim-serangan-bom-mortir-tnipolri-hanguskan-9-rumah-warga-alguru

Retweet @PeterCronau: Rockets fired at civilians. Not in Ukraine, but in West Papua. The invaders are not Russian, but Indonesian. They are Australia’s allies. “Nduga, West Papua. War emergency over two days. Rain of bullets accompanied by rocket bombs, mortar fired by TNI at civilian houses.”

***
As Russian forces surged to the border with Ukraine in a massive buildup of Russian military force before the February invasion, the US intelligence community reached out to several commercial space companies and asked for a favor. [Pay Wall] https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/commercial-space/us-government-space-companies-collaborate-support-ukraine

As Maxar Technologies’ satellites continue to collect images of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the company is working with customers so it can allocate more capacity to meet US government demands, said Maxar’s CEO Daniel Jablonsky.https://spacenews.com/maxar-eager-to-launch-new-satellites-amid-soaring-demand-for-imagery-over-ukraine/

***
Former SA president #Zuma is facing 1 count of racketeering, 2 counts of corruption, 1 count of money laundering & 12 counts of fraud.

#Thales is facing 1 count of racketeering, 2 counts of corruption & 1 count of money laundering. But process is endless. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-11-zuma-corruption-trial-postponed-after-judge-says-appeal-process-should-run-its-course/

***
Er zullen wel Kamerleden zijn die vragen gaan stellen over de extra kosten van 't vooruitschuiven van de aanschaf voor de toch al peperdure F-35.

Het is allang duidelijk waar de prioriteit ligt voor Rutte IV in tijden dat MKB, burger en staatskas in zwaar weer verkeren.

@Defensie Er komen nieuwe vliegtuigafreminstallaties voor F-35-gevechtsvliegtuigen. De huidige installaties voor F-16's zijn niet geschikt voor de nieuwe gevechtsvliegtuigen. De afreminstallaties zijn nodig als er problemen zijn bij de start of landing. #TechTuesday https://defensie.nl/onderwerpen/innovatie/lees-over-innovatieprojecten/vai

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At the time heavier weapons (Def News -link below- reports on UK, Czech, US and problematic German supplies) flow into Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov said: “Pumping weapons into Ukraine will not contribute to the success of Russian-Ukrainian talks.” https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/11/western-nations-adapt-their-ukraine-help-as-war-enters-new-phase/

***
Major arms transfers. Shortly after Slovakia supplied an S-300 air defense system to Ukraine, Slovak Defence Minister Naď has announced his country is in talks with the Ukrainian government over a potential sale of Zuzana 155 mm self-propelled howitzers. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/11/slovakia-could-sell-howitzers-to-ukraine-and-repair-its-tanks-vehicles/

***
Mr. Kushner helped broker $110bn in arms sales to Saudi's and weapons deals from congressional outrage over the murder of Mr. Khashoggi and the humanitarian catastrophe created by the military intervention in Yemen. Now he's paid back by MbS himself. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/10/us/jared-kushner-saudi-investment-fund.html

***
Defense exports in 2021 reach 20-year high with $11.2b in sales.
Europe, 41% (30%, 2020);
Asia Pacific, with 34% (10%, 2020);
North America, with 12% (20% in 2021=20?);
Abraham Accord countries, 7%;
Africa, 4%; &
Latin America, with 3% (2%, 2020).
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-703910

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Sanctioned oligarch linked to Irish company, #Holytown Ltd based in #Dublin, that owns luxury Spanish villa; #Chemezov is chief executive of the Russian State-owned military and industrial conglomerate, #Rostec. https://www.irishtimes.com/business/sanctioned-oligarch-linked-to-irish-company-that-owns-luxury-spanish-villa-1.4850114

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The EU militarisation of infrastructure. The EU is supporting with € 425 million a total of 37 projects (military: 22 projects; € 339m) that will help deliver a transport network which is sustainable and fits for dual civil/military use. https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news/transport-infrastructure-projects-receive-eur-425-million-eu-funding-boost-green-mobility-and-adapt-2022-04-08_en

It isn't only for military use. That's why I included the military figure of €339 million: military projects include railway infrastructure upgrades to allow for circulation of larger and heavier trains, increase of the capacity of ports and airports, strengthening road bridges.

***

 

Het tempo en de omvang van de bewapening zouden heel wat vragen en bedenkingen moeten oproepen, maar er is nauwelijks een debat, constateert @Ludodb in De Standaard https://standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220411_97715849 Eerder schreef hij dit. https://vrede.be/nl/nieuws/europa-militariseert-ijltempo

Retweet @Ludodb: De jongste maanden kondigden de Navo-lidstaten forse militaire budget­stijgingen aan. Ook wapenleveringen aan ­Oekraïne gaan in crescendo. Tempo en omvang van de bewapening zouden heel wat vragen en bedenkingen moeten oproepen, maar er is nauwelijks een debat. Mijn opinie in DS

***
From events that led to the war to the latest peace talks, the US may be hindering negotiations rather than encouraging and facilitating them, seeming to hold out for a preferred outcome while the violence rages on the ground and more people suffer. https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/04/09/is-the-us-hindering-much-needed-diplomatic-efforts/

April 11

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Israel Weapon Industry (IWI), a worldwide producer of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world, announced the launch of the Ace Sniper SA Rifle. https://www.popularairsoft.com/iwi-ace-family-gets-new-member-its-ace-sniper-sa-rifle

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The European Commission said Friday that it will prohibit companies from providing high-value cryptocurrency services to Russia as part of the commission's ramped-up response to that country's invasion of Ukraine.

https://www.law360.com/aerospace/articles/1482400/eu-to-block-high-value-russian-crypto-transactions

EU https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1649

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Supply chain woes in the defense industry are not only a European, but also a global problem. In the United States, the Biden administration has made supply resiliency a priority for the Pentagon to get scarce resources for the military. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/04/11/europes-defense-firms-feel-the-squeeze-of-shortages-sanctions/

***

War (good God), huh (now, huh)

What is it good for?

Stand up and shout it (nothing)

Almost nothing

***
French LR senator Cédric Perrin, “NATO is an excellent tool and it demonstrates it, but it is also a fine tool for establishing the economic domination of the United States over Europe”. https://www.leprogres.fr/defense-guerre-conflit/2022/04/09/rearmement-en-europe-la-bataille-des-futurs-contrats

***
Russia's spies in space also see secret arms shipments; Even commercial reconnaissance satellites can provide razor-sharp images of objects 30 centimeters and larger.

So do European governments withold arms transit info from Russia or its own citizens? https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article238096171/Satellitenaufklaerung-Russland-sieht-geheime-Waffenlieferungen.html

***
Europe's share of the global arms trade has already risen from 10 to 13% in the past 5 years, and it will increase "substantially", Siemon Wezeman of SIPRI said.

He is cited in article under the heading: Ukraine crisis sparks new arms race.

Are we aware?http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202204/11/WS6253a371a310fd2b29e563ae.html

April 10

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Sara Rahnenführer of Die Tagezeitung explains the difference of € 100 million mentioned for German arms transfers to Ukraine. Actually transfered is € 80 million. While licenses are given valued € 186.451.448 milllion. https://taz.de/Archiv-Suche/!5844787&s=Sara%2BRahnenf%C3%BChrer&SuchRahmen=Print/

***
The German manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has offered Ukraine to buy 100 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers, the German edition Welt reports, citing its own sources in the Ukrainian government. Such decision must be officially approved. https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/822908.html

Ukraine liegt milliardenschweres Angebot für deutsche Panzerhaubitzen vor https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus238089483/Waffenlieferungen-Ukraine-liegt-Angebot-fuer-deutsche-Panzerhaubitzen-vor.html

***
China is a comparatively small player in the African arms market. However, Beijing has already been making inroads into the continent by supplying other major Russian customers such as Nigeria & Ethiopia with resp. armoured vehicles and rocket launchers. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3173697/sanctions-russia-may-leave-gap-african-arms-market-china-may

***
Article looks into the effects of international sanctions. The one I miss is on Apartheid South Afrtica. These sanctions started with an arms embargo and was in tandem with domistic resistance the reason the South African rascist system fell. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus238084835/Der-Westen-gegen-Putin-Was-Sanktionen-wirklich-bringen-Lehren-aus-der-Vergangenheit.html

April 9

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Does Germany wants to become the 3rd military power (behind US _______________ and China). What does that solve?

Chancellor Scholz has announced massive rearmament. It is of no use to #Ukraine . Even the previous armament has not ensured security: NATO's budget is already 16 times higher than that of Russia. https://fr.de/politik/wollen-wir-die-drittgroesste-military-power-becoming-91464630.html

#FridaysForFuture 100 billion special assets

Aanvulling: Met alleen meer, meer Krijgsmacht (waarom blijven we dit toch Defensie noemen?) kan je geen vrede bereiken. https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/met-alleen-meer-meer-meer-defensie-kun-je-geen-vrede-bereiken~b52ecfec/

***
#UK cancels export restrictions on military products to #Turkey. Canada could follow suit. At stake are the engines for a future Turkish-made 5th-generation TAI TF-X #fighter jet.

What did Turkey do with fighters in the past decades? #FailingArmsControl https://news.am/eng/news/695757.html

***
Volgens het Pentagon wordt de eerste lading 'Kamikaze-drones' een dezer dagen naar de Oekraïne verscheept. De woordvoerder bevestigde ook dat Oekraïners die in de VS waren voor een andere opleiding, inmiddels worden getraind met de drones. Met clip. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/13/04_switchblade-drones_13

April 8

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India to boost arms output, fearing shortfall from Russia. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/04/07/india-to-boost-arms-output-fearing-shortfall-from-russia/ But in the end, like many times before, it will turn out India shops on the international market for arms (Israel, Europe (France), Korea and the US) not at home. https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/html/export_values.php

***
Comment: New spy case implicates Israeli surveillance company NSO in Jordan

Despite several legal complaints, the Pegasus spyware has again been used to target journalists and lawyers.

Retweet @lemondefr: Despite several legal complaints, #Pegasus spyware was again used to target journalists and lawyers | by @madjze https://lemonde.fr/international/article/2022/04/08/une-nouvelle-affaires-d-espionnage-implique-la-societe-de-surveillance-israelienne-nso-en-jordanie_6121185_3210.html

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Somewhere else: The Battle for #Water; #Ethiopia and #Egypt are fighting over the scarce but vital commodity that also plays a central role in Africa's power supply. The construction of another dam on the Blue Nile threatens to escalate the conflict. https://www.pressreader.com/germany/rheinische-post-hilden/20220407/282548726797237

***
Some NATO countries make a distinction what arms they provide: no offensive weapons e.g.

Stoltenberg rejects this: “Ukraine is fighting a defensive war, so this distinction between offensive and defensive weapons doesn’t actually have any real meaning.”

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/atrocity-reports-spur-nato-states-boost-arms-supplies-83936054

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Bravo! A Gulfstream G550 held at #Luton is linked to is thought to be used by Yevgeny Prigozhin, an oligarch who runs the Kremlin-backed #WagnerGroup of mercenaries fighting in Ukraine and elsewhere. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10698115/Plane-held-Luton-linked-Vladimir-Putins-chef-investigators-probe-past.html

***
The European Investment Bank EIB confirmed a € 16 million of new financing to support R&D investment by Dutch Airborne International. https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2022-191-eur-16-million-eib-backing-for-airborne-international Airborne delivers composites for space activities, and other military products. https://www.airborne.com/?s=Defence

***
Australia sends MORE weapons to Ukraine: Scott Morrison dispatches another package of anti-tank missiles and bullets to fight off Russian invaders. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10698475/Australia-sends-weapons-Ukraine-fight-Russia.html

But what is the end goal?

***
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday acquired two new T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey and a C-295 medium lift aircraft from Spain. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/08/news/national/afp-acquires-3-new-aircraft/1839268

***
Revenues of MBDA, European multinational prducing missiles, broke through the €4 billion mark for the first time, reaching €4.2 billion, with a 5.1 billion order intake in 2021. The company order book reached € 17.8 billion by the end of last year. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/07/mbda-boss-rallies-european-governments-to-spend-locally/

***
The US Senate unanimously passed a bill that alleviates bureaucratic hurdles associated with loaning US military equipment to Ukraine. Act revives a World War II-era program that allowed the government to lend or lease military equipment to US allies.

https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/04/07/senate-passes-ukraine-bill-to-clear-hurdles-in-loaning-us-military-equipment-to-kyiv/

April 7

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A potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey would be consistent with US policy objectives, the State Department told Lawmakers in a letter. https://libertarianinstitute.org/news-roundup/state-department-says-fighter-jet-sale-to-turkey-in-line-with-us-policy/

Turkey never uses its fighters to bomb neighbouring countries and its own poulation. Isn't it.

***
Zal Rusland passief toe blijven kijken als in de komende weken wordt geprobeerd zware wapens, zoals T-72-tanks, Oekraïne binnen te brengen? De VS hebben Kiev hulp beloofd bij het vervoeren van een partij tanks, mogelijk van Tsjechië, naar Oekraïne. https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/opvallend-ondanks-dreigementen-laat-russische-leger-westerse-wapentransporten-ongemoeid~b01b36a1

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Dr Ateku, a Conflict Analyst & Lecturer at the University of Ghana, notes that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine can trigger an increase in illegal small arms in Africa through the black-market. He hopes AU and EU step up diplomatic solution. https://newsghana.com.gh/small-arms-black-market-to-boom-in-africa-amid-russia-ukraine-war/

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Lucky General Dynamics. Poland signs $4.75 billion Abrams tank deal as Russia’s war speeds procurements. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/05/poland-signs-475-billion-abrams-tank-deal-as-russias-war-speeds-procurements/

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Opinion in Singapore Strait Times: THERE aren't that many brave voices in the West fighting for justice for all, Irish MP Barrett is one. Barrett is right. What the West should be doing is to condemn all wars, occupation, empire and the global arms trade. https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/leaders/2022/04/786589/nst-leader-world-disorder

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The arms industry spent millions of euros lobbying German politicians ahead of the government’s decision to drastically beef up military spending, openDemocracy can reveal. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/ukraine-war-russia-germany-defence-military-lobbying/

Open Democracy also gives also € 100 billion better ideas.

***
The EU will soon have a more uniform approach to the export of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition with a set of common features that end-user certificates for the export of SALW and their ammunition will have to respect. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/01/18/arms-exports-control-council-establishes-a-eu-approach-on-end-user-certificates/

***
Russian military shows the words "battle proven", used in many adverts for weapon systems, can turn against the military industry. Questions will be asked on downing a Russian Sukhoi-35 fighter (probably by Ukrainian missiles), its more a "battle failure". https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3173290/ukraine-war-lessons-china-downing-russian-sukhoi-35-fighter

***
Russia’s siege of Kyiv has failed for now. Rail workers in Belarus are risking their lives by sabotaging Russian supply lines. Their example shows a way forward to building a working-class response to the war, one that is independent of both Russia & NATO. https://www.leftvoice.org/belarus-rail-workers-sabotage-russias-attack-on-ukraine-how-an-independent-position-on-the-war-can-be-built/

Same article in German: Eisenbahner:innen in Belarus sabotieren russischen Angriff: Wie eine dritte Position im Krieg entstehen kann https://www.klassegegenklasse.org/eisenbahnerinnen-in-belarus-sabotieren-russischen-angriff-wie-eine-dritte-position-im-krieg-entstehen-kann/

***
Retweet @marineschepen: Wat er mis gaat met vervanging onderzeeboten (opinie). Lees hier: https://marineschepen.nl/opinie/wat-er-mis-is-met-de-vervanging-van-onderzeeboten.html

Opmerking: Misschien blijft de olifant hier wel onzichtbaar midden in de kamer staan. Ctrl F: "Damen" resultaten 0.

Recente kennis bouwen van hele onderzeeërs, nope. Zo wordt een financieel avontuur wel een erg grote gok. Te hoog gemikt. Die 36 waren zo gek nog niet https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/moties/detail?id=2019Z03169&did=2019D06837.

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G7 diplomat says on German arms export & sanction policy concerning Ukraine “They start with why something is not possible, but get to the right position in the end, but it is always 2 weeks later than necessary.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/07/eu-divisions-over-ukraine-to-be-laid-bare-in-no-10-meeting

Nothing wrong with careful considerations?

***
The recent army atrocities in Mali are not the first. By cross-checking public databases, Investigate Europe identified at least three cases of battalions previously trained by the EU that were later involved in abuses against civilians. https://www.investigate-europe.eu/en/2022/eu-trained-troops-committed-abuses-in-mali/

***
Indonesia plans to reverse engineer the Chinese C-705 anti-ship missile. A local consortium (Dirgantara Indonesia, Len, Dahana, Pindad, Mulia Laksana Utama & Aero Terra Indonesia) will be led by defence industrial Directorate from the Ministry of Defense. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indonesia-establishes-consortium-to-reverse-engineer-anti-ship-missile

***
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) supplied the Czech Republic with the first air defense Multi-Mission Radar (MMR). This is part of a deal signed in December 2019 by the MoDs of both the Czech Republic and the Israeli Apartheid state. https://www.defencestar.in/defence-industry/defence-production/israels-iai-supplies-first-air-defence-radar-to-czech-republic/6409/

Aanvulling: In justified harsh words: In June 2021 #Sweden allowed #Elbit Systems to open a Swedish branch. “Sweden is an important market for @ElbitSystemsLtd and a cornerstone for further expansion in Europe,” Haim Delmar, the chair of Elbit Systems Sweden, stated. https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/peaceful-sweden-stocks-israeli-weapons

***
Writer of an two part article goes into detail on the provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty (accepted by China) prohibiting arms transfers to Moscow. Actual shipments aren't given, besides the use of unspecified Chinese drones.

I http://opiniojuris.org/2022/04/06/china-would-violate-the-arms-trade-treaty-if-it-sends-weapons-to-russia-for-use-in-ukraine-part-i/

II http://opiniojuris.org/2022/04/07/china-would-violate-the-arms-trade-treaty-if-it-sends-weapons-to-russia-for-use-in-ukraine-part-ii/

April 6

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It's cynical to make the choice between two wrongs at the cost of dear life: "For some in NATO, it’s better for the Ukrainians to keep fighting, and dying, than to achieve a peace that comes too early or at too high a cost to Kyiv and the rest of Europe." https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/05/ukraine-nato-russia-limits-peace/

***
A potentially $300 million batch of aid eventually bound for Ukraine will include communications systems and similar gear, according to the Department of Defense. Russia “attacks against the telecom industry occur on a daily basis,” Ukranian official said. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/it-networks/2022/04/05/us-sending-ukraine-tactical-communications-gear-in-new-300m-package/

***
The Czech Republic has sent T-72 tanks and BVP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, a Czech defence source told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming a local media report. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/czech-republic-sends-tanks-ukraine-czech-tv-reports-2022-04-05/

***
EUROCAE holds its 2022 Symposium in Warsaw. What does Eurocae stand for? European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment https://www.eurocae.net/media/1636/eurocae-twp-2020-public-version.pdf. Present however #EDA, Honeywell, Indra, Leonardo, Thales and more. The thin line between military & civil. https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/eurocae-holds-its-2022-symposium-in-warsaw-poland

***
German arms exports almost tripled at the beginning of the year, not only because of the Ukraine war. The main reason for the increase is a large procurement project from the Netherlands that is set to last several years. Austria Presse Agentur, 6/4/22.

In the first quarter of this year, the federal government approved arms exports to Ukraine worth a good €186 million. The Federal Ministry of Economics announced this on Tuesday, citing preliminary figures for individual export licenses. AFP (in German) 5/4/22

***
It is impossible to disconnect from the policy on Ankara. Yesterday the Cypriote government said it will lobby EU nations to reduce arms sales to Turkey. https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/04/05/eu-will-be-lobbied-to-restrict-arms-sales-to-turkey-mps-hear/ It is clear they are on the defence here. Turkse pestkop werd Vredesduif. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220403_97643445

***
US arms export to Germany of 5 P-8A Patrol Aircraf, with military systems, software, engines, spares, support, training and transport. The estimated total cost was $1.77 billion. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $1.10 billion of this total. https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2022/4/4/senate-section/article/S1933-1

***
Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst now at the Brookings Institution, is just one of the experts who declares that without US spare parts the Royal Saudi Air Force would be “#grounded.” The #US has supported the #Yemen war and still continues to do that. https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/03/11/the-saudis-are-not-americas-friends-so-why-is-the-us-still-supporting-the-saudi-war-on-yemen

***
The 1st sentence of the #Chinese military article is completely wrong, but the observation the US profits in 3 ways of the WAR following the Russian INVASION isn't (arms and fosil fuel exports, gains on the financial markets). So how to end this?

http://english.chinamil.com.cn/view/2022-04/05/content_10145996.htm

***
This month brings a make-or-break meeting for the Thai Navy's deal to buy a Chinese-made submarine, with delivery threatened by the fading chance of China getting German top-end engines as stipulated in the contract. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/engine-troubles-bring-sink-or-swim-moment-for-thailands-sub-deal-with-china/

***
Here some figures in an February 2022 article. New info surfaced during the past weeks. But it answers your question with a yes that can be one of the reasons. https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/special-focus/ukraine-crisis/russia-allies-investment-ukraine-tax-haves

***
Cyprus rules out sending Russian made weapons to Ukraine https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/04/05/cyprus-rules-out-sending-weapons-to-ukraine/ the US asked to send them, like anti-aircraft systems (TOR/M1, S-300, BUK M1-2), tanks (T 80U and BMP-3) and attack helicopters (Mi-24). https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/04/04/us-requests-national-guard-send-weapons-to-ukraine/

But here is another reason: the US cannot offer US-made military equipment for replacement as this is not covered by the partial lifting of the arms embargo. https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/04/06/our-view-is-it-time-for-cyprus-to-chose-between-east-and-west/

It is impossible to disconnect from the policy on Ankara. Yesterday the Cypriote government said it will lobby EU nations to reduce arms sales to Turkey. https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/04/05/eu-will-be-lobbied-to-restrict-arms-sales-to-turkey-mps-hear/… It is clear they are on the defence here. Turkse pestkop werd Vredesduif. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220403_97643445

***
Ingezonden brief: We hebben niets aan vier veel te dure #onderzeeboten. Project kan beter worden gestopt, dat schrijven Drs. Belinda Smeenk, stafadviseur Strategie, Kennis en Innovatie en Marnix Felius, luitenant-kolonel Infanterie. https://www.volkskrant.nl/columns-opinie/de-term-adaptatie-lijkt-me-eindelijk-de-juiste-toonzetting-voor-onze-klimaatproblemen~bf2d415a/

April 5

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'Bij de terroristische aanslagen in Europa de afgelopen jaren was er vaak een connectie met wapens uit de Balkanoorlogen van de jaren 90', zegt Nils Duquet, van het Vlaams Vredesinstituut. 'Onze grote vrees is dat dat scenario zich met Oekraïne herhaalt.' https://www.knack.be/nieuws/belgie/illegale-wapenhandel-zal-boomen-na-de-oorlog-in-oekraine/article-normal-1854029.html

***
Deutche Welle (clip 18") asks the question: How much of the global arms transfers is about profit rather than security? https://youtu.be/UjiFzmYVG7w

It conludes with attention capping military industries profits it might alter the percenption on military industries.

***
US approves 8 #F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter and related equipment sale to #Bulgaria for an estimated cost of $1.673bn. DCSA delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale April 4.https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/bulgaria-f-16-cd-block-70-aircraft

The same deal or extra? https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-buys-8-f-16-jets-from-u-s/30084680.html

April 4

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Retweet @ForumArmsTrade: With comments by @MarshyNic and @jeffabramson @ArmsControlNow, plus reference to our resource page https://forumarmstrade.org/ukrainearms.html… The risks of massive arms shipments to Ukraine in the post-war period https://nexojornal.com.br/expresso/2022/04/02/Os-riscos-do-envio-massivo-de-armas-%C3%A0-Ucr%C3%A2nia-no-p%C3%B3s-guerra… via @NexoJornal

Arms shipments by at least 20 Western countries to Ukraine could be part of a strategy to face the Russian offensive, but it could also prove to be a factor of insecurity, instability & criminality if, with the end of war, these weapons spread unchecked.

https://www.nexojornal.com.br/expresso/2022/04/02/Os-riscos-do-envio-massivo-de-armas-%C3%A0-Ucr%C3%A2nia-no-p%C3%B3s-guerra

***
Is #Damen Flushing still proud to build superyachts, like this one for Russian Russian banking billionaire Oleg Tinkov. Tinkov is now sanctioned. https://www.forbes.com/sites/billspringer/2020/07/09/russian-billionaire-unveils-ultimate-expedition-superyacht/

***
Berlin continues to empty former German military depots. After earlier sending to Ukraine thousands of Soviet 9K32 Strela-2 MANPADS, it is now the turn of armored infantry vehicles based on former East German and Soviet armored vehicles. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/04/04/germany-sends-to-ukraine-ex-east-german-ifvs-based-on-soviet-bmp-1/

***
Retweet @ECCHRBerlin: PRESS RELEASE Italy’s responsibility in deadly US #drone strike in Libya Criminal complaint filed against Italian Commander of Naval Air Station Sigonella together with @RetePaceDisarmo and @Reprieve. https://www.ecchr.eu/pressemitteilung/italys-responsibility-in-deadly-us-drone-strike-in-libya-1/

For more background on attack and political/security situation see: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/25/world/middleeast/us-bombs-qaeda-libya.html

Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Targeted_killing): Targeted killing is a form of murder or assassination carried out by governments outside a judicial procedure or a battlefield.

***
What Could European Militaries Contribute to the Defense of #Taiwan?

It is clear that European militaries can contribute to the defense of Taiwan if required – and they can start taking the necessary steps now.

https://thediplomat.com/2022/04/what-could-european-militaries-contribute-to-the-defense-of-taiwan/

Based on #IISS-report https://www.iiss.org/blogs/research-paper/2022/03/taiwan-cross-strait-stability-and-european-security

***
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine mandate expired on 310322. OSCE participating States have not yet reached a consensus on its future; however, discussions on the subject continue amongst the 57 participating States.

https://www.osce.org/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine

More: https://www.osce.org/chairmanship/514958

***
The Pentagon notified Congress on Friday that it is sending Ukraine an additional $300 million of warfighting equipment that includes laser-guided missiles and drones. https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-04-01/ukraine-military-aid-us-john-kirby-drones-300-million-pentagon-5554314.html

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OVD-Info group, monitoring political arrests, says 208 people were detained in demonstrations held Saturday across Russia protesting the military invasion in Ukraine. Demonstrations took place in 17 cities, from Siberia to the west. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/russian-group-says-208-detained-in-protests/2797673/

https://ovd.news/news/2022/03/02/russian-protests-against-war-ukraine-chronicle-events

***
India buys 50% of Israel’s arms exports. Arms sales finance Israeli occupation & apartheid, and India-Israel military collaboration fuels militarization in Kashmir & elsewhere, creating a logic of "perpetual insecurity." #MilitaryEmbargo on Israel

Report: https://peoplesdispatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/India-Israel-Military-Relations-2020_compressed.pdf

April 3

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Russian ambassador to UK Andrey Kelin called the shipments of British arms to Ukraine 'legitimate targets'.

His comment to a Kremlin News agency came after UK-made Starstreak missile shot down Russian helicopter,

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10679083/Russia-vows-target-British-weapons-shipped-Ukraine.html

***
The US dream: Turkey transferring its S-400s to Ukraine. Conclusion: from both a political and a legal perspective, the idea that Turkey would transfer its Russian S-400 missiles to Ukraine is untenable. It is an American dream but too good to be true. https://www.turkishminute.com/2022/04/02/inion-the-united-states-dream-turkey-transferring-its-s-400s-to-ukraine/

***
Retweet @sarahleah1: Important report on #France fictions on arms sales & danger of "growing reverse influence of client states" undermining autonomy, exporting authoritarianism: https://sites.tufts.edu/wpf/defense-industries,-foreign-policy-and-armed-conflict:-french-study/

***
F-35-ification of European armies" is good business for US military contractors, and the US military also likes it because it means common operating platforms, said Eric Gomez, a defence policy expert at the Cato Institute. https://www.philstar.com/world/2022/04/03/2171945/us-defense-contractors-see-longer-term-benefits-war-ukraine

***
Retweet @hmtillack: Some believe the German software giant SAP now takes part in a “digital blockade” of Russia. But SAP still gives support to some customers in Russia. Investigation for @welt @WELTAMSONNTAG https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article237930269/SAP-und-Rostec-Der-deutsche-Softwareriese-und-der-russische-Ruestungskonzern.html

***
How US arms dealers profit from ‘China threat’

A huge chunk of American taxpayers’ money has gone into the pockets of arms dealers over the past two decades. Why? https://asiatimes.com/2022/04/how-us-arms-dealers-profit-from-china-threat/

April 2

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Druk op besluitvorming. Onderzeeboot uit de vaart. Dat is nodig omdat de nieuwe subs langer op zich laten wachten. Dit liet defensiestaatssecretaris Christophe van der Maat de Tweede Kamer vandaag weten. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/12/01_onderzeeboten-vervanging_12

***
The West has done a lot to stop Turkey from manufacturing Bayraktar drones, specifically by banning exports of the Wescam CMX-15D cameras made in Canada and the Rotax 912 engines made in Austria that Turkey preferred to use.

That was for good reaons. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/04/01/turkish-drones-wont-give-ukraine-the-edge-it-needs/

***
Military cooperation with Turkey is strengthening as shown by return to SAMP/T air defense efforts cooperation. SAMP/T is a product of Eurosam (MBDA: JV of Airbus, Leonardo and BAE Systems) Thales (main shareholders: French government & Dassault Aviation. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2022/04/01/turkey-and-italy-hint-at-return-to-sampt-air-defense-efforts/

***
Wat drijft de wapenhandelaar, en kan hij nog wel een normaal privéleven leiden? Criminoloog Yarin Eski ging langdurig in gesprek met een internationale wapenhandelaar. Dat leidde tot een boek: A Criminological Biography of an Arms Dealer. https://vu.nl/nl/nieuws/2022/yarin-eski-schreef-een-biografie-over-een-legale-wapenhandelaar

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The NATO Communications and Information #NCI Agency announced on 31 March that US based Leidos (merged with Lockheed, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leidos) has been awarded two contracts for work on NATO's Ballistic Missile Defence #BMD programme. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/leidos-picks-up-two-contracts-nato-ballistic-missi/

***

Retweet @ForumArmsTrade: US working to be an intermediary for transfer of tanks to Ukraine, reports @helenecooper @nytimes and others. See our resource page on arms transfers by more than two dozen countries at https://forumarmstrade.org/ukrainearms.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/01/us/politics/us-tanks-ukraine.html

***
Actor Sean Penn asks billionaires to buy fighter jets for Ukraine. Luckely there isn't such thing as actors - for good or bad reasons - circumventing arms export controls. https://www.parisbeacon.com/72709/ Besides the many other issues, see comments

https://twitter.com/SeanPenn/status/1509626754847031320

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The Nigerian Navy #NN newly constructed Landing Ship Tank #LST 100 the NNS KADA will make her maiden voyage from Albwardy Damen Shipyard, UAE to Nigeria. The NN had on May, 2018, contracted Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding to deliver the ship. https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/04/01/nigerian-navy-acquires-new-warship-nns-kada/

The Nigerian Navy’s newest Landing Ship Tank (NNS KADA), on Thursday, arrived Port of Al Duqum, Oman, on the first leg of her homeward voyage to Nigeria. https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/navy-new-defence-ship-nns-kada-visits-oman/

***

Leuk hé dat wapenproducent Thales (ze noemen het zelf liever militaire technologie of nog liever defensie- en veiligheidstechnologie) kinderen al zo vroeg in aanraking brengt met technologie. Scouting op een krappe arbeidsmarkt kan niet vroeg genoeg beginnen.

Retweet @thalesnederland: Deze leerlingen van de Minister Calsschool in Naarden hebben onze 'escape room- in-a-box' getest. Ontwikkeld om kinderen spelenderwijs kennis te laten maken met techniek. Het onderwerp van de boxen gaat ons allemaal aan: plastic afval. DM bij interesse! #thales100jaar #techniek

April 1

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Statement on Strategic Monitor by @letysedou @ENAAT: Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers of the EU adopted the Strategic Compass ... most concrete proposals are a new boon for the arms industry in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. http://enaat.org/2022/03/31/statement-the-eu-strategic-compass-a-boon-for-the-arms-industry

***
Russia sanctions could spur Chinese arms sales to Nigeria

Western sanctions on Russia and Belarus could push Nigeria to import more accessible and affordable Chinese armaments.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/4/1/ukraine-war-sanctions-could-boost-chinese-arms-supply-to-nigeria

***
Australian PM Scott Morrison said on Friday that his government had approved Mr Zekensky's request of sending Thales Australia armoured Bushmaster vehicles that will be flown on Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport planes.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-generals-fired-zelensky-traitors-b2048779.html

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-01/what-is-the-bushmaster/100958322

***
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushes the West to re-arm Confronting the bear https://www.economist.com/united-states/2022/03/28/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-pushes-the-west-to-re-arm

But isn't the bear stopped in its tracks, at dear cost, by relatively small armed forces? Isn't the West instead arming against the perceived threat of the dragon?

***
Italian shipbuilder #Fincantieri has launched the 4th corvette for #Qatar, the final ship of a contract awarded in 2016. The multiship order, worth $4.47 billion, also includes the delivery of a landing platform dock #LPD and two offshore patrol vessels. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/03/fincantieri-launches-qatars-fourth-air-defense-corvette/

***
If Scholz’s proposal is realized, this would catapult Germany toward the top of the world’s largest military spenders. Germany would rank 3rd—up from 7th in 2020—behind the US and China and ahead of India and Russia. Alexandra Marksteiner, SIPRI said. https://www.thetrumpet.com/25418-germany-to-be-the-third-largest-military-spender

***
I am not the person to defend the military industry, but this is overstated: “until more than a year ago Vladimir Putin and his army were still good customers of the European arms industry” https://zephyrnet.com/the-export-of-arms-to-russia-despite-the-embargo-is-a-disgrace-to-the-whole-eu/

EU report shows something different (the writer mixed different categories). http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/overview?metric=export&destination=russia&year_from=2015 Digging deeper (like organisations and journalists of several countries did during the past month) surfaces exports not reported here. But Europe pressured France to back down

On an other part of exports of strategic goods (not the military products https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52020XG0313(07)&from=EN) but dual use products (https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2020/december/tradoc_159198.pdf) there is a number of exports violating a restrictive policy on Russia. This is the latest, a Swedish example.https://twitter.com/FrankSlijper/status/1509575388997074944

The Swedish Expressen continues reporting on exports for Russian military use. The Russian security service FSB and President Putin's own security force have for several years bought more than 1,000 Swedish-made red dot sights for their spetsnaz forces. https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/ryska-spetsnaz-styrkor-kopte-svenska-sikten-/

***
Twelve of the Russian state’s nuclear weapons manufacturers use technology from Swedish companies: Swedish newspaper Expressen. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/russian-nuclear-weapon-manufacturers-use-swedish-technology/

Here the link to the very informative page Euroative article is based upon: https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1-000-affarer-med-ryska-krigsindustrin/