Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
July 31
***
Is Saudi Arabia a friend of the
democracy, freedom and human rights loving West again? In addition to
oil, the United States and France are connected to the country by
arms exports.
https://observatorial.com/news/economy/154795/is-saudi-arabia-a-friend-of-the-west-again-in-addition-to-oil-the-united-states-and-france-are-connected-to-the-country-by-arms-exports/
***
#German #Airbus #A400M Atlas
transport plane being equipped with Diehl – #Israeli #Elbit
Directed Infrared protection against MANPADs
https://frontierindia.com/german-airbus-a400m-atlas-being-equipped-with-diehl-elbit-directed-infrared-protection-against-manpads/
July 30
***
Which
other countries do use failing Martin-Baker ejection seats in their
F-35's? The Netherlands is (same type?):
https://martin-baker.com/news_events_post/first-martin-baker-deliveries-for-jsf-partner-nations/
Staan
de Nederlandse JSFs al aan de grond?
Reweet with comment
@StevenStaples: Wow 300+ jets are grounded! This
airplane is not a good choice for Canada. Air Force grounds entire
#F-35 Lightning II fleet
https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11062249/Air-Force-grounds-entire-F-35-Joint-Strike-Fighter-fleet-faulty-ejection-seat.html
via @MailOnline #cdnpoli
060822: Here’s what we know about F-35 ejection seat woes so far https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/08/05/heres-what-we-know-about-f-35-ejection-seat-woes-so-far/
Onderdeel schietstoel Nederlandse F-35
in VS uit voorzorg vervangen. Nieuwsbericht | 26-08-2022 |
At
last also the Netherlands repaces ejection seats in F-35's for
precautionary reasons.
https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/08/25/onderdeel-schietstoel-nederlandse-f-35-in-vs-uit-voorzorg-vervangen
July 29
***
Who has spun the vision that
fire fighting is a task for the military? Why there are no - because
of climate change - much needed civil assets to extinguish wild
fires.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/07/26/the-eu-doesnt-have-enough-planes-to-put-out-wildfires-but-airbus-thinks-it-has-the-answer
The military is part of the problem not of the solution. See eg https://theconversation.com/how-the-worlds-militaries-hide-their-huge-carbon-emissions-171466
***
After years of dwindling
production, ironmongers worldwide are gearing up for the new Cold
War-re-energised by the fight in Ukraine. Britain’s defence sector
is no exception, with industry leader BAE Systems expecting a flood
of new orders.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/07/29/defence-companies-re-energised-war-ukraine/
***
An experimental warship has been
unveiled by the UK Navy to be used to test state-of-the-art
technology, including #autonomous systems. The 42m vessel has been
converted from a Dutch-built #Damen 4008 FCS Ship and painted with
the insignia X01 on the side.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/royal-navy-ben-mitchell-dutch-nato-nobel-prize-b1015479.html
***
The almost simultaneous stay of
Macron in Cameroon and the visit of the Russian Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Sergei Lavrov to Congo Brazzaville, could say a lot about
the fierce competition between Paris and Moscow in Africa, in the
field ofarms sale.
https://lepays.bf/mini-tournee-africaine-demmanuel-macron-la-democratie-et-les-droits-humains-peuvent-toujours-attendre-2/
***
A string of recent
arms-trafficking scandals in Haiti, including the discovery of
weapons in a shipping container labeled as church donations, has
ignited anger over a steady flow of U.S. guns that are fueling
rampant gang violence.
https://risepei.news/anger-grows-in-haiti-over-weapons-trafficking-from-u-s-after-guns-shipped-as-church-donations/
***
UN Security Council emphasized
that there can be no military solution in Libya, and demanded full
compliance by all member states with the arms embargo imposed under
Resolution 1970, as modified by subsequent resolutions.
https://english.news.cn/20220729/bccf07c0ea9a466cb6c20e8439559467/c.html
How
about countries like the UAE and Turkey, will they now stick to this
policy or continue helping their allies with planes and ships loaded
with arms as they do for years? Or simply earn money by trafficking
weapons like air lifters from Ukraine did?
https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1538782717474643968
***
Iran Ramps Up Drone Exports,
Signaling Global Ambitions
Tehran has quietly stepped up the sale
of drone technology to countries outside the Middle East as it seeks
to become a player in the international market.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/28/world/middleeast/iran-drone-exports.html
***
Visit of German Minister of Foreign
Affairs Baerbock to Greece and Turkey. Greek FA Minister Nikos
Dendias is expected to raise the issue of arms exports to Turkey and
Ankara’s behavior in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean in
recent years.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1190045/german-fm-to-visit-athens-on-friday/
Addition: Greens
have been calling for a tougher stance against Ankara for years.
After the Turkish offensive in northern Syria 3 years ago, #Baerbock
- then not involved in the government as Green Party leader -
demanded a halt to all German arms exports.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus240167999/Baerbock-in-Ankara-Erdogan-wird-fuer-die-Gruenen-zum-Problem.html
And now?
Addition: Nikos Dendias, #Greek
FA minister, denounced German arms exports to #Turkey, especially the
export of #submarines. Since 2004 Germany has delivered warships or
components for them worth billions to Turkey.
https://globeecho.com/news/europe/germany/baerbock-in-greece-a-rather-critical-partner/
#Germany is quiet liberal on submarine
exports.
***
Israel Aerospace Industries
subsidiary ELTA Systems will receive cutting-edge
Identification-Friend-or-Foe (IFF) technology from HENSOLDT as part
of a $10.2 million deal to develop MSSR 2000 ID and MSR1000I radars.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2022_global_security_army_industry/
***
In a country where people live
in poverty a military spending rise is proposed of 9%. That's a
whooping $60bn more in a single year withheld from more pressing
needs, like health, infrastructure, target out of proportion
contributions damaging the climate.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/07/28/nearly-9-boost-for-defense-spending-next-year-under-new-senate-plan/
July 28
***
TAI will deliver a batch of 6
#T129 #attack helicopters to #Nigeria. Turkish #TAI is building the
T129 under license from the #Italian-#British firm #AgustaWestland.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/07/27/tai-inks-helicopter-trainer-aircraft-deals-with-african-nations/
***
#Bangladesh is set to buy the
notorious #Turkish-made #Bayraktar TB2 armed #drones, according to
the Bangladeshi daily newspaper Prothom Alo.
MEE was told that Baykar is in the
process of establishing a production line in the #UAE.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bayraktar-bangladesh-buy-drones
***
War
what is it good for?
Poland is going to buy 1000 K2 tanks
and 600 K9 guns from South Korea in the midst of Ukraine war. Apart
from this, Poland is also going to buy 48 fighters from South Korea.
https://www.newsdayexpress.com/world/fear-of-russian-attack-poland-buying-1000-tanks-600-indian-k9-guns-from-south-korea/
Addition:
South Korea has become the world’s eighth-largest arms
exporter, with its exports rising threefold – the fastest pace
among the world’s top 10 weapons exporting countries.
https://www.kedglobal.com/aerospace-defense/newsView/ked202207250013
Addition: A US ally, South #Korea’s policy is that it will not provide #Ukraine with #lethal aid, and has sought to avoid antagonising #Russia – both for economic reasons and the influence that Moscow can exert with North Korea. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3186976/south-korea-steps-closer-ukraine-war-massive-arms-deal-poland
July 27
***
The US Department of Defense is
donating 580 Phoenix Ghost kamikaze drones to Ukraine as part of an
additional security assistance package valued at $270 million.
https://www.airforcemag.com/air-force-rapidly-developed-a-new-drone-for-ukraine-phoenix-ghost/
***
On 14 July 2022 an #Egypt Air
Force #AW149 was seen during a test flight. The heli, serial 44 (c/n
49087) & test registration CSX82057, has extended exhaust nozzles
and was flying with #rocket launchers on the pylons. The heli's were
sold by #Leonardo.
https://scramble.nl/military-news/modification-to-egypt-air-force-aw149s
***
Retweet @SciteCitoVS
sturen flink meer geheimzinnige ‘zelfmoorddrones’ naar Oekraïne
https://volkskrant.nl/ts-b6b3e31a
***
A Soviet-era plane that #crashed
in #Greece, killing eight crew members, was carrying Serbian arms to
Bangladesh in a deal brokered by a Bosnia-based company owned by a
Polish weapons firm, BIRN has learned.
https://balkaninsight.com/2022/07/26/crashed-plane-was-flying-arms-for-polish-owned-bosnian-company/
***
Video (7:19) explains how
#Egypt's arms imports from European countries silcenses criticism on
gross human rights violations.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/video/silence-arms-eu-arms-sales-sisis-egypt
Dutch comes somewhat better out of the
story than should be (because of its 'hidden' sales of
components).https://netherlands.postsen.com/news/6402
Wendela de Vries of Dutch Stop Wapenhandel: “Despite having
far more resources at its disposal, the State appears unable to get
all relevant facts on the table. How can a well-informed decision
about arms exports then be made?” Uitspraak/Verdict:
https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/inziendocument?id=ECLI:NL:GHDHA:2022:834&showbutton=true&keyword=C%2f09%2f618625%2fKG+ZA+2+1%2f923
***
#Israeli #drone exports have
been mostly limited to surveillance models. Loitering munitions,
often called suicide drones, were not under censorship and have been
exported to numerous countries. Drones made up 9% of Israel’s arms
exports last year.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-idfs-armed-drones-can-now-be-talked-about-unless-its-to-sell-them/
***
Canada’s arms exports to Saudi
Arabia increased from $1.3-billion in 2020 to $1.7-billion in 2021.
There have been allegations that Canadian-made military equipment was
being used in the war in Yemen.
How many died because of this war?
400.000!
https://www.hilltimes.com/2022/07/27/four-years-in-canada-saudi-diplomatic-impasse-shows-no-signs-of-resolution-but-trade-continues/374155
July 26
***
Big powers in the way
The United States, Russia, and China are the loudest opponents of an outright ban on autonomous weapon systems or binding rules to govern their use. #killerrobots
https://www.dw.com/en/killer-robots-will-they-be-banned/a-62587436
***
Two super yachts confirmed to be
owned by Roman #Abramovich, abruptly left Antigua to seek refuge in
Morocco.
https://en.hespress.com/46342-two-super-yachts-owned-by-russian-oligarch-seek-refuge-in-morocco.html
The Halo and Garçon are built by #Damen, shipbuilder known as monopolist for Dutch naval vessels.
https://www.damenyachting.com/yacht/amels-180-13/
https://www.damenyachting.com/yacht/ys-6711-01/
***
The US Department of State
cleared a possible foreign military sale of 96 Raytheon-made Patriot
surface-to-air missiles to the Netherlands in a deal estimated to be
worth $1.2 billion!
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-patriot-mim-104e-guidance-enhanced-missile-tactical-gem-t
***
The US State Department has
cleared a potential $397 million purchase request from the government
of Kuwait for missiles, bombs, tail kits and other equipment in
support of its Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft fleet.
https://www.govconwire.com/2022/07/kuwait-to-purchase-eurofighter-typhoon-aircraft-missiles-munitions/
***
The US DoD is looking at
alternative locations for the largest military exercise in #Africa
amid Senate pressure to bump #Morocco from its position as an annual
host for the drills. The military annexation of Western #Sahara seems
to be a problem at last.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2022/07/25/pentagon-reviews-removing-morocco-as-host-of-largest-military-exercise-in-africa/
July 25
***
Most remarkable transit
(doorvoer) in second quarter of 2022 is the shipment through the
Dutch harbour of #Rotterdam of 2,000,000 9mm #bullets shipped from
the #Czech Republic by boat to #Thailand.
What is wrong with delivering so many bullets to a country were the Senate members are appointed by the military and the country ruled by a party close the the armed forces? Is it a semi-military or a semi democratic regime? https://freedomhouse.org/country/thailand/freedom-world/2022
***
Dutch dual use exports to
Ukraine in March and April, body armour valued €1.2 million and
thermal image intensifiers valued € 0.8 million.
***
One of the problems with selling
German Iris-T air defence systems to Ukraine is the limited
production capability at Diehl. + they go elsewhere. Late 2021
Merkel's coalition government approved several arms exports for
Egypt, including 16 Iris systems.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article240088549/Krieg-im-Osten-Zeichen-fuer-ein-Wiedererstarken-der-Ukraine-mehren-sich.html
***
Researchers of US Holocaust
Memorial Museum
(https://earlywarningproject.ushmm.org/reports/don-t-abandon-us-preventing-mass-atrocities-in-papua-indonesia)
warn of growing potential for mass killings in Papua region.
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/us-holocaust-museum-warns-of-future-mass-killings-papua-indonesia-07222022144046.html
Will this have a pro-active effect, limiting arms sales to Jakarta?
***
***
Korea expects to sign a €2.8
billion deal to sell 48 FA-50 light combat fighter jets to Poland
this week, the first export of a Korean military aircraft to Europe.
The jet made its debut at the Farnborough International Airshow in
the UK last week.
https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2022/07/25/2022072500940.html
***
Spanish warship in illegal
incursion into #Gibraltar waters. Foreign Office says Spanish actions
are “a violation of sovereignty, not a threat to it.” Two
incidents are mentioned. Both involve #nuclear #submarines, one
British, the other from the US.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/spanish-warship-in-illegal-incursion-into-gibraltar-waters/
July 24
***
IRINI reported that on 18 July,
Operation IRINI conducted an inspection of the MV VICTORY RORO
(https://vesselfinder.com/vessels/VICTORY-RORO-IMO-7800112-MMSI-631010060)
off the coast of Libya. The ship was found to be transporting
vehicles to Libya in breach of the UN arms embargo.
https://www.libyaherald.com/2022/07/operation-irini-seizes-military-vehicles-on-board-ship-violating-un-libya-arms-embargo/
Ro-ro ship with military vehicles
intercepted in Med off Libya CORRECTION
https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/38913/ro-ro-ship-military-vehicles-intercepted-med-libya/
#VICTORY
RORO, IMO 7800112, GT 5881, built 1978, flag Equatorial Guinea,
manager YILDIRIM SHIPPING CO, Mersin, #Turkey.
https://maritimebulletin.net/2022/07/21/ro-ro-ship-with-military-vehicles-intercepted-in-med-off-libya/
Replying to (6/8/22) @martinbroek: Ship
now at the kay of the harbour (container terminal) of San Ferdinando.
To what end? https://vesselfinder.com/?imo=7800112
(11/08/22) And the Turkish catch by Irini is still in the Libyan press: IRINI finds military equipment on board ship sailing from Jordan to eastern Libya. https://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/irini-finds-military-equipment-board-ship-sailing-jordan-eastern-libya
***
Leonardo’s latest air defense
radar technology joins NATO training range in Greece. The family of
sensors includes a new development in L-band, Kronos Power Shield,
specifically designed for long range ATBM (Anti Tactical Ballistic
Missile) capabilities.
https://www.leonardo.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/21-07-2022-leonardo-s-latest-air-defense-radar-technology-joins-nato-training-range-in-greece
***
New #Airbus #military helicopter
that could create 100s of jobs touches down in North Wales
Do they've an oversupply of technical skilled workers? Would be peculiar in these times. Or will Airbus compete with other industries, also the more sustainable?
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-airbus-military-helicopter-could-24564081
***
European fighter market, already
US dominated (Lockheed F-16, F-35 & Boeing F/A-18), is split by
two domestic developed European fighters, BAES Tempest & Airbus
FCAS. That seems to be the most efficient and the way of spending
Government billions wisely.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/07/23/tempest-fighter-jet-heralds-new-dawn-british-defence-industry/
***
European fighter market, already
US dominated (Lockheed F-16, F-35, and Boeing F/A-18), is split by
two domestic developed fighters, the BAES Tempest & Airbus FCAS.
That seems to be the most efficient, and a way of spending Government
billions wisely.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/07/23/tempest-fighter-jet-heralds-new-dawn-british-defence-industry/
***
Drone strikes that kill SDF and
AANES leaders and Syrian civilians are a part of the Turkey’s
offensive into northeast Syria, and explicitly contribute to all of
the negative developments listed.
https://www.kurdishpeace.org/policy/turkeys-targeted-killings-threaten-stability-security-in-syria/
***
Mumbai-based Larsen &
Toubro, which describes itself as "India's premier
infrastructure developer" one of four bidders shortlisted in UK
£1.6bn naval shipbuilding deal. "Some 91 workers lost their
lives in the last three years," at L&T trade union warns.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/ministers-warned-over-91-deaths-27559697
***
A potential threat observed
in war zones in the past is that firearms can fall into the wrong
hands. Regarding the war in Ukraine, Europol has warned that the
proliferation in Ukraine could lead to an increase in firearms &
munitions trafficked into the
EU.https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/europol-statement-cooperation-ukraine
Addition: Carefull
with arms transits
1 advanced tech could fall into Russian
hands, give up military secrets
2 foreign weapons could be used for
attacks inside Russia, cause a major escalation
3 post-war heavily-armed militias may
pose a threat to national security
https://inews.co.uk/news/world/ukraine-seeks-to-ease-weapon-smuggling-fears-with-new-commission-1758978
July 23
***
Were Serbian weapons headed for
Ukraine?
Questions linger after a Ukrainian
plane carrying Serbian weapons crashed in Greece. Incident spotlight
Serbia's weapons industry & political corruption, as well as its
attempts to balance between Russia and the EU.
https://www.dw.com/en/mystery-plane-crash-were-serbian-weapons-headed-for-ukraine/a-62574069
***
Secretary Stoltenberg was vague
about the details of #NATO's #climate plan. "Momentum had been
building for all member countries to agree a joint climate plan with
emissions reduction targets... but what was agreed at the June summit
remains unclear."
https://www.energymonitor.ai/policy/nato-disappoints-with-tepid-climate-action
***
US House military spending bill
is a boon to the arms industry
Lawmakers added $37 billion beyond what
the Pentagon asked for, most of it going to defense contractors at
the expense of service members.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/07/15/house-military-spending-bill-is-a-boon-to-the-arms-industry/
***
How the international arms
trade kills women in Brazil. Figures provided by #Brazil’s Ministry
of Industry since 2010 shows Brazil imported weapons and ammunition
worth $9.3m from Germany, $18.1m from Belgium, $153.8m from France,
and $7.8m from the UK.
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/democraciaabierta/brazil-international-arms-trade-killing-women-femicide/
July 22
***
Italian newspaper la Repubblica
reported last week that Italian authorities had seized a U.S.-made,
Russia-bound drone shipment from Canada. But US autorities "too
may have been caught sleeping."
https://torontosun.com/news/politics/john-ivison-report-of-a-drone-sent-to-russia-points-to-holes-in-ottawas-export-ban
***
Embraer of Brazil has revealed
plans to partner with BAE Systems to offer the C-390 transport
aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1207066-embraer-and-bae-systems-announce-collaboration-for-the-c-390-millennium-and-eve-evtol
Embraer and Fokker Services are to
deepen their collaboration on aftermarket support services, building
on a co-operation dating back to a preliminary agreement signed last
October also including Fokker Techniek.
https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2022/embraer-and-fokker-services-to-deepen-co-operation/149518.article
The
Netherlands has made a somewhat surprising decision to replace its
legacy fleet of aging C-130H Hercules transport aircraft with the
C-390 Millenium (C-390M) from Brazil’s Embraer.
https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/wordpress/2022/06/17/netherlands-opts-for-embraer-c-390m-to-fill-airlift-requirement/
***
Try, try a little bit harder.
Who takes the initiative to get arms control on hypersonic weapons on
track. This instead of the evolving arms race.
Hypersonic missile launches off Marine Corps truck in DARPA test.
***
1/3 The US and Dutch militaries signed
an agreement Wednesday in the Netherlands to work together on future
vertical lift programs, according to a statement from the US Army.
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/07/20/us-and-netherlands-agree-to-share-helicopter-developments/
2/3 Last month, the Netherlands signed onto a memorandum of understanding with five other NATO allies ― Italy, France, Germany, Greece and the United Kingdom ― to commit $28 million for a Next-Generation Rotocraft Capability (NGRC) project. https://www.defensenews.com/global/2022/06/16/six-nato-countries-sign-agreement-to-collaborate-on-next-gen-helo/
3/3 Last year GKN Aerospace and
Airbus informed other military companies in the Netherlands on the
program.
https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/bijeenkomst-nidv-platform-voor-vliegende-systemen-bij-het-defensie-helikopter-commando/
GKN and also its Dutch branch (formerly Fokker) has a long history
developing and producing military helicopters.
https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/our-solutions/defense/
***
UK sends weapons to Ukraine to
strengthen it military capabilities agaionst Russian invader. And at
the same time sends arms to Turkey and Saudi Arabia using arms
against neighbours and own population (as India does).
Retweet @CaatData: Largest arms export licences approved by the UK government, January - March 2022: https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/licence-list?index=value&date_from=2022&date_to=2022-03
***
Troubled Lockheed F-35 risks
more groundings on lack of working engines.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-07-19/f-35-gao-report-6701838.html
***
#US army barracks in #Germany
organises weapons to Ukraine. Troops from 26 nations occupy the
computer-filled room to plan that everything from Stinger missiles
and howitzers to drones and long range-artillery gets to secret rally
locations. #Stuttgart
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-07-20/european-command-ukraine-support-stuttgart-6711689.html
***
#Ukraine says air force needs
western #fighter jets, and the US is preparing to help. “There are
a number of international opportunities that are possible there,”
Kendall (US Air Force Secretary) said. “Older U.S. systems are a
possibility.”
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/07/21/ukraine-says-its-air-force-needs-western-fighter-jets-and-the-us-is-preparing-to-help/
***
US #SOCOM nominee sees #China
fight as more partner building, less door kicking. That may be
conducting advanced training and helping to develop tactics and
techniques with drones, satellite intelligence, and other emerging
technologies to be competitive.
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2022/07/socom-nominee-sees-china-fight-more-partner-building-less-door-kicking/374818/
***
Tighter controls on the way over
defence and intelligence officials switching to the private sector
proposed in France. [behind paywall] #revolvingdoors
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/corporate-intelligence/2022/07/22/tighter-controls-on-the-way-over-defence-and-intelligence-officials-switching-to-the-private-sector,109801230-art
***
It was based on structural and
enduring help by NATO.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/02/turkish-defence-industry-not-miracle.html
Retweet
@WSJ: Turkey’s low-cost drones helped alter the
balance of power in Ukraine’s battle against the Russian invasion,
as a two-decade-long project to become a weapons-manufacturing
powerhouse is starting to pay off https://on.wsj.com/3v498Jw
 |
| Niet de gemeente reinigingsdienst maar de krijgsmacht. |
Defensie neemt eerste elektrische bedrijfsvoertuigen in ontvangst. Defensie levert hiermee een bijdrage aan de maatschappelijke opgave om #klimaatverandering tegen te gaan. https://defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/07/21/defensie-neemt-eerste-elektrische-bedrijfsvoertuigen-in-ontvangst Zie foto bij dit stukje agitprop. Tover dan een tank, fregat of F-35 op je netvlies.
July 21
***
The also despicable war of
aggression at the other border of NATO, by a NATO-member the
organisation "bound together by common values: individual
liberty, human rights, democracy and the rule of law."
***
And the winneer is? European
Union: Defence Industry - EU takes steps to invest almost 1.2 billion
to support 61 defence industrial cooperation projects.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4595
***
The US State Department has made
a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale #FMS to
the Government of the United Arab Emirates #UAE of #C17 Transport
Aircraft Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of
$980.4 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/united-arab-emirates-c-17-aircraft-sustainment
***
The US State Department has made
a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale #FMS to
the Government of #Belgium of #F16 Sustainment and related equipment
for an estimated cost of $127 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/belgium-f-16-sustainment
***
Israeli Military admits it uses
attack drones. Palestinians have accused #Israel of using armed
#drones in targeted killings. There have also been numerous
international news reports of Israeli drones attacking targets in
Lebanon and Iran.
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-07-20/israel-military-admits-it-uses-armed-drones
***
NATO solidarity? Reuters.
Turkish President Erdogan said Wednesday that almost all Nordic
countries had become "nests of terror," adding Germany, the
Netherlands, France, Italy & Britain were also allowing groups
Turkey considers to be terrorist roam free.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/07/20/turkeys-erdogan-almost-all-nordic-countries-nests-of-terror/
July 20
***
#Ukrainian ambassador thanks
Australia and #Thales for Bendigo-built Bushmasters and ongoing
support
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7826661/ukrainian-ambassador-tours-aussie-facility-shows-gratitude-for-bushmaster-support/
Earlier quarrel solved now? https://stopwapenhandel.org/killed-by-thales-military-technology-in-bucha
***
Wrong direction. #SAMI
Aerospace, a business division of #Saudi Arabian Military Industries
#SMI, has signed a contract with #Airbus Helicopters Arabia to
support SAMI in building its technical capabilities to provide
rotorcraft support to Saudi military.
http://www.gulfindustryonline.com/stories/source/?url=IND_398712.html
***
Fails again! Swedish Air Force
is meausred the effectiveness & performance of its #NH90
anti-submarine warfare #ASW helicopter, with the platform deemed as
not currently delivering its planned capabilities to the Swedish
military.
https://europe-cities.com/2022/07/18/nh90-does-not-deliver-for-sweden-says-the-air-force-chief/
#Airbus #Fokker #Leonardo
***
Profit from war?
Blair urged Kuwait to buy UK arms in
'recognition' of Gulf war support, memos show
Newly released archive documents reveal
the UK was 'disappointed' not to have won military contracts after
helping Kuwait during 1990 Iraq invasion
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-kuwait-blair-urged-buy-arms-recognition-gulf-war
***
Netherlands more than average
arms exporter (53 per cent military and security production) while in
the Europe the average stands at 38 per cent.
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=ba3e1078-ca94-4393-a702-2733bcbdd42e&title=Rapport%20Nederlandse%20defensie%20en%20veiligheid%20gerelateerde%20technologische%20industri%C3%ABle%20basis.pdf
***
It seems a policy of: make hay
[weapons] while the sun shines [nearby war rages]
Military industry: EU to reinforce the
European defence industry through common procurement with a €500
million instrument.
The result a more militarised EU.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4491
Full
text of: Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF
THE COUNCIL on establishing the European defence industry
Reinforcement through common Procurement Act.
https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/proposal-european-defence-industry.pdf
***
Not long ago the lesser
developed defence #LDDI #NATO member was helped by others. Now
#Turkey’s military and aerospace exports Jan-Jun 2022 reached a
record of almost $2 billion, up 48% from the same period in 2021,
official statistics revealed, July 19.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/07/19/turkey-nearing-4-billion-in-annual-defense-exports/
***
The British government has
supported the coalition with billions of pounds of arms sales.
Anti-arms trade groups across Europe have also highlighted the role
played by a number of other European countries in sustaining the war
in Yemen.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/f/yemen-the-war-that-must-not-be-forgotten
***
Lockheed Martin's - the
company absorbing the lion share of higher European military budgets
- CEO said the increased defence spending will boost the company’s
future sales ― but it will take time. "It’s going to take 2
to 3 years."
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/07/19/the-clutch-isnt-engaged-yet-lockheed-martin-reports-lower-sales-but-says-it-expects-growing-demand
Remarkable
words just after the Pentagon and Lockheed agreed on the acquisiton
of 375 F-35's. Reuters reported that the deal would be worth about
$30 billion
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/07/19/lockheed-touts-handshake-deal-with-pentagon-for-next-three-lots-of-f-35s/
(half of LM's military revenues in a year,
https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/).
July 19
***
European Union foreign ministers
agreed on Monday another €500 million of EU funding to supply arms
to Ukraine, taking the bloc's security support to €2.5 billion
since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-07-18/eu-seeks-to-keep-up-support-for-ukraine-despite-economic-damage
***
Israeli Dual Use exports -
opportunity for amnesty. The campaign allows Israeli companies,
meeting certain criteria (described), to voluntarily disclose past
export violations and, in return, receive amnesty from enforcement
action for those violations.
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=0e7307d8-dbe5-459e-9586-7d6034e20325
***
Comment: Woordvoerder van de
Koninklijke Landmacht noemt mogelijke nadelen gebruik van een app:
"die werkwijze verloopt waarschijnlijk via het GSM-netwerk en is
misschien minder goed beveiligd tegen hackers dan ons digitale
systeem." #PzH2000
Retweet @robdewijk: Bijzonder! Dankzij zelfgemaakte software: Oekraïners verbluffen Nederland en Duitsland met hun pantserhouwitsers - EW Oekraïners verbluffen Nederland en Duitsland met hun pantserhouwitsers - EW https://ewmagazine.nl/nederland/achtergrond/2022/07/oekrainers-verbluffen-nederland-en-duitsland-met-hun-pantserhouwitsers-893517/
***
In- en ex-filtratie vanuit
onderzeeërs. Het belang ervan is toegenomen door de mogelijkheid van
een militair konflikt met China rond de "eerste eilandketen"
(vanaf de Aleoeten tot aan Indonesië).
https://www.businessinsider.com/drills-with-navy-submarines-show-how-marine-operators-reach-target-2022-6
Zie ook:
http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2022/07/in-en-ex-filtratie-vanuit-onderzeeers.html
***
From Pegasus to Kamikaze Drones:
#Israel's Arms Exports to #Morocco. Israel and Morocco have a long
history of security and diplomatic cooperation.
Here it's about: Heron & Harops drones, Barak MX missile defense system, Pegasus & 9mm Tavor (X95) weapons. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-07-19/ty-article-timeline/israel-morocco-arms-sales-pegasus-harop-kamikaze-drones-barak-missiles/00000182-10f9-d1ad-a1b7-1ffd14150000
***
Naval Group shakes up Riyadh
office
The reshuffle of its local management
team takes place as the French shipyard struggles to secure lucrative
contracts in Saudi Arabia. [behind paywall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2022/07/18/naval-group-shakes-up-riyadh-office,109799915-art
July 18
***
The largest (€ 27m) Dutch
military export license for April 2022 is on aircraft engine tech
going to Brittan to be re-exported to Japan. No idea what military
plane this is about. It isn't the Tempest
https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2022/01/analysis-uk-and-japan-power-ahead-with-defence-ties.
License provided 19/04/22.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen
***
It keeps me puzzled why the
Netherlands is equipping the navy of an important ally of China.
Beijing was openly called a threat during the last NATO summit.
Are
they arming against their own arms deliverances? The Dutch have a
centuries long history of earning profits by arming adversaries.
***
Cash strapped Pakistan forced to
acquire second-hand Dutch minehunters.
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-forced-to-acquire-second-hand-dutch-minehunters20211220105028/
You know what. They cost just a € 75.000 for both vessels. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen A reward for buying new OPVs at Dutch Damen? https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2022/07/steel-cutting-ceremony-of-pakistan-navy-opv-held-in-romania/
***
What's wrong with licensing
export of technology and components for guided missiles to the navy
of an authoritarian regime in a region of tension? It seems nothing
the Dutch government gave a license in April 2022 for such exports to
the UAE, value € 8m.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen
***
The result of the continuing
Ukraine crisis has been the growing US presence in Europe, the
strengthening of NATO’s position, and the further strengthening of
Europe’s security dependence on the United States.
NATO is becoming a stimulus to increase
global arms production and sales. This is undoubtedly very good news
for large companies, mainly American ones, which produce and sell
weapons.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/18072022-nato-and-the-us-will-win-the-ukraine-war-oped/
***
11/11/21: The major powers of
the world including Europe, in recent years, have been placing
increasing importance on defence cooperation with Bangladesh.
Germany, France, Italy and Spain have become increasingly interested
in supplying high-tech weapons.
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/europe-is-increasingly-interested-in-selling-arms-to-bangladesh
What military technology did the
Netherlands license to Bangladesh in the first 4 months of 2022? The
deliverances are small, but part of a stream of – mainly Thales –
shipments after Bangladesh bought a South Korean (Saudi financed)
naval vessel with Dutch technology.
|
Licenses for exports of Dutch miliary technology to Bangladesh Jan-April 2022 |
||||
|
Date |
ML Category |
EU list |
Origin |
Value |
|
16-03-22 |
ML21b4; ML22a; ML5b |
A10 |
Components, software and technology for radar and C3-systems. |
€ 373.099 |
|
07-02-22 |
ML21b4; ML22a |
B9 |
Software and technology for radar and C3-systems. |
€ 139.950 |
***
1/4 Hundreds of defence and
aerospace executives will this week descend on an airfield in
southern England along with ministers, generals, air marshals and
hangers-on, to attend the industry’s version of the ...huh?...
Glastonbury music festival.
https://www.ft.com/content/0a917386-7a62-4e4a-9b89-123933f750a6
2/4 Kajsa Ollongren, the Dutch MoD
believes the reality of combat in Europe will strengthen armament
programs. “In the past . . . people have been saying this
in the context of [defence] budget cuts. And now we are saying it in
the context of budget increases,” she says. “That’s a big
engine for us to use.”
4/4 Germany’s first big purchase
after announcing it would launch a €100bn military modernisation
fund was the American-made F-35 fighter jet, capable of carrying
nuclear weapons. Some European industry executives worry that a large
part of the extra money will not be spent at home.
***
Ukrainians are the transporters
of special cargo for a long time. They have the large USSR era
planes. Sometimes these arms shipments are illegal (see last Panel of
Experts on Libya report.) But the tragedy seems closer to Serbia &
the planned countries of destination than Kyiv.
Reply to
@andrewfeinstein: ‘Ukrainian cargo plane carrying
weapons from Serbia to Bangladesh crashes in Greece’ Seems strange
for a Ukrainian plane to be carrying arms between Serbia &
Bangladesh given what is happening in Ukraine! Is there more to this
story than meets the eye?
July 17
***
Retweet @FrankSlijper: Ukraine's
Meridian An-12 cargo plane which crashed in northern Greece was
carrying 11 tonnes of Serbian weapons - including landmines - to
Bangladesh, officials say.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62195005
***
“Turkey’s occupation areas
[in Syria] have become a veritable safe zone for ISIS,” Abdi
[Syrian Kurds #SDF commander] said. “Many top level ISIS cadres,
including Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, have been killed in these areas,
showing us who fails to comply with the ceasefire.”
Retweet
@mutludc: Possible Turkish operation ‘will
involve all of Syria’, says Kurdish commander |
https://ahvalnews.com/mazloum-abdi/possible-turkish-operation-will-involve-all-syria-says-kurdish-commander
***
If the United States is serious
about rejecting a military solution to Turkey’s Kurdish question ..
it can end material support for Erdogan’s war effort .. like
blocking the sale of combat aircraft and drone parts as .. already
been proposed by Congress.
https://www.kurdishpeace.org/policy/no-military-solution-a-new-u-s-approach-to-the-kurdish-question/
***
President Joe Biden begs Saudi
Arabia for increased oil production. He takes a similar craven
approach toward Turkey, despite internal repression & external
military operations. For other reasons even conservaties ask why
Turkey is still a member of NATO.
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/why-is-turkey-still-in-nato/
***
Did loosening the rules for
#India (CAATSA sanctions for purchasing the S-400 air defense system
from Russia) help #Boeing marketing its F-18 Super Hornet against
French Rafale-Marine?
https://eurasiantimes.com/super-hornets-for-navy-rafale-for-air-force-have-indian-navy-deal/
***
Thales wants to pull 11,000 away
worldwide from tight labour market, including 4,000 in France.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/press_release/thales-recruit-11000-people-worldwide-including-4000-france-drive-next
***
For navigation, research, but
also to use space for war. To cater the commercial and institutional
market (military included) #ESA is aiming for 5 Vega C launches p.
year, or even 6 over a 12-month period. @Arianespace
(https://www.arianespace.com/company-profile/).
#dualuse
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/vega-c-et-maintenant-925830.html
Airbus
has completed the critical design review (CDR) of the UK Ministry of
Defences (MoD) future military communication satellite, Skynet 6A.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/news/2022-07-skynet-6a-satellite-passes-critical-design-review
***
Pivitisation of next part of
war. Due to the Ukraine war, there are no cargo planes (used were
Russian and Ukrainian planes). Airbus now wants to offer its Beluga
factory aircraft to commercial and military customers. (Whale der
Lüfte, a terrible heading.)
https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/airbus-beluga-neue-aufgaben-fuer-die-riesigen-transport-flugzeuge-a-ebe7779c-08be-47d9-a759-2f892f3f74a5
30/09/22 Airbus tests loading system for outsized military cargo on Beluga. The demand is on the rise. Capacity is scarce and, in light of current geopolitical developments, many customers are looking for new, fast and efficient solutions. https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2022-09/en-pressrelease-ch53loadingbeluga.pdf
***
UK using vessels based on SP4207
design from Dutch #Damen for anti-#migrant operations in the Channel.
Meanwhile, it emerged that RN personnel had trained in possible soft-kinetic practices to push back or deter migrant vessels, as in Greece or Australia. https://www.naval-technology.com/homepage/uk-mod-eyes-exit-from-channel-migrant-mission/
***
Wrote on the first 2 OPVs to
#Karachi by Dutch #Damen before: A naval vessel able to operate the
latest helicopters and fitted with a cannon which can be used for
air, see and land targets is not only a major weapon platform, it is
also a major deal.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2018/10/netherlands-pakistans-3rd-source-of-arms.html
***
Steel-cutting ceremony of
2nd batch of Pakistan Navy OPVs held at #Damen wharf in #Romania. The
vessels are equipped with electronic warfare, anti-ship, anti-air
weapons, and sensors along with advance self-protection and terminal
defence systems.
https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2022/07/steel-cutting-ceremony-of-pakistan-navy-opv-held-in-romania/
July 16
***
Tienduizenden machinegeweren,
antitankwapens en raketlanceerders werden al in het Oekraïneconflict
gepompt. Dat heeft mogelijk ook een keerzijde. @NDuquet doet
onderzoek naar illegale wapenhandel en is zeker dat dit zal leiden
tot meer misbruik en smokkel.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20220715_97172645
***
Which military company will be
propelled into huge profits by the sale of the next version of the
#F35 engine? @prattandwhitney or @generalelectric Aviation. The
Pentagon and industry agree the F-35 engine needs improvements but
how isn’t yet clear.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/07/15/the-f-35-engine-is-at-a-crossroads-with-billions-of-dollars-for-industry-at-stake/
***
The largest 15 banks in
Europe invest €87,7 bn in arms companies that sell weapons to
states involved in human rights violations or armed conflict. While
most of them do have a military-sector policy outlining the risks,
some #banks limit the application.
https://paxforpeace.nl/news/overview/largest-european-banks-bankroll-high-risk-arms-traders
July 15
***
Comment: Secrecy for
SOF-troops is not law of nature, but polically invented, at least in
the UK. Forty years ago it was introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s
government during scrutiny over the SAS’s highly controversial
killings of three unarmed members of the IRA in Gibraltar in 1988.
Retweet @declassifiedUK: Tory and
Labour governments refuse to provide basic information to Parliament
about the role of the special forces in overseas wars, routinely
claiming this is a ‘long-standing policy’. In fact, this was
invented in 1980s to deepen the culture of secrecy.
https://declassifieduk.org/secrecy-british-special-forces-were-more-transparent-during-world-war-2-than-today-study-finds/
***
Attorney General Eric Holder
called Bout 'one of the world's most prolific arms dealers'.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11012831/Basketball-star-Brittney-Griner-heads-Russian-court-guilty-plea.html
Part often forgotten:
Los Angeles Times article arms dealer
Viktor Bout's close relationship with the Pentagon and the US DoD.
https://archive.globalpolicy.org/intljustice/wanted/2007/0813badguy.htm
***
South Korea Is Turbocharging Its
Arms Sales Business
Seoul aims to become one of the world’s
top arms exporters.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/07/14/south-korea-arms-sales-exports-defense-industry/
***
Europe is already concerned
about NATO weapons being smuggled out of Ukraine. As arms companies
cash in on the war, the question is how long will take before Western
soldiers find themselves looking down the barrel of such weapons at
an future
conflict?https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/europe-is-already-concerned-about-nato-weapons-being-smuggled-out-of-ukraine/
***
Kustbevakningen (KBV), the
Swedish coastguard has signed aquired seven fast Patrol Vessels from
Damen Shipyards.
https://www.damen.com/insights-center/news/damen-shipyards-builds-seven-carbon-fibre-patrol-vessels-for-swedish-coast-guard
tasks:
rescue
environmental protection
salvage assistance
coastal waters patrolling operations
https://estonianfreepress.com/news/europe/kustbevakningen-to-buy-damen-boats/
***
UK judge halts trial of two
defendants in #Saudi #bribery case.
Serious Fraud Office #SFO alleges
illicit payments were channelled to #Riyadh officials to secure #UK
military contracts.
UK government “actually required
those payments to be made”.
https://www.ft.com/content/15219d46-58f1-4d3b-918d-ee198d7a6f81
July 14
***
Defence manufacturer
#UralVagonZavod is reportedly running triple shifts to refurbish old
tanks. Ammunition supplies are being partly replenished from a
massive storage depot in Belarus.
https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2022/07/11/is-the-west-running-out-of-ammunition-to-supply-ukraine/
***
Kritiek van de zuiderburen:
De #Nederlanders proberen alles nog zelf te doen, daardoor is het moeilijker om de kosten onder controle te houden. #Belgische #fregatten zullen groter en duurder worden. De samenwerking met Nederland verloopt moeizaam. #Damen https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220710_97648873
***
Biden who staked his
international vision on the strength of his own nation’s democratic
values will end up looking a lot more like his amoral predecessor
Trump, who prioritized arms sales, oil prices and the pro-Israel
fervor of the evangelical ...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/14/biden-trump-policies-middle-east/
***
US struggles to curb #Turkey's
#TB2 killer drone exports [while offering Ankara F16's at the same
time, MB]. As the death toll in #Ethipia mounted, the Biden
administration, said it had“profound humanitarian concerns” over
Turkey's drone sales to Ethiopia.
https://menafn.com/1104524694/US-Struggles-To-Curb-Turkeys-TB2-Killer-Drone-Exports
***
Het kleine Nederland en de grote
ambities.
Ollongren and Austin met at the Pentagon today to discussed "working together in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain the rules-based international order." https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3091962/dutch-us-defense-leaders-work-to-strengthen-ties/
***
The US government has dramatically increased its spending on critical technologies — which include a wide range of categories, from hypersonics to directed energy to microelectronics — in the last five years, according to research firm Govini.
***
South Korea buys Lockheed F-35A
fighter aircraft. Observers analyse this as part of a rather big
shift in its defence policy away from confronting Japan (at sea with
F-35B to equip a small aricraft carrier) to arming against the
North-Korean military.
https://news.usni.org/2022/07/11/f-35a-purchase-raises-questions-over-south-korean-aircraft-carrier-program-says-expert
***
US claims it only sells
'defensive' weapons to #Saudi Arabia. But does this distinction
exist?
Reports say Washington is considering lifting a ban on 'offensive' weapons to Riyadh. Experts say there is no distinction between offensive and defensive weapons
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-saudi-arabia-selling-defensive-weapons-does-distinction-exist
Addition:
The #Biden administration is reportedly discussing the possible
lifting of its ban on US sales of offensive weapons to #Saudi Arabia,
but any final decision is expected to hinge on whether Riyadh makes
progress toward ending the war in neighboring #Yemen
***
Available on #ARTE, a 45mn
broadcasting on European Defence that includes #ENAAT for a short
intervention. Following the dominant narrative, but more interesting
debate than usual.
In French and German only however:
FR:
https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/106527-003-A/27/
DE:
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/106527-003-A/27-das-europaeische-magazin/
***
US defence contractor L3Harris
has reportedly ended its bid to buy spyware and hacking tools from
Israeli tech company #NSO Group after US government stated it would
“pose a serious counterintelligence and security #risk to US
personnel and systems.”
https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/3553399-us-defense-firm-ends-talks-to-buy-israeli-spyware-from-controversial-firm
***
#Thales neemt het in Nederland
gevestigde #OneWelcome over. Thales versterkt hiermee haar positie
als wereldwijde speler in #cybersecurity.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220711005411/nl/
***
The threats to the #French arms
industry in times of war, covid & inflation. The real challenge
to Franch arms exports come from the US arms industry. In the past
years major contracts with French military industry were abandoned in
favor of US suppliers.
https://eurasiantimes.com/us-is-elbowing-out-france-to-gobble-lucrative-defense-deals/
***
It is it a game? Swiss arms
exports rose more than 40% to CHF 516m in the 1st half of 2022, the
Economy Ministry said, with CHF 159.8m in sales of air defence
systems to Qatar to protect stadiums during the soccer #Qatar2022
making a decisive contribution.
***
Military police ask BBC for
details ahead of Panorama’s SAS death squad claims
Request comes despite MoD saying BBC ‘irresponsible’ and ‘incorrect’ to broadcast reports Afghan civilians shot in cold blood
Britse SAS-commando's vermoordden gevangenen en ongewapende mannen in Afghanistan. https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/britse-sas-commandos-vermoordden-gevangenen-en-ongewapende-mannen-in-afghanistan
July 12
***
Putin’s war in Ukraine is an
absolute godsent to the most destructive forces on the planet, namely
the arms industry and the fossil fuel companies.
http://redgreenandblue.org/2022/07/10/russias-war-ukraine-pushes-world-closer-climate-precipice/
So should NATO or the OCSE take the lead in working to an end? [Comment in Dutch] https://www.dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2022/07/07/welk-vierletterwoord-brengt-vrede-dichterbij-ovse-of-navo/
***
Dutch industry contribures to
civil military Vega rocket [Dutch]
https://www.bnr.nl/podcast/wetenschap-vandaag/10481273/vega-c-raket-vol-nederlandse-techniek-bijna-klaar-voor-lancering
On the Vega C [English] https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Launch_vehicles/Vega-C
***
#Ukraine purchased 2,900 RGW 90
Matador portable anti-tank weapons manufactured by the German company
#DND, a subsidiary of Israeli #Rafael Systems, according to German
media).
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2022_global_security_army_industry/ukraine_purchases_2900_rgw_90_matador_panzerfaust_3_from_germany.html
***
The #Qatar Emiri Naval Forces
(QENF) received a landing ship and three landing craft in a ceremony
held at #Anadolu Shipyard's Tuzla facility, the Qatari Ministry of
Defense and the #Turkish company announced.
https://defbrief.com/2022/07/07/qatar-receives-2nd-opv-from-italy-new-landing-craft-from-turkey/
***
What problems the Pentagon faces
in respect to the defense industrial base, or the military industry
were it acquires its weapons and equipment? #GAO
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22082094/defense-industrial-base-dod-should-take-actions-to-strengthen-its-risk-mitigation-approach-july-7-2022.pdf
***
Yippie Biden is coming
Biden's visit may help sell Israeli missile defense systems abroad - analysis
One of Biden’s first meetings during his visit will be to view the country’s Iron Dome and the new Iron Beam laser defense system.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east-news/article-711766
***
Yesterday morning Palestine
Action activists began an occupation of arms company Thales’
factory in South Glasgow. The activists scaled the roof factory’s
at dawn and began causing severe damage to site facilities, forcing
workers to evacuate the building.
***
Your sorrow, their sorrow?
Activists call on Ukraine to end arms supply to Myanmar military and its private brokers
Rights group Justice for Myanmar urges the US, EU and UK to use their leverage to end Ukraine’s weapons deals with the junta
https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/activists-call-on-ukraine-to-end-arms-supply-to-myanmar-military-and-its-private-brokers
NL
leverde vliegtuigen aan de junta.
“It’s civilian planes delivered to civilian companies, but they are used by a military force with a very bad reputation,” said @MartinBroek, an arms trade expert who tracked the delivery of Fokkers to the Tatmadaw. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/24/world/asia/myanmar-coup-military-tatmadaw-kyaw-thaung.html
***
The #EU is creating a hub in
#Moldova to battle organised crime, particularly #arms #smuggling
from war-roiled neighbouring Ukraine, an official said Monday.
https://www.macaubusiness.com/eu-creates-moldova-hub-to-stem-arms-trade-from-ukraine/
Addition:
The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine registered arms sales coming
from Western countries. This was said by the director of the
department, Vadim Melnik, on the air of the TV channel “Ukraine 24”
on July 5, according to Life online portal.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/07/11/ukraine-officially-admits-illegal-sale-of-west-donated-weapons/
***
When an autocrat says other
countries aren't “at the expected level,” that isn't bad.
Erdogan said meetings with Finnish and Swedish delegations there had been no steps taken to alleviate #Turkey’s security concerns. https://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-erdogan-opposition-finland-sweden-nato/31873791.html
The other way around would be alarming.
July 10
***
One question hovering over
President Biden’s Middle East trip next week, especially his Saudi
Arabia stop, is how complicit American-made weapons are in the deaths
of Yemeni civilians.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/08/biden-yemen-gao-report-arms-saudi-arabia/
***
German technology; Beijing is
equipping warships with engine technology from German manufacturers.
Internal documents now show that Berlin deliberately did not want to
ban the deliveries completely - although the USA insisted on it.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article239828437/Fuehrende-Gruene-wollen-Lieferungen-an-chinesisches-Militaer-stoppen.html
US urges UK to 'step up' efforts to
defend Taiwan amid growing threat of Chinese invasion
The calls to help boost Taiwan's
deterrence capabilities come as Congress moves to speed up US arms
sales to the democratic island
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/07/09/us-urges-uk-step-efforts-defend-taiwan-amid-growing-threat-chinese/
***
1/2 Indonesian-French Foreign
Ministers agree to strengthen military industrial cooperation. The
sale of French Rafales is a major part. An MoU is signed on R&D
cooperation between PT PAL and the Naval Group (Damen will watch with
suspicion) Other MoU's are signed between Dassault and PT DI, between
PT LEN and Thales Group, as well as cooperation in the manufacture of
ammunition. large caliber between PT Pindad and Nexter Munition.
https://www.beritasatu.com/news/949491/menlu-indonesiaprancis-sepakat-perkuat-kerja-sama-pertahanan
***
Kabinet beoordeelt buitenlandse
#investeerders in wapen-industrie voortaan vooraf. (#Damen bouwt GEEN
onderboten).
One of the champions of neoliberal
ideology, the Netherlands, installs controlls in advance on foreign
investments in its military industry.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1444867/kabinet-beoordeelt-voortaan-vooraf-buitenlandse-investeerders-in-defensie-industrie
***
@NATO will "safeguard
our freedom and democracy"
https://www.nato.int/strategic-concept/
p.1 (or see 2nd principle p.3).
The deputy mayor of the district of
Seyhan in the province Adana, #Turkey’s removed from her post on
instructions by the Turkish Ministry of Interior.
https://medyanews.net/deputy-mayor-of-turkeys-fifth-most-populous-district-removed-by-ministry/
July 9
***
@WilliamHartung Fueling the
Warfare State "is especially misguided at a time when a
never-ending pandemic, growing heat waves and other depredations of
climate change, and racial and economic injustice are devastating the
lives of millions of Americans..."
https://tomdispatch.com/fueling-the-warfare-state/
***
Drone Warfare in Ukraine:
Understanding the Landscape
A look at how military and civilian
drones are changing the conflict landscape in Ukraine.
https://www.stimson.org/2022/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-understanding-the-landscape/
***
A bric-a-brac enemy.
Unable to even fix its own tanks,
Russia's humiliation is now complete
Putin's bid to take over industry
propels the country back to the command economy of its Soviet past
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/07/08/unable-even-fix-tanks-russias-humiliation-now-complete/
***
French company Safran and Indian
firm Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. are creating a joint venture to
develop helicopter engines in the Asian nation, Safran announced
Friday.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/07/08/safran-hindustan-ink-deal-to-develop-helicopter-engines/
***
French government is
proposing a €44 billion budget for its military in 2023, including
a €3 billion increase over previous budget. Reference is made to
the speech at the Eurosatory arms fair, in which Macron declared
#France had entered a “war economy.”
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/07/08/france-to-request-multibillion-dollar-defense-budget-boost-in-2023/
Addition:
Better News; US House Progressives Seek to Cut $100 Billion from
Pentagon Budget
https://www.democracynow.org/2022/7/8/headlines/house_progressives_seek_to_cut_100_billion_from_pentagon_budget
July 8
***
Algerian Army unveiled the T-62
tanks converted into fire-support vehicles during the parade marking
the country's independence on July 5. The conversions, involved
replacing the tank's original turrets with the Russian-made Berezhok
turret. The Kremlin imperceptibly lost a large contract for its
"one-of-a-kind" weapon for an important ally in Africa.
https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/algeria_constructed_own_tank_support_vehicle_on_t_62_chassis-3488.html
***
Door de komst van een militaire
radar bij #Herwijnen vervallen bij Zuilichem locaties waar
#windmolens mogelijk zijn. Dat gooit niet alleen roet in het eten van
de gemeente Zaltbommel. Ook #energiecoöperatie #Bommelerwaar ziet
kansen verloren gaan.
https://www.bd.nl/bommelerwaard/windmolenplannen-zaltbommel-in-gevaar-als-radar-bij-herwijnen-doorgaat-nog-onduidelijk-of-kamer-staatssecretaris-dwarsboomt~ae98f817/
***
No decission has been made how &
when US Defense Security Cooperation Agency #DSCA begins inspections
of weapons shipped to #Ukraine. Jed Royal of DSCA, is hoping to get a
cooperation office in Ukraine to house examiners, a practice
worldwide carried out.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/07/07/arms-trade-or-not-dsca-wants-on-the-ground-supervision-in-ukraine/
***
Sweden’s Left Party opposes
NATO deal to betray Kurds.
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/swedens-left-party-opposes-nato-deal-betray-kurds
NATO "safeguard our freedom and democracy." This is how:
12 of 16 recently arrested #kurdish#journalists in #turkey have been transferred to a high security prison. https://twitter.com/fgeerdink/status/1545309619488264193
***
Kamer akkoord met aankoop F-35’s
en Reaper-drones ter waarde van ruim een miljard euro.
Door alvast ja te zeggen tegen de extra #F35’s en #Reapers heeft de Tweede Kamer nu het zogeheten #budgetrecht versneld uitgeoefend – een parlementaire primeur.
***
Peace-accords what are they good
for?
Israeli arms exports to Arab states surge post Abraham Accords, Gantz says
In 2 years since signing of the Accords, Jerusalem and regional allies have inked defense procurement deals valued $3 billion plus.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1zu4qni5
***
A military rocket exploded
Wednesday during a test launch of a key component of America’s
future land-based nuclear missiles.
The rocket, known as the Minotaur II+, blew up about 10 seconds after launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
July 7
***
The #Finnish Border Guard has
awarded a contract to Meyer Turku for two new liquefied natural gas
(LNG)-powered offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
https://www.navaltoday.com/2022/06/30/meyer-turku-to-build-multi-purpose-patrol-vessel-duo-for-finnish-border-guard/
***
#Qatar has given #Lebanon’s
cash-strapped armed forces $60 million, the foreign ministry in Doha
announced. “The announcement comes within the framework of the
State of Qatar’s firm commitment to support the Republic of
Lebanon,” the ministry stated.
***
Germany and Sweden have joined
France to study the future development of a new-generation European
airlifter that could replace types such as the Lockheed C-130
Hercules and CASA CN235.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/germany-sweden-join-future-european-airlifter-initiative
***
The enlightened example for the
rest of the world? The Highland Park tragedy was the 309th mass
shooting in the United States this year.
https://87a505d36e.nxcli.net/trending/2022/07/the-highland-park-tragedy-was-the-309th-mass-shooting-in-the-united-states-this-year/
Ko
Colijn: Over een land waar 400 miljoen vuurwapens in omloop zijn,
meer dan 100 doden per dag door vuurwapens vallen, waar vorig jaar
bijna 25 miljoen vuurwapens over de toonbank gingen, kun je je
twijfels hebben bij het beschavingsgehalte.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/07/07/praat-juist-nu-over-europese-veiligheidsstrategie-a4135849
***
#Thales commits to strengthening
#Oman's in-country capabilities. "We are prioritising
#Omanisation and the localisation of industries with a focus on
fortifying the country's capabilities in security, digital,
aerospace, #defence and space projects."
https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1121821/business/economy/thales-commits-to-strengthening-omans-in-country-capabilities
***
Norwegian company #Kongsberg
Defence & Aerospace is acquiring smallsat manufacturer
#NanoAvionics (based in #Lithuania and with facilities in UK and US).
Kongsberg anticipates with the buy the growing market for civil and
military #satellites.
https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/news-archive/2022/kongsberg-enters-into-an-agreement-to-acquire-smallsat-manufacturer-nanoavionics/
***
That old already. #OCCAR
(Organization Conjointe de Cooperation in Matière d'Armementis) is
has become in 20 years the most important European player in joint
procurement over the past two decades, German Minister Lambrecht
said. She invites new members.
https://www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles/europaeische-ruestungsorganisation-occar-feiert-20-jaehriges-5459628
***
Airbus to provide 42
satellite platforms and services to Northrop Grumman for the US Space
Development Agency program. The Transport Layer will serve as the
backbone for SDA's National Defense Space Architecture by providing
... connectivity worldwide.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/airbus-northrop-sdas-t1tl-programme/
July 6
***
Intransparent methods of
informing Parliament on arms deliveries to Ukraine now seem to turn
against #German government.
Information (https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/krieg-in-der-ukraine/lieferungen-ukraine-2054514) isn't in time (before transit) and not enough (no quantities & providers), said CDU MP Röwekamp. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus239748945/Waffen-fuer-die-Ukraine-Lambrecht-hat-offensichtlich-Unwahrheit-gesagt.html
***
#Swedish political struggle on
an attitude to the Kurdish #PKK. Lorena Delgado Varas of the Left:
Within #NATO there are #dictatorships, pseudo-democratic countries
and that they should dictate what we should do and may not. This is
deeply problematic.
https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/66Lk6o/v-topparna-haller-pkk-flagga-i-almedalen
***
Alessandro Profumo, #Leonardo
CEO has called for an overhaul of the European Investment Bank’s
lending policy to allow it to finance military projects. So far the
#EIB is not allowed to invest in military activities or assets such
as ammunition & weapons.
https://www.ft.com/content/9fc0642f-c1db-4864-8c50-ef6efcdfcad1
***
Blogpost by Jesse peteers
argues that further expansion of the #EDF is not the way to go.
Especially during a period of record-high inflation, a programme of
public spending that funds at unusually generous rates, while gaining
none of the intellectual property rights of successful projects,
combined with the additional risks of conflicts of interest in the
determination which projects are selected, seems like an
unnecessarily expensive #giveaway to the #arms industry.
July 5
***
A South #Korean defence agency
has backed the purchase (US $3 billion) of more #F35 A fighters as
part of the country’s F-X project, which comprises the government’s
preemptive strike strategy Kill Chain, meant to counter North Korean
threats.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/07/01/south-korean-defense-agency-backs-buy-of-20-more-f-35a-jets/
Als
zoete broodjes.
Derde F-35 order die ik in twee dagen plaats:
Griekenland 20 (+ mogelijk nog 20)
Nederland (6); en
Zuid-Korea. (20)
En de winnaar is?
Nee niet de burger
Nee niet de natuur
Nee niet de rust
Het is [tromgeroffel]
Lockheed Martin; de grootste
wapenproducent.
Action for #peace: activists acted out a grotesque scene to point out that war should have no place in a space of culture. Prado and Reina Sofia museums in @Madrid hosted a dinner for over 40 NATO delegations, 28 June. https://pressenza.com/2022/06/activists-fall-inert-in-front-of-guernica-in-peace-protest/ Image: #XR and #Youth4Climate
***
Turkey has again blocked the
EU's monitoring of a UN weapons embargo against Libya, a EU
Commission spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
Ankara has blocked previous inspections
8 times Massrali said.
MV Parpali is now in Tripoli.
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/PARPALI-IMO-9134701-MMSI-271047044
DPA
https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/8045/world/turkey-again-blocks-eu-inspection-of-vessel-for-un-arms-embargo
***
When even the US said you sold
your position to easily... “US officials have criticised #Finland
and #Sweden for not resisting enough against citing #YPG and #Gulen
in an official document as groups not to be supported,” one Turkish
official said. #NATO
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sweden-finland-nato-turkey-deadlock-inside-meeting-broke
***
Three European shipyards
are short-listed for selling corvettes to the #Greek Navy: Italian
#Fincantieri (Al Zubarah class), #NavalGroup (Gowind 2500), and
finally the Dutch #Damen (Sigma 10514). The first two are favorites,
particularly Fincantieri.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/corvettes-comment-fincantieri-a-pris-de-l-avance-sur-naval-group-en-grece-924256.html
July 4
***
Retweet @SciteCito: Kamer
akkoord met versnelde miljardenorder F-35-straaljagers en
killerdrones https://telegraaf.nl/t/1704745815/
via @telegraaf
***
Je zou zeggen dat deze naam in de 21e
eeuw niet meer past: 12 Infanteriebataljon Regiment Van Heutsz
(gespecialiseerd in de ondersteuning van SOF operaties van het Korps
commandotroepen). Daar vallen ook compagnieën onder zoals 'Atjeh'.
#beladen_verleden
https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/eenheden/11-luchtmobiele-brigade/gevechtseenheden
Is this about another Hungary than the Hungary which is part of NATO an organisation against Authoritarianism?
***
NATO defends:
human rights and democracy as in Turkey
against authorianism like Orban does
Women like in the US
freedom like in Poland
prosperity like in Bulgaria
Saudi Arabia like Canada
against mailicious activities in
cyberspace like the Dutch
etc.
https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2022/6/pdf/290622-strategic-concept.pdf
***
Retweet @keesamok: In first,
Israeli officers participate in major AFRICOM drill African Lion in
Morocco, as observers - Joining the host countries were troops from
Brazil, Chad, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom
https://timesofisrael.com/in-first-idf-officers-participate-in-major-drill-in-morocco-as-observers/…
via @timesofisrael
***
It does not harm the population,
it harms the war itself. However sanctions on Russia's arms makers
and tycoons have been applied inconsistently by NATO allies CEOs at a
host of Russian weapons firms have largely escaped sanctions from
Western authorities.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-02/dozens-of-russian-weapons-tycoons-have-faced-no-western-sanction/101203146
***
The world upside down:
An investigation by German media has
uncovered a #lawsuit filed by #Heckler & Koch against a
subordinate office of the economy ministry. The arms maker complained
about the lack of export licenses for #Saudi Arabia
https://learngerman.dw.com/en/report-arms-maker-sued-germany-over-saudi-arabia-exports-license/a-18815794
***
https://www.regionoordkop.nl/04/07/2022/geen-veerdienst-door-protestacties-boeren-en-vissers/
Vredesactivisten werden meestal weggesleept bij een dergelijke betoging tegen oorlogsdeelname of kernwapens.
***
IISS-blog on NATO Strategic
Concept notes a disappearance of arms control. It blames the
selective implementation of such regimes by Russia for that, but
fully misses that the Bush jr. neocon Administration started the
erosion by ending the ABM-treaty.
https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2022/06/the-new-nato-strategic-concept-and-the-end-of-arms-control
***
‘Defensie heeft momentum en jast nu
zoveel mogelijk materieel door het parlement’
Dutch Ministry of Defence tries to rush
big armament programs through Parliament.
Is there a rational behind it?
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/07/03/defensie-heeft-momentum-en-jast-nu-zoveel-mogelijk-materieel-door-het-parlement-a4135420
July 3
***
Art the Arms Fair: how can
design play a role in nurturing peace. 40 tangible ways designers can
advocate for peace.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90765781/40-tangible-ways-designers-can-advocate-for-peace
***
In the first 6 months of 2022,
the German government issued licences for the export of military
equipment worth €4.14, significantly more than in the same period
of 2021 when it was €2.3 bn. The no. 1 was the Netherlands, ahead
of Ukraine, the US & UK.
https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/boerse/news/ueberblick/berlin-die-bundesregierung-hat-in-den-ersten-sechs-monaten-des-jahres/62839753
***
This is how the deal for #NATO
membership between #Finland, #Sweden and #Trurkey is ragarded by a
major Indian TV news provider. "The Western world and brazen
#hypocrisy are no strangers, but this new low really takes the cake."
https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/as-nato-capitulates-before-turkey-western-hypocrisy-on-human-rights-enters-new-low-5477755.html
***
A key player in #China's
plans to develop spacecraft and missiles has opened a Beijing
laboratory.
The #CASIC, which was sanctioned by the US for unspecified "missile technology proliferation activities" in January, made the announcement on Friday. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3183911/mystery-over-purpose-china-aerospace-science-and-industry
July 2
***
And the winner is? Arms race
inside NATO. Turkey and Greece want to strengthen their Lockheed
Martin fighter inventories against each other.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2022/07/02/even-if-turkey-gets-modernized-f-16s-greece-will-still-have-a-technological-edge-in-airpower/
Greece has signed the Letter of Request (LoR) to buy the F-35 fighter, local media reports. The letter was sent by the Greek defense ministry to Washington on June 29. Athens hopes to buy 20 aircraft with options for another 20. https://www.cnn.gr/politiki/story/318529/maxitika-f-35-to-episimo-aitima-tis-elladas-kai-to-epikeimeno-taxidi-panagiotopoyloy-stis-hpa
***
US lawmakers sponsor arms
monitor bill. It requires US Government to submit a report to
Congress before March 1, 2023, listing the approved sales of US
military products worth US$25m to Taiwan, Japan, S. Korea, Australia
& New Zealand not fully delivered.
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202207020008
***
Rather than an alliance with the
UAE and Saudi Arabia that could draw the US into a future conflict
(...) the Biden administration should focus on rescuing the Iran
nuclear deal – known formally as JCPOA – and bringing a
conclusive end to the war in Yemen.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2022/06/30/bidens-mideast-agenda-could-increase-the-risks-of-war/?sh=73d4a0756672
***
#KMW (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) en
#DEFENTURE hebben hun samenwerking versterkt met een MoU rond het
LuLa-systeem. Dat moet de bestaande voertuigen van de
#luchtlandingstroepen vervangen en maakt deel uit van het speciale
fonds van € 100 miljard.
https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/defenture-en-kmw-gaan-samenwerken-in-nederlands-duitse-lula-project/
***
Shift from Russian-made weapons
from neighbours to Western developed weaponry (here Norwegian
Kongsberg/US Raytheon air defence system and more. US to send Ukraine
advanced NASAMS air defense weapons in $820 million package.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/07/01/us-to-send-ukraine-advanced-nasams-air-defense-weapons-in-820-million-package/
***
Petrostates' wealth props up
the global arms trade, provides diplomatic leverage, and allows them
to support violent and nonviolent proxies. In Oil, the State, and
War, Emma Ashford explores the many potential links between thiose
issues. http://press.georgetown.edu/book/georgetown/oil-state-and-war
July 1
***
An arms lobbyist from Lebanon
repeatedly sent gifts to German politicians - including the then
Foreign Minister Steinmeier. At the same time, the businessman was
involved in an arms deal involving Rheinmetall and Thyssen-Krupp.
Retweet @hmtillack: Arms lobbyist
and arms dealer Ahmad El Husseini, well known to Gerhard #Schröder
and other SPD grandees , played a central role in the deal . I
researched the case with @frederikrichter @UlrichStoll1 in 2019
https://stern.de/politik/deutschland/frank-walter-steinmeier-stand-auf-empfaengerliste-fuer-teure-praesentkoerbe-8920418.html
***
No arms trade, but arms for
free. Swedish ambassador to Czechia Jörgensen said in an interview
that Czech can keep the Gripens that it leased from Sweden for free.
Czechia is looking into buying 24 fighters as the lease for the
Gripens will expire in 2027.
https://defenseindustrydaily.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=329658425751766a1111efa05&id=2a372301ff&e=81b1f72c1a
***
CRS report: US Security
Assistance to Ukraine. Types of weapons and financial value listed.
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22076079/report-to-congress-on-us-security-assistance-to-ukraine.pdf
***
Retweet @Antiwarcom: Pentagon
Agency Wants to Send Weapons Inspectors to Ukraine There is currently
no oversight of the billions of dollars in weapons being sent to
Ukraine by Dave DeCamp @DecampDave
https://news.antiwar.com/2022/06/30/pentagon-agency-wants-to-send-weapons-inspectors-to-ukraine/
***
Waarom we als klimaatbeweging
moeten opkomen voor de vrede
https://dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2022/06/29/waarom-we-als-klimaatbeweging-moeten-opkomen-voor-de-vrede/
***
Dutch TNO has been arming the
armed forces with knowledge for the front line for 75 years. With
lessons from the war in Ukraine e.g.
https://www.rd.nl/artikel/981473-tno-wapent-krijgsmacht-met-kennis
#TNO wapent de krijgsmacht al 75 jaar met kennis voor de frontlinie. Met lessen uit de oorlog in Oekraïne bijvoorbeeld.
***
#ILA arms fair full of
contradictions:
- war vs sustainability
- destruction vs art
- steel vs aesthetics
- profits vs waste
- fighter planes for vistors to take a snapshot as a souvenir vs the last thing some people saw when innocent lives were ended.
***
Overal in Europa spuiten de
militaire-uitgaven omhoog. In Kiel gaat het crescendo met
#ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, bouwer van oorlogsschepen en
#onderzeeërs. De ‘nationale kampioen’ van #Duitsland aast op een
order van 4 onderzeeërs voor Nederland.
https://fd.nl/economie/1443783/miljardenorder-uit-nederland-kan-kers-op-de-taart-zijn-voor-duitse-bouwer-van-oorlogsschepen
***
And the winners are (not the
diplomats): Changed attitude to security in Europe will mean
increased demand for the US from its allies for integrated missile
defences, early warning systems, missiles, intelligence, etc. a
senior US defense official said.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/06/30/european-arms-demand-grows-as-russia-fallout-deepens/
***
South Korean president used the
NATO summit to advance arms deals to Poland and probably also to
Australia.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/06/113_331917.html
***
Earlier this month Defense News
reported: Turkey seeks to repair ties with Western procurement club.
It included a table with major Turkish weapons purchases from
2012-2021. (Include: Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Israel,
Italy, Russia, Spain, etc)
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/06/06/turkey-seeks-to-repair-ties-with-western-procurement-club/
***
Turkish President Erdogan told a
news conference at the close of the NATO summit that the signing of
the accession protocol next Tuesday “is not a quick process."
Sweden and Finland "have to change their own laws" and
extradite 73 people to Turkey.
https://www.campuslately.com/nato-expands-but-erdogan-threatens-to-veto-again/
NATO
has its nuisance within.
Turkey’s Erdoğan threatens to derail
Nato enlargement again
President’s insistence on extradition
of 73 prisoners at odds with text of accord with Sweden and Finland.
https://www.ft.com/content/00699aa3-ebbd-4e95-abe5-0d05ca10fa93
“We
are not changing our legislation in Finland. Sweden is not changing
its legislation. We agreed on some cooperation between our
authorities, but we are following our own laws regarding human
rights,” Finish Minister for Foreign Affairs Haavisto said.
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/06/30/finland-hasnt-received-deportation-lists-from-turkey-says-minister
***
A good read: on arms to Ukraine,
Saudi Arabia and the contradiction in Western military thinking,
arguing at the one hand we need more military expenditures to stop
Russia arms forces invading and on the other consider incapable of
controlling Ukraine.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/who-really-banking-war-west-or-russians-defence-spending-paints-compelling-picture
***
Thales in the spotlight for
failing ethics and doing wrong in Yemen and Ukraine.
https://www.thenational.wales/news/20247935.ukrainian-mp-accuses-welsh-government-partner-thales-supplying-russia-arms/
***
1/2 Ukraine War: While Some
Countries Take a Moral Stance, Israel Expects an Arms Bonanza
Moral considerations must be a part of
arms deals, warns an Israeli rabbi who advocates for transparency –
as Israel set a record in weapons sales last year.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-06-30/ty-article/.premium/ukraine-war-while-some-countries-take-a-moral-stance-israel-expects-an-arms-bonanza/00000181-b53b-da42-abdd-b73fac920000
2/2 “But what’s our interest in Myanmar? What justified supplying weapons to a murderous regime? (...) I can’t imagine what justified selling Israeli arms to them a few months before the massacres began."
