Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
August 31
***
A short analysis by @_ENAATand
Stop Wapenhandel on the establishment of an EU 'Ad hoc Working Party
on defence industry' for @StatewatchEU
An 'Ad hoc Working
Party on defence industry' will advise the EU Foreign Affairs Council
on draft legislative acts & legal acts on relevant issues for the
European defence industrial & technological base (EDTIB) – that
is, the military industry at large.
https://statewatch.org/news/2022/august/eu-council-establishes-new-working-party-on-defence-industry-as-part-of-military-push/
***
South Korean race to the top of
international arms traders list.
Korea eyes $3.8 billion in Redback
armored vehicle export to Australia
Korea also expects to be named the
preferred negotiator for the export of K2 Black Panther tanks to
Norway in October.
https://www.kedglobal.com/aerospace-defense/newsView/ked202208310016
Poland
has finalized the purchase of main battle tanks and howitzers from
South Korea to bolster its defenses amid Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine. The Polish government signed the $5.76 bn contract, one of
Poland’s largest defense orders in recent years.
https://www.gov.pl/web/national-defence/real-strengthening-of-the-polish-deterrence-and-defence-potential
***
Careful please.
As Taiwan unveiled a proposed 2023 defence budget of $13.72bn, a 12.9% year-on-year increase, the US could sell the island the worth $1.1bn worth of weapons. What exacerbate the already extremely strong tensions between the US and China. https://www.latribune.fr/economie/international/les-etats-unis-veulent-vendre-des-armes-a-taiwan-nouvelles-tensions-en-vue-entre-pekin-et-washington-928798.html
***
Did Turkey breach its own
maritime convention? Ukraine MoFA expressed its "concern"
regarding the "transportation of S-300 missile systems from
Syria to Russia via the Bosphorous Strait" by the Sparta II,
which was chartered by the Russian MoD.
https://www.naval-technology.com/analysis/did-turkiye-breach-its-own-maritime-convention/
***
Two separate audits into the
purchase of 6 Littoral Combat Ships #LCS for the #Malaysian navy
revealed that there may have been an agreement between its prime
contractor and the controversial shipbuilder #DCNS before the
government issued the contract.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/633935
***
The Sentinel-class cutter #USCG
Oliver Henry was denied a port of call in the #Solomon Islands, where
China is expanding its influence. The Sentinel design based on the
company's #Damen Stan 4708 patrol vessel.
https://news.usni.org/2022/08/30/solomon-islands-blocks-all-naval-port-visits-after-u-s-coast-guard-cutter-denied-entry
***
Europeans mull new training
mission for Ukrainian army
“A training mission outside of Ukraine is not a signal of warfighting,” Austrian Army Gen. Robert Brieger, the current chairman of the European Union Military Committee, told reporters.
***
Turkey, Finland and Sweden
have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey's concerns, including
around arms exports, and the fight against terrorism,"
Stoltenberg said Tuesday after crunch talks in Madrid.
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkey-sweden-finland-sign-memorandum-on-nordic-countries-nato-bids
August 30
***
Publicly available documents
expose what Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI sought to hide: Italy
has purchased two more early warning, intel gathering planes and
services for $550 million.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2022-08-28/ty-article/.highlight/secret-nato-client-of-israeli-spy-planes-revealed/00000182-ce84-dfe2-aba3-efeee72f0000
***
Not the first time the Military
Spectator addresses hypersonic weapons. One attack is noted during
the Russian war in Ukraine, probably more testing than operational
'useful'. Article concludes with desired new weapon restriction
regimes and CBMs
https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/operaties/artikel/chinese-fobs-operation-and-intricacies-hypersonics
***
Sources onboard UK aircraft
carrier HMS Prince of Wales have told the UK Defence Journal that the
damaged aircraft carrier will likely head to a drydock in #Amsterdam
for repairs.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-carrier-likely-to-head-to-amsterdam-for-repairs/
***
Illegal sale of FN #Herstal and
and #AK47 used to ambush #Papuan people by Indonesian military.
Chronology of 4 People mutilated in #Timika, 6 #TNI personnel Involved, pretending to sell firearms for Rp 250 Million (€17,000).
***
More tension needed? Biden
administration plans to ask the US Congress to approve an estimated
$1.1 bn arms sale to Taiwan, including 60 anti-ship missiles and 100
air-to-air missiles, Politico reported.
https://www.news18.com/news/world/joe-biden-to-urge-congress-to-approve-1-1-billion-in-arms-sales-to-taiwan-5849515.html
***
Head of Russia’s weapons
export branch said arms export revenue total in 2022 is likely to
total about $10.8 bn, which would be roughly 26% lower than reported
for 2021.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/08/29/russia-forecasts-drop-in-arms-export-revenue/
So Russia may loose its 2nd position it had for decades to a major European country?
***
Ukraine war increases urgency
for India to diversify arms purchases. But the war has thrown up yet
another unwelcome pairing - the growing convergence between Russia
and China that is expected to increase as both face increasing
Western hostility.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/ukraine-war-increases-urgency-for-india-to-diversify-arms-purchases-analysts
***
Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica
say the illegal flow of arms greatest threat to national security.
https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/caribbean-news/trinidad-and-tobago-and-jamaica-say-the-illegal-flow-of-arms-greatest-threat-to-national-security/
So why do I always read the Dutch navy stationed in the Dutch antilles intercepted X kg of cocaine and never an X no. of SALW.
***
Thales NL annual report 2021:
Since the Russian invasion in Ukraine "the Thales Group’s
share price has been on the rise. This increase is driven by the
perspective of higher defence budgets and deliveries of
new-generation defence systems in Europe ..."
https://docs.publicnow.com/viewDoc?hash_primary=955E97FCC9A570BA4AE77493497075753EAFC838
***
Quick
interactive look at #SIPRI's arms export and import TIV values on map
of the world.
https://www.themandarin.com.au/198433-interactive-who-supplies-and-receives-arms/
***
The influx of high-powered
#rifles and firearms #smuggled through T&T's porous borders from
the #US have caused alarm among law enforcement officials and
citizens alike, with the US-made AR-15 semi-automatic rifle
increasingly favoured by gang members.
https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/killers-with-highpowered-guns-leave-a-trail-of-destruction-in-tt-6.2.1538242.e0d9ad9a0e
***
The sales of the Servian factory
Zastava Oruzje from #Kragujevac did grow despite the difficulties
caused by the coronavirus. Kragujevac exports thousands to the US
like the civilian version of the military sniper rifle M-93 “Crna
Strela.” #SALW
https://www.ekapija.com/en/news/3395968/zastava-oruzje-records-large-growth-of-exports-to-usa-export-of-18000
***
Indian Supreme Court on Monday
declined to entertain a PIL seeking an independent probe into the
#Rafale fighter jet deal in view of a #French media report, claiming
#Dassault Aviation #paid one million Euros to a #middleman for
executing the deal.
https://menafn.com/1104772842/No-Case-Is-Made-Out-SC-On-PIL-Seeking-Independent-Probe-In-Rafale-Deal
***
Danger of forest
fires: Will the Bundeswehr's A400M soon become a fire-fighting
aircraft?
https://www.haz.de/der-norden/gefahr-vor-waldbraenden-a400m-der-bundeswehr-bald-als-loeschflugzeug-UONL643PSARRDZP6HZ7RK6YJ3M.html
Why isn't Europe investing in equiped
civil disaster fighting brigades - to provide eg security in case of
fires - not nearly as much it spends on military forces?
***
Following the recent visit of
#US Major General Todd Wasmund to #Morocco, the US Defense Security
Cooperation Agency has reported on a possible new arms sale to Rabat.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/morocco-ground-command-and-control
The illegal occuptation of Western #Sahara seems not te be a barrier
for such sales.
August 28
***
Turkey will decide when to
launch operation [military invasion, MB] in northern Syria:
Communications chief.
No step Ankara will take is subject to anyone's permission or consent, says country's communications director.
***
According to African security
expert, Adib Saani, the international community must impose an arms
embargo that will prevent the movement of weapons to warring parties
in Tigray as he feared the absence of that would mean continued
fighting.
https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-fighting-flares-in-tigray-after-five-month-lull/a-62907411
***
Tunisian navy's OPV - Damen
built TNS Jugurtha - conducts joint exercise with Greek Navy.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/august/12107-tunisian-navy-s-opv-conducts-joint-exercise-with-greek-navy.html
***
Drie Nederlandse Commando's zijn
vannacht (lokale tijd) gewond geraakt bij een schietpartij in
Indianapolis (VS).
Lokale media melden dat de drie militairen mogelijk eerder op de avond betrokken waren bij een vechtpartij.
300822: Relaas tragisch uit de hand gelopen caféruzie is gisterenavond ook door NOS-bevestigd. https://nos.nl/artikel/2442526-burgemeester-indianapolis-commando-s-geraakt-bij-drive-by-shooting
In een failed state waar meer handvuurwapens dan mensen zijn kan het zomaar gebeuren.
***
Russia’s neighbor and ally Kazakhstan
has suspended all arms exports for a year, its government said on
Saturday, amid conflict in Ukraine and Western sanctions against
Moscow. It did not explain.
https://pledgetimes.com/russias-neighbor-kazakhstan-stops-arms-exports-amid-ukraine-war/
***
The
skies are literally the limit when it comes to defence cooperation on
both the governmental and commercial level between Israel and the GCC
+3’: the six nations that constitute the Gulf Cooperation Council,
along with Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.
https://gulfbusiness.com/calevs-newsroom-how-israel-and-the-gulf-are-cooperating-on-defence/
August 26
***
Poland’s long-planned purchase
of tanks. The country buys 250 General Dynamics Land Systems Abrams
in the newest configuration. Value €1.148 bn contract will get
Poland new features in communications, firepower and armor for its
future Abrams fleet.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/08/25/abrams-maker-gdls-announces-11-billion-tank-deal-for-poland/
***
The Taiwanese government has
proposed a record military budget, but security experts warned the 14
per cent increase was not enough to meet its defensive needs in the
face of a growing threat from mainland China.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3190135/taiwan-proposes-14-cent-rise-record-military-budget-boost
Because this isn't where the solution lies.
***
War in Ukraine has countries
lining up to buy US-built F-35 fighter jets.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2022-08-24/countries-lining-up-f35-fighter-jets-ukraine-war-7091858.html
All are dragged into buying. But in one tiny country a group of peoples stood up against what seems to be an unstoppable battle against money and influence. https://www.denmarknews.net/news/272665287/swiss-military-frets-over-us-jet-order
***
This article provides an
overview of encryption controls under the EAR, outlines license
exceptions for certain encrypted technologies, and provides best
practices for export compliance.
https://customsandinternationaltradelaw.com/2022/08/24/encryption-controls-under-the-export-administration-regulations/
***
Boeing has outlined the
industrial benefits for India should New Delhi obtain the F/A-18E/F
Block III Super Hornet for a 57-aircraft naval fighter requirement.
https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/boeing-talks-up-economic-impact-of-possible-indian-navy-f/a-18e/f-buy/149971.article
***
#Turkey violates the
international arms embargo on Libya, operates in Syria, delivers arms
to countries at war (Ethiopia, Azerbaijan e.g.) but forces Finland
and Sweden to confirm that now there are no national arms embargoes
in place between them. #NATO
https://m.bianet.org/english/world/266324-finland-to-host-nato-meeting-with-turkiye-sweden-as-ankara-presses-for-extraditions
***
Turkey is violating the
international arms embargo on Libya, operates in Syria, delivers arms
to countries at war (Ethiopia, Azerbaijan e.g.) but forces Finland
and Sweden to confirm that now there are no national arms embargoes
in place between them.
https://m.bianet.org/english/world/266324-finland-to-host-nato-meeting-with-turkiye-sweden-as-ankara-presses-for-extraditions
***
According to a top US
Defense Department official, the Indian defence attaché now has
unrestricted access to the #Pentagon.
Such a move is consistent with the trust and cooperation that we have with #India, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.
August 25
***
Again the list is provided of
undesired destinations (Ethiopia, Azerbaijan, against US Kurdish
allies).
The final message of the article is the question if the US should relax its export rules on drones to counter Turkish undesired exports.
From bad to worse or not better?
Retweet @AbbieFS: Interesting
piece by @laurapitel and @rayajalabi on the “Toyota Corolla of
drones”, Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2. The Ukrainians write songs about
it, but Kurdish civilians fear it
https://ft.com/content/948605a1-cf6c-40ea-b403-9a97d72be2cf
***
Dutch Minister of Defence Kasja
Olongren stated there is no limit on the cost of weapon shipments to
Ukraine.
Retweet @SciteCito: Ollongren: geen bovengrens aan kosten van wapenleveranties door Nederland aan Oekraïne https://telegraaf.nl/t/1406512628/
***
The extremely long coast of the
USA.
The #USCG has received its last two of six Sentinel-class fast response cutters (FRC), rounding out the 5th Fleet stationed in #Bahrain. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3136397/new-coast-guard-cutters-arrive-in-bahrain/
The class is based on Dutch #Damen Stan Patrol 4708. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damen_Stan_Patrol_4708
***
Who is Anne-Marie Descôtes, the
former ambassador to Berlin who has just been named number 2 at the
Quai d'Orsay?
One of her scalps was critising Germany for its unpredictable arms export policy (means too strict in French newspeak).
***
Iran has offered its assistance
to Europe in the form of oil and gas deliveries for the winter, per a
statement by Iranian Oil Minister Javad Oji.
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Iran-Offers-To-Help-Europe-With-Oil-And-Gas-Deliveries-This-Winter.html
***
France 'preparing to secure
Yemeni gas facility' for exports
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/france-preparing-secure-yemeni-gas-facility-exports
via @the_newarab
***
#Bosna Herzegowina lost weapons
& money over irregular arms sale contracts between Selmo Cikotic
(currently BH Minister of Security at the time of the #fraude
MoDefence) - taking advantage of his official position - and
Zagreb-based SCOUT company.
https://www.nezavisne.com/novosti/bih/BiH-izgubila-i-oruzje-i-pare-zbog-nezakonitih-ugovora/730803
***
Testing of #Airbus’ #Zephyr
drone unexpectedly concluded after completing a record 64 days aloft
following an incident at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, according to
US Army Futures Command. Further flight demonstrations have been
postponed until 2023.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/newsletters/2022/08/23/airbus-zephyr-drone-test-unexpectedly-halted-after-two-months-aloft/
***
Arms exports are a tool for
projecting a country's influence around the world. China has marketed
and exported weapons to 38 countries from 2018-21. China has also
exported private security contractors #PSCs to protect and secure its
interests. 4 page RAND
https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/tools/TLA2000/TLA2045-1/RAND_TLA2045-1.pdf
August 24
***
One of the richest government
programs on earth seems not to care for effiency. Pentagon expects
major acquisition programs will cost more than $1.79 trillion, but
many of these "continue to fall short of cost, schedule, and
performance goals."
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22186779/gao-22-105664.pdf
***
#Germany clears sale of 155m
#Vulcano precision-guided artillery shells, COBRA radars and IRIS-T
missiles to Ukraine. VULCANO is a family of unguided and guided
ammunition for the 76mm, 127mm naval guns and 155mm land artillery
(#PzH2000) systems.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_august_2022_global_security_army_industry/germany_clears_sale_of_155m_vulcano_precision-guided_artillery_shells_cobra_radars_and_iris-t_air_defense_systems_to_ukraine.html
***
#Swiss activists have
triggered a national #referendum to stop the country’s purchase of
36 #F35 A fighter jets from the US, a challenge that complicates
plans for the modernisation of #Switzerland’s military and risks a
spat with Washington.
https://www.ft.com/content/3a7fc993-c729-4ee8-9ca6-fa23e5e307c2
It
is not everywhere that easy for Lockheed.
Popular initiative against F35 fighter jets formally established. The federal people's initiative "Against the F-35 (Stop F-35)" has collected the required signatures.
August 23
***
1) US to send Ukraine $3 billion
in aid as war hits 6 months, the new funding is largely aimed at
helping Ukraine secure its medium- to long-term defense posture.
https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2022/08/23/us-to-send-ukraine-3-billion-in-aid-as-war-hits-6-months/
2)
Germany, Slovakia sign tank Leopards for swap deal to arm Ukraine.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/08/23/germany-slovakia-sign-tank-swap-deal-to-arm-ukraine/
***
Super-Kampfjet im Sturm
#Airbus & #Dassault argue about the construction of the #FCAS fighter so much that the European prestige project can fail. Then the British sense the chance with the Tempest & also the US prepares the next CO2 vomiting fighter. https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/unternehmen/europas-neuer-kampfjet-airbus-und-dassault-streiten-um-fcas-flieger-18261494.html
***
#Ukraine ‘#testing #ground’
shaping US network, electronic warfare effort.
Oleksii Reznikov described Ukraine as “a testing ground,” where “many weapons are now getting tested in the field, in the #real #conditions of battle.”
***
Sinds het begin van de oorlog
heeft Nederland voor ruim 210 miljoen euro (boekwaarde) materieel,
wapens, munitie en uitrusting geleverd. Minister Ollongren heeft
tijdens de gesprekken toegezegd de Oekraïne op dit gebied te blijven
steunen.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/08/22/extra-nederlandse-steun-voor-strijd-en-wederopbouw-oekraine
***
The Turkish government has
delivered 50 used mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles to the
Ukrainian military, government and industry sources told Defense
News.
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/08/22/turkey-sends-50-mine-resistant-vehicles-to-ukraine-with-more-expected/
***
#Romanian border police receives
1st #Damen FCS 4008 Patrol vessel. 2nd is on its way. In the context
of #migration control at the external borders of the EU the funding
is provided under a project accessing non-reimbursable #EU funds.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/august/12091-romanian-border-police-receives-its-first-damen-fcs-4008-patrol-vessel.html
***
An essay on PEACE: “Peace is
not an absence of war”, said the philosopher Spinoza. The US alone
accounts for 68% of all arms exports in the world and most of these
end up in the most volatile regions like the Middle East.
https://mg.co.za/top-six/2022-08-22-peace-making-is-the-responsibility-of-us-all-not-just-politicians/
via @mailandguardian
***
Retweet
@PurePapua: War Profiteer Profile: Krušik Valjevo #Ukrain
#UkrainianArmy #Yemen #WestPapua
https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2022/war-profiteer-profile-krusik-valjevo
via @etan009
August 22
***
Accuklemmen, onderdelen voor Apache-helikopters, de F16-straaljagers en de Airbus. #Galvano is specialist in het verzilveren, vernikkelen, verzinknikkelen of vertinnen van metalen onderdelen. "Wij maken niks zelf. Wij brengen alleen een deklaagje aan."
Battery
clamps, parts for Apache helicopters, F-16 fighters and Airbusses.
#Galvano is a specialist in plating (silver, nickel zinc or tin
plating) of metal parts in any form. "We don't make anything
ourselves. We only apply a coating."
***
Kosovo plans to restart
inactive ars factories, because of the demand for weaponry, the
Minister of Defence said.
https://albaniandailynews.com/news/we-will-restore-weapons-factories-back-to-work-minister
August 21
***
Five Valleys Aerospace a
Gloucestershire group (holding Nu-Pro and Stanmar) that supplies
components to aerospace and defence giants as Airbus & BAE
Systems has been acquired by Italian Magnaghi Aeronautica Group (MA
Group) for an undisclosed sum.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/airbus-bae-systems-supplier-bought-24799139
***
Short-staffed junta moves
personnel. #Myanmar’s military council is sending weapons factory
workers to the frontlines and army doctors to public hospitals.
Troops working in the junta’s arms production units have been imprisoned or killed in recent months.
August 20
***
Israeli Firm Cellebrite Sold
Phone-hacking Tools to Uganda's Brutal Dictatorship
Ruling Uganda since 1986, Museveni's regime is responsible for kidnapping, torturing and murdering rights activists, opposition figures and LGBTQ people.
***
The US government CAN use
existing US laws, including foreign assistance and arms exports
legislation to address Abu Akleh’s killing by Israeli forces.
https://theintercept.com/2022/08/19/shireen-abu-akleh-killing-accountability/
***
Finnish startup #ICEYE announced
today that it will provide imagery from one of its synthetic aperture
radar satellites to #Ukraine’s embattled government, via a contract
with a Ukrainian foundation supporting the country’s military in
the war with Russia.
In general (so apart from this case
involving Finland and Ukraine) who knows how the sale on satellite
information is controlled by the European Union?
https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/iceye-to-supply-ukraine-with-sar-satellite-imagery-via-ukrainian-foundation/
***
Palestine
Action forces Elbit landlord to abandon Birmingham offices.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2022/08/18/palestine-action-forces-elbit-landlord-to-abandon-birmingham-offices/
August 19
***
Interesting article. Moscow will
go to great lengths to protect its military exports, even while under
pressure to replace equipment destroyed in Ukraine.
https://www.newsweek.com/himars-sanctions-how-russia-putin-weapons-economy-choking-1734076
***
Erdogan asks Ukraine to return 2
Turkish military Airbus A400M transport planes. There was no
explanation on the reason for the two Turkish planes in Kyiv. However
they came to Ukraine in mid-February 2022, moments before the Russian
invasion was launched.
https://www.viva.co.id/militer/militer-dunia/1511033-erdogan-minta-ukraina-kembalikan-2-unit-pesawat-militer-turki
***
Tender notice for shipping a
Pakistan Navy wooden box with dangerous goods from the Naval Store
Sub Depot in Karachi to Amsterdam Schiphol.
http://www.ppra.org.pk/doc/16-8/41navy168-19.pdf
***
Herkenbare ideeën over
wapenindustrie. Investeringen afkeuren, maar juichen als 'n Russisch
munitiedepot explodeert (zonder slachtoffers).
"Hoe meer geweld, des te hoger het rendement," deze industrie hoort niet op de markt. Dat geeft giftige impulsen.
***
Terwijl het kabinet grote
hoeveelheden wapens naar Oekraïne stuurt, is de Nederlandse export
van militaire goederen naar andere landen veel groter. Het meeste
gaat naar Duitsland en de VS, maar Nederland exporteert ook naar
Marokko, Taiwan, Egypte en China. Gooi&eemlander 190822
August 18
***
Being a neighbour of the United
States of America is not always a blessing, to say it nicely.
US Reports Spike In Weapons Smuggling To Haiti And The Caribbean. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-reports-spike-weapons-smuggling-haiti-caribbean-2022-08-17/
Addition: Weapons smuggling to Haiti is on ‘alarming trend.’ Feds crack down, ask for public’s help. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article264561751.html
***
The President of #Russia's
United Aircraft Corporation #UAC said that the main challenge is to
continue production of aircraft for the `special military operation.’
Besides Russia tries to sell its MiG-29
and Su-30MKI combat aircraft to #India.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/challenged-by-sanctions-russia-looks-at-scaling-up-civilian-aircraft-production/articleshow/93597799.cms
***
The Dutch armed forces (DMO,
Defence Material Organisation) are pro-actively reacting on the
situation that global demand for small caliber ammunition is larger
than the supply and production capability.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2022/06/munitiebedrijf-koploper-inkoop-klein-kalibermunitie
August 17
***
The first of 24 EFA Typhoon
combat aircraft has been handed over to Qatar as the Gulf state
continues the rapid expansion of its air force. The aircraft, built
by BAE Systems as part of a £6/$7.24 billion contract between London
and Doha.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/qatar-receives-first-eurofighter
***
Slovakia’s Minister of Defence
has refuted media reports that the country’s MiG-29 fighters have
been transferred to Ukraine. “Our MiG-29 fighters are not in
Ukraine. This is false information.
https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/slovakia-denies-transferring-mi-g-29-fighter-jets-to-ukraine
***
Post-shipment on-site
inspections allow exporting states to check exported military
materiel to ensure that the importer is complying with its
commitments.
Int. assistance in physical security and stockpile management aims to improve the involved systems. https://www.sipri.org/publications/2022/sipri-policy-briefs/post-shipment-site-inspections-and-stockpile-management-assistance-bridging-gaps
***
Bomb Kurds in Syria - allies? -
we will provide the F-16's.
A Turkish military delegation is due to visit the US for talks on the sale of F-16 jets to Turkey; a follow up on US President Joe Biden's pledge to deliver F-16 fighters to #Turkey. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkish-defense-delegation-due-in-us-for-talks-on-f-16-jets-sale
***
The Israeli arms companies that
will profit from the latest assault on Gaza
Weapons and surveillance manufacturers have an interest in maintaining Gaza as a playground for any technology Israel wishes to test on Palestinians.
https://www.972mag.com/israeli-arms-companies-surveillance-gaza/
***
The tech embargo works. The
influential British edition of The Times, citing its sources, lists
which major arms contracts with which countries were thwarted:
Algeria, Vietnam, Phillipines, India, Myanmar and Serbia.
https://en.newizv.ru/news/economy/16-08-2022/useful-for-yourself-how-russian-arms-exports-have-changed-this-year
#Philippines
are considering a US offer to provide heavy-lift helicopters like
#Boeing #Chinooks after Manila scrapped a deal to buy military
choppers from #Russia due to fears of Western sanctions, the
Philippine ambassador to Washington said.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/08/15/philippines-eyes-us-helicopters-after-scrapping-russian-deal/
August 16
***
Economist expect Saudi-US ties
to gradually improve over the forecast period (2022-26), facilitated
by the kingdom's more conciliatory foreign policy and the US's
recognition of its potential to be a source of regional stability.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 15/08/22
***
Due to the Russian invasion into
Ukraine the issue of control on strategic products, especially on
advanced technology, is drippling down to the public debate, like
here: How to prepare for fast-changing export rules.
***
Civil military
(https://youtu.be/WTPsWVHhxzs)
software-defined satellite enters commercial service.
https://www.esa.int/Applications/Telecommunications_Integrated_Applications/Software-defined_satellite_enters_commercial_service
***
Recent Wassenaar decisions
includes
Gallium Oxide #Ga2O3 & diamond;
Electronic Computer-Aided Design #ECAD
software for development of integrated circuits with Gate-All-Around
Field-Effect Transistor #GAAFET structure;
Pressure Gain Combustion #PGC tech.
https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3116-2022-08-12-bis-press-release-wa-2021-1758-technologies-controls-rule/
***
Putin is now boasting about
Russian weapons that “no other country in the world” has, even
saying he’s ready to export them to allies. But there’s some
problems with his story.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/vladimir-putins-bragging-show-about-russian-weapons-reeks-of-desperation
***
A re-issued update of the
article the #Sarawak Report ran in January following the arrests of
the front person for the #Boustead procurement programme carried out
in conjunction with #German #Rheinmetall, in conjunction with a
senior navy figure. #Malaysia
https://www.sarawakreport.org/2022/08/umnos-navy-ship-scandal-has-all-the-hallmarks-of-a-classic-procurement-scam/
August 15
***
UK Government and arms firms in
Scotland condemned after child deaths in Gaza.
https://theferret.scot/uk-government-arms-firms-scotland-condemned-deaths/
***
News on a Bulgarian website:
Ukraine sells US weapons again: Switchblade 300 drone per $4K. If
fake news, advanced desinformation. If true a dangerous effect of
arms shipments to Ukraine.
Bulgarianmilitary is often cited by regular press, doubted by some. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/08/15/ukraine-sells-us-weapons-again-switchblade-300-drone-per-4k/
***
Export of image intensifier
tubes for military purposes to South Korea remarkable license in may
2022, value € 113,854.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen
***
Largest Dutch export license in
May 2022 is for naval technology to #Indonesia € 34 million.
Also remarkable May 2022 license is for C-30 Hercules parts to #Nigeria, amount not large, impact on security sistuation (for good and for worse) big € 66,000.
***
Dutch transparency on military
export licenses to Ukraine. Only date and origin (if Dutch) are
mentioned. Not even if the sale is temporarily or definitive (D/T).
This also limits Parliamentary controls.
***
Ohhh irony. Supported by the
Presidency of Defense Agencies #SSB and the Defense and Aerospace
Industry Exporters' Association #SSI, the #SEDEC2022 Homeland #Border
Security Event was successfully held for the third time in #Turkey
late June.
https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/sedec-homeland-border-security-event-held-for-the-third-time-in-ankara-5202
***
China tries to become a major
arms exporter to the neighbours of India. So it tries to bind those
countries. However, the very low quality of the equipment produced,
below Western standards, would seem to undermine this project,
Bangladesh report said.
https://theprint.in/world/bangladesh-dissatisfied-with-chinas-military-supplies-quality-reports/1081037/
***
Dockworkers have the
capability to block arms exports to Turkey. In Hamburg, for instance,
they have already launched an initiative to stop arms shipments and
thus aid the Kurdish movement.
https://www.leftvoice.org/turkeys-dirty-war-rages-in-kurdistan/
August 13
***
Is what’s good for militart
industries good for the US? Excess military spending often comes at
the expense of urgent challenges like pandemics, climate change &
fighting global poverty. This question should be asked before
throwing 100s of bns at the MIC.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2022/08/09/weapons-contractors-thrive-despite-pandemic-supply-chain-issues/?sh=4620e517116d
***
Pelosi’s
Taiwan Visit Launched a New Era of Military Competition With China
The House speaker created a new chasm in the US-China relationship.
Now Biden must make sure it doesn’t lead to war. By Michael T.
Klare https://www.thenation.com/article/world/pelosi-taiwan-china/
***
Drugsjager Zr.Ms. Groningen
drijft prijs van cocaïne verder op. Maakt criminelen rijker en
handelt als een vergiet dat water wil stoppen als het naar beneden
loopt. De war on drugs is een zeer kostbare mislukking.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/08/12/drugsjager-zr-ms-groningen-niet-te-stoppen-in-caribisch-gebied
***
#Mali on Tuesday received
military jets and a combat helicopter from #Russia. During a
ceremony, L-39 and Sukhoi-25 jets as well as Mi-24P helicopter
gunships were displayed. No information was disclosed about the
conditions for acquiring the gunships.
https://www.voanews.com/a/mali-receives-military-aircraft-from-russia/6695975.html
***
Weapons and war go together, so
it is not surprising that Russia is scouring the world for its own
re-supply effort as the war in Ukraine drags on. But surprising is
how many arms are being traded, sold, smuggled and supplied in every
corner of the globe.
https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/3598200-a-world-awash-in-weapons/
***
In Oekraïne vecht Rusland
met chips van Nederlandse bedrijven. Het Russische leger maakt in de
oorlog met Oekraïne gebruik van westerse technologie, waaronder
halfgeleiders van de in Nederland gevestigde chipbedrijven NXP en de
voormalige dochter Nexperia.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1448552/in-oekraine-vecht-rusland-met-chips-van-nederlandse-bedrijven
August 12
***
The increasing effect of Western
sanctions. Russian military on its knees as war in Ukraine drains
income: 'Can't fill orders'. One of the most worrying problems for
the regime of Putin is the impact on cash flow due to the slow down
in arms sales.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1653692/russia-military-collapse-ukraine-war-latest-vladimir-putin-defence-news
***
#Ukrainian media confirmed
that #Azerbaijan will deliver QFAB-250 LG guided air bombs to Kyiv
for Su-25 aircraft developed by the Azerbaijani and Turkish #ASELSAN.
This bomb can be used by Ukrainian Su-25 bombers. #Armenian source.
https://armenianweekly.com/2022/08/11/azerbaijans-arms-sale-to-ukraine-and-the-recent-escalation-in-nagorno-karabakh/
August 11
***
Russia-Ukraine war catapults
Israeli arms industry to global stage. Israel's MoD has launched a PR
campaign, with a senior official visiting 14 countries the last 3
months. The Chinese and Iranian threats are also increasing the
demand for Israeli weapons.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2022-08-05/ty-article/.highlight/russia-ukraine-war-catapults-israeli-arms-industry-to-global-stage/00000182-69d0-d9e1-a1ae-f9f3637e0000
***
In NSO news – this week
Haaretz revealed that Pegasus spyware maker has 22 clients in 12 EU
member states, a number which caught even European lawmakers by
surprise. We also break down the Israeli firm’s European
competitors.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2022-08-09/ty-article/.premium/israeli-spyware-maker-nso-has-22-customers-in-12-eu-countries-and-its-not-alone/00000182-8403-df1d-a3a7-ae9bce800000
***
Imagine $2.1T spend on renewable
energy, tackling #climate change disasters, a fund for countries in
the Global South, a campaign to minimise the footprint of the
industrialised world, clean polluting industries etc. In reality; it
is spend on the global militaries. #Security?
***
EUROPEAN DEFENCE FUND #EDF unveils 1st round of awardees.
***
Embargo now!
Report (https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/exposed-companies-brokering-arms-equipment-to-myanmar-military) names dozens of #Singapore firms involved in arms supply to #Myanmar military.
Justice for Myanmar says 38 companies
in Singapore are linked to 78 Myanmar-based companies brokering for
the military.
https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2022/08/11/report-names-dozens-of-singapore-firms-involved-in-arms-supply-to-myanmar-military
***
Since the start of Russia’s
aggression of #Ukraine, the #EU has adopted assistance measures of
EUR 2.5 billion under the European Peace Facility (#EPF) to reimburse
Member States for lethal and non-lethal equipment provided to the
Ukrainian Armed Forces.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-002300-ASW_EN.pdf
***
According to a video published
on the Telegram account of "Реальная Война |
Украина" 090822, Turkey may have delivered Kirpi 4x4
armored vehicles to Ukraine. If the information is true, this
delivery could compromise the relations between Turkey & Russia.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_august_2022_global_security_army_industry/turkey_would_have_delivered_kirpi_mrap_4x4_armored_vehicles_to_ukraine.html
***
Although Chinese latest white
paper keeps 'one country, two systems' model on table, many
conciliatory measures in 2000 document are also missing. Beijing e.g.
has removed an offer not to deploy military personnel to #Taiwan in
the event of reunification.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3188454/beijing-removes-pledge-not-station-military-personnel-taiwan
***
An electric-powered version of
the Australian Army's Bushmaster armoured vehicle has been unveiled
and is designed and built in by defence contractor Thales in
Victoria. The all-electric is for test applications, a hybride
version for limited use.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-army-electric-bushmaster-armoured-vehicle/db3aba09-9e6b-4f27-85c7-ac519a987546
***
Nigerian NNS KADA, is a
100-metre long military roro vessel from #Damen. With a capacity to
carry over 250 passengers including 32 crew members and 16 embarked
Special Forces, the KADA is currently the largest LST in the whole of
Africa. 1/2
https://thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/08/09/reinforcing-nigerian-navys-role-as-regional-war-power/
A sale hardly reported in Europe let alone in the Netherlands. This despite the role it can play in the Niger delta.
Now the product of Dutch origin is proudly taking part in the ECOWAS mission in Guinea Bissau. https://www.sunnewsonline.com/navy-deploys-nns-kada-to-guinea-bissau-on-ecowas-mission/
***
Majority of victims of #Turkish
#drone strikes appear to be #Syrian citizens. Strikes often take
place well behind active front lines, in violation of US/Russian
brokered ceasefire agreements.
Bayraktar TB-2 drones contain at least 6 US-origin #components. https://www.kurdishpeace.org/policy/turkeys-targeted-killings-threaten-stability-security-in-syria/
***
Timely announcement. The Czech
Republic starts negotiations with Israel to purchase three Heron
drones including ground control stations, data terminals, and
shipping containers.
https://mocr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/ministerstvo-obrany-zahaji-jednani-s-izraelskou-vladou-o-porizeni-tri-bezpilotnich-letounu-237834/
***
#Lockheed Martin is awarded a
$224 million contract in connection to the production of 12 #F35
aircraft for the #Netherlands. Work will be performed in Texas 57%;
California 16%; UK 9%; Italy 4%; Florida 4%; New Hampshire 3%;
Maryland 3%; and Japan 2%.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3096893/
***
Overview on “Export
Controls in the European Union” aimed at the exporter.
https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/guide/the-guide-sanctions/third-edition/article/export-controls-in-the-european-union
August 10
***
Retweet
with comment: @GKNAero #Romania welcomed back
students to the Fokker Academy classes at the site. Through
partnership with the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the
@upb1818, the @GKNAero Romania team have been actively involved in
student education for over 5 years. #GreatPlacetoWork
Press at time it opened:
The Dutch company Stork Aerospace,
active in the field of design and production of aerostructures and
electrical systems for military and commercial aircraft, announced on
Thursday the opening of a subsidiary in Bucharest.
https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1200136-stork-aerospace-deschis-subsidiara-bucuresti.htm
***
“Despite Rhetoric, Biden is
Continuing Trump’s Weapons Sales.”
07/2020, Biden “No more blank checks for Trump’s favorite dictator,” referring to Egyptian President al-Sissi.
02/2021, Biden stop on US military support for Saudi-led offensive in Yemen. https://warontherocks.com/2022/08/despite-rhetoric-biden-is-continuing-trumps-weapons-sales/
***
CAAT calls UK to end arms sales
and military support for Israeli forces following Gaza killings
https://indcatholicnews.com/news/45253
How about arms imports from Israel?
Addition 12/08/22: The killing
in Gaza, but in the meantime... Royal Navy to receive new 'cutting
edge' drone to beef up Britain's military. This drone was built
jointly by #Thales UK and the #Israeli company #Elbit Systems.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1653896/royal-navy-heavy-lift-drone-uashlc-logistics-military-defence-news-latest
Addition
13/08/22: When countries buy arms from Israel, they help sustain
Israel’s military repression of the Palestinian people, just as
when they sell them. This is why the #CAAT calls for a two-way arms
embargo against Israel, by Sam Perlo-Freeman @smhwpf
https://www.redpepper.org.uk/arming-the-occupation/
***
Going Dutch; stengtnening
Russian armed forces
Based on the technical inspection of
Russian military equipment captured in or fired at Ukraine, this
report outlines the extent to which Russia’s multi-billion-dollar,
decades-long military modernisation programme has depended on the
extensive use of microelectronics manufactured in the US, Japan,
Taiwan, South Korea, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, France and
Germany.
https://static.rusi.org/RUSI-Silicon-Lifeline-final-web.pdf
At
least 56 unique components were found to have originated from
European companies. Notably, the largest volume of products came from
Netherlandsbased NXP Semiconductors NV and Switzerlandbased
STMicroelectronics.
A total of 14 components originated from
Netherlands-based manufacturers, of which 10 came from NXP
Semiconductors as well as two from its former subsidiary Nexperia
For instance, the BT33-202 processor module contains at least
a dozen microelectronic components – including CMOS SRAM modules,
FPGAs, RS-232 and bus transceivers – produced by a range of
companies based in the US and the Netherlands.
By examining a
given company’s import history in more detail, one can begin to
understand how a given entity is likely to have acted as a conduit
for these goods to enter into Russian military systems. For instance,
the Altana Atlas reveals more than 2,500 individual trade
transactions between PAO Mikron and 148 distinct senders from 33
countries and jurisdictions, including the US, the UK, Germany, the
Netherlands and Taiwan.
Source: Byrne, Somerville, Byrne,
Watling, Reynolds and Baker, Silicone lifeline; western electronics
at the heart of Russia's war machine, RUSI August 2022.
https://static.rusi.org/RUSI-Silicon-Lifeline-final-web.pdf
Press report: Russian Weapon Systems
Rely Heavily on Foreign Tech.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-08/russian-weapon-systems-rely-heavily-on-foreign-tech-report-says
***
To boykot or not to boykot.
Merchant ship under US sanctions passed the Turkish Bosphorus from Syria to Russia late July. European intelligence officials who tracked the Sparta II say it carried military vehicles to bolster President Putin’s war in Ukraine.
The ship’s journey to the Black
Sea port of Novorossiysk underlines the Kremlin’s efforts to tap
resources for the invasion that’s now in its sixth month, as supply
lines strain under the pressure of Europe’s largest military
campaign since World War II. 2/2
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-09/russia-is-shopping-around-the-world-for-military-weapons-for-its-war-in-ukraine
August 9
***
Educated guess. Amid
Russia-Ukraine war, China COULD dominate the value arms market, this
is the dynamic arms market consisting of smaller transaction values
of new and refurbished equipment. It will find Turkey and India
aiming for the same market.
https://thediplomat.com/2022/08/amid-russia-ukraine-war-china-could-dominate-the-value-arms-market/
***
Palestine Action today #occupied
Israeli weapons manufacturer #Elbit System’s client the Good
Packing Company, who package, transport and export Israeli weapons
battle tested on the #Palestinian people.
Israel has killed 44 Palestinians in the three days.
https://www.vocfm.co.za/uk-activists-occupy-israel-weapons-manufacturers-client/
***
The results of the total
boykot on Russia are debatable, but what isn't is that Russian
weapons depend on Western hightech (broader than what is defined dual
use, incl. microcontrollers, programmable chips and signal
processors, transistors) and control on its exports are flawed.
Retweet @keesamok: As Russian missiles struck
Ukraine, Western tech still flowed - The programmable chips give
electronic-equipment manufacturers enormous flexibility because they
quickly can be reprogrammed to perform whatever new task is necessary
https://reuters.com/investigates/special-report/ukraine-crisis-russia-missiles-chips/
@SpecialReports
August 8
***
Jonas Ohman, CEO of Blue-Yellow,
a Lithuania-based organization said the West has to win the war to
prevent delivered weapons may fall in the wrong hands (in respons to
previous examples, like what happend in Iraq and Afghanistan).
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-military-aid-weapons-front-lines/
***
Total FY21 defense revenue of
the Top 100 is $595 billion, up 9% from the total FY20 defense
revenue. A +/- $53 billion increase.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/08/08/why-most-of-the-top-100-saw-defense-revenue-grow/
Top 100 military companies: First 5
from the United States.
https://people.defensenews.com/top-100
***
US federal lawmakers are
pressing the Biden administration to investigate how US parts and
technology ended up in what has fast become one of the most notorious
drones on the world market: Turkey's - thus not fully - the TB2
Bayraktar drone.
https://asiatimes.com/2022/08/us-calls-for-tougher-scrutiny-of-turkeys-tb2-drones/
***
Kigali rejects a UN expert
report with solid evidence that members of #Rwanda's military conduct
operations in eastern #Congo in support of the M23 rebels whose
deadly resurgence has led to talk of war as well as protests against
the UN peacekeeping force.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/rwanda-rejects-un-report-on-support-for-rebels-in-congo/2022/08/05/a1dd08b2-14d6-11ed-8482-06c1c84ce8f2_story.html
For report see
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N22/338/70/PDF/N2233870.pdf
For report see page 16-17/297
***
#Kraken
(https://krakentechnology.com/security/kraken-k50/) and Thales will
work together on boat for inland security operations. #Thales will
deliver integration capabilities for sensor and weapons equipment,
with adaptable command-and-control, communication & networking
systems.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/kraken-thales-mou-k50-development/
August 7
***
Report published in #Malaysia
this week on irregularities concerning the buy of Littoral Combat
Ship. Did Najib, Zahid conspire to give advantage to troubled
companies (in case French #DCN over Dutch #Damen).
Report
https://www.parlimen.gov.my/pac/review/docs-257-312.pdf
Press:
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/bahasa/s/394933
____
The debate in #Malysia goes on.
2 Weeks ago the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reported a multi-billion ringgit scandal around naval ships. A report by revealed the procurement, worth RM9 billion for six LCS ships, is beset with problems.
And in
#France? https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/631941
___
Malaysian government one billion
ringgit (of the total RM6 billion) for French naval vessels that had
already been spent (without the production of one single boat) had
completely disappeared. It could not be accounted for. There was no
record.
https://www.sarawakreport.org/2022/08/umnos-navy-ship-scandal-has-all-the-hallmarks-of-a-classic-procurement-scam/
___
Ongoing The quotation for the littoral combat ship (LCS) project’s combat management system (CMS) was based on “inaccurate information” but the government still went ahead with the procurement. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/19/false-claim-in-lcs-purchase
___
@marineschepen had het ook een paar
dagen geleden. Nederlandstalig.
Chaos rond bouw nieuwe fregatten
Maleisië nog groter dan gedacht. ... Meer:
https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Bouw-nieuwe-fregatten-Maleisie-ontaardt-in-chaos-160822.html
***
Policing, border control and
surveillance have become increasingly militarised in the UK and
infiltrated by a “war mentality”, according to a reportfrom
Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) and the Network for Police
Monitoring (Netpol).
https://caat.org.uk/publications/a-very-british-problem-the-evolution-of-britains-militarised-policing-industrial-complex/
***
#UK #arms sales to #Saudi
Arabia back on trial next year
A legal challenge over the supply of UK-made weapons for the war in Yemen will proceed to the High Court in January 2023.
https://leftfootforward.org/2022/08/uk-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-back-on-trial-next-year/
August 6
***
In a paper from Bangladesh:
Western countries have been ramping up weapons and ammunition
shipments to Ukraine as Kyiv fights off a Russian invasion, but arms
trade experts warn some of the lethal assistance could end up falling
into the wrong hands.
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/2022-russian-invasion-ukraine/news/arms-ukraine-could-end-wrong-hands-3025851
Indian
paper: Foreign supply of missiles, rockets, & artillery to
Ukraine has raised fears of the weapons entering Ukraine's illicit
arms market and their subsequent smuggling and that some of them
could also re-emerge in conflicts for the coming decades.
***
Dutch Defense has officially put the
Roll-on Roll-off ship into service. The New Amsterdam is now being
loaded and departed from Eemshaven to the port of Klaipeda in
Lithuania. There are Dutch soldiers of the enhanced Forward Presence.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/naval-weapons/latest/dutch-mod-deploys-newly-leased-roro-ship-for-first-time
***
Share prices for the world’s
largest arms traders are soaring and supply can hardly keep up with
demand. Belgium, known for the companies FN Herstal and armoured
vehicle manufacturer John Cockerill, is also seeing these pressures
and financial gains.
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/267083/belgian-and-global-defence-industry-booms-from-war-in-ukraine
***
Is there an anti-arms
trade/human rights peace movement in Korea?
Following a massive arms deal with Poland, Korea has now set its eyes on Egypt, a new potential suitor seen as the next biggest market for defense products after the United States.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/08/205_333963.html
A group active today, something like
World Without War:
https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2020/death-market-world-without-war-take-action-dx-korea-arms-fair
August 5
***
Helder stukje van Ko Colijn: Na
de mislukte inname van hoofdstad Kyiv is ook Poetins plan B een
lachertje. ... Van de verovering van heel Oekraïne ten oosten van de
rivier de Dnipro (royaal voorspeld door Nederlandse experts) is niets
terechtgekomen.
https://www.nu.nl/spanningen-oekraine/6215880/defensie-expert-colijn-poetin-verliest-zijn-greep-in-het-donetsbekken.html
***
The war in Ukraine is having an
impact on a long-running territorial dispute. Turkey is adopting a
more aggressive stance towards Greece and has lashed out at pious
diplomatic interventions from Germany.
https://www.dw.com/en/why-the-turkish-greek-island-spat-flares-up-again-and-again/a-62713489
***
Seven US-sanctioned Russian
ships have docked in India over the past month the are connected to
sanctioned Russian shipping companies that have a history of
transporting arms on behalf of the Russian government.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1650720/putin-news-india-hands-russia-lifeline-arms-ships-sidestep-biden-sanctions-oil
August 4
***
Everyone knows the US makes the
right "choice between democracy and autocracy," as Nansi
Pelosi labled the challenge. That's why Washington decided to
greenlight a $ 5 billion military deal with Riyad, a country led by
the notorious autocrat & killer MbS.
https://www.defenseone.com/business/2022/08/just-weeks-after-saudi-trip-biden-administration-greenlights-5b-arms-gulf-nations/375298/
***
Civil military equiped
satellite ended mission
(https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/event/thales-alenia-space-flies-high-space-symposium)
due to power problems (https://scihub.copernicus.eu/news/News00980)
with an unknown cause. Russia related sources say it is becaue of
jamming.
(https://avia-pro.net/news/sputnik-shpion-nato-vyshel-iz-stroya-posle-neskolkih-popytok-otsledit-rossiyskie-voyska).
August 3
***
#Canada ended an attempt to send
materials to Russia in violation of sanctions because of the invasion
of #Ukraine.
Border officers in Montreal seized the shipment, described as “dual-use goods” banned from export to Russia under Canada’s sanctions regime. https://globalnews.ca/news/9032327/canada-disrupts-attempt-export-banned-materials-russia/
***
#Satellite Prometheus-2 is
co-funded & designed with #Airbus and assembled by In-Space
Missions as part of a collaboration between the UK's Defence Science
and Technology Laboratory and partners, including the US National
Reconnaissance Office. Cornish Guardian 3/8/22
***
Dutch #Damen in #Kenya, working
on a military civil harbour and military ships.
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2022/08/kisumu-shipyard-will-create-job-opportunities-for-kenyans-president-kenyatta-says/
***
The AT-802U Sky Warden, of
#L3Harris Technologies/Air Tractor is #SOCOM’s pick for a rugged
plane that can carry out #intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, close air support, and #strike missions ... in
austere locations such as parts of #Africa.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/08/02/how-l3harris-created-us-special-operators-new-plane-to-hunt-and-strike-terrorists/
***
If you want oil, we want...
US government approved 2 massive arms sales to #Saudi's and #UAE.
The more than $ 5 billion in missile defense and related sales follow President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East last month.
Promisses, promisses, promisses
August 2
***
Under the carpet: #US
#government contractors paid #Bout's air cargo companies $60m in
taxpayer money to fly military supplies to Iraq and gave his pilots
1.9 million liters of free fuel. The partnership occurred 2003-05
over the course of 1,000 trips.
https://www.grunge.com/948834/the-untold-truth-of-viktor-bout/
August 1
***
Huh?: Japanese military budget
increase “bearing #NATO’s 2% target in mind.”
The Ministry of Finance and key figures within the Kishida administration are cautious of dramatic increases in spending given #Japan’s difficult fiscal situation.
https://asiatimes.com/2022/08/japans-ramped-up-defense-spending-not-a-done-deal/
***
Quick gain. Endless justice.
Zuma is facing:
1 count of racketeering
2 of corruption
1 of money laundering
12 of fraud.
Thales:
1 count of racketeering
2 of corruption
1 of money laundering.
Both pleaded not guilty to all of them.
***
The UAE sent one of its Boeing
C-17 cargo plane, to Amarillo, Texas on July 26 to help #Bahrain
bring two of its new #Bell Helicopter AH-1Z attack heli's home.
Bahrain will receive 12 of the
helicopters.
Total contract is worth an estimated
$912 million
