Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
October 31
***
#Lula:
We are going to facilitate people's access to things that educate,
and not to things that kill (..) nobody buys a gun to educate. Nobody
buys a gun to do good. People buy guns to kill. Who is benefiting
from their weapons is organized crime."
https://www.dw.com/pt-br/sal%C3%A1rio-m%C3%ADnimo-armas-e-aborto-dominam-%C3%BAltimo-debate/a-63591663
***
While
Bulgaria is one of the few NATO and EU countries that officially
refuse to send military aid to #Ukraine, Experts estimate that
#Bulgaria has so far supplied at least €1 billion of weapons and
ammunition to Ukraine via brokers.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/all/short_news/bulgaria-doesnt-send-weapons-to-ukraine-but-arms-industry-flourishes/
October 30
***
Iranian-designed kamikaze drones
with which Russia has been attacking targets in Ukraine have engines
made by Rotax, based in Gunskirchen in Upper Austria, a subsidiary of
Canada's Bombardier, power the Shahed-136.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus241817889/Motoren-fuer-Killer-Drohnen-Oesterreich-scheinheilige-Neutralitaet.html
***
#Illegal arms trade from
#Ukraine confirmed in Finland by the Central Criminal Police
(https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12668870) "#Weapons supplied to
Ukraine have also been found in Sweden, Denmark & the
#Netherlands," said Christer Ahlgren the Central Criminal
Police's crime commissioner.
Next official claim on arms smuggled
from Ukraine to Europe later withdrawn.
“The police have no evidence showing
that donated weapons would have been smuggled from Ukraine to
Finland.“
You can find the full statement here:
https://poliisi.fi/en/-/nbi-has-no-evidence-on-donated-weapons-delivered-to-finland
***
The letter signed by Congres members
this week referred to "Russia's war of aggression" &
the "outrageous and illegal invasion of Ukraine."
Still, a member of the House Democratic leadership told Politico Playbook that "Vladimir Putin would have signed that letter if asked."
This isn't remotely true, but it shows how departing an cm from the orthodoxy on the war is automatically taken as an admission of fondness for the Kremlin.
Diplomacy, like warfare, has its costs, which isn’t a good reason to shut down any discussion. https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/10/30/rich-lowry-diplomacy-in-ukraine-shouldnt-be-politically-incorrect/
***
There will be no delay in the
move of Fokker Elmo from Hoogerheide to Papendrecht. GKN Aerospace
ansered on questions concerning the aircraft cabling factory in
response to questions in the local city council.
https://www.bndestem.nl/bergen-op-zoom/fokker-elmo-wimpelt-signalen-over-vertraging-bij-verhuizing-naar-papendrecht-af-bij-ons-niet-bekend~a6d111ec/
***
Dust not settled yet over Tata
Airbus #C295.
MVA, BJP leaders met Airbus, Tata reps before Centre inked deal https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mva-bjp-leaders-met-airbus-tata-reps-before-centre-inked-deal-101667070230987-amp.html
Airbus deal decided year ago https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/airbus-deal-decided-year-ago-biggie-for-maharashtra-in-6-months-minister-uday-samant/articleshow/95154175.cms
Tata-Airbus project controversy ruling parties blame MVA again. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/tataairbus-project-controversy-opposition-ups-the-ante-ruling-parties-blame-mva-again-101666983394335.html
***
The #Tata Group, which is
preparing to make transport aircraft in Gujarat in collaboration with
#Airbus, now plans to manufacture heli's in the country. The company
is in discussions with #Lockheed Martin to manufacture the #Sikorsky
S-76 in India.
https://english.newstracklive.com/news/tata-group-to-do-contract-with-lockheed-martin-for-make-helicopter-for-army-ta322-1255650-1.html
***
#Thales is pleased to invite you
to the Airshow #China 2022.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries-asia/china/press_release/thales-pleased-invite-you-airshow-china-2022
Some of the world's top equipment – ranging from #military drones,
missiles and airplane engines to spacecraft – will be on display,
according to the officials.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-09-27/Airshow-China-2022-to-open-in-south-China-in-November-1dFhLLP70je/index.html
***
Why the US ban on chip exports
to have little effect on Chinese military for now.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3197720/tech-war-us-ban-chip-exports-have-little-effect-chinese-military-now-analysts-say
***
Hidayet Bayraktar, Turkish
ambassador to Nigeria, says Bayraktar drones and ATAK helicopters
from Turkey will soon arrive in Nigeria as part of efforts to
strengthen the security architecture of the country.
https://www.thecable.ng/defence-contract-drones-helicopters-from-turkey-to-arrive-nigeria-soon-says-ambassador
***
India stuck in its dependence on
Russian arms (and oil). Russian connection, poor R&D drag down
arms industry.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2022/oct/30/russian-connection-poor-rd-drag-down-arms-industry-2513029.html
October 29
***
Not often the word 'defence' is
so inappropriately used for 'military'.
Turkey deepens its defense (sic! US
spelling) diplomacy in Africa.
https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-deepens-its-defense-diplomacy-in-africa/a-63586344
TAI to deliver Hurkus-C combat aircraft to Niger, Chad. The contract with Niger follows the sale of 12 Hurkus-B aircraft to the African nation under a deal signed in 2021. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/10/28/tai-to-deliver-hurkus-c-combat-aircraft-to-niger-chad
***
Never waste a potential quarrel
#Erdogan
The head of leading Turkish drone
manufacturer #Baykar has proposed more cooperation with #Germany in
the defense industry, while coalition party the Greens had called for
a complete stop in arms exports to Turkey.
https://www.turkishminute.com/2022/10/28/manufacturer-wants-more-cooperation-with-germany/
***
TB2 Bayraktar drones' maker to
complete plant in Ukraine in two years.
Baykar CEO says plans to construct a
plant in Ukraine well underway despite Russian threat.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-baykar-bayraktar-drone-maker-ukraine-plant-complete-two-years
***
Publication on the environmental
impacts of the UK military sector. The report provides a detailed
assessment of UK military greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
https://www.sgr.org.uk/publications/environmental-impacts-uk-military-sector
***
De MIVD ziet dat de Russische
militaire inlichtingendienst actief betrokken is bij de inkoop van
Nederlandse technologie. 'Het is een geïnstitutionaliseerd systeem',
zegt directeur Jan Swillens.
https://fd.nl/economie/1454378/een-invasie-heeft-ook-grote-nadelige-gevolgen-voor-rusland-dat-ziet-poetin-ook-dachten-wij-i2j2cafBxZXa
Nederlandse
hightechbedrijven leveren zonder het te weten cruciale materialen,
onderdelen en technologie aan firma’s die zijn opgericht door de
Russische inlichtingendienst. Dat zegt het hoofd van de #MIVD in een
interview met het Financieele Dagblad.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/10/24/oekraineblog-24-oktober-a4146050
Nederlandse
hightechbedrijven verkopen hun technologie zonder het te weten aan
firma's die zijn opgericht door de Russische militaire
inlichtingendienst. Dat bevestigt een woordvoerder van het ministerie
van Defensie.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2450152-mivd-nederlandse-hightechsector-levert-onbewust-technologie-aan-rusland
October 28
***
US Security Assistance to
Ukraine Breaks All Precedents.
A look at the evolution of Washington’s unprecedented security assistance effort to Ukraine. https://www.stimson.org/2022/u-s-security-assistance-to-ukraine-breaks-all-precedents/
***
Don’t Rule Out Diplomacy in
Ukraine
Biden’s Current Strategy Risks Escalation and Forever War. The Biden administration has taken few, if any, steps to create a diplomatic process that could produce such an outcome. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/dont-rule-out-diplomacy-ukraine
***
Considering the massive amount
of information the US DoD must sift through every day and
increasingly sophisticated UAVs and UASs collecting even more data,
it’s no surprise the Pentagon has turned to artificial intelligence
for help.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/artificial-intelligence/2022/10/26/artificial-intelligence-is-critical-to-accelerated-decision-making/
***
Foreign workers for military
contractors on at least 4 US military bases in the Persian Gulf are
trapped in their jobs -paid $1 an hour- by employment practices that
they say prevent them from returning home or even looking for better
work in the region.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/27/defense-contractors-persian-gulf-trafficking/
***
“The [UK] government must
immediately cease arms sales to Saudi Arabia
“12 mnths up to the February 2022 ceasefire, there were over 1500 attacks on civilians or civilian infrastructure in Yemen–far from the “isolated incidents” claimed by the government.
***
Weapons in Ukraine aren't
flooding Europe's black markets, but that could change: "a
ceasefire or an end to armed conflict could lead to an increase in
arms smuggling out of the country."
https://www.businessinsider.com/no-sign-of-mass-arms-trafficking-from-ukraine-authorities-say-2022-10
***
Switzerland is facing pressure
from Germany to review its veto over the re-export of Swiss-made tank
ammunition that Berlin wants to send to Ukraine to help protect grain
exports, it has been reported.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/report--germany-pressures-switzerland-to-re-export-tank-ammo-to-ukraine/48010216
***
S. Korea's arms
exports top $13 bln this year: defense minister
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20221027009200325
To put it in context. That is similar to the exports by no. 2 arms exporter for 2021 Russia ($14.6 billion).
October 27
***
***
Oorlog na oorlog. Wat brengt
het.
Afghaanse commando’s, die door de VS
en het VK zijn opgeleid, krijgen naar verluidt aanbiedingen om zich
bij het Russische leger aan te sluiten.
https://www.hln.be/buitenland/rusland-rekruteert-afghaanse-commando-s-om-te-vechten-in-oekraine-ze-hebben-niets-te-verliezen~a82051ad/
Russia’s Recruiting Afghan
Commandos
Abandoned special forces veterans are
getting job offers for a very different kind of battlefield.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/25/afghanistan-russia-ukraine-military-recruitment-putin-taliban/
Earlier FP published: New Congressional Report: U.S.-Trained Afghan Special Forces Forced to Flee to Iran. https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/08/15/afghanistan-iran-special-forces-congress-biden-withdrawal-anniversary/
October 26
***
In 2021 bedroeg de vergunde
Vlaamse uitvoer en overbrenging van militaire goederen 143 miljoen
euro. Dat is opvallend hoger dan in 2020, toen slechts voor 42,2
miljoen euro werd vergund, zo blijkt uit een analyse van het Vlaams
Vredesinstituut.
https://vlaamsvredesinstituut.eu/factsheet/vlaamse-buitenlandse-wapenhandel-in-2021/
***
One would wish diplomacy was
employed with the same input of energy as beefing op military budgets
and arms acquisitions.
Retweet @NIDVnews: 2022
conferentie “Session Européenne des Responsables d’Armement”
(ASERA) gecombineerd met Eurostamp (European Seminar for Top Armament
Manager Personnel): “How does the geopolitical great power
competition impact NATO and EU Armaments Co-operation?” Over China,
Rusland, EU.
***
Are they without a clue; not
knowing; or thinking we are fools? I mean when they talk about the
importance of a Euopean military industry - which must be
strengthened, financed, supported and walk the talk by spending a
lion share, billions outside Europe.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/10/25/german-air-chief-f-35-buy-safe-despite-rising-inflation-costs/
***
Athens & Berlin are engaged
in cyclical arms deals. The former is providing Ukraine with BMP-1
tanks and receives MARDER vehicles from the latter. But #Greece views
the evolution of #German-#Turkish ties – incl. at the level of arms
exports – suspiciously.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/1196508/german-chancellors-visit-to-greece/
***
Can't be disliked: Other reports
have suggested that Russian troops are increasingly forced to use old
and sometimes unreliable equipment and that some of the newly
mobilised troops are rushed to the war front with little training.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3197252/vladimir-putin-scrambles-boost-russian-arms-production-ukraine-war
***
Helder verhaal over Nederland
wapenland in alle vroegte gegeven door Frank Slijper van Pax voor
Vrede. Het hete hangijzer zijn alle leveringen van systemen en
onderdelen die steeds slechter gecontroleerd worden.
https://nporadio1.nl/uitzendingen/vroeg/0219fdf1-be0d-4557-b5d1-ff30dd73fcaf/2022-10-24-vroeg
Overigens
ook met een korte scherpe mening hierover van @WendelaVries van
@CTWnl.
***
Voor financiële instellingen die in de
wapenindustrie beleggen is het voordeel duidelijk: je kunt mooie
rendementen maken op je investering in wapenbedrijven. En hoe langer
de oorlog duurt, hoe beter het financiële plaatje eruitziet. Precies
dit is de onethische kant van investeren in wapenbedrijven: dat je
als belegger of als bank commercieel profiteert van oorlog. Piet
Sprengers manager duurzaamheidsstrategie en -beleid bij ASN Bank.
https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/ook-in-oorlogstijd-is-beleggen-in-de-wapenindustrie-onethisch~be3e627b/
***
The port of Sagunto has a
prefered postion on the route of the Saudi death ships. The Valencian
maritime terminal has become one of the main stopovers on the
European route used by the dictatorship to transport weapons
purchased in different countries.
https://www.publico.es/politica/arabia-saudi-convierte-sagunto-principales-escalas-europeas-barcos-muerte.html
***
The German trap closes on French
arms exports.
Germany wants to harmonize the control of arms exports at European level to limit sales only to countries of the European Union and NATO.
***
Extremist groups are again
trafficking weapons from Libya - remember 2011 - and other sources
into the Sahel, signaling a potential escalation of violence.
Analysts say the increase comes after a period of relatively low
trafficking levels.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/border-security/illegal-weapons-flowing-back-into-sahel/
***
And the winner is:
French electrical systems firm #Thales
reported on Wednesday that sales had risen 9.6% to €12.3 billion
($12.3bn) in the first nine months of the 2022 fiscal year compared
to €11.22 billion in the same period of 2021. (DPA 26/10/22)
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/investors/press_release/order-intake-and-sales-30-september-2022
***
Airbus becomes 1st
foreign company to manufacture military aircraft for India, in India.
https://trak.in/tags/business/2022/10/25/airbus-becomes-1st-foreign-company-to-manufacture-military-aircraft-for-india-in-india/
October 25
***
A contract seen by OCCRP shows how
Aboubakar #Hima, who allegedly skimmed millions from $240 million in
#corrupt arms deals in his native #Niger, may be up to his old tricks
further from homem, in #Senegal.
https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/notorious-nigerien-weapons-broker-lands-secret-arms-deal-in-senegal
***
Berlin and Paris at odds; Common
tanks and fighter jets for Europe - the historical plan is shaky.
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus241747231/Gemeinsame-Panzer-und-Kampfjets-fuer-Europa-der-historische-Plan-wackelt.html
***
If you think nuclear war can’t
happen, pay a visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These Japanese cities
had no military value. (...) The US knew Japan was crippled and ready
to surrender, but it wanted to send a message to the Soviet Union.
https://www.alternet.org/2022/10/stop-worrying-love-the-bomb/
***
Israel’s Rafael Advanced
Defense Systems and German sensor specialist Hensoldt have teamed up
to develop a new electronic-warfare capability for the German Air
Force, the companies announced last week.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/10/24/rafael-hensoldt-to-fuse-electronic-warfare-kit-on-german-typhoon-jets/
***
Retweet
@EmmaMAshford: Particularly impressed with this:
the lawmakers who signed this letter appear to understand that while
the US should not simply pressure Ukraine to end the war, it is also
the case that American policymakers cannot completely cede decisions
about war termination to Kyiv. Washingtom Post.
October 24
***
CRS Report: Navy Large Unmanned
Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress
Updated October 18, 2022 #drones
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23169538/navy-large-unmanned-surface-and-undersea-vehicles-background-and-issues-for-congress-oct-18-2022.pdf
***
Remarkable no Czech ammo
transits through the Netherlands reported in Jul-August 2022.
Normally a major user of Dutch port facilities. In both months it is
mainly Brazilian ammo entering Europe through the harbour of
Rotterdam.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_doorvoer_10102022.csv
Noteworthy
on DU licenses is that the reporting lacks behind. Reports run to May
2022.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen/cumulatief-overzicht-du-vergunningen-2004-mei-2022.csv
On military (Jun-Jul) licenses Ukraine, aeronautics to allies and the supply of naval equipment (incl. Qatar, Egypt & Pakistan) dominates. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_uitvoer_10102022.csv
***
Elizabeth Shackelford: The
world’s worst war isn't the one everyone cares about. The best
estimates available suggest at least half a million people have died
so far from direct violence, starvation and lack of access to health
care. Where? #Ethiopia.
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/world/elizabeth-shackelford-the-world-s-worst-war-isn-t-the-one-everyone-cares-about/ar-AA13iQdp
Though
there is a good case for UN action, including an arms embargo, the
path is strewn with obstacles. Donors must make clear to Addis Ababa
it lifts the blockade and shows it is serious about pursuing peace.
Tigray’s leaders must commit to AU talks
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/oct/23/the-guardian-view-on-the-worlds-forgotten-conflict-ethiopias-devastating-war
***
Greece is sending 40 BMP-1
armoured combat vehicles to Ukraine in exchange for 40 Marder IFV
armoured combat vehicles it will receive from Germany. Greek and
German defence ministers agreed to the swap deal in September to
support Ukraine’s defence.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/all/short_news/greeces-tsipras-blasts-pms-ukraine-policy-favours-diplomacy/
October
23
Retweet @evelinelubbers: Important
book missing, @danmcquillan's Resisting AI, An Anti-fascist Approach
to Artificial Intelligence
https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/resisting-ai
Here
are 18 books that will radically change the way you think about AI,
algorithms, and technology Buy one for yourself and gift one to a
loved one! And support indie bookstores!
https://miad.medium.com/18-books-that-will-change-the-way-you-think-about-ai-203758a95c3b
@WomeninAIEthics #AI #tech #ethics #bookchat #justice #diversity Show
https://twitter.com/MiaD/status/1583206834663731200 this thread
***
Also Australia gears up for
future war in space. And Airbus - how surprising - can show the
profits for Canberra are higher than the costs of this military
project.
https://www.sheppnews.com.au/national/australia-gears-up-for-future-war-in-space/
***
Het Pentagon heeft bij #Broshuis
een bestelling geplaatst voor 466 tank-transporters t.w.v $263.2
miljoen. Het Kamper familiebedrijf zal de 466 Enhanced Heavy
Equipment Transporter System #EHET trailers de aankomende 5 jaar
leveren.
https://www.vraagenaanbod.nl/kampense-trailerconstructeur-krijgt-mega-order-voor-amerikaanse-leger/
October 22
***
On the
complex and smelly world of major arms deals.
EXCLUSIVE: Absconding Arms Agent Sanjay Bhandari Claims French Firm Thales Promised €20mn for Defence Deal But Cheated Him https://www.newsclick.in/EXCLUSIVE-Absconding-Arms-Agent-Sanjay-Bhandari-Claims-French-Firm-Promised-%E2%82%AC20-mn-Defence-Deal-Cheated-Him
October 21
***
Are the US and China fighting a
“tech war” over semiconductors and other advanced technology?
Debates about whether we are or aren’t in a tech war or even a new
Cold War may just be semantics. Either way, we’re in a risky
place.https://thebulletin.org/2022/10/are-the-us-and-china-fighting-a-tech-war-over-semiconductors-and-other-advanced-technology/
***
For a taste of how flimsy the US
Democratic Party's mantra of values-based diplomacy is, one needs to
look no further than the recent dealings between President Joe
Biden's administration and Saudi Arabia.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3196630/joe-bidens-values-based-foreign-policy-tanks-when-it-comes-us-saudi-ties
***
During the EU summit on Thursday
and Friday, the leaders of the 27 will support military support for
Kyiv. In this warlike spiral, diplomatic initiatives remain rare
while the nuclear specter hovers.
https://www.humanite.fr/monde/guerre-en-ukraine/sommet-europeen-sur-l-ukraine-une-guerre-de-l-ue-par-procuration-en-oubliant-la-paix-768095
***
Deals with Riyadh and the
Emirates? Germany relaxes its weapons policy for energy. "That's
what Riyadh and the UAE like to see."
https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Fuer-Energie-lockert-Deutschland-seine-Waffenpolitik-article23662927.html
***
Saudi Arabia wants to join the
BRICS alliance (Brasil India, China, South-Africa), South African
President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated, signaling a dramatic potential
expansion of the bloc amid growing tensions with the US over the
Russia-Ukraine crisis.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-wants-to-join-brics-says-south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa/articleshow/94990258.cms
***
Netanyahu reveals Israeli arms
exports. He may refer to tech for drones produced by Russia used by
Iran against IDF in Syria in 2016. Ironically, the IAF failed to down
the drone with Patriot missiles and instead called on Russian Air
Force capabilities.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-reveals-israeli-arms-exports-have-been-used-against-idf-in-syria/
***
Big Tech Goes to War. To
help Ukraine, Washington and Silicon Valley must work together
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/big-tech-goes-war
As they already do. I wrote in Dutch on a book exploring the organisation of it: War Virtually. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2022/10/boekbespreking-war-virtually.html
And this article shows more of that cooperation.
October 20
***
Palantir wins contract to help
Army quickly process battlefield data.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/10/19/palantir-wins-contract-to-help-army-quickly-process-battlefield-data/
***
The both sides mechanism:
cynical & profittable
#Algeria nears deal with #Turkey to buy
Anka drones.
Algiers was enraged when a #Moroccan
Bayraktar TB2 was suspected of killing 3 Algerians in Western Sahara,
so Turkey offered to sell drones to Algeria too.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/algeria-turkey-anka-drones-nears-deal
October 19
***
Why the US must press for a
ceasefire in Ukraine
As a key player in Kyiv’s defense and
the leader of sanctions against Russia, Washington is obligated to
help find a way out.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/10/17/on-ukraine-the-us-is-on-the-hook-to-find-a-way-out/
***
The uncomfortable need to talk
about diplomacy with Russia.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/19/diplomacy-russia-ukraine-need-nuclear/
***
Forced into arms exports:
Naval Group is at the heart of the rearmament of navies around the
world. It must boost its exports to remain competitive &
innovative in order to support the ambitions of the French Navy in
the face of security challenges.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/naval-group-pourquoi-l-exportation-reste-cruciale-pour-ce-groupe-strategique-pour-la-france-936922.html
***
UK
PEACE campaigners rallied yesterday to lobby Trades Union Congress
#TUC delegates to vote against a motion backing weapons manufacturing
and opposing the defence diversification policy adopted in 2017. “We
should be pushing for peaceful resolutions.."
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/stop-war-coalition-lobbies-tuc-against-motion-backing-higher-spending-arms
October 18
***
SpearUAV, an #Israeli developer
of an autonomous, AI-based technology for encapsulated drones,
unveiled the Viper hovering precision attack drone, empowering
tactical forces with an immediate, precise & autonomous aerial
loitering munition #ALM capability.
https://time.news/spearuav-unveils-the-viper-a-weapon-drone-launched-from-a-capsule/
***
Notorious Prabowo meets US
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CIA Director William Burns this
week. Despite financial difficulties and anti-corruption procedures,
Jakarta continues to rearm, with Washington's backing, in the hope of
confronting Beijing.
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2022/10/18/indonesian-defence-minister-visits-washington-to-finalise-f-15-purchase,109836101-art
***
#Xtend signs $9M drone deal -
in/outdoors use - with Pentagon’s irregular warfare office. Israeli
Xtend is also developing a payload hub so other capabilities can be
plugged into the drone like electronic warfare equipment and
automatic target recognition.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2022/05/11/xtend-to-supply-hundreds-of-wolverine-gen2-drones-to-us-military/
***
EP EPP Questions.
EDF’s 2021 call for projects in the area of $#hypersonics, worth €100m is an opportunity for an approach of the EDF on the development of European capabilities. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-003359_EN.html
Maybe beter to get the dusty mechanism of arms control out of the cupboard.
***
While Mr. Biden has pledged
consequences for #Saudi Arabia's oil cut - and Democratic allies in
Congress have urged retaliatory moves such as halting arms sales - he
has so far declined to identify potential punishments and has not
announced further steps.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/15/business/dealbook/biden-saudi-investment-conference.html
***
The politics behind the lifting
of the arms embargo on Cyprus.
https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/10/18/our-view-weve-not-heard-the-last-of-our-russian-arms-to-ukraine/
***
For some of #Ukraine’s most
ardent backers, even talking about #diplomacy amounts to appeasement.
With the dangers of escalation mounting—alongside the death
toll—the absence of serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict
is both striking and worrying.
https://www.ft.com/content/6e0a904a-b6e1-482f-9e3f-437531396ebc
***
Announcements on #Airbus-Tata
assembly line and repeat order for Hanwha (South Korea) K9 Vajra
artillery guns at Defexpo 2022. India’s largest Defence fair and
show will be inaugurated by PM Modi and opens today in the conflict
and poverty striken country.
https://www.businessworld.in/article/-Announcements-On-Airbus-Tata-Assembly-Line-In-Gujarat-Repeat-Order-For-K9-Vajra-Artillery-Guns-On-The-Anvil-At-Defexpo-2022-/18-10-2022-450877/
***
French #NavalGroup frustrated on
its delayed or evaporating sales to Romania. Bucharest & #Damen
cooperate against the sale of the 4 Gowind corvettes, selected... in
2018. Naval Group is also not helped by its local partner SNC which
has its own interests.
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/naval-group-pourquoi-l-exportation-reste-cruciale-pour-ce-groupe-strategique-pour-la-france-936922.html
***
Summary of SIPRI Yearbook
2022 in
Catalan
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb22_summary_cat.pdf
Dutch
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb_2022_summary_nl.pdf
French
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb22_summary_fra.pdf
Italian
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb22_summary_ita.pdf
Japanese
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb22_summary_jp.pdf
Spanish
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb22_summary_esp.pdf
Swedish
https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/yb22_summary_sv.pdf
https://www.sipri.org/news/2022/sipri-yearbook-2022-summary-now-available-seven-languages
***
Retweet: After months
of putting this together, i want to thank @rogerwaters, @YoBenCohen,
@WilliamAyers& more. Over 220 organizations are calling on @POTUS
to cancel the harmful, destructive, & wasteful F-35 program.
@codepink
https://codepink.org/ben_cohen_roger_waters_and_over_200_organizations_demand_end_to_f_35_program
***
The US and its western allies
have claimed that Iran supplying drones to Russia for its war in
Ukraine is a breach of UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-kamikaze-drone-ukraine-russia-b2204841.html
October 17
***
Nigerian Army has started
operating #Textron Systems’ Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Fixed Wing #drone,
enhancing intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance
capabilities. The $9m FMSale of multiple drones marks the 1st time
#Nigeria acquired US-made drones.
https://www.textronsystems.com/our-company/news-events/articles/press-release/textron-systems-aerosonde-uas-begins-operations
***
#Diplomacy is the only way
out of this. Next month’s G20 meeting in Indonesia provides an
opportunity. According to a recent poll conducted by Data for
Progress, Americans support a negotiated peace even if it involves
Ukrainian concessions by nearly 2:1.
https://www.ocregister.com/2022/10/16/vote-for-peace-not-perpetual-war-on-election-day/
October 16
***
The #Bangladesh PM Sheikh
Hasina, warned any prolonging of the #Russia-Ukraine conflict will
have more devastating impact in the forms of food and fuel crisis and
possible famine in parts of the world.
Now is the time to stop the war and the arms race.
***
US & Canadian military
aircraft on Saturday delivered tactical & armored vehicles and
other supplies to the Haitian National Police #HNP to help combat
criminal gangs that have worsened a humanitarian crisis in #Haiti.
https://www.todayonline.com/world/us-canada-deliver-armored-vehicles-haitian-police-fight-gangs-2021026
Please also stop the influx of #SALW.
***
The dilemma with the bad
friends. After a long time, the German government approved supplies
for the armament of fighter jets, which the autocratically governed
Saudi Arabia uses. This causes upheavals in the coalition. Greens in
particular are disturbed.
https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus241593561/Waffen-an-Saudi-Arabien-Die-Gruenen-stuerzen-ins-Dilemma.html
---
Strange contrast between US mainstream foreign policy and German 'progressive' Greens.Biden likely to halt US arms sales to
Saudi Arabia amid OPEC row: Senator: 'One of the most likely actions
is to stop any future arms sales,' says Sen. Chris Coons.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/biden-likely-to-halt-us-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-amid-opec-row-senator/2712011
---
The row between Riyadh and Washington
leaves Britain’s arms industry on increasingly fragile ground. That
industry, of which jets-to-warships company #BAE is the biggest
business, has long looked the other way over Saudi Arabia and its
human rights abuses.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/oct/16/bae-systems-in-middle-of-dogfight-between-saudis-and-biden-over-oil
---
A series of Saudi snubs
against Joe Biden — including its latest move to cut world oil
production — could finally accomplish what has been stubbornly hard
up to now: ending the US backing of the Saudis’ brutal war against
Yemen.
https://jacobin.com/2022/10/opec-cuts-saudi-arabia-mbs-biden-yemen
***
#Japan to export to #India
stealth antennas equipped on new destroyer. Government sources said
the export aims to encourage India to reduce its reliance on Russia
for military equipment, boost Japan-India defence ties in light of
China’s military rise.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3196095/japan-export-india-stealth-antennas-equipped-new-destroyer
***
#Damen voor al uw
varende wapens.
„misschien wel een van de
gevaarlijkste naties ter wereld”
https://www.bndestem.nl/buitenland/biden-pakistan-misschien-wel-een-van-de-gevaarlijkste-naties-ter-wereld~a1c8c3c2/
is dit jaar een van de belangrijkste klanten voor Nederlandse wapens
buiten EU/NAVO+
https://stopwapenhandel.org/moesson-en-nederlandse-militaire-export-naar-zuid-azie/
***
Het
Nederlandse Financieele Dagblad geeft de vaderlandse militaire
industrie een podium om te pleiten voor een 'oranje' onderzeeër.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1453181/maritieme-sector-vreest-orange-washing-bij-order-nederlandse-onderzeeers-ipj2ca22mcFS
1/2
2/2 Wat mist is de steeds herhaalde opmerking dat
Nederland sinds de jaren '90 niet meer over een zelfscheppende
onderzeebootindustrie beschikt.
https://tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2022D13051
Hopelijk wordt een dergelijk duur en complex product niet echt oranje
gewassen onder druk van de industrie.
October 15
***
A little bit of export of
military technology to Riyadh for fighter aircraft is no arms trade
to Saudi Arabia. Green Feminist Peace Policy looks ugly in this form.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/newsroom/news/interview-baerbock-sz/2558140
***
The war in Ukraine is of a
different kind. The size, number of troops and technologies used are
markedly different from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ukraine is a true “dual-use”
technologies war; commercial products are widely used by both sides.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2022/10/13/ukraine-makes-it-obvious-dod-has-to-change-how-it-buys-weapons/
October 14
***
German traffic light coalition
divided overarms exports; Economics Minister Habeck is pushing for
stricter rules, Defense Minister Lambrecht wants to make exports
easier, Süddeutsche Zeitung reports.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/ruesungsexporte-habeck-gesetzentwurf-1.5674725
***
The UN Security Council is
negotiating a resolution that would impose an arms #embargo, asset
freeze and travel ban on influential Haitian gang leader Jimmy
Cherizier, nicknamed “Barbeque.” #Haiti
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/proposed-resolution-sanction-top-haitian-gang-chief-91480303
***
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz brings
together European countries for the acquisition of a common
technology, probably the Israeli Arrow 3 system, co-financed by the
US and India. To the displeasure of France and its doctrine of
European strategic autonomy.
https://www.la-croix.com/Monde/LAllemagne-brandit-bouclier-antimissile-europeen-sans-France-2022-10-13-1201237611
***
Proud to bomb. #Airbus and
#Turkey have a long history of partnership with projects realized in
civil & military aviation for Turkey. For nearly 40 years, Airbus
has been an important partner for the Turkish MoD, Air Force, Navy,
and Coast Guard.
https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/airbus-in-turkiye-5278
***
Opinion on arms trade to Ukraine
from Finland. The government’s new policy regarding Ukraine may
contribute to the erosion of the international arms trade agreement
previously promoted by Finland.
https://pledgetimes.com/guest-pen-finlands-secret-arms-export-to-ukraine-undermines-trust/
***
New SIPRI publication: Retaining
Human Responsibility in the Development and Use of Autonomous Weapon
Systems: On Accountability for Violations of International
Humanitarian Law Involving AWS.
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2022/other-publications/retaining-human-responsibility-development-and-use-autonomous-weapon-systems-accountability
***
Wapenproductie en -inkoop
een mannenzaak. 3:100.
Koffie en organisatie achterin en meer een vrouwenkwestie: 3:5.
Hoe komt dat toch?
Retweet @NIDVnews: Hoge opkomst US-NL defence & space industry days met @DefensieStas @NLAmbassadorUSA @ariejandewaard. Panels en matchmaking voor VS en NL overheid en industrie.
October 13
***
US arms sales bounced back with
a total of about $50 billion in sales cases cleared in fiscal 2022, a
big jump from the total of about $35 billion last year.
“Some fairly large F-35 sales,” which tend to be high in value and drive up the annual total. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/us-arms-sales-rebound-back-to-50b-in-fiscal-2022/
***
Empirical analyses demonstrate
that the US arms sales toward Taiwan make China to cooperate in the
North Korean nuclear issue.
https://www.proquest.com/openview/ea83de51fddba9ba0105a9cc0749daa6/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=46815
***
Armenia has signed a contract
with India for procuring the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket
launchers, unspecified missiles and ammunition, amid its growing
tensions with Azerbaijan which is close to Turkey and Pakistan.
https://menafn.com/1105012607/As-Tensions-Rise-With-Azerbaijan-Armenia-Buys-Pinaka-Rockets-Ammunition-From-India
***
Again! UN arms embargoes? Not
for Turkey.
The European Naval Operation IRINI has
revealed that Turkey refused to inspect its ship “MV Matilde A"
(https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:15.21712/centery:32.36215/zoom:8/mmsi:271043163/shipid:339633)
before it entered the Libyan coast.
https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/turkey-refuses-inspection-its-ship-libya
#Turkey’s
military support to #Libya, including deployment of foreign fighters,
and its persistant criticism and lack of cooperation with Operation
#IRINI are detrimental to the #EU’s effective contribution to the
implementation of the #UN arms embargo.
https://libyaupdate.com/eu-report-on-turkey-criticizes-its-involvement-in-libya/
***
Lifting the arms embargo on
Somalia, a country still on stilts of finding stability, is a
foolhardy decision and could prove fatal for the region. It could be
thus a phenomenal blunder.
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2022/10/lifting-arms-embargo-on-somalia-could-be-a-phenomenal-blunder/
***
#Liège industrialists develop a
missile to be fired at a tank beyond the direct sight of the shooter
with the help of an observation drone.
This project is part of the first wave of the European Defense Industrial Development Program #EDIDP. https://www.sudinfo.be/id554623/article/2022-10-10/les-entreprises-liegeoises-de-la-fn-herstal-et-de-john-cockerill-defence
***
Second edition of International
Aeronautics and Defence Exhibition opens in Enfidha, #Tunesia
https://www.iadetunisia.com/
The festivities of the international exhibition began with an air
parade, followed by a show by #Saudi fighter jets.
https://www.tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Politics/15635839-second-edition-of
***
The Dutch giant Damen builds
combat ships in Romania for the Pakistani navy.
https://adevarul.ro/stiri-interne/evenimente/gigantul-olandez-damen-construieste-in-romania-2212212.html
Why is the submarine sales lobby by Damen/SAAB in the news and this isn't? Waarom is deze wapenhandel nergens in het Nederlandse nieuws?
***
Zweden hengelt naar een
miljardenorder van de Nederlandse marine. We schijnen nieuwe
#onderzeeërs nodig te hebben en er is een Zweeds-Nl bedrijf dat die
graag wil maken. Het NOS Journaal ruimde tijd in voor een gratis
pitch van de baas van Damen Shipyards.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/10/12/redders-op-zee-moet-je-niet-aan-de-talkshowtafel-zetten-a4144871
***
A Canadian produced US
17.299
(https://sea-doo.com/us/en/models/sport-fishing/fishpro-sport.html)
unmanned fishing vessel forced the Russian naval fleet to retreat
into the defended harbour of Sevastopol.
https://news.usni.org/2022/10/11/suspected-ukrainian-explosive-sea-drone-made-from-jet-ski-parts
October 12
***
This is what the world needs?
UK to designate China a ‘threat’ in
hawkish foreign policy shift
Redesignation will bring UK’s
official position towards Beijing close to its stance on Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/oct/11/uk-to-designate-china-a-threat-in-hawkish-foreign-policy-shift
***
The report on #Arms
Production Capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region, released by the
#SIPRI earlier this month, casts some ‘serious doubts about whether
#India will be able to significantly reduce its dependence on imports
in the short and medium term’.
https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/sipris-assessment-of-indias-quest-for-self-reliance-in-defence-production/2707740/
***
AeroVironment, the maker of the
Switchblade loitering munition Ukraine has used against Russia in
recent months, is planning to ramp up production of the heavier-duty
version.
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2022/10/11/switchblade-kamikaze-drone-production-to-ramp-up-following-ukraine-use/
These ones?
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/sensors-electronic-warfare/aerovironment-shows-ai-capability-switchblade-jackal
October
11
***
June last year, the Pakistan
Navy bought 2 Dutch minehunters, will be delivered by late October.
They are equipped with Atlas Elektronik INCMS cds, Thales 2022 Mk III
sonar, Atlas Seafox Mine Identification/Disposal System & a
Double Eagle Mk III Mod1 ROV.
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-to-receive-additional-minehunters-from-netherlands-by-october-2283440-2022-10-10
Some
food for Dutch thought: Western countries did not supply weapons to
India, and in fact, saw a military dictatorship next to us as the
preferred partner,” Inian FA Minister Jaishankar said, without
naming Pakistan, a close US ally in the past.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/west-did-not-supply-weapons-to-india-for-decades-as-it-saw-military-dictatorship-in-region-as-its-preferred-partner-jaishankar-440004
***
Mexico files new lawsuit
accusing Arizona gun dealers of weapons trafficking. The lawsuits aim
to address "root causes" of gun violence, legal adviser
Celorio said.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/mexico-sues-five-us-gun-dealers-arizona-2022-10-10/
***
#Saudi Opnion: “snakes”
in “Congress”. Riyadh realizes that moves such as stopping arms
exports or imposing foreign trade sanctions are possible, and it
would not be surprising in any way. Therefore, the alternatives for
Saudi Arabia are ready and decided.
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/625887
October 10
***
#Romania has to ground it
fighters because the supplier Berendel cheated the Romanian armed
forces Army with three ships filled with bad quality #kerosene.
Several MIGs broke down after being fueled with this type of fuel.
https://www.gandul.ro/actualitate/exclusiv-armata-romana-nu-a-mai-putut-apara-flancul-estic-al-nato-dupa-ce-a-fost-inselata-de-o-grupare-de-crima-organizata-mai-multe-avioane-mig-21-au-fost-avariate-19850821
#corruption
***
The Russian government has
provided little information on military expenditure during the war
with Ukraine that started in late February 2022. This is
what is known by SIPRI.
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/bp_2210_russianmilex.pdf
***
Companies behind robot dogs asks
countries not to arm the robot dogs, please. No rules, but please
please please.
https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/dont-arm-robot-dogs/
#killerrobots
***
Is this a BAEs advertisement at
the expense of French Nexter & German KMW/Rheinmetal?
The M777 has found favour with Ukrainian forces for its greater accuracy [than the #PzH2000 & French Caesar howitzer] and ease of use. https://www.wsj.com/articles/bae-u-s-in-talks-to-restart-m777-howitzer-production-after-ukraine-success-11665307803
If true how #inaccurate? #Chora
***
Dagblad Suriname haalt
verschillende verhalen op over de betrokkenheid van Desi Bouterse bij
wapenhandel met de Colombiaanse FARC in ruil voor cocaïne.
https://www.dbsuriname.com/2022/10/08/bouterse-krijgt-pak-slaag-in-poll-over-zijn-toekomst-in-de-politiek/
***
US should "rethink"
arms sales to Saudi Arabia, following the KSA's support for Russia in
the war against Ukraine, Sen. Murphy D-Conn. said https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/09/murphy-saudi-arabia-consequences-00061068
If the war in Yemen, global support 4
islamists, internal repression or gross human rights vilolations
isn't enough
***
***
Van bulderende tanks tot
ingevroren apparaten; Honderdjarig #Thales geeft zeldzaam kijkje in
de keuken. https://www.gooieneemlander.nl/cnt/dmf20221008_69958091
Exportbestemming #Saudi Arabië voor producten van Thales Huizen mist in dit PR-artikel.
From roaring tanks to frozen applictions; Centennial #Thales gives a rare glimpse into the kitchen. https://www.gooienemlander.nl/cnt/dmf20221008_69958091
Export destination #Saudi Arabia for Thales Huizen military tech is missing in this PR article.
***
The #Czech Republic has
officially requested the US to purchase 24 units of the #Lockheed
Martin #F35. This means that after the lease of the Swedish SAAB
Gripen, which the Czechia uses, ends, Prague does not intend to
accept a new offer from #Sweden.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/10/10/czech-republic-ignored-gripen-and-officially-asked-for-the-f-35/
October 9
***
Robert #Habeck’s (Greens) Min
of Economics approved the export of military products for #Saudi
fighter jets worth around €36m. Spare parts for the Airbus A330
MRTT worth €2.8m are also to be supplied. Loud #protests are
stirring in De #Grünen.
https://globalhappenings.com/politics/266137.html
October 8
***
13 criminal Dutch investigations
into violations of sanctions against Russia.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1453246/dertien-strafrechtelijke-onderzoeken-naar-overtreding-russische-sancties-thj2cadIoRGl
Yesterday Fiscal Recherche reported an arrest because of a violation of the Sanctions Act; supplying Russia with microchips that could be used militarily.
https://www.fiod.nl/aanhouding-in-onderzoek-naar-overtreding-sanctiewetgeving/
***
Retweet @Mschroeder77: I
just discovered US CBP's interactive database on weapons seizures at
US ports, which is surprisingly useful.
https://cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/weapons-and-ammunition-seizures
In calendar year 2021, USSOCOM reported that it had 28 active SOF operation and command structures, primarily in the Middle East and Africa. From calendar years 2018 through 2021, USSOCOM reported that it terminated or transitioned 57 SOF C2 structures. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23127312/gao-23-105163.pdf
October 7
***
You may have seen that already,
but just in case: new EU sanctions against Russia includes arms and
other military-related aspects. see the full press release:
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/10/06/eu-adopts-its-latest-package-of-sanctions-against-russia-over-the-illegal-annexation-of-ukraine-s-donetsk-luhansk-zaporizhzhia-and-kherson-regions/
tnx to @_ENAAT for informing.
Example of how extensive an arms embargo can be.
***
The #Bangladesh Army Aviation
Group has received its second C295W tactical military transport
aircraft from #Airbus Defence and Space. The new medium utility
military aircraft officially joined the Bangladeshi Fleet on
September 25.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/10/06/bangladesh-airbus-transport-aircraft/
***
Clayton International won a $7
million deal to provide depot level maintenance services for one
VH-3A Helicopter for the Government of Egypt. Work will take place in
Georgia. Estimated completion will be in June 2024.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3181029/
***
The Green MEP Hannah Neumann
criticizes that the federal government is supplying ammunition to
Saudi Arabia. She calls for more pressure on EU partners to prevent
arms sales to undemocratic states.
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/waffenverkaeufe-an-saudi-arabien-ich-persoenlich-finde-die-entscheidung-falsch-a-538cc65a-9372-4dac-ab31-ede02879119f
In
times of the energy crisis, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is apparently
relying on good relations with the royal family in Riyadh. It was
about ... oil and hydrogen from Saudi Arabia. But apparently also
about the interests of the European arms industry.
https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/monitor/ruestungsexporte-saudi-arabien-jemen-101.html
***
The war in Ukraine has supplied
a lucrative shop window for arms manufacturers, creating some
unlikely winners amid a surge in demand for heavy weaponry.
https://inews.co.uk/news/world/ukraine-war-shakes-up-weapons-industry-new-trends-unlikely-winners-1895022
So keep them far from political decission making, I would like to suggest.
***
With the ceasefire over and both
sides blaming the other for its breakdown, #Yemen faces another round
of violence – with the civilian population no doubt again bearing
the highest cost: “at risk if air strikes, ground shelling, &
missile attacks resume.”
https://themedialine.org/news/as-truce-collapses-devastated-yemen-braces-for-fresh-fighting/
***
Why #SAAB is not able to sell
its #Gripen fighter to more countries? CEO Johansson explains why:
"In many countries, the leverage of the US is tremendous. They
are not so easy to work against."
#F35 #Lockheed #Washington https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/world/sweden-s-saab-built-one-of-the-world-s-best-non-stealth-fighters-but-its-ceo-says-that-s-not-enough-to-outsell-us-jets/ar-AA12G2lK
***
US Announces Sanctions on
Myanmar Military-Linked Arms Broker
Aung Moe Myint and his Dynasty
International company are accused of procuring Russian-made arms from
Belarus for the military.
https://thediplomat.com/2022/10/us-announces-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-linked-arms-broker/
***
Something good, as a result?
US Democrats called to respond on oil cut by pulling back on its 70-year strategic partnership delivering arms and US military protection for #Riyadh, charging that Prince MbS stopped upholding Saudi's side of a the partnership. https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-inflation-business-fa45f3023af51b1b7201f0c06d86f72d
***
The friend of human rights, the
champion of regional peace and stability and the greatest collegue of
all in NATO, yes the remarkable Recep Tayyip Erdogan, again
threatened to block Sweden from joining NATO on Thursday (6/10)
evening.
https://newsingermany.com/conflicts-erdogan-threatens-greece-could-come-at-night/
***
US officials have been
frustrated with Ukraine's lack of transparency about its military and
covert plans, especially on Russian soil while the article focusses
on Daria Dugina it also reports on sabotaging Russian arms factories
and weapons depots.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/05/us/politics/ukraine-russia-dugina-assassination.html
***
Nuclear-capable missile
confrontation in a regional flashpoint, during geopolitical tension,
is a reminder that however bleak the outlook, diplomacy remains the
only viable way to handle the threat. So create room and opportunity
for it to be revived.
https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3195085/diplomacy-only-way-defuse-missiles-escalation-north-korea
***
The company behind Australian
arms fair Land Forces is #AMDA. AMDA is registered with Australian
Charities and Non-for-profit Commission which operates around the
country. And that scheme is lucrative for the company and its board
as is investigated here..
https://michaelwest.com.au/what-do-you-think-the-arms-trade-is-a-charity-actually-yes-thats-what-it-is/
***
Thales announces that it has
invested in the Canadian startup AI Redefined (AIR), which has
created a new AI training capability where humans and machines learn
continuously from each other to address sophisticated challenges in
real time.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries-americas/canada/press-release/thales-invests-canadian-startup-ai-redefined-air
***
As the Gulf region attracts more
attention from military companies the world over, it’s becoming
apparent that direct competition with local firms can be a tough hill
to climb. But local partnerships offer a potentially lucrative way to
new customers.
https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/as-western-defense-firms-eye-expansion-in-the-uae-local-competition-awaits/
***
Romanian complaints, the French
help, they are laughed at, and the Dutch run with all arms contracts.
They are redirected to the Damen wharf in Galati, by the former
director of DAMEN and current Minister of the Economy, the "Dutch"
Florin Spătaru.
https://www.national.ro/dezvaluiri/am-dat-4-miliarde-pe-patriot-si-ne-aparam-cu-mamba-de-imprumut-776648.html
***
“Taiwan Pledges to Keep
Advanced Chips From Chinese Military.” The control of a strategic
products to China is also economic policy for the #US, #Taiwan
#Semiconductor Manufacturing, Samsung Electronics and Intel are all
building new US fabrication plants.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-05/taiwan-pledges-to-keep-advanced-chips-from-chinese-military
***
Export of military equipment
from the #Czech Rep. to #Ukraine has totalled CZK 47bn (almost €2bn)
in 2022, including CZK 4.2bn provided by the state. MoD Jana
Cernochova that the Prague approved aid included heavy equipment, as
well as fire arms and ammo.
https://brnodaily.com/2022/10/06/news/politics/czech-supplies-of-military-equipment-to-ukraine-reach-czk-47-billion/
***
An Eurasia Group Foundation poll
found that most Americans – nearly 70% were against the
continuation of US arms sales to Saudi Arabia, of those almost 35%
were "strongly" opposed to it.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221006-most-americans-oppose-arms-sales-to-saudi-new-poll-finds/
***
De een knuffelt een boom, de
ander tja...
Minister Ollongren #D66: Nederland moet
wapenindustrie durven omarmen.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1454095/minister-ollongren-nederland-moet-wapenindustrie-durven-omarmen-igj2cadIoRGl
October 6
***
Tja dan koop je een #F35 die
veel meer #herrie maakt dan de F-16. Het hoeft niet te verbazen dat
in juli 318 klachten binnenkwamen (102 juli 2021), in augustus steeg
het aantal klachten naar 364 #klachten (aug 2021 114 klachten).
Niet eerder zo meegemaakt. https://www.gelderlander.nl/maasland/klachtenregen-over-vliegbasis-volkel-en-f-35-houdt-aan~aef121c0/
***
NewSpace and the
Commercialization of the Space Industry: Challenges for the Missile
Technology Control Regime.
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2022/other-publications/newspace-and-commercialization-space-industry-challenges-missile-technology-control-regime
***
#Israel is refraining from
setting regulations to monitor the activity of intermediaries,
especially former senior defense establishment officials, in military
transactions and arms sales.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2022-10-06/ty-article-opinion/.premium/and-if-they-used-israeli-weapons/00000183-aa22-d5eb-a3af-fab6ca870000
***
Airbus Defence and Space and
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia signed an agreement to promote and
stimulate tech projects aimed at the industrial and defence sector in
Spain and Europe. It includes incorporating AI and cybersecurity into
products and
operations.https://www.pressreader.com/spain/cinco-dias/20221005/281651078995713
***
The US is preparing to introduce
sweeping export controls in an effort to slow Chinese efforts to
obtain semiconductors and chipmaking equipment for supercomputers and
other military-related applications.
https://www.ft.com/content/9fd8b86f-4ff2-4a1f-98b9-739360cea98c
***
US→Ukraine: "It’s the
Wild West", said a lawyer representing arms exporters &
serves on the federal Defense Trade Advisory Group. "We're
seeing a lot of people who were previously not involved in arms sales
getting involved now." It is the opportunity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/06/world/europe/ukraine-private-arms-deals.html
***
A range of thoughts by
experts on the international arms market.
War in Ukraine shakes up weapons
industry with new trends and unlikely winners.
Surge in demand creates new powers in
the arms trade, while Russian exports decline.
https://inews.co.uk/news/world/ukraine-war-shakes-up-weapons-industry-new-trends-unlikely-winners-1895022
October 5
***
General Atomics developing
hybrid-electric engine for stealthy ‘MQ-Next’ drone design. A
game changer in warfare.
https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/general-atomics-developing-hybrid-electric-engine-for-stealthy-mq-next-drone-design/
Imagine all these efforts were put into environmental friendly products or even better: less production.
***
The Philippine military has sent
eight #Israeli Soltam/Elbit Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System
(ATMOS 2000) 155mm self-propelled guns to #Mindanao to support
counter-terrorism operations in the southern region.
https://army.mil.ph/home/index.php/press-releases-archive-2/1688-game-changer-atmos-self-propelled-howitzers-arrive-in-mindanao
The howitzer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATMOS_2000
***
The Moroccan Army has procured advanced
military drones from China as part of its continuing effort to
bolster its air defense capabilities.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/10/351642/morocco-purchases-modern-chinese-military-drones
***
Question embedded in Turkish
foreign policy (being "increasingly interventionist and thus
conflict-ridden character - for example in northern Iraq, in Syria,
in Libya, in Azerbaijan") about the total 2022 value of #German
arms export licenses for #Turkey.
https://www.bundestag.de/presse/hib/kurzmeldungen-913718
***
The economy of war establishes
itself. The next issue is how it will be financed without ethical
restraints. The campaign to lift restrictions at financial
institutions is gaining speed.
Qui financera l'économie de guerre?
Who will fund the war economy?
https://www.lesechos.fr/idees-debats/editos-analyses/qui-financera-leconomie-de-guerre-1866434
***
On the other side of the world.
Give #Myanmar’s resistance what it needs to shoot down Junta helicopters. The Myanmar resistance needs meaningful support: weapons to shoot the Mi-35s and all of the regime’s other airborne killing machines out of the sky. https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/commentary/give-myanmars-resistance-what-it-needs-to-shoot-down-junta-helicopters.html
***
Indian PM Modi reiterated his
call to Pres. Zelenskyy for an earliest cessation of hostilities with
Russia & the need to walk the path of dialogue & diplomacy.
He emphasized the UN Charter, Int. Law,
& the sovereignty & territorial integrity of all states.
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/page1/modi-speaks-to-zelenskyy--calls-for-talks--diplomacy-to-end-war-with-russia.html
Ukraine
will not conduct negotiations with Putin: Zelenkskyy responds to PM
Modi's call for peace.
https://theprint.in/world/ukraine-will-not-conduct-negotiations-with-putin-zelenkskyy-responds-to-pm-modis-call-for-peace/1154910/
He sticks to the Five point peace palns
as outlines in the General Assembly of the UN.
https://gadebate.un.org/en/77/ukraine
***
One killed, two missing in
Bulgaria rsenal Kazanlak arms and ammo factory blast. The prosecutor
said the most likely cause of the accident was failure to follow
safety rules.
https://www.spacewar.com/reports/One_killed_two_missing_in_Bulgaria_arms_factory_blast_999.html
October 4
***
De recherche ziet dat een groep
verdachten van grootschalige cocaïnesmokkel en #wapenhandel via
versleutelde berichtendienst Encrochat contact heeft met naar later
blijkt V., een #KMAR-lid. V zit inmidels in een
beschermingsprogramma.
https://www.tubantia.nl/enschede/militair-die-informatie-lekte-aan-criminelen-opgenomen-in-beschermingsprogramma-om-eist-maximale-taakstraf~a4f35287/
***
US #Congresswoman Lisa McClain
(R-MI) has led a biparatisan group of colleagues in demanding
sanctions against #Algeria for its purchase of #Russian arms, a
violation of the "Countering America's Adversaries Through
Sanctions Act".
- https://gna.org.gh/2022/10/us-lawmakers-call-for-sanctions-against-algeria-for-arms-deal-with-russia
- https://mcclain.house.gov/2022/9/rep-lisa-mcclain-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-sanctions-on-algeria-for-purchase-of-russian-weapons
***
Komatsu stopped producing light
armoured vehicles, Sumitomo Heavy Industries halted its production of
the next series of machine guns etc. According to the #Japanese
Defense Ministry, more than 100 companies have exited the military
industry since 2003.
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/yomiuri-editorial/20221003-62181/
***
South #Sudan, a nation in need
of a #arms embargo, not sanctions. Amnesty International and Human
Rights Watch want an arms embargo, but US sanctions include South
Sudan’s oil industry.
https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/nation-in-need-of-an-arms-embargo-not-sanctions-d8b9641d-bcdc-453f-9ceb-716f75c451a8
***
Australian Greens’ senator
David Shoebridge at arms fair: “They use our fear, and at the
moment fear from the conflict in Ukraine and fear of conflict with
China, to make their fortunes. The whole purpose of this industry is
to win multibillion-dollar...”.
https://michaelwest.com.au/michael-west-media-banned-from-land-forces-weapons-expo/
***
@FrankSlijperTurkish
shipbuilder RMK Marine launched 1st MilGem (Ada)-class corvette on
order for Ukraine
https://janes.com/defence-news/turkey-launches-first-ada-class-corvette-for-ukraine
"One of four" the Russian webpage armstrade.org states based on a RIA Novosti report. https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/1003/094069742/detail.shtml
The ships are equipped with arms from France, Germany, Italy, the US and military tech from the Netherlands (Thales, IMTECH) and Turkey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_corvette_Hetman_Ivan_Mazepa
***
A new mission is being
established at US European Command’s headquarters in Wiesbaden,
Germany to oversee how the US trains and equips Ukrainian troops, the
New York Times reported
(https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/29/us/politics/pentagon-command-ukraine.html).
4 training Grafenwöhr or Hohenfels may be used.
https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-army/2022/10/03/us-may-establish-new-command-in-germany-to-arm-ukraine-report/
***
On US WMEAT-report: Ending
the report is a problem in that it signals a continued lack of
disclosure in general on US arms sales policies, not because it
decreases transparency over US support to Ukraine.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/thought-leadership/2022/10/03/ukraine-arms-transfers-still-tracked-after-us-state-dept-kills-report/
October 3
***
The #US State Department
approved an #FMS of M1A2K tank operational & training #ammunition
to #Kuwait for an estimated cost of $250 million to deter and defend
against land-based threats, and help protect border regions and key
land-based infrastructure.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kuwait-m1a2k-tank-operational-and-training-ammunition
***
#Kuwait now has 6 #Eurofighters
in the country after #Leonardo delivered another two aircraft to Ali
Al-Salem Al-Sabah Air Base. This is the 3rd batch of delivery.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2171641/middle-east
***
Austria, Finland, France, the
Netherlands, Spain, and Romania have urged the European Commission to
aim high in its upcoming proposal on cyber defence, setting out their
recommendations on five priority areas.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/cybersecurity/news/six-eu-countries-call-for-ambitious-cyber-defence-policy-document/
***
#French Minister of the
Interior & Overseas Gérald Darmanin arrived in Fort-de-France,
#Martinique. The fight against the circulation of firearms on the
island is the priority of his trip.
https://www.europe1.fr/politique/trafic-darmes-en-martinique-quels-sont-les-engagements-de-gerald-darmanin-4138065
Advice for free: Ask the US to control its borders against #SALW exports!
October 2
***
In an
overview on #Indian arms export policy:
"#Myanmar is very special in this
respect. India is the third largest arms supplier after China and
Russia. India accounts for 17% of Myanmar’s defense equipment
imports."
https://india.postsen.com/world/289939/What-is-the-Weapon-Diplomacy-of-India-India-is-selling-arms-to-which-countries-included-in-top-25-countries.html
October 1
***
Drones at sea during REMPUS 2022
https://nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2022/9/pdf/220915-factsheet-exercise-repmus.pdf
***
It's easier to violently disrupt
societies than it is to juridically end the export of small arms to
other countries. A US #judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Mexican
government accusing US arms makers of contributing to the bloodshed
in #Mexico.
https://worldnationnews.com/they-deal-a-blow-to-mexico-us-judge-dismisses-lawsuit-against-arms-manufacturers/
***
Het is de bedoeling dat de
scheepsbouwers rond de zomer van 2023 hun biedingen insturen. Eind
volgend jaar moet dan bekend zijn of het Zweeds-Nederlandse
conglomeraat Saab/Damen, TKMS uit Duitsland of de Franse Naval Group
de miljardenorder krijgt.
De onderzeeboten en fregatten
worden bovendien in de toekomst voorzien van langeafstandsraketten.
Daarover informeer ik de Tweede Kamer volgend jaar”, aldus Van der
Maat.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/38/01_onderzeeboot
Kamerbrief
over offerteaanvraag vervanging onderzeebootcapaciteit
Staatssecretaris Van der Maat (Defensie) informeert de Tweede Kamer
over de offerteaanvraag, een belangrijke mijlpaal in de vervanging
van de onderzeebootcapaciteit.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2022/09/30/kamerbrief-over-offerteaanvraag-vervanging-onderzeebootcapaciteit
De
vertrouwelijke bijlage I geeft inzicht in 't #levensduurkostenbudget
en de risicoreservering. Daarnaast zijn de top-10 risico’s
opgenomen in de vertrouwelijke bijlage III bij deze brief. Deze
top-10 vertegenwoordigt ongeveer 80% van het totale benoemde
financiële risico's.
***
The US has actively pursued the
development of hypersonic weapons since the early 2000s. Recently the
US has focused such efforts on hypersonic glide vehicles &
#hypersonic cruise missiles with shorter and intermediate ranges for
use in regional conflicts.
https://www.idga.org/events-hypersonicweaponssystems
***
A point of view by Dr.
Daphné Richemond-Barak of the Israeli MirYam Institute: Nations that
set limits on #AI capabilities may encounter adversaries who have no
qualms about doing so, putting them at a disadvantage.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/robotics/2022/09/30/beyond-killer-robots-how-ai-impacts-security-military-affairs/
