woensdag 30 november 2022

Tweets for November 2022

November 30

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Six Stops on the National Security Tour; rethinking warfare economics door Miriam Pemberton doet wat de titel belooft & dat gedocumenteerd met feiten, gewogen oordelen en ontwikkelingen. Hoewel 't om zaken uit de VS gaat, ook voor Nederlanders interessant. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2022/11/boekbespreking-de-economie-van-de.html

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Retweet @TNInstitute: @TNI and Stop Wapenhandel new research looks at the funds injected into militarism by western governments in the wake of the war in Ukraine. It points to the flawed logic driving this response and highlights its futility in bringing about peace and preventing future wars. http://tni.org/smokescreen

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According to #Korean Minister Won Hee-Ryong x#Saudi crown prince demonstrated “strong will in #arms industry and #nuclear power cooperation” with South Korea during the summit with President Yoon Suk-Yeol. https://tfiglobalnews.com/2022/11/29/south-korea-and-saudi-arabias-defence-ties-bombards-the-american-defence-industry/

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#Rheinmetall delivers first Marder Fighting Vehicles #IFV to #Greece. In exchange for the Marders, Greece will provide #Ukraine with Soviet-made IFVs and other military equipment to support the country in its ongoing struggle to repel the Russian invasion. https://www.army-technology.com/news/rheinmetall-marder-ifvs-hellenic/

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#Erdogan’s cynical slaughter of the Kurds – + the West’s Silence – must end. All of Erdogan’s actions, incl. his charm offensive toward Israel, are meant to improve his electoral situation. In his view, only an external war against the Kurds will save him.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2022-11-29/ty-article-opinion/.premium/erdogans-slaughter-of-the-kurds-and-the-wests-silence-must-end/

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US-China green #diplomacy must lead to increasing trust, allowing for reduced tensions & military expenditures. It is the only practical strategy for saving us from the #catastrophic consequences of both a US-China conflict & unconstrained #climate change. https://tomdispatch.com/what-if-the-u-s-and-china-really-cooperated-on-climate-change/

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Retweet @YorukIsik: Russian arms exports to Egypt: @USTreasury sanctioned Moscow based M Leasing's Russian flag roro Angara, itself sanctioned, transited Bosphorus toward Med en route from Novorossiysk to Alexandria carrying arms. Rosoboronexport's revenue in 2022 is likely to total US$10.8 billion. https://twitter.com/YorukIsik/status/1597377961963196417

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Retweet @ASDEurope: ASD welcomes the launch of the #EUDroneStrategy. It is a cornerstone to make Urban Air Mobility a reality in #Europe and to develop the necessary U-space services to enable sustainable & safe drone operations. ASD is fully committed to play its role in the implementation phase. https://twitter.com/ASDEurope/status/1597628428316217345

November 29

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US says Russia abruptly postpones arms control talks. It said Russia had promised to propose new dates but had offered no reason for the delay. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221129/p2g/00m/0in/018000c

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Under the agreement, signed at the #NEDS military fair and show in Rotterdam, #Fokker will provide MRO services for #Elbit’s military aviation training programmes.
https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-joins-forces-with-fokker-services-group/

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#Netherlands will not succumb to US pressure to implement restrictions on exports to China of #semiconductors – in particular, those manufactured by the Dutch chip manufacturer #ASML. So said Dutch minister for foreign trade Liesje Schreinemacher recently. https://www.worldecr.com/news/dutch-will-restrict-china-chip-exports-on-their-own-terms-schreinemacher/

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#Poland wants to divert pledged #German air defenses to #Ukraine
Berlin is unlikely to accept the terms because they would entail sending German forces into Ukraine.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/11/28/poland-wants-to-divert-pledged-german-air-defenses-to-ukraine/

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'We humiliated ourselves': Sweden’s bid to join NATO meets continued resistance from Turkey https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20221128-we-humiliated-ourselves-sweden-s-bid-to-join-nato-meets-continued-resistance-from-turkey

November 28

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What should be defended In the dispute over EU arms exports to 3rd countries, Germany is too timid.

When it comes to joint arms production, Germany de facto refrains from implementing its principles. E.g. Eurofighter: While Germany has refused to export tanks to Saudi Arabia #German supplies for the fighter jets supplied to #Saudi's, which were assembled in the UK, have not been impeded. Even after the #Kashoggi murder, supplies, unlike direct exports from Germany, were only stopped for a short time. By: Michael Brzoska https://www.tagesspiegel.de/meinung/eu-waffenexporte-in-drittstaaten-deutschland-sollte-seine-strengeren-regeln-durchsetzen-8922166.html

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Saudi ships authorised by Spanish Foreign Affairs authorized to dock in the Spanish ports. They are loaded with helicopter gunships. War in #Yemen? No problem. https://www.publico.es/politica/exteriores-autorizo-barcos-saudies-cargados-helicopteros-guerra-atracaran-puertos-espanoles.html

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Russia has used up almost 2/3s of its ammunition reserves, a senior military intelligence analyst has claimed - enough for another month. Meanwhile, the UK’s MoD likewise said the evidence demonstrated Russia’s stocks were “depleted”. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1701800/Ukraine-live-war-news-missiles-shortage-vladimir-putin-zelensky-kherson-iran

’Rusland heeft tekort aan munitie en kan nauwelijks aanvallen' https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/18615747/live-biden-geen-enkele-intentie-om-nu-met-poetin-te-praten

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At the political dialogue partnering between Bangladesh and the EU on maritime security was considered with specific focus on Bangladesh engaging in EU's Critical Maritime Routes in the Indian Ocean II (CRIMARIO II, https://www.crimario.eu/en/the-project/rationale-objectives/) initiative. https://www.newagebd.net/article/187454/eu-eyes-maritime-energy-cyber-security-coop-with-bangladesh

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"Moscow is the world center of anti-feminist, anti-gay, anti-trans hatred, and the refuge of the “great replacement” theory. By supporting Ukraine, we oppose these fascist conceptions," wrote Democrat Jamie Raskin and "Although it still lacks the fight against global warming, such a misleading redefinition of American war aims, constitutes the outlook of the coming imperialist left," according to Serge Halimi, Editorial director of Le Monde Diplomatique #LMD in the December issue.

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#GKN Aerospace to create additive manufacturing center of excellence in Texas. GKN Aerospace expects to transform the facility into its fourth Global Technology Center to complement existing centers in Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK. #Aerospace https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2022/gkn-aerospace-to-create-additive-manufacturing-center-of-excellence-in-texas/

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Criminal organisations host sites where they post ransom threats & later leak databases if the ransom is not paid. The groups research their targets to inflict maximum damage. Victims range from global corporations, including military/security firm #Thales https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-28/cyber-black-market-shows-medibank-optus-hack-just-the-surface/101700974

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Recent ructions in the German French #FCAS fighter program raise the question of whether the UK could tempt Germany over to the UK #Tempest programme in order to gain a rich and experienced buyer. This could come with its own problems, because big projects need parliamentary approval from the Bundestag.

Germany has also been reticent over overseas arms sales of the type needed to make the programme viable (on a continent were most buy US fighters: F-16, FA-18, F-35).
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/11/28/battle-build-europes-next-generation-fighter-jet/

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#Damen speelde hoog spel (niet voor het eerst), maar verloor (ook niet voor het eerst). Damen spande een kort geding tegen #NIOZ aan. Kreeg gelijk van de rechter. Maar verloor de order van €62mln voor een odnerzoeksschip. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1459046/spaanse-scheepswerf-bouwt-onderzoeksschip-nioz-en-geeft-damen-het-nakijken-k1k2caC6y151

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A downturn in the #Indonesian economy is obstructing a number of important projects. The programmes to acquire three more submarines from DSME and six new-build FREMM frigates to be supplied by Italy’s Fincantieri are on hold. https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/maritime-security-world/naval/column-the-indonesian-navy-large-and-quite-well-equipped-but-with-problems-to-face-naval-gazing/

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Interview with Bitte Hammargren of the Swedish Institute of International Affairs on Turkish greenlight for #Sweden to enter #NATO. It includes the question of arms trade: many segments of the Swedish society are critical to any arms deliveries to #Turkey. https://bianet.org/english/world/270582-there-is-a-limit-as-to-how-far-sweden-can-go-to-meet-erdogan-s-demands

November 27

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#Qatar was biggest recipient of #UK arms between April-June 2022
Since it won the right to host the World Cup in 2010, the tiny but hugely wealthy Gulf state of Qatar has been granted £3.4bn worth of weapons sales licenses by Britain.
https://leftfootforward.org/2022/11/qatar-is-biggest-recipient-of-uk-arms-between-april-june-2022/

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Most in Washington are in agreement that, generally, the push for more oversight on delivered weapons to Ukraine is a good thing. But experts caution there are credible limitations to ensuring an airtight account of all weapons given to Kyiv. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/11/27/biden-ukraine-weapons/

November 26

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In Afghanistan, NATO forces might have fired even 300 artillery rounds a day and had no real worries about air defense. But Ukraine can fire thousands of rounds daily and remains desperate for air defense against Russian missiles and Iranian-made drones. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/26/world/europe/nato-weapons-shortage-ukraine.html

November 25

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1/2 Oude bekende duikt op:
We “verkopen het door daar waar het asfalt ophoudt”, verklaart John Wichhart uit #Nieuwediep zijn exporthandel. Als 3de generatie handelt hij al 40 jaar in o.a. oud-defensiematerieel.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2022/46/02_veiling-defensiegoederen_46

Zou ie nu wel goed gecontroleerd worden?

2/2 ‘De gang van zaken verdient niet de schoonheidsprijs’, zegt een woordvoerder van het ministerie van Financiën. Duidelijk is dat voor het vervoer van Rotterdam naar #Eritrea van de tankonderdelen en Unimogs geen vergunning gegeven zou zijn. https://www.groene.nl/artikel/als-het-belangrijk-wordt-slaapt-de-overheid 16/02/07

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Paul Murphy of People Before Profit said: "It's entirely inappropriate to have Dutch warships present in Irish ports. It's yet another breach of what remains of Irish neutrality."

Retweet @SciteCito: Protests planned over 'entirely inappropriate' docking of Dutch naval vessels in Cork https://irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41014406.html

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On a visit to America, France's president will confront new problems included on the diplomatic front. The US does not want China involved to "play a mediating role" in Ukraine. https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/11/24/on-a-visit-to-america-frances-president-will-confront-new-problems

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Retweet @hcssnl: Rusland kan op dit moment geen precisiewapens maken door gebrek aan Westerse elektronica, een direct gevolg van de sancties, stelt HCSS expert @peterwijninga bij @BNR; de Iraanse drones zijn als noodgreep aangekocht, maar Iran kan de vraag niet bijbenen. https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10495205/achterblijven-iraans-productieproces-zorgt-voor-problemen-in-rusland

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#Elbit unveiled micro-suicide #drone, and it has a mother ship. The palm-sized Lanius UAV was developed from racing drones and employs #AI to fly inside buildings, gather tactical intelligence and kill enemy fighters with its lethal explosives. https://haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2022-11-18/ty-article/.premium/israels-elbit-sytems-unveiled-micro-suicide-drone-and-it-has-a-mother-ship/

November 24

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@WilliamHartung: Unfortunately US-supplied weaponry has fueled conflicts, enabled human-rights violations, helped destabilize not just individual countries but whole regions, and made it significantly easier for repressive regimes to commit war crimes. https://www.thenation.com/article/world/arms-dealing-us-weapons-market/

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United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia #UNSOM, African Transition Mission in Somalia #ATMIS, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the EU have been included on the list of the nations exempted from the #arms embargo on #Somalia. https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkiye-among-countries-exempted-from-un-arms-embargoes-in-somalia

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French MoD Sebastien Lecornu will go abroad aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Mumbai on November 27. This carrier visit is significant as French Rafale-M is one of the two contenders for the fighters boarded at the Indian aircraft carrier. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/french-minister-lecornu-to-board-ins-vikrant-on-november-27-off-mumbai-101669140202829.html

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The #Polish MoD will sign a contract with Frances #Airbus in the coming weeks for the delivery of two observation #satellites, the Dziennik Gazeta Prawna (DGP) daily reported. https://tvpworld.com/64664399/polish-mod-to-acquire-french-observation-satellites-daily

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#Qatar2022 #Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Tabuk on Tuesday arrived at a port in #Qatar to provide security assistance to the oil- and gas-rich sheikhdom hosting the FIFA World Cup. The vessel built by #Dutch defence company #Damen, was commissioned in 2020. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2022/11/22/pakistan-navy-warship-arrives-in-qatar-to-guard-world-cup/

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While Norwegians refrain from watching the football at #Qatar2022 because of the human rights situation in #Qatar, Norwegian arms exports to the country continue like never before. So far in 2022, #Norway has sold weapons worth over € 126m to the Emirate. https://norway.postsen.com/local/69658/Norway-has-delivered-arms-worth-over-one-billion-kroner-to-Qatar-this-year.html

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#Colombia Reports plublished evidence of a gigantic arms trafficking network run by corrupt elements in the military. This network has been accused of stealing arms from at least eight military compounds and selling them to illegal armed groups, like FARC. https://colombiareports.com/state-officials-tipping-off-colombias-farc-dissidents-prosecution/

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The new kid on the block is in for business. South #Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday pledged to provide full support for arms exports, describing the defense industry as a new growth engine in the future. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20221124006000315

More arms will make the world …

As South Korea aims to surpass China in military exports, will sales competition with US rise? https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3200408/south-korea-aims-surpass-china-military-exports-will-sales-competition-us-rise

In 2021, US military spending was $801 billion. But South Korean weapons and ammunition exports to the US accounted for only $95 million, according to the US Commerce Department. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/25/asia/south-korea-defense-industry-weapons-intl-hnk-dst-ml

November 23

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#Boeing has agreed to #Indonesia’s #financial package to buy F-15s, and the two sides are in advanced stages of negotiations ahead of a political decision by the country’s government to finalize the purchase. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/boeing-agrees-f-15-payment-plan

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Retweet @NIDVnews: Bezoek van @defensiestas aan (MKB-)spelers in de Nederlandse space-keten met (toenemende) ambitie voor diensten voor de krijgsmacht: samen vanaf de voorkant. Gastheer @isis_space. https://twitter.com/NIDVnews/status/1595352979753910273

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William Hartung, A Hall of Shame of U.S. Weapons Sales. Special attention to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines. https://tomdispatch.com/corporate-weapons-heaven-is-a-hell-on-earth/

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If the Biden administration won’t hold Mohammed Bin Salman accountable, Congress should. https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3743931-if-the-biden-administration-wont-hold-mohammed-bin-salman-accountable-congress-should/

Is that the same #MbS who was placed at the left side of Mr. Infantino during the opening game of #Qatar2022 ?

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On the most expensive weapon ever:

Pentagon won’t lift #F35A lightning restrictions after hardware and software fix. “Lightning restrictions will be lifted when all safety concerns are resolved or acceptably mitigated.” https://breakingdefense.com/2022/11/pentagon-wont-lift-f-35a-lightning-restrictions-after-hardware-and-software-fix/

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The United States wants a bigger military footprint in the #Philippines and #Indonesia, which could mean more Army rotations with the key Indo-Pacific partner in the coming years. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/11/21/the-army-piece-of-a-growing-us-footprint-in-philippines-indonesia/

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Israel has officially provided no combat arms or materials to Ukraine, but has provided humanitarian aid. But the Jeruzalem Post indentifies several Israeli rifles (Tavor etc), AT-weapons (Matador) & even vehicles (GAIA Amir MRAP) used by Ukranian troops. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-723050

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AN independent Scotland will have greater scrutiny and monitoring of the arms trade as part of plans to become a “global leader” in the protection of civilians, SNP MPs have pledged. https://www.thenational.scot/news/23143037.scottish-independence-will-see-greater-arms-trade-scrutiny-mps-say/

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#Tanzanian government calls upon investigation of illegal weapons in three regions. DEPUTY Minister for Home Affairs, Jumanne Sigini, has instructed the police force to investigate the presence of illegal weapons in Tabora, Tanga and Coast regions. https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/govt-calls-upon-investigation-illegal-weapons-three-regions

November 22

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In 2022 alone 601 mass shootings have been recorded in the country of the brave, the United States of America. https://lesoir.be/478144/article/2022-11-20/la-communaute-gay-nouveau-prise-pour-cible-aux-etats-unis Time for a mature domestic arms control policy? @POTUS

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The war in #Kurdistan:
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 31 people are said to have been #killed and 38 injured, some seriously by #bombardments of NATO member #Turkey.
https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2022-11/tuerkei-konflikt-syrien-irak-miliz

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#Rheinmetall's share price rose by more than 8% by Monday afternoon after it bought #Expal Systems from Spain for € 1.2bn. With an annual turnover of around €400m, Expal Systems is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in Europe. https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/ruestungsindustrie-rheinmetall-uebernimmt-spanischen-gepard-munitionshersteller/28806920.html

Retweet @RojZalla: Remnants of Turkish bombs in Iraqi Kurdistan. Note the Boeing Company inscription. Not so good for the US message that they want neighbors to respect Iraqi sovereignty. Source: Local media.

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Retweet @AOAV: "It remains unclear whether the $7.1 billion figure reported to Congress is accurate.” Translation: the US has no clear picture of how much military equipment it accidentally funneled into Taliban arsenals @jaredbkeller @TaskandPurpose
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/military-equipment-taliban-afghanistan-sigar-report/ #Afghanistan

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On Indonesia's cooperation with the Gulf states and especially Qatar. It bought e.g. Qatarese Mirages. Qatar’s MoD declared its commitment to cooperate with Indonesian Pindad on weapons procurement, technology transfer and human resource development. https://thediplomat.com/2022/11/exploring-the-growing-qatar-indonesia-military-cooperation/

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Diplomacy is still an option and I think European leaders should use it. The war mongers keep pushing the idea that Ukraine can defeat Russia on the battlefield & that negotiations are a sign of weakness. That is absurd. This war could continue for years. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/war-reparations-are-a-minefield-4027224

Marcel Proust: "The truth is that every morning war is declared afresh. And the men who wish to continue it are as guilty as the men who began it, more guilty perhaps, for the latter perhaps did not foresee all its horrors." Thnx to @keesamok

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Over the last two years #DARPA and the teams of Raytheon/Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin successfully completed a pair of flight tests of the scramjet-powered #Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). The hypersonic missile flew faster, https://breakingdefense.com/2022/11/darpa-is-playing-both-sides-of-the-ball-with-both-offensive-and-defensive-hypersonics/

November 21

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#Grünen & #Linke have asked Turkey to stop attacks on the #Kurdish areas in northern Syria and northern Iraq. The #attacks by the #Turkish air force violated international law, said the Greens foreign politicians Jürgen Trittin and Max Lucks on Sunday in Berlin. AFP Deutch 201122

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Haaretz elaborates on how Israel's arms exports flourish amid war and peace (Ukraine War, Iran and Abraham Accords). It was however a difficult year for the Israeli cybersecurity industry used to spy on human rights defenders, journalists and allies. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2022-11-20/ty-article/.premium/israels-arms-exports-flourish-amid-ukraine-war-iran-and-abraham-accords/

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The EU formal view on arms exports to Turkey by High Representative @JosepBorrellF in answer to questions on the "highly aggressive foreign policy" by the regime of Erdogan which must "must no longer be tolerated" asked by @loucas_fourlas #PPE https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-003386-ASW_EN.pdf

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The Biden administration has made #Australia a central part of its defense strategy included a military-industrial complex. These strategic objectives are very much in the interest of US Big Defense. But they are not in Australia's national interest. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/21/opinion/columns/us-big-defense-and-australias-nuclear-crossroads/1867129

November 19

An English webpage 'translated' a text from a Dutch daily (https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/11/18/geen-wapentaboe-meer-a4148671) The taboo on arms trade is gone. https://ruetir.com/2022/11/19/column-the-taboo-on-arms-trade-is-gone/ The author

@chr_weijts missed even the small group of potesters. The times they are a changing, he thus concluded.

Several comments. The tiny organisation who organised most of the protests in the past years published several reports this month, like: - Who benefits from EU military and security funding? - Hoe militaire uitgaven de klimaatdestructie versnellen https://stopwapenhandel.org

At COP27 the sister of an imprisoned human rights defender called to end arms trade with Egypt. Cairo is an important client for Dutch military products. It seems to be a missed opportunity this was not included in the column. However every wrighter makes his own choices.

Also a gap because the Climate Change was the topic of the delayed arms fair #NEDS early 2022. Green Washing was not needed anymore in the current context and the biggest threat to the security of human life was erased from the program. First things first.

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#F35 costs have been declining. That’s about to change. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2022/11/18/f-35-costs-have-been-declining-thats-about-to-change/

What does this price rise mean for international customers like the #Netherlands, #Belgium, Italy, Australia, Norway, Denmark, UK and Canada?

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Pakistan twisted and torn between US and Chinese arms
Pakistan has procured a wide array of Chinese weapons but reliability issues keep it dependent on US-made F-16s
https://asiatimes.com/2022/11/pakistan-twisted-and-torn-between-us-and-chinese-arms/

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Last month saw a wave of protests in UK universities against the presence of arms traders and army recruiters. Cash-strapped educational institutions are becoming ever more dependent on the military for funds — subverting the very purpose of education. https://jacobin.com/2022/11/uk-universities-weapons-research-military-recruitment-sheffield

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Retweet @Mschroeder77: During all of the hand-wringing about possible international arms trafficking from Ukraine, this is the type of trafficking I was most worried about. I am sure its not the first case of domestic trafficking of abandoned Russian arms and I guarantee you it wont be the last.

Ukrainian authorities have dismantled an arms trafficking ring that collected abandoned Russian weapons and sold them on the black market. Seized arms include an RPO-A, RPG-22, and F1 grenades https://dpsu.gov.ua/ua/news/prikordonniki-likviduvali-kanal-zbutu-trofeynoi-zbroi/

November 18

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Dutch shipbuilder #Damen Naval has chosen #German technology group Rheinmetall to deliver eight MLG27-4.0 automatic cannon systems for the F126 frigates that the shipyard is building for the German Navy.

Each frigate will be fitted with 2 MLG27 systems.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/rheinmetall-mlg27-german-f126-ships/

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Sister of political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah in #Egypt said at #COP27: “I'm sure your citizens have better use for your tax money than military aid to Egypt ... You have been complicit for too long in our oppression.” https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/11/17/news/pro-democracy-activist-hunger-strike-cop27-supporters-climate-solutions-human-rights

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While defence spending is on the rise in Europe, national appetites for translating budget growth into increased cooperation across the bloc appear to be stagnating, according to a report by the European Defence Agency. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/11/17/eu-report-finds-appetite-stagnating-for-defense-cooperation/

#EDA report https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/eda-publications/2022-card-report.pdf

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US Arms Sales Continue to Enable War Crimes, Human Rights Violations Worldwide. There are numerous examples, both historically and in the present moment, of how Washington’s arms sales have done more harm than good. https://truthout.org/articles/us-arms-sales-continue-to-enable-war-crimes-human-rights-violations-worldwide/

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#Japan mulls lethal weapon exports by revising strict rules. However, opposition to relaxing the principles remains strong within Komeito, the Liberal Democratic Party's #LDP junior coalition partner. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/990098247a5e-japan-mulls-lethal-weapon-exports-by-revising-strict-rules.html

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Oorlog is verschrikkelijk, maar de keerzijde is wel dat de jaarlijkse wapenbeurs in Ahoy groter is dan ooit."https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/11/18/geen-wapentaboe-meer-a4148671

@WendelaVries: "als burger voel ik me veiliger als ik toegang heb tot een goede huisarts dan wanneer mijn land een raket bezit" http://npo3.nl/brandpuntplus/nederland-wapenland

November 17

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#Qatar not only the theater of a corrupted (in many ways) footbal game, but also the destination of #UK #arms export licences £3.4bn worth of deadly weapons and military kits to be sold to the emirate. #Qatar2022 https://www.thenational.scot/news/23130262.uk-supporting-qatar-human-rights-abuses-3-4bn-weapons-exports/

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Israeli-made infrared lenses, along with over 200 other components from the US, Europe and other allied nations, have been found in Iranian drones used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. https://www.jpost.com/international/article-722571

Out of more than 200 technical components identified by Ukrainian investigators that make up the innards of the captured drone, roughly half were made by firms based in the U.S., and nearly a third by companies in Japan, according to the report. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-analysis-identifies-western-supply-chain-behind-irans-drones-11668575332

***
#Spanish police to use automatic facial recognition tool. The ABIS (Automatic Biometric Identification System) algorithm, known as Cogent, was developed by the French military technology company #Thales. https://morningexpress.in/the-spanish-police-will-use-an-automatic-facial-recognition-tool/

***
Xi Jinping’s cordial tone at G20 does not herald softer foreign policy. Apparent rapprochement with western leaders does not mean China is about to ditch its ‘wolf-warrior’ diplomacy. https://theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/16/xi-jinpings-cordial-tone-at-g20-does-not-herald-softer-foreign-policy As isn't the US on the other side. Both spoke PR-words.

Xi-Biden summit revives hopes for stalled climate talks but no grand bargain. Communication gradually reopens, with a Blinken trip to China on the horizon. Climate envoys could also meet at COP27 but there is still pressure in the US for hawkishnes. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3199715/xi-biden-summit-revives-hopes-stalled-climate-talks-no-grand-bargain-analysts-say

Dutch arms deliveries to Taiwan were impossible for forty years, but now they should be possible again. Dutch Hawk the D66 MP Sjoerd Sjoerdsma advocates military cooperation with the country threatened by the People's Republic of China. Reports EW (Elsevier) 19/11/22.

***
The United States on Monday targeted Russian military's supply chains, imposing sanctions on 14 individuals and 28 entities that it said were part of a transnational network that procures technology to support Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine. https://www.voanews.com/a/us-imposes-sanctions-on-military-procurement-network-aiding-russia-/6833861.html

November 16

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1/3 SP kamerlid Jasper van Dijk wijst er op dat Nederland een paradijs is voor de wapenindustrie. https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/nederland-is-ook-een-paradijs-voor-de-wapenindustrie

2/3 Zelf was ik wel benieuwd of de nr. 2 van de internationale wapenfabrikanten nog genoteerd is bij de KvK, nl. Raytheon Technologies (een recente fusie van United Technologies met Raytheon). Ja als financiële holding: Carrier Holdings B.V. https://www.kvk.nl/zoeken/?source=all&q=Carrier%20Holdings%20B.V&start=0&site=kvk2014

3/3 Drimble meldt dat per 16-9-2020 de naam Carrier Holdings B.V. is (voorheen United Technologies Holdings B.V.). https://drimble.nl/bedrijf/amsterdam/18260764/carrier-holdings-bv.html

Geen toeval dat de registered office or place of business van RT https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/101829/000114036120008397/nc10010681x2_ex3-1b.htm ook het adres is de enige aandeelhouder van de B.V.

***
It’s Time to Cut Off Arms Sales to the Saudi Regime

The Biden administration promised there would be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia’s recent actions. It should end US complicity in Saudi military intervention in Yemen. https://www.thenation.com/article/world/saudi-arabia-oil-military-spending/

***
Engine made by Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products-Rotax found in drone used against Ukraine.

Why the popularity of drones means civilian technology is ending up on the battlefield.
And how to improve control.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canadian-engines-drones-ukraine-1.6651614

***
Refering to both #COP27 and #Qatar2022 writer states: there can be no global security while governments are in the thrall of an industry that uses repression as a source of profit. https://theconversation.com/what-my-undercover-investigations-at-arms-fairs-reveal-about-how-the-west-supports-military-dictatorships-194311

November 15

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Het Nederlandse militair industrieel complex #MIC wil de belemmeringen tegen hun invloed uit de weg ruimen, zoals het ethisch investeringsbeleid van banken. Gisteren weer staatssecretaris van Defensie Christophe van der Maat. https://www.nporadio1.nl/nieuws/politiek/07cacd3c-f3a4-43f9-a6cd-1ff7c214626b/staatssecretaris-van-defensie-investeringslimiet-defensie-banken-en-pensioenfondsen-moet-van-tafel
Deze ingezonden brief beargumenteerd waarom dat een slecht idee is. https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1585195976934817792

***
Chinese aid to African security forces helps to cement ties, study says. Zimbabwe and Angola have been the top recipients of military arms and training. https://scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3199382/chinese-aid-african-security-forces-helps-cement-ties-study-says

Study: https://www.prio.org/publications/13209

***
Climate Collateral

How military spending accelerates climate breakdown
14 November 2022Report
https://www.tni.org/en/publication/climate-collateral

***
Chinese aid to African security forces helps to cement ties, study says. Zimbabwe and Angola have been the top recipients of military arms and training. https://scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3199382/chinese-aid-african-security-forces-helps-cement-ties-study-says
Study: https://www.prio.org/publications/13209

November 14

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Brazilian #Embraer explains why it is present at #NEDS (sold its C-390 Millennium transport plane to the Dutch MoD) and how well established its ties to TNO, NLR, Fokker and the University of Delft are. https://www.revistafatorbrasil.com.br/ver_noticia.php?not=425594

***
Nederland bouwt geen tanks, jachtvliegtuigen, munitie of raketten, maar onderschat de Nederlandse militaire-industrie niet. Donderdag is er een besloten wapenbeurs in Ahoy, ’groter dan ooit’. https://frieschdagblad.nl/samenleving/Nederland-onmisbaar-op-slagveld-%E2%80%99Oekra%C3%AFne-zit-om-onze-tech-te-springen%E2%80%99-28045487.html

November 14

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Industrie luidt noodklok over onderzeebootorder. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1457572/industrie-luidt-noodklok-over-onderzeebootorder-jnk2caC6y151.

FME en VNO-NCW willen als profeten van de vrije markt garanties dat zij mogen leveren. Ze halen zelfs Duitsland aan. Dit land zou altijd de eigen industrie inschakelen. O ja? Zoals bij de F-126 fregatten?

***

Meerdijk met pantseervoeruigen aan boord.

EU naval mission Irini that enforces UN arms embargo on Libya, interdicts NL-flagged ship Meerdijk carrying armoured vehicles from UAE to Libya. Vehicles appear BATT UMGs made by UAE-based The Armored Group, previously seen with Haftar forces. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/eu-naval-mission-interdicts-second-ship-carrying-armoured-vehicles-to-libya/

The Netherlands, as the ship’s flag state, gave its consent without delay for the inspection and, on 11 Oct, a boarding team was sent on board to verify the nature of the cargo. The vehicles were seized and the ship was diverted for further inspection. https://www.operationirini.eu/operation-irini-seizes-illegal-cargo/

November 13

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Morocco Joins Group of Arms Producers, Focuses on Drone IndustryMorocco has been working on upgrading its military industry amid rising tensions with Algeria. 

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/11/352343/morocco-joins-group-of-arms-producers-focuses-on-drone-industry

November 12

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The EC published November 10 an updated EU action plan on military mobility (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_22_6767), as part of its new Defence Package. The second document of this package relates to cyber-defence (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_6642).

***
HPG Volksbeschermingseenheden (#YPG) nodigen internationale experts en organisaties uit om onderzoek te doen naar inzet door Turkije van chemische wapens tegen (chloor) #Koerden in #Syrië. Ze bieden ondersteuning aan. https://www.koerdischnieuws.nl/2022/11/11/dr-dersim-turks-leger-gebruikt-vooral-chloorgas/

Zie ook: https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2022/11/09/mil-osi-australia-greens-nsw-resolution-on-kurdish-solidarity/

***
Include military emissions in COP27: Developing countries should initiate discussions on the vicious circle of arms production, supplies, wars and climate change. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/columnists/include-military-emissions-in-cop27.html

***
Former super power: #Russia’s largest state #arms production program in modern history, for which 20 trillion rubles ($331 billion) was allocated from the federal budget over the past 10 years, has been terminated. Reason: #failure to meet needs. https://darik.news/en/20-trillion-in-the-wind-russias-largest-arms-production-program-has-been-halted-due-to-failures-in-ukraine.html

November 11

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For years we knew about it - but couldn’t report it. Three months ago, the Israeli military censor had a change of mind. Now it’s out, and for the first time an IDF general opens up about the use of armed drones. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-11-09/ty-article/in-a-first-israeli-general-opens-up-about-use-of-armed-drones/00000184-5c9d-daa9-adf5-fddddbb60000

***
A US plan to prevent arms diversion in Ukraine is welcome but just the 1st step and leaves several concerns unanswered.

The US government seems eg fairly light on post-conflict planning. (We have seen the result of such policy in North-Africa since 2011.)

https://www.stimson.org/2022/a-us-plan-to-prevent-arms-diversion-in-ukraine-is-welcome-but-just-the-first-step/

***
US to buy S Korea artillery shells for Ukraine, adds $400m in aid.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/11/us-to-provide-400m-more-military-aid-for-ukraine

South Korea denied. The munition -- if the ongoing deal negotiation is finalized -- will be for US forces only. https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international-stories/1668145462-seoul-denies-report-of-arms-deal-with-us-for-ukrainian-forces

November 10

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To defend the #Bahrani democracy ? its Air Force will receive its first batch of 4 US #Lockheed F-16 Block 70 fighters by early 2024, following a COVID-19-related delay, commander of the air force General Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifah told. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/11/bahrain-to-receive-first-batch-of-block-70-f-16s-in-early-2024/

November 9

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Egypt is the main destination for German arms exports. Democracy activist Sanaa Saif said at the world climate conference: "These are weapons that we cannot afford and that we do not need. And if we ever need them, they will be used against us." https://www.boerse.de/nachrichten/Aegyptische-Aktivistin-Wir-brauchen-Deutschlands-Waffen-nicht/34301003

***
Russia has managed to stock up on critical components for his military weaponry, despite the West's supposed sanctions. Article contains a collection of clues to dual use exports to Russia. (Article also in this wellknown pub): https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/11/08/dual-use-goods-are-fueling-russias-war-on-ukraine/) https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/11/09/dental-drills-dual-use-goods-help-fuel-russias-war-ukraine/

***
Belfast assembled NLAW AT-missiles intended for Ukraine could be ‘reverse engineered’ by Iran after falling into hands of Russia. Based on an anonymous security source contacted by Sky News. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/belfast-assembled-missiles-intended-for-ukraine-could-be-reverse-engineered-by-iran-after-falling-into-hands-of-russia-42128947.html

***
Indian Sasmos is contracted to provide more than 6,600 wiring harnesses to Boeing for 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Fokker Elmo Sasmos Interconnection Systems (FE-SIL), a joint venture between Fokker Elmo and Sasmos, oroduces wire harnesses for P-8A and P-8I. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bengaluru-firm-sasmos-bags-contract-from-boeing/articleshow/95381446.cms

***
#Leonardo is the largest beneficiary of #EU funds for the war industry, increasing the gap to other European arms groups. This was revealed in a report published yesterday by the European Network Against Arms Trade @_ENAAT & Stop the arms trade @CTWnl . https://sparkchronicles.com/leonardo-is-the-first-beneficiary-of-eu-funds-for-arms-manufacturers-over-41-million-from-2019-to-2021-2/

***
"The opportunity to eliminate an adversary and significantly reduce the chances of war with Russia in the future is far too important for the United States to ignore by limiting its future support for Ukraine." https://www.newsweek.com/supporting-ukraine-benefits-us-too-opinion-1757456

***
French Naval Group and PT PAL Indonesia inked a memorandum of understanding to develop an energy research laboratory for submarines and propulsion solutions at the Indo Defence 2022 Expo and Forum in Jakarta. https://www.naval-group.com/en/naval-group-pt-pal-and-their-partners-kick-start-energy-research-lab-develop-future-submarine

***
A Defense News analysis for the 2022 election cycle found Lockheed, Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman & General Dynamics contributed a total of nearly $2million to Republicans who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results. https://defensenews.com/congress/2022/11/02/largest-defense-firms-donate-millions-to-election-denying-lawmakers/ #Democracy

***
World glides more and more towards a military spending spree. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida e.g. reiterated his country’s commitment to expanding Japan’s defense capabilities. https://news.usni.org/2022/11/08/japanese-pm-kishisda-renews-calls-for-expanded-defense-spending-in-speech-on-warship

At the cost of what?

***
2021 was a record year for the Flemish military exports, but '22 surpass that. The Flemish @Vredesinstituut warns the government. "We are at a tipping point." While the lionshare of the exports are components, their final destination is often unknown. https://www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/we-zitten-op-een-kantelpunt-wapenexport-vanuit-vlaanderen-op-recordhoogte~b57a92713/

Flemish MP explains contents of annual report on arms trade 2021. YouTube in Dutch: https://www.vlaamsparlement.be/nl/actueel/nieuws-uit-het-vlaams-parlement/minister-president-licht-jaarverslag-wapenhandel-2021-toe

November 8

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Dutch arms fair coming to Rotteerdam. Brought to you by Thales, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economics and Climate, NIVD and I see Lockheeds F-35 and the King Willem IV on the homepage of #NEDS2022. nidvexhibition.eu/en/

Retweet @NIDVnews: Interested in attending defence and security Expo #NEDS2022 November 17th, along with 2800 registered attendees and 165 exhibitors? Registration is open until Monday November 14th 12:00 CET!

***
Immediate withdrawal of thousands of US troops stationed in #KSA and a stop to all arms sales?

No we have important interests at stake in this relationship," a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity said. (Middle East Oil & Gas Monitor 8/11/22)

***
Ukrainian Comments on diplomacy "made in an overnight address, came days after a report that Washington wanted Kyiv to signal its willingness for talks, concerned that by appearing too intransigent Kyiv might harm its case for international support." https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-urges-ukraine-be-open-talks-with-russia-washington-post-2022-11-06/

***
Is this realy what we want to improve our living conditions? Or is it the wet dream of the EU MIC?

If Europeans really intend to build a common military industry & be a player in the security arena they've to fund the arms industry more & faster.

https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/opinion/collective-defence-investment-europe-must-do-more-and-at-a-faster-pace/

***
UK court allows extradition of defence middleman Bhandari to India. He is the man who surprised many last year when he filed a case in a French court because he only got half of his € 20m #commission from #Thales for a deal on upgradeding India’s Mirages. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/uk-court-allows-extradition-of-defence-middleman-bhandari-to-india/ar-AA13QxbE

***
The Middle East and North Africa region is emerging as a significant arms-producing area, according to an overview of the arms industry by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) published (https://sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2022/arms-transfer-and-salw-controls-middle-east-and-north-africa-challenges-and-state-play…) on 1 November 2022. https://www.sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2022/arms-transfer-and-salw-controls-middle-east-and-north-africa-challenges-and-state-play

***
Pentagon chief weapons buyer said he expects Congress to approve new authorities and spending to expand US weapons production in a manner unseen since the Cold War. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/11/07/congress-to-back-multiyear-weapons-purchases-laplante-says/

After a short post-Cold war and Obama dip it's rising ever since. https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57541

November 7

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Ukrainian Military Performance and Outlook. On losses, gains, organisation, recruitment and acquisitions on both sides (in general terms). https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23276741/if12150.pdf

***
Bloomberg reports that Boeing “is concerned about the ability of” Indonesia to finance the deal to buy F-15EX fighters. Earlier in February, the US government cleared the sale of up to 36 F-15EX fighters to Jakarta. The deal is worth $14bn. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/boeing-s-14-billion-indonesia-jet-deal-stalls-over-financing-1.1841879

***
The other vison: The West is arming Ukraine and it won't stop until its war aims are achieved in this openly acknowledged proxy war. Meanwhile, the Western propaganda against China will continue relentlessly to blame it for not ending the war. https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/3198640/theres-only-one-way-peace-ukraine-west-says-no

***
#Thales theft. It had been alleged an Australian subsidiary of Thales had unlawfully used misleading & deceptive conduct when it used confidential plans of the Austrian manufacturer NIOA, to fix a problem with the weapon. (Gun fix claims shot down 071122

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au)

***
Head of Sales for Airbus Hugues Pavie revealed that the Pleiades Neo satellite can be used for defence and intelligence analysis, which allows (restricted) users to access images of military bases. "With this satellite, we can analyze defense equipment..."

https://mediaindonesia.com/politik-dan-hukum/535225/klaim-pleiades-neo-dapat-lihat-pangkalan-militer-airbus-beri-klarifikasi

***
Authoritarian governments like those in Egypt and Saudi Arabia have funded a boom in France’s arms industry. Now, with war in Ukraine, it’s setting its sights on rearming Europe. https://jacobin.com/2022/11/france-arms-exports-authoritarian-europe-military-industrial-complex

November 6

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Japan has begun to consider relaxing export conditions on used Self-Defense Forces hardware to include tanks and missiles, which are now prohibited from being supplied to foreign countries and it will also look into offering Asian countries free of charge. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Japan-weighs-allowing-secondhand-tank-and-missile-exports

***
The war could dent Russia’s prospects as an arms exporter.

Analysts say Russia’s performance in Ukraine, coupled with Western sanctions, is likely to hurt its ability to sell weapons abroad. Southeast Asia is a case in point.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/06/world/europe/russia-weapons-southeast-asia.html

November 5

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Britse inlichtingendiensten: “Rusland zet speciale eenheden in om deserteurs en terugtrekkende soldaten neer te schieten” https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20221104_93428907

En wie wil ze geen veilig onderdak geven? https://www.rfi.fr/en/europe/20220928-eu-divided-on-welcoming-russians-fleeing-military-draft

***
#Thales : Strengthens its Leading Position in the #Indonesian Defence Industry. See for details: https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/Thales-Strengthens-its-Leading-Position-in-the-Indonesian-Defence-Industry-42202121/

***
China increases Ssupport for Pakistan’s naval modernization with an eye on the Indian Ocean.

https://jamestown.org/program/china-increases-support-for-pakistans-naval-modernization-with-an-eye-on-the-indian-ocean/

Dutch deliver Islamabad OPVs and C3-equipment on naval vessels built by Turkey.

***
US military equipment was allegedly misused on multiple occasions in Guatemala, and the US government does not have policies in place to address the situation, a recent GAO report said https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105856. They were used to to intimidate diplomats. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/11/04/us-donated-military-vehicles-misused-in-guatemala-watchdog-says/

***
The US and Netherlands are splitting the cost of refurbishing 90 more Czech T-72B tanks for Ukraine in Kyiv’s fight to repel Russia, the Pentagon announced Friday. The agreement is part of a $400 million US military weaponry package to Ukraine. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2022/11/04/us-netherlands-go-dutch-to-refurbish-czech-tanks-for-ukraine

***
#Egypt is producing military equipment for its own armed forces. Now Cairo is planning to export Egyptian weapons to #African countries in order to further extend Egyptian influence in the continent. https://www.military.africa/2022/11/egypt-needs-export-customers-for-its-growing-defence-industry/

It will meet many others with similar plans.

***
The activity of #Damen in #Romania raises questions, from the personnel policy at Mangalia, the transfer of a key figure from the state to the private company and the way they try to have control of the company owned in association with the state Romanian. https://www.tylaz.net/2022/11/04/the-truth-the-controversies-surrounding-the-romanian-business-of-the-dutch-company-damen/

***
Union support for increased defence spending is a terrible mistake. The idea that manufacturing can be boosted by demanding the government builds its bombs in the UK is wrong on many levels — e.g. by allowing public spending going from welfare to warfare. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/f/union-support-increased-defence-spending-terrible-mistake

***
A report released on Thursday by Sprotyv, a website affiliated with the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, claims to show the route used by Iran to deliver its drones to Russia. https://www.jpost.com/international/article-721527

November 4

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US Arms Sales Regulations and Restrictions: Can the US Sell Arms to Armenia? https://mirrorspectator.com/2022/11/03/us-arms-sales-regulations-and-restrictions-can-the-us-sell-arms-to-armenia/

***
Though a settlement may seem unpalatable now, only by astute and careful negotiation are Ukraine’s core interests—and the security of the region—likely to be protected for the long term. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/ukraine-war-will-end-negotiations

November 3

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Schepnet voor ballistische raket; #Thales bouwt superradars die een nucleaire aanval voor kan zijn. https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1030776158/nederlandse-superradar-moet-ballistische-raketten-detecteren

Vergelijk het eens met glasaaltjes. Als je die wegvangt moet je nieuwe uitzetten. Vang je raketten. Dan komen er meer. #Wapenwedloop https://stopwapenhandel.org/app/uploads/2017/09/fregatten-raketschild_0.pdf

***
"Thales in Hengelo, scheepsbouwer Damen en GKN Fokker zijn nu al grote spelers in Nederland." https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/775841471/kwart-miljard-extra-voor-defensie-industrie-zelf-munitie-draaien-geen-prioriteit

Toevallig twitterde ik al over beide vandaag.

GKN Fokker: https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1588104884406083585

Thales: https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1588107121564045313

***
The development took ages. Now the project aims for a top spot on the list of greatest failures of common European development of military equipment.

Sweden plans to join near neighbour Norway in ditching the NH90 helicopter under new defence plans. https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/sweden-to-axe-nh90-fleet-under-revised-defence-equipment-plan/150778.article

***
Better call Seoul: US watches nervously as Europe turns to South Korea for weapons. Poland is spending billions, and other countries are expected to follow. https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/01/europe-south-korea-weapons-00064427

***
Documents reveal that a corporation implicated in corruption, served as a middleman between IAI, Elbit, and Israel Shipyards and Myanmar's brutal junta, despite international sanctions over the Rohingya genocide. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2022-10-27/ty-article/broker-for-israeli-arms-to-myanmar-arrested-in-thailand-for-drug-dealing-money-laundering/00000184-1052-d19c-ade5-335628680000

November 2

***
#Microflown was founded as an innovative start-up project at the technical University of Twente. Now its accoustic technology is bought by the Indonesian armed forces #TNI.

Retweet @NIDVnews: Nieuws uit Jakarta: Microflown AVISA's akoestische technologie vindt toepassing bij Indonesische strijdkrachten! https://nidv.eu/nieuws/microflowns-akoestische-tech-beschermt-indonesische-voertuigen/

***
In the discussion about Qatar, labour rights, human rights and the World Cup there is another party connected to football: the military and the arms industry. #WC2022 https://stopwapenhandel.org/wc2022-arms-rights-and-sport-wash/

***
Military industries and science, a close connection. Next week 3 day conforence 'International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (#INEC22)' at #Delft University. Sponsored by, among others, General Electric, BAE and Damen. https://www.imarest.org/events/category/categories/imarest-event/international-naval-engineering-conference-and-exhibition-2022

***
It's seamless connected to the Israeli human rights voiolations.

The shooting training center of the Special Forces Command (#KSK) of the #German army in the town of Calw has been using training system components from the #Israeli company Trango Systems.

https://soldat-und-technik.de/2022/10/taktik-ausbildung/33151/ksk-nutzt-system-zielbauelemente-von-trango-systems/

***
Reaper MQ-9A UAVs headed to Poland in $70M lease deal

The General Atomics announcement comes amid a defense spending splurge from Warsaw.

https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/reaper-mq-9a-uavs-headed-to-poland-in-70m-lease-deal/

***
Arms transfer and SALW controls in the Middle East and North Africa: Challenges and state of play. https://www.sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2022/arms-transfer-and-salw-controls-middle-east-and-north-africa-challenges-and-state-play

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US monitors have inspected just some of high-risk weapons sent to Ukraine. US monitors conducted in-person inspections on only 10% of the 22,000 US-provided weapons sent to Ukraine that require special oversight. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/11/01/us-weapons-ukraine-oversight/

Late last month, the State Department issued a proactive policy to track weapons being sent to Ukraine that are highly portable, highly lethal, and contain advanced technology. In essence man-portable air defense systems and anti-tank guided missiles. https://www.federaltimes.com/thought-leadership/2022/11/02/state-dept-plan-to-track-weapons-for-ukraine-should-be-starting-point/

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#India has emerged as a military exporter in recently & could fulfil #Africa’s maritime, aerospace and defence requirements, with Mauritius, Mozambique & Seychelles becoming the major buyers of Indian arms during 2017-2021, according to a research report. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/africa-major-buyer-of-indian-arms-446787

November 1

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One of the MoU's signed during a recent trip to Saudi Arabia by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa covers "cooperation in the field of military industries and procurements." https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/south-africa-and-saudi-arabia-sign-defence-mou/

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De beveiliger gerold.

Un groupe de hackers menace de diffuser des données volées à Thales : https://francetvinfo.fr/internet/securite-sur-internet/cyberattaques/info-franceinfo-un-groupe-de-hackers-revendique-une-cyberattaque-contre-thales_5450623.html

French defence and electronics group #Thales has launched an investigation after claims of data #theft by #Russian-speaking #hacker group LockBit 3.0, which recently disrupted the operation of the Corbeil-Essonnes hospital, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/targeted-by-a-group-of-hackers-thales-opens-an-internal-investigation/

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Not all European Union members have enacted national policies for screening foreign direct investments in their critical industries, according to a European Defence Agency official. Roughly half of the 27 EU members lack requisite screening policies. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/10/31/eu-officials-flag-vulnerabilities-to-foreign-control-in-defense-sector/