Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
February 28
***
Het wekelijkse @GLeemput praatje
op het Museumplein, gisteravond, ‘Eén jaar oorlog’. Hier terug
te vinden; https://www.stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/een-jaar-oorlog.html
***
European Defense Fund #EDF, over
one billion for 60 projects: the Italian companies involved. Leonardo
the most involved. But the article lists a number of Italian (or
branches, like French Thales and German Rheinmetall) military tech
firms.
https://www.breakinglatest.news/business/european-defense-fund-over-one-billion-for-60-projects-the-italian-companies-involved/
***
Retweet
with comment (The new face of 'weaponry'.)
@RAND CorporationMedia: RAND
President and CEO @JasonGMatheny will appear tomorrow before the
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He will present on
two significant threats to national security: synthetic biology and
artificial intelligence.
https://www.rand.org/news/advisories/2023/02/27.html
***
Strive for records on
CO2,
poverty,
road kills and
armed violence reduction
to improve security.
***
Indian #ICOMM will partner
with #UAE #EDGE entity #CARACAL in the development of a full
portfolio of locally manufactured small arms #SAWL for the Indian
market.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2023_global_security_army_industry/idex_2023_caracal_small_arms_producer_from_uae_signs_licensing_agreement_with_icomm_from_india.html
February 27
***
Militair materiaal gemaakt in
Vlaanderen duikt op in conflictgebieden wereldwijd. Zo zet het
Israëlische leger in Gaza, Libanon en Syrië drones in met Vlaams
militair materiaal. De Vlaamse regering knijpt liever een oogje
dicht.
https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/terwijl-het-bommen-regent-op-gaza-rinkelt-hier-de-kassa~baac0fe1/
***
During his visit to India,
Scholz courts the largest democracy in the world, even if things are
not very democratic there at times.
Now he has to convince those at home a #German restrictive arms export policy on #India must be relaxed. #Ukraine_fallout https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bitte-bitte-lasst-uns-freunde-sein-a-d6336344-533b-4416-8475-da11a89a54dd
***
Homicides in #Mexico occur with
illegal US weapons, study reveals. But also European arms are around
as @letysedou of @ENAAT and Charlotte Kehne made clear pointing at
the use of Italian Beretta and German-made G36 rifles to commit human
rights violations.
https://vanguardia.com.mx/noticias/homicidios-en-mexico-ocurren-con-armas-ilegales-de-estados-unidos-revela-estudio-FH6559263
***
"My assumption would ... be
that overproduction of arms caused by the war might have the effect
of leading to an increase in exports by arms manufacturers in those
countries to other states around the world, African ones included,"
said Benjamin Barton.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3211224/will-russias-focus-resupplying-troops-ukraine-open-arms-export-door-china-africa
***
Must our forward-looking
independent Scotland manufacture war machines? Pat Kane asks. Is
war-enabling really the best use of around 10,000 defence workers and
the 1.9bn they bring to the Scottish economy?
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/23346400.bae-systems-new-warship-factory-scotland-will-abomination/
Other place, same
question:https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1630120061611409409
Op de krappe arbeidsmarkt wordt de
vraag nog groter. Internationaal zoekt #Thales dit jaar 12,000 nieuwe
mensen; in Nederland 400. Dit meldde het bedrijf met vestigingen in
Hengelo, Delft, Huizen, Eindhoven, Breda en Rotterdam.
https://www.businessinsider.nl/wapenfabrikant-thales-oorlog-oekraine-nieuwe-werknemers/
***
While fighting a very bloody and
horrible war at home
(https://caat.org.uk/homepage/stop-arming-saudi-arabia/the-war-on-yemens-civilians/)
#Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan al Saud met
officials including President Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise
trip to Kyiv on Sunday.
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/saudi-foreign-minister-makes-surprise-kyiv-visit-russia-faces-eternal-struggle-with-west-putin/
***
Report on the #Damen Yarmook
vessels of the Pakistani navy; fitted with naval equipment by
#ASELSAN. The close relations between the #Netherlands and #Turkish
naval industry continues (even after Thales closed its local Turkish
branche).
https://www.defenceturkey.com/en/content/yarmook-sinifi-opv-lere-bir-bakis-5386
The ships are fitted with the HARBAH NG Missile a medium range ship launched subsonic cruise missile system capable of targeting sea as well as land targets in “all weather operation” at a maximum range of 280 kilometers. The missile if fire and forget type. https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/dimdex-2022/2022/03/pakistans-new-harbah-anti-ship-missile-showcased-at-dimdex-2022/ The Damen so-called 'patrol vessles ' are the Dutch contribution to peace and stability in South Asia.
***
Montenegrin PM Dritan Abazovic
paid a visit to #Dutch shipbuilder Damen. He and the company's
representatives discussed the possibilities of procurement of new
vessels for the Armed Forces of #Montenegro.
https://www.gov.me/en/article/abazovic-pays-a-visit-to-damen-shipyards
***
French defence and technology
group #Thales plans to hire 12,000 new staff this year as there is
strong demand across its product range, CEO Patrice Caine said in an
interview with French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche.
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/French-defence-group-Thales-to-recruit-12-000-staff-as-orders-boom-43093087/
***
Rusland staat vrolijk wapens
te verkopen in Abu Dhabi. Als symbool van de wip waarop de Emiraten
c.s. balanceren was op veilige afstand van de Russen en binnen de
hallen de Oekraïense wapenindustrie aanwezig. Pikant.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/27/rusland-staat-vrolijk-wapens-te-verkopen-in-abu-dhabi-a4158154
Just
yards from the Russian pavilion, an American soldier shows a
non-Russian spectator how to aim a Javelin at IDEX 2023.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/russians-playing-with-javelins-us-army-russia-display-weapons-yards-apart-in-the-desert/
Zoals
al eerder getwitterd: ook #Damen was aanwezig. Hier in beeld.
By the end of the five-day show on Friday, the Gulf state had signed more than 50 deals worth a staggering $6.3 billion, the official Emirati WAM news agency said. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40228228/uae-spends-billions-on-home-grown-arms-at-defence-fair
Lets celebrate the tension! Up to the next arms fair, #LAAD2023, the largest & most important of Latin America in Rio de Janeiro (April), with a record no. of exhibitors Like: SAAB Airbus Leonardo SK Group (Israel), Axon and Damen from the #Netherlands. https://defesanet.com.br/defesa/noticia/1047894/defesa-e-seguranca-marcas-lideres-globais-confirmam-presenca-na-laad-2023/
February 26
***
Concern grows about flow of
weapons into #Ukraine. Overview of reports on the danger of
#diversion. But this phrase summarizes best: " some worry about
the scale of the supplies, and fear that they may fall into the wrong
hands once the conflict is over."
https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230224-one-year-into-russian-invasion-concern-grows-about-flow-of-weapons-into-ukraine
***
US media love the arms trade, as
long as the arms dealers are from the US. With rhetoric about US
weapons exports being evidence of 'real leadership' or supporting
'democracy', one might think that US weapons don’t kill and maim
people at all.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/us-media-love-arms-trade-dealers-american
***
US Navy mulls adding info
warfare specialists on more submarines. #Information #warfare is a
fusion of offensive and defensive electronic capabilities and cyber
operations. It involves #manipulation to gain an advantage, before,
during and after battles.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/electronic-warfare/2023/02/23/us-navy-mulls-adding-info-warfare-specialists-on-more-submarines/
***
"When you have decades of
evidence of regimes using US weapons to silence dissent and protest
or when you watch the government keep selling weapons to forces who
use US #bombs to strike schools & hospitals, it’s clear that
piecemeal reforms aren’t enough."
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-launches-overhaul-arms-export-policy-new-human-rights-emphasis
Biden
arms deal policy seeks to balance human rights and competition.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/02/23/biden-arms-deal-policy-seeks-to-balance-human-rights-and-competition/
***
"In 2020 – just one
company, #Lockheed Martin, received $75 billion from the Pentagon, a
sum higher than the entire budgets of the #State_Department and
#Agency_for_International_Development combined."
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2023/02/22/new-bill-injects-note-of-sanity-into-pentagon-spending-debate/
***
During an unexpected visit at
the #IDEX arms fair, #Serbia’s president announced Feb. 21 that the
country will buy #UAE-made loitering munitions, shunning national
vendors exhibiting here while showcasing their wares at the same
time. #drones
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/02/22/serbia-uae-cozy-up-over-tiny-drone-bombers/
***
Dutch government has published a
‘non-paper’
(https://www.europeansanctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/non-paper-on-russia-sanctions-circumvention-2.pdf)
containing proposals to strengthen sanctions enforcement by:
- information sharing; an EU point of
contact; diplomatic outreach etc.
https://www.europeansanctions.com/2023/02/netherlands-proposals-for-strengthening-sanctions-enforcement/
It must be part of strengthening EU global powers.
***
Close US scrutiny of arms
exports, Franco-German cooperation, and how the French procurement
office is short changed are among areas considered in a report on
French foreign sales of weapons by the national audit office.
https://sldinfo.com/2023/02/an-update-on-french-arms-exports-february-2023/
Rapport: https://www.ccomptes.fr/system/files/2023-01/20230127-soutien-exportations-armement.pdf
***
World's biggest arms dealer, the
US was also selling on reputations forged in the Ukraine war.
"You've seen people ... like, oh, that's the Javelin and then they come talk to us about it, ask us questions. So that's been good," said a US Army military.
***
#UAE is reported to be
interested in procuring the #Gowind-class corvettes to be produced in
#Egypt. An Emirati Navy delegation visited Alexandria drydocks in
November 2022. Paris must aggree on export. #France will be
responsible 4 selling UAE them!
https://www.tacticalreport.com/news/article/61486-uae-interest-in-egyptian-gowind-corvettes
***
Statement Dan Smith #SIPRI
Director: Suspending the New #START treaty benefits nobody. ‘Although
President Putin has not withdrawn Russia from the treaty, he has
created uncertainty. This...could also be dangerous in today’s
atmosphere of heated animosity.
https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2023/statement-dan-smith-sipri-director-suspending-new-start-treaty-benefits-nobody
***
Russia is in talks with
Chinese Xian Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology about buying 100
ZT-180 drones, with a delivery date of April, German magazine Der
Spiegel reported, without citing specific sources.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/chinese-company-discusses-selling-drones-to-russia-reports-der-spiegel
Western
nations have picked up on intelligence that Beijing might end its
previous self-imposed restraint on weapons supplies to Russia,
according to U.S. and European officials, although it appears that
China hasn’t yet made a final decision.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-considers-release-of-intelligence-on-chinas-potential-arms-transfer-to-russia-8e353933
Februari 22
***
Potential F-35, Reaper deal with
UAE not completely dead, senior US official says
“We have a continuing and robust dialogue with the [United Arab Emirates] on these sales," State Department official Stanley Brown told. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/potential-f-35-reaper-deal-with-uae-not-completely-dead-senior-us-official-says/
***
#Serbia is about to give up Soviet
fighters. Servicing the #MiG29 had become impossible. The war in
Ukraine practically prevents almost anything military from being
bought from Russia. French #Dassault Rafale fighters are consideren
the best option now.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/02/21/serbia-abandons-mig-29s-moves-to-the-french-dassault-rafale/
***
European components for US
fighters. German manufacturer #Rheinmetall said Friday it had reached
an agreement with US arms company #Lockheed Martin to supply
components for the #F35 fighter jet, which Germany has chosen to
replace its aging Tornado fleet.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/02/20/rheinmetall-parts-f-35/
***
INTERNATIONAL MOBILISATION
AGAINST THE TRANSIT OF WEAPONS IN PORTS STARTS FROM GENOA The 'Calp'
calls for the first international day of mobilisation against the
transit of weapons to war zones from civilian ports.
https://www.pressenza.com/it/2023/01/dockers-calling-per-una-grande-manifestazione-nazionale-a-genova-il-25-febbraio-contro-la-guerra-e-linvio-di-armi/
***
Plaatsen van nieuwe
verbeterde 127mm kanonnen op de LC-#fregatten kost meer werk dan
verwacht.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2023/01/nieuw-kanon-voor-luchtverdedigings--en-commandofregatten
Ja en dan lopen de kosten op:
https://www.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/publicaties/2022/09/20/defensie-projectenoverzicht-2022/DPO+Rapportage+2022.pdf
(p. 56)
Ach geen probleem; de honderden miljoen
stromen binnen bij Defensie en ze moeten uitgegeven worden.
Februari 21
***
#UAE conglomerate #EDGE has
announced the acquisition of a majority stake in #Milrem
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/emirati-conglomerate-edge-grabs-majority-stake-in-estonian-robotics-firm/,
an #Estonian firm specializing in robotics and autonomous systems and
often part of EU sponsored projects #EDF, even recently
https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2023/02/03/new-eda-project-seeks-to-enhance-combat-unmanned-ground-systems-technology
***
Estonia urges NATO allies to
increase defense spending closer to 2.5% of GDP. The increase from
the current NATO target of 2% is expected to be approved by alliance
members at Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July
2023.https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/estonia-urges-nato-allies-to-increase-defense-spending-closer-to-2-5-percent/
Voor NL is dat zo'n €4 miljard meer.
***
Retweet @JacobinNL:
Vrijdag 24 februari, een jaar na het begin van de
oorlog, staat Stop de Oorlog Amsterdam weer voor het Russisch
Handelsagentschap op het Museumplein, met dichters, sprekers en
muziek. Wij spraken Wendela de Vries, een van de initiatiefnemers.
https://jacobin.nl/stop-de-oorlog-oekraine-westen-rusland/
***
French President Macron: "I
do not think that Russia should be defeated completely, or attacked
on its soil. These observers want above all to crush #Russia. This
has never been the position of #France and it never will be."
https://worldcrunch.com/focus/macron-interview-ukraine
#Ukraine
***
Czech president-elect Petr
Pavel: “The capacity to raise arms production in Europe is there-it
just needs to be activated, so that Europe fulfills its commitment to
Ukraine and raises its own defense capacity.”
https://english.radio.cz/czech-president-elect-warns-undesirable-scenarios-resulting-russias-defeat-8775572
***
There is no reason
why #Finland cannot sell ammunition and heavy armament to Turkey,
Defence Minister Mikko #Savola said in an interview with Uusi Suomi
on Sunday.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/finland-can-sell-heavy-armament-to-turkey-says-defence-minister/
Maybe because it deploys its troops inside the borders of an other country.
Februari 20
***
The head of #Airbus Defence said
the company expand production of its #Eurofighter aircraft &
other key weapons systems. They are being held back because
governments aren’t committing to orders.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/airbus-says-it-lacks-orders-boost-output-eurofighter-jets
No. They buy #Lockheed #F35s instead of European fighters.
***
The criticisms on ethical
investment by the European arms industry is spreading like mice in a
cornfield.
Ethical investing is crushing Britain’s defence
industry, ministers told.
'Skin-deep' arguments are hampering advancements in military technologies.
February 18
***
Column on how unconventional
minds behind US tech are shaking the military acquisition system. Not
about Elon Musk, but Palmer Luckey who in 2017 co-founded Anduril and
Alex Karp of Palantir.
https://www.economist.com/business/2023/02/16/ai-wielding-tech-firms-are-giving-a-new-shape-to-modern-warfare
AI-wielding tech firms are giving a new shape to modern warfare
***
As theIDEX arms fair and its
naval version NAVDEX kick off next week, trade visitors and officials
are expecting the largest-ever edition of the show in the UAE, with
more countries and companies than ever hawking their defense
materiel.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/what-to-expect-from-the-uaes-idex-2023-exhibition-the-largest-yet/
Which company, research institute or
military unit is present from your country or region at the arms
bazaar in the repressive authoritarian emirate?
From the
Netherlands (besides the international companies (Thales, Airbus) it
are:
Aiir Innovations
Damen (at
https://navdex.ae/exhibit/exhibitor-list/)
Intespring B.V.
Magnum
(Int. Brands Group)
Nine Kafon
Ten Kate
TNO Defence
https://idexuae.ae/exhibit/exhibitor-list/
***
#Killerrobots die het
strijdgebied overnemen, het zal volgens Chief Data Officer Zwiers
niet gebeuren. "(...) menselijke controle blijft noodzakelijk.”
Maar "achter de schermen [worden] weldegelijk verschillende what
if-scenario’s uitgewerkt."
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2023/06/02_artificial-intelligence_06
#AI
***
Congressional Research Report,
16/2/23 #CRS on a possible US F-16 sale to #Turkey. Includes Turkey’s
role regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Sweden’s and Finland’s
NATO membership applications, regional rivalry with Greece, and
Turkish domestic matters.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12111
***
#China is helping #Myanmar's
#military to strengthen its control over the country by providing
military aircraft (known as Mountain Eagles), and this clearly shows
that Beijing doesn't value human rights when it comes to furthering
its own interests.
https://theprint.in/world/china-helps-military-junta-with-fighter-aircraft-to-strengthen-its-control-over-myanmar-population-report/1380662/
***
De SP in de Eerste Kamer noemt
het schokkend dat er steeds meer informatie van Defensie naar boven
komt, waaruit blijkt dat #Herwijnen koste wat kost de omstreden
radartoren moet krijgen. "Dit rammelt aan alle kanten (...)"
en "mág je niet laten passeren."
https://www.ad.nl/west-betuwe/sp-in-eerste-kamer-defensie-paste-formules-aan-om-herwijnen-als-uitkomst-te-krijgen-voor-radartoren~a228f34d/
***
Retweet @SAMonitorOrg: Two
members of the House Foreign Affairs committee are calling for the
withdrawal of a ~$1B arms sale to Nigeria following a report that
Nigeria's military attempted to crush Boko Haram through a mass
abortion program and the targeted killing of children.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-congress-members-seek-halt-1-billion-nigeria-weapons-deal-2023-02-16/
Letter:
https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000186-55ca-de7f-a9ee-75def0ef0000
***
The #UK's MoD has awarded
#Babcock Int. Group a 6-year contract to manage and operate Skynet,
the MoD's military #satellite communications system, on February 15.
The contract is called Skynet Service Delivery Wrap #SDW), it is
valued at £400m ($486.6m).
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/400-million-contract-to-operate-military-satellite-communications-system-supports-400-uk-jobs
***
Are #fighter #jets really the
key factor in the #Ukraine war? The head of the #Airbus defense
division, Michael Schöllhorn, doubts it.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/ukraine-krieg-kampfflugzeuge-airbus-eurofighter-1.5753477
***
Overdenking die je te weinig
hoort: Een sterkere Europese defensie-industrie kan ook geopolitieke
gevolgen hebben, zegt @Diederik_Cops. Meer investeringen gaan
vaak gepaard met meer export.
https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230217_95377995
February 17
***
The bad boys join together. The
#Israeli defence giant #Rafael announced today it has opened a new
office in the United Arab Emirates #UAE, in what the company called a
“historic occasion.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/israeli-defense-firm-rafael-opens-first-office-in-united-arab-emirates/
***
Soaring energy costs could push
141 million into extreme poverty.
Dutch, UK, Chinese & US researchers modeled the impacts of increased energy prices in 116 countries and found household spending increased up to 4.8%. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/17/energy/energy-costs-ukraine-war-millions-poverty-report-intl-hnk/index.html
Report: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-023-01209-8Researchers
***
Core tech is #China’s Achilles’
heel, despite having the world’s strongest industrial manufacturing
capability. The country’s #semiconductor foundries continue to
depend on imports, making them easy prey for #Washington in its
strategy of tech containment.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3210333/china-semiconductor-trade-group-warns-us-pact-japan-netherlands-tighten-chip-export-controls
***
Afterwards Dutch #Damen will be
glad it lost this deal.
#France took a financial #hit of €409m as a result of its 2015 cancellation of the sale of 2 helicopter carriers to Russia, the national audit office said in a Jan '23 report on French arms exports. https://sldinfo.com/2023/02/the-french-mistral-the-case-of-the-russian-sale-and-its-aftermath/
***
#ENAAT News from the Brussels'
Bubble
► EU Agenda
► EU funding for the arms industry
► Other aspects of EU militarisation
► EU Peace Facility & related
news
► EU Special Summit adopts tough
stand on migration
► Interesting links
And more ...
https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2023-01-ENAAT-Newsletter_15.02.23.pdf
***
Arm Europa.
Nederland heeft bij twee landen een offerte ingediend voor de aankoop van twintig raketartilleriesystemen. De VS brachten donderdag naar buiten akkoord te zijn met een mogelijke verkoop, ter waarde van 670 miljoen dollar (627 miljoen euro). https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/16/vs-akkoord-met-mogelijke-verkoop-himars-raketsystemen-aan-nederland-a4157380
***
#China on Thursday added two
major US defense contractors #Lockheed Martin Corp and #Raytheon
Missiles & Defense to its unreliable entities list and imposed
several #sanctions, including a ban on trade activities related to
China and huge fines, against the firms for participating in arms
sales to the island of Taiwan. This likely marks the first time that
specific companies have been added to the country's unreliable
entities list, which has been in the making for about three years...
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202302/1285618.shtml
Republicans
push Biden to seek more Taiwan military aid in next budget. We must
be willing to accept the tension that comes with supporting Taiwan
amidst China’s threats and aggression, and we must match words with
actions,” Risch wrote (R-Idaho).
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/02/16/republicans-push-biden-to-seek-more-taiwan-military-aid-in-next-budget/
***
Reactie @BNRdewereld: Werken
de sancties tegen Rusland wel? En hoe kunnen ze worden verbeterd?
@ajboekestijn en @robdewijk spreken advocaat en sanctie-specialist
@HeleenLinden. Vragen stellen kan hier!
https://bnr.nl/podcast/boekestijn-en-de-wijk
Noorse inlichtingendienst
(Etterretningstjenestens) denkt van wel. "Vervanging verloren
gegaan materieel wordt vertraagd door sancties" (Erstatning av
tapt materiell bremses av vestlige sanksjoner) p. 23 en 27.
https://www.etterretningstjenesten.no/publikasjoner/fokus/fokus-norsk/Fokus2023%20-%20NO%20-%20Weboppslag.pdf
February 16
***
More,
more, more, ever more.
Instead of 2% as a #budget ceiling, #Nato secretary general Stoltenberg says it should be the minimum to cover spending for ammo, air defense, training and other capabilities.
At the expense of which government expenditures?
***
US considers sending to #Ukraine
seized weapons originally bound for Houthi rebels in #Yemen. It
involves "more than 5,000 assault rifles, 1.6m rounds of small
arms ammo, a small no. of antitank missiles, and more than 7,000
proximity fuses."
https://www.wsj.com/articles/seized-weapons-bound-for-yemen-may-go-to-ukraine-2516b45d
***
#Bharat traded 11% higher
aftered it has entered into 10 MoU's with several companies during
the Aero India - 2023. E.g. an MoU was signed with #EDGE Group entity
#AL_TARIQ from the #UAE to jointly produce long-range precision
guided munition in #India.
https://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/bharat-dynamics-surges-11-on-new-launches-enters-into-10-mous-123021600494_1.html
***
#Airbus the Leiden,
Netherlands-headquartered aeronautics & space company said in
2022, revenue rose 13% to €58.76bn.
Military related revenue jumped 25% to €11.49 billion. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-02-airbus-reports-full-year-fy-2022-results
***
5 questions about arms transfers to
Ukraine.
Here is one: If it is determined that rigour in risk assessments has been compromised to provide speedy aid to Ukraine, the question then becomes: At what point do states parties return to full compliance? https://www.ploughshares.ca/reports/five-urgent-questions-about-arms-transfers-to-ukraine
***
#Thales and #Bharat Dynamics
Limited (BDL), a Government of India enterprise, will be signing a
Memorandum of Understanding for setting up manufacturing facilities
in India for precision-strike 70mm laser guided rockets.
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/THALES-AND-BHARAT-DYNAMICS-LIMITED-TO-JOIN-HANDS-FOR-MAKE-IN-INDIA-70MM-LASER-GUIDED-ROCKET-SOLUTI-42996265/
***
To make the world a safer place South
Korea to invest $1.16 billion in defense industry by 2027 to boost
exports.
The MoD selcted 16 techn fields such as space, AI &
robotics that are eligible for investment for high-risks, high-return
research and development. They agreed to step up private-military
cooperation in developing defense technologies and promote their
commercialization.
The country's arms exports hit the largest
amount of $17.3 billion last year, roughly five times higher than the
average defense exports for the past five years. The Minister for
Trade wants to transform the country into one of the global top 4
military powerhouses.
https://www.ajudaily.com/view/20230216151837407
***
Czech FA Minister Jan Lipavsky
“We need to be looking for new and creative ways of how to make our
#sanctions stronger… how to decrease (#Russia’s) ability to
produce #weapons, rockets used for shelling Ukraine’s critical
infrastructure.”
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2023/02/16/more-eu-sanctions-should-hit-russian-arms-production-says-czech-foreign-minister/
***
Moeten we op een nieuwe
Eisenhower wachten? Het gevaar van structurele verhoging van
militaire productie.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2023/02/het-gevaar-van-structurele-verhoging.html
***
In de Oekraïne-oorlog staat
het terugwinnen van al het territorium centraal. Die missie zal
onvermijdelijk leiden tot een langjarige, bloedige strijd, denkt
hoogleraar Jolle Demmers. De-escalatie is de enige uitweg uit de hel.
https://fd.nl/opinie/2000595/1467512/met-alles-of-niets-is-vrede-in-oekraine-onhaalbaar
***
The Ukrainian war will likely last at least a few years — or even become interminable ... and could cause economic ruin in Russia. All this while the possibility of nuclear escalation remains. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/13/when-will-the-war-in-ukraine-end-experts-offer-their-predictions/
***
With an eye on Ukraine’s needs
to defend itself from the ongoing Russian offensive, #NATO plans to
implement new #munition stockpile guidelines while working with
member nations’ defense industries to BOOST ITS OWN arsenals WHILE
continuing to fill Kyiv’s.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/13/eyes-on-ukraine-nato-preps-new-ammo-guidelines-to-boost-production/
***
For what it is worth:
Following rising acrimony over Iran’s drone exports to Russia, Iranian and Ukrainian officials have in recent months gathered in Oman. Speaking on condition of anonymity, Iranian and regional sources have confirmed. https://amwaj.media/article/inside-story-the-emerging-iran-ukraine-dialogue-in-oman
February 14
***
Er ontstaan steeds grotere
achterstanden bij de overheidsmaandrapportages over Nederlandse
wapendoorvoer, en omtrent vergunningen voor dual-use leveringen en
militaire exporten. Slechte zaak!
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/rapportages-dual-use-en-militaire-goederen
#Transparency #wapenexport #Nedelrand
@JaspervanDijkSP
***
A haul of missiles allegedly
destined for Houthi rebels has been linked to Iran by a failure to
wipe data from hard drive. Officials believe some parts in the
missiles are genuine and have been procured from US, French, German,
Dutch and Czech businesses.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/iran-ap-yemen-united-nations-personnel-b2281536.html
***
As the UK is taking a relook at
its #ammunition reserves in light of the war between Ukraine and
Russia, UK Minister is betting on involving #Indian companies into
the weapons supply chain and creating capabilities that can manage
current and future needs.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/uk-takes-a-relook-at-ammunition-reserves-min-bets-big-on-india/articleshow/97888079.cms
***
South Korea seeks to carry out
an array of tasks to bolster arms exports, including reinforcing
private-military technology cooperation and nurturing skilled workers
in the defense industry, officials said Tuesday.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230214007400325
***
#Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Monday set out ambitions to more than triple annual
defence #exports to US$5 billion over the next two years, as arms
firms flocked to a major air show for a slice of the nation's massive
import budget.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-aims-to-triple-defence-exports-to-67b-sell-fighter-jets-choppers
***
A key official at the Indian
MoD points to the #TataGroup's entry into military aircraft
manufacturing. "The Tatas had never made aircraft, but they have
tied up with #Airbus and are now making #C295 transport planes here
in #India.
https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20230220-adani-controversy-the-political-blowback-2332996-2023-02-10
***
Russia and Egypt have initialed
arms contracts worth $3.5 billion, head of Russia's Federal Service
for Military-Technical Cooperation, Alexander Fomin said Wednesday.
https://www.defensemirror.com/news/11124/Russia__Egypt_Close_To_Signing__3_5_Billion_Arms_Contracts
***
#Greenpeace said on Monday
it will appeal a #Spanish Supreme Court decision blocking public
access, on national security grounds, to #information on government
export licenses for vehicle-mounted weapons systems sold to #Saudi
Arabia.
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/02/2023/greenpeace-to-appeal-spain-saudi-arms-deal-confidentiality
***
1/2 UK defense industry officials are
discussing with their Ukrainian counterparts plans for the production
of British weapons in Ukraine, which would mark the deepening of
Kiev’s ties with both London and NATO, British newspaper reported
on Sunday.
https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/stop-arming-ukraine-calls-manifesto-for-peace-quarter-of-a-million-sign-petition/
2/2 German Rheinmetall proposes to deliver Panther-type main battle tanks within 15 to 18 months – and later even to manufacture dozens of them directly in Ukraine. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article243688183/Panther-Rheinmetall-will-modernsten-Kampfpanzer-in-der-Ukraine-bauen.html
***
A quarter of a million people
have signed an online petition urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
to stop increasing the flow of weapons to Ukraine and to push for a
peaceful resolution of the conflict instead.
https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/stop-arming-ukraine-calls-manifesto-for-peace-quarter-of-a-million-sign-petition/
***
New modification of the
#Russian Orlan unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV. The drone was recently
shot down by the Ukrainian military, uses the most modern ICs (
integrated circuit) of the US company #AMD_Xilinx. It is a dual-use
product & subject to #sanctions.
https://ukranews.com/en/news/914600-despite-sanctions-new-russian-drones-use-modern-american-microchips-says-volodymyr-yatsenko
February 13
***
Ammunition and armaments exports
via the port of #Hamburg in the third quarter 2022
https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/054/2005479.pdf
The information is a response on questions by Die Linke
(https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/052/2005222.pdf).
The MP's also asked for planned destination countries. This is not answered.
***
The 8-year-old asymmetric war by
Saudi Arabia and allies against Iran-backed Houthi's in #Yemen cannot
be won despite Riyadh's military superiority resulting from massive
#western arms sales. This humanitarian crisis can only end with a
political solution.
https://www.pressenza.com/2023/02/why-saudi-arabia-cannot-win-the-yemen-war-despite-its-military-superiority/
***
Austria does not want to train
Ukrainian soldiers on the Leopard 2 main battle tanks. This was
confirmed by the country’s Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner in a
written statement to the Austrian public broadcaster Ö1, Kurier
reports.
https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/02/13/austria-doesnt-want-to-train-ukrainian-soldiers-on-leopard-2s-kurier/
***
Morgen staking bij #Fokker,
producent van wapentechnologie.
https://www.bndestem.nl/woensdrecht/fokker-elmo-gaat-dinsdag-24-uur-plat-personeel-staakt-voor-gelijke-verhuisbonus-mensen-zijn-erg-boos~a24ad253/
***
Swedish #Saab will increase
production of the company’s Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon
#NLAW system to reach an annual output of 400,000 units.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/saab-plans-huge-ramp-up-in-nlaw-production-to-reach-400000-units-a-year/
Get the feeling I understand what 'Krigen i Ukraina gull verdt for våpenindustrien' means.
***
1989 was the moment to have dissolved
Nato & create a new European security model. Instead Nato shifted
from being a European defence alliance into a global policeman and a
ineffective one at that. Nato's bombing Libya in 2011 created another
failed state.
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/23316401.zelenskyys-uk-visit-led-rhetoric-ramped-sides/
***
Hindu nationalist PM Modi
inaugurated #AeroIndia2023 at Bengaluru on Monday. Major exhibitors
include #Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, #Lockheed Martin, Israel
Aerospace Industry, #SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce and the major Indian
military companies.
https://theprint.in/world/union-defence-secy-meets-delegations-of-oman-us-saudi-arabia-defence-ties-discussed/1368787/
A
key event during the show will be a conclave to be attended by
defence ministers of 32 countries (not specified), air chiefs of 29
countries and 73 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aero-show-starts-today-focus-on-joint-development-and-exports-says-govt-8441065/
Website AeroIndia: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/
***
The Straits Times: the UK
government wants to work more closely with the EU on joint defence
exports, to deter non-European countries from agreeing contracts with
Russia and China.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/rishi-sunak-is-privately-drafting-plans-to-rebuild-britain-s-ties-with-the-eu
That is using the current situation to expand the market for arms
exports.
***
Britain offered $2.7bn in arms
to Ukraine and $6m in disaster relief for 23 million people in Turkey
and Syria? Is this for real? Apparently yes.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/turkey-syria-earthquake-europe-heartless-face-billions-war
Voor een Nederlandse benadering: https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/duitsland-en-belgie-vangen-dakloos-geraakte-aardbevingsslachtoffers-op-nederland-heeft-daar-niet-veel-zin-in
***
Head of Russia's Federal Service
for Military-Technical Cooperation told that India, China and some
Southeast Asian countries have continued to have interest in buying
Russian arms.
https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-supplied-india-with-arms-worth-13-billion-in-last-5-years-russian-agencies-561311
But is it all true? Bragging on arms
exports is common in Moscow.
***
Will it make East Asia a
safer place?
South Korea's dilemma over sending arms to Ukraine. In face of myriad diplomatic challenges, NK threat, S. Korea in difficult position to offer lethal aid, experts in Seoul say. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230213000588
February 11
***
The CAAT UK arms exports browser
has been updated to include data up to September 2022:
https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/overview
***
Shout on every corner: Come
to your senses! Stop! Everything else is a stupid and very dangerous
illusion. Declare a cease-fire. Stop killing people!
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/the-anti-war-russian-leader-grigory-yavlinsky-calls-for-a-cease-fire/
***
German MBDA will develop
military tech with one of the major arms companies of #Apartheid
state Israel. #IAI and #MBDA will collaborate on electronic warfare
and be based on the ground-breaking “Scorpius” system produced by
IAI.https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-731183
***
The Biden’s administration
"tips the balance of importance away from both economic policy
and diplomacy toward the exercise of military power, something the
administration explicitly sought not to do."
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/biden-foreign-policy-mess
***
Volgens Bloomberg is Berlijn van plan
om de miljarden euro's die voorzien waren om de gevolgen van de
uitstap uit de koolindustrie te verzachten, te gebruiken om de
wapenindustrie financieel te ondersteunen als ze nieuwe
productiehallen wil bouwen.
https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230208_98323381
#Germany
is considering re-routing existing subsidies for eliminating
#coal-fired power plants to help the military industry build new
production facilities, according to people familiar with the matter.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-03/germany-studies-tapping-coal-exit-funds-for-defense-projects
#Climate #War
***
According to the preliminary agreement
signed between Iran’s Al-Quds Aviation Industry Company and the
economic management authority of Yerabuga City, the will produce at
least 6,000 drones for the Ukrainian war but did not specify when it
will start.
https://www.defenceview.in/feared-by-israel-iran-will-build-a-factory-in-russia-to-produce-armed-drones/
Februari 10
***
Van 8 tot 10 maart wordt in
Cartagena de civiel militaire beurs #Colombiamar 2023 gehouden. De
beursricht zich op de marine, nautische industrie in #Colombia. Het
Nederlandse NMT organiseert er samen met Holland House Colombia een
collectieve MKB Lounge.
https://maritimetechnology.nl/events/colombiamar-2023/
***
Civiele nautische opleiding van
het Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz #MIWB op Texel gaat nauw
samenwerken met het militaire opleiding aan het Koninklijk Instituut
voor de Marine #KIM.
https://maritimetechnology.nl/miwb-en-koninklijk-instituut-voor-de-marine-tekenen-convenant-en-gaan-langer-met-elkaar-in-zee/
Februari 9
***
More than welcome report by
@ArmsControlNow with the aim to better inform policymakers,
journalists, educators, and members of the public about the race to
weaponize emerging technologies (like #AI) and the dangers inherent
in doing so.
https://armscontrol.org/reports/2023/assessing-dangers-emerging-military-technologies-nuclear-instability
by @mklare1
Also in military press: Regulate
military use of emerging tech before ‘Armageddon’. The report
warns that without adopting such measures, this tech will be used in
military systems at an ever-increasing tempo, and the dangers to
world security will grow.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/regulate-military-use-of-emerging-tech-before-armageddon-new-report-urges/
***
According to the available data,
2,150 #Palestinian civilians were killed between 7/7/14-31/12/21.
1,840 Were killed by air-launched explosives, 258 by live ammunition, 28 by surface-launched explosives & 24 by other means.
The story behind the numbers.
https://www.hi.org/sn_uploads/document/Impact_EWIPA_Palestine_FS_EN-07022023.pdf
***
Wapenhandel Oekraïne en
Rusland zoeken allebei wapentuig van Sovjetmakelij. Wie dat vindt,
kan grote winsten maken. De Nederlandse tussenhandelaar #ARLE was bij
zo’n deal betrokken, door @LudoHekman en @LennartHofman
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/08/tussenhandelaren-verdienen-goud-geld-aan-wapenleveranties-aan-oekraine-a4156552
@JaspervanDijkSP stelt kamervragen.
February 8
***
The German federal government
has approved several major arms exports: to Niger, India and Cyprus.
This emerges from a letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to
MPs.
https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/bundesregierung-genehmigt-rustungsexporte-li.315213
***
The world is reeling under the
economic and political impact of the war in Ukraine. Why does America
want to escalate it and dangerously and is it prepared to cross red
lines, asks retired Brigadier Tariq Khalil in the Pakistan Observer.
https://pakobserver.net/pak-russia-relationship-geostrategic-necessity-by-brig-tariq-khalil-r/
***
Together with Denmark and
Germany, the Netherlands is supplying at least 100 Leopard-1A5 main
battle tanks to Ukraine. The countries also supply spare parts and
ammo. Dutch MoD also wants to contribute to education & training.
Government letter [in Dutch]:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/02/07/nederland-koopt-leopard-1-tanks-voor-oekraine
Surprising
lack of clarity in Leopard delivery; It is still open who will
deliver how many tanks to Ukraine.
https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus243653505/Ukraine-Die-erstaunlichen-Unklarheiten-bei-der-Leopard-Lieferung.html
The Danish, German, Dutch shipment not included.
***
#OCCAR and #Eurosam will produce
the medium range air defence systems (SAMP/T NG) for France and
Italy.
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/occar-signs-contract-to-launch-a-global-production-of-samp-t-ng-systems
The news comes shortly after Ukraine sent troops to train on the use
of the air defence missiels (comparable to Patriot).
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/future-samp-t-operators-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-left-for-training/
***
***
The anti-muslim Government in
#India cooperates with Apartheid #Israel on military acquisitions
already for decades: Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI furthers
commitment to India’s defense sector
IAI has built close partnerships for
the past 30 years. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-730812
***
The European Defence Agency
#EDA has launched its largest research & tech project to develop
highly autonomous combat UGVs.
The Combat Unmanned Ground Systems #CUGS has a budget of €35.5m and brings together nine member states & 28 industry partners.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/european-defence-agency-ploughs-millions-into-autonomy-for-combat-ugvs/
February 7
***
The #European Council has
approved a signature-ready agreement with the US DoD to facilitate
military cooperation. The draft between EDA and the Pentagon comes
after years of both sides circling the subject of allowing the US MIC
into EU military projects.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/06/pentagon-eu-ready-pact-to-spur-defense-cooperation-with-exceptions/
***
Ammo supply chain crisis:
Ukraine war tests Europe in race to re-arm. Germany’s Rheinmetall
e.g. announced last month it would build a new explosives factory in
Hungary in a joint venture with the government to address the
shortage.
https://www.ft.com/content/ea5b48b1-61e6-4c91-8778-4cc2edaff0ca
***
Officials frustrated access to
documents about explosive arms deals. Reported is the delicate
decision that Merkel's government had made: #ThyssenKrupp's was given
a nod to sell 3 frigates with a cost of about € 1.5bn to #Egypt's
authoritarian government.
https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus243564663/Fehlende-Transparenz-Beamte-im-Wirtschaftsministerium-bremsten-Staatssekretaer-aus.html
***
The continuation of Korea's
growing arms export footprint in Europe. In particular, Romanian
ROMARM said it is interested in introducing Korean-made weapons
systems. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230207000528
Ukraine War Drives Rapid Growth in South Korea’s Arms Exports. The country has been supplying the U.S. and its allies and is coming under pressure to aid Kyiv directly. https://www.kedglobal.com/war-in-ukraine/newsView/ked202302080001
***
Upgrade of #Greek MEKO-frigates
(cost € 500m), will according to sources go to the #German JV
TKMS-#Thales #Netherlands. To strenthen its position the consortium
of Thales-NL and #TKMS has invited Greek companies to a Industry Day
in Athens.
https://www.imerisia.gr/politiki/64697_exoplistika-proeklogiko-pagoma-alla-megali-kinitikotita-ellinikon-etaireion
***
Complaints in the #German dual
use/military industry on the lack of orders in a highly specialized
market. #Vincorion
https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/plus243572323/Bundeswehr-Ausstattung-Auf-die-Zeitenwende-wartet-die-Ruestungsindustrie-bis-heute.html
***
Seeking to bring #Ukrainian
forces into line, Zelenskyy in January signed into force a law that
introduces harsher punishment (up to 10 years prison) for deserters
and wayward soldiers & strips them of their right to appeal. The
law is strongly protested.
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-war-military-law/
***
Oorlog in Oekraïne: dekmantel
voor totale militarisering EU.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/oorlog-in-oekraine-dekmantel-voor-totale-militarisering-eu/
***
***
#Expelo, a global engineering,
technology and consulting service provider will focus on supporting
#Apartheid. It will from its Israeli office help #Israel’s booming
aerospace and #defence market with its leading engineering services
and solutions.
https://expleo.com/global/en/insights/news/new-israel-office-engineering-services-aerospace-defence/
***
The world is not fully behind
how the Russian invasion is tackled by the West, but even inside NATO
not all look in the same direction.
"US warns Turkey on exports seen to boost Russia's war effort." https://www.reuters.com/world/us-warned-turkey-exports-seen-boost-russias-war-effort-official-says-2023-02-04/
***
Get rid of controls? US DoD is
facing new congressional demands to justify its expanding use of
streamlined acquisition authorities that are meant to rapidly put
capabilities into the field, in part by bypassing some traditional
checks and balances.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/oversight-or-overkill-dod-faces-new-congressional-order-to-detail-mid-tier-acquisitions/
***
The good news: “Not in our
name”: Students launch campaign against University of Glasgow’s
fossil fuel and arms investments.
https://glasgowguardian.co.uk/2023/02/06/not-in-our-name-students-launch-campaign-against-uofgs-fossil-fuel-and-arms-investments/
***
The Ukrainian war has
devastating effect not only on Ukraine but for people all over the
world. Global hunger e.g. has started to rise again.
At the same time "the Ukraine war
is fuelling massive profits for energy firms and #arms dealers." https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-war-is-fuelling-energy-and-arms-trade-worldwide-gcg6lpqpg
***
Vadym Skibitskyi, the
spokesman for an Ukrainian Intelligence organisation noted that
international sanctions are currently one of the enemy's key problems
because the ban on the supply of military and dual-use goods in 2022
has come into effect.
Also, everything related to high-tech
weaponry is under sanctions.
At the same time, the Russians are learning to circumvent restrictions, so the question of blocking these channels arises, Skibitskyi said. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3666276-ukraine-intelligence-aware-of-situation-of-russias-defense-industry.html
February 6
Retweet @CTWnl: “The US defence industry is seizing the moment of the Ukraine crisis to push for a lot of things they’ve wanted for years,” according to @williamhartung https://ig.ft.com/us-defence-industry/
***
Paris dumps Morocco in favour of
Algeria.
#Russia has for years been #Algeria's prime supplier of weapons (although full of French tech, MB) , so it was striking that General Chengriha discussed arms sales with #French firms during his trip to #France. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/02/02/france-dumps-morocco-in-favour-of-algeria
***
The Government of #Kuwait has
requested to buy five hundred seventeen (517) total Heavy Tactical
Vehicles consisting of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks
(HEMTT) and Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET). The estimated total
case value is $445 million.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02380/arms-sales-notification
***
Timely
(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11714125/How-200m-F-22-Raptor-shot-Chinese-spy-balloon-400k-Sidewinder-missile.html):
#Philippines—AIM-9X #Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles. #US
Arms Sales Notification
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02382/arms-sales-notification
The
Government of the #Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12)
AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2)
ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles. The estimated total
cost is $120 million.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02376/arms-sales-notification
***
New kid on the military
export block.
#Japan’s New Defense Direction and Its Indo-Pacific Policy among more through the relaxation of restraints upon Japan’s arms exports and new security assistance budgets beyond the existing foreign aid protocols. #China
https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/japans-new-defense-direction-and-its-indo-pacific-policy/
February 4
***
According to data by the Indian
Ministry of Defence #Israel was ahead of Russia in the year 2013–2014
and 2015–2016, in terms of signing defence contracts with #India.
https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/military-cooperation-remains-the-hallmark-of-nbspindia-israel-relations/2971005/
***
Flemish (region of Belgium)
military sector turbocharged by war in Ukraine.
Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon said that Flanders is actively looking to invest in the military sector, especially in companies specialising in new technologies. https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/362540/flemish-military-sector-turbocharged-by-war-in-ukraine
***
Qatari navy’s new amphibious
ship #LPD, the flight deck is sized for hosting #NH90 helicopter. In
March 2018, Qatar signed a $3.7bn to buy 28 NH90 helicopters with
#Leonardo as major contractor.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/qatari-navys-new-amphibious-ship-to-help-fulfil-nations-unique-needs/
Explains part of Dutch NH90 component
sales to #Qatar.
***
Security for some, not for
all. #India almost 200 million people below poverty line, but Dehli
is to boost defence spending 13%, with billions for new weapons.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/2023/02/02/india-to-boost-defense-spending-13-with-billions-for-new-weapons/
February 3
***
Verhelderend artikel waarin Paul
Aarts en Henk Overbeek pleiten voor deelname van de NAVO aan
onderhandelingen tussen Rusland en Oekraïne, omdat de NAVO zich al
sinds 2007 met de onderlinge verhouding tussen die twee landen heeft
bemoeid.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/02/alleen-een-akkoord-tussen-rusland-en-de-navo-kan-voor-duurzame-vrede-zorgen-a4156054
***
Turkish STM has won 2 tenders to
modernize NATO’s intelligence infrastructure, which is maintained
by the NATO Communications & Information Agency. This effort
stands as one of the largest software development projects assigned
by NATO to a Turkish entity.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/02/01/turkeys-stm-to-modernize-natos-intelligence-infrastructure/
***
Overview article on the US,
Japanese, #Dutch blow against #China in the #semiconductor export
restriction tech war. China will need to adjust its development goals
and strategies, as well as be prepared for long-term challenges
ahead. #ASML
https://www.eurasiareview.com/01022023-the-latest-us-chip-restrictions-on-china-analysis/
Tech
war: #China-#Korea #semiconductor trade ties start to fray under #US
pressure
Samsung and SK Hynix are finding it difficult to expand in China because Washington has cut China’s access to advanced chip making equipment https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3208892/tech-war-china-korea-semiconductor-trade-ties-start-fray-under-us-pressure
February 2
***
The Star (South Africa): The
conflict in Ukraine has widened international polarisation between
the West and other countries, casting a shadow over international
diplomacy characterised by Western isolation of Russia. The Star
02/02/23
***
Reasoning from #Ankara is
pecculiar at least. Candidate members must prioritize Turkey’s
security concerns it stresses. But it was the #Turkish state, not
only grossely violating rights, also sponsoring #ISIS and the #YPG
fighting it. Which side to choose?
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/news-analysis/turkiye-sweden-row-hints-at-deeper-concerns-within-nato
***
According to a tweet published
by Andriy Melnyk on 29 January 2023, the former #Ukrainian ambassador
to Germany proposed that #Germany give Ukraine its decommissioned
Bremen-class #frigate, Lubeck. With #Dutch #Thales military tech &
#Italian #US armament.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/january/12771-ukraine-wants-german-bremen-class-frigate-lubeck-decommissioned.html
***
Arsen Avakov (interior minister,
2014-21) told that his home had been searched as part of an inquiry
into #Ukraine's purchase of #Airbus helicopters 6 years ago
(https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2018-07-airbus-helicopters-and-the-ukrainian-ministry-of-interior-sign-for).
He said all the contracts had been approved at the time. #corruption
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-corruption-zelensky-billionaire-kolomoisky-b2273863.html
***
Will the US Debt Limit Fight
Impact Pentagon Spending? It could lead to some trimming of the
Pentagon budget, but not by much. It will continue to go at the cost
of non-military threats like climate change, pandemics, and global
inequality.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2023/01/30/will-the-debt-limit-fight-impact-pentagon-spending/
***
CDA'er @RaymondKnops is
overgelopen naar de commercie, meer precies de #wapenindustrie. Hij
wordt betaald om zijn vrienden en vriendinnen in de politiek te
lijmen. @NIDVnews
https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/raymond-knops-moet-uit-den-haag-worden-geweerd
***
Cooperating with military
industries operating in and buying arms from an Apartheid state?
Unthinkable some decades ago. But now #Finland has awarded
#German-#Israeli weapons provider #Eurospike to deliver anti-tank
missiles for the Finnish armed forces.
https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_38336.php
***
Stop Wapenhandel (@CTWnl) and
The Transnational Institute (TNI @TNInstitute) co-produced an
important dossier in November that details the enormous funds the
West is spending on a new arms race at the expense of health, social
and housing needs.
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/profiteering-militarism-how-nato-using-russias-war-ukraine
***
US guns are fueling violence in
Central America. Here’s how to help stop the arms flow. The Biden
administration must make good on its promise to revert control of
firearms exports back to the State Department...
https://www.justsecurity.org/84954/u-s-guns-are-fueling-violence-in-central-america-heres-how-to-help-stop-the-arms-flow/
Arms
dealers in Arizona 've asked a federal court to dismiss a MEXICAN
lawsuit accusing them of selling weapons used by drug cartels to kill
people in Mexco. They also stated that US law protects them from most
civil suits & that Mexico has no legal basis.
https://hinterlandgazette.com/arizona-arms-dealers-ask-court-to-dismiss-mexican-government-lawsuit/
***
West’s arming of Ukraine
threatens to fuel endless cycle of violence and bloodshed in Europe
and beyond
There is a dire need for the international community to find a political, negotiated solution to end the conflict before things spiral out of control https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3208570/wests-arming-ukraine-threatens-fuel-endless-cycle-violence-and-bloodshed-europe-and-beyond
February 1
***
According to Jane’s, Ethiopia
has acquired dozens of Chinese-built 155 mm SH15 wheeled,
self-propelled howitzers, images of a joint military exercise
revealed.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ethiopia-displays-new-sh15-howitzers
***
Revolving doors. HII taps
Chewning, former US DoD chief of staff, as new exec for strategy,
development The hiring move comes as HII this past year has actively
and aggressively rebranded itself from shipbuilder to a defence
technology firm.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/01/hii-taps-chewning-former-dod-chief-of-staff-as-new-exec-for-strategy-development/
***
World military expenditure is on
the rise. To fund their increases in military spending, options
available to governments include tax, debt or revenue from natural
resources. Each form of financing has its consequences, economic,
political or social.
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/2023_01_using_taxation_to_fund_military_spending_0.pdf
***
China’s government criticized
U.S. controls on technology exports as a trade violation, after Japan
and the Netherlands agreed to join Washington in limiting Beijing’s
access to materials to make advanced processor chips they say can be
used in weapons.
https://apnews.com/article/china-semiconductor-trade-violations-e0564c045bdc33a0c5fe0c4cc795db8b
Republicans
are using their brand-new House majority to push for tougher China
sanctions enforcement on dual-use tech even as the Biden
administration greatly expands sweeping new export controls on US
technology that could be used by the Chinese military.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/01/30/gop-pushes-tougher-china-dual-use-sanctions-cites-lax-enforcement/
***
Moeilijke vragen over Oorlog in
Oekraïne. Hoe stoppen we imperialistisch oorlogsgeweld? Op 2.Dh5
wordt een Hollanditis podcast gepresenteerd waarin we op zoek gaan
naar antwoorden met @CTWnl
https://www.2dh5.nl/event/moeilijke-vragen-over-oorlog-in-oekraine/
***
No to NATO Tanks in Ukraine,
Let’s Fight the Escalation!
Left Voice and German Klasse Gegen Klasse issued a joint statement against NATO sending tanks to Ukraine. We call to organize against this reactionary war which continues to escalate.
https://www.leftvoice.org/no-to-nato-tanks-in-ukraine-lets-fight-the-escalation/
