vrijdag 1 december 2023

My tweets (or X's) for November

Latest on top:
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)

November 30

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Retweet @BDSmovement: Our #MilitaryEmbargo campaign focusing on European transit states is growing fast! Check out our initial mapping of the growing number of trade unions, human rights orgs, solidarity orgs & political parties that support the campaign. #StopArmingIsrael #GazaGenocide

https://antiapartheidmovement.net/home-slider/view/pressure-states-to-impose-a-comprehensive-military-embargo-on-israel-to-stop-its-crimes-against-humanity-against-palestinians/22

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Enough is never enough even if at the cost of health care, education etc. EU military spending at record €240bn in 2022. The figure represented an overall increase of 6% on 2021 as the EU's 27 member states ratcheted up their purchases of new #hardware. https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2023/11/30/record-high-european-defence-spending-boosted-by-procurement-of-new-equipment

The flood of last September would perhaps have been dealt with better if the NATO war in 2011 had not broken up Libya, argues Nnimmo Bassey – Nigerian activist and director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation – in the preface to the Climate Crossfire report, edited by #@tni
@CTWnl @Tippingpoint and @_TPNS.

L’inondazione dello scorso settembre sarebbe forse stata affrontata meglio se la guerra della Nato nel 2011 non avesse disgregato la Libia. Così argomenta Nnimmo Bassey – attivista nigeriano e direttore di Health. of Mother Earth Foundation – nella prefazione al rapporto Climate Crossfire, curato da Transnational Institute (Tni), Stop Wapenhandel e Tipping Point North South. https://ilmanifesto.it/il-riarmo-militare-e-nemico-del-clima

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The #Tomahawk, the weapon so often used by Washington in the past decades to military punish another state or start a military intervention elsewhere in the world, now to be exported to what is still called in US English the #Japanese Self-Defense Forces. https://govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2023-11-27/pdf/CREC-2023-11-27.pdf

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Wat reclame voor de bedrijfsschool van GKN/#Fokker in #Papendrecht, heel duurzaam (jaja), bijzonder leerzaam en nu ook al erkend als MBO3 opleiding. https://dordrecht.net/nieuws/94008/unieke-mijlpaal-bedrijfsschool-gkn-fokker Maar geen woord over de #militaire business aan de Noord. https://magazines.defensie.nl/vliegendehollander/2019/03/10_parelsvdnederlandseluchtvaart

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Retweet @CTWnl: Protest against arms fair NEDS in Ahoy Rotterdam. Clear message to arms dealers and military arriving: Blood on your hands! Stop your murderous business!

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#Damen invested € 3m in robotica at its shipyard in #Galati (Damen has invested over € 140m since taking it over in 1999.) https://www.dailybusiness.ro/stiri-interne/santierul-naval-damen-galati-a-inaugurat-o-linie-robotizata-pentru-fabricatia-de-micro-panouri-este-deja-pusa-in-functiune-384767/). The inaugeration of the event was attended by the #ambassador of the #Netherlands in #Romania. https://www.antena3.ro/economic/investitie-santierul-naval-damen-galati-693535.html

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Demonstranten bij een grote internationale #wapenbeurs in Ahoy, Rotterdam.

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#Military emissions - the weakness in fighting #climate change? Calls become louder to force militaries to report & reduce emissions ahead of #COP28. Yes military emissions are undermining the war on CC, so can COP28 bolster its environmental frontline? https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/military-emissions-the-weak-point-in-the-war-on-climate-change/

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#Elbit Systems was awarded a contract by Airbus D&S to supply the Direct Infrared Counter Measures #DIRCM and #Infrared Missile Warning Systems for installation on the #MRTT A330 refuelling aircraft for #Canada. https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-a-contract-to-supply-dircm-self-protection-suites-to-airbus-defense-and-space-for-the-installation-on-mrtt-a330-aircraft-for-canada/

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India’s Military Modernisation: Role and Impact of France

The Indian embassy in Paris has reiterated #France’s commitment and complete support to #India’s vision of self-reliance in areas of defence industrialisation, joint research, & development in India across a broad spectrum of advanced capabilities.

In recent developments, the Tata group has also tied up with Airbus to manufacture a C-295 tactical transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat. (abstract https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23477970231207256)

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The #US provided #Israel with over 70,000 weapons — aircraft, ground vehicles, missiles &bombs — via military aid between 1950 and 2022, according to an Axios analysis of the #SIPRI Arms Transfers Database. https://www.axios.com/2023/11/29/us-weapons-provided-israel-aircraft-missiles-bombs

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#Chinese warships are visiting #Myanmar, highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries’ militaries amid recent clashes in border regions that threaten to complicate relations.

The article also speculates #China may change course in Birma. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3243147/chinese-navy-visits-myanmar-show-friendship-following-upsurge-fighting-along-border

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Supplying #weapons to #Israel is immoral & indefensible. Any Scottish or UK governmental support for these arms companies should cease in the idealistic but surely not hopeless search for an ethical base to our foreign policy. From letters to The National. https://www.thenational.scot/news/world/23954918.supplying-weapons-israel-immoral-indefensible/

November 29

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#Russian MoD has reached out to Cairo, proposing an arrangement where Egypt would resell 150 #rotorcraft engines that were purchased from Russia in the past. #Egypt is said to have accepted the proposal and reciprocated with another suggestion to Russia.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62355

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Under an existing law, #Canada can suspend arms exports to a country if there is doubt that the weapons could be used to commit or even facilitate an IHL violation. Otawa has so far refused to confirm if it has suspended issueing export licenses to Israel.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/11/28/historic-march-demands-an-end-to-canadas-complicity-in-israels-crimes-in-palestine/

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On 15/11/2023, the #Qatari #MoD and the US #Space Command entered into a cooperation agreement in air and space, aiming to enhance collaboration with the Qatari Emiri Air Force #QEAF.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62349

What and from whom #Qatar aims for is behind paywall.

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#Morocco's plans to acquire Merkava MK3 tanks from #Israel, M1A1 Abrams tanks from the #US, and T-72M tanks from the #Czech Republic have all been hindered by the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
https://www.military.africa/2023/11/moroccos-tank-modernization-plans-delayed-by-global-conflicts/

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#Australian arms and ammunition exports to #Israel totalled $13m over past five years, data reveals

#Greens call for greater #transparency around exports to Israel, as Anthony Albanese meets relatives of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/29/australian-arms-ammunition-exports-israel

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#Kazakhstan has significantly reduced the amount of exports of #dual_use goods to #Russia, but the exports of other goods to Russia have simultaneously increased, EU #Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan said during a press conference in Astana, on 28/11.
https://kyivindependent.com/eu-sanctions-envoy-kazakhstan-reducing-export-of-dual-use-goods-to-russia/

November 28

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#Belgium to join Europe’s #FCAS next-gen fighter program in June 2025.

Once Brussels joins the program, details about the role it will play at both a funding and an industrial level are expected to be shared.

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/belgium-to-join-europes-fcas-program-in-june-2025/

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#JSF Hitch no 1123:

With DoD ‘pausing’ negotiations, new #F35 logistics deal in doubt for 2024

Ass. Sec. of Defence for Sustainment Christopher Lowman told that negotiations on the performance-based logistics agreement with #Lockheed are at an impasse. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/exclusive-with-dod-pausing-negotiations-new-f-35-logistics-deal-in-doubt-for-2024/

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#Elbit’s drone factory landlords targeted. The Birmingham offices of property company #LondonMetric have been shut down yesterday morning by Palestine Action, with a lock-on action to disrupt another link in Israel’s weapons supply chain.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2023/11/27/elbits-drone-factory-landlords-targeted/

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On Monday 27 November, members of community union ACORN took simultaneous action against three companies across England, blockading their entrances to protest against their involvement in Israel’s ongoing assault in Gaza.
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2023/11/27/acorn-israel-arms-companies/

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Greenpeace has published yesterday the report

Arming Europe. Military expenditures and their economic impact in Germany, Italy, and Spain

prepared by Chiara Bonaiuti, Paolo Maranzano, Mario Pianta, Marco Stamegna. https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-italy-stateless/2023/11/d4d111bc-arming-europe.pdf

States protect national firms – even when they are inefficient – in order to preserve arms production capacity. Decisions regarding arms exports and imports are the result of both corporate economic considerations and government political strategies.

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Pro-Palestine “Block the Boat” actions, where dockworkers block the transport of arms to Israel, have proliferated in recent years. Recalling actions against apartheid South Africa, they’re an effective way for labor to oppose Israel’s war on Gaza.

https://jacobin.com/2023/11/dockworkers-port-blockade-israeli-arms-solidarity-union-activism-gaza-war

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When there is power and money involved, #bribing is Oke, isn''t it. #UK approved millions paid to top #Saudi officials, London Court told.
"to the UK government, it was in the strategic interests”

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231127-uk-approved-millions-paid-to-top-saudi-officials-london-court-told/

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#Hensoldt develops jamming system to protect naval vessels together with Israeli partner #Rafael. The fully “Kalaetron Attack” digital system has proven to be very effective in neutralizing air defence radars in several test campaigns.
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/hensoldt-develops-jamming-system-to-protect-naval-vessels-together-with-israeli-partner-rafael #StopArmingIsrael

November 27

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The #UK & #Turkey have inked a statement of intent to work closely on #improving their bilateral military partnership & #enhancing regional/international security.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-turkiye-to-boost-stability-security-and-prosperity

This are promisses for the future, conflicting with policies in the past, even the present.

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To improve your secvurity?

MISSILES AND DRONES AMONG #WEAPONS #STOLEN FROM US IN IRAQ AND SYRIA

Documents reveal “sensitive weapons and equipment” were taken – and the Pentagon may be #unaware of the scope of the thefts. https://theintercept.com/2023/11/25/military-weapons-iraq-syria-theft/

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Een club van zo'n 150 mensen demonstreerde zaterdagmiddag voor het hek van vliegbasis Woensdrecht. Hun protest was gericht tegen een bedrijf op de vliegbasis dat onderdelen zou leveren voor Israëlische F-35- vliegtuigen. https://www.gelderlander.nl/brabant/de-olijftakken-die-laten-de-demonstranten-aan-het-hek-van-vliegbasis-woensdrecht-hangen~a1bc0f2a/

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Elbit Systems én de Nederlandse overheid, die de leveringenn niet tegenhoudt, zijn medeplichtig aan oorlogsmisdaden, vinden de demonstranten. Met protestborden, Palestijnse vlaggen, spandoeken en olijftakken en een toeterende colonne van zo'n twintig auto's vragen ze aandacht voor de situatie in de Gazastrook.

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#UAE’s #EDGE Group and #Turkey’s #Roketsan will explore collaborative opportunities to develope and integrate smart weapons of EDGE weapons onto the Baykar #Bayraktar TB2 #drones, as well as incorporating Roketsan weapons onto drones made by EDGE.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62347

November 26

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Yesterday in #Woensdrecht, the Netherlands at #Elbit branch on Dutch military air force base.

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To make the world a safer or a more profitable place for arms dealers?

#Brussels wants to beat the Pentagon at its own game on arms sales

EU Commission is hinting at a new mechanism similar to the US Foreign Military Sales #FMS to facilitate arms exports.

https://www.politico.eu/article/european-union-weapons-sales-united-states-defense/

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#Spain wants to sell more #C295 military transport planes to India. Spain's Ambassador to #India, told Madrid is seeking to boost its partnership with India in the fields of defence, technology and infrastructure. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/spain-ready-to-supply-more-c295-transport-aircraft-to-india-envoy/articleshow/105504941.cms

Solving #poverty #internal_conflict?

In a major boost for Make in #India in the military sector the Indian Coast Guard and the Navy will acquire 15 #Airbus C295 transport aircraft that are being manufactured in India in a joint venture between #Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-coast-guard-navy-to-buy-15-c-295-transport-aircraft-for-maritime-surveillance/articleshow/105478698.cms

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Lobby to arm Mohammad bin Salman (and #Erdogan) to the teeth continues. Berlin's refusal to sell 48 #EFA #Typhoon combat aircraft to #Saudi Arabia and restrictive arms export policy already ridiculed in UK press and now also questioned in Frence Le Monde. https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2023/11/24/airbus-denonce-le-veto-de-berlin-a-la-vente-d-eurofighter-a-l-arabie-saoudite_6202134_3234.html

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France might 've to buy arms from non-EU countries to send them to Ukraine. As the EU is facing pressure to supply 1mln artillery shells to Ukraine, Paris finds itself compelled to reassess its long-standing policy of exclusively buying arms within the EU. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1838139/france-arms-supplies-ukraine-eu

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#Baerbock explained militairy sales to #Riyad by saying that this delivery is to be understood as “restrictive” & in no way as a symbol of economic interests. According to the Tagesschau, at least one delegate is said to have dismissed this as “#bullshit”. https://www.tz.de/politik/koalition-parteitag-gruene-karlsruhe-2023-baerbock-feministische-aussenpolitik-ampel-regierung-zr-92691674.html

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Berlin thousands (estimates: 10,000, police to 20,000, organisation) of people demonstrated against German arms policy in Berlin on Saturday. The protests are particularly targetting the military support for the Ukraine and asks for strenghened diplomacy. https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/berlin/demonstration-gegen-ruestungspolitik-100.html

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THE prosecutor’s office of the Netherlands on Wednesday said it has launched a criminal investigation into a Dutch shipping company allegedly breaking the arms exports embargo to #Libya.

On Oct. 11, the shipping company, from the Dutch city of Groningen, attempted a transfer

of armed vehicles to Libya, but the vessel it used, the MV #Meerdijk, was intercepted by an #IRINI mission ship north of Africa.

https://realnewsmagazine.net/dutch-maritime-company-accused-of-violating-arms-export-ban-to-libya/

The Meerdijk is currently in #Antwerp: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9377925

See some of my older X's on the vessel: https://twitter.com/search?q=Meerdijk%20martinbroek&src=typed_query

The weaponry came from our allies in the #UAE. Not surprising the Emirati have nothing to do with international arms embargo's. The Meerdijk "attempted to transport 41 armoured vehicles coming from a factory in the Emirates, heading to Benghazi". https://libyaobserver.ly/news/irini-thwarts-smuggling-armoured-vehicles-uae-benghazi

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#Portuguese navy signs contract with Dutch #Damen shipyards for the design, construction and outfitting of a state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Vessel. The vessel will be capable of deploying #drones and #helicopters. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/11/portuguese-navy-signs-contract-with-damen-for-innovative-multi-purpose-vessel/

In Dutch: Damen heeft een opdracht gekregen van de Portugese marine voor het ontwerp, de bouw en uitrusting van het eerste schip ter wereld dat oceaanonderzoek combineert met de inzet van drones, maakte het in Gorinchem gevestigde concern bekend. https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2023/11/25/damen-shipyards-bouwt-multi-purpose-drone-carrier-schip-voor-portugese-marine/

November 24

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#Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev inspected the growing fleet of #drones boasted by the country’s armed forces during a trip to Surkhandarya region on November 16. https://intellinews.com/uzbekistan-s-attack-drone-fleet-unveiled-301832 Armed with #Rocketsan air-to-surface missiles.
https://president.uz/en/lists/view/6866

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Saferworld notes (23/11/23) that the Netherlands can publish extensive denial notes and asks the question why others could not. https://www.saferworld.org.uk/downloads/pubdocs/transparency-web.pdf

For a complete list of denials see here: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2019/03/04/historisch-overzicht-afgewezen-aanvragen-voor-militaire-goederen

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Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI loitering #munitions garner international attention with $145m in sales.
https://www.army-technology.com/news/iai-secures-145m-in-global-deals-for-munitions-despite-ongoing-crisis/ Loitering Munitions are also known as kamikaze drones or suicide drones.

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#Australia’s military export program has recently come under scrutiny for its lack of #transparency – particularly in relation to whether approved export permits are providing material support to Israel’s war against Hamas.
https://theconversation.com/with-war-raging-in-gaza-how-much-do-we-know-about-australias-weapons-exports-the-answer-very-little-217376

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War is cynical. Here a look into the Russian war in #Ukraine and how to regard the massive quantities of #victims. Bad history makes for bad policy on Ukraine The West needs better historical analogies for understanding #Russia’s war and how to counter it.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/russia-military-history-ukraine/

November 23

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Bribes make the arms trade tick. A London court has heard claims that two British businessmen helped funnel #bribes to “very highly placed officials” in #Saudi Arabia’s military to secure contracts for an #Airbus subsidiary.

https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/article/sfo-uk-executives-bribed-officials-saudi-defence-contracts

‘Deep corruption’ at centre of SFO Saudi bribery trial

Prosecution case turns on a UK government deal to provide military communication networks. https://www.ft.com/content/792f6767-45d3-411e-a2f1-a83a391ad3b1

UK bribery case linked to Saudi arms deals exposes ‘deep corruption’. The case continues and is expected to finish in March 2024. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231123-uk-bribery-case-linked-to-saudi-arms-deals-exposes-deep-corruption/

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Lucrative, but #secret, arms trade by Swedish #SAAB, selling recoilless rifles and other weaponry.
https://www.army-technology.com/news/carl-gustaf-sales-over500m-in-2023-as-saab-announces-latest-deal/

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Na 40 jaar weer vredesdemonstratie bij het hek in Woensdrecht: actie tegen ‘oorlogsmachine’ Ditmaal is het protest gericht tegen leveringen van #F35-reserveonderdelen aan Israël, vanuit de vliegbasis.
https://www.zuidwestupdate.nl/nieuws/na-40-jaar-weer-vredesdemonstratie-bij-het-hek-in-woensdrecht-actie-tegen-oorlogsmachine/

November 22

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Na 40 jaar weer vredesdemonstratie bij het hek in Woensdrecht: actie tegen ‘oorlogsmachine’

Ditmaal is het protest gericht tegen leveringen van #F35-reserveonderdelen aan Israël, vanuit de vliegbasis.

https://www.zuidwestupdate.nl/nieuws/na-40-jaar-weer-vredesdemonstratie-bij-het-hek-in-woensdrecht-actie-tegen-oorlogsmachine/

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Rewarding what is wrong.

The #US will provide #Israel with 75 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles of #Oshkosh Defense. The US website Bloomberg reports that these vehicles will be provided as part of the large military aid package to Israel. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-14/pentagon-is-quietly-sending-israel-ammunition-laser-guided-missiles

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Retweet @fionadove: Find your university in Europe (including UK) in this new @stopwapenhandel data base of EU-funded research projects on military/security matters involving Israel: https://stopwapenhandel.org/european-universities-cooperation-with-israel-in-eu-security-research-programs/#StopArmingIsrael #CeasefireForGazaNOW

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Welsh Labour surporters ask resignation Keith Starner for a number of reasons. "3. He abjectly supports all actions by the US & UK Tory governments ... failing to oppose massive amounts of arms sales and other financial support to Israel."
https://www.tivysideadvertiser.co.uk/news/23935333.labour-supporters-ceredigion-call-resignation-sir-keir-starmer/

November 21

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Alongside Systematic & DXC Technology Deutschland GmbH, the Germen F-126 frigate programme is supported by #Damen and #Thales Netherlands. This latest milestone will add to the ongoing development for the four German frigates at Wolgast, Kiel, and Hamburg.
https://systematic.com/en-gb/industries/defence/news-knowledge/news/2023_-german-navy-s-future-frigates-bolstered-by-systematic-s-maritime-solution/

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Ukrainian President Zelensky said that deliveries of artillery shells to Kyiv had dropped off after fighting erupted between Israel and Hamas last month. “Our deliveries have decreased,” he told reporters, referring specifically to 155-millimeter-shells
https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-artillery-munition-deliveries-to-ukraine-have-decreased-since-israel-hamas-war/

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Reflection on S. #Korean military exports. The rapid growth is directly driven by the short-term export of a large number of specific products to specific customers. At least for now, the time span & distribution of its arms exports are relatively limited.
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16268209.html

The #UAE is negotiating the purchase of South #Korean #helicopters, with the aim of signing a deal by year’s end, according to an official of Korea Aerospace Industries #KAI.
https://ts2.space/en/uae-engages-in-talks-to-acquire-advanced-south-korean-maritime-helicopters/

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Retweet
@brunostruys: Samen met Pauline Hofmann van Le Soir ontdekte ik dat er via de luchthaven van Luik wél militair materieel tot bij de Israëlische strijdkrachten geraakte. Er zijn sinds de oorlog in Gaza vergunningen afgeleverd voor 7 ladingen met explosieven.

Tot nu toe zei de CEO van Challenge Airlines, dat Luik als hub gebruikt, dat hij via Luik humanitaire goederen naar Israel bracht. Nu blijkt het ook om de doorvoer van springtuig te gaan, voor Israëlische bedrijven die leveren aan het IDF, maar ook rechtstreeks aan het IDF.

Dat blijkt uit informatie die hij ons zelf verstrekte nadat we vragen stelden over de vele passages van zijn vliegtuig 4X-ICA in Luik en op Amerikaanse en Israëlische luchtmachtbasissen. Op 11 oktober was dit toestel te zien in een tweet van het Israëlische MOD over wapens

Al sinds 2009 heeft de federale overheid in ons land samen met de gewesten beslist om geen uitvoer, maar ook geen doorvoer meer toe te laten die de versterking van de militaire capaciteit van de Israëlische krijgsmacht inhoudt.
https://twitter.com/brunostruys/status/1726860603191337091

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Armed drones for Middle Eastern autocrats. To develop peace or strengthen ties and earn some buck at the same time?

General Atomics #GA_ASI) and UAEs #EDGE Group announced an agreement to integrate EDGE smart weapons onto GA’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian #drones. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62333

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Palestinian-Australian nurse Riyad Aladassi is on hunger strike as part of Block the Dock, protesting Australian arms exports to Israel and media coverage of the current conflict. The grapevine radio in MP3.
https://player.fm/series/the-grapevine-2575964/stay-woke-infrastructure-shuffle-words-and-block-the-dock-protesting-arms-exports-to-israel

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Students have crashed the formal opening of Sheffield University's newest building.

The group challenged the university's links with the arms trade and what they claim is "financial complicity in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people".

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/sheffield-university-students-crash-wave-173037238.html

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November 21 is a special date for the Dutch movement against nuclear cruise missiles in Woensdrecht, because of the enormous demonstration in Amsterdam.

In Woensdrecht NB there are still peace protests: against the Israeli military industry #Elbit located there. Next Saturday

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The looming decision over billions of dollars to #Israel for its military campaign in the #Gaza Strip is testing some basic humanitarian principles of the #Biden administration and putting extraordinary scrutiny on the US’s relationship to Israel.
https://rollcall.com/2023/11/20/us-arms-aid-to-israel-tests-whether-humanitarian-law-applies/

November 20

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Retweet @esoubrier: Against backdrop of Ukraine War & emergency EU fund to produce + ammunition, Wendela de Vries warns: New capabilities are hard to create, but even harder to reduce. Moves towards ‘war economy’ are dangerous in LT, it contributes to a supply-driven global dissemination of arms

Wendela de Vries delves into what underpins EU arms export drive and how this trend is increasingly enabled, challenging it all against the backdrop of the climate crisis which particularly threatens the MENA region:
https://prismeinitiative.org/blog/arms-trade-lost-opportunity-for-climate-solutions-wendela-de-vries/ #peopleandplanetaboveprofits

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Lawaaidemonstratie in Gouda: "Wij zijn hier om arrestanten die bij #Thales in Delft zijn opgepakt te ondersteunen. Dat we laten weten: we zijn hier voor ze", zegt aanwezige. De arrestanten protesteerden tegen de leveringen aan Israël door Thales Nederland.
https://www.ad.nl/gouda/lawaaidemonstratie-bij-politiebureau-gouda-om-arrestanten-hart-onder-riem-te-steken~a7990997/

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Pressure to export #EFA fighters to #Riyadh continues. #Germany’s defence minister, Pistorius, as well as Scholz are increasingly supportive of a change in policy over military sales to #Saudi Arabia. So are ministers from the FDP, the 3rd coalition party.
https://www.ft.com/content/0af82837-b03a-4e17-b393-f486ed0107cf

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A group of independent UN experts asked for the implementation of an #arms_embargo on all warring parties and they underlined the need to address the underlying causes of the conflict by ending the #Israeli occupation of the #Palestinian territory.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/israels-grave-violations-against-palestinians-point-to-a-genocide-in-making-un-experts/3055677

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#Applied_Materials, the largest US maker of #chipmaking machinery, is facing investigations in the US for violating export restrictions to #China.
https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/709503/applied-materials-faces-probe-us-shipping-chip-equipment-china/

***
Also on Sunday in Finland a pro-Palestinian rally took place in the capital Helsinki. The protesters also denounced #Israel's invasion of #Gaza and #Finland's #arms trade with Israel.
https://www.euronews.com/2023/11/19/thousands-march-silently-though-paris-calling-for-peace-in-middle-east

November 19

***
Emily Apple asks a handfull of strategic questions on campaigning against the arms fair #DSEI (interesting also for those involved elswhere).

She concludes to note the mobilisation is the culmination of strategic, sustained campaigning & movement building. https://freedomnews.org.uk/2023/11/19/confronting-dsei-needs-a-long-strategy/

***
They call it transparency, but

Monthly reports on Dutch military exports lag almost a year now (last December 2022) https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen

Monthly reports on military transits passing the Netherlands lags half a year (last may 2023). https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen

It isn't a secret the Netherlands has a strong position in the global semi-conductor industry. This is also visible in the latest update on monthly dual use exports (Sept23). Of the 10 largest items, 3 are on semi-conductors to: China, India & Taiwan. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

Of the 3 categories only 1 was updated with one month in the last month (dual use). This means the overall backlog grew, despite promises to catch up made by the Minister of FA&T. Last month I wrote: Who stops the decline of arms export #transparency?
https://stopwapenhandel.org/who-stops-the-decline-of-arms-export-transparency/

En die Minister van BuZa & Handel is Liesje Schreinemacher. U raadt of weet het al: #VVD. Die partij heeft meer niet zoveel met vrede en wapenbeheersing, maar meer met groeiende militaire budgetten en wapenproductie. Dit is er een klein voorbeeld van. https://tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2023D00031

***
Call by #HRW: Canada should also unequivocally condemn violations of #IHL (...) and suspend military assistance and arms sales to #Israel so long as its forces commit widespread, serious abuses against #Palestinian civilians with impunity.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/15/israel-palestine-crisis-preventing-mass-atrocities-key

***
Irish composer Raymond Deane, co-founder of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign would also like to see Ireland put an arms embargo on Israel.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/17/as-israel-bombs-gaza-irelands-enduring-support-of-palestine-gets-stronger

***
After years waiting for the F-16 Block 70/72, #Turkey is now turning to the #Eurofighter consortium, however #Germany might not allow the sale.
https://theaviationist.com/2023/11/19/turkey-in-talks-to-acquire-eurofighter-typhoons-amid-f-16-deal-uncertainty/

November 18

***
#Finland goes ahead with #controversial arms deal despite ongoing killing and siege of Palestinians by #Israel. Finland has finalized a €317 million deal with Israel for the David’s Sling air defence system.
https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/24466-finland-goes-ahead-with-controversial-arms-deal-despite-ongoing-killing-and-siege-of-palestinians-by-israel.html

***

"We are currently occupying Thales Nederland. Elektronicaweg 39, Delft. Come and support go you’re in the area!" Activists are occupying the Thales office in Delft demanding an end to the weapons trade with Israel. https://twitter.com/commiecentral2/status/1725473783819944233

November 17

***
New reseach by @CTWnl shows European #universities’ cooperation with #Israel in EU security research programs
https://stopwapenhandel.org/european-universities-cooperation-with-israel-in-eu-security-research-programs/. For further research the cooperation lists are also available in the form of comprehensive online spreadsheets.

***
PARTIJEN VALLEN #VVD EN #CDA HARD AAN OVER ONDERDELENLEVERING F-35

#JSF #Israël https://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/nieuws/categorie/4/militair/partijen-vallen-vvd-en-cda-hard-aan-over-onderdelenlevering-f-35

***
Iemand zal de kernmacht #Israël toch eens moeten duidelijk maken dat de regels ook voor haar gelden. Dat er nu echt wel een totale stop van de nederzettingenbouw moet komen. En dat er aan een oplossing moet worden gewerkt die ook de Palestijnen recht doet.
https://www.mo.be/commentaar/Israel-lijkt-het-verwende-kind-voor-wie-andere-spelregels-gelden

***
#Russia signed a major deal on Nov 14 to increase its arms exports to #India, the CEO of #Rosoboronexport said. Part of the deal are Igla-S Man-Portable Air Defense Systems #manpads, which are handheld anti-aircraft missiles.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/28518-russia-signs-new-arms-deal-with-india

***
Palestine Action protesters use rubber mallets to smash up Leonardo’s arms factory in Southampton as they occupy roof.
https://www.gbnews.com/news/palestine-protesters-southampton-factory-leonardo-uk

***
Russian arms makers appear to have been kept to a low profile at this week's Dubai Airshow, underscoring how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sought to balance its ties with the West and Moscow.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2023/11/16/russian-arms-makers-kept-to-low-profile-at-dubai-airshow.html

***
South African trade in military hardware with Israel needs scrutiny is the headline above an article on Pretoria's arms export policy to the warring state.
https://mg.co.za/thoughtleader/opinion/2023-11-16-sa-trade-in-military-hardware-with-israel-needs-scrutiny/

***
#India & #Myanmar: “We have engagement and cooperation with them, a neighbouring country, on various issues," saidArindam Bagchi, official spokesperson of the Indian FA ministry to a query on India’s #arms exports to Myanmar’s military junta.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-must-bring-in-changes-in-its-policy-towards-myanmar-11700154535442.html

***
#Aukus, the military cooperation between Australia, the UK & US in Asia has made urgent a discussion on US export controls (especially #ITAR rules) to allies, which seriously hinders efforts to share tech and collaborate on capability development projects.
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-type/new-atlanticist/

***
#Belgian trade unions & civil society groups have called to implement a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel as it continues to wage a genocidal war on Palestine. They published a joint statement in DeMorgen November 16.

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/11/16/belgian-unions-call-on-government-to-impose-arms-embargo-on-israel/

Statement: https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/belgie-moet-de-doorvoer-van-militair-materiaal-naar-israel-stoppen~b767e7294

***
#Turkey has once more expressed interest in purchasing #EFA #Typhoon jets, but a potential #German arms embargo looms, as tensions rise over arms export constraints.
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/turkey-eyes-up-eurofighter-fighter-purchase-amid-german-blockade-concerns/

Restraint on sales is portrayed again as the problem, not selling fighters to autocrats.

November 16

***
De speciale rapporteurs van de VN verbazen zich erover dat de internationale gemeenschap niet eensgezind is in de oproep tot een staakt-het-vuren. Landen zouden zich moeten verenigen om een genocide te voorkomen.
https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/vn-rapporteurs-alles-wijst-erop-dat-israel-is-begonnen-aan-genocide-in-gaza

***
#Naval_Group has delivered the #UAE Navy’s first Gowind-class multi-mission corvette, the “Bani Yas,” in Lorient, France. The vessel is part of a 2019 contract seeking two new platforms for the service.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2019/06/10/uae-naval-group-quietly-cut-850-million-deal-for-gowind-ships/

***
Cooperation with autocrat regimes, like the #UAE, is now coined security policy. An #MBDA official here tells how the company sees the missiles swarming into combat & how MBDA is eyeing a new subsidiary in the UAE.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/mbda-reveals-joint-smart-missile-plan-with-uae-2030-production-target/

When they pay, all is Oke.

***
EU ombudsman asked the European Commission on Tuesday (14/11) to give guarantees of independence for the experts evaluating the industry's proposals for the European Defence Fund #EDF, in another blow to the EU's #transparency in military industry policy.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-ombudsman-launches-inquiry-into-commissions-defence-fund-selection-process/

***
#France secretly supplied #Armenia with a shipment of at least 22 French Bastion 4x4 #APCs with equipment. Evidence for this claim came by images released in #Azerbaijani media of these armoured vehicles, discovered on the loading dock in Poti, #Georgia.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2023_global_security_army_industry/france_secretly_deliver_at_least_22_bastion_4x4_apcs_to_armenia.html

***
Wow to improve our security #Airbus opens defence industrial production cooperation with UAEs #EDGE (#EPI). The Emirati group will produce tanks for military planes.

"EDGE to manufacture and supply multirole fuel tanks for Airbus Defence & Space."

It is a milestone, according to Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and the Middle East. https://edgegroup.ae/news/edge-manufacture-and-supply-multirole-fuel-tanks-airbus-defence-space
Forgotten all what went wrong with the #UAE arms business to advance its position in #MENA-region?

***
In EW komt dit weekeinde 'n zoveelste karikatuur v/d krijgsmacht. Lees wat BBB, CDA, NSC, Volt & VVD met Defensie willen. BBB wil de REGELS OPZIJ ROSSEN om 'n tankoefengebied te openen.

Partijen willen munitie-industrie terug, die verdween vanwege 't vervuilende karakter ook de kleinkaliber munitie die Volt weer terug wil hebben.

Op Volt na wilden de andere vier de Defensiebegroting vrijwel verdubbelen van 2% naar 3,5% BBP. Met een BBP van € 1.100 miljard, betekent dit ruim € 15 miljard meer, bovenop de € 21,4 miljard die er al heen gaat.

Nederland gaat raketten kopen van $ 2 miljoen p.s., maar soldaten moeten nog pang of pinda roepen om schieten na te bootsen, volgens het stuk. Wat gaat daar mis?

Het is beleid dat ten koste gaat van de natuur, de schatkist en vrede geen steek dichter bij brengt. De wapenindustrie zat tijdens het debat op het puntje van de stoel, noteert Eric Vrijssen, de auteur van Nog altijd ‘pinda, pinda’ en ‘pang’, EW 18/11/23

Voor wie het anders wil. Hier een folder met 'n visie van buiten de parlementaire politiek: https://vredessite.nl/nieuws/docs/verkiezingen2023.

***
EU Defence Ministers agree to prioritise 22 military capabilities to bolster European armed forces. These priorities, among others, include Integrated Air and Missile Defence, space and cyber operations etc. https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2023/11/14/eu-defence-ministers-agree-to-prioritise-22-military-capabilities-to-bolster-european-armed-forces

November 15

***
Helpful? Northrop Grumman is one of the largest global military companies, but less export-focused than its competitors. CEO Kathy Warden is now looking to change that, she aims for a double-digit annual growth rate from arms exports over the next decade.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/inside-northrops-plan-to-dramatically-increase-defense-exports-over-next-decade/

***
Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabia Military Industries, told Breaking Defense the conglomerate is "investing in developing our own products across all domains, but the key ones now are really AI and command and control systems."
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/sami-exec-on-saudi-arabian-localization-push-turkish-deal-prospects-and-future-plans/

***
All to let the weapons fall silent? Bloomberg reported that the #US has secretly increased military aid to #Israel, inclusive sophisticated laser-guided missiles, Apache heli's, bunker-buster munitions, 155 mm shells & military vehicles were delivered.
https://india.postsen.com/world/1300749.html

***
Lancet #drones prized by the #Russian army are equipped with #Swiss-made components. Swiss info speaks to Russian military expert Valery Shiryayev to understand why they are so effective and what would happen if Russia no longer had access to Swiss #parts.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/business/swiss-chips-not-vital-to-lancet-drone-production--russia-military-expert/48965816

***
#UAEs #EDGE Group announced on 6/11/23 the acquisition of a 52% shareholding in #ANAVIA, a #Swiss-based company that specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of VTOL systems. The EDGE CEO said this will bolster the company's strategy of producing drones.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/59210-edge-group-a-radiography-of-the-uaes-defense-conglomerate

UAE firm #EDGE Group rolls out 11 new #drones, #missiles at #Dubai Airshow.

"We're always looking at making investments in autonomous capabilities, precision guided munitions and electronic warfare," Miles Chambers, of EDGE said. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/uae-firm-edge-group-rolls-out-11-new-drones-missiles-at-dubai-airshow/

#EDGE Group is said to be in talks with #Chinese company Chengdu Aerospace Corporation #CAC concerning combat drones #UCAV.

EDGE is seeking to finalize a deal that includes a transfer of technology agreement and a licensed production and export agreement. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62323

***
Al ruim 42 journalisten omgekomen in Gaza-oorlog; dodelijkste maand sinds het #CPJ 32 jaar geleden met tellen begon. Het cijfer ligt vermoedelijk hoger, omdat CPJ alleen doden telt als de omstandigheden daarbij geverifieerd konden worden. https://www.villamedia.nl/artikel/al-ruim-42-journalisten-omgekomen-in-gaza-oorlog-bloedigste-maand-sinds-cpj-met-tellen-begon

***
“#Colombia will not buy weapons from manufacturing countries that voted against or abstained from voting on the resolution that ordered to #ceasefire in Gaza” at a UNs’ General Assembly meeting late October, said president Gustavo Petro on X.
https://colombiareports.com/colombia-suspends-arms-imports-from-gaza-ceasefire-opponents/

Poor #Damen

***
Dutch NGOs are suing the state over its position on the Gaza war. The Haque is “partly responsible for violations of the laws of war & collective punishment of the Gazan civilian population,” particularly due to the continued arms exports, they argue.
https://nltimes.nl/2023/11/14/human-rights-organizations-sue-dutch-state-arms-sales-israel-amid-war-gaza

Tweet Nieuw Israelitisch Weekblad: Vier anti-Israëlclubs stappen naar de rechter om Nederland te dwingen partij tegen de Joodse staat en voor Hamas te kiezen. Het zijn de usual suspects van @amnestynl, @oxfamnovib, @pax en natuurlijk lobbyclub The Rights Forum van antisemiet Dries van Agt. https://niw.nl/anti-israelclubs-stappen-naar-de-rechter/

***
There is “a growing public awareness and anger” about the global connection between Western powers & the Israeli military industry, says Antony Loewenstein, who has investigated how Israeli military tech is used on Palestinians & exported around the world.
https://www.democracynow.org/2023/11/14/israel_weapons

***
“No Arms to Apartheid”: South African Activists Target Israel-Linked Arms Trader.

A group of South African activists shut down the main entrance to Paramount Group, an arms trader with ties to Israel.

https://truthout.org/articles/no-arms-to-apartheid-south-african-activists-target-israel-linked-arms-trader/

***
Turkey and UAE cozy up over drone, missile cooperation. Both countries have found themselves at odds over recent years, are indicating a rapprochement is underway as a result of negotiations over major defense projects.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/11/14/turkey-and-uae-cozy-up-over-drone-missile-cooperation/

November 14

***
War what is it good for?

At a #munitions factory in northeast England run by #BAE Systems, production is running at full speed thanks to the war in Ukraine and an increasingly dark outlook for #geopolitics.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231113-at-bae-factory-ukraine-war-fuels-munitions-output

***
German charged with smuggling kit used to make sniper rifles to Russia.

Executive accused of using shell network to ship equipment to Russian manufacturer, in contravention of EU embargo. https://www.ft.com/content/47a2dbdf-3f2e-4734-a743-c68daff2ea4e

***
Pakistan's claims of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been questioned after revelations of ammunition sales worth $364 million to private US companies supplying arms to Kyiv. The contracts, signed in August 2022, involved two companies, Global Military and Northrop Grumman. While no concrete evidence has surfaced, #Pakistan has not ruled out the possibility of the weapons reaching Ukraine through the black market.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/105192603.cms

November 13

***
#Dubai Air Show begins in an increasingly tense region, leading at least one Israeli defence organization (Int. Defense Cooperation Directorate #SIBAT) to pull away from the show. #Israeli Elbit & IAI will be present.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2023/11/10/dubai-air-show-becomes-stage-for-a-middle-east-on-edge

Rafael and IAI are not. https://twitter.com/alexjcornwell/status/1723981700495974543

***
#UAE and #Turkey agreed on a road map for cooperation in advanced and strategic military industries during a first Working Group Meeting in Abu Dhabi on October 31, 2023.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62317

***
The eventful history of
#German arms deliveries to Israel began in the apartment of Franz Josef Strauss. Article in the FAZ paints the development of German arms deliveries to Israel. From old NVA-weapons to new submarines, which can be nuclear armed.

FAZ 131123 ZEITGESCHEHEN S 8

***
I came, I saw and I sold, on the energy in the military industry of Spain. An overview with graphs in Spanish on the companies, turnover, ownership etc. https://cincodias.elpais.com/companias/2023-11-13/vine-vi-y-vendi-efervescencia-en-la-industria-de-defensa.html

º***
Oh, the madness of it all! And I do mean madness. Today, Pentagon expert William Hartung considers just how strikingly the giant weapons-making corporations rule the roost both in Washington and in global war-making. One factor to be added to the alone. nightmare scenario he describes might be the effort to create a weaponized future beyond compare. After all, in the coming decades, the Pentagon is already planning to upgrade its vast nuclear arsenal to the tune of perhaps $2 trillion or more — $756 bn in the next decade. https://tomdispatch.com/good-times-for-the-military-industrial-complex/

November 12

***
The lobby continues

EU defence ministers are expected to issue a joint statement on Tuesday (14 November) calling on banks to grant the defence industry access to loans, in a bid to remove hurdles for greater investment into production capacities. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-defence-ministers-to-demand-better-finance-access-for-industry/

***
Dispute over #Eurofighter export escalates: “This is damaging to #Germany’s reputation”

It is better to sell to everyone the UK and France are willing to provide weaponry, even the most brutal ones, and throw the arms export policy in the carbage bin? https://www.merkur.de/wirtschaft/streit-um-eurofighter-export-eskaliert-saudi-arabien-deutschland-waffenexporte-zr-92666441.html

***
Hope so.

#BAE Systems PLC (LSE:BA.) is facing a public backlash over its involvement in the production of #F35 warplanes used by the Israeli military in #Gaza. https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1032769/bae-faces-backlash-over-gaza-conflict-will-it-weather-the-storm-1032769.html

***
Scotish First Minister is under pressure to distance the Scottish Government from a #Fifebased arms manufacturer amid fears the firm makes missiles which have killed thousands in Gaza. MSP Mark Ruskell warned the company is "fuelling war crimes". #Raytheon
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/4809908/fife-raytheon-israel-weapons/

***
#Armscor hasn't supplied arms to #Israel or been part of joint projects with Jeruzalem. The South African MoD was responding to allegations, including from BDS coalition and a public representative, that it was supplying weapons to Israel.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/no-weapons-sales-to-israel-armscor/

***
#Myanmar military fighter jet crashed Saturday in a combat zone in the state of Kayah, a military officer & a member of an anti-military #resistance organisation said. The last added the plane had been shot down, but this couldn't immediately be confirmed.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/11/12/myanmar-resistance-group-claims-downing-of-military-jet

***
#Donaties aan #VVD. Militair civiele scheepsbouwer #Damen en hofleverancier (vrijwel monopolist) v/d NL marine (
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2017/12/damen-een-overzicht-deel-2-aanbod.html) vaart er wel bij. Echtgenote verklaart, de overgemaakte €50.000 is mijn eigen gift: "Mijn man, grootaandeelhouder van de werf en mijn oudste zoon, de ceo, zeiden: 'Wij gaan niet doneren, we willen niet dat het bedrijf Damen met deze gift wordt geassocieerd'. Dus voor alle duidelijkheid: het is mijn eigen donatie, omdat ik een groot voorstander ben van de liberale #principes." Tja. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/10/vastgoedjongens-activisten-complotdenkers-wie-geven-er-het-meeste-geld-aan-politieke-partijen-a4180511

***
Next act in the #Romanian play around the acquisition of new naval #corvettes. No contract signed, not with #Naval_Group, and not with #Damen. Now rfurbishment of old ships? [in Romanian]
https://www.antena3.ro/actualitate/mapn-cruce-achizitii-corvete-plan-alternativ-modernizare-forte-navale-691513.html

***
#Jamaica adds a #Damen Stan Patrol 4207 type patrol boat to its Guast Guard fleet. The HMJS Norman Manley joins 3 sister ships in its inventories.

The armament includes at least two 12.7mm machine guns and the crew consists of 17 troops of all ranks. https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4523847/jamaica-recibe-nuevo-patrullero-tipo-damen-stan-patrol-4207

***
Wendela de Vries delves into what underpins EU arms export drive and how this trend is increasingly enabled, challenging it all against the backdrop of the climate crisis which particularly threatens the MENA region:
https://prismeinitiative.org/blog/arms-trade-lost-opportunity-for-climate-solutions-wendela-de-vries/ #peopleandplanetaboveprofits

***
Kyiv and its allies increased ammo production. All US plants doubled capacity during the Russia-Ukraine war. Some of the European plants even saw a tenfold increase of production capacity.
https://news.yahoo.com/no-one-country-produce-enough-183900601.html

It will take much time to scale the now arising war economy back.

The EU is unlikely to meet the March 2024 deadline to deliver its pledged 1mn artillery shells to Ukraine, which will exacerbate a growing ammunition crisis in its war against Russia, according to sources cited by Bloomberg on November 10.
https://www.intellinews.com/eu-will-miss-1mn-artillery-shell-march-supply-deadline-as-ukraine-s-ammo-crisis-deepens-300810/

***
In a display of solidarity with the Palestinian people, hundreds gathered in Barcelona, Spain, for a demonstration calling on the Spanish government to cease the arms trade with Israel.
https://see.news/pro-palestinian-protests-in-barcelona-rally-against-conflict-in-gaza

November 11

***
Smartshooter – which boasts of developing “one shot one hit” technology – is among the Israeli firms taking part in the hoorible #Milipol exhibition opening in Paris next Tuesday (14/11). The Smartshooter is part of the equipment of Israeli armed forces.
https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/david-cronin/israels-one-shot-one-hit-weapons-go-display-paris

***
General Atomics plans try adding missile systems made by the Emirati miliary #EDGE Group to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone, as a multi-billion dollar deal between the UAE and General Atomics to buy several of the drones remains stalled but alive.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/emirati-firm-to-put-missiles-on-mq-9b-as-us-official-says-skyguardian-f-35-deal-still-on-the-table/

***
Opposing arms trade to Israel becomes the new normal. And rightly so!
BAE systems protest: Hundreds descend on weapons factory calling to 'stop arming Israel' https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bae-systems-protest-hundreds-descend-31407003

***
Hundreds of activists in Toronto blocked access to, L3Harris Technologies, a large Canadian weapons supplier to Israel yesterday.
https://ricochet.media/en/4008/video-canadian-activists-target-israeli-war-profiteers

***
Unions worldwide boycott arms supplies to Israel. Article with examples from Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, Japan, Poland Spain, UK, and the US.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/f/unions-worldwide-boycott-arms-supplies-israel

November 10

***
In 70 percent of transnational repression cases documented last year, both the perpetrator and host countries were rated “not free” by Freedom House. For example, Turkey, ruled by autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, increasingly has acted as an agent of other. repressive states, such as China, in seeking to capture ethnic Uyghurs who fled in fear of being incarcerated in concentration camps.

GAO has also suggested https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-24-106183.pdf pressuring perpetrators that benefit from U.S. arms exports by using a provision of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 barring arms sales to countries engaged in a pattern of intimidation or harassment directed at individuals in the United States. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are among the top 25 arms-transfer recipients. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/09/dictators-transnational-repression/

***
#China tightens export controls on #RareEarths, requiring exporters to report rare-earth types and their destinations, Beijing announced, responding to stricter limits on US #semiconductor exports to China. The measures run through the end of Oct. 2025.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Supply-Chain/China-tightens-rare-earth-export-curbs-amid-tension-with-U.S

***
#Airbus has hired a #Spanish tech center (National Institute of Aerospace Technology, or #INTA, backed by the Spanish MoD) to help with ground testing of the #Eurodrone’s propulsion system, marking the first step toward the platform’s eventual test flight.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/11/09/spanish-tech-center-to-test-eurodrones-propulsion-system/

***
#Rheinmetall to deliver 100,000 rounds of mortar ammo to #Ukraine. The arms giant recently acquired the Spanish manufacturer #Expal to expand production capacity to meet a “strong global demand for ammunitions [which is] set to continue to grow.”
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/11/09/rheinmetall-to-deliver-100000-rounds-of-mortar-ammunition-to-ukraine/

***
5 People have been arrested after pro-Palestinian protesters scaled up part of the Scottish Parliament building and unfurled a banner.

The demonstrators held a banner saying ''Stop Arming Israel'' across the front of the building in Edinburgh. https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/11494072/pro-palestine-protesters-storm-roof-holyrood/

***
The US is supplying the weapons and munitions for Israel’s pounding of Gaza, despite its new directive banning arms transfers to human rights violators.
https://www.levernews.com/biden-approves-israel-arms-deal-despite-his-own-security-order/

***
Decoding India’s upward trend in defence exports. In 2023, India clocked its highest defence export value of roughly US$5 billion—10 times more than the revenue generated through defence exports in 2016-2017. https://indiashippingnews.com/decoding-indias-upward-trend-in-defence-exports/

November 9

***
Forum on the Arms Trade resource page details developments related to US arms sales to Israel under the Biden administration, beginning with a 05/05/21 notification to Congress of a possible direct commercial sale of $735m in precision-guided weapons.
https://www.forumarmstrade.org/bidenarmsisrael.html

***

Retweet @CTWnl: Ingezonden brief in NRC vandaag:

***
"The October 17 [semi conductor export policy] updates are the latest move towards increased efforts to protect U.S. technology in the name of national security," states the final paragaph of an explanatory article on the 10/17 export controls on semiconductors and advanced computing. https://www.globaltradeandsanctionslaw.com/loopholes-export-controls-advanced-computing-semiconductor-manufacturing/

***
No one knows for sure how much money the #Pentagon loses due to #contractor #overcharges, but based on the few cases that have surfaced publicly it is likely to be #billions of dollars, or possibly even tens of billions.

https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4298481-there-is-strong-public-support-for-holding-the-pentagon-and-its-contractors-accountable/

***
#Russia is trying to get back some of the military equipment and weapons it exported to countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Belarus and Brazil, in an effort to replenish the huge stocks of arms it has #exhausted in the war on Ukraine, WSJ reported. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/11/09/Russia-asks-countries-among-its-arms-customers-to-return-weapons-sold-to-them-Report

Russia Turns to Longtime Arms Customers to Boost War Arsenal, the Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/world/russia-turns-to-longtime-arms-customers-to-boost-war-arsenal-5111bac4

November 8

***
Law and Policy Guide to US Arms Transfers to Israel by 6 authors with relevant background.
https://www.justsecurity.org/90010/a-law-and-policy-guide-to-us-arms-transfers-to-israel/

D66, GroenLinks-PvdA en de SP willen dat Nederland per direct stopt met het leveren van reserveonderdelen voor de F-35 aan Israël.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/08/d66-groenlinks-pvda-en-sp-willen-einde-aan-levering-van-f-35-onderdelen-aan-israel-a4180157

***
#German arms exports to #Israel surge as Berlin backs campaign against Hamas. Defence sales worth €300mn this year is 10-fold rise on 2022.

German government official: 185 of the 218 licences granted this year were approved after October 7. https://www.ft.com/content/1a09622b-91cf-4527-a887-f8f328bd7cad

***
US considers Israeli request for hundreds of #Switchblade 600 kamikaze or suicide #drones.

It’s unclear how long it will take #US personnel to make a decision on the inquiry — or when the advanced capabilities would be delivered to #Israel, if approved.

https://defensescoop.com/2023/11/07/us-considers-israeli-request-for-hundreds-of-switchblade-600-attack-drones/

***
COMMENT & ANALYSIS
UK, US and EU must halt arms sales to Israel or risk complicity in potential war crimes
8 November 2023
https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1020-uk-us-and-eu-must-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-or-risk-complicity-in-potential-war-crimes

***

@geluidsmeetnetExtreem meer klachten t/m Q2 rondom @vlbvolkel inzake de onmenselijke herrie van de F35. Iedereen weet dat de F35 niet in bevolkt gebied kan vliegen: de herrie is te intens voor mens en dier. Wat nu @Kon_Luchtmacht@defensie?

***
London Review of Books: Up in Arms. article is an as detailed as possible description of UK arms exports to Israel. https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n22/james-butler/up-in-arms

***
Canadian Labour Against the Arms Trade
#LAAT sets its sights on Israel. In the 1st week of November the group organized an occupation & rally at #INKAS, an Israeli-owned armoured vehicle manufacturing plant in #Toronto. LAAT is also planning other actions. https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/canadian-labour-palestine-and-gaza

***
Belgische vakbonden riepen op om wapentransporten bestemd voor Israël tegen te houden. In heel wat landen krijgt het Belgisch voorbeeld navolging. De lijst groeit elke dag aan. https://www.dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2023/11/07/boycot-wapenleveringen-aan-israel-belgische-vakbonden-krijgen-wereldwijd-navolging/

***
Retweet @alenapopova: Russia's global share of major arms exports is significantly decreasing: 2018: 25.8% 2019: 20.4% 2020: 16.3% 2021: 10.7% 2022: 8.8% In 2013, Russia had the largest share at 29%. Now, it falls behind not only the US (45.4%), but also France (9.4%). https://twitter.com/alenapopova/status/1721947790299779480

November 7

***

Click to read
Retweet @JaspervanDijkSP: “Nederland moet ervan uitgaan dat alles wat wordt geleverd wordt ingezet bij disproportionele luchtaanvallen, waarbij geen onderscheid wordt gemaakt tussen burgers en Hamas-strijders. Nederland draagt willens en wetens bij aan oorlogsmisdaden”, zegt hoogleraar Liesbeth Zegveld.

Ondanks waarschuwingen toch JSF-onderdelen aan Israël leveren want “bang voor schade” aan de relatie met Israël en de VS. Ongelooflijk #kamervragen https://nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/07/nederland-blijft-israel-f35-onderdelen-leveren-ondanks-waarschuwing-schending-oorlogsrecht-a4180072

***
Retweet
@ThomasvgPAX: Ongekend. Ondanks waarschuwingen van schendingen van oorlogsrecht, inclusief door ambtenaren bij BZ, is Nederland ook na 7 oktober doorgegaan met het leveren van F-35 onderdelen aan Israël, de vliegtuigen die Israël gebruikt voor de bombardementen. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/11/07/nederland-blijft-israel-f35-onderdelen-leveren-ondanks-waarschuwing-schending-oorlogsrecht-a4180072

Militaire samenwerking en het leveren van wapens (en onderdelen) aan Israël moet nu stoppen. Enorm risico dat ze gebruikt worden bij de bombardementen. Het kan Nederland medeplichtig maken aan oorlogsmisdaden. Zie ook dit eerdere stuk https://paxvoorvrede.nl/nieuws/bescherm-burgers-en-beeindig-militaire-samenwerking-met-israel/

***
There is no tangible threat on
#Algerian borders. Even the provocations carried out against our western neighbour have not been followed by Moroccan action. There is no justification for an arms budget of $ 21.6 in the 2024 finance bill.

Not content with this gift of $18 bn, President Tebboune is offering a record budget of $ 21.6 bn for his last year. This is what has led some analysts to claim that only #corruption can justify such a budget. It is well known that the arms trade generates substantial bribes. https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/tebbounes-gift-to-the-algerian-army-generals/20231107093506193306.html

***
In a wave of activism sweeping across the #US, from St. Charles, Missouri, to Tacoma, Washington, demonstrators have objected the shipment of #arms to #Israel, spotlighting the complex web of military commerce and its implications for conflicts abroad. https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/11/07/youth-activists-in-st-charles-and-tacoma-take-bold-stance-against-arms-shipments-to-israel/

***
#Lockheed will upgrade 36 operational #F16 fighter jets with the Chilean Air Force under a $177 million contract, the Pentagon announced. #Chile ordered a total of 36 F-16 MLU jets from the #Netherlands in two separate batches of 18 each in 2005 & 2009. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/11/06/lockheed-to-upgrade-chilean-air-forces-f-16-jets/

***
The Egyptian Ministry of Military Production (MoMP) is said to be in talks with the French defense company Safran Group to acquire the Patroller tactical drone. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62302

***

Retwweet @_ENAAT: 15 out of 690 beneficiaries get 45% of the 2021 #EUDefenceFundbudget. 4 members of the 2016 #GoP advising @EU_commission get tens of millions: Leonardo, Airbus, Indra, Saab #noEUmoney4arms
Updated database: https://opensecuritydata.eu
Press release: https://bit.ly/3ubFyDZ

***
Hans Melchers the former CEO of Melchemie died last Saturday. According to 11 hits in the UN’s ‘Full Final and Complete Disclosure’ report
#Melchemie (now #Melspring) delivered chemicals to Iraq which in all probability are used to produce chemical weapons.https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/14/world/middleeast/iraqs-disclosure-of-chemical-weapons-findings-to-un.html

***
#US Plans $320 Million Weapons Transfer to #Israel as #Gaza Toll Mounts.

Biden administration notifies Congress of intention to send American-made precision Spice bombs.

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-plans-320-million-weapons-transfer-to-israel-as-gaza-toll-mounts-7c50afd9

More death and destruction a solution?
No #CeasefireNOW would be a better step!

The report suggests that the weapons would be transferred from the US branch of #Rafael to the Israeli parent company. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/wsj-report-us-sending-320-million-of-precision-guided-bombs-to-israel/

Here some info on the long bonds between Rafael and the Dutch MoD. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/gill-spike-anti-tank-missiles/

Last year Dutch militaries were involved in an evaluation of the Spike Firefly, a kamikaze drone of Rafael.
https://www.rafael.co.il/press/spike-firelfy-loitering-munition-evaluated-by-the-us-army/
https://www.972mag.com/armed-drones-automated-killing-palestinians/

***
France maps out Rafale exports for Saudi, India, but future fighter tension with Germany lingers

“Germany is sticking to the joint [FCAS] project with France and Spain,” said a German MoD spokesperson. “Media reports that Germany is pulling out are false."

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/france-maps-out-rafale-exports-for-saudi-india-but-future-fighter-tension-with-germany-lingers/

***
Zondag lopen naar verwachting tienduizenden mensen mee in een Mars voor Klimaat en Rechtvaardigheid door Amsterdam. Het 'vredesblok' van de mars is georganiseerd door PAX, Stop Wapenhandel en Stop de Oorlog Amsterdam. https://www.nd.nl/nieuws/klimaat/1199169/christenen-en-feministen-boeren-en-veganisten-lopen-zondag-in

***
BIS has imposed a penalty of $44,750 against Forta LLC, a US manufacturer of synthetic reinforcement fibres after it violated the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/about-bis/newsroom/press-releases/3377-2023-11-03-forta-antiboycott-settlement/file

***
#Japan’s ruling parties are planning to start talks on lifting an export ban on weapons for defense purposes, including surface-to-air missiles, for certain nations with close security ties, sources familiar with the matter said Monday. https://www.nippon.com/en/news/kd1094323159467671865/

November 6

***
Sweden’s #Saab to set up plant in #India. SAAB starts in 2024 to manufacture its Carl-Gustaf M4 system
https://www.saab.com/products/carl-gustaf-m4 in India. https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/news/saab-to-build-missile-factory-india-investment/

Sweden improves security by exporting arms manufacturing capabilities to the autocratic BJP regime?

***
Abu Dhabi Ship Building #ADSB is said to be actively pursuing a contract to build OPVs for the #Nigerian Navy. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62301

Earlier ADSB worked with Dutch Damen on offshore patrol vessels for the UAE. https://wam.ae/en/details/1395277025652

***
Database German Arms Trade.

Information on German Arms Exports. http://ruestungsexport-info.de/no_cache/en/database-german-arms-trade.html

***
Retweet @Defensie with comment: https://twitter.com/Defensie/status/1721243517966545209
Comment: Als 't over #Klimaatcrisis gaat is #Defensie opeens 'n andere organisatie. Niet één met grommende gevechtsvoertuigen, ronkende straaljagers, fossiel slurpende heli's en marine vloot.


Maar één met dienstauto's die elektrisch worden.
Stoer doen over druppel op 'n gloeiende plaat.

***
The World Health Organization #WHO operating in Palestinian territory said Sunday that it has documented #102_attacks_on_healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in early October.

https://www.necn.com/news/business/money-report/no-place-that-is-safe-in-gaza-right-now-un-says-israel-deports-thousands-of-palestinian-workers/3083535/

https://twitter.com/WHOoPt/status/1721100656298123433

***
A request by Jeruzalem for 24,000 assault rifles is drawing scrutiny from US lawmakers & some State Department officials who fear the weapons might end up in the hands of settlers & civilian militias trying to force Palestinians from land in the West Bank.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/us/politics/israel-us-weapons-west-bank.html

***
Palestinian human rights groups have launched legal action seeking records of Australian arms and weapons exports to Israel granted by Defence Minister Richard Marles.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8412904/australian-arms-exports-to-israel-data-sought-in-court/

November 5

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Belfast Council has called for an #arms_embargo on all parties in the #Israel #Palestine conflict, after confirming a decision to light City Hall and demanding a #ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/belfast-city-council-calls-for-arms-embargo-in-israel-palestine-conflict/a1074504471.html

***
#Denmark and #Netherlands join forces to purchase 5 #Thales GM200 MM/C mobile radar systems.

These systems are considered essential, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in #Ukraine and #Israel.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2023_global_security_army_industry/denmark_and_netherlands_join_forces_to_purchase_5_thales_gm200_mm/c_mobile_radar_systems.html


***
Why climate crisis seems to be good news 4 aeronautic industry? #Airbus #helicopters vice president said expansion was in big part driven by increased demand for #disaster relief, SAR, and maritime security in #Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40032515

November 4

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War provides opportunities for cynics.

Liberté, égalité & military hardware: #France sets its sights on #Russia’s former allies.

Emmanuel Macron’s European Political Community, launched after Russia invaded #Ukraine is now translating into defense deals.
https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-france-russia-kazakhstan-uzbekistan-allies/

***
From wheat to bullets? Oleksandr Kamysyhin, the newly appointed minister for strategic industries of Ukraine says he is working tirelessly to ramp up local arms production and wants to turn the country into a weapons production hub for the West.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ukraine-ap-russia-hamas-israel-b2441566.html

***
#Saferworld: UK, US and EU must halt arms sales to #Israel or risk complicity in potential war crimes.

https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1019-saferworldas-statement-uk-us-and-eu-must-halt-arms-sales-to-israel-or-risk-complicity-in-potential-war-crimes-

It seems as if almost alone European politicians/governments & pro-Israel pressure groups aren't of this logical answer toward what we see happening.

***
As regional tensions rise US military firms still bound for the civil military #Dubai Airshow. “no companies are pulling out,” E. Fanning, President & CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, told Breaking Defense.

Why would they? Poffits rise because of the misery.

Belgium, 12 - Czechia, 14 - Finland, 1 - France, 48 - Germany, 36 - Greece, 3 - Ireland, 2 - Italy, 45 - Lithuania, 1 - the Netherlands, 5 - Portugal, 2 - Slovakia, 7 - Spain, 5 - Sweden, 2 - Switserland, 11 - Turkey, 8 - UK, 51 https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/exhibitor-list-exhibitor

Why will Germany market the Eurofighter in Bahrain? https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/exhibitor/eurofighter-typhoon

***
100+ Jewish & Palestinian activists held a die-in protest blocking the main entrance of #Raytheon’s office in Tucson for over an hour. Protesters condemned Raytheon’s complicity in the #genocide of Palestinians for supplying missiles, bombs etc. to Israel.
https://www.democracynow.org/2023/11/3/headlines/100_activists_stage_die_in_in_front_of_raytheon_as_arms_maker_projects_profits_from_us_war_funding

***
UK WORKERS BLOCKADE #ELBIT SYSTEMS ARMS FACTORY IN KENT

Responding to a call for solidarity from Palestinian unions, British workers are taking action to disrupt the flow of arms to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
https://therealnews.com/uk-workers-blockade-elbit-systems-arms-factory-in-kent


***
By helping to resurrect militia group #M23 and aiding its rebellion in eastern #Congo, #Rwandese president Kagame aims to “assert hegemonic dominance over Rwanda’s neighbors and guarantee access to the natural resources of a vast region,” according to
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/africa/rwanda-congo-uganda-kagames-revenge

***
The Rights Forum beet zich vast in Nederland en Elbit.
https://rightsforum.org/kabinet-gebruikte-woordspelletjes-voor-deal-met-elbit/ Het bedrijf heeft ook een eenpersoonsvestiging in Amsterdam: Elbit Systems NL B.V., Krijn Taconiskade 430, Amsterdam. (WOB verzoek: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/wob-verzoeken/2022/03/02/besluit-wob-verzoek-over-elbit-systems/wob-elbit-systems-documenten+%28Geredigeerd+19-08-2022%29.pdf)

November 3

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@WorkersinPales1 Global Days of Action: Nov 9-10 Time to take a stand for justice! Join us in demanding STOP arming Israel's war machine. #CeasefireNOW. Let's unite to block arms factories, urge unions to halt weapon production, and expose complicit universities. #StopArmingIsral

***
How #Primer (an AI company) provided alook into the abundant information early in the Israel-Hamas war. “Sense, #make_sense, decide and act — we’re the ‘make sense’ people in that loop,” Mike Brenner a president at the company said. That means #AI info created by a private company is important early the loop of military action. The danger of prejudices and coloured assumptions are well know problem in these kind of systems. https://www.c4isrnet.com/information-warfare/2023/11/01/how-an-ai-company-parsed-misinformation-early-in-israel-hamas-war/

***
#Saudi's look for submarines, in particular #submarines for underwater surveillance & countering warships in the Gulf and the Red Sea. KSA is also looking 4 unmanned underwater vehicles #UUVs. Both demand involve tech transfer & localization requirements.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/62296-saudi-arabia-tenders-for-light-submarines-and-uuvs

***
Current Israeli-Gaza war also points to the Chinese Israeli relations and how cosy arms trade relations in the past have been replaced by colder relations on advise of Washington. The history behind this in the South China Morning Post.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3239821/israel-gaza-war-chinas-stance-belies-years-cooperation-including-arms-deals-israel

November 2

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#Turkish activist urges large #protest around Incirlik nuclear air base to decry US stance on Gaza.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2023-11-01/incirlik-protests-turkey-israel-eucom-11902466.html

***
Pro-Palestine protesters smear Foreign Office and weapons firm's London HQ in red paint as police arrest man on suspicion of criminal damage.

Activists are angry because aerospace firm #Leonardo of supplies #Israel with fighter jets. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12701571/Pro-Palestine-protester-smears-weapons-firms-London-HQ-red-paint-Free-Gaza-police-arrest-man-suspicion-criminal-damage.html

***
Members of UK Parliament's arms export controls committee said it recognised "considerable and long-standing concerns over arms exports to Israel, especially where they might be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territories".
https://inews.co.uk/news/weaponry-uk-sold-israel-f35-jets-bomb-gaza-2724324

***
Studenten en medewerkers v/d TU Delft houdt komende vrijdag vanaf 12.00 uur een ‘teach in’. Daarmee willen zij een signaal afgeven aan het college van bestuur dat de samenwerking met instellingen die militaire acties in Gaza steunen niet op wil schorten.
https://www.ad.nl/delft/groep-tuers-voelt-zich-niet-gehoord-door-college-van-bestuur-en-organiseert-bijeenkomst-over-palestina~ac214562/

***
The European Defence Agency #EDA looks for a #bank.
https://tottestupload3.s3.amazonaws.com/TA030202310312103554010f88f330.html

November 1

***
A military intelligence report leaked to newspaper El Espectador sheds a light on Colombia’s illegal arms imports.

According to the report, most of the arms seized by the authorities between 2021-22 were fabricated by US & European arms manufacturers. https://colombiareports.com/military-intelligence-sheds-light-on-colombias-illegal-arms-imports/

***
#Germany
still refuses to allow the sale of the Typhoon euro fighter jet to the #Saudi's, despite the #UK government’s intense lobbying. That is unfortunately, because not delivering to autocratic violent gross human rights violators costs jobs in Britain. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/eurofighter-sales-to-saudi-arabia-despite/

Will Paris fill the vacuum with Rafalefighter jets? "France has remained more receptive, in contrast to nations such as the US [?] and Germany, who have traditionally adopted a more rigid stance against providing equipment that could be used to violate human rights anywhere."

The Times November 1, 2023

France maps out Rafale exports 4 Saudi, India, but future fighter tension with Germany lingers. “Germany is sticking to the joint [FCAS] project with France and Spain,” said a German MoD spokesperson. “Media reports that Germany is pulling out are false." https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/france-maps-out-rafale-exports-for-saudi-india-but-future-fighter-tension-with-germany-lingers/

***
6 people arrested after anti-arms fair protest at Telford Int. Centre. Protestors said the despicable event "SDSC-UK is part of a global arms trade that has blood on its hands. Telford [near Birmingham] residents don’t want this arms fair in our town." https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/telford/2023/11/01/protesters-chain-themselves-to-telford-international-centre-entrance-in-opposition-to-arms-fair/

Another added: “Militaries account for an estimated 5.5 per cent of global greenhouse emissions. "But due to a loophole in the Paris Agreement, the world’s armed forces do not have to publish emissions figures and are excluded from COP emissions reductions targets. #ClimateCrisis

CAAT on Telfort https://twitter.com/CAATuk/status/1719807050849321420

No Arms Trade in Telford, say local Quakers

An arms fair which left Malvern following protests from local Quakers and others is facing similar opposition at its new home in Telford. https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/no-arms-trade-in-telford-say-local-quakers

***
On the night of the 31st of October, #activists covered the office building of #Bagira Systems in blood. They state "Bagira Systems, with the support of the #Dutch government, is complicit in the genocide on Palestinians happening right now!" https://www.indymedia.nl/node/53949
Few years ago I wrote a blog, partly on the role of #Bagira and the cooperation with Van #Halteren metaal. https://stopwapenhandel.org/imports-and-exports-both-part-of-military-policy

***
“For the #TB2, I don’t want to use the word useless, but it is hard to find situations where to use them,” Valiukh, commander in #Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said at the Global Special Operations Forces Symposium, Brno 26/10. #Turkey #Bayraktar https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/10/31/are-the-once-vaunted-bayraktar-drones-losing-their-shine-in-ukraine/

***
The #Rotterdam Court has sentenced a #Russian businessman to 18 months in prison. The man exported #dualuse microchips & electronics to Russian defence entities using fake invoices & sending the goods to Russia via the Maldives. https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/#!/details?id=ECLI:NL:RBROT:2023:10072&showbutton=true&keyword=sancties&idx=1

***
The Emirati MoD made a decisive decision to acquire future fighter jet technologies.
In this regard, the Aviation Industry Corporation of #China (#AVIC) has submitted an offer. #UAEhttps://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62292-uae-future-fighter-jet-a-chinese-offer