Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
January 31
***
#France’s
military procurement agency #DGA ordered a demonstrator of an
unmanned underwater combat vehicle, based on a prototype developed by
the Nval Group. The #drone will have the capacity to be #armed,
specifics still to be worked out.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/robotics/2024/01/30/france-orders-unmanned-submarine-demonstrator-from-naval-group/
***
US President
Biden is able to skirt congressional opposition to Ukraine aid by
donating weapons to Greece with the expectation that Greece will then
donate its own surplus equipment to Kyiv, Forbes reported.
https://kyivindependent.com/media-biden-arms-ukraine-via-greece
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/01/30/joe-biden-is-arming-greece-so-greece-can-arm-ukraine-and-pro-russia-republicans-cant-stop-him/
January 30
***
Is there not
a cheaper, cleaner, more direct way out of wars?
#Ukraine & #Belgium want to boost relations, particularly in military production. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/01/30/7439475/
#Rheinmetall intends to double the
production of shells next year up to 700 thousand.
https://en.topwar.ru/235305-nemeckij-koncern-v-sledujuschem-godu-nameren-udvoit-vypusk-snarjadov-do-700-tysjach.html
***
#Estonian
firm Baltic Workboats (#BWB) is to lead the development of a
prototype semi-autonomous warship platform, ETV news show Aktuaalne
kaamera (AK) reported the website of national Estonian broadcaster
ERR, on January 29. #drone #EDF
https://news.err.ee/1609236228/estonian-firm-bwb-leading-eu-autonomous-warship-prototype-development
https://www.onalert.gr/eksoplismoi/euroguard-enarxi-eyropaikoy-programmatos-anaptyxis-proigmenis-imi-aytonomis-monadas-epifaneias/556048/ (With clear list of participating companies).
***
19 Democratic
senators, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren are calling on the Biden
administration to explain why it bypassed Congress toarms saleto
Israel [in French].
https://africanmanager.com/les-parlementaires-democrates-demandent-a-ladministration-biden-dexpliquer-pourquoi-elle-a-contourne-le-congres-pour-la-vente-darmes-a-israel/
***
Chinese and
European jets face off in exercise. The Pakistan Air Force fielded
its Chinese-made #J10CE jets against Qatar's #Eurofighter Typhoon
fighters for the first time in the Zilzal-II air #exercise, which got
under way in the gulf state on Jan 10.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3250201/chinas-j-10ce-vs-eurofighter-typhoon-jets-face-pakistan-qatar-air-drills
***
#Nederland
doneert €87m voor de inkoop van #artilleriegranaten voor #Oekraïne.
Ook wordt €25m gestort 't Int. Fonds voor Oekraïne #IFU om
materieel te kopen. Verder steekt de regering nog €10m in het
verbeteren van de Oekraïense #cyberverdediging.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/01/29/nederland-trekt-%E2%82%AC-122-miljoen-uit-voor-munitie-materieel-en-cybersecurity-in-oekraine
***
NBC
News reported the Biden admin is discussing slowing down some of
the #weapon deliveries to #Israel to convince PM Netanyahu to scale
back his military assault in #Gaza, citing three current US officials
and one former official.
***
Death dealers
meet and eat
Protesters to target swanky and “delightful” London arms trade dinner over complicity in Gaza genocide.
#CAAT #Matriot
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2024/01/29/marriot-arms-dinner/
***
US arms
exports rose sharply last year, to a record of $238bn.
The US government directly negotiated
$81bn in sales, a 56% grow from 2022, the state department reported.
The rest were direct sales by US
military companies to abroad.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68136840
https://www.state.gov/fiscal-year-2023-u-s-arms-transfers-and-defense-trade/
US
weapons exports up 50 percent in 2023 as Washington challenges
Russia, China
“The Russian defense industry is
failing and continues to fail,” said a top State Department
official.https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/29/us-foreign-arms-sales-russia-china-00138390
***
Saudi leader
Mohammad Bin Salman #MBS continues to refuse to engage in military
alliances against the #Houthis in the Red Sea.
Within this context, he is said to have refused a request from the #Pentagon to establish a naval center on the #Jizan coast. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62492
***
The #UAE
initiated talks with #Lockheed Martin on the transfer of technologies
used to produce #AI-equipped UCAVs (#drones).
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62490
***
The next
European Union member buying, #F35's made in the USA. Czechia today
inked a MoU with the US to purchase 24 F-35 fifth generation
fighters, in what the Czech government called the “most important
project in the history of the #Czech Armed Forces.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/czech-republic-joins-f-35-ranks-inks-most-important-deal-with-us-for-24-aircraft/
January 29
***
Top ally
#India ditches #Russian weapons in latest blow to Russia's strongly
declining arms sales.
https://www.newsweek.com/india-russia-weapons-arms-sales-ukraine-1864773
***
Another arms
race?
When Armenia complains on arms to Azerbaijan, Baku will turn it around and complains about arms sales from India to Armenia. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev holding France and India responsible for potential conflicts. https://www.azernews.az/analysis/220966.html
***
#Tata India
collaborates with #Airbus to manufacture helicopters, enhancing the
ties between #India &France.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-01-airbus-partners-with-tata-group-to-set-up-indias-first-helicopter
#Dassault #Rafale fighter jets will
soon be made in Nagpur (by #DRAL
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/107196397.cms),
said minister Nitin Gadkari
https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2024/01/rafale-fighter-jet-will-soon-be-made-in.html
***
#EU’s
bilateral strategic partners? The relationship with the US is crucial
to the security of Europe. An important step in this relationship
will be the signing of the Administrative Agreement between #EDA and
the #Pentagon, #Swedish MoD Pål Jonson said.
https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2024/01/28/mil-osi-europe-opening-speech-by-the-minister-for-defence-pal-jonson-at-the-conference-on-security-and-defence-within-the-framework-of-swedens-presidency-of-the-eu/
***
Biden's
administration is expected to award billions of $$ in subsidies in
coming weeks to #semiconductor companies including #Intel and #Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to help build new factories in the US,
the WSJ reported.
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/us-announce-billions-subsidies-advanced-105551523.html
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/eager-for-economic-wins-biden-to-announce-billions-for-advanced-chips-7e341e30
***
A short
piece on the Greek-Turkish arms race in the light of recent fighter
acquisition news; Greece F-35's and Turkey F-16's (although in this
case Congress may refuse the greenlight). But not limited to those
fighter jets.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1230237/greece-turkey-arms-race-continues/
#Congress
still has 2 weeks remaining to object to the Turkish sale after the
State Department's formal notification. Despite ongoing questions
about Turkey's foreign & domestic policy, Congress is not
expected to attempt to block the sale, NPR wrote.
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/27/1227418505/f-16s-turkey-sweden-nato-kurds-greece
Biden
unfreezes huge F-16 deal for Turkey, OKs F-35s for Greece in major
geopolitical move. "(...) it is unlikely the Biden
administration would have made the announcement [on Turkey] if they
expected resistance in Congress."
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/biden-unfreezes-huge-f-16-deal-for-turkey-oks-f-35s-for-greece-in-major-geopolitical-move/
January 28
***
Some stay
committed to fellow humans. Ireland has ‘no plans’ to suspend
funding to #UNRWA after Israeli allegations against few of its staff.
Some countries will pause funding to the relief agency in the midst
of the disaster caused by the war against
Gaza.https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2024/01/27/ireland-has-no-plans-to-suspend-funding-to-unrwa-amid-israeli-allegations/
***
#Ukraine
levels up the fight with #drone strikes deep into #Russia.
Unable to match Putin’s military might, Ukraine is engaging in ‘smart warfare’ to attack the enemy’s #oil and #gas supply lines. #WarClimatecrisis
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/27/ukraine-levels-up-the-fight-with-drone-strikes-deep-into-russia
#WarClimatecrisis
***
India is
seeking to distance itself from its largest arms supplier after
Russia’s ability to supply munitions and spares was hobbled by the
war in Ukraine, but must step carefully to avoid pushing Moscow
closer to China, Indian sources said.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/india-pivots-away-from-russian-arms-but-will-retain-strong-ties/
January 27
***
Retweet
@ForumArmsTrade: End Israeli exceptionalism
under US law from @WilliamHartung and Lora Lumpe @QuincyInst --
"Israel should be held to the same standards as other U.S. arms
recipients." https://thehill.com/opinion/4432064-end-israeli-exceptionalism-under-us-law/
***
Amid
war, top #Israeli military official visits US, eyeing ‘advanced
platforms, like fighters & capabilities’.
He met with Pentagon acquisition officials and executives for #US military giants #Boeing & #Lockheed Martin, the Israeli MoD said.
#ICJRuling ?
***
US
Senator James Vance (R) has asked US Treasury Secretary . Yellen in a
letter to consider suspending the sale of the Sporting Products
ammunition division of US arms manufacturer #Vista Outdoor to #Czech
Group #CSG. See also CTK National News Wire 260124
https://www.vance.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vance-Letter-To-CFIUS.pdf
***
The
overlooked dangers of lifting #Somalia's #arms #embargo. It may e.g.
result in the flow of more weapons to Al-Shabab and other local
factions, if the Somali security services, which have been
infiltrated by Al-Shabab are not restructured.
https://www.newarab.com/analysis/overlooked-dangers-lifting-somalias-arms-embargo
***
#Amnesty
#Australia's Nikita White said: Canberra "should signal their
respect for the court's legally binding decision and do everything in
[its] power to uphold their obligation to prevent
genocide...including by imposing a comprehensive #arms #embargo."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-27/australian-government-put-on-notice-icj-ruling-israel-gaza-war/103397122
ICJ
ruling in Gaza genocide case renews calls to end Israel arms
transfers
Advocates urge countries to suspend
arms sales to Israel after top UN court says risk of genocide in Gaza
plausible. "
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/27/icj-ruling-in-gaza-genocide-case-renews-calls-to-end-israel-arms-transfers
***
The
Federated Advanced Cyber physical Test range #FACT project, funded by
#EDF, consortium started in Oslo, hosted by project coordinator
#Kongsberg DA. FACT aims to provide a new European capability to test
and verify the cyber vulnerability of equipment.
https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/news-archive/2024/official-launch-of-the-european-defence-fund-project-fact/
***
#ThyssenKrupp
Marine systems & Thales have formed a consortium for the
comprehensive modernisation and mid-life upgrade of 4 #MEKO 200
Hydra-class frigates from the #Greek navy. Combat data system will be
based on #Thales #Nederland #Tacticos system.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/thyssenkrupp-and-thales-partner-on-greeces-hydra-class-frigate-upgrade/
***
The
#Romanian Minister for Defence, Angel Tilvar, the Chief of Staff Gen.
Gheorghita Vlad and the Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces, Vice
Admiral Mihai Panait, visited the #Damen Naval Shipyard in #Galati on
Thursday. They were full of praise.
https://www.mediafax.ro/politic/ministrul-apararii-a-fost-in-vizita-la-santierul-naval-damen-din-galati-22237874
***
Who
controls the cloud? The providers?
EDA study shows benefits of cloud
computing for EU militaries.
https://eda.europa.eu/docs/default-source/posters/7---claudia---cloud-intelligence-for-decision-making-support-and-analysis.pdf
***
Radio
Canada re-opens the debate on arms exports to #Israel. The appeal by
the ICJ ordering Israel to prevent any possible act of genocide in
the Gaza Strip, where concern is growing over the fate of civilians,
reignited the debate on arms exports.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2044908/debat-armes-canada-israel-deputes-exportations
***
Outdoing
#US, #China makes a splash at Emirati #UMEX2024 military fair.
Beijing had more than 50 entities present, according to organizers, compared to less than two dozen from the US and just a few from #Russia. #drones
***
The
#Slovenian MoD confirmed a media report that a denial for on a
request for an #arms export licence to #Israel was given. Based on a
law, which stipulates such a refusal when exports would escalate or
allow conflicts in the country of end use.
https://english.sta.si/3261629/slovenia-refuses-to-allow-arms-exports-to-israel-says-mladina
***
Heidi
Matthews, an assistant law professor at York University, argued the
order could also force countries globally to reconsider #arms exports
to #Israel. #ICJRuling
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/israel-south-africa-icj-gaza-united-states_n_65b314ace4b014b873b095e1
***
As
India & France aim to expand cooperation, French #Thales said it
will bring its trusted hightech capabilities. It plans to set up an
avionics service #MRO; a "key initiative" & part of
Thales policy to fully support India's domestic military production.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/french-aerospace-giant-thales-plans-to-set-up-avionics-mro-in-delhi/articleshow/107166168.cms
India's
Ambassador To France: Safran Is Willing To Share Technology To Make
Fighter Jet Engines With India.
https://www.xm.com/research/markets/allNews/reuters/indias-ambassador-to-france-safran-is-willing-to-share-technology-to-make-fighter-jet-engineswithindia-53748637
India & France unveiled a defence-industrial roadmap to co-develop critical military hardware, firmed up a space situational awareness programme. Tata Group & Airbus announced to jointly build H125 heli's following talks between PM Modi & President Macron. https://odishatv.in/news/national/india-france-unveil-defence-industrial-roadmap-tata-airbus-conclude-helicopter-deal-226170
***
Special
aid tool 4 #Israel approved for #Taiwan’s use, but not Ukraine.
Taiwan can now use US aid to grow its own defense industry, a benefit
only Israel has had before. But funding remains stalled amid the
#Ukraine debate. Until recently Israel was the only country with a
privilege called offshore procurement, which has allowed it to use a
portion of its Foreign Military Financing #FMF grants to invest in
its own military-industrial base instead of purchasing from US
military contractors as others are required to do.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2024/01/26/special-aid-tool-for-israel-approved-for-taiwans-use-but-not-ukraine/
***
#Canada
has agreed to resume military exports to #Turkey – as air-strike
targeting gear used on military #drones – less than 3½ yrs after
Ottawa halted shipments because of Ankara’s illegal diversion of
this tech to help ally #Azerbaijan fight #Armenians.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-to-resume-exporting-air-strike-targeting-gear-to-turkey-report/
***
Britain
must 'halt #arms exports to #Israel,' #HRW #UK says after world
court’s order in genocide case
'ICJ finds 'plausible risk of #genocide and UK has obligation to prevent genocide and not be complicit,' says UK director of Human Rights Watch.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/britain-must-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-hrw-uk-says-after-world-court-s-order-in-genocide-case/3120013
Campaign
Against Arms Trade’s #CAAT Media Coordinator, Emily Apple, said:
“This government and the #UK arms industry are complicit in
genocide. The #ICJ ruled that #Israel needs to take immediate action.
But it’s not just Israel that needs to act. (...)”
https://dorseteye.com/no-more-excuses-the-uk-must-immediately-halt-arms-exports-to-israel-after-icj-genocide-ruling/
January 26
***
After
the start of the invasion of #Ukraine, #Taiwan has become the most
important supplier of #metalworking machinery to #Russia, essential
for weapon production, a joint investigation by the Taiwanese news
agency The Reporter & Russian The Insider found.
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/taiwan-reportedly-continues-to-supply-machinery-to-russia-for-weapons-production/ar-BB1hjXrX
***
Proposal for
US bill to ban Chinese biotech firms from US contracts, alleging
complicity with military.
Bill cites entities such as Third Military Medical University and Key Laboratory of High-Altitude Medicine as examples of ‘espionage tools’ of the CP. https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3249902/chinese-biotech-firms-led-wuxi-biologics-sink-hong-kong-proposed-us-bill-cites-complicity-pla
***
#Saudi
military company #SAMI is in talks with Italian #Leonardo on license
agreements concerning drones.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62483
Saudi Arabia Expands Defense Capabilities through Potential UAV Deal with Italian Firm Leonardo.
To defend who and what?
***
If #Ankara
votes in favour of #NATO. Uncle Sam pressures for the lucrative
export of the means to bomb Syria.
President Biden urged 4 key lawmakers to greenlight the +/- $20bn sale of 40 #F16s to #Turkey.
That's a corrupted view on defending
democracy.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/biden-administration-urges-us-congress-approve-f-16-sale-turkey-sources-2024-01-24/
US State Department approves F-16 sale to Turkey alongside F-35s for Greece. However, key figures in Congress have previously expressed scepticism over the fighter sale to Turkey. https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/usa-approves-f-16-sale-to-turkey-alongside-f-35s-for-greece/156672.article
***
Bombers in
exchange for petro dollars. Two of the global pests in one
transaction. (3rd, the history of Saudi UK bribes; & 4th
operations against civilians).
New #Typhoons 4 #Saudi Arabia?
#BAEs says it’s working with UK on
requirements.
Show goes on.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/new-typhoons-for-saudi-arabia-bae-says-its-working-with-uk-on-requirements/
***
Korean
movements demand: South #Korea, stop arming #Israel!
#Activists from trade unions, left political parties, and civil society groups called on the South Korean government to stop arming Israel.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2024/01/25/korean-movements-demand-south-korea-stop-arming-israel/
***
***
't Antwoord op
internationale wanorde?
Krijgsmacht treft voorbereidingen om
versneld meer munitie aan te schaffen. Het gaat om zowel
kleinkaliber- als hoogtechnologische munitie voor bijvoorbeeld
luchtverdediging. Hiermee wordt de munitievoorraad vergroot.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/01/25/defensie-wil-snel-meer-munitie-ter-bescherming-van-het-grondgebied
***
Wel
eens bij stil gestaan?
De positie van NL in de #ruimtevaart staat onder druk en heeft een nieuwe impuls nodig.
De omzet moet 3x zo groot door 'n
krachtenbundeling van: overheid, bedrijven & wetenschap (synergie
civiele & #militaire toepassingen).
Dat
betekent ook dat de kabinetsinvesteringen structureel met € 60
miljoen per jaar omhoog moeten. Deze en andere doelen staan in de
lange-termijn ruimtevaartagenda die vandaag is gepresenteerd.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/01/25/strategisch-belang-ruimtevaart-krachten-bundelen-meer-investeringen-nodig
January 25
***
#UAE has
awarded #Saab a $190m contract connected to its GlobalEye Airborne
Early Warning & Control #aircraft. As part of the deal, the
#Swedish firm will provide maintenance and logistics support, along
with training services, for a period of 3 years.
https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/saab-signs-globaleye-support-contract-with-uae
***
Billion
dollar drone deal
Separate from #F35, Emirate’s MQ 9B SeaGuardian #drone deal moving ‘forward,’ exec says.
The nearly $3B deal, which was frozen for years in a geopolitical tussle, is making strides, #GA-ASI President David Alexander told. #UAE
***
#Turkey inks
deal to replace 4 foreign-made weapons with local types: the harpoon
ASM, DM2A4 and Mk 48 torpedo, ESSM missile, and is integrating a new
vertical launching system on its I-class frigates.
#Roketsan #Boeing #RTX #AtlasElektronik #Lockheed. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/01/24/turkey-inks-deal-to-replace-four-foreign-made-weapons-with-local-types/
***
#China doesn't have
the military power to successfully invade #Taiwan, the majority of 52
US experts said in a survey.
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-doesnt-have-military-power-invade-taiwan-experts-csis-us-2024-1
https://www.publishedreporter.com/2024/01/24/chinas-invasion-prospects-dim-us-experts-cast-doubt-on-military-power-in-taiwan-survey/
Link
to full report:
https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2024-01/240122_Lin_Surveying_Experts.pdf
***
EU: Speech by
Commissioner Breton - EU Space: the Top 5 Priorities for 2024 and
beyond. At least three of the five a military component, according to
his words. But is is most probably all 5. #Militarising_space.
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_24_368
***
16 leading
humanitarian & human rights organizations call to stop arms
transfers to Israel, Palestinian armed groups.
An Open Call to all UN Members to stop fuelling the crisis in Gaza and avert further humanitarian catastrophe and loss of civilian life.
***
Russia has
long sold arms to Iran. Now Iran is returning the favor. “There is
no ideological component to Russo-Iranian relations,” says A.
Fedorov, a former Russian deputy FM. “It’s purely pragmatic, a
bond of ‘brothers in arms’ created by the situation.”
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2024/0124/Russia-has-long-sold-arms-to-Iran.-Now-Iran-is-returning-the-favor
***
EU miltech in
the hands of #UAE.
Emirati military conglomerate #Edge
Group announced that its #Estonia-based entity #Milrem Robotics will
provide 60 robotic combat vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles to
the UAE military.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/01/24/milrem-to-deliver-dozens-of-military-robots-to-uae-forces/
See also https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1750093174180033008
***
Arab emirate
local companies, led by #AbuDhabi's #Edge Group, bagged major
contracts worth Dh939 million (€ 235 million) at the Unmanned
Systems Exhibition (#Umex) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition
(#SimTex).
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/events/uae-defence-contracts-worth-dh939-million-awarded-to-local-firms-at-abu-dhabi-umex
An
unusual sight at the UMEX #drone fair organized here from Jan. 23-25
was the large booth of the Republic of #Belarus.
The autocratic regime is not in the
habit of attending Western trade shows, having been sanctioned, as by
the EU.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2024/01/24/abu-dhabi-drone-fair-offers-rare-look-at-belarusian-weapons/
***
Top ASML waarschuwt: ‘Als we hier niet kunnen groeien, doen we het ergens anders’
https://www.ed.nl/veldhoven/top-asml-waarschuwt-als-we-hier-niet-kunnen-groeien-doen-we-het-ergens-anders~a8b82794/
January 24
***
US Arms Sales
and Human Rights: Legislative Basis and Frequently Asked Questions,
CRS January 22, 2024.
This In Focus provides an overview of the main laws and policies that may limit such sales on the basis of human rights concerns. https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/IF11197.pdf
***
Accession of
Sweden into NATO, is seen as a move that Ankara hopes will resolve a
prolonged dispute with the US over the delivery of F-16's, experts
said. But the sale remains uncertain,
https://english.news.cn/20240124/19d9ea07208a4e508a063877bd759679/c.html
how hard some are forcasting a green light. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-says-f-16-sale-to-turkiye-supports-its-national-security-interests/3116874
***
Our friends
in the Middle East.
Instead of humanitarian aid, #UAE pumping weapons, money into Sudan. A leaked United Nations report, obtained by The Globe and Mail, has revealed that one of the key sources providing fund and ammo to #Sudan is the UAE. https://www.firstpost.com/world/instead-of-humanitarian-aid-uae-pumping-weapons-money-into-sudan-un-report-13647062.html
***
#German
government buys 12 #EFA fighter development reports from #Airbus with
technical details about the weapon system. By purchasing the plans,
the Germany is confirming that the fighter continues to play an
important role in German and European air ops.
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus249680964/Eurofighter-Diese-Bestellung-kuendigt-den-Bundeswehr-Grossauftrag-an.html
***
The
Armenian committee in Canada, the #ANCC expresses deep concern over
reports that Canada may lift its arms embargo on #Turkey. The ANCC
said this potential move is particularly troubling in light of
Canada’s recent history with arms exports to Turkey.
https://alphanews.am/en/ancc-concerned-about-possible-lifting-of-arms-embargo-on-turkey/
An position easy to
understand. E.g.: Ankara supplied Azerbaijan with combat drones and
other military equipment that helped Baku win back swaths of the
breakaway region in a short but brutal war three years ago.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/20/turkey-supports-steps-taken-by-azerbaijan-in-nagorno-karabakh-erdogan
More on Ankara's military material support is easy to find.
A
reaction from Azerbaijan: "Thanks to Turkiye and its shivering
UAVs, Azerbaijan could prevent all Armenian attacks and effectively
conduct operations to liberate its territories from the occupation."
https://www.azernews.az/analysis/220744.html
We in what this resulted see->
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/02/nagorno-karabakh-ghost-town-un-ethnic-armenians-azerbaijan
***
Retweet @_ENAAT:
Breton: EU ammunition capacity to reach 1.3 million
shells by year end – @EURACTIV
https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/breton-eu-ammunition-capacity-to-reach-1-3-million-shells-by-year-end/
***
The life span
costs are not measured in billions, but in trillions, still it seems
not enough. Lockheed’s production of the latest upgraded #F35 JSF
is slipping further behind schedule, and deliveries likely will not
resume until the third quarter of 2024.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/01/23/upgraded-f-35-deliveries-slipping-to-fall-2024-lockheed-says/
Lockheed
expects more F-35 upgrade delays, tempering 2024 deliveries
As many as 120 F-35s could be
“undelivered” in 2024 as a result of delays with the stealth
fighter's Tech Refresh 3 upgrade, according to Lockheed Chief
Financial Officer Jay Malave.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/lockheed-expects-more-f-35-upgrade-delays-tempering-2024-deliveries/
***
Retweet
@ForumArmsTrade: This Is No Time To Supersize
The Military-Industrial Complex via @WilliamHartung @forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2024/01/17/this-is-no-time-to-supersize-the-military-industrial-complex/
***
Jakarta
aims to avoid 'poking Beijing in eye' over arms sales. #Indonesia
keen to sell anti-submarine aircraft to #Manila as well as buy naval
missiles from #China.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3249361/indonesia-aims-avoid-poking-chinas-eye-over-weapons-trade-philippines-walk-political-tightrope
***
US
Arms Sales and Human Rights: Legislative Basis and Frequently Asked
Questions, CRS January 22, 2024. This In Focus provides an overview
of the main laws and policies that may limit such sales on the basis
of human rights concerns.
https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/IF11197.pdf
***
Accession
of Sweden into NATO, is seen as a move that Ankara hopes will resolve
a prolonged dispute with the US over the delivery of F-16's, experts
said. But the sale remains uncertain,
https://english.news.cn/20240124/19d9ea07208a4e508a063877bd759679/c.html
how hard some are forcasting a green light.
January
23
***
Labour MP
Sultana wants the UK government to pass a law that prevents arms
sales to countries that break international human rights law - like
Israel. "The government must now end its complicity in this
atrocity & immediately suspend arms sales to Israel."
https://www.newarab.com/news/uk-israel-has-different-interpretation-international-law
***
FM Alicia
Bárcena stated that #Mexico has secured a significant victory in its
legal battle against #arms manufacturers. The #US #Court of Appeals
for the First Circuit ruled in favor of Mexico in a lawsuit against
weapons manufacturing companies.
https://www.breakinglatest.news/news/la-jornada-chancellor-celebrates-ruling-in-favor-of-mexico-against-arms-manufacturers/
***
The EU
aims to launch new Middle East peace talks with Arab states, but
doubts remain about how realistic the EU's proposal is, with some
observers labelling it "bizarre". It ignores ceasefire and
Israeli extremism. https://euobserver.com/world/157961
***
When Dutch
State Attorney Veldhuis interrupts the opposing party for the 2nd
time, the chairman of the court intervenes: “You are not speaking,
Mr Veldhuis!” The state attorney remains silent. His body language
shows irritation. #F35 #court #Israel
More
https://www.ruetir.com/2024/01/22/the-f-35-case-revolves-around-major-interests-and-causes-a-lot-of-controversy-im-sorry-im-so-upset-about-this/
The
Gaza-Conflict before Dutch Courts
Juridical oriented piece by law prof.
Yanev on cases
1) that South Africa instituted against
the State of Israel before the ICJ; and (more extensive)
2) against the Dutch State to stop
exporting #F35 parts to Israel
https://www.ejiltalk.org/uneasy-alliances-the-gaza-conflict-before-dutch-courts/
Lees via de link het pleidooi van advocate Liesbeth Zegveld van de organisaties. van hoger beroep tegen de Nederlandse Staat over de levering van onderdelen voor F-35-gevechtsvliegtuigen aan Israël. https://rightsforum.org/hoger-beroep-over-uitvoer-van-f-35-onderdelen-naar-israel-ons-pleidooi/
January 22
***
Self
defence forces?
#Japan has signed a deal with the US to
acquire up to 400 #Tomahawk cruise missiles. This addition to Japan’s
arsenal is part of a broader military buildup aimed at deterring
potential adversaries.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240118_28/
***
The #US has
approved a possible foreign military sale of 28 meter patrol craft
kits and related equipment to #Egypt, according to a statement by the
US Defence Security Co-operation Agency #DSCA.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/us-approves-possible-sale-of-swiftships-patrol-boats-to-egypt/
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/egypt-28-meter-patrol-craft-kits
***
Protesters
demand #Scottish university cuts ties with arms firms.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24065532.gaza-protesters-demand-scottish-uni-cuts-ties-arms-companies/
Suspend arms trade to Israel, campaigners told #Spain https://euobserver.com/world/157949
How to hide #Israeli war crimes, asks
#Dutch PM.
https://nltimes.nl/2024/01/22/rutte-covering-negative-info-israel-protect-future-nato-job-officials-say
Opinion: Canada’s arms
trade with Israel sends the wrong message.
Canada’s arms exports may conflict
with its human rights principles.
https://thevarsity.ca/2024/01/21/opinion-canadas-arms-trade-with-israel-sends-the-wrong-message/
***
Don't drop your
flashlight.
A maintenance error caused nearly $4
million in damage to a $14 million engine that powers a U.S. Air
Force-owned, Lockheed Martin F-35A at Luke AFB, Arizona on March 15,
the service announced on Jan. 19.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/forgotten-flashlight-causes-4-million-f-35-engine-damage
January 20
***
Over 25,000
individuals gathered in Madrid, echoing the sentiments of
#demonstrators across a hundred Spanish cities. The large-scale
protests, have seen widespread calls for #Spain to put an end to the
#arms trade with #Israel and break diplomatic ties.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2024/01/20/huge-demonstrations-across-spain/
***
Civil lawsuit
filed by the Government of Mexico against gun dealers in Tucson,
Arizona moves forward. The US District Court for the District of
Arizona set February 22, 2024 as the date for the hearing to present
oral
arguments.https://www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/civil-lawsuit-filed-by-the-government-of-mexico-against-gun-dealers-in-tucson-arizona-moves-forward
***
No contracts
yet: UK’s plan for 1000s of drones for Ukraine in ‘very early
stages’.
Allthough the UK MoD did not orders yet under consideration are smaller size systems: soldier portable or “over the hill” drones similar to Teledyne FLIR Black Hornets. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/no-contracts-yet-uks-plan-for-thousands-of-drones-for-ukraine-in-very-early-stages/
***
France
earmarks Caesar guns for Kyiv under ‘Artillery for Ukraine’
framework.
Ukraine has bought a handful of the weapons, and French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Paris is seeking financing for dozens more.
***
Europe is
changing in the wrong direction
The European Union will be able to produce at least 1.3 million artillery shells by 2025, as the EU faces the dual task of providing military assistance to Ukraine and replenishing its own stockpiles. https://news.yahoo.com/european-commissioner-promises-eu-able-084337076.html
***
War
preparations. #China lab simulates attack on US warships using #space
weapons, #hypersonic missiles
Laboratory that works on electronic warfare equipment for PLA shows how satellites and missiles might be used to strike an aircraft carrier group. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3249028/china-lab-simulates-attack-us-warships-using-space-weapons-hypersonic-missiles
***
#China
experts urge Beijing to revive #communication with Taiwan to avoid
‘miscalculation’.
The recommendation comes as cross-strait tensions are expected to rise following William Lai Ching-te’s victory in the island’s presidential election.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3249095/china-experts-urge-beijing-revive-communication-taiwan-avoid-miscalculation
***
Tokyo
prepares for war. The US and Japan are looking to make a deal for
Japanese shipyards to regularly overhaul and maintain US Navy
warships so they can stay in Asian waters ready for any potential
conflict.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/japanese-shipyards-help-keep-us-warships-510929
***
"The
West must get serious about ending Russia's ability to produce arms,"
Ukrainian FA Minister Kuleba said. "To some data, up to 95% of the
foreign-produced critical components found in Russian weapons
destroyed in Ukraine come from Western countries."
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/live-blog-west-must-halt-weapons-parts-supplies-to-russia-ukraine-16703026
***
Time for a
‘renaissance of anti-militarism’
BEN CHACKO reports from the debates at the annual Rosa Luxemburg Conference in Berlin, where speakers were united in opposition to warmongering and the far right. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/time-%E2%80%98renaissance-anti-militarism%E2%80%99
January 19
***
Federaal
parlementslid en Antwerps gemeenteraadslid Peter Mertens (PVDA) heeft
zoals aangekondigd
(https://www.hln.be/antwerpen/pvda-wil-meldingsplicht-bij-vermoeden-illegaal-wapentransport-naar-israel-enkel-zo-kan-de-vernietiging-van-gaza-gestopt-worden~a50fa52c/)
klacht ingediend tegen de Israëlische rederij ZIM, ook actief in
Antwerpen.
https://www.pzc.nl/antwerpen/peter-mertens-pvda-klaagt-rederij-zim-aan-voor-illegale-wapentransporten-naar-israel-via-antwerpse-haven~a855b0f1/
***
10x more
weapons for Israel than a year ago; #Germany wants to deliver tank
ammo to #Israel.
Left co-chairman Schirdewan said: I would like to see more peace initiatives and efforts for a ceasefire from Germany, not more arms deliveries.https://taz.de/Krieg-in-Nahost/!5983308/
***
US military
to collect data streams from 1000s of battlefield vehicles,
environmental sensors & other intelligent devices to enable
plit-second decisions, especially when it concerns Special
Operations.
Guess what #AI & machine learning must be the tools. https://www.c4isrnet.com/opinion/2024/01/18/how-ai-ml-and-observability-can-transform-socom-information-dominance
***
More than 500
objections against plan to permanently extend a #L3Harris factory in
#Moulsecoomb (near #Brighton).
The site is used to build parts including bomb racks for fighter jets being used by #Israel in their conflict against Gazans.
Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May is lending her support to a hunger strike demanding Canada institute an arms embargo on Israel.
***
A #Swede was
jailed for 12 months for breaching Customs regulations regarding the
import and export of military goods. He hadn't realised that [special
Chinese region] #Macau fell under an #arms #embargo. There was more
he didn't grasp.
#Guernsey https://guernseypress.com/news/2024/01/18/entrepreneur-who-moved-to-sark-imported-military-goods/
***
Ireland moves
closer to purchase of €200m multi-role ship that will be largest in
navy's history. Late last year Janes
(https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/damen-awarded-contract-for-portuguese-navys-new-multi-purpose-vessel)
reported Dutch firm Damen was awarded a contract to build an
identical MRV-style ship for the Portuguese navy.
https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-defence-forces-irish-naval-service-multi-role-vessel-6274245-Jan2024/
Damen
and Dutch navy join forces to sell warship to Dublin. Largest Dutch
Navy Vessel that Irish State Examined is Among ‘Blueprint’ for
New Naval Service Ship - Visits Belfast Harbour.
https://afloat.ie/port-news/belfast-lough/item/61873-dutch-naval-auxiliary-vessel-that-irish-state-is-examining-as-newbuild-blueprint-for-naval-service-arrives-to-belfast-harbour-this-afternoon
***
Anti #arms
trade protest in South #Korea.
Progressive activists stage a rally in front of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration in Daejeon, 139 kilometers south of Seoul, today, calling for the agency to stop selling arms to #Israel.https://en.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20240119107800315?section=image/general
***
The US
government will crack down on companies that violate export rules,
with stiffer penalties to deter future violations involving countries
like China, Russia and Iran, a Department of Commerce official said
late on Tuesday. #Huawei #sanctions
https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/higher-penalties-coming-export-control-violations-us-commerce-official-2024-01-17/
***
Ilya Kahn,
66, citizen of the #US, Israel, Russia & resident of Brooklyn &
Los Angeles was arrested in Los Angeles for his alleged involvement
in a years-long scheme to secure and unlawfully #export sensitive
technology #chips from the US to #Russia.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/businessman-arrested-scheme-illegally-export-semiconductors-and-other-controlled-technology
***
The 2023
exports of #arms & security material from #Czechia may reach the
record from 2022, amounting to +/- CZK 30 bn (€ 1.2bn), Jiří
Hynek, president of the Association of Defence & Security
Industry said. Full data will be available later this year.
https://english.radio.cz/czech-arms-exports-record-high-levels-8806005
January 18
***
#UAE military
conglomerate #EDGE Group announced it is teaming up with Turkish
drone maker #Baykar to #arm the drones with Emirati payloads.
Under the agreement, EDGE will
integrate its DESERT STING 16 “precision-guided munition” onto
Baykar’s TB2 drone.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/uaes-edge-group-turkeys-baykar-to-put-emirati-payloads-on-turkish-drones/
***
#Tory MP
earns £900 an hour from arms firm run by #bribery suspect.
Labour accuses Mark Pritchard of bringing Parliament into disrepute over job with North #Macedonian company.
***
Germany :
Arms sales to Israel upset some MPs.
https://frenchdailynews.com/politics/10959-germany-sells-arms-to-israel
***
That's also
#NATO. As Finns get ready to head to the polls, over a dozen #Finnish
companies have been reported to have evaded sanctions by exporting
#dualuse goods to #Russia, a challenge which experts say has to wait
untill the next leadership.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/01/17/dual-use-exports-to-russia-await-action-by-finlands-next-leader
***
As if it
aren't the roaring fighter jets & heli's, giantic vessels, &
armoured vehicles which puke #greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere,
violating our security they claim to defend.
Pentagon to install rooftop solar
panels as part of clean energy plan.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2024/01/17/pentagon-to-install-rooftop-solar-panels-a-part-of-clean-energy-plan/
***
Congress
mandates more frequent reviews of the US Munitions List. It also
requires the State Department to consider several factors when
determining whether to remove an item from the list.
https://www.stagg.law/insights/congress-mandates-more-frequent-reviews-of-the-itar-u-s-munitions-list/
January
17
***
Overnight actions by
Palestine Action have targeted the logistics companies servicing the
operations of Israel’s arms trade in Britain, disrupting their
operations and exposing their role in arming the ongoing genocide of
Palestinians.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2024/01/17/palestine-action-smash-elbits-cargo-contractors/
***
France will
supply Ukraine with about 40 more Scalp-EG cruise (Storm Shadow)
missiles and hundreds of bombs in coming weeks, French President
Emmanuel Macron said in a press conference Tuesday evening.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/01/17/france-to-give-ukraine-more-cruise-missiles-plans-security-pact/
Take a moment:
- When will we finally get into the peace logic?
- Wann endlich steigen wir in die Friedenslogik ein?
https://www.fr.de/politik/wann-endlich-steigen-wir-in-die-friedenslogik-ein-92778771.html
***
In Klagenfurt
overleed een 94-jarig eponiem. Het Glock-pistool - twee op de drie
Amerikaanse agenten dragen dat en ook onze politie en douane - is
bedacht door Gaston Glock, een schichtige Oostenrijkse miljardair.
Nooit heeft Gaston Glock één morele bedenking over zijn
dodelijke wapens. Integendeel, zijn bedrijf tackelt graag met beide
voeten vooruit. Het daagt Amnesty International voor de rechter na
een beschuldiging van illegale wapenhandel met Sudan.
https://www.knack.be/nieuws/wereld/gaston-glock1929-2023/
***
Last year,
the #German government approved the export of weaponry worth €20.1
million to #Israel. These included 3,000 portable anti-tank weapons
and 500,000 rounds of ammunition for machine guns, submachine guns or
other fully or semi-automatic firearms.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/ruestungsindustrie-deutsche-kriegswaffen-fuer-20-millionen-euro-an-israel-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-240117-99-640681
***
#Amnesty
International is calling for a comprehensive UN Security Council arms
#embargo on #Israel, #Hamas and other armed groups that covers the
direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and military
material, including related technologies, ...
https://amnesty.ca/blog/stop-arms-sales-fueling-conflict-in-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territories/
***
#Airbus
Helicopters & Aerovel (https://aerovel.com/) have signed an
agreement regarding the acquisition of Aerovel and its unmanned
aerial system #UAS, Flexrotor, as part of a strategy to strengthen
its portfolio of tactical unmanned #drone solutions.
https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2024/01/16/airbus-helicopters-adds-aerovel-to-unmanned-aerial-system-portfolio/
***
Security for
whom? German FA Minister Baerbock opened on 7/1/24 Berlin’s
willingness for more EFA deliveries to KSA. #Saudi FA Minister Prince
Faisal Bin Farhan met with Robert Habeck on 10/1/24 to discuss the
Saudi position regarding Baerbock's statement.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62460
***
The future?
Throwing more money at the arms industry sacrifices future needs for
short-term economic gains. Green jobs, a better infrastructure,
improved scientific/tech education, & a more robust public health
system, would bring a different world.
https://fpif.org/overspending-on-the-pentagon-is-stealing-our-future/
***
The
government should do more to make sure that military components sold
by Britain to Israel are not used in the Occupied Territories, a
joint parliamentary committee on arms exports has said.
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-should-prevent-arms-being-used-in-west-bank-epf176ro
***
UK activists
have spray-painted Mileway locations in London and Glasgow. They
protested over arms production – which includes military
drones and armoured vehicles. #Mileway is the landlord of the
#Elbit Systems UAV Engines Ltd (UEL) factory space.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24054373.pro-palestine-activists-target-mileway-offices-london-glasgow/
***
The US
military giant #RTX (was #Raytheon) threatens to take the Italian
government to court for blocking the sale of #Microtecnica in #Italy
to French #Safran. Microtecnica makes components for the #Eurofighter
jet built by Italy, Germany, the UK & Spain.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/01/12/rtx-threatens-legal-action-against-italy-over-microtecnica-sale/
***
#Belgian John
#Cockerill bought #French #Arquus from #Volvo Group, adding a range
armoured carriers & military trucks to sell.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/01/15/belgiums-cockerill-to-buy-french-armored-vehicle-maker-arquus/
Arquus already offers a fire-support version of its VAB Mk3 vehicle
with a 90mm Cockerill turret.
https://www.arquus-defense.com/vab-mk3-unmatched-firepower
***
#Germany to send
#Israelis Bundeswehr #tank_shells. The intended military support to
"Israel" puts extra strain on the German arsenal as they
already face an armament gap following the massive weapons export to
"Israel" and Ukraine.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/germany-to-send-israelis-with-bundeswehr-tank-shells--der-sp
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/gaza-krieg-bundesregierung-prueft-lieferung-von-panzermunition-an-israel-a-0f0ce68d-7752-4b8e-81eb-9bd3a5692eeb
***
Protest
against US arms supply to #Israel. An action by activists at the
entrance of the #RTX weapons manufacturing plant in #Vermont has
ignited discussions on the ethics of arms trade and its implications
for international conflict and human rights.
https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/pro-palestinian-activists-target-rtx-plant-in-protest-against-us-arms-supply-to-israel/
January 16
***
In a private
letter dated August 2023, Liss #Truss—who casts herself as the most
high-profile China hawk on the Tory backbenches—asked Trade
Secretary Badenoch to intervene on behalf of a UK military
manufacturer hoping to sell military equipment to China.
https://www.politico.eu/article/liz-truss-lobby-ministers-defense-exports-china/
U.K.
security officials had blocked Richmond Defence Systems —
a defense firm based in Truss' Norfolk constituency — from
exporting landmine disposal equipment to the People's Republic of
China.
Experts say the equipment could be used by Beijing in an invasion of Taiwan.
Most experts expect demand for military equipment to increase in 2024. Only the German arms exports last year were 25% higher than the record year of 2021. German Rheinmetall will exploit the economies of scale and increase profit margins disproportionately. Focus Geld, 17/01/24
***
A step back
in history to start future potential?
When leaked in '81, there was
excitement: could #Germany supply tanks to #Saudis, a state at war
with #Israel? The head of government was in favor, the FA minister
sceptical. The decision lasted 40 years.
https://www.welt.de/geschichte/article249439790/Ruestungsdeals-mit-Saudi-Arabien-Wie-Kanzler-Schmidt-sich-beim-Panzerexport-verkalkulierte.html
***
Senator
Chris Coons is open to imposing conditions on future military aid to
Israel, a sign that pressure is growing on U.S. President Joe Biden
to punish the Middle Eastern ally over its deadly ground assault in
Gaza.
https://www.politico.eu/article/chris-coons-joe-biden-military-aid-israel-hamas-war/
January 15
***
Since I wrote
this blog 3 months ago not a single export license 4 strategic goods
or arms transit was made public by the Dutch government.
When Parliamentarians don't take action
a valuable system, introduced 2 decades ago, seems to disappear in
silence.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2023/10/who-stops-decline-of-arms-export.html
***
6
Arrested over alleged pro-Palestine activists’ (PA) plot to disrupt
London Stock Exchange, it “raise(s) billions of ££££ for
apartheid Israel and trade shares in weapons manufacturers which arm
Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people," PA is quoted.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/six-arrested-over-alleged-pro-palestine-activists-plot-to-disrupt-stock-exchange-1575241.html
The Daily Express snitching on Palestine Action has left one activist in prison Defending capitalism. How honourable. https://www.thecanary.co/editorial/2024/01/17/palestine-action-daily-express/
January
14
***
Following the good
example of the German Greens?
Labour leader Keir Starmer appears to backtrack on promise to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-appears-backtrack-promise-31878122
January 13
***
Scandal rocks
the Cameroon MoD. Since 24/08/20, French justice has been conducting
an investigation into illegal arms sales against Igal Cohen, Dan
Cohen & Michael Sfedj. The deal was worth 40bn FCFA, or +/-
€65,5m, involve several offshore companies.
https://www.camer.be/84029/11:1/scandale-de-vente-darmes-au-cameroun-enquete-francaise-sur-un-montant-de-40-milliards-fcfa-cameroon.html
***
Are the
#German #Greens tackling arms export control in general?
If even the Greens in the Cabinet are in favour of arms exports to Saudi's, why should the tcoalition decide on rules (#Rüstungsexportgesetz) that make such transactions more difficult? https://taz.de/!5982627/
***
Jaarlijks
verbruikt Defensie vele tientallen miljoenen liters #kerosine en
#diesel. De uitdaging voor de #krijgsmacht is om een deel van die
brandstoffen te vervangen door een duurzaam alternatief, zo stelt
kapitein Jessica Bode in de Defensiekrant.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2024/01/01_biobrandstoffen_01
***
The
#Pentagon’s inspector general says the agency has failed to #track
some $1 billion in military equipment provided to #Ukraine for its
fight against Russia’s invasion. The weapons in question include
Javelins, Stingers, and one-way attack drones.
https://www.democracynow.org/2024/1/12/headlines/pentagon_failed_to_track_over_1b_in_military_equipment_to_ukraine
Spiegel:
Germany Did Not Check Whether Exported Weapons Remained In Ukraine.
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ruestungsexporte-verbleib-der-waffen-im-ausland-wird-kaum-kontrolliert-a-e0f16991-bba9-4b94-8ebe-2d8f8b263e2a
In English: https://newsunrolled.com/world/342411.html
***
CAMPAIGNERS
are targeting famous rugby stadium for protests against an #arms
#fair which features exhibitors dealing weapons to Israel for its
genocidal attacks on Gaza.
#Twickenham Stadium in south-west
London is the home of the English Rugby Union.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/campaigners-to-target-arms-fair-at-twickenham-stadium
***
The
#Vatican has refused funding for its Rome children's hospital Bambino
Gesù offered by Italian aerospace and defence sector giant
#Leonardo. The Holy See said Pope Francis had reiterated his
condemnation of the global arms trade.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/vatican-refuses-leonardo-funding-for-bambino-ges%C3%B9/ar-AA1mS66h
January 12
***
European,
Asian firms interested in bidding to build major #Peru shipyard.
Dutch #Damen is one of the interested wharfs to build the harbour
according to Vice Admiral Ernesto Colunge, president of the #SIMA
state shipping company which (part of the #Navy).
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/european-asian-firms-interested-bidding-223805610.html
***
Robert #Kaplan:
‘Midden-Oosten is beter af met verlicht despoot dan met mislukte
democratie’ Hij waarschuwt ivoor ‘culturele arrogantie’. [Pay
Wall]
Wat verwacht je, decennia geleden was hij al meer voor de oorlog van Mars dan voor de liefde van Venus. https://fd.nl/politiek/1502844/robert-kaplan-midden-oosten-is-beter-af-met-verlicht-despoot-dan-met-mislukte-democratie
January 11
***
Indonesia has
inked a deal to buy 18 more Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France,
completing a 2022 order for 42 of the planes.
https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2024/01/10/indonesia-completes-order-for-42-french-rafale-fighter-jets-amid-regional-tensions.html
***
Human rights
forget it?
The US has approved the possible sale of light tactical vehicle chassis and 28-metre patrol craft kits to the government of Egypt, as part of 2 sales estimated at $329m. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/egypt-light-tactical-vehicle-chassis-and-fleet-build
Egypt: Civic Space Under Siege. https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/11/egypt-civic-space-under-siege
***
Ukraine war
caused ammo rates to escalate tenfold.
https://menafn.com/1107707605/Ukraine-war-caused-ammo-rates-to-escalate-tenfold
***
Arms
production above citizens.
To boost arms production, Pentagon calls for tax breaks, fewer rules for contractors. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boost-arms-production-pentagon-calls-tax-breaks-fewer-rules-contractors-2024-01-11/
***
According to
Military Africa, the #Nigerian navy has recently acquired two
SwiftSea Stalker unmanned surface vessels (USVs) from #Swiftship, a
US-based shipbuilder.
https://www.military.africa/2024/01/nigerian-navy-begins-usv-operations/
***
IANSA and the
International Peace Information Service (IPIS) have developed a
factsheet on "Small Arms and Light Weapons Transfer Controls:
Import, Transit & Trans-shipment."
https://iansa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SALW-Import-and-transfer-controls-factsheet_Jan2024.pdf
***
Will the New
Year Bring a War With China?
As the year comes to an end, top leaders in both Beijing and Washington have become ever more concerned that a major US-China crisis is near.
https://www.thenation.com/article/world/us-china-crisis-2024/
https://tomdispatch.com/the-u-s-and-china-at-years-end/
***
Economy
Minister: Ukraine to launch 5 joint ventures with Western arms
companies in 2024. Minister Svyrydenko did not name the five
ventures. Kiyiv Indpendent refers to Lithuanian companies, Latvia
drone production and German Rheinmetall.
https://kyivindependent.com/economy-minister-ukraine-to-launch-5-joint-ventures/
***
North Korea
may sell new types of tactical guided missiles to Russia in addition
to its alleged supply of short-range ballistic missiles for Moscow's
use in its ongoing war with Ukraine, South Korea's defense chief has
said. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240110010600315
***
De
uitgesproken Nederlandse onvoorwaardelijke solidariteit met Israël
krijgt ook vorm in betrokkenheid bij Israëlische bewapening en
banden met de wapenindustrie in dat land, schrijft Mark Akkerman
(Stop Wapenhandel).
https://sargasso.nl/nederland-en-israel-al-jaren-wapenbroeders/
***
#Indian
Defence Minister Singh & #UK PM Sunak discussed enhancing defence
ties between the two countries. The UK MoD said that Singh emphasised
the ongoing efforts to enhance military industrial cooperation,
including in the technology domain.
https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/rajnath-calls-on-sunak-during-uk-visit-discuss-enhancing-defence-ties-154001.html
#Saudi Arabia-#France: Aerospace cooperation and #Rafale bid. Saudi Arabia and France have collaboratively outlined a comprehensive 6-year plan for enhancing their defence relations. [Pay Wall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/62447
***
broekstukken: Underground empire; how America weaponized the world economy, samenvatting met commentaar. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2024/01/underground-empire-how-america.html
January 10
***
Guest @CTWnl
blog by @kkvignarca: The major conflicts that in recently have put
war back at the center of Western public opinion, have, among other
things, made its economic and profit-making dimension evident.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/the-dirty-arms-money-boom/
Problems with the most expensive weapon programme ever (GAO: DOD plans to procure nearly 2,500 F-35s at an estimated life cycle cost of the program exceeding $1.7 trillion.), the #F35 or Joint Strike Fighter #JSF of #Lockheed Martin in 4 issues:
***
Ihor
Hrynkevych, a businessman from Lviv, whose companies are investigated
for allegedly stealing on army procurement, was detained while
attempting to #bribe (amounting to $500,000) a top official of the
State Bureau of Investigations. #Ukraine
https://kyivindependent.com/investigative-stories-from-ukraine-another-procurement-scandal-spotlights-defense-ministry-contractor/
***
The US
hypersonic program is lagging behind those of its primary adversaries
due to multiple factors. The cancellation of the ARRW hypersonic
program sheds light on this.
https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/hurdles-in-the-hypersonic-race-the-united-states-failed-arrw-program/
***
Who sells the most weapons?
https://www.statista.com/chart/31526/share-of-global-exports-of-major-conventional-weapons-systems-and-components/
Clear graph, high
numbers, but not realy suprising.
The world's
most-#sanctioned countries
https://www.statista.com/chart/27015/number-of-currently-active-sanctions-by-target-country/
Who are profitting from the growing #Tukish #weapon exports? The top 10 #manufacturers took nearly 80% of the export revenue. The leading companies are: Baykar, TAI, Tusas, Roketsan, ratt & Whitney’s Turkish Technik, Aselsan, etc. (Values in article.) https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/01/08/turkeys-defense-aerospace-exports-rose-by-25-last-year/
***
As the war in Gaza continued, the relationship between war and the climate crisis. What can we do? We can take arrestable actions in and around the arms manufacturers’ bases, the MOD, the arms fairs and the courts where protesters are being tried. https://christianclimateaction.org/2024/01/09/war-climate-chaos/
***
French President
Macron has said #France has entered a "#wartime_economy",
whereby the defence industry is producing more and faster than
before. But what does a "wartime economy" actually mean in
practice?
https://france24.com/en/tv-shows/focus/20240109-france-s-arms-race-defence-industry-on-war-footing
With link to video.
#Germany’s high-tech military firms are
adapting their business practices amid the #war in Ukraine, replacing
the sector’s boutique approach with a greater focus on mass
production, according to company officials. The key factor now tends
to be speed.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/01/09/ukraine-war-pressure-is-reshaping-germanys-high-tech-defense-industry/
January 9
***
#UAE:
Lt-General Al-Mazrouei’s interest in #Patria and #Hensoldt passive
radars. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62440
***
PM of
#Kazakhstan announced the suspension of the export of all arms,
military equipment & military products for a year. Kazakhstan
didn't explain its motives for the suspension, although observers
immediately pointed to Russia's war in Ukraine as a
factor.https://zephyrnet.com/pl/kazakhstan-suspends-arms-exports-for-a-year/
***
Germany has dropped
its opposition to the sale of nearly 50 EFA warplanes to Saudi
Arabia, FA Minister Baerbock announced. Baerbock’s Green party
has steadily dismantled its long-standing policy of pacifism since
the conflict in Ukraine escalated in 2022.
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/germany-u-turns-on-saudi-warplane-deal/
Germany
rewards Saudi Arabia for its 'constructive' Israel stance by lifting
arms export ban.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/germany-rewards-saudi-arabia-its-constructive-israel-stance-lifting-arms-export-ban
Baerbock:
"the fact Saudi Arabia was shooting down missiles fired by
Houthi rebels in Yemen that were aimed at Israel meant the kingdom
was bolstering Israel’s security and helping to prevent the war in
Gaza from turning into a regional conflagration."
https://www.ft.com/content/be8b6c4e-01c1-4fe6-9844-23e36bf715f8
Green
party leader Ricarda Lang said that the situation had changed since
Hamas' attack on Israel. However, in view of the human rights
situation and the internal state of Saudi Arabia, she still believes
that a delivery of Eurofighters is wrong.
Bundestag member Sevim
Dagdelen from the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance was outraged. "The
fatal decision is also massive electoral fraud, and the unworthy
attempts at justification don't help," she told the dpa.
General-Anzeiger (Bonn), 9 Jan 2024
It
remains to be seen whether lifting the embargo will be enough to stop
the new competition underway. Annoyed, Saudi Arabia asked Dassault to
make a proposal for the Rafale. The manufacturer submitted an offer
last November.
https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/eurofighter-lallemagne-va-renoncer-a-son-veto-contre-la-vente-a-larabie-saoudite-2044926
Possibly one of the
reasons behind the eroding arms export policy:Germany lifting its block and
greenlighting the export of EFA jets to Saudi Arabia shows its
willingness to tighten European defence collaboration, experts say. https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/german-eurofighter-u-turn-heralds-new-push-for-european-defence-collaboration/
After Eurofighter, Germany OKs Iris-T Missile Sale to Saudi Arabia. Germany resumed direct arms exports to Saudi Arabia by approving the sale of missiles, ending a blockade in place since 2018, the government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Wednesday. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/01/11/germany-missile-sale-saudi/
January 8
***
Baerbock ruft
Israel zu Mäßigung auf
https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/annalena-baerbock-ruft-israel-zu-militaerischer-maessigung-in-gaza-auf-a-69980fce-9c20-4163-9d4d-df1765cf4efd
and Germany provided a large quantity of licenses
for arms exports, arms used in the brutal operations against Gaza.
***
#Nigeria
interested in Indian-made Tejas #fighter jet, but sale is unlikely.
The fighter faces competition from Russia, China, & US, who have
more established products in the market. Nigeria may prefer to buy
cheaper JF-17s from Pakistan or China’s J-10CE.
https://www.military.africa/2024/01/nigeria-interested-in-indian-made-tejas-fighter-jet-but-sale-is-highly-unlikely/
***
US State
Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in January that the US
aims to make Ukraine self-sufficient in arms production and
procurement, in advance of a lessening of U.S. financial and military
support to Ukraine.
https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-approves-deployment-15-domestically-164200672.html
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Europe should expand joint weapons production, as its own potential will allow it to preserve itself in any development of the global situation.
According to Yevropeiska Pravda,
Zelenskyy said this during a speech at the annual Swedish national
conference "Society and
Defense".
https://closetheskyoverukraine.com/latest-news/zelensky-europe-needs-joint-weapons-production
In the Swedish parliament, there have been calls to provide state guarantees to the Swedish defense industry to increase direct production of ammunition for Ukraine.
Magdalena Andersson, a member of the Riksdag and the leader of the Social Democratic Workers' Party, made this statement, as reported by Dagens Nyheter. https://odessa-journal.com/in-the-swedish-parliament-there-were-calls-to-increase-direct-production-of-ammunition-for-ukraine
***
Japan promised to
provide $37 million to a NATO fund for anti-drone equipment, Japanese
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said at a press conference in Kyiv
with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on Jan. 7.
https://kyivindependent.com/japan-pledges-37-million-for-anti-drone-equipment-for-ukraine/
***
A #feminist
FA-pollicy?
Shift in European defense cooperation and the geopolitics of arms sales, #German Foreign Minister Annalena #Baerbock has indicated that Germany will not oppose the UK’s plans to deliver additional #Eurofighter jets to #Saudi Arabia.
January 7
***
The #German
government has not only provided wide-ranging political and
diplomatic support for Israel, but has also fast-tracked #arms
exports to facilitate the Israeli slaughter of
#Palestinian civilians.
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/1/7/why-is-germany-so-viciously-anti-palestinian
***
China has
announced sanctions on five American defense-related companies in
response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and U.S. sanctions on Chinese
companies and individuals. They are BAE Systems, Alliant Tech Ops,
AeroVironment, ViaSat & Data Link Solutions.
https://apnews.com/article/china-us-taiwan-sanctions-arms-sales-a2cc4dd00ad8982aa1c67594e1a1c19c
Arms
sales have speeded up since Trump. According to Taipei, the C4
equipment deal is the 12th weapons sale to Taiwan in the 3 Biden
years. During Trump's 4 years the US allowed 11 arms sales to Taiwan.
3 arms deals were done during Barack Obama's 2 terms.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3247421/why-taiwan-arms-sales-place-decades-will-remain-source-us-china-tensions
***
Het
gebouw van het ministerie van Defensie in Den Haag is zaterdagochtend
besmeurd met rode verf. Een groep met de naam FreePlstnNow zegt dat
het een aanklacht is tegen Nederlandse wapenleveranties aan Israël.
https://www.omroepwest.nl/nieuws/4795718/ministerie-van-defensie-besmeurd-met-rode-verf-om-israel
London
police make arrests as pro-Palestinian protesters stage sit-in on
Westminster Bridge in first demo of 2024.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12933495/pro-palestine-protesters-westminster-bridge-demo-2024-metropolitan-police-arrests.html
January 6
***
The horrible
left government in Brazil resumed the fight against hunger,
reinstated #restrictions on fire #arms, multiplied 10x the fines for
non-compliance with equal pay between women & men.
Only the poor, women, victims, & a
few men will applaud it.
https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2024/01/05/au-bresil-pour-lula-une-premiere-annee-aux-resultats-encourageants-mais-fragiles_6209175_3210.html
***
The
campaing against (what is seen as) too strict #German arms export
control continues full speed.
German arms industry: “Made in
Germany” suddenly a flaw–“German-free” is preferred.
“Made
in Germany” plötzlich ein Makel–“German-free” wird
bevorzugt.
https://www.merkur.de/wirtschaft/deutsche-ruestungsindustrie-made-in-germany-deutschland-militaer-waffenexporte-airbus-rheinmetall-zr-92761645.html
"In the course of the security policy U-turn [supply of weapons to a war zone], the coalition somewhat lost sight of the goal of a restrictive arms export policy. It approved the export of military prducts from a European cooperation project to Saudi's." https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ampelkoalition-im-jahr-2024-wo-der-naechste-streit-droht-a-21989d33-6795-4eec-b4be-4f11658fbd8d
***
The
#Netherlands is not obliged to stop the supply of F-35 fighter jet
parts to #Israel. This follows from a ruling by the District Court of
The Hague of 15 December 2023
(https://deeplink.rechtspraak.nl/uitspraak?id=ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:19744).
By @OttoSpijkers.
***
***
#ITT Corporation and #Thales Nederland have signed an exclusive agreement for ITT to build and market the SMART-S Mk2 radar system (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/defence-and-security/naval-forces/above-water-warfare/smart-s-mk2) in the United States and for FMS/FMF programs. https://www.defense-aerospace.com/itt-to-market-thales-radar-in-us/
January 5
***
Part of the
category: bad records. German arms export record high. Besides
Ukraine, large recipient countries in 2023: Norway (€1.2 bn),
Hungary (€1bn) and weapon exports to Israel (almost €330m).
https://www.fr.de/politik/eine-schande-fuer-die-bundesregierung-aktivist-kritisiert-exportrekord-bei-ruestung-92759104.html
Same
category, arms again, but different issue: United States: new record
year with more than 650 shootings in 2023. "In a country where
the gun lobby is so powerful, mass shootings do not seem to change
the legislative direction nationwide."
https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/etats-unis-nouvelle-annee-record-avec-plus-de-650-fusillades-en-2023-20240103
***
NATO ally
#Turkey blocked the transit of #Ukraines newly-commissioned mine
countermeasure vessels (#MCMV), which had been donated to Kyiv by the
#UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-minehunting-ships-to-bolster-ukrainian-navy-as-uk-and-norway-launch-maritime-support-initiative)
to bolster the Ukrainian Navys ability to monitor and protect its
shoreline.
https://themedialine.org/headlines/turkey-blocks-2-ships-donated-by-uk-to-ukraine-from-traveling-through-turkish-straits/
The
US needs to play hardball with Turkey. A tough stance toward Ankara
is the only way to defend US regional interests and stop Erdogan’s
mercurial and manipulative policies, writes Eric S. Edelman former US
ambassador to Turkey with Sinan Ciddi.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/01/05/biden-erdogan-hamas-turkey-hardball-diplomacy/
"#Turkey has allowed itself to become a vital #enabler of #violent_Islamist_extremist_forces in #Syria with funds & arms flowing through Turkey" into Syria and "has repeatedly demanded that the US reposition its forces, launched airstrikes on US partners."
***
The Jewish
Voice for Peace shut down the California Assembly on Wednesday by
staging a disruptive protest calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, while
singing the phrases, "Cease-fire now," "Not in our
name" and "Let Gaza live."
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-capitol-protest-18586019.php
***
Late December 2023
#DSCA authorized a major military sale to #Saudi Arabia. The deal,
estimated at $1 billion, includes a comprehensive "Blanket Order
Training" program of the Saudi #Air_Force and other Saudi forces
and goes along with related equipment.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/saudi-arabia-blanket-order-training-0
***
#Irish
defence officials advised that the former flagship of the #Naval
Service be #scrapped amid fears of a repeat of the LÉ Aisling
situation
(https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/libyan-warlord-paid-1-35m-for-ex-irish-naval-vessel-sold-by-ireland-for-100-000-1.4112621),
when an ex-Naval Service #ship ended up in the hands of a #Libyan
warlord.
https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/01/05/defence-officials-advised-scrapping-of-naval-service-former-flagship-le-eithne/
***
The German
government has updated the list of military aid provided to Ukraine
(https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992)
on Thursday, 4 January. The deliveries include IRIS-T SLM missiles
against missiles and drones.
https://news.yahoo.com/germany-supplies-ukraine-missiles-iris-184144190.html
***
#GAO is
concerned over the US #SOCOM Armed Overwatch program. It aims to
procure 75 Air Tractor/L3Harris AT-802U Sky Warden #aircraft.
GAO’s found analysis used by SOCOM &
#AFSOC to justify the fleet size rests on “unproven assumptions”.
Thus reconsider.
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/us/gao-questions-socoms-armed-overwatch-program/
And
the reaction from SOF-side:
Is Congress Aiming to Kill Special
Forces’ Close Air Support?
The Armed Overwatch program remains key
for the special operations community.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/congress-aiming-kill-special-forces%E2%80%99-close-air-support-208363
January 4
***
British
company to resume production of M777 howitzer parts as war drives
defense-industry changes.
https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/world/u-s-and-bae-to-bring-back-popular-howitzer-after-success-in-ukraine/ar-AA1mrBnS
The
US Army has decided to reinitiate the procurement of M777 howitzer
parts from the British defense firm BAE Systems, marking a
significant move following the success of these artillery pieces on
Ukrainian battlefields.
https://www.indrastra.com/2024/01/additional-m777-howitzer-components.html
***
Suicide
drones & AI systems: Strict regulations + the dominance of the
major military firms mean few small startups are founded in Israel
each year. They are looking at new opportunities amid geopolitical
tensions, rising military budgets, & the Gaza war.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-01-03/ty-article-magazine/.premium/suicide-drones-and-ai-with-gaza-as-testing-ground-israeli-defense-startups-flourish/0000018c-cf39-ddba-abad-cfb9a3ee0000
***
De 4
LCF-fregatten van de marine worden vanaf 2027 uitgerust met
Tomahawkkruisvluchtwapens (type Block V). Je weet wel dat wapen waar
de VS interventies in Irak mee startten en waar landen als straf mee
beschoten werden.
+ meer in tijdschrift Alle Hens.▽ https://magazines.defensie.nl/binaries/defensie/documenten/publicaties/2024/01/03/alle-hens-2023-10/AH10_23_AlleHens_WEB_low.pdf
***
European
nations team up to buy Patriot missiles in $5.5 billion deal between
MBDA (financial holding, Rotterdam
https://drimble.nl/bedrijf/rotterdam/20150695/mbda-bv.html),
and RTX, formerly Raytheon.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/01/03/european-nations-team-up-to-buy-patriot-missiles-in-55-billion-deal/
See also this older article: Raytheon and MBDA to Jointly Build PATRIOT Missiles in Germany https://euro-sd.com/2022/12/articles/28560/raytheon-and-mbda-to-jointly-build-patriot-missiles-in-germany/
And this arsticle on the comparison
between the MBDA Aster missile and the Patriot.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/europes-aster-missile-defense-vs-americas-patriot-missile-who-wins-186058
By
the way if it strengthens the European defence industrial base
depends on the intellectual property rights, the US isn't friendly in
using these.
***
#US president
Biden on: adjusting imports of #aluminum into the US as reaction on
fears "steel articles are being imported into the US in such
quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the
national security of the United States."
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-01-03/pdf/2023-28995.pdf
***
Ilhan Omar
leads push to block over $650 million in #arms sales to #Saudi Arabia
& #UAE.
"Congress has the authority to stop these sales, and we must exercise that power," said the Minnesota Democrat. https://www.commondreams.org/news/arms-sales-us
"Unlike the US and Europe, Japan under its pacifist Constitution has a self-imposed ban on arms exports," is part of the text on the deliverance of biofuel tech to Ukraine. As if Japan isn't already gliding on the slippery slope of arms exports. Same page▽ https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/ef9ea00c3c9c-japan-to-give-ukraine-biofuel-technology-to-support-reconstruction.html
***
#Lithuania's
Defense Ministry will buy multifunctional artillery radar systems
Thales GM200 MM/C from Dutch company #Thales #Nederland, the ministry
said on Wednesday.
https://www.baltictimes.com/lithuania_to_buy_multifunction_radar_systems_from_the_netherlands/
***
Medical
Association for Prevention of War (MAPW) in Australia appeals for an
immediate halt to military exports to Israel and urges a wider
reevaluation of weapons sales to countries with records of human
rights violations.
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/australia/australias-mapw-calls-for-greater-scrutiny-of-arms-trade-amid-gaza-crisis/
***
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: "A license for the
shipment of NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i lithography systems in 2023 has
recently been partially revoked by the Dutch government, impacting a
small number of customers in China."
https://www.asml.com/en/news/press-releases/2023/statement-regarding-partial-revocation-export-license
Chinese
government accuses the US of “hegemonic and bullying practices”
after reports emerged that Washington had pressured the Netherlands
to restrict the export of ASML machinery for the production of
semiconductors.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/china-protests-american-technological-blockade-amid-semiconductor-battle/
broekstukken: The Economic Weapon, door Nicholas Mulder. Hier -> https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-economic-weapon.html mijn samenvatting, bespreking en commentaar bij dit interessante boek dat een historische context geeft bij economische sancties.
January 3
***
Anti-imperialists
protest use of #Norwegian weapons by #Israel.
Despite official restrictions on
Norwegian arms export to Israel, weapons produced by the country’s
firms are reaching Israel through other countries like the US.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2024/01/03/anti-imperialists-protest-use-of-norwegian-weapons-by-israel/
DOZENS of Welsh
peace activists shut down one of Britain’s largest arms factories
today.
#Wales Peace Coalition campaigners held
banners saying “stop arming genocide” & “UK weapons kill”
as they blockaded #BAE Systems’s factory in Glascoed, near
Pontypool.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/welsh-peace-activists-block-bae-systems-factory-over-its-complicity-in-gaza-massacre
***
Finding the
invisible. Chinese scientists say cheap SQUID submarine detector is
world’s most sensitive. It could take the tech out of the hands of
a select few military powers & be used by packs of drones to find
and attack hidden vessels in the open sea.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3247126/chinese-scientists-say-cheap-squid-submarine-detector-worlds-most-sensitive
***
Arms export
to #India is the #German government's focus. Delhi has been
purchasing weapons from Russia for decades. If these can be replaced
by Western exports, the bond between Moscow and Delhi could be
weakened, it was said in German government circles.
The pressure
to make Riyadh an export destination for fighter aircraft is also
increasing. The gloves are almost off. #Airbus and trade union IG
Metall are already demanding follow-up orders from the Bundeswehr
"and export permits ... including to #Saudi Arabia."
https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/verteidigung-deutschland-ruestet-auf/100003884.html
***
#Airbus works
on offer worth up to €1.8bn for #Atos cyber security unit. Airbus
has ambitions to expand its cyber activities. Guillaume Faury, Airbus
chief executive, told the FT in November the Toulouse-based company
wanted to “grow in #cyber”.
https://www.ft.com/content/b133de48-ccd7-4a06-adcd-2fbda05c2fc4
***
Retweet @KIVIDV:
Insturen van een voordracht voor de Kooy Prijs kan
nog tot 15 januari! € 2000,- voor de beste afstudeerscriptie in een
voor Defensie belangrijke technologie. TU / HTO
https://kivi.nl/afdelingen/defensie-en-veiligheid/kooy-afstudeerprijs
***
Arms export
control obsolete?
"Made in Germany" suddenly
becomes a stigma; The German arms industry is respected for its
technology. But now the political environment is threatening to
become an obstacle to sales, writes Gerhard Hegmann in Die Zeit.
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus249244574/Ruestungsriese-Deutschland-Wie-Made-in-Germany-ploetzlich-zum-Makel-wird.html
***
#UAE: #EDGE
to expand cooperation with #China’s #Norinco.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62427
***
The visit of
#Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khaled Bin Salman to #France in
December 2023 ushered in a new stage in defence relations between the
Riyad and Paris. He met CEOs of French military companies
#Naval_Group, #Dassault Aviation & #MBDA.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62428
***
In a
significant policy shift announced on 1 January 2024, Norway’s
government has authorised the direct sale of weapons and
defence-related products from Norwegian manufacturers to Ukraine’s
defence authorities.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/norway-authorizes-direct-arms-sales-to-ukraine/
***
Adıgüzel of
the CHP highlighted the substantial increase in #arms exports to
#Israel from #Turkey, reaching $823 thousand in the 1rst 10 months of
2023, potentially doubling by year-end to underline words by Erdogan
and his son Bilal aren't met with deeds.
https://medyanews.net/turkish-presidents-son-calls-for-israel-boycott-amid-allegations-of-family-trade-links/
The biggest global security issue in 11 rankings (Jan-Nov 2023). Lets work together instead of walking into the next Cold War about who is the strongest and richest in an unlivable world.
2023 Expected to Be Hottest Year on Record https://www.statista.com/chart/18267/average-global-temperature-records/
January 2
***
Nederlandse
overheid hield levering ASML-machines aan China tegen.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2503489-nederlandse-overheid-hield-levering-asml-machines-aan-china-tegen
Reactie:
Niet alleen Nederland moet zich aanpassen in deze benadering (maar
bijvoorbeeld ook het Taiwanese TSMC). Bedrijven hebben geen keus.
Niet doen is kapot gaan. Wel doen biedt een kans op overleven. Het
antwoord moet niet uit Veldhoven, maar vanuit Den Haag en Brussel
komen.
Zo trekt de VS Europa de ramkoers in om de grootste
concurrent, China, te dwarsbomen. Men weet in de VS dat dit beleid
alleen vertraging voor de Chinese halfgeleider ontwikkeling betekent.
Bijvangst is het frustreren van Europese economie en 't versterken
van die in de VS.
Dit is 'n stevige
tekst over de Trans Atlantische relaties: Meeting the challenge of
secondary sanctions. Een Policy Paper over hoe Europa zou moeten
reageren op de VS-druk.
https://ecfr.eu/wp-content/uploads/4_Meeting_the_challenge_of_secondary_sanctions.pdf
Maar de soep zal niet zo heet gegeten worden als de schrijvers hem
opdienen.
***
F-35 program
eyes key but troubled upgrade, delivery restart. For months, newly
built #F35 Joint Strike Fighters #JSF have languished at Lockheed
Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, awaiting the completion of
a key upgrade that has #stalled deliveries.
https://www.militarytimes.com/air/2023/12/30/f-35-program-eyes-key-upgrade-delivery-restart/
***
The Israeli
Defense Forces (IDF) has requested additional Apache attack
helicopters from the US to aid its aerial operations in Gaza.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231226-us-rejects-israeli-request-for-apache-attack-helicopters-amid-gaza-war/
But US rejects Israeli request for Apache attack helicopters amid
Gaza war. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjygne00pa
***
Assault
rifles, pistols, demining hardware and helmets – these are the
backbone of #Croatia’s growing defence export industry. But the
state doesn’t specify anymore who’s buying them, Vuk Tesija
writes in Balkan Insight.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/01/02/croatias-defence-exports-are-growing-in-a-dangerous-world/
***
US lawmakers
have expressed concern over the #Biden administration's decision to
transfer #weapons to #Israel without congressional #oversight, urging
Washington to review its policies towards the Middle East.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1802231
***
Investigation
found early december #Israeli #tank fired on 6 journalists. #TNO
(research institute that tests and analyses munitions and weapons for
clients such as the Dutch MoD), examined the material for Reuters at
its laboratories in The Hague.
https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/274058894/investigation-finds-israeli-tank-fired-on-six-journalists
***
#MARIN and
#TNO, have provided expert support to validate performance claims of
#submarine proposals to the #Dutch government.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/12/decision-time-approaches-for-walrus-class-submarine-replacement/
#OCCAR
takes control of EU's #hypersonic interceptor as HYDIS enters Concept
Phase. The HYDIS partners are ArianeGroup, Avio, Avio Aero,
Bayern-Chemie, CIRA, DLR, GKN #Fokker, LYNRED, MBDA Espaa (...)
THALES LAS France, TDW, #THALES Netherlands and #TNO.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/occar-take-control-of-eus-hypersonic-interceptor-programme-as-hydis-enters-concept-phase/
***
Arrowhead 140
and #Thales UK will deliver the #TACTICOS Integrated Combat System
(ZSW) for #Polish Miecznik-class multi-role frigates.
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/a-sharp-sword-for-polish-miecznik-class-multi-role-frigates
***
In an
overview on #Colombian arms programmes #Damen is mentioned. In 2022
the wharf signed a contract with Colombian #Cotecmar to built a
Strategic Surface Platform (light frigate) of the Damen-Cotecmar type
PES 10714. The first is projected for 2029.
https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4660650/160-colombia-colombia-2023-ano-definiciones-materia-defensa
Status of the
contracts with Israeli companies is unclear to me. Mentioned are
Elbit, IAI, Rafael (included Spike buy). At the start of the Israeli
war against Gaza, the Colombian president said the war would
jeopardize close military ties with Israel.
https://apnews.com/article/colombia-israel-gaza-war-petro-military-exports-fe6add0c39d85e4fa2a948ac4360e4e2
