Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
May 23
***
Protest tegen het
voortduren van de bloedige oorlogen in Oekraïne en Gaza en pleidooi
voor wapenstilstand, diplomatie en onderhandelingen.
Vrijdag 24 mei, 18.00 uur, Spui, Amsterdam!
Sprekers Benjamin Baars, Hannah van Binsbergen en Justus van Oel dragen hun eigen gedichten voor en er is muziek. Twee minuten stilte om slachtoffers aan beide kanten te herdenken. Geef Ons Vrede.
Zie verder voor actualisering van
programma; https://www.stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/
***
#ASML en
de Technische Universiteit Eindhoven #TUe breiden hun samenwerking
fors uit. Ze gaan meer gezamenlijk onderzoek doen op het gebied van
onder andere plasmafysica, mechatronica, optica en kunstmatige
intelligentie #AI.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1517327/asml-en-universiteit-eindhoven-investeren-in-uitbreiding-chiponderzoek
May 22
***
#Swedish MoD
Johnson says #arms output ramp-up to take time.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-21/sweden-defense-minister-pal-jonson-says-arms-production-ramp-up-to-take-time
Pal Johnson may be right. But it will need more than a Eisenhower, and even more time, to take a future U-turn and downgrade private military industries back to normality.
***
Next:
#Poland’s Left MP Maciej Konieczny has raised concerns about
Poland’s past arms exports to #Israel, urging for #transparency on
the issue.
https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/3381503,polish-mp-questions-arms-exports-to-israel
But will it stop?
***
“US
Commerce Department issues #antiboycott compliance advisory on
#Turkey”
https://www.engage.hoganlovells.com/knowledgeservices/news/us-commerce-department-issues-antiboycott-compliance-advisory-on-turkey
Such a reaction on US boycot policies is almost impossible by all nations, without exception, on pain of severe sanctions by Washington.
***
Greenpeace
UK’s Areeba Hamid on successful High Court challenge against
Sunak’s anti-protest law:
There’s nothing ‘extreme’ about stopping fossil fuel companies from causing climate mayhem or blocking arms exports that could be used to commit war crimes.
***
"The
ethics of arms exports: the UK’s role in the Gaza conflict. Despite
evidence of serious violations, the UK Government has failed to act"
(as has many others).
https://intdevalliance.scot/news-view/the-ethics-of-arms-exports-the-uks-role-in-the-gaza-conflict/
***
#Zweedse
satellietbouwer #AAC_Clyde_Space verwerft rechten voor
lasertechnologie van #TNO.
#Swedish satellite builder AAC Clyde Space acquires rights for laser technology from TNO. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1517286/zweedse-satellietbouwer-verwerft-rechten-voor-lasertechnologie-van-tno
***
Not only
continuing arming #Israel, but an extra investment.
Amid influence of #Starlink, #Thales
buys Israeli company #Get SAT, Aaron Brosnan, president of Thales
subsidiary #Tampa_Microwave, said in an interview. Thales in #France
based.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/amid-influence-of-starlink-thales-buys-israeli-company-get-sat/
***
Russia starts
‘tactical #nuclear #drills’ near #Ukraine border.
‘First stage’ of exercises involves Iskander and Kinzhal #hypersonic missiles and is seen as a #warning to Ukraine’s Western allies.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/22/russia-starts-tactical-nuclear-drills-near-ukraine-border
May 21
***
The way
forward:
Beijing and Washington should set aside political differences and work together to reduce risks of nuclear proliferation in northeast Asia, Chinese and American scholars said this week.
***
Chinese
weapons are known to be cheaper than US weapons and suit the needs of
budget-conscious Bangkok. But the functioning of the fitted CHD620
engine is unproven and would pose a safety hazard for the crew, and
reliability is, therefore, a key concern.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/china-pushes-rejected-submarine-down-thailands/
The deal has to
involve the CHD engine because #German #MTU did not get an arms
export permit. This pointed to the fact German-made 396 SE84 diesel
seems to power all the Song-class
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_039_submarine)
and Yuan-class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_039A_submarine)
subs China operates.
***
Tjonge oog
voor #mensenrechten werd bestraft door de #Nederlandse krijgsmacht.
#Indonesië
Joop de Hoog weigerde als achttienjarige militair om een kampong in brand te steken – de #krijgsraad gaf hem twee jaar #cel.
***
#China’s
military showed its machine gun-equipped #robot battle “dogs” at
the start of its biggest-ever drills with #Cambodian forces. Handlers
kept the dogs of war on the leash, demonstrating only their walking
capabilities, not their shooting skills.
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2024/05/17/2003818006
The
other side.
An orange-&-white F-16 #US fighter jet was launched. The aerial combat that followed was unlike any other: This #F16 was controlled by artificial intelligence #AI, not a human pilot. Riding in the front seat was Air Force Secretary Kendall. https://www.c4isrnet.com/news/your-air-force/2024/05/03/ai-controlled-fighter-jet-takes-air-force-secretary-on-historic-ride/
***
Not the
nicest record to break: #Australia revealed its federal budget for
fiscal year 2024-25. Canberra allocated a record $36.8bn to the
military, up 6.3% compared to last year, with #nuclear-powered #subs
taking a much enlarged portion of the budget.
https://news.usni.org/2024/05/20/attack-submarines-dominate-record-high-36-8-australian-defense-budget
***
MbS prepares
state visit to #Madrid with defence contracts in sights. #Saudi crown
prince is expected in Spain before the end of the month for an
official state visit that's intended to consolidate the good
relations between Spain and Saudi Arabia. Paywall
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2024/05/20/mbs-prepares-state-visit-to-madrid-with-defence-contracts-in-sights,110227561-art
***
Europe Wants
to Build a Stronger Defense Industry, but Can’t Decide How.
Conflicting political visions, competitive jockeying and American dominance stand in the way of a more coordinated and efficient military machine.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/20/business/economy/europe-defense-spending.html
***
Retweet
@DefensieMin: The Netherlands will presently
provide the Ukranian armed forces with YPR armoured infantry
fighting vehicles with remote control weapon stations, following
@zelenskyyua's request. It is vital that all countries continue to
contribute to Ukraine. #UDCG.
https://x.com/DefensieMin/status/1792618432577347802
***
#Chipwar
#China has managed to dodge #Nvidia chip sanctions by purchasing server products from Super Micro Computer, Dell & Taiwan's Gigabyte through resellers. Claims were reported they then made their way to Chinese uni's & scientific research centers. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/china-somehow-got-its-hands-on-advanced-nvidia-chips-despite-the-sanctions/ar-AA1nwNIf
***
EDGE Group
and Fincantieri team up for $434m patrol vessel contract.
The JV, dubbed Maestral, "will be awarded prime rights to non-NATO orders and a number of strategic orders placed by selected NATO member countries..."
See also: https://x.com/martinbroek/status/1792810036273791346
***
Retweet
@FrankSlijper: Dutch MoD has leased
the MV Southern Rock from Hartman Seatrade for strategic transport on
a more permanent basis. The ship arrived in Dakar, Senegal on 15 May
with its first load of equipment for US AFRICOM's multinational
Exercise African Lion 2024.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/netherlands-leases-second-ro-ro-ship/
***
Italian-UAE
#arms #exports. When the joint venture by #UAE #Edge & #Italian
#Ficantieri was announced in Feb, the firms said it would aim to
trade vessels to countries by using the UAE’s knowhow in
government-to-government deals as well as its export credit financing
packages.
Retweet with comment
@FrankSlijper: UAE buys patrol vessels
from Edge Group - Fincantieri joint venture.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/05/20/uae-buys-patrol-vessels-from-edge-group-fincantieri-joint-venture/
May 19
***
To
be proud of?
Dutch military expenses grew from 1,16% of GDP (€9bn) in 2017, to almost €23bn (2% of GDP in '24), aiming for €31bn (almost 2,5% of GDP in '30), far ahead of other Western European countries.
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2024/05/18/dutch-navy-antiaircraft-frigate/
At the cost of what?
May 18
***
The European
Union preaches peace and sells war : how Europe is arming murderous
and oppressive regimes in the Middle East.
https://www.gc4hr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arms-Report-En.-15-May-2024.pdf
***
A bipartisan
group of US lawmakers introduced a bill on May 5, 2024 imposing
#export_control on AI systems to prevent exploitation of US #AI
models and other enabling tech by foreign adversaries, a press
release by the FA Committee stated.
https://www.medianama.com/2024/05/223-us-ai-export-control-bill-critical-infrastructure/
***
#Lockheed
Martin could potentially park 84 #F35s in temporary storage before
receiving approval to resume deliveries with a software update, #GAO
stated.
GAO Program Continues to Encounter
Production Issues and Modernization Delays
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106909
Lockheed
running out of parking space amid F-35 delays, says GAO.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/05/16/lockheed-running-out-of-parking-space-amid-f-35-delays-says-watchdog/
Backlog
of upgraded F-35s could take a year to clear: GAO
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/backlog-of-upgraded-f-35s-could-take-a-year-to-clear-gao/
#Spain blocks #arms #ship from Chennai to #Israel The #Denmark-flagged cargo ship Marianne Danica sailed from Chennai on April 8 and was headed to the port of Haifa in Israel, according to maritime tracking portals. https://thehindu.com/news/national/cargo-ship-with-arms-headed-from-chennai-to-israel-denied-entry-to-spanish-port/article68186526.ece
https://vesselfinder.com/nl/vessels/details/9006241 (180524, 14.03)
***
Wat gaat het
extreem rechtse kabinet doen met de excuses voor het extreme geweld
in de Indonesische. #onafhankelijkheidsoorlog? De #PVV wil dat die
excuses worden ingetrokken. Doe dat niet, zegt historicus en
voormalig #Niod-directeur Frank van Vree.
***
New report
details exposes extensive links between the arms trade and the
University of Sheffield.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/new-report-details-exposes-extensive-links-between-arms-trade-and-university
***
Arming for
Cold War 2.0?
To counter #China, the #US must
strengthen #ammunition production. In this op-ed, retired Maj. Gen.
James Marks discusses the importance of domestic #nitrocellulose
production to keep up with America’s needs.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/to-counter-china-the-us-must-strengthen-ammunition-production/
***
Kamikaze
drones for US Special Forces
Teledyne FLIR’s ‘new’ Rogue 1 loitering munition has been under SOCOM contract for two years.
May 16
***
Blog: #AI and
#autonomous weapons systems: the time for action is now.
https://www.saferworld-global.org/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1037-ai-and-autonomous-weapons-systems-the-time-for-action-is-now
Now? In a world in disaray? How to get all parties developing such systems aboard while the world is heading towards a Cold War 2.0?
- #Cease_Fires_Now!
- #Diplomacy_over_Militarism!
@_ENAAT
May 16: A useful overview by @Saferworld for those not
so familiar with the issue #autonomousweapons
https://saferworld-global.org/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1037-ai-and-autonomous-weapons-systems-the-time-for-action-is-now
***
Trade war
effects:
#Robocar supplier sues US, disputes
alleged #Chinese #military ties.
#Hesai Group says it only serves
civilian, commerical market.
Company says its plans to build US
facility are now disrupted.
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-13/us-sued-over-blacklist-on-firms-linked-to-chinese-military
- https://finimize.com/content/hesai-group-challenges-us-over-military-list-placement
***
Presence of Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop Grumman, SAAB & Top Aces.
***
Japanese
students demand 'end to military research with Israel'.
Demonstrations in favour of Palestine have been held in Japan, South Korea as well as in Australia.
***
Belgische
NGO’s dagen #Israëlisch scheepvaartbedrijf #ZIM voor de rechter:
‘illegale wapenhandel via #Antwerpse haven’.
https://www.dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2024/05/15/ngos-dagen-israelisch-scheepvaartbedrijf-voor-de-rechter-illegale-wapenhandel-via-antwerpse-haven/
Nederlandse
PZC: NGO’s dagen Israëlisch scheepvaartbedrijf voor de rechter:
"Illegale wapenhandel via Antwerpse haven"
https://www.pzc.nl/antwerpen/ngos-dagen-israelisch-scheepvaartbedrijf-voor-de-rechter-illegale-wapenhandel-via-antwerpse-haven~af737b5a/
***
Over 700
Australian lawyers call to (...)
8. cancel all defence contracts with any Israeli defence contractors involved in Gaza such as Elbit Systems and cancellation of any arms purchases/imports from Israel while the risk of genocide in Gaza continues;
https://johnmenadue.com/over-700-australian-lawyers-call-for-the-australian-government-to-take-immediate-action-to-ensure-a-lasting-peace-in-the-middle-east-and-uphold-international-law/
***
“The
choice to open an ammunition facility in Indonesia reflects the
[United Arab Emirate’s] steady progress in climbing the so-called
‘ladder of production’ in the defense industry,” analyst
Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco told Breaking Defense.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/uaes-defense-giant-expands-in-asia-with-new-ammo-production-line-in-indonesia/
May 15
***
The UK MoD
picked 90 companies and organizations from industry and academia to
compete for a £1 billion (US $1.26 billion) program to develop
hypersonic missile capabilities.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/05/14/uk-picks-companies-for-billion-dollar-hypersonic-missile-program/
This and a general overview of global hypersonic weapons development.
***
Germany &
France want to show leadership in order to keep geopolitical
influence in Europe. While their ideas were controversial, they were
certainly beneficial to their arms industries (proven influential in
national decisions for EUmilitary integration).
https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/the-impact-of-the-war-in-ukraine-on-the-european-union/
***
@POTUS moves
forward with $1bn in new #arms for #Israel, The Wall Street Journal
reported. The deal is set to include a potential transfer of $700m in
tank ammo, $500m in tactical vehicles and $60m in mortar rounds, the
report said.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/united-states/2024/05/15/biden-moves-forward-on-1-billion-in-new-arms-for-israel-wsj
***
Activists have
blocked the entrance to a Glasgow factory which produces parts for
Israeli drones, as they protest against the ongoing war in the Gaza
strip.
#Thales plant in #Glasgow shut down in
Palestine protest.
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24320333.thales-plant-glasgow-shut-palestine-protest/
POLICE
have arrested four protesters after dramatic clashes outside an
arms factory in Scotland.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24321960.arrests-police-protesters-clash-thales-site-govan/
May 14
***
#ASEAN Senior
Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime #SOMTC is calling on all
its members across the region to share information in a timely way,
to crack down effectively on illegal transnational #arms #smuggling.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501485910/siem-reap-talks-asean-to-share-intel-on-arms-smuggling/
***
#Indian
companies under scrutiny for #arms export to Israel amidst conflict
with #Palestine
Reports reveal Indian defence entities' involvement in arms trade with #Israel, sparking debates on India's stance. https://www.samaa.tv/2087314478-indian-companies-under-scrutiny-for-arms-export-to-israel-amidst-conflict-with-palestine
***
The #Dutch
government, one of the architects of the European #Leopard 2 supply
to #Ukraine, has placed no caveats on the weapons’ frontline use,
as confusion swirls over a report that #US military leaders wanted
American #Abrams sidelined from combat.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/05/09/confusion-swirls-over-western-tank-caveats-in-ukraine/
***
#China's
domestic arms exports have recently suffered #setbacks, triggering a
lot of speculation from the outside world. Some people question
whether the continuous setbacks in China's domestic arms exports are
due to quality issues? #Thailand #submarines
https://min.news/en/military/57781ffd5f396a652737862a89db8aca.html
***
US in Africa:
The secret wars. Article in context of Al Shabaab attack on Kenian
military base, in which 2 US pilots and US soldier died, 2 other US
military were wounded, 6 surveillance planes & helicopters were
destroyed, and the airfield in flames.
https://defencepk.com/forums/threads/us-in-africa-the-secret-wars-youve-never-heard-about.7934/
***
University of
#Sydney students show solidarity with Gaza. Greens NSW Senator
Shoebridge called on the university management to end its
co-operation with #military #research “as weapons that kill
civilians are being developed here” and “this must stop”.
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/university-sydney-students-show-solidarity-gaza
***
In the #Netherlands,
#Naval_Group's #submarine offer was €1,5 billion cheaper than
#Saab-#Damen's.
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2024/05/12/naval-group-saab-damen-15-billion-euros/
***
The chief of
the South #Korean arms procurement agency has held talks with
#Malaysia's defense minister on ways to expand arms industry
cooperation, his office said Monday, amid #Seoul's drive to clinch
more arms sales to #Southeast_Asian countries.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240513003000315
***
De
Joods-Israëlische antropologe Maya Wind boekstaafde de verwevenheid
van Israëlische universiteiten met staat & leger. Ze pleit voor
'n academische #boycot. ‘Het zijn grondig gemilitariseerde
instituten die in dienst staan van bezetting en apartheid.’
https://archive.ph/HSHpp/
‘Geen
enkele universiteit in Israël gaat vrijuit’, zegt onderzoeker over
hun rol bij de onderdrukking van Palestijnen.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/wetenschap/geen-enkele-universiteit-in-israel-gaat-vrijuit-zegt-onderzoeker-over-hun-rol-bij-de-onderdrukking-van-palestijnen~b4c54243/
***
#General_Dynamics
has teamed with Israeli company #Elbit Systems to supply #unmanned
turreted mortar systems to a unnamed European military customer.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/05/10/europe-unmanned-mortar-systems-elbit/
Earlier Elbit sold the same system to #Romania. https://defence-industry.eu/elbit-systems-to-supply-unmanned-turrets-weapon-stations-and-mortar-systems-to-the-romanian-armed-forces/
***
@FrankSlijper:
"Het is absurd om nu met Israël samen te werken, gezien het
grote risico op #Israëlische schendingen van het #oorlogsrecht. Het
risico op #genocide is levensgroot, en je moet blind zijn om dat niet
te zien."
https://www.nporadio1.nl/nieuws/buitenland/19c254a1-c1c7-4a95-b567-adc01c74c3f4/nederland-houdt-contracten-met-israelische-defensieindustrie-in-stand
***
Putin’s
nomination of top economic official Andrei Belousov as defence
minister is a sign of the importance the #Russian leader places on
the #war_economy in gaining the upper hand in what he expects will be
a #long conflict against #Ukraine, analysts say.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1833407/putins-defence-shake-up-shows-hes-preparing-for-a-long-confrontation
***
Manchester University targeted in protest over
complicity in Gaza war: "They also partner with BAE Systems,"
the statement said.
https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/manchester-university-targeted-in-protest-over-complicity-in-gaza-war-3683409
May 9
***
Students at
#University of Sapienza in #Rome begin encampment for Palestine. Law
student Federico underlined that their actions aim to press the
university to stop cooperation with Israel and the government to halt
#arms #exports to the country.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/students-at-prominent-italian-university-begin-encampment-for-palestine/3214134
***
Josh Paul, a
former US state department official who resigned over the “expanded
and expedited” provision of lethal arms to Israel, has told that
the Biden administration’s decision to #suspend a #bomb shipment to
Israel was “not a moment to celebrate”.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/former-us-official-bomb-shipment-suspension-not-enough
***
@CTWnl bracht
in november op basis van openbare onderzoekssubsidiegegevens van de
EU in kaart welke samenwerkingsverbanden er bestaan tussen
#Nederlandse #universiteiten en #Israëlische universiteiten,
instellingen en bedrijven op veiligheidsvlak. Meer:
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2024/05/08/meer-openheid-over-israelische-banden-van-universiteiten-maar-boycot-gaat-te-ver-a4198332
***
Universiteiten
geven meer openheid over banden met Israël, maar boycot gaat ze te
ver.
***
Special
Operation Forces #SOF are testing ways to add loitering munitions or
#kamikaze drones and other payloads to the medium-size, 60-foot
#watercraft used to insert and extract #SEAL teams on special
missions.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2024/05/08/seals-want-loitering-munitions-aboard-insertextract-patrol-boats
***
Another
approach is possible
After 2 days of UB protest camp University of Barcelona faculty passes motion calling to break academic relations with Israel.
***
Pro-Palestine
#protesters disrupt US tech billionaire talk at #university.
Republican Party donor and founder of #Palantir, Peter Thiel accused of profiting from genocide during appearance at #Cambridge.
***
Defence
contractor pleads guilty to #fraud, money laundering and unlawful
#export of military data. It was falsely claimed that military
components were produced in the US, "when in fact, the parts
were being manufactured by Ozcan and Simsek in #Turkey."
***
#Airbus US
finalizes acquisition of Aerovel as it eyes low-cost #drone market.
Airbus would also likely respond to a recent request for information
on drone capabilities that could replace the Navy’s MQ-8C Fire
Scout uncrewed helicopters, said CEO of ...
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/airbus-us-finalizes-acquisition-of-aerovel-as-it-eyes-low-cost-drone-market/
#Airbus
acquires small #drone maker #Aerovel, eyes #Replicator business.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/05/08/airbus-acquires-small-drone-maker-aerovel-eyes-replicator-business/
***
#Japan
sells lethal weapons responding to US demand, using Ukraine as
excuse.
It is reported Japan’s recent policy change to sell s to the US arms a break from its pacifist principle. However, Washington & Tokyo have been watering it down for a long time.
May 8
***
Why #Ukraine
Should Keep Striking Russian Oil Refineries. US Fears About Energy
Markets Are Misplaced, is stated in Foreign Affairs.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/why-ukraine-should-keep-striking-russian-oil-refineries
Fears about CO2 emissions are a luxury, forget about the #ClimateCrisis. #War is a dirty business, live or die with it.
***
Students set
up a camp at the Free University, Berlin. They demand that the
university should call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stop
German arms exports. University management and the police are taking
tough action.
https://taz.de/Raeumung-eines-Camps-an-der-FU-Berlin/!6006162/
***
#Slovak
#Azerbaijan militarry relations re-established.
Historically, the upgraded Dana howitzers and RM-70 Vampire grenade launchers manufactured by the #Czech arms company #Strnad were crucial in Azerbaijan's arsenal. These weapons, transported via #Bratislava to #Israel
under a Slovak license and subsequently acquired by Azerbaijan, played a vital role in the second #Karabakh War. https://turan.az/en/economics/azerbaijan-and-slovakia-signed-key-agreements-on-military-cooperation-during-the-visit-of-prime-minister-fico-780262
***
Groene: Luis
of schoothond
#Macron en #Thales worden vanwege de Franse wapenleveranties medeplichtig verklaard aan de genocide.
Hoewel de activisten zich richten op
Frankrijk en elke aanval veroordelen, krijgt dit protest?van Angela
Dekker, DGA 9/5/24.
https://www.groene.nl/auteur/angela-dekker
Overigens
is dat zo neutraal neergezette tech-bedrijf uit het artikel, Thales
in Nederland (samen met Damen) de grootste militaire producent. Het
bedrijf is ook sterk betrokken in technologie om de grenzen te
verdedigen tegen vluchtelingen.
Wat is er met De Groene A. gebeurd?
***
***
Earning money,
creating dead and destruction:
War on #Gaza: #Barclays has 'increased' Israel arms trade investments. Palestine Solidarity Campaign, #CAAT and others have found that UK bank has upped Israel-linked weapons investments.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-israel-gaza-barclays-arms-trade
***
US
#Defence contracts to support policy & regulation have helped
Alexandr #Wang, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology dropout and
#AI tycoon (#Scale_AI), to achieve his riches (billionaire at 24).
His customers also include OpenAI, Microsoft and Meta.
https://www.cityam.com/youngest-self-made-billionaire-chooses-london-for-european-hq/
May 7
***
16 Dead &
30 injured, victims of #bombing (May 3) of 2 #refugee camps at Lac
Vert and Mugunga, east of the DRC. Most of the victims are women and
children. Kinshasa accuses the #M23 guerrillas and the #Rwandan armed
forces of the bombing.
#Armsembargo?https://cargreen.es/eshiio/2024/07/8R237489TDIu43SUsE.html
***
Attention on
Boeing's longstanding connection with Israel and the Israeli military
use of Boeing weapons intensifies. On US campuses and outside
Boeing's Virginia HQs, protesters have assailed #Boeing for its
involvement in the #Israel war against #Gaza.
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/as-opposition-to-israels-war-in-gaza-grows-boeing-arms-sales-draw-scrutiny/
***
Clear letter
to the editor of The Irish Times:
Arms sales to Israel
The US must feel the pressure, show
humanity, and halt arms sales to Israel.
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/05/07/arms-sales-to-israel/
***
Wie
rijk wil worden, belegt in de wapenindustrie. Fonds dat speciaal in
militaire investeert, is in 1 jaar 50% meer waard geworden. 'Alle
ethische bezwaren daargelaten, het is gewoon hartstikke lucratief.'
Noemen we daarom militaire/wapenbedrijven defensief?
https://www.parool.nl/nederland/is-beleggen-in-de-defensie-industrie-onethisch-je-kunt-wel-tegen-oorlog-zijn-maar-dan-bereik-je-het-tegendeel~b7ac5cc3/
Eigen
militaire en wapenproductie noem je vanzelfsprekend defensief. Die
van de tegenstander is offensief. Dit terwijl je zelf het gros van
alle wapens in de wereld produceert van kernwapens t/m geweren.
Zouden de Gazanen de JDAM bommen van #Boeing die vallen defensief
noemen?
Offensive or defensive systems?
Death of 23 civilians in military strikes with Turkish MAM-L glide bombs, which are dropped from TB-2 drones may amount to war crimes.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/05/somalia-death-of-23-civilians-in-military-strikes-with-turkish-drones-may-amount-to-war-crimes-new-investigation/
***
#Airbus
plans to invest in a 3rd #helicopter flight
#simulator in #Malaysia, with operations expected to
commence in 2026. The Airbus Helicopters Malaysia
Simulation Centre, a JV with #Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation,
is located in Subang.
https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2024/05/06/airbus-to-invest-in-third-helicopter-simulator-in-subang/
***
#Dutch
appeals court finds no direct evidence #Damen shipwharf profited from
human trafficking of #DPRK workers at Polish shipyards.
https://www.nknews.org/2024/05/the-hague-dismisses-case-against-dutch-firms-accused-of-using-north-korean-labor/
Press release La Strada International https://documentation.lastradainternational.org/lsidocs/3552-LSI%20Press%20release%2030%20April%202024%20-%20EN%20-%20DEF.pdf
***
Military
Spending & Climate Emergency: Squaring the Circle. A video
recording of a meeting on YouTube. #ENAAT
https://youtu.be/w4r90JRCQEA?si=_N5qFetRwX5hdPVL
***
The #EU will
open an innovation office in #Kyiv at the end of the year to promote
the growth of #Ukrainian start-ups and military #companies.
EU High Representative @JosepBorrellF stated today at the EU-Ukraine Defense Industries Forum. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3860616-borrell-announces-opening-of-defense-innovation-office-in-kyiv.html
***
Macron
welcomes #China's commitment not to sell arms to #Russia. "We
welcome the commitment of the Chinese authorities to refrain from
selling any #arms or providing any aid to Moscow and to strictly
control the export of #dual_use products," Macron said.
https://menafn.com/1108181125/Macron-Welcomes-Chinas-Commitment-Not-To-Sell-Arms-To-Russia
May
6
***
At the next
European #elections there will be a guest: the arms industry. The
#arms industry has managed, through intense lobbying, to obtain flows
of money from the European Union to arm wars. In Italy this isuue is
ignored, wrote Enza Plotino.
https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2024/05/04/alle-prossime-elezioni-europee-ci-sara-un-convitato-di-pietra-lindustria-delle-armi/7534277/
***
#Israeli
airstrike that killed seven health workers in #Lebanon used US
munition (#JDAM made by #Boeing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Direct_Attack_Munition so if you
fly in e.g. a 747 ...), analysis reveals.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/06/israel-airstrike-lebanon-us-weapons-international-law
Biden
administration delayed arms shipments to Israel ... neither the White
House nor the US DoD and State have offered an official explanation
for the delay. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-799957
***
Bedrijfsverandering
van civiel militaire vliegtuigbouwer #GKN #Fokker veroorzaakt
#overlast. Gemeente #Papendrecht stopt vier ton in de oplossing
ervan.
https://www.pzc.nl/dordrecht/gkn-fokker-laat-vergunningaanvraag-voor-bouw-van-parkeerdek-vervallen-en-dient-binnenkort-nieuwe-in~a8ae6a7c/
***
The #Indian
Air Force #IAF has taken the delivery of its second C-295 aircraft
from #Airbus in #Spain, and the ₹21,935-crore (€ 2.5bn) project
to modernise the IAF’s transport fleet.
https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2024/05/second-c295-transport-aircraft.html
***
Lockheed,
Howmet settle lawsuit over F-35 #titanium.
#Lockheed Martin alleged in court filings that its supplier #US #Howmet cut off the supply of titanium after the aerospace giant refused to agree to higher prices, threatening production of the #F35.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/lockheed-howmet-settle-lawsuit-over-f-35-titanium-exclusive/
May 4
***
Palestine
Action use van to block entrance to Elbit factory, This is far from
the first time that Palestine Action has blockaded Elbit’s Bristol
HQ in the months since Israel’s genocide in Gaza commenced.
https://www.thecanary.co/trending/2024/05/03/palestine-action-van-elbit-bristol/
***
Campus
protests over the war in Gaza have gone international.
Student concerns in the U.K. — for instance — seemed to echo the focus of an increasingly high-profile nationwide campaign to end British arms exports to Israel.
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/03/1248661834/student-protests-gaza-universities-international
***
Military
Industrial Family Complex
UK PM Rishi Sunak’s family firm Infosys has ties to major arms firms including a firm that provides parts for Israeli military helicopters, The National reveals. https://www.thenational.scot/news/24298240.rishi-sunaks-family-firm-infosys-deep-ties-major-arms-firms/
***
Activist
raise up
#Japan abstained voring on the UN resolution calling for a halt to arms exports to Israel. In addition, Japan’s MoD is trying to import state-of-the-art military #drones. Some of these are manufactured by #Israeli military companies. https://www.arabnews.jp/en/japan/article_121042/
***
Federal
agents investigating the illegal flow of #weapons & contraband
between the US and #Haiti are turning to South Florida’s Haitian
community for help in cracking down on the gang violence that is
fueling instability in the volatile Caribbean country:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article288287025.html
May
3
'***
Retweet with comment
@obsarm: Exports of critical components to #Russia in 2023. $20.3
million for #Thales; $8.4 million for #Safran; $4.8 million for
#Nicomatic; $3.8 million for #Michelin; $200,000 for
#STMicroelectronics.
And by the way also the defending party
is armed. Its business as no other.
Exportations de
composants critiques vers la Russie en 2023. 20,3 millions $ pour
Thales ; 8,4 millions $ pour Safran ; 4,8 millions $ pour
Nicomatic ; 3,8 millions $ pour Michelin ; 200.000 $ pour
STMicroelectronics.
https://www.obsarm.info/spip.php?article651
***
How about the
role of Israeli arms in the Rwandan genocide? Information is secret.
But 20 years before Tutsi's murdered Hutu's in Burundi. In that case "declassified Foreign Ministry correspondence about Burundi hints at indifference to ethnic massacres." https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-05-02/ty-article-opinion/.highlight/genocide-in-rwanda-massacre-in-burundi-its-business-as-usual-for-israel/0000018f-3ad3-d414-a5bf-bbf752870000
***
How
about the role of Israeli arms in the Rwandan genocide? Information
is secret.
But 20 years before Tutsi's murdered Hutu's in Burundi. In that case "declassified Foreign Ministry correspondence about Burundi hints at indifference to ethnic massacres." https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-05-02/ty-article-opinion/.highlight/genocide-in-rwanda-massacre-in-burundi-its-business-as-usual-for-israel/0000018f-3ad3-d414-a5bf-bbf752870000
May 2
***
Embarking on
the Cold War 2.0 track includes devides and a struggle for allies.
As the #UAE seeks closer defense ties with the #US and #China alike, the prospects of exporting the #F35 fighter to Abu Dhabi anytime soon may be getting slimmer. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2024/05/01/emirati-f-35-prospects-languish-amid-high-stakes-chinese-us-courting/
***
The
#Lithuanian government has approved new procedures designed to lower
administrative hurdles for foreign defense looking to start
production.The move is connected with the European hunger for
weaponry from artillery shells to drones.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/30/lithuania-eases-red-tape-for-defense-firms-looking-to-set-up-shop/
***
A wave of
#orders from Europe
#Climatecrisis destruction, cost and expansion of air fleets.
Arrival of the DHC-515 in Europe will supplement CL-215T and CL-415 aircraft in service with Europe’s air forces and civil protection agencies.
***
Students at
the #University of #Sheffield walked out of lectures yesterday to
demonstrate against the genocide in #Palestine and the university’s
links to the arms trade.
The Uni was instrumental in developing tech to scale up #F35 production rates. https://nowthenmagazine.com/articles/university-of-sheffield-students-set-up-encampment-on-campus-to-show-solidarity-with-palestine
***
It is
possible!
The University of York Cuts Ties with Arms Investors
The University of York has become the first UK university to cut investment ties with the arms industry, fossil fuel banking and international law violators.
https://www.yorkvision.co.uk/news/the-university-of-york-cuts-ties-with-arms-investors/01/05/2024
***
#Ukraine
ramps up production of Bohdana Howitzers
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/31938
#Russia to increase arms production, speed up arms deliveries, Moscow says. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-to-increase-arms-production-speed-up-weapons-delivery-shoigu-says/
Russian & Ukrainian casualties rise in a 'meat grinder' of a war https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/30/russia-troops-ukraine-toll-casualties/
#CeasefireNOW
May 1
***
On May Day,
which is traditionally a holiday for workers and trade unionists,
groups across the UK are blockading arms factories, including the BAE
plant in Govan. Ali, 25, a junior doctor, said: "Targeting the
arms trade in the UK has already been effective - protests &
direct action against Israeli weapons company Elbit Systems in
England has forced it to close and sell its factory in Staffordshire.
We’re here to make sure that there’s no business as usual for
those who sell arms to genocidal regimes."
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24287555.bae-systems-glasgow-shut-israel-arms-protest/
***
#Colombian
President Petro reported the discovery of an #arms #trafficking
network within the National Army. Those involved extracted
ammunition, weapons, military equipment and explosives from the army
to sell them in different countries, such as Haiti.
https://www.telesurenglish.net/amp/news/Colombian-President-Denounces-Network-Arms-Trafficking-Army-20240430-0025.html
