Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
June 30
***
Police in
France, Spain and the Netherlands searched the offices of French
military equipment provider Thales between Wednesday and Friday as
part of a corruption probe, a judicial source told Reuters on
Saturday.
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/Police-search-Thales-offices-in-three-countries-in-corruption-probe-47272222/
***
#Netherlands orders
DITA self-propelled #howitzers for #Ukraine from #Czech
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/netherlands-orders-dita-self-propelled-howitzers-for-ukraine-from-czech-republic/ar-BB1j2c2w
***
To underlign
the argument: we've to defend our democracy, Riyadh is a major
destination? Really?
#German weapons exports may hit record
#Russia's war in #Ukraine & grown
sales to #Saudi's let German arms exports reach €7.48 bn in the 1st
half of 2024.
https://www.dw.com/en/german-weapons-exports-on-course-to-hit-new-record/a-69517153
June 29
***
In a report
on tax evasion: for a discussion of non-reporting of the foreign
subsidiaries of major U.S. defense contractors, see Martin Broek,
“Tax Evasion and Weapon Production: Mailbox Arms Companies in the
Netherlands,” Transnational Institute, 05/2016,
https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/issue-brief-arms-trade-web.pdf
***
Hypersonics
become the new normal?
#Germany’s parliament has authorized money for the purchase of thousands of missiles and the development of a #supersonic naval cruise missile, according to a Defence Ministry news release. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2024/06/27/germany-approves-funds-to-develop-supersonic-weapon-buy-thousands-of-missiles
***
Reality,
allies & fog
Dutch F-35 deliveries will not have US as final stop, but “In these deliveries the US (is) the end destination” as understood by EU regulation, lawyer Veldhuis said, adding that #Netherlands was complying with the earlier court order. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240628-ngos-seek-dutch-export-ban-for-jet-parts-that-may-go-to-israel/
***
England and
Welsh Green Party co-leader makes powerful case for ending arms sales
to Israel on Question Time. Adrian Ramsay said arms sales to Israel
were 'unacceptable'.
https://leftfootforward.org/2024/06/green-party-co-leader-makes-powerful-case-for-ending-arms-sales-to-israel-on-question-time/
***
Last week in Paris, #Chinese weapons manufacturer,
North Industries Group Corporation #Norinco, showcased miniature
versions of its land-based weapons & unmanned aerial vehicles
#UAVs or #drones at the #Eurosatory expo, one of Europe’s biggest
arms shows.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3268149/drones-change-everything-china-showcases-uav-competitive-edge-military-export-market
June 28
***
Four
protesters broke into the GRiD Defence Systems building in Hugh
Wycombe (east of London) and barricaded themselves inside, destroying
military computers and processors. The lesser-know military
electronics firm’s supplying of technology to Elbit Sys.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/palestine-action-protesters-arrested-after-occupying-israeli-military-tech-company
***
#Lockheed
Martin is running out of space to park undelivered #F35
jets amid hardware and software #delays linked to a tech update whose
full delivery will be delayed into 2025. That’s disrupting
fleet-replacement plans of #Denmark, #Belgium and #Norway.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/27/denmark-to-bring-home-f-35-jets-from-arizona-amid-upgrade-delays/
***
De VS gaan
Israël toch een deel van de bommen leveren die eerder werden
tegengehouden. Volgens de Amerikaanse nieuwssite Axios gaat de
regering van president Joe Biden dat binnenkort bekendmaken.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/live-midden-oosten-eu-veroordeelt-aanhoudend-geweld-extremistische-kolonisten-israel-nbc-vs-brengen-militairen-en-middelen-dichter-bij-israel-en-libanon~b3bcdb06/
***
De
Nederlandse overheid erkent dat in Nederland geproduceerde
straaljageronderdelen via de VS in Israël terecht kunnen komen.
(...) volgens Nederland vallen met de VS geen afspraken te maken om
te voorkomen dat de onderdelen via een omweg in Israël komen.
The
Dutch government recognizes that fighter jet parts produced in the
Netherlands can end up in Israel via the US. (...) according to the
Netherlands, no agreements can be made with the US to prevent the
parts from reaching Israel via a detour.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2526413-nederland-zegt-export-van-f-35-onderdelen-aan-israel-niet-te-kunnen-stoppen
Reality, allies & fog
Dutch F-35 deliveries will not have US as final stop, but “In these deliveries the US (is) the end destination” as understood by EU regulation, lawyer Veldhuis said, adding that #Netherlands was complying with the earlier court order. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240628-ngos-seek-dutch-export-ban-for-jet-parts-that-may-go-to-israel/
June 27
***
An AI Hell on
Earth?
US Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks was anything but shy about pointing to the primary rationale for such a rush toward robotic warfare: outpacing and intimidating China. https://tomdispatch.com/philosopher-kings-or-new-age-militarists/
***
Israel has
received $6.5bn in security aid from the US since Oct 7. “This is a
massive, massive undertaking,” a senior official told the
Washington Post. He added that the totals indicate how deep and
complex Israel's relationship with the US is.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-807975
***
"Landmacht
Lt-kol Hädicke "bevestigde onlangs dat Defensie wel degelijk
werkt aan een autonoom systeem dat onder voorwaarden zelfstandig kan
beslissen een tegenstander uit te schakelen. Hoe zit dan dat,"
vraagt Follow the Money in art. over militaire #AI.
https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/interview-roy-lindelauf-ai-en-oorlogsvoering
***
Vast majority
of Ukrainians share the view country must keep fighting—no
matter the costs—until '91 borders are restored?
New polling showing significant #Ukrainian support 4 #diplomacy to end war. Ukrainians are rejecting risking everything 4 victory. https://www.thenation.com/article/world/ukraine-russia-zelensky-war-peace-diplomacy/
***
This isn't
about footbal, but about building ships included naval vessels.
Long-running battle between #Damen & the #Romanian government over the operations of the Mangalia shipyard took a new step as a court in Constanta initiated an insolvency procedure. https://www.starconcord.com.sg/romania-begins-insolvency-against-damen-mangalia-shipyard/
***
Retweet
@warresistersint: Artificial Intelligence is
"this generation's Oppenheimer moment". Check out this new
article on #TheBrokenRifle about the relationship between military
tech and AI, kindly shared with us via @CTWnl.
https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2024/we-need-two-tier-approach-control-military-ai
***
US and
Western partners have begun a new phase of financial warfare against
Russia & China—a powerful but also potentially risky escalation
that, if people aren’t careful, could eventually give Moscow &
Beijing what they are believed to be looking for.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/06/25/g7-summit-frozen-russian-assets-ukraine-chinese-banks/
***
Charged for
what?
Three #Singaporeans are facing charges of disturbing public order for being part of a group that delivered letters to then prime minister Lee Hsien Loong urging him to end #military ties with #Israel.
***
Transfer of
#arms & related materials from companies registered in #Thailand
to #Myanmar doubled, from more than $60m in 2022 to more than $120m
in '23.
The Thai government doesn't have an
explicit public policy position opposing arms transfers to Myanmar.
https://www.andyfisher.ca/blog/stdc46ad181784cdvcetjon44.html
***
The
#Saudi Arabian Military Industries #SAMI and #German #Hensoldt are
said to have initiated talks regarding the supply of several
electro-optical systems. [behind paywall]
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62824
June 26
***
War of words:
On #China and #AI, #US sends mixed message about talks to ban the
technology from #nuclear use.
While Sec. of State Kurt Campbell touts dialogue, a #NSC official points to Beijing’s disagreement with long-stated policy. #diplomacy
***
The Special
Advisory Council-#Myanmar will publish a report on the #Tatmadaw’s
military production capabilities, finds that #China has also
dispatched technicians to assist in production & provided tech o
produce fuel air explosive aerial bombs. More see->
https://www.rfa.org/english/commentaries/myanmar-junta-war-06252024135841.html
***
EU FA
ministers have approved €1.4bn in military aid to #Ukraine,
financed for the 1st time from frozen assets of the #Russian Central
Bank, @JosepBorrellF announced.
90% Of the money will finance military
aid, while 10% will go to Kyiv as financial aid.
https://thebharatexpressnews.com/eu-ministers-approve-e1-4-billion-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-using-russian-resources-3/
***
Continued Arms
Exports to Israel in the Face of Constructive.
Ongoing International Court of Justice
proceedings focused on Gaza mean officials authorizing weapons
transfers “should have known” about risk, @AkshayaSays.
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/continued-arms-exports-to-israel-in-the-face-of-constructive-notice
***
Questions in
European Parliament on : figures by the Secretary of State for
Trade’s statistics portal, #Comex, and analysed by Alejandro Pozo,
a researcher at the Centre Delàs for Peace Studies, #Spain exported
ammo to Israel worth € 987,000.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2024-000466_EN.html
Keep on asking, but the answer will
always be a variation on the phrase: “competent authorities of
Member States take the final decision whether to authorise or deny an
individual export or transit license of military equipment, in
accordance with the said legal frameworks.”
Legal
frameworks may not stand to much in the way of EU foreign and defence
industrial policy.
Legal frameworks (like ATT and EU CP
2008/944/CFSP) may not stand to much in the way of EU and member
states foreign and defence industrial policy considerations and
debate on it is under the cloak of secrecy.
https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2024/06/26/mil-osi-europe-answer-to-a-written-question-spains-export-of-ammunition-to-israel-at-the-start-of-the-gaza-offensive-e-000466-2024asw/
June 25
***
Met als
argument internationale dreigingen claimt Defensie veel meer grond om
te oefenen. Dat schuurt, in een land waar natuur, landbouw, energie
en woningbouw al vechten om de schaarse ruimte. Zie ->
https://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/defensie-zoekt-terrein-om-te-oefenen-en-veel-omwonenden-schrikken-zich-rot-van-de-plannen~bf18b3ba/
***
Inleiding
@guidovanleemput 24/6.
De oorlog in Oekraïne duurt 850 dagen of 28 maanden. Er is nog geen einde in zicht. Het nieuws van de laatste maand is dat diplomatie een geaccepteerd middel is om ten minste over een einde aan de oorlog te praten. Meer -> https://www.stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/na-850-dagen-oorlog-nog-geen-eind-in-zicht.html
***
Almost half —
42.1 percent — of #Israel’s arms exports went to #India since
2014.
Why is India’s Hindu Right Pro-Israel?
Hindu nationalists would like to
emulate Israel. They would like to create a Hindu Israel in India.
https://thediplomat.com/2024/06/why-is-indias-hindu-right-pro-israel/
***
A new
domestically-based plant supplying arms to the US & Ukraine is
filled almost entirely with foreign tech, The WSJ reported on Monday.
Mentioned are Germany (by Chinese owned Kuka), Japan and Turkey. (S.
Korea's Hanwa was involved in the past.)
https://dailycaller.com/2024/06/24/american-factory-supplying-ammo-us-ukraine-reliant-foreign-tech/
***
Defense Journal
by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY
Drones and more: Turkish defense cooperation trends in the air.
June 24
***
Defense News:
The inanely named European Peace Facility. Formed in 2021, it’s
effectively an account outside the regular books, which means it
faces fewer restrictions on what it can be used for.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/21/the-eus-fresh-designs-for-funding-a-defense-resurgence-explained/
***
Retweet @@MarshyNic:
In this new brief @juliapalik1 and I look at whether
it would be easy for Saudi Arabia to find alternative arms supplies
if exports were stopped by the US and European states. We look its
own industry and the practical problems of alternative exporters.
https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/4034bc25-04f4-475b-a7eb-7b690863f3fc/MidEast%20Policy%20Brief%2002-2024.pdf
***
Chinese
#Norinco recalibrates in hunt for new sales. It has displayed
Nato-standard artillery at #Eurosatory in France in an attempt to
boost its land-based weapons exports after Russian weapons industry
tied up by Ukraine war and Western sanctions.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3267813/chinese-arms-firm-shows-nato-standard-artillery-aim-boosting-weapon-exports
June 23
***
“Het #MIC
is de innige samenwerking tussen politiek, krijgsmacht &
wapenindustrie. Deze term moet nodig uit de mottenballen, waar hij
ooit is opgeborgen samen met een term als 'kapitalisme'. We hebben
onze verklarende concepten nodig,” Wendela van @CTWnl. aldus
@WendelaVries van @CTWnl
https://www.doorbraak.eu/nationalisme-en-bangmakerij-voor-macht-en-winst
***
New blog for
@CTWnl: We need two tier approach to control military AI. This
important field of autonomous warfighting, is not a technical issue
alone, but also connected to the power politics of this world.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2024/06/we-need-two-tier-approach-to-control_23.html
***
World's leading
#nuclear powers spent a record $91.4bn on their nuclear weapons in
2023--good for a 13.4% increase over 2022 spending-ICAN has reported.
the US increased its nuclear spending by almost 18% to a record
51.5bn.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/spending-by-world-nuclear-powers-soared-to-91-4-billion-in-2023/ar-BB1oE0AZ
***
Dozens of
protesters blocked access to the Port of #Vancouver for hours
Thursday morning, calling for an #arms #embargo on #Israel.
Organizers of the protest said more than 100 people were gathered, blocking access points.
***
The
partnership agreement between #Russia and North #Korea has
unexpectedly positively affected Ukraine. It breaks South Korea's
reluctance to supply weapons to Ukraine. Seoul may transfer 105 and
155 mm shells to Ukraine first.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/south-korea-breaks-neutrality-to-arm-ukraine-against-russia/ar-BB1oHqUb
***
Serbian
ammunition exports worth €800 million ($855 million) have arrived
in Ukraine via third parties, the FT said, citing estimates it
obtained.
https://www.azerbaycan24.com/en/west-has-sent-serbian-made-ammo-worth-855mn-to-ukraine-media/
June 22
***
#Barclays:
"We don't invest in defence companies. We occasionally hold
shares but they are on behalf of our clients."
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsbirmingham/barclays-boss-rages-about-respect-after-spate-of-pro-palestine-bank-attacks/ar-BB1oCJwf
Tone differs compared to earlier remarks. B: "provides 'vital financial services' to ... companies," like #Elbit. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/06/14/barclays-ends-sponsorship-latitude-backlash-israel-ties/
***
Moscow's
stuttering war machine. Russia's arms industry is overwhelmed, the
weapons do not function well, & the sanctions are scaring off
many buyers.
The West has to step up its efforts to
take the market share, is the conclusion of this article full of
valuable info.
Retweet
@PWezeman:
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/putins-toxische-waffen-die-probleme-von-russlands-ruestungsindustrie-19797017.html
June 21
***
Autocratic &
gross human rights vbiolater, the #UAE announces $2bn in military
contracts. The order at Swedish #SAAB for the GlobalEye (airborne
early warning & control plane) makes ½ of this amount. (While
1/3 goes to US based #Raytheon for Patriots).
https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/uae-announces-2-billion-in-defence-contracts-confirms-saab-globaleye-deal-idUSKBN2AM1HE/
***
The
international community has before it 2 official proposals for a
peace settlement to end the war in Ukraine. Diplomats & analysts
should give thought to whether they could provide the starting point
for negotiations towards an eventual compromise.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/ukraine-peace/
***
#Duitse
strijdkrachten bestellen nog 2 F126 multifunctionele #fregatten bij
Damen Naval. Dit is "geweldig nieuws" volgens #Damen een vd
grootste Nederlandse militaire bedrijven en monopolist op het gebied
van oppervlakte schepen voor de Nederlandse marine.
https://maritimetechnology.nl/nl/actueel/duitse-strijdkrachten-bestellen-nog-twee-f126-multifunctionele-fregatten-bij-damen-naval/
***
Ammo firms
tell EU to ‘hurry up’ with 155mm shell aid top-up. European
policymakers should urgently provide more funding to increase
production of the propellant and explosives.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/20/european-ammo-firms-tell-eu-to-hurry-up-with-155mm-shell-aid-top-up/
Because the call comes from the military industry selfinterest is part of it.
***
GAO Annual
Assessment of Weapon Systems
DoD plans to invest more than $2tr to
develop/acquire its costliest weapons, but continues to struggle with
delivering innovative tech quickly. Weapon systems are more complex
and driven by software than ever before. Recent reforms ....were
intended for faster results, but slow, linear development approaches
persist.
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24766207/gao-24-106831-weapon-systems-annual-assessment_-dod-is-not-yet-well-positioned-to-field-systems-with-speed.pdf
***
Action guide:
The complicity of Europe in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians
is both criminal, immoral & unwise. Various military embargo
campaigns in Europe have been successful. The campaigns can learn
from each other and build stronger coordination.
https://bdsmovement.net/Military-Embargo-Europe-Campaign-Guide
***
#France plans
to build #Europe’s most powerful classified #supercomputer to take
the lead in #AI for military purposes, Armed Forces Minister
Sébastien Lecornu announced at the Eurosatory defense show.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/18/france-preps-europes-fastest-classified-supercomputer-for-defense-ai/
Limits are there to impose on those outside the West.
***
AI for war
preparations in #space.
Large fleets of civil; and military #satellites enter space. Could they provide cover for space weapons or spy satellites?
#DARPA aims to use #AI to uncover & flag those potentially nefarious capabilities (of the other).
***
#Russia is
buying 2nd-hand Japanese Tsugami computer numeric control #CNC
machines from #China for the production of weapons.
The analysis of these purchases was released (https://c4ads.org/reports/war-machine/) by the US-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies #C4ADS. https://mil.in.ua/en/news/moscow-acquires-used-cnc-machines-from-china-for-arms-production/
***
Counter
trade: fighters in exchange for shells.
Reviving #Russia’s weapons exports to #Vietnam in focus as Putin visits Hanoi
Russia requires mainly artillery #shells for its war in Ukraine and could sell other weapons to its clients, analysts say.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3267345/reviving-russias-weapons-exports-vietnam-focus-putin-visits-hanoi
***
Jan
Hoekema: ‘In de huidige sombere geopolitieke werkelijkheid is het
zaak om in te zetten op transparantie en communicatie tussen de
kernwapenstaten. Anders loopt Europa het risico te veranderen in een
nucleair strijdtoneel.’
https://krant.volkskrant.nl/titles/volkskrant/7929/publications/2208/pages/22/articles/2062913/23/1
***
Conflict and
tension in the world. What is it good for?
The #US State Department has approved
the request of the #Taipei Economic & Cultural Representative
Office in the US to procure Altius 600M-V #drones and related
equipment for approximately $300m.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-34
***
retweet
@FrankSlijper: Denmark transferred F-35 spare parts
to Israel in March, just after Dutch court order that ordered the
government to stop supplying F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, which
uses them in deadly airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
https://middleeastmonitor.com/20240619-denmark-transferred-f-35-spare-parts-to-israel-in-march/
via @middleeastmnt
June 19
***
Defensie-expert
Ko Colijn over mogelijke uitweg voor Rusland en Oekraïne, waar
'Vrede' en 'onderhandelingen' taboe schijnen te zijn. Colijn komt met
een 'oneerlijke oplossing'.
https://archive.ph/F70pe#selection-909.1-909.73
***
Israel is not
only importing weapons it is also a major exporter.
The Israeli MoD said that Israeli arms exports valued about $12.9bn in 2023 - the 3rd year in a row that arms exports had broken records. Israeli arms exports have doubled the past 5 years. https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/israeli-arms-exports-hit-record-in-2023/
***
The missile
manufacturer #MBDA has unveiled an artificial intelligence-based #AI
capability to allow military forces to see hidden targets in
challenging combat environments.
https://www.defensenews.com/artificial-intelligence/2024/06/17/mbda-unveils-ai-based-ground-warden-tool-for-finding-hidden-targets/
***
Turkish
#Aselsan CEO Akyol talks export strategy, embargoes, air defence.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/17/aselsan-ceo-akyol-talks-export-strategy-embargoes-air-defense
***
Part 4 of a
series on #China’s military development, from weapons to its role
in the global supply chain.
Here the central role of Chinese #components in trade and more especially in arms producction. (+ The US reaction including eg the pressure on #ASML). https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3266929/us-wants-decouple-its-military-supplies-china-can-it
***
#Lockheed Martin
F-35s will become more expensive over the next four years, with
flyaway prices rising 16-18% depending on the variant. #F35
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/debrief-pricing-pinch-prompts-new-f-35-affordability-plans
***
Israeli
drones use French components to bomb civilians in Gaza: Report
Classified files and arms sale receipts show Israel bombed a hospital in Khan Younis after acquiring the French drone components.
https://thecradle.co/articles-id/25497
***
Remember
Hollanditis?
"On June 1, 2024, the Netherlands made history, becoming the first country to officially assign its F-35A stealth fighters to the nuclear strike role, a significant milestone for NATO’s military prowess."
***
Het hoofd
exportbeleid van de #VS, Alan Estevez, zal naar verwachting een al
langer lopend Amerikaans verzoek aan Den Haag herhalen om de export
van de chipmachinefabrikant #ASML aan #China verder te beperken.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1520653/amerikaanse-functionaris-gaat-nederland-bezoeken-om-te-pleiten-voor-meer-sancties-tegen-china
***
Pressure, what
pressure?
In reversal, Paris court says #Israeli firms should be allowed at #Eurosatory.
However, with further legal wrangling to come and with only a few days left in the exhibition, it's unclear what the ruling actually will change.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/in-reversal-paris-court-says-israeli-firms-should-be-allowed-at-eurosatory-defense-show/
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that US
Secretary of State Antony #Blinken had assured him that the Biden
administration was working to #cancel #restrictions on arms
deliveries to #Israel.
https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/israelgazawar/779248/netanyahu-says-blinken-assured-him-us-will-cancel-limits-on-weapons-su/en
June 17
***
To improve
the moode on a Monday morning: Role of nuclear weapons grows as
geopolitical relations deteriorate—new SIPRI Yearbook out now.
https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2024/role-nuclear-weapons-grows-geopolitical-relations-deteriorate-new-sipri-yearbook-out-now
Should be an motivation to let words 'ceasefire', 'arms control' & 'diplomacy' sound louder than 'war' & 'weaponry'.
***
The problem
for #Ukraine? #Arms dealers know they have hit the jackpot and
exploit the war to drive the price of weapons sky-high. The Sunday
Times obtained a list, revealing that the cost of many weapons has
risen as much as 5x over the course of the war.
https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/world-news/350312360/arms-dealers-and-allies-put-kyiv-bind
***
#French court
bans Israeli delegations and companies from #Eurosatory arms fair.
Association France Palestine Solidarité #AFPS announced a mass
demonstration outside the arms fair to call for an end to all arms
trade with #Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-806496
June 15
***
Deputy
Minister for Strategic Industries and the MoD of #Ukraine and #Dutch
MoD Ollongren signed a paper formulating the intentions of Ukraine
and the #Netherlands to create an effective mechanism for #financial
support for Ukrainian #arms manufacturers.
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/niderlandy-ta-ukraina-domovylys-pro-spivpratsiu-shchodo-finansovoi-pidtrymky-ukrainskykh-zbroiariv
***
Edinburgh
University’s Old College was blocked by protesters on Friday. They want the University to divest from
Amazon and Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. Both are partners in Project Nimbus ...
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24387546.scottish-university-blockaded-links-amazon-google/
***
Oxfam: 3% van
G7-militaire budget is genoeg om honger uit de wereld te helpen.
https://www.ipsnews.be/artikel/oxfam-3-procent-van-het-g7-defensiebudget-volstaat-om-honger-uit-de-wereld-te-helpen
Honger de wereld uit, dat is niet hoe we veiligheid creëren. Veiligheid draait om ons, onze invloed, onze industrie, onze voetafdruk, niet om de ander.
***
#Turkey’s
defence-#industrial partnerships shifted over time as the country’s
position in int politics has changed. In a joint project between
@IISS_org & the @CFPPR explore how this process has developed &
the tensions in the country’s current position.
https://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2024/06/adapting-security-the-intersection-of-turkiyes-foreign-policy-and-defence-industrialisation/
***
The
spectacular collapse of a #KNDS-#Leonardo agreement this week was a
sharp reminder that business is business to make money.
The team-up in Dec. 2023 to build tanks & fighting vehicles was touted as a key step towards EU military industry integration. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/14/german-italian-tank-kerfuffle-dings-vision-of-europeanized-arms/
***
#India
produces its first domestic #kamikaze #drones (one type manufactured
by Economic Explosives Ltd. -- part of Solar Group -- and the other
by Kadet Defence Systems) for use against infilatrators and for
export.
https://www.azerbaycan24.com/en/indian-army-gets-first-indigenous-kamikaze-drones-media/
***
#Israel’s
Aeronautics will pair kamikaze #drones with nearby surveillance
drones that can do battlefield surveillance before a strike and
damage assessment afterwards. Cynical?
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/israels-aeronautics-introduces-loitering-munition-surveillance-drone-combination/
June 14
***
Over
wapenindustrie als rupsje nooit genoeg en over zijn vrienden.
Pensioenfonds "ABP ziet ruimte voor meer beleggingen in defensiebedrijven. Maar dan moeten de hogere defensie-uitgaven wel voor langere tijd vastliggen." https://fd.nl/politiek/1520099/defensie-industrie-wil-geen-woorden-van-politici-maar-orders
***
#Nederlands
Min, v. Defensie wil een contract afsluiten met de Israëlische
wapenfabrikant #Elbit Systems.
De fabrikant wordt er door critici van beticht bij te dragen aan #mensenrechtenschendingen door het #Israëlische leger in Palestijns gebied.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1520098/defensie-overweegt-miljoenenorder-bij-omstreden-israelische-fabrikant
***
Emirati
defense giant Edge joins forces with #Indian firm #Adani with an eye
towards a host of military systems. The #UAE firm has been eyeing
expansion in multiple global markets, including Latin America &
East Asia, #EDGE Group's CEO Hamad Al Marar told.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/emirati-defense-giant-joins-forces-with-indian-firm-with-an-eye-towards-a-host-of-defense-systems/
***
Na 25 jaar
aanwezigheid vertrekken VN-troepen uit het oosten van #Congo. Juist
nu de belangrijkste stad omsingeld is door de rebellengroep #M23.
Ondanks voldoende bewijs dat Rwanda het offensief op Goma
orkestreert, blijven internationale reacties #lauw.
https://www.mo.be/reportage/moeten-wij-sterven-op-het-kerkhof-van-de-internationale-gemeenschap
***
#Spyware is a
serious business, and the primary regulatory approach the #US has
taken—export controls—has fallen short. The US should turn to a
broader range of sanctions to combat spyware, Mailyn Fidler of the
University of New Hampshire wrote.
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/sanctions-for-spyware
***
Nothing wrong
with sales, because nothing wrong with delivering weapon parts,
Canberra states. Not on ML lists?
Oct 2023, the RAAF boasted that more than 70 Australian companies had already directly shared more than $4.13 billion in global F-35 contracts. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-14/is-australia-sending-weapons-to-israel/103975910
June
12
***
Sensibel, but against
the tide
Oxfam urged wealthy nations to boost spending on ending hunger ahead of a G7 annual summit set to kick off in Italy on Thursday, saying that just 3% of G7 military spending could help solve the global food and debt crisis. https://wtaq.com/2024/06/11/oxfam-urges-g7-to-tap-fraction-of-military-spend-for-global-hunger-debt/
June 11
***
South China
Morning Post on:
#China warns against #Dutch naval ‘#intrusion’, disputes East China Sea encounter
Defence ministry disputes Netherlands’ account of last week’s ‘unsafe’ #incident between #PLA aircraft and Dutch #frigate.
***
Strict
implementation of arms control rules?
UK approved 108 arms export licences to Israel since Gaza war. Of the 108, 37 were categorised as military and 63 as non-military, which may include telecommunications equipment for use by Israeli military. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240611-uk-approved-more-than-100-arms-export-licences-to-israel-since-gaza-war/
***
Small tents
against major arms:
#Danish activists set up encampments, demand govt stop selling weapons to #Israel.
Activists say Danish company #Terma Group, along with others, contributed #F35 fighter jet programs, anti-drone equipment to Israeli forces.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/copenhagen-activists-set-up-encampments-demand-govt-stop-selling-weapons-to-israel/3245958
***
Anti-Erdogan-site:
government unconcerned about where arms exported by #Turkey are used.
Attention to drone sales to #Ethiopia #Ukraine & #Russian restraint due to Turkey’s decision not to join Western sanctions & its role in evading the embargo on Moscow. https://nordicmonitor.com/2024/06/erdogan-government-unconcerned-about-where-its-exported-weapons-are-used/
June 10
***
Lengthy
article on #Aussie arms exports to Israel. But the well known
elephant is missing. Components delivered to others - predominantly
US - are assembled into major weapons (like F-35s) which may be
exported to Israel. Transparency on this scheme is weak.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jun/10/more-transparency-needed-on-exports-to-israel-after-greens-exploited-system-labor-says
Greens
leader Adam Bandt has doubled down on anti-Israeli rhetoric, calling
for sanctions on the nation's "extreme war cabinet" and
defending confrontational pro-Palestine protests that have taken
place across Australia.
https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/greens-leader-adam-bandt-takes-on-critics-lies-calls-for-sanctions-on-israel-in-fiery-speech-at-propalestine-rally/
Australian
Greens: Statement on the two-way arms trade with the state of Israel.
https://greens.org.au/news/media-release/statement-two-way-arms-trade-state-israel
***
Belgrade to
Beersheba: Serbian Arms Flown to Israel During Assault on Gaza.
Investigation by Balkan Insight.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/06/10/belgrade-to-beersheba-serbian-arms-flown-to-israel-during-assault-on-gaza/
June 9
***
“#Israel”
Faces Academic #Boycott in Italy. At #Rome's University of La
Sapienza students underline that their actions aim to press the
university to stop cooperation with Israel and the Italian government
to halt #arms exports to Tel Aviv.
https://www.avapress.com/en/news/291651/israel-faces-academic-boycott-in-italy
***
Turkish
companies are emerging as significant suppliers of arms to Ukraine &
are supporting the US efforts to resolve Kyiv's ammo shortages.
However, this support is challenging Ankara's efforts to balance its
relationship with Moscow & its Western allies.
https://www.rfi.fr/en/podcasts/international-report/20240608-how-turkey-s-support-for-ukraine-is-a-double-edged-sword-russia
June 8
***
Reasuring?
Conflict with China is inevitable—but controllable.
"The Cold War was a frightening time. But it was better managed than we may think. War [directly between the super powers, MB] was avoided."
https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/06/06/china-cold-war-rules-competition/
Sssst.... sometimes we were close to disaster.
***
#Danish firm
#Terma has signed a contract to supply new radars for the #Belgian
and #Dutch Navy’s anti-submarine warfare #ASW frigates.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/06/07/belgium-netherlands-navy-frigate-radar/
***
The US
delivers Israel fighter aircraft
(https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/israel-to-buy-25-more-f-35-fighter-jets-from-lockheed-martin).
Israel’s UVision delivers modified Hero-120 kamikaze drones
(vallued $74-million) to the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
https://www.joint-forces.com/special-forces/73641-hero-120sf-loitering-munitions-for-us-socom
***
Linsey
Cottrell, "National #climate action plans must include
military emissions," Conflict and Environment Observatory
#CEOBS, June 4, '24.
https://ceobs.org/national-climate-action-plans-must-include-military-emissions/
Why is the part of States said to aim for security intransparent on its emissions harming the security of us all?
***
Nederland
participeert voor € 400m met Denemarken in een Zweeds fonds om
CV90-gevechtsvoertuigen te bouwen voor Oekraïne.
?ﾟﾇﾧThe #Netherlands participates with #Denmark for €400m in a #Swedish fund to build #CV90 IFV vehicles 4 Ukraine.
NL DoD letter: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/06/07/actieplan-voor-snellere-productie-en-levering-van-militair-materieel
***
De website
academiccomplicity.nl wil de ‘medeplichtigheid’ van
universiteiten aan de oorlog tegen de Palestijnen in kaart brengen.
@TheRightsForum, Stop Wapenhandel @CTWnl en het rechtsbureau ELSC
doen eraan mee.
https://www.folia.nl/nl/actueel/162259/website-brengt-universitaire-banden-met-israel-in-kaart
***
European arms
company #KNDS announced on June 7 the establishment of a branch in
Ukraine.
KNDS produces Leopard tanks and Caesar
self-propelled howitzers, both of which Kyiv has in service. It is
headquartered in Amsterdam and owned by German and French arms
producers.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/producer-caesar-howitzers-set-branch-164111163.html
Headquartered is an exaggeration. There's a financial holding
at the G. Mahlerlaan 1017 in Amsterdam. Its aim: tax evasion for the
company and the use the Netherlands for this aim.
Security is just a product to make
profit on for entities such as KNDS.
https://www.bedrijvenregister.nl/amsterdam/kmw-nexter-defense-systems-nv
KNDS will set up shop in Ukraine to repair heavy weapons,
make ammo
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/07/knds-will-set-up-shop-in-ukraine-to-repair-heavy-weapons-make-ammo/
***
Germany and its
support for war in Gaza
Protesters in Tel Aviv urge Germany to stop sending arms to Israel. Israeli police remove protesters sitting in front of German Embassy in Tel Aviv, detain 5 individuals.
https://www.usmuslims.com/protesters-in-tel-aviv-urge-germany-to-stop-sending-arms-to-israel-253244h.htm
Protestors
at German embassy in Tel Aviv call for a stop in arms to Israel
https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/protestors-german-embassy-tel-aviv-call-stop-arms-israel
June 7
***
"At [a]
time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our
greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance,” #Israel’s
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said of signing the $3bn #F35 deal
with the #US @POTUS Biden administration.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/amidst-gaza-tensions-israel-signs-f-35-deal-with-us-for-25-more-warplanes/
***
Palestine
Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal said that the school attack is
“another horrifying chapter in Israel’s genocide,” and asked:
“Will the arms trade with Israel be ended? Will Israel be cut off
financially and diplomatically?”
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/another-day-another-war-crime
June 6
***
"In the first ten months of 2023, imports of what the U.S., EU, UK, and other partners of Ukraine have identified as priority battlefield goods reached $8.77 billion—only a 10% decline compared to the pre-sanctions period."
"Appendix 4 lists the more than 250 companies included in the analysis."
https://sanctions.kse.ua/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Challenges-of-Export-Controls-Enforcement.pdf
***
Since 7
October, arms exports have increased almost tenfold. Germany is thus
contributing actively to Israel’s security — yet possibly also to
war crimes committed in Gaza, IPS reported.
https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/foreign-and-security-policy/germanys-fall-from-grace-7536/
***
1/2
After facing months of criticism from the Greens, the #Australian
government has given its most detailed account yet of Israel-bound
equipment. It also hit back at what it labelled as “misinformation”
about the alleged supply of arms & ammo to #Israel.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jun/05/australia-only-granted-defence-export-permits-to-israel-for-repair-of-equipment-since-conflict-estimates-told
2/2 The Greens yesterday sated: Just today, Israel has
ordered another 25 F-35s that use components only made in Australia
to drop bombs in Gaza.
https://greens.org.au/news/media-release/statement-labors-attempt-distract-slaughter-gaza
The issue of components towards the US for unreported re-export is
not only and issue for Canbera, but all NATO countries involved in
the F-35 program.
***
1/2 With the
European ‘Future Combat Air System’ #FCAS
led by France, Germany, and Spain progressively taking shape, MBDA
Germany has unveiled a conceptual standoff-range cruise missile
(range 500km) that it believes could become part of the FCAS.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/mbda-unveils-new-cruise-missile-concept/
2/2 The
Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System #FCAS & the
UK-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme #GCAP both have
#European roots (what a deliberate road to waste), and should
consider common subsystems, according to a top #MBDA executive.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/mbda-wants-common-weapons-flying-on-scaf-gcap-executive/
***
Towards a
split world.
#Intel CEO Gelsinger said that the #US authorities will boost the progress of #Huawei chip products in China due to extreme export controls & restrictions. He also mentioned how the #chipmaker will deal with business in #China. https://www.huaweicentral.com/u-s-export-controls-will-boost-huawei-chip-development-in-china-intel-ceo/
June 5
***
Canadian
actions to call for an end to the #arms trade between #Canada and
#Israel and against arms productions in and sales to Canada.
Grassroots Palestine solidarity movements, unions, student groups and others were incvolved. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/canada-activists-target-arms-trade-manufacturers
***
Luchtvaartmaatschappij
#Challenge_Airlines wordt in #België aangeklaagd vanwege het vervoer
van munitie en explosieven via de luchthaven van #Luik. In #Nederland
werken overheid en bedrijfsleven nog steeds samen met de #Israëlische
#oorlogsindustrie.
https://rightsforum.org/belgische-regering-vervolgt-airline-om-transport-van-wapens-naar-israel/
***
Defending the
nation or ...
Retired US Navy Vice Chief of Naval
Operations, Adm. Robert Burke, and the co-CEOs of a Navy contractor
have been indicted over an alleged #bribery scheme to steer contracts
to the executives' company, the US DoJ announced.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/retired-navy-admiral-and-business-executives-arrested-bribery-scheme
Defending
the nation or ...
A US Army lieutenant colonel was arrested Thursday on charges that he #illegally #imported #firearms parts from foreign countries including Russia and dealt weapons without a license, federal prosecutors said. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2024/05/03/army-lieutenant-colonel-charged-with-smuggling-firearm-parts/
***
More than
2000 public servants have signed an open letter since 30 May,
condemning the Australian Government for its complicity in the
alestinian genocide.
https://solidarity.net.au/highlights/public-servants-attacked-over-open-letter-opposing-israeli-arms-trade/
The letter ends with a call that the Australian Government
immediately....:
The letter ends with a call that the
Australian Government immediately: (…)
- cancel all
contracts and cooperation with Israeli weapons suppliers, including
its $917 million contract with Elbit Systems to supply components for
the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles
- disclose all information
relating to the sale of military export licences to Australian
companies supplying weapons and weapons components to Israel directly
and/or indirectly.
***
The
Commission president's announcement of a defense commissioner “is
pure PR and [is] an ill-funded approach” an EU official complained.
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-defense-commissioner-the-flashy-new-job-that-aint-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/
EU should 1st gain centralised military
power (now parts are spread over several commissionairs), Politico
argued.
***
Retweet
with omment: "Ik denk dat we op deze manier een oorlog ingezogen
worden", zegt Rob de Wijk. "We begonnen met scherfvesten en
met helmen. En we zitten nu in discussie over het centrum van
trainers, F16's en het bestoken van doelen in Rusland. Iedere keer
gaat dat natuurlijk een stuk verder."
Russisch
grondgebied mag aangevallen worden met westerse wapens: dit is wat
dat betekent - EenVandaag
https://eenvandaag.avrotros.nl/item/russisch-grondgebied-mag-aangevallen-worden-met-westerse-wapens-dit-is-wat-dat-betekent/
June 4
***
With the Biden
administration finalising a security and civil nuclear assistance
pact with #Riyadh, and a possible side-deal to lift its ban on
offensive weapons, the #US arms industry is readying itself for a new
wave of weapons contracts ... [paywall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2024/06/04/us-arms-groups-focus-on-riyadh-operations-ahead-of-imminent-us-saudi-security-pact,110244037-art
***
#Airbus
Defence and Space werkt samen met #AI start-up #NeuralAgent aan het
AI deel voor het Future Combat Air System, #FCAS.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240530349280/nl
#Airbus
teams with German startup Helsing for #AI tech. #Helsing will
“contribute its AI stack of relevant software-defined #mission
capabilities, including the fusion of various sensors and algorithms
for electronic #warfare,” a joint statement said.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/airbus-reveals-futuristic-wingman-concept-teams-with-german-startup-helsing-for-ai-tech/
***
Arms race in
Europe, Francesco Vignarca
(@kkvignarca): “Peace is always a possible and viable option, but it takes courage”
“If all the stakes are on the escalation and intensification of the conflict, there is clearly less room for alternative routes”
***
Retweet
@SeeNewsCompany: Dutch shipbuilding group
Damen has filed a bankruptcy request against Damen Shipyards
Mangalia, its joint venture with the Romanian government in which
Damen holds a 49% stake, court documents
show.https://x.com/SeeNewsCompany/status/1797208032927199615
***
PT #Len
Industri (#Persero) and #Thales signed an agreement on May 30, 2024
to create a joint venture #JV aimed at enhancing #Indonesia's
military capabilities by strengthening local industrial activities in
manufacturing, engineering and services.
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/Thales-joint-venture-agreement-with-Persero-in-Indonesia-46884749/
PT LEN AND THALES SIGN JV AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN INDONESIAN DEFENCE https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/pt-len-and-thales-sign-jv-agreement-strengthen
***
The CiC of
the #UAE Armed Forces Lt-General Al-Mazrouei is said to have received
a briefing from #Lockheed Martin officials about the Mako
multi-mission #hypersonic missile. Why is the UAE interested in the
Mako? https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62772
[paywall]
Arms control? Or export?
***
Dismissing
concerns on #missile integration on the new Dutch #subs, DoD-sec Vd
Maat stated the #Netherlands “has no info that would indicate that
the risk that the new #submarines cannot be equipped with a cruise
missile is greater at any of the yards.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/netherlands-refutes-relaxed-requirements-allegation-for-new-subs-us-worry-over-tomahawks/
***
Race toward
#AI is governed by what she called the “#terminator #problem” —if
one state has it, all believe they need it to feel secure— an
environment that makes regulating AI so difficult.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/06/03/ai-regulators-fear-getting-drowned-out-by-hype-of-wars/
This asks for more diplomacy, arms
control, not a Cold War 2.0.
***
#France
bans #Israeli firms from Europe’s biggest defense show. #Eurosatory
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/05/31/france-bans-israeli-firms-from-europes-biggest-defense-show/
It's possitive, but also just a start.
When do EU nations stop buying Israeli weapons? (Acquisitions which
support the military industry of Israel).
Angry over #Gaza,
France bars Israeli firms from major defense show #Eurosatory. An exhibitor list shows dozens of
Israeli firms are already signed up to show off their wares at the
upcoming defense exhibition in #Paris.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/angry-over-gaza-france-bars-israeli-firms-from-major-defense-show-eurosatory
Unpleasant? France’s last-minute
decision to bar Israeli firms from an upcoming #Eurosatory arms fair
was a “surprise” and “unpleasant,” according to a CEO at
#IAI, among the first to publicly address the French government’s
controversial move.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/wrong-narrative-iai-exec-decries-french-ban-on-israeli-firms-at-eurosatory/
Coalition of NGOs: The French government, which has banned the arrival of Israeli companies at Eurosatory under pressure from a coalition of organizations, must stop all transfers of arms to Israel in compliance with France's international commitments. https://aser-asso.org/le-coges-organisateur-deurosatory-2024-assigne-en-justice-par-des-ongs/
June 3
***
#Militarisation
of #Europe at the cost of arms export control.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/militarisation-of-europe-at-the-cost-of-arms-export-control/
