Latest
on top (updated regularly):
September 16
***
https://x.com/ThierryBreton/status/1835565206639972734
Article just before
by Straits Times: EU to name new defence tsar – but is the job a
dud? "Now the defence brief is expected to be spun off to a
dedicated new commissioner – with Mr Breton promoted to a more
senior role overseeing industrial growth across the bloc."
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/eu-to-name-new-defence-tsar-but-is-the-job-a-dud
***
Nederlands: Airbus investeert in een bedrijf dat betrokken is bij
mensenrechtenschendingen in het door militairen bestuurde Myanmar.
Daarmee schendt het bedrijf volgens deskundigen de internationale
richtlijnen omtrent mensenrechten.
https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/airbus-in-myanmar
Engels: Airbus is investing in a company involved in human rights
violations in military-ruled Myanmar. According to experts, the
company is violating international guidelines on human rights. [in
Dutch] https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/airbus-in-myanmar
September
15
***
The federal government
has once again assured Parliament that Canada has not exported lethal
military equipment to Israel, following renewed accusations linking
Canadian-made arms to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
https://www.westernstandard.news/news/canada-reaffirms-no-arms-exports-to-israel-amid-criticism/57698
September 14
***
Regering
kiest voor wapens.
Tja hoe duidelijk kan het zijn?!
De gewapende tak van de buitenlandse politiek krijgt er in 2022-2025 €14,8mrd bij. https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/ronl-0463bae6dd47d0837c71accce45e6e1a06882054/pdf Aan diplomatieke kant gaat er af. De bezuinigingen op ambassades e.d, bedragen 10%.
***
37 UK MPs
demand explanation on failure to prevent #F35 fighter jet #parts
reaching #Israel. They said the government's position risks
'continued UK complicity in Israel's grave violations of
international law in the illegally occupied West Bank and Gaza'.
***
The thing
about arms production is that it all rusts unproductively or goes up
in smoke. Nothing of value (...) comes out of it. Contrast this to
the economic benefits of building, houses, hospitals, schools or a
railway or a merchant ship.
There is a sort of benefit for the
people directly involved in arms production but, as well as the death
and destruction, the profits arising from arms production come as a
burden on everyone else and on society in general.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/we-are-still-wedded-eye-watering-arms-spending-and-theres-no-good-reasons-it
***
#Sudan’s
Permanent Representative to the UN, Al-Harith Idriss reiterated
Sudan’s accusations against the United Arab Emirates for #arming
the RSF. “The #UAE is heavily involved with the RSF and bears
significant responsibility.”
https://www.madamasr.com/en/2024/09/13/news/u/sudan-nashra-military-armed-movements-repel-major-rsf-assault-on-fasher-un-security-council-renews-sanctions-on-sudan-darfur-arms-embargo/
***
Next step in
#EU policy to strengthen its independent military industry away from
Uncle Sam (and its very old mad leaders)?
#US announced the sale of 32 #F35A JSFs to #Romania. (Vallued +/- $7.2 bn.)
Oh its just empty words.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/romania-f-35-aircraft
***
Ruim 100
semiautomatische wapens in beslag genomen bij onderzoek naar
wapenhandel in Brussel.
https://www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/ruim-100-semiautomatische-wapens-in-beslag-genomen-bij-onderzoek-naar-wapenhandel-in-brussel~b667be73/
***
The
prioritiet van het Kabinet Wilders/Schoof is duidelijk (The priority
is clear):
To pay for the new equipment, defense spending will continue to rise, even as the new Dutch government looks to cut spending elsewhere in the government budget.
***
Ottawa-based
company is key to keeping Israeli warplanes bombing Gaza.
Around the world, peace organizations are targetting ‘sole-source suppliers’ of F-35 jet parts like Canadian Gastops to stop Israel’s assault on Gaza.
https://breachmedia.ca/israeli-warplanes-canadian-gastops/
***
Workers on
strike, at #Boeing, for highter wages in the civil/military
aeronautic firm is the sixth largest #military company (42% of the
revenue comes from military sales, 32 billion in 2022
https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/) of the world.
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3085396-boeing-workers-strike-over-contract-dispute-halting-production
***
#Ukrain weapons
Putin said that if the US lets Kyiv fire Western weapons deeper into #Russia, it would mean #NATO is waging war on #Russia.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/09/13/biden-starmer-ukraine-weapons-white-house/
But Biden don't thinks often about Putin. We'll see what form of cloud the result of this apathic policy will be.
September 13
***
De
symbolische waarde van #wapens in tijden van (binnenlandse) #oorlog?
Gelukkig is de tekst preciezer en ernstiger dan deze ankeiler.
#Rusland als #Myanmar verhandelen niet veel meer dan wapentuig, waardoor hun paringsdans voornamelijk symbolisch is.
https://www.mo.be/analyse/rusland-en-myanmar-in-eenzame-paringsdans
Wat mij 't meest opviel is in dit VK bericht niet verwerkt. De wapenproducenten in Kroatië zijn mogelijk minder loyaal dan gewenst en zo komen nieuwe wapens op de markt, aldus OO illegale wapenhandel Zlatko Trokic 50:50
Uitzending https://npo.nl/start/serie/de-wapenroute/seizoen-1/wapenroute/afspelen
***
On September
9, 2024 a #Corruption trial started in a #Paris court #France. The
allegations against everal high-ranking French military officers and
senior executives of the logistics company International Chartering
Systems #ICS raise questions.
https://aviation.direct/en/Corruption-trial-in-France%3A-allegations-against-military-and-logistics-companies-raise-questions
***
Paula
Riseborough says the hypocrisy of allied countries supplying weapons
while calling for a ceasefire is plain as day. Michael McLoughlin
says the remaining 320 UK arms licences will still result in death.
https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/12/suspending-some-israel-arms-sales-is-a-small-step-in-the-right-direction
***
#US continues
to impose sanctions on #Chinese suppliers to #Pakistan’s Ballistic
Missile Program. These sanctions are being imposed because these
entities & individual knowingly transferred equipment and tech
controlled under #MTCR to a non-MTCR country.
https://www.state.gov/united-states-continues-to-impose-sanctions-on-suppliers-to-pakistans-ballistic-missile-program/
China-Pakistan defence ties threatened by new US sanctions
The fresh measures by the Washington entangle Islamabad in the superpowers' tense rivalry, analysts said. Companies https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/China-Pakistan-defense-ties-threatened-by-new-U.S.-sanctions
***
Oorlog,
militarisering en de klimaatcrisis
Reserveer hier
(https://stopwapenhandel.org/oorlog-militarisering-en-de-klimaatcrisis/)
je plek voor dinsdag 24 september voor het programma Militarisme,
imperialisme en de klimaatboomerang in Pakhuis de Zwijger Amsterdam.
***
#Saudi
Arabia is optimistic about gaining access to #US chipmaker #Nvidia’s
high-performance chips, which would enable it to develop and operate
the most advanced artificial intelligence models.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/13/saudi-arabia-expects-to-get-advanced-nvidia-chips-within-next-year.html
Really? #Riyadh may pass the ballotage for #AI-chips?
September 12
***
Takeaways
from AP’s report on #Russian and #US influence in Central African
Republic. The struggle for influence. #Wagner or #Bancroft Global
Development as private military company #PMC for the Central African
Republic #CAR.
https://wtop.com/world/2024/09/takeaways-from-aps-report-on-russian-and-u-s-influence-in-central-african-republic/
***
Verschillende
#Australische soldaten zijn hun militaire onderscheidingen
kwijtgeraakt om #wandaden tijdens missies in #Afghanistan. "Dit
zal altijd een nationale #schande blijven", oordeelt de
Australische Defensieminister.
https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/buitenland/artikel/5470386/australische-militairen-onderscheiding-kwijt-gruweldaden-rapport
***
Amnesty
Int reported on “large quantities” of “recently manufactured
weapons & military equipment from countries such as Russia,
China, #NATO member #Turkey, and ally of the West the #UAE (..) being
imported (..) into #Sudan and then diverted into #Darfur.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/09/fanning-flames
***
#Lockheed
will team with #Tata on the development of the C-130J Super #Hercules
tactical airlifter in #India. The agreement supports New Delhi’s
Medium Transport Aircraft program “while also deepening India-US
strategic ties,” the US military giant said.
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2024-09-10-Lockheed-Martin-and-Tata-Advanced-Systems-Announce-Agreement-to-Expand-C-130J-Super-Hercules-Opportunities-in-India
***
Dutch
minister warns of ‘domino effect’ if ROK goes #nuclear to deter
North #Korea.
@DefensieMin says Seoul and partners should pursue nonproliferation, but says decision on nukes is up to South Korea. #NPV https://www.nknews.org/2024/09/dutch-minister-warns-of-domino-effect-if-rok-goes-nuclear-to-deter-north-korea/
***
Israeli Gal
Haimovich pleaded guilty in a US court for illegally shipping US
aircraft parts and avionics to Russia, in violation of export
controls imposed following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It
includes parts that had missile tech applications.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-pleads-guilty-to-shipping-us-made-avionics-to-russia-violating-sanctions/
September 12
***
How much is known about where #Australia is sending its arms, and how many arms it is importing? https://theconversation.com/what-we-know-about-australias-arms-exports-weve-analysed-the-data-238563
***
Naval sleepte
de onderzeebootorder order van €5,6 mrd in de wacht, naar verluidt
1½ mrd minder dan de concurrerende biedingen van Damen en HDW.
https://fd.nl/economie/1530314/nederlandse-defensie-industrie-krijgt-impuls-van-1-mrd-door-franse-duikbotendeal
Dat is €1,4 mrd per boot. Meer dan Ko
Colijn
(https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2018/07/de-onderzeeboot-en-het-kwartetten-van.html)
in 2018 voorspelde (zelfs als je inflatie verrekent) voorspelde en
die werd van overdrijven beticht door onze nationale
opperveiligheidsdeskundige.
***
#Norway
“decided to normalize its practice for exporting defense material
and multi-purpose goods for military use to #Turkey.” This changes
comes 5 years after imposing the ban because of Ankara’s military
operation in northern #Syria.
https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/11092024
September
11
***
Very slowly
it seems to trickle down; Israel is doing something you can not
support with arms. Canada's FA Minister Joly announced the suspension
of 30 arms licenses for Israel & will block a US contract for
Quebec-made ammo intended the Israeli military.
https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/canada-blocks-us-ammunition-sale-to-israel-amid-conflict-4f4cfc3f
Correction:
What Mélanie Joly Said And Didn’t Say About Israel Arms Exports
‘Is the government of Canada moving forward with suspending or dissolving actual permits, or is this some sort of ad hoc arrangement?’ https://www.readthemaple.com/what-melanie-joly-said-and-didnt-say-about-israel-arms-exports/
***
Terwijl op hoger onderwijs een miljard wordt bezuinigd en cultuur en jeugdzorg worden uitgekleed investeert het rechtse kabinet 2,4 miljard euro in de krijgsmacht. Volgens de regering “na decennia van bezuinigingen” maar dat is apert onjuist, stelt @CTWnl https://stopwapenhandel.org/geen-nieuwe-wapenwedloop/
***
Tariq Ali on
US & UK arming Israel’s war on Gaza, Pakistan protests &
macron’s embrace of the right.
With clip and transcript.
https://www.democracynow.org/2024/9/10/tariq_ali
***
Elite policies
EU countries are buying too much of their military equipment abroad, almost 2/3 of it in the US. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/09/09/eu-buys-too-much-defense-equipment-abroad-especially-from-us-report/
The next sale of F-35s to a EU member is named in the article.
The US is painted as
an example. But the US (and its States & population) have
numerous budget related problems & is awash in debt
(https://www.usdebtclock.org/).
Still it spends more on the military as the next 9 countries combined
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_with_highest_military_expenditures).
However this
sponsorship of the military industry is mentioned as an example to the
EU members by Draghi. Higher military budgets is a major aim, while
acquisitions in the US will continue. And who will pay the price? The
ordinary citizens & the climate.
https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/97e481fd-2dc3-412d-be4c-f152a8232961_en
***
The
#Canada Border Services Agency #CBSA has historically requested
#password information from #travelers to search their #GSMs, personal
#computers and #tablets, on the basis that these devices are
#searchable like all other “goods” coming into Canada.
https://www.taxandtradelaw.com/Tax-Trade-Blog/customs-routine-smartphone-searches-held-unconstitutional.html
September 9
***
True or just
a bit?
How the US used arms sales to shift
#Saudi behavior
Weapons exports are a fickle tool. Why
did they work this time?
https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2024/09/how-us-used-arms-sales-shift-saudi-behavior/399259/
Saudi border guards have carried out mass killings of Ethiopian migrants at the Yemeni border in the described period.
***
It is
reported China, Russia pitch defence hardware to MENA at the first
Egypt airshow.
When looking at exhibitors however:
China (10 exh)
Russia (15 exh)
US (21 exh) (Besides Egypt itself (50
exh), the most numerous)
https://www.egypt-air-show.com/exhibitors
***
There is a
broad trend where #US-made and #NATO-grade arms into the illegal
circuits in #India. Stocks from #Afghanistan form a major part.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/how-nato-weapons-are-fueling-violence-in-india-the-shady-path-from-europe-to-terrorists/articleshow/113087511.cms
***
De Franse en
Duitse politie hebben aan #Oekraïne geleverde Navo-#wapens in beslag
genomen, nadat ze waren opgedoken in het #criminele circuit. De vrees
bestaat dat wapens uit de oorlog binnenkort ook terecht zullen komen
bij criminelen in #Nederland.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/aan-oekraine-geleverde-navo-wapens-in-beslag-genomen-die-in-criminele-circuit-waren-beland~be413d4c/
***
Some villains
are fitted to cooperate with even when military business is the issue
at stake.
Updates on the JV between #Saudi Arabian Military Industries #SAMI and #Hanwha Group to localize air defense systems in the #Kingdom.https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62973
***
#French
#Rafale fighter jets deals to #Croatia and #Serbia part of an
unfolding #Balkan arms race. The Rafale deals are an example of
security competition in this part of south-east Europe. #Bosnia wants
to become NATO member asap because of this #strife.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/09/06/balkan-arms-race-makes-nato-membership-for-bosnia-more-urgent/
***
Sell those
thugs some more weapons or better don't.
A #US woman was #shot and #killed by #Israeli #troops in the West Bank on Friday, AP was told.
Dr Ward Basalat said the 26-year-old woman was shot in the head and died after arriving at a hospital.
***
The leaders
of the #EU have, on the face of it, delivered on a promise made
following #Putin’s invasion of #Ukraine to end the #export of EU
goods, machinery & parts critical to Russia’s war effort.
Yet things are not quite as straightforward as they seem. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-sneaky-way-that-russia-is-still-evading-western-sanctions/
***
Thousands
Rally Against #Weapons #Expo in #Melbourne.. Anti-War Activists Clash
with Police Amid Rising Tensions.. Arrests Made as Protests Intensify
and Disrupt Major Traffic Routes
https://news.faharas.net/66775/anti-war-protestors-descend-upon-melbourne-2/
***
Human Rights
policy?
#Egypt getting first 2 Super Hercules cargo aircraft, #Lockheed Martin says.
The new tankers are expected to replace the older fleet of 24 C-130H aircraft that Cairo operates.
State Department HR-report: https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/
***
#Iraq has
finalized a contract for the purchase of 14 Caracal #H225M multi-role
#Eurocopter/#Airbus Helicopters troop transport helicopters
(https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/military-helicopters/h225m).
The deal includes 12 new aircraft and two pre-owned units slated for
modernization.
***
Controle
export strategische goederen gebruikt als wapen i.p.v.
wapenbeheersing.
Henk Overbeek, hoogleraar aan de Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam: “(De Verenigde Staten) probeert de
voortgang van de Chinese economie en Chinese bedrijven te belemmeren
in de ontwikkeling van geavanceerde technologieën. De nieuwe CEO van
ASML dit ook duidelijk heeft gemaakt. Hij zei dat de Amerikaanse
beperkingen eerder waren ingegeven door economische overwegingen dan
door nationale veiligheidsoverwegingen, en door een poging om de
vooruitgang van China op het gebied van geavanceerde technologie te
vertragen.”
https://www.nu.nl/economie/6327113/asml-topman-wantrouwt-beperkingen-die-vs-oplegt-voor-handel-met-china.html
Nederland
breidt exportcontrolemaatregel uit voor geavanceerde
productieapparatuur halfgeleiders
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/09/06/nederland-uitbreiding-exportcontrolemaatregel-geavanceerde-productieapparatuur-halfgeleiders
***
Whats worse
working with Maduro or MbS?
Updates concerning the joint
venture between #Saudi Arabian Military Industries #SAMI and
#L3Harris, including systems eyed for development and future
collaboration opportunities between the two companies. [behind
paywall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62966
***
When you've a
dangerous northern neighbour exporting its arms to cause death and
havoc.
#Texas firearms are increasingly finding their way into the hands of #Mexican #drugcartels & organized crime syndicates, exacerbating violence & instability in #Mexico. https://www.thetechedvocate.org/texas-is-arming-mexicos-gunmen/
***
An overview
of the JV between #Saudi military firm #SAMI & (juridically
#Rotterdam based) #MBDA to produce common anti-air modular missiles.
Report includes info on production plans and #endusers & talks on
localizing other MBDA missiles [Behind [Paywall]
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62963-saudi-sami-and-mbda-jv-to-localize-camm-missiles-production
***
Ukraine’s
#F16s doing a ‘good job,’ #Dutch Gen. #Eichelsheim said. He also
pleaded for more air defence weapons (PAC missiles included) &
connected missile transits to Ukraine during talks with military
officials and #RTX (formerly Raytheon) in Washington.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/08/29/ukraines-f-16s-doing-good-job-netherlands-military-chief-says/
***
The UK has
pulled around 30 arms export licenses for #Israel that could also
impact the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in certain
circumstances. Export licenses for #F35-related items going directly
to Israel could be affected, the AW&ST reported.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/f-35-focus-uk-suspends-some-arms-exports-israel
Continuing export of F-35 combat aircraft parts to Israel
‘unjustifiable’. “These are by far the UK’s most significant
arms supplies to the Israeli military,” said Sam Perlo-Freeman of
#CAAT.
https://www.ekklesia.co.uk/2024/09/03/israel-used-partly-uk-made-f-35-in-attack-on-humanitarian-zone/
Blog
UK continues to provision Israel’s
F-35 fighter aircraft despite finding Israel at clear risk of
breaking international law.
https://www.saferworld-global.org/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1046-uk-continues-to-provision-israelas-f-35-fighter-aircraft-despite-finding-israel-at-clear-risk-of-breaking-international-law-
***
The Ukrainian
minister in charge of weapons production, Oleksandr Kamyshin,
resigned on Sept 3 in and 4 other ministers stood down in a major
government shake-up. The resignations leaves over a third of the
Cabinet vacant after sackings earlier this year.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/ukraine-arms-chief-two-ministers-resign-in-government-shake-up
Ukraine's
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appointed on Sunday former arms
production minister Oleksandr Kamyshin as an external adviser for
strategic issues, a decree published on the presidential website
said.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-appoints-former-arms-production-minister-adviser-2024-09-08/
***
Which
countries have banned or restricted arms sales to Israel? And which
didn't?https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/03/which-countries-banned-or-restricted-arms-sales-to-israel-gaza-war
***
Supporting
the ethnic cleansing industrial base: "The #Netherlands in May
2023 picked #Elbit for its PULS rocket artillery platform."
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/08/12/norway-inquires-about-himars-purchase-from-lockheed-martin/
Reported earlier this week:
The #Netherlands picked #Israeli firm #Rafael to supply an upgrade for the country’s more than 200 medium-range anti-tank missile launchers that will boost combat range, for an investment of as much as €250 million.
September 2
***
Report by
Danish Informatìon has confirmed that #Israeli F-35 fighters
attacked #Gaza, 130724. The strike on the Al-Mawasi humanitarian
zone, resulted in significant civilian #casualties, and caused
international condemnation.
https://aoav.org.uk/2024/uk-made-f-35-components-linked-to-civilian-casualties-in-gaza-strikes-new-evidence-published/
Who delivers #F35 components?
***
Piece on
#Turkish #submarine infrastructure/building & nowhere is #Germany
or #HDW mentioned.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/08/turkey-inaugurates-naval-shipyard-submarine-floating-dock-to-service-newly-built-subs/
#Erdogan like to brag and keep away from the population it is imported military technology.
But why follows #Breakingdefense this policy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_214_submarine
***
Serbian Arms
Sales to Israel Top 23 Million Euros in 2024 by Saša Dragojlo
(@RobinIzHuda) and @avischarf.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/09/02/serbian-arms-sales-to-israel-top-23-million-euros-in-2024/
***
Is this what
the world needs?
National Association of Defence Industries of Ukraine #NAUDI has stated that the export of arms from the excess capacity of the defence industry will bring billions of dollars to #Ukraine.
Does Ukraine need finance or #arms?
https://gagadget.com/en/498853-money-wont-solve-anything-in-monster-hunter-wilds-all-paid-armour-sets-have-only-an-aesthetic-function-pay-to-win-wont-happen/
***
The
Hunain is a Pakistani naval vessel, equipped with state-of-the-art
electronic warfare, anti-ship and anti-air warfare weapons, sensors,
and self-protection and terminal defense system, according to the
DGPR and delivered by Damen.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569654/pakistan
September 1
***
A flexibility
exercise to put Wagenknect on the wrong side of history, as she
participated in a "peace demonstration" (quotation marks by
JP Oped writer) which defended Israel, but also stated this doesn't
mean support of the war by Netanyahu as if it were self-defence.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-817175
Wagenknects'party
#BSW even began to demand the imposition of a German arms embargo on
Israel. "The death in Gaza and Israel's attacks on its neighbors
must stop." As did do some other mentioned left parties in
Europe.
***
To increase security or profits?
The #US officially announced the
imposition of a $200m fine on the military company #Raytheon #RTX.
The missile producer violated rules for arms exports and the
international arms trade with #Russia, China, Iran & Lebanon.
https://thetimeshub.in/the-patriot-manufacturer-was-fined-200-million-for-trips-with-laptops-to-the-russian-federation-iran-and-luban/
***
To increase
security or profits?
More and more countries have progressively set their dmilitary industries toward exports. A number of economic, strategic, and operational factors give rise to this trend. https://muminahmedoglu.medium.com/the-strategic-shift-towards-export-focused-defense-industries-7d4c153aa304
