Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
April 29
***
The world
spent $2.77 trillion on the military in 2024. Take a stand and
protest against this nonsense!
https://mailchi.mp/5fcb8c037d65/277-trillion-spent-in-the-military-in-2024-join-our-protests-today
EU military expenditures are $370 bn in
2024 and just below 14% of word totals.
 |  |
"Er zijn genoeg ambities en #financiële middelen om in Nederland een heuse defensie-industrie op te bouwen, alleen staat de bureaucratie en de regelgeving de plannen soms in de weg."
Dat zegt oud-CDA-Kamerlid #Knops die zich nu inzet voor de #wapenlobby. https://www.l1nieuws.nl/nieuws/2900678/wapenlobbyist-regels-en-procedures-staan-plannen-defensie-in-de-weg
***
'n #Koning
hoort te verbinden, niet te militariseren. Militarisering lost geen
fundamentele problemen op. Nodig is 'n brede inzet voor duurzame
vrede, mensenrechten & int samenwerking geen nostalgie naar de
Koude Oorlog of blind geloof in #wapengekletter.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/columns-opinie/een-koning-hoort-te-verbinden-niet-te-militariseren~b3bfd4f7/
***
The #UN
special rapporteur has called for a halt to arms sales to the Israeli
regime, which has been committing #genocide in Gaza since Oct. 2023.
#Israel and the states that supply it with weapons ‘must be stopped,’ Francesca Albanese tweeted on Sunday.
***
#Dutch
military spending spree in #US
#Netherlands to purchase #Tomahawk cruise missiles. The US has approved a sale involving 175 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and associated equipment, valued at approximately $2.19bn #DSCA announced on 25 April 2025. https://www.dsca.mil/Congressional-Notification-Archive/Article/4166632/the-netherlands-tomahawk-land-attack-missiles
***
Looking for
killer drones. Next year it is your chance:
Loitering Munitions USA
April 27 - April 28, 2026
Arlington, VA
The Leading Forum for Military Education and Training on Loitering Munitions Programs https://www.smgconferences.com/defence/northamerica/conference/loitering-munitions-usa
***
#Dutch naval
wharf Damen with close to a monopoly as supplier of Dutch naval
vessels is alledgedly involved in violating #EU sanctions against
#Russia and prosecutors opened a separate case against the company
and some of its executives for #corruption.
https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/incidents/piracy/prosecutors-accuse-dutch-shipbuilder-damen-of-corruption-violating-sanctions
***
#Russia’s
#MilEx in 2024 reached +/- $149bn, a 38% increase compared to 2023
and 2x the amount spent in 2015. This figure represents 7.1% of
Russia’s GDP and 19% of its total government spending.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3986771-russias-military-spending-reaches-usd149b-in-2024-sipri.html
No wonder Russians are warned: https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3986718-kremlin-to-prepare-russians-for-falling-living-standards-ukraine-officials.html
***
Traffic light
and Red Green?
Lorenzo Scarazzato, a SIPRI researcher
said: “For the first time since reunification #Germany became the
biggest military spender in Western Europe, which was due to the €
100 billion special defence fund announced in 2022.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/germany-overtakes-britain-become-europe-145935595.html
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/germany-surges-to-fourth-largest-global-military-spender-sipri/
***
#Oorlogskoorts:
wie wordt er beter van?
De omzet van de Nederlandse militaire
industrie is tussen 2021 en vorig jaar bijna #verdubbeld.
Maar meer moet mogelijk zijn, zo wordt
gesteld.
***
Arming brutal
dictatorships is not only a Western disease. Also the allies in East
Asia are willing to provide the weaponry to them.
S. Korean Hanwha in advanced talks over arms production for Saudi Arabia.https://news.bloombergtax.com/international-trade/hanwha-in-advanced-talks-with-saudi-arabia-on-arms-collaboration
***
#Italian
military spending hike not liked in the country. A #majority of
Italians do not want to hike defence budgets, while the opposition
Five Star party led a march against spending in Rome this month.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/18/behind-italys-defense-spending-hike-pushback-at-home/
***
The
Netherlands plans to buy a torpedo-killing torpedo in 2029, replace
the standard assault rifle this decade and buy tracked armoured
general-purpose vehicles, as part of 17 acquisitions for the coming
years. Total spending will be at least €1.45 bn
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/24/netherlands-to-buy-anti-torpedo-weapon-tracked-armor-new-rifle/
Defensie maakt vaart
met aanschaf nieuw
materieel.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/04/23/defensie-maakt-vaart-met-aanschaf-nieuw-materieel
April 24
***
Een ander
geluid over vrede, veiligheid en rechtvaardigheid klonk afgelopen
weekend in Den Haag.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/paamars-voor-vrede-en-rechtvaardigheid/
 |
| Illustration from report. |
New Briefing by Shaddow World Investigations: Germany supplied fighting vehicle parts and other arms to Israel throughout 2024. https://shadowworldinvestigations.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25-04-report-German-arms-to-Israel-1.pdf
***
Arms export
control
Will Spain further support the
genocide?
Spanish deputy PM’s party calls for
cancellation of Israeli arms order.
Leftwing party says €6.6m order for
bullets from Israeli firm breaches coalition government agreements.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/23/spain-government-calls-for-interior-ministry-to-cancel-israeli-arms-order
***
Staatssec wil
AI inzetten voor oorlogsvoering, aldus #Defensie.
Doorgaans bevat dit soort teksten voorwaarden waaronder. Die ontbreken. "#AI is een gamechanger," nuttig voor planning onderhoud, verwerken inlichtingen, en het nemen operationele besluiten.
***
#Lockheed
wants to turn F-35 into a ‘Ferrari’ with sixth-gen tech
For those who believe these PR-words:
look into the number of failures in the history - still continuing -
of the #F35 despite the collosal costs for the fighter (pocketed by
Lockheed).
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/04/22/lockheed-wants-to-turn-f-35-into-a-ferrari-with-sixth-gen-tech/
Read more on this: The remarks open a potentially long-running competition for funding between Boeing’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter and Lockheed’s stable of stealthy fighters that are in-service today. https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/lockheed-will-not-protest-f-47-decision
***
Sinds de
@PartijvdDieren besloot de herbewapening van Europa te steunen,
rommelt 't binnen de partij. Oprichter Thieme, Eerste Kamerfractie &
jongerenorganisatie Pink! uitten hun onvrede al. Dinsdag zegden de
Rotterdamse raadsleden hun lidmaatschap op.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/politiek/spanningen-bij-pvdd-rotterdamse-leden-verlaten-partij-vanwege-koerswijziging~b17894d7/
***
Step by
step on the ladder to escalation
South Korean companies have been banned from exporting products with Chinese rare earth elements to US defense companies. China is tightening export controls in response to US tariffs. https://unn.ua/en/news/china-has-banned-the-supply-of-rare-earth-elements-to-us-defense-companies
April 23
***
ENAAT
position on EU Defence Industry Programme
The European Defence Industry
Programme: Another step towards arms race and exports deregulation.
https://enaat.org/2025/04/22/enaat-position-on-eu-defence-industry-programme/
***
ReArm
Europe, or the myth of a European defence for peace.
https://rosalux.eu/en/2025/english-rearm-europe-or-the-myth-of-a-european-defence-for-peace/
April 22
***
Over 1,000
#Moroccans
protested planned docking of #ship,
Nexoe #Maersk,
suspected of carrying US fighter jet parts to #Israel
in the Moroccan port city of Tangier. The French CGT union claims no
such weapons have been found.
https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20250421-moroccans-protest-maersk-ship-allegedly-carrying-us-fighter-jet-parts-to-israel
The protest was based on information by @declassifiedUK . The
organisation published this report:
https://www.declassifieduk.org/maersk-the-shipping-company-transporting-arms-to-israel
***
#US-tech free
weaponry?
If a customer wants its weapons to be
free from US components — “we will do that”, boasted Éric
Béranger, the chief executive of #MBDA in a briefing on the
company’s sales last month.
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/defence-companies-boast-trump-proof-weapons-are-free-of-us-parts-jr2gvbql6
***
Ons kent ons
wereldje
Ray Klaassens (bekend van vooral Kamp van Koningsbrugge en ondernemer) heeft bij het ministerie van Defensie al voor miljoenen aan contracten binnengehaald met precies de constructie die hij opperde in de pers. #KCT Lees meer -> https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/ray-klaassen-defensie-miljoenencontract
***
Arms control a
priority or arms exports?
Arms exports as #German foreign policy
instrument is a report which argues in the direction of reforms to
include exports of strategic goods as instrument of the foreign
policy in a new era.
https://www.swp-berlin.org/10.18449/2025S07/#hd-d30680e2772
***
#EU for peace?
How did European bombs get to a
Sudanese battlefield, despite an EU embargo on shipping weapons
there? This is the second article in 5-part investigation by
@FRANCE24 #Sudan #UAE
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250418-investigation-european-weapons-sudan-part-2-emirati-contract
5/5: Europeans still making deals with Emirati firm diverting
weapons.
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250421-investigation-european-weapons-sudan-part-5-igg-edge-france-uae
1/5 Bulgarian mortar shells in Darfur
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250417-investigation-european-weapons-sudan-part-1-mortar-shells-bulgaria
3/5 The mercenaries ... Libya
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250419-investigation-european-weapons-sudan-part-3-mercenaries-colombia
4/5 'The RSF bombs public buildings..'
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250420-investigation-european-weapons-sudan-part-4-civilian-victims
***
What is the
opposite of progressive?
#Finland moved to a policy of withholding key details from some arms export licences, ending decades of full #transparency.
It is said the 1st classified licence
was on the export of drone defence systems to #Israel.
https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/26631-finland-begins-classifying-arms-export-licences-under-new-secrecy-policy.html
Finland restricts public access to arms export licences at
buyers' request
Previously public details such as the
exporter, end-user and nature of the military equipment are now
concealed in some arms export licences.
https://yle.fi/a/74-20157006
Most
of Finland’s Secret Arms Exports Go to Ukraine, Investigation
Reveals.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/most_of_finlands_secret_arms_exports_go_to_ukraine_investigation_reveals-14249.html
Complains
Nordic military businesses involved in
NATO procurement must navigate a complex web of overlapping export
control regimes from the US, UK & EU, with non-compliance
potentially resulting in severe penalties according to a legal
advisory.
https://www.worldecr.com/news/nordic-defence-firms-face-export-control-challenges-in-nato-procurement-report/
***
"(...) een
wapenwedloop biedt geen veiligheid. Als wij er een schepje bovenop
doen, doet de vijand dat ook. Al je geld gaat in zo’n wapenwedloop
zitten en het kan heel erg fout gaan. Aan beide kanten zitten altijd
haviken die oorlog willen."
https://dekanttekening.nl/samenleving/als-je-tegen-de-oorlog-bent-ben-je-voor-poetin/
***
#NATO country
blocks sale of weapons to another NATO country and for good reasons:
‘Attack on democracy’: #Germany
blocks #Eurofighter sale to #Turkey for imprisoning opposition leader
Ekrem Imamoglu.
https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/04/21/attack-on-democracy-germany-blocks-eurofighter-sale-to-turkey-for-imprisoning-opposition-leader/
Ekrem Imamoglu, the detained Mayor of
Istanbul, has urged the future German government not to hinder the
delivery of Eurofighter jets to Turkey. He called for the decision to
be made independently of the Turkish administration.
https://themunicheye.com/istanbul-mayor-germany-support-eurofighter-delivery-18967
For
its part, the #Greek government would likely welcome confirmation of
the German veto on the EFA delivery. Whether Berlin acted out of
concern for democratic backsliding in Turkey, or for other strategic
reasons, will ultimately matter little in Athens.
https://www.tovima.com/opinions/germanys-veto-on-fighter-jets-to-turkey-raises-more-questions-than-it-answers/
Germany on Thursday dismissed claims that the government had blocked the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey over domestic political developments. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/german-government-denies-blocking-eurofighter-sales-to-turkiye
***
A 81% cost
overrun on the Sentinel #ICBM did not harm the program, let alone
that it is cancelled. The F-35 continues to be generously funded
despite ongoing cost & performance issues. Will the Trump
Pentagon be any different, asks @WilliamHartung.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2025/04/12/can-the-pentagon-stop-overpaying-for-weapons-systems/
***
Eind maart
protesteerden tienduizenden studenten in #Indonesië tegen de
controversiële aanpassing vd #legerwet. Volgens critici holt
president #Prabowo de rechtsstaat uit en wil hij de persvrijheid
beperken. De demonstraten leggen zich daar niet bij neer.
https://www.mo.be/analyse/studentenprotesten-in-indonesie-de-strijd-voor-onze-toekomst-kan-niet-wachten
***
D66 pleit er
o.a. voor dat Nederland alle wapeninkopen uit Israël opschort en aan
verdere sancties werkt zolang Israël doorgaat met het schenden van
mensenrechten en het int. recht in de Palestijnse gebieden en de
opdrachten van de VN niet erkent en uitvoert
https://d66.nl/liveblog/liveblog-congres-121/pm121-10-wapenhandel-israel-vereist-respect-voor-vn-uitspraken/
***
#KNDS
Germany, KNDS France, #Thales and #Rheinmetall, the main contractors
for the new Main Ground Combat System, a tank or MBT, have formed a
joint project company to represent industry in upcoming contract
negotiations with buyers #Germany and #France.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/17/eurotank-firms-form-joint-venture-before-talks-with-germany-france/
Some
in #France like meta-defense.fr argue for another approach to involve
gross human rights violators like #Egypt and the #UAE in the #tank
project. The emirates are currently even arming the war in Sudan. No
problem?
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2025/04/17/char-de-combat-france-emirats-egypte/
April 17
***
US Dep of
State approved a sale of up to 600 FIM-92K #Stinger Block I missiles
to #Morocco, valued at an estimated $825 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/Congressional-Notification-Archive/Article/4155284/kingdom-of-morocco-fim-92k-stinger-block-i-missiles
Deal rreflects Morocco’s deepening alignment with the US since #Rabat normalized ties with #Israel. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/04/16/morocco-secures-600-stinger-missiles-to-counter-aerial-threats/
***
GE
#Healthcare Technologies has asked the Federal Communications
Commission to hold off on issuing authorizations for space launch
operations in a certain slice of spectrum used by the healthcare
industry, and #SpaceX of Elon Musk is steaming mad about it.
https://www.law360.com/aerospace/articles/2325569
***
Sounds
familiar as a State export credit tactic #ECA. #India wants to boost
its defense exports by offering long-term, low-cost #loans through
its state-owned Export-Import #Bank to foreign buyers, including
those traditionally reliant on Russian arms.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/india-targets-traditional-russian-arms-customers-with-cheap-loans-reuters-reports/ar-AA1D3tfg
***
Campaign launched
to ban Israel from UK's largest arms fair. #CAAT has called for
#Israeli arms companies and the official Israeli government
delegation to be #banned from attending the Defence and Security
Equipment International #DSEI arms fair.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25096443.campaign-launched-ban-israel-uks-largest-arms-fair/
***
EU Commission
President Von der Leyen has said she has no objection in principle to
buying arms from the United States, despite the change in political
direction under Trump, according to an interview with the German
weekly.
https://entrevue.fr/en/von-der-leyen-nobjecte-pas-a-lachat-darmes-aux-etats-unis/
https://www.zeit.de/politik/2025-04/ursula-von-der-leyen-eu-usa-donald-trump-english
***
#Nvidia hit
by escalating trade war between the #US and #China. Nvidia said
it will take a $5.5 bn financial hit after the US placed fresh
restrictions on the export of its H20 chips to China, in the latest
escalation of a growing battle for AI dominance.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/16/tech/nvidia-plunge-h20-chip-china-export-intl-hnk/index.html
April
16
***
#Sweden’s Gripen
sale to #Peru sparks new Latin American arms race. On April 10, 2025
Sweden's government formally requested parliamentary approval to
enter into a government-to-government agreement with Peru for the
sale of 12 #Saab #Gripen fighters.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/04/15/swedens-gripen-sale-to-peru-sparks-new-latin-american-arms-race/
April 15
***
During the
recent South African Joint Standing Committee on Defence #JSCD
meeting on April 4, 2025, Member of Parliament Niehaus called for an
end to arms sales to allies of apartheid Israel and urged stricter
monitoring of arms exports to nations embroiled in conflict.
2/2
“.... investigation in Europe revealed Rheinmetall’s use of South
African plants to bypass German export controls, supplying munitions
to states with poor human rights records, including Israel.”
https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/carl-niehaus-reveals-evidence-of-south-african-arms-in-israel-and-ukraine-0c5634ee-e31e-47c7-a9e9-dded4b60669f
Debate will continue: No evidence of RDM regulatory breach
and arms exports remain regulated – Minister in the Presidency
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in response to the aqusations.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/no-evidence-of-rdm-regulatory-breach-and-arms-exports-remain-regulated-ntshavheni/
***
#Ukraine
received 55 #Airbus #heli's at the start of the war but is
struggling to keep them in the air due to maintenance issues. Airbus,
under pressure from an irate Kyiv, has been considering ways to
regain a foothold in the country. [paywall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/04/15/revealed-airbus-s-secret-plan-to-calm-angered-kyiv,110414006-eve
***
The #US State
Department has greenlit a $180 million deal to supply #Israel with
advanced Eitan Powerpack engines (by #RollsRoyce Solutions America,
Novi, #Michigan), a move bolstering Israel’s ground forces for
modern warfare.
***
The other way
around:
The Spanish company #Tecnove starts license production of #Ukrainian armoured #vehicles Dzhura and Kozak in #Erencia, La Mancha. It allows the Ukrainian company to enter EU markets bypassing restrictions on arms exports from Ukraine. https://gagadget.com/en/622009-this-is-what-the-bmw-neue-klasse-electric-cars-will-sound-like/
***
"...
stop met het leveren van militaire goederen aan Israël en ook
met het kopen van militaire producten, die op Palestijnen zijn
getest", roept de Kati Piri op. Het Kabinet is tot nu toe "niet
bereid verder te gaan dan misschien een enkele keer 'foei'."
https://wnl.tv/2025/04/14/gl-pvda-kamerlid-schort-handelsverdrag-met-israel-op
***
#NATO moves to
advanced #AI warfighting platform developed by #Trump-aligned tech
firm #Palantir.
"Palantir’s deepening role in
#Europe’s defence planning adds another layer of
complexity—marrying technological progress with political
symbolism."
https://slguardian.org/nato-secures-ai-military-system-from-palantir-amid-us-commitment-fears/
***
Militaire
industrie in Nederland
Defensie is geen vies woord meer voor #Avy: het in 't #Amsterdamse havengebied gevestigde bedrijf bouwt nu ook militaire #drones. Het werkt sinds kort samen met de marine en hoopt dat dit proefproject leidt tot orders. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1551818/defensie-is-geen-vies-woord-meer-het-amsterdamse-avy-bouwt-nu-ook-militaire-drones
April 14
***
Maar morgen in
Amsterdam eerst nog de aandeelhoudersvergadering van Airbus. Die
wordt opgewacht met een picket-line, spandoeken, toeters en bellen.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/planet-and-peace-over-profit-and-power/
Wanneer 15 april, 13.30u
Waar Okura-hotel , Amsterdam, Ferdinand
Bolstraat.
(https://x.com/martinbroek/status/1910602923584659547)
***
Het huidige
debat over Europese veiligheid richt zich te veel op bewapening en te
weinig op vrede. De Eerste Kamerfractie van de Partij voor de Dieren
vindt dat het bewerkstelligen van duurzame vrede in Europa de
prioriteit moet zijn. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIZAHCdIVod/
***
#Russia sends
Su-35 #fighters to #Algeria in secret arms shift. Russia’s
motivations for this transfer extend beyond economics. Moscow is
doubling down on North Africa. Algeria, a key member of OPEC and a
gas supplier to Europe offers a stable partner.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/04/14/russia-sends-su-35-fighters-to-algeria-in-secret-arms-shift/
***
The EU
Council has reviewed the EU framework for arms export control, by
adopting a decision amending the Council’s Common Position defining
common rules governing the control of exports of military tech &
equipment and approving conclusions on the matter.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/04/14/arms-export-control-council-reviews-eu-framework-strengthening-the-control-and-accountability-of-international-arms-trade/
Conclusions
on arms export control, 14 April 2025
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/rqofnaqt/conclusions-on-arms-export-control-14-april-2025.pdf
***
#Dutch #F35s
recently used a new system called Keystone to provide targeting data
to cue the #Elbit-made artillery system PULS missile artillery system
during #NATO’s recent Ramstein Flag large-scale #exercise, which
was run out of #Leeuwarden.
https://www.twz.com/air/dutch-f-35s-provide-targeting-for-rocket-artillery
#Israel
Dutch #F35s, using a Lockheed-developed
communications gateway, shared classified data with a #Dutch
command&control system to achieve a kill on a ground target
during the #NATO exercise Ramstein Flag near #Leeuwarden in April,
#Lockheed stated this week.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-35-cues-ground-artillery-new-data-gateway/
***
#Indonesia
wants to join the development of the 'KAAN' 5th-gen #fighter
jet...development with the #Turkish industry, the Indonesian
president said at a press conference with his Turkish counterpart.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/indonesia-eyes-joining-turkish-5th-generation-fighter-jet-program-kaan/
Fighter programs in Europe: #KAAN #FCAS and #Tempest
April 12
***
SIPRI
backgrounder: Recent trends in international arms transfers in the
Middle East and North Africa, April 10, 2025.
https://www.sipri.org/commentary/topical-backgrounder/2025/recent-trends-international-arms-transfers-middle-east-and-north-africa
***
Gevaarlijk
bijeffect oorlogskoorts:
Steeds meer landen stellen hun steun
aan het verbod op antipersoonsmijnen in vraag, waarschuwt het Rode
Kruis op de Internationale Dag tegen Landmijnen.
https://www.mo.be/nieuws/ngo-s-bezorgd-over-barsten-in-wereldwijd-verbod-op-landmijnen
***
#Turkey eyes
$20bn #military #purchase from US if S-400 sanctions are lifted.
Israel has been a major advocate of
preventing the sale of F-35 planes to Turkey.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-eyes-20bn-military-purchase-us-if-s-400-sanctions-are-lifted
***
#Dassault
Aviation CEO Éric Trappier slammed the cooperation with Airbus on
developing a #European sixth-generation #fighter jet, telling French
lawmakers that working together is “very, very difficult” amid
continued bickering over work share. #Airbus
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/11/dassault-ceo-strikes-dark-tone-on-europes-sixth-gen-fighter-progress/
***
Gegrilld,
maar uiteindelijk gaat 't hier om:
Ik wil bezinning op dat waar ik echt van overtuigd ben: dat oorlog en geweld als antwoord op geweld niet altijd de beste route is en dat er ook andere zijn, die diplomatieke route waar ik veel meer in geloof.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/04/10/de-oorlog-in-oekraine-door-de-ogen-van-deze-nederlandse-vredesactivist-oekraine-is-een-heel-ingewikkeld-land-a4889502
***
A
Copenhagen court on Friday rejected a lawsuit filed by the
Palestinian human rights association Al-Haq, Amnesty International,
Oxfam and Action Aid Denmark accusing Denmark of violating
international law by exporting weapons to Israel.
https://www.macaubusiness.com/court-throws-out-lawsuit-on-danish-arms-sales-to-israel/
April 10
***
Europe
adresses its problems by spending more on the military as a hammer to
solve everything.
European Defence Agency #EDA enters its 3rd decade with a beefed-up mandate & record spending, to transform political ambitions into combat-ready capabilities. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/09/european-defence-agency-portfolio-swells-under-blocs-defense-ambition/
***
President
Trump unveiled plans for a $1 trn defence budget for 2026, a massive
increase .
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/04/08/trump-promises-1-trillion-in-defense-spending-for-next-year/
At the same time 37.9 million people living in poverty in the US (to mention just one other issue for the Government budget). https://brightlanelearning.org/2024/01/poverty-in-america/
***
Trump signs
executive order to ease US weapons exports. During his first term, Mr
Trump often expressed frustration with members of Congress delaying
foreign arms sales over human rights or other concerns.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-signs-executive-order-to-ease-us-weapons-exports
Read
the official executive order.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/reforming-foreign-defense-sales-to-improve-speed-and-accountability/
***
#Airbus heeft
een prototype van de #NH90 Caïman Standard 2 gepresenteerd, een
nieuwe versie van de helikopter die is ontworpen voor #speciale
#operaties van de #Franse strijdkrachten.
https://www.msn.com/nl-nl/nieuws/Buitenland/frankrijk-presenteert-nieuwe-nh90-ca%C3%AFman-helikopter-om-speciale-operaties-te-versterken/ar-AA1CBZX0
April 9
***
RFI
spoke with Mr. Burilkov of Leuphana University in Lüneburg, Germany,
who co-authored a report on 'Defending Europe without the US'
(https://www.bruegel.org/analysis/defending-europe-without-us-first-estimates-what-needed), published
by the Bruegel think tank and the Kiel Institute for
the World Economy. [Audio incl.]
https://www.rfi.fr/en/podcasts/international-report/20250408-eu-struggles-for-defence-independence-as-trump-turns-up-the-heat-on-security
***
A
newly published Russian military research report has concluded that
the #US-manufactured M2A2 Bradley ODS SA infantry fighting #vehicle
surpasses the #Russian BMP-3 in most key characteristics.
https://www.defensemirror.com/news/39232/U_S__Bradley_Infantry_Vehicle_Outperforms_BMP_3__Russian_Experts
***
Dutch government
wants security screening for scientists/students before letting them
work on sensitive technologies or conduct research with implications
for national security. The plan is in the early stages of the
legislative process.
The government hopes to roll out the
screenings in mid-2027.
https://www.politico.eu/article/dutch-government-scientists-tech-national-security-espionage/
***
CEO at
#Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry Ihor Fedirko has announced
that Ukraine is rapidly increasing its weapons production, now
manufacturing more #howitzers than all other #European countries
combined.
https://caliber.az/en/post/ukraine-s-weapons-production-soars-outpaces-entire-europe-in-howitzer-manufacturing
***
#EDGE Group’s
Beacon Red and #UAE-based #AI company #Presight have signed a
strategic MoU at the LAAD arms fair in Rio de Janeiro. The agreement
aims to sell AI-powered security and digital transformation solutions
in key markets, including Latin America.
https://defensehere.com/en/edge-beacon-red-sign-mou/
***
As global
conflicts escalate & #arms #transfers reach record highs, the
American Society of Int. Law #ASIL 2025 annual meeting will close
with a critical #discussion on weapons procurement, arms transfers,
and international law’s capacity to regulate them.
https://www.asser.nl/about-the-asser-institute/news/asil-2025-closing-plenary-can-arms-trade-bring-about-peace/
***
#Belgium
pledges € 1 billion annual #military aid to #Ukraine, signs defense
production deals
Belgian Prime Minister De Wever announces ten defense companies has established manufacturing ties in Ukraine as Brussels seeks to bolster European security.
***
Chip workshop
of the world, #TSMC, could face #penalties exceeding $1 #billion due
to a US export control probe involving a chip used in a Huawei AI
processor. The investigation focuses on TSMC's collaboration with
Sophgo.
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3339673-tsmc-faces-billion-dollar-penalty-over-huawei-chip-controversy
***
Protest bij
de #aandeelhoudersvergadering van #Airbus. Het protest wordt
ondersteund door Bij1, Justice Now, BDS, Stop de Oorlog Amsterdam &
SP Amsterdam.
Waar: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 (Okura
Hotel) A'dam.
Tijd: Dinsdag 15 april van 12.30-13.30
uur
https://stopwapenhandel.org/airbus-het-grootste-wapenbedrijf-van-europa-the-biggest-european-arms-company/
***
Dutch
government tightens arms exports to Israel.
But a policy of case by case controle
is installed instead of General Licenses (c-b-c is common for large
parts of Dutch arms exports). How control will be implentated, tight
or loose, is something else.
https://www.jns.org/dutch-government-tightens-arms-exports-to-israel/
Correct title: The Netherlands amends general licenses for
dual-use and military items. And an addition to the article above.
https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/the-netherlands-amends-general-licenses-for-dual-use-and-military-items/
April 8
***
Italian
#Leonardo has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Kingdom of #Saudi Arabia to deepen industrial collaboration across
the aerospace and defence sectors, building on the momentum of an
earlier agreement signed in 2024.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/leonardo-expands-saudi-defence-ties-with-new-agreement/
***
European
activists have besieged Maersk Copenhagen, protesting its role in
transporting military equipment to Israel. They are calling for an
immediate halt to shipments and for the Danish government to impose a
comprehensive ban on arms exports to Israel.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGd_S1iKwzf/
***
Kort geleden
gangbaar beleid; nu al 'n kleine maar belangrijke stap.
Aangenomen wordt ook dat beleid betekent dat geen wapens via Rotterdam naar Israël zullen gaan. https://www.trouw.nl/politiek/strengere-nederlandse-controle-op-militaire-export-naar-israel~be79da81/
Bekend wat de US Flag Privately‐Owned Merchant Fleet vervoert? https://www.maritime.dot.gov/data-reports/us-flag-fleet-current
April 8
De volgende protest actie in #Papendrecht?
Gewraakte fabriek staat niet meer in #Hoogerheide
Protest tegen #Fokker #Elmo onderdelen voor de F-35 van #Israel. Alleen is Elmo in 2023 van Hoogerheide naar Papendrecht verhuisd. https://www.pzc.nl/bergen-op-zoom/demonstranten-blokkeren-in-hoogerheide-totaal-verkeerde-fabriek-van-fokker-om-f-35-onderdelen-maar-we-komen-terug~abeb6f3d/
***
Is the new
#GCAP fighter developed by the UK, Italy, & Japan a way #Saudi
Arabia’s can buy itself into this air capability? #Participation
could help fund & lower development costs for all. It offers
Ryadh a modern jet without US strategic restrictions.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/snubbed-by-f-35-deal-saudi-arabia-fractures-global-fighter-jet-alliances-with-gcap-pivot/
While stocks have generally sold off after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his plan for “reciprocal tariffs”, European and Asian arms manufacturers are still posting respectable gains on a year-to-date basis, with some rising over 100%. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/08/lack-of-trust-in-the-us-boosts-european-and-asian-defense-stocks.html
***
Easier said than done.
Europe wants to redouble its efforts to make steel “green” – producing the key ingredients for tanks, shells and ships in an environmentally conscious way.
April 7
***
https://minutemirror.com.pk/afghanistan-becomes-black-market-for-weapons-un-releases-shocking-report-378433/
It seems to be this report instead: https://smallarmssurvey.org/sites/default/files/resources/SAS-BP-2025-Taliban-Arms-Markets-EN.pdf
***
Bulgarianmilitary
website on potential long term effects of #India-#South Korea pact on
producing a larger part of K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers
locally in India.
Korea: #Hanwha
India: L&T’s Armored Systems
Complex in #Hazira
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/04/06/next-generation-artillery-rises-from-india-south-korea-pact/
***
Documents
reviewed by Declassified & The Ditch have revealed that #Maersk,
the world’s largest shipping company, is continuing to transport
military cargo to #Israel, incl critical components for the #F35
fighter.
https://slguardian.org/maersk-continues-to-transport-fighter-jet-components-to-israel/
Ships named: Maersk Detroit & Nexoe
Maersk
***
#French
naval players flood Abu Dhabi market. They have been expanding their
presence in the #UAE as Abu Dhabi pursues its long-term goal of
establishing a sovereign #naval industry. Some have landed new
contracts or are lying in wait for more. [Paywall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/04/07/french-naval-players-flood-abu-dhabi-market,110409279-art
April 6
***
Liegen voor
de veiligheid?
Militairen moeten onder ede worden gehoord over de Nederlandse aanval op #Hawija, vindt Winnie Sorgdrager. Ze deed onderzocht naar de aanval en werd verteld dat cruciale video's ervan waren vernietigd. Ze blijken tóch te bestaan. https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/binnenland/artikel/5502790/militairen-horen-onder-ede-dodelijk-bombardement-irak-hawija
***
After
acquiring BrahMos missiles in 2022, the Philippines is now at the
brink of purchasing India’s Akash missiles in a $200 million deal.
The Philippines increasingly turns to India for defense equipment
amid its maritime disputes with China.
https://www.inkl.com/news/philippines-eyes-200m-akash-missile-deal-with-india-amid-china-tensions
***
Op 22 april stemt de Eerste Kamer over 'n
defensieverdrag met Israël. Zo wordt de samenwerking met een leger
dat verantwoordelijk is voor talloze ernstige oorlogsmisdaden
geformaliseerd. Een petitie hiertegen die The Rights Forum samen met
PAX, DeGoedeZaak en Stop Wapenhandel opzette is bijna 40.000 maal
ondertekend.
https://boeddhistischdagblad.nl/nieuws/945634-the-rights-forum-geen-defensieverdrag-met-israel/
Over twee weken (opm gemaakt 9/4/25) zou de
Eerste Kamer in debat gaan over het defensieverdrag (SOFA-verdrag)
met Israël. Het debat is nu uitgesteld. De directe aanleiding: debat
over de begroting van Buitenlandse Zaken krijgt voorrang .
https://rightsforum.org/eerste-kamerdebat-over-defensieverdrag-met-israel-uitgesteld/
***
#Microsoft's
50th anniversary party in Redmond, Washington, was disrupted when 2
employees staged solidarity with #Palestinian protests, voicing
opposition to the company's ties to the Israeli military and its use
of #AI in conflict zones.
https://www.thedailystar.net/tech-startup/news/stop-using-ai-genocide-says-microsoft-employee-ai-ceo-solidarity-palestine-3864516
April 5
***
How Europe
has spent £22,304,000,000 on weapons so far in 2025. The spending spree was said
to be a reaction on a growing Putin threat.
https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/03/europe-spent-22-304-000-000-weapons-far-2025-amid-growing-putin-threat-22836995/
Let’s organize a European movement against ReArm Europe! https://stoprearm.org/
***
Stop
Wapenhandel blog:
The NATO Innovation Fund is a multibilllion-euro initiative designed to invest in emerging technologies with dual-use military and civilian applications. Although the fund bears the name of the NATO, the alliance is not involved financially or organisationally in the fund. Instead, the fund operates as as standalone venture capital fund that receives its capital from twenty four different NATO countries.
Stichting NATO Innovation Fund,
Westermarkt 2, 1016 DK Amsterdam.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/to-stay-military-top-dog-nato-innovative-warfare-funding/
***
A number of
reaons not to deliver or cooperate with Turkey on fighter
aircraft.
https://caat.org.uk/news/heres-why-the-uk-must-stop-its-warplane-deal-with-fascist-erdogan/
***
#Bosnia's
foreign trade chamber said the #arms industry will be the country's
economic sector worst affected by the newly-imposed #US #tariffs of
35%. The military industry accounts for over 60% of Bosnia and
Herzegovina's total exports to the US.
https://seenews.com/news/bosnian-arms-sector-faces-biggest-hit-from-u-s-tariffs-trade-chamber-1273348
***
Krijgsmacht
voor veiligheid, maar wiens veiligheid eigenlijk?
Donderdag ontstond op de Ginkelse Heide
bij Ede een enorme natuurbrand. De oorzaak was het gebruik van een
rookgranaat. De laatste tijd werd juist gewaarschuwd voor droogte.
Niet opgelet?
https://www.nu.nl/binnenland/6351513/brand-bij-ede-wake-upcall-voor-defensie-protocollen-misschien-achterhaald.html
***
15 out of 100
#US Senators voted down a pair of resolutions introduced by @BernieSanders to block $8.8bn in arms to #Israel.
0 Republicans;
14 Democrats voted
1 Senator Sanders
voted to restrict the sale of massive
bombs and other military equipment.
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/4/4/headlines/15_senators_vote_against_88_billion_arms_sale_to_israel
Can Bernie stop billions in new US weapons going to Israel?
The real #Signalgate scandal is the
fact that we are bombing #Yemen instead of finding a way to end the
carnage in #Gaza.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/signal-yemen/
***
Luckely
hunger and the climate crisis are under control, so back to toys for
the boys.
Germany's antitrust authority approved
the creation of a joint venture between defense groups KNDS,
Rheinmetall and Thales for the production of main battle tanks.
https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202504042347/germany-approves-tank-production-joint-venture
***
Journalistic
investigations has drawn attention to Rheinmetall Denel Munition
#RDM, the #SouthAfrican subsidiary of German Rheinmetall.
#Denel is suspected of violating SA legislation by sending weapons to conflict zones —namely, Yemen, Israel & Ukraine.
April 4
***
Colombian
President Petro announced that #Colombia intends to acquire Saab
#Gripen E/F fighter jets from #Sweden to replace the country’s
aging fleet of Israeli-Kfir aircraft. However, uncertainty remains
due to the risk of a potential #veto by the #US.
https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/colombia-selects-saab-gripen-us-engine-veto
***
Germany
set to ease arms sales to Middle East. New government expected to
focus on defence and economic needs as UAE-friendly politicians vie
for foreign minister role.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2025/04/03/germany-set-to-ease-arms-sales-to-middle-east/
***
#HegsethGate
continues
The Pentagon’s top watchdog has begun an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of #Signal, a commercial messaging app, to plan military strikes on #Yemen.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2025/04/03/watchdog-to-investigate-hegseths-sharing-of-airstrike-info-on-signal/
***
Karol
Nawrocki, a right-wing candidate in #Poland’s upcoming presidential
election, has voiced support for a strong relationship between
the Polish and #US military sectors, describing such #cooperation as
a "strategic national interest."
https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/3506057,polish-presidential-contender-praises-us-defence-firms-at-amcham-meeting
***
#Russian
national sentenced to nearly 6 years in prison nu a US judge for
conspiracy to #export controlled aviation tech to Russia & to
launder money in connection with the illegal export scheme. Late 2024
another Russian national got 2 years for his role.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/leader-export-control-evasion-scheme-sentenced-70-months-prison
April 3
***
Report by the
murky Kharon institution (focussed on sanctions policy) with CEO
Matthew Epstein.
"According to a Kharon investigation, the flow of dual-use technologies from Ukraine to Sudan began before the civil war broke out." https://www.kharon.com/brief/ukraine-sudan-civil-war-arms-trade
***
Up in arms
#France is calling for a new European plan to ramp up #ammo production, including of complex ordnance such as missiles, & wants to move forward at a meeting of #EU defence ministers in Warsaw this week, French MoD Sébastien Lecornu said. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/02/france-calls-for-new-eu-ammo-plan-speeding-up-satellite-constellation/
***
Upcoming
Event
Under the Radar: Corruption's Role in Fuelling Arms Diversion
Report launch by Transparency International, co-sponsored by the Forum on the Arms Trade. https://www.transparency.org.uk/events/under-radar-corruptions-role-fuelling-arms-diversion
***
Following a
massive arms deal with Poland, S. #Korea has now set its eyes on
#Egypt, a new potential suitor seen as the next biggest #export
market for military products after the US.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/learningenglish/national/20220808/egypt-emerges-as-new-market-for-korean-arms-exports
***
US Officials
oppose #Europe’s move to buy local #weapons.
The US concern about limits on arms purchases reflects a tension at the centre of the #Trump administration's Europe policy.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-officials-object-european-push-buy-weapons-locally-2025-04-02/
Here
an article reporting on the current situation of European depencence
on the US.
Euro NATO states increased arms imports by 105% between 2020-24 compared to the previous 5 years. The US supplied 64% of these weapons, up from 52% in 2015-2019. Etc.
April 2
***
#Philippines
cleared to buy #F16's at estimated $5.6B.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/philippines-f-16-aircraft
It comes just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manilla and pledged greater defence ties between the two countries. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/philippines-cleared-to-buy-f-16s-at-estimated-5-6b/
***
Nijmeegse
#Radboud Universiteit moet samenwerking met 2 universiteiten in
#Israël voorlopig #opschorten. Dat adviseert een commissie die op
verzoek van het universiteitsbestuur de banden met de Hebrew
University en Tel Aviv University heeft bestudeerd.
https://www.gelderlander.nl/nijmegen/radboud-universiteit-moet-samenwerking-met-israelische-universiteiten-opschorten-adviseert-commissie~a77742b0
***
Links moet
zich keren tegen internationale potvertering en pervertering rond
defensie, aldus Literatuurwetenschapper Den Boef op Joop.nl.
Onder die titel veegt hij een verzameling gedachten bij elkaar als een start naar een andere aanpak.
***
Swap aside:
#Europe is deepening security ties with #Turkey despite Erdoğan’s authoritarian crackdown, prioritising defence amid tensions with the US and the threat from Russia.
- https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/europe-turkey-alliance-defense-trump-2c85217b
***
https://www.moneycontrol.com/europe/?url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/europe-deepens-security-ties-with-turkey-despite-democratic-backsliding-amid-trump-putin-reset-article-12981523.html
***
#Unions are
facing a process of reverse defence #conversion: with sources &
productive activities being shifted from a civilian-oriented economy
towards a military-oriented one, and traditional positions on #peace
policy are at risk of being #swept #aside.
https://www.rosalux.de/en/news/id/53248/organized-labour-against-the-new-cold-war
***
In the
interest of European military capabilities, isn't it, #Poland has
signed a major agreement with the US for long-term support for its
#Patriot missile defence systems, in a move seen as strengthening the
country’s military ties with the #US. #NATO
https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7786/Artykul/3504261,poland-signs-2bn-patriot-missile-support-deal-with-us
***
Whispering in
the direction of a #nuclear Eurobomb becomes louder. The #German rol
may be to co-#finance the nuke capabilities of London and Paris,
stated Karl-Heinz Kamp, an associate fellow of the German Council on
Foreign Relations.
https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2025/04/01/germany-can-co-finance-european-nuclear-deterrence/
***
Rights or
power politics
UK rights and anti-arms trade movements pressures government to end arms sales to Israel. Trump's nominee to be ambassador to London said Tuesday he would ask Britain to reverse a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel. https://www.spacewar.com/reports/Trump_nominee_says_to_press_UK_on_Israel_arms_999.html
