Secret Societies and Foreign Affairs and Military Policy

The announcement of the book Onder Ons written by Birte Scholhaus and Bas van Beek made curious about the elite's clubs of friends in the Netherlands. Who are the persons in the five clubs described, where do they come from and what do they do? Are confidential elite associations important for the policy of foreign affairs and military policy?

One of the most prominent positions in this field is the function of secretary-general of NATO. Of the fourteen secretary-generals of NATO four came from Dutch political positions: Dirk Stikker (1961-64), Joseph Luns (1971-84)ⁱ, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (2004-09), and Mark Rutte (2024-present). The first three had been Minister of Foreign Affairs previously and Rutte was even for a long period Prime Minister in the Netherlands. Two of those four were members of more than one network.ⁱⁱ They all four are among the almost 1.200 entrances of names of members of five different associations of influential man (and since this century also women) in the five researched associations. They are mainly from economic and political, but also scientific and medical, elite positions.

This blog is Dutch focused and mentions names, which may be forgotten. But the establishment of associations where the upper class can meet without snoopers or journalist in general, are a worldwide phenomenon and for that reason the the text has relevance elsewhere. It is mainly based on the book Onder ons (Among us) and the connected database.

The journalists of the Dutch critical mainstream publication Follow the Money investigated the associations named: De Tafelronde (Round table, established 1900), De Pijp (The Pipe, established 1926), De Schoorsteen (The Chimney, established during WWII), de Haagse Schouw (Mantelpiece, also during WWII) and Club Rotterdam (established in 1928).ⁱⁱⁱ All five Clubs have a different history. But while each has it own characteristics, there are also similarities. They have extensive histories, an exclusive membership, and do not talk about its ongoings to outsiders, and Castle Wittenburg in Wassenaar is in the center of gravity.

The authors asked themselves at the start is Mark Rutte member of one of them? And got a positive answer on this. My question was focused on the importance for military and foreign policy. Club Rotterdam was for example established to stop a canal from Antwerp to the Rhine, because the Dutch harbour elite feared the canal would weaken their position vis-a-vis the Belgian harbour. Foreign relations and trade and industrial policy met here and created the birth of the club.

Kasja Olongren, the Minister of Defence (2022-2024) under Rutte is member of the Round Table. Her spokesperson compared this membership to that of a tennis, dinner or chess club. The membership is thus unimportant, and so she did not want to speak about it. The down playing of the importance of the networks, despite the kind of membership, the secrecy of membership and even of meeting places, sealed lips and the selection process is a common reaction. That may be juridically right, because they fall outside official control, but it can not be denied they are much more important than controlled and obliged to be be reported presents and additional jobs, scientist Willeke Slingerland remarked in Onder ons. And despite the change of culture in those associations, because of internationalisation of industrial circles, the confidentiality is an important reason to be member and enables talks and confer without press attention. 

Ollongren was not the first Minister of Defence who was a member. Although her predecessors were in function half way the 20^th century (Sim Visser (1959-1963), Hans de Koster (1971-1973), en Piet de Jong (secretary 1959-1963, and minister 1963-1967. De Jong was was until his dead in 2016 a figurehead for the Dutch submarine adepts). The Ministers of Foreign Affairs were in the majority besides the three who later became secretary general of NATO: Eelco Kleffens (1939-1945), Jan Herman van Roijen (1946), Dirk Uipko Stikker (1948-1951), en Ben Knapen^iv (2021-2022). Alongside members of the government also the highest civil servants are noted as members, as are diplomats, military with high ranking position in NATO and the top of the armed forces, commanders of local bases, the President of the Dutch Military Court of Justice and a member of the commission to control on the intelligence and security services (CTIVD). Thus, the crème de la creme of the Dutch foreign and military policy.

Military companies like Thales Netherlands, Eurometaal, De Kruithoorn, Muiden Chemie etc. are missing in the five associations. Of Damen/De Schelde there are three major persons member via Club Rotterdam. Further more the Dutch military industry mostly does not produce complete major weapon systems (with some exceptions) and no ammunition, but mainly components and dual use technology. And like many military companies around the word produce partly military and partly for the civil market.^v
    While Fokker – and its current offshoots had or still have a considerable military production – it is mostly known for its civil planes. The Airspace company had a few high ranking persons in the associations.
    Stork began as a producer of tools for the textile industry in the eastern part of the Netherlands and is the instigator of the Round Table (it followed the creation of the establishment of the Association of Dutch Entrepreneurs (Vereniging van Nederlandse Werkgevers, VNW) and a own newspaper to counter the support in society for the position of the labour movement by the same company.) Almost a century later Stork became one of the central companies in the early stages of JSF/F-35 production and while Fokker had a low membership in the Old Boys Associations Stork had a presence since the start, like Jan Hovers, who had a policy steering position at the time of the JSF-debates and was member of The Chimney. 

Engineer Woltjer pictured at the time of the controversial sub-
marine order. May 1967. Original photo: Ary Groeneveld.

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In the nautical field the Rotterdamse Droogdok Matschappij was present in Club Rotterdam at the time of the acquisition of new Dutch submarines. Wilton Feijnoord could trust on its board of directors member ir. Woltjer in Club Rotterdam, when the wharf was planning the export of submarines to South-Africa under Apartheid. Close connections are valuable in such controversial cases. Despite the presence of these, the deal stranded, but the company would later export submarines to Taiwan.
    Moreover there is a range of companies with high ranking employees in the associations whose names have a civil connotation, but have (had) a extensive military production or produced dual use or strategic products like AKZO, ASML, Draka, Hoogovens (now Tata Steel), Philips, Siemens, Ten Cate, Van der Giessen-de Noord, and Van Rietschoten & Houwens.^vi

Follow the Money has also a database with topics for the meetings on its site. There are several on the conflict in the Middle/Near East and also foreign policy in general. There are several meetings on NATO by e.g. Ben Bot (1983 and who later became Minister of Foreign Affairs (2003-2007), and after that a controversial lobbyïst) and by Joseph Luns (1976, 1980) and Ben Knapen (1990). But the most pregnant is the introduction by Prince Bernard at a The Chimney meeting (1957, at the time husband of Queen Juliana) on production problems inside NATO. The Prince was involved in military acquisition talks, and was later forced not to wear his military uniform any longer, because of a punishment he received after the Lockheed/Northrop bribe scandal.

The importance of the secret Clubs is diminishing and they have problems to attract younger and active membership, the authors noticed. The elite seems to have less interest in these kind of contacts and is focussed more strictly on business opportunities and competition over such friendly and gentleman like clubs. A student concluded in her thesis^vii that it shows the shift from the Rhineland to the the Anglo-Saxon model. Because of this the clubs become aged and less active; of the 1100 persons in the FTM-database only 39 are born in 1970 or after. In the list of 74 persons I selected on Military Industry, Foreign and Military Affairs, the youngest are Mark Rutte and Kasja Ollongren, both born in 1967, but both still with influential positions. Only the fact hat the last three Prime Ministers before the last PM Schoof, who recently failed (Kok, Balkenende and Rutte) were all member of the Round Table shows its importance.
    Internally in the associations a policy is ongoing to give new life to the Secret Clubs. But it is only one of the many opportunities for close contact between persons in the Military Industrial Complex, which is well organised also because of the common trade missions, production cooperation, lobby, werkbezoeken etc. and where ties among industry Government and administration are well developed. But also the 19^th Century gentleman clubs still play a role in strengthening contacts and disseminate information. To get a grip and control on these clubs, their membership and discussed topics should at least be public.

The online database was for me the most welcome part of the research efforts by the FTM journalists. The book gives the broad outlines. What kind of clubs are they, where do they come from, what do they do and mean. My area of ​​interest, power politics, gets short shrift. But a search through the participants of the Old Boys & Girls Networks shows how many prominent people from the world of the foreign, military and military industrial world operate in them. The research project thus contributes to the research into the networks of the elite. Moreover, it is written in a pleasant style.

Notes:
i In the database of FTM Luns is portrayed as former minister of Foreign Affairs and member of Parliament. His role of secretary general of NATO is not mentioned.
ii These two are Stikker and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Double memberships of the five investigated associations make that 113 names are listed for a second, third or even an exceptional fourth time. For a list of individuals, they most be deducted, from the total. That means the entrances in the database cover almost 1.100 individual names. Of 21 persons it is known they have one or more other memberships, but the names of these are not mentioned.
iii In the text I will use the translation of the association to English.
iv Knapen was previously in function as editor-in-chief of major daily NRC-Handelsblad and member of the Round Table. A columnist of the paper wrote (October 18, 1990) that Israeli journalist inside and outside Israel applied self-censorship after the killing of 18 Palestinians by the Israeli armed forces on the the Temple Mount. After this Knapen was strongly advised by Round Table member, and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ernst van der Beugel to prevent another “Auswitz revisited” and end the position of the columnist and if not “than shall I and like minded will do everything by other methods, along the lines available to me, to reach the same goal.” Van der Beugel wrote that he wanted to address this at the Round Table, but because Knapen was not present he wrote a letter. Knapen did what was asked and only six years later regarded this a rookie mistake.
v In the Defense News top 100 only ten produce 100 % military products and of the largest ten military producers four have a military revenues below 50 percent. https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/
vi Wrongly spelled Van Rietschoten & Kouwens in the database.
vii Thesis Laura Weijers, 'De veranderende betekenis van het informele netwerk van de Nederlandse bedrijfselite; Een kwalitatief verkennend onderzoek', (Erasmus University, Rotterdam, May 8, 2014), she mentions more names of similar associations. The writers of Follow the Money had also attention for other clubs, like the Vogeltjes Club (Little Birds Club), Abup etc. 

For version in Dutch see here. 

My tweets for June 2025

Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek) 

June 30

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Tanks met Nederlandse Onderdelen

Het Bunschotense Van Halteren, een stille reus in het Nederlandse militaire landschap, kan dankzij de order dubbel zo groot worden.

https://archive.ph/67Yig#selection-345.0-349.144

In dit boek een beschrijving van een antimilitaristische inbraak bij het bedrijf: https://papierentijger.org/boek/al-ga-je-eraan-kapot/

Dit schreef ik zelf over de onfrisse militaire samenwerking met Israël bij het bedrijf. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/04/imports-and-exports-both-part-of.html

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The Ottawa Convention, against anti-personnel landmines is the first of a number of international agreements to bring specific arms under control. It even got the Nobel Peace Prize. Now it is eroding quickly, not only because of the Ukrainian decision, but also in NATO and EU.

Retweet with comment @dwnews: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed off on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of landmines. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-kyiv-set-to-quit-anti-land-mine-treaty/live-73081732#liveblog-post-73084598

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Fuck de feiten, NAVO wil oorlog

Schotschrift door Wendela de Vries (Stop Wapenhandel) in Solidariteit - 29 juni 2025.

https://www.solidariteit.nl/commentaren/2025/com-541_fuck-de-feiten-navo-wil-oorlog.html

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Today the arms trade is a transnational economic system, complete with stock options, quarterly earnings, and government subsidies. In this system, ammunition is not just a tool of war-it is a product, and war itself becomes a marketplace. https://dailytimes.com.pk/1325630/the-economics-of-war/

June 29

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Stop the War on Palestine will hold a protest tour of genocide collaborating companies calling for sanctions on Israel, July 12, Sydney, #Australia.

Protest will start at #BAESystems, then march to the Defence Department, then to shipping company #Maersk. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/protest-tour-genocide-collaborating-companies

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UK protests erupt over US nuclear F-35 jets and Starmer’s Cold War revival

British anti-nuclear groups rally nationwide as Keir Starmer’s stealth jet deal with the US reignites Cold War fears and draws accusations of democratic betrayal. https://easternherald.com/2025/06/29/uk-f35-nuclear-jet-protests-backlash/

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Among villains:

#Belarus supplies air defence to Myanmar military as aerial terror campaign intensifies, says Justice for #Myanmar JFM. https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/06/29/23874

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Vastgebonden aan de poort: zo willen demonstranten Fokker Aerospace dwingen te stoppen met onderdelen maken voor de F-35. Volgens de demonstranten maakt dit Fokker medeplichtig aan slachtoffers van de F-35 in Palestina en elders waar ze worden ingezet. https://www.rtvdordrecht.nl/nieuws/streek/demonstranten-vastgeketend-aan-hekken-fokker-stop-met-vliegtuigdelen-leveren-israel

 
June 28

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De Belgische mijnenjager BNS Narcis en de Nederlandse Zr Ms Vlaardingen zijn recent overgedragen aan Oekraïne. Dat gebeurde tijdens een ceremonie op de Belgische marinebasis Zeebrugge. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/26/belgie-en-nederland-schenken-oekraine-eerste-mijnenjagers

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From an civil economic to military Union?

#VonDerLeyen der Leyen reaffirms dual use R&D plans ahead of #EU budget proposal. Better links between civilian and military technologies are needed “across the board,” says Ursula von der Leyen. https://sciencebusiness.net/news/dual-use/von-der-leyen-reaffirms-dual-use-rd-plans-ahead-eu-budget-proposal

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Report on protests at #parisairshow2025. Marchers carried banners reading “Their wars, their profits, our deaths, stop the genocide in Palestine.” Protest included Palestinian youth, French trade unionists, pro-Palestinian activists, and left-wing groups. https://mondoweiss.net/2025/06/thousands-protest-at-paris-air-show-over-israeli-participation/

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Een droevend makend en tegelijk indrukwekkend interview met Godefroid Muzalia (Congolees prof. & veiligheidsexpert) over 't conflict in Oost-Congo probeert positief te eindigen met een voorstel hoe wel tot een definitieve oplossing naar vrede te komen. https://www.mo.be/interview/Vredesakkoord-Congo-en-Rwanda-Ik-vrees-opnieuw-getuige-te-zijn-van-de-strategie-van-talk-and-fight

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the continued growth in military expenditure reflects a move away from a culture that promotes peace through cooperation, dialogue, respect for IHLaw, fulfilment of int. commitments for the benefit of the common good, and peaceful resolution of disputes. https://www.sipri.org/commentary/essay/2025/natos-new-spending-target-challenges-and-risks-associated-political-signal

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the continued growth in military expenditure reflects a move away from a culture that promotes peace through cooperation, dialogue, respect for IHLaw, fulfilment of int. commitments for the benefit of the common good, and peaceful resolution of disputes. https://www.sipri.org/commentary/essay/2025/natos-new-spending-target-challenges-and-risks-associated-political-signal

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Apart from the fact the arms may not be destined to Israel, Freddy Versluys, #OIP CEO seems not to understand that being a full daughter of Elbit, makes you part of the Israeli machine of destruction and a target for people in favour of fundamental rights. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/pro-palestinian-activists-damage-ukrainian-military-equipment-in-belgium/

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The #US installed #sanctions against #Sudan over the alleged use of chemical weapons. Military financing is terminated, and Sudan is banned from receiving loans, credit guarantees, or financial support from any US agency, incl. the Ex-Im Bank.https://shafaq.com/en/World/US-sanctions-Sudan-over-chemical-weapons-use

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#Denemarken en #Zweden versterken #NAVO-luchtmacht met nieuwe #Airbus-deal Nog twee A330 #MRTT-vliegtuigen besteld als Scandinavische landen sluiten zich aan bij het gezamenlijke luchtbrugprogramma van de NAVO.

https://www.gamereactor.nl/denemarken-en-zweden-versterken-navo-luchtmacht-met-nieuwe-airbus-deal-1614113/

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Talks between #UAE’s #EDGE & #Israeli military firm #Elbit Systems for the procurement of the Hermes 900 unmaned aerial vehicle (#drones), along with tech transfer and licensed production schemes. Includes #German companies eyed for cooperation. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63629 [paywall]

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Zelensky: “Unfortunately, today, even Western countries continue to supply Russia with equipment and critical components. Our experts have already identified hundreds of types of various components found in Russian drones and in Russian missiles.” https://menafn.com/1109734791/West-Still-Supplying-Equipment-To-Russia-Zelensky

Just denial?
Czech firms do not supply dual-use equipment to Russia that can be used for weapons production, contrary to a recent statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavskyy said. https://www.komersant.info/en/u-mzs-chekhii-prokomentuvaly-postachannia-rf-obladnannia-podviynoho-pryznachennia/

No there will be more:

The Security and Information Service of #Czechia #BIS plans to conduct an investigation into companies that may have supplied #equipment for weapons production to #Russia. This was announced by BIS spokesperson Ladislav Štícha. https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/czech-bis-to-investigate-companies-supplying-weapons-equipment-to-russia/

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In a move raising fresh questions about the UK’s commitment to curbing global arms trafficking, British authorities have quietly removed Slobodan Tešić, a notorious Serbian arms dealer, from their sanctions list-despite his continued designation by the US as a key player in illicit arms sales. The delisting, reported by Serbia’s investigative journalism outlet KRIK, has sparked international criticism and renewed scrutiny of the murky intersection between politics, corruption, and the global weapons trade. https://weeklyblitz.net/2025/06/28/uk-lifts-sanctions-on-serbian-arms-dealer-slobodan-tesic-despite-ongoing-us-blacklisting/

June 27

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#Germany’s new government is may no longer standing in the way of the planned sale of #EFA Typhoon jets to #Turkey, paving the way for a deal that had been stalled by political tensions, according to the German Handelsblatt.

• https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/06/26/germany-no-longer-opposed-to-eurofighter-sale-to-turkey-report/
• https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/ruestungsindustrie-eurofighter-export-an-die-tuerkei-steht-kurz-vor-zustimmung/100137226.html

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More vaulters watch the growing European military budgets from the ouside:

"NATO's Major Defense Budget Boost Could Fuel Further Surge in Israeli Arms Exports to Europe"

Is that the road forward, enabling Israel to do more what is not aloud?
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-26/ty-article/.premium/natos-major-defense-budget-boost-could-fuel-further-surge-in-israeli-arms-exports/00000197-ac9a-d95c-a59f-febeed070000

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#Saudi Arabia’s efforts to participate in the development of #German-made laser-based counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS, #drone) including the German companies eyed for cooperation and the defence system under consideration. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63629 [paywall]

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Europe is pouring money into defense. Can US firms reap the reward amid trans-Atlantic tension?https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/europe-is-pouring-money-into-defense-can-us-firms-reap-the-reward-amid-trans-atlantic-tension/

When you'll look into missile & fighter acquisitions (expensive parts of military programs), the US is still predominant, also at the current moment.

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Een antwoord op de vraag waarom het Westen Jeruzalem blijft steunen?

De Syrische analist Ahmad al-Ahmad ziet hoe een georkestreerd ‘plan voor het nieuwe #MiddenOosten’ zich ontvouwt, met #Israël als ‘de #manager van alles’.

https://www.mo.be/interview/het-plan-voor-het-nieuwe-midden-oosten-ontvouwt-zich-in-iran-en-israel-is-de-manage

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Oil for arms to fight

The peculiar strong bonds between Azerbaijan and Israel and the opposition against this by another ally Turkey. https://www.defenddemocracy.press/azerbaijan-promised-to-keep-exporting-oil-to-israel-despite-turkish-objections-israeli-source-says/

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An #Israeli #telecommunications and cybersecurity technology company #Allot Ltd. told the US Bureau of Industry and Security #BIS https://investors.allot.com/static-files/099f66d7-6931-463d-9e89-2161a19a6623 that it may have #violated #export #controls against #Russia and #Belarus.

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Did not realise they need #smuggling even for this rudimentary weaponry.

Kyrgyzian Sergei Zharnovnikov pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export violations. The defendant exported #firearms and ammunition worth over $1.5m from the US to #Russia.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/international-arms-dealer-pleads-guilty-conspiring-export-firearms-russia

Killer drones

While the Russian & Chinese components are to be expected, the presence of US, Japanese, Swiss & Irish components suggest the sanctions regime prohibiting the #export of dual-use technologies to #Russia has failed to fully stem the flow. https://www.smgconferences.com/editors-corner/5996-news--aienabled-russian-loitering-munition-built-on-nvidia-sony--intel-components

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#Dutch #Damen export of major weapon systems never comes on its own. Partner in the export of a large naval vessel to Colombia will be Norwegian #Kongsberg delivering twin Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and shaftlines. https://maritimt.com/kongsberg-maritime-to-provide-propulsion-system-for-new-colombian-navy-frigate #propulsion #frigate

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Demonstranten wijzen op de rol van scheepvaart in #wapenhandel & en willen meer transparantie. Volgens hen is 't belangrijk dat Nederland kritisch kijkt naar zijn betrokkenheid bij internationale conflicten & de #doorvoer van militair materieel. #Rotterdam https://www.flashphoto.nl/nieuws/15691/opnieuw-demonstratie-voor-stadhuis-coolsingel-rotterdam.html

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Voor zowel onze digitale onafhankelijkheid als economische kracht moeten we dat niet willen. Daarom zetten kabinet en regio samen in op €200 miljoen financiering voor een #Nederlandse AI-fabriek in #Groningen.

Dutch want to invest €200m in #AI plant.

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/27/nederland-zet-in-op-200-miljoen-euro-voor-aifabriek-in-groningen

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Mouth watering for those in the industry of destruction. But the bill will be paid by the others.

NATO’s 5% defense target could give Korean arms exports a huge boost.
https://pulse.mk.co.kr/news/all/11353666

June 26

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#Sudan’s army-backed government accused #Kenya Tuesday of funneling #weapons from the friends of the West, the United Arab Emirates #UAE to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, at war with the regular army since April 2023. https://thedefensepost.com/2025/06/26/sudan-kenya-arms-paramilitaries/

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Anti-arms groups plan mass protests over expansion of UK nuclear deterrent.
Expansion decision ‘undermines democracy’ and will mobilise new generation of protesters, groups warn. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/25/mass-protests-uk-nuclear-deterrent-expansion

The UK government confirmed plans to acquire at least 12 Lockheed Martin F-35As to bolster its offensive nuclear capability late June 24 on the eve of the NATO summit. https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/uk-confirms-f-35a-order-plans-boost-nuclear-mission

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Protests are growing among citizens of NATO member nations. On Tuesday, demonstrators marched through Slovenia’s capital to oppose NATO expansion.

Laura Vrhovnik: “This means for us that the remnants of social security that we still have — from kindergartens and schools to the collapsing health system, and now pension reform — all of this will continue to be eaten away at, supposedly, because we would rather OUT: give it to militarization.”

https://www.democracynow.org/2025/6/25/headlines/protesters_reject_natos_call_to_vastly_boost_military_spending

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5% but still: Tensions within Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System #FCAS Fighter program resurfaced at the #ParisAirShow where #Dassault made the case for program supremacy and #Airbus urged patience as partners figure out how to work together. https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/fcas-tensions-flare-paris-air-show

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#AI firm #DeepSeek is aiding #China's military and intelligence ops, a senior #US official told, adding that the Chinese tech startup sought to use SEAsian shell companies to access high-end #semiconductors that cannot be shipped to China under US rules. https://international.astroawani.com/global-news/deepseek-aids-chinas-military-and-evaded-export-controls-us-official-says-526685

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Hoezo oplichting? Het is 'n brief van organisatie met 'n website: https://www.nietmijnaanslag.nl/

"Als Nederlandse overheid kozen we ervoor om een groot deel van dit bedrag uit te geven aan militaire samenwerking met #Israël."

Nakijken een kleine moeite, toch.

https://www.gelderlander.nl/den-bosch/brief-van-belastingdienst-valt-op-de-mat-in-den-bosch-politie-waarschuwt-voor-oplichting~ad4b736d/

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While in the Netherlands the Western mil dominance is celebrated by many Syed Qamar Afzal Rizvi argues: Agreeably, the western illicit arms supply to Israel is allegedly responsible for fueling a cycle of violence and that has eroded the Middle East peace. https://pakobserver.net/wests-complicity-in-israels-war-crimes/

June 25

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Despite public denials, investigations confirm that Israel imports 100s of trained dogs annually, primarily from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, UK & Czechia. Many are labeled “pets” to bypass regulation. Dutch Four Winds K9 exported 100 dogs (2023-25). https://worldcrunch.com/in-the-news/europe-is-quietly-sending-german-shepherds-and-other-dogs-to-israel-to-subjugate-palestinians/

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Danish shipping giant #Maersk to divest from firms linked to #Israeli settlements. Groups are also calling for Maersk to next stop transporting #F35 fighter parts that are used by Israel’s military in its genocide in Gaza. https://www.democracynow.org/2025/6/24/headlines/danish_shipping_giant_maersk_to_divest_from_firms_linked_to_israeli_settlements

Gisteren demonstratie tegen de verwachte aanvoer, eind deze week, in de #Rotterdamse haven van F-35 onderdelen uit Israël via rederij #Maersk & tegen de inzet v/d Rotterdamse haven als logistiek knooppunt voor militaire transporten.

https://www.dehavenloods.nl/nieuws/algemeen/59323/demonstratie-tegen-rederij-maersk-en-navo-top-leidt-tot-aanho

https://ridderkerksdagblad.nl/Rotterdam%20&%20Regio/protest-tegen-doorvoer-f-35-onderdelen-via-rotterdamse-haven

June 24

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Vanuit (Let op!) DE VS is gisteren een eerste operationele #satelliet voor de #Nederlandse krijgsmacht gelanceerd. Met deze ISR-satelliet krijgt de #krijgsmacht ogen in de ruimte: van belang voor het uitvoeren van militaire operaties. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/24/nederlandse-krijgsmacht-lanceert-eerste-operationele-satelliet

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Lichen Ullmann @Vredesactie & Samuel Legros @CNAPD stellen dat “de groeiende stijging van militaire uitgaven ten koste gaat van middelen die nodig zijn om écht de veiligheid van mens & planeet te verzekeren.’

Ze zien de groeinde uitgaven als 'n Trump tax. https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/laat-het-duidelijk-zijn-deze-wapenwedloop-is-een-bijkomende-trump-taks~bf4f8608/

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Activists cause million-euro damage at #Belgian military firm #OIP (an Israeli-owned Belgian military and space company, https://www.oip.be/oip-sensor-systems/) and #Seyensqo...protesting #arms sales to #Israel. https://news.faharas.net/342274/activisten-richten-voor-miljoen-euro/

Activists block Belgian arms-linked firms over ‘complicity’ in Israeli genocide in Gaza. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250623-activists-block-belgian-arms-linked-firms-over-complicity-in-israeli-genocide-in-gaza/

***
Escalatie in Midden-Oosten werpt schaduw over Navo-top. Het principeakkoord over ongekend hoge defensie-uitgaven van 5% is al broos en verliest nog meer glans door dreigende escalatie van het conflict rond Iran.  https://fd.nl/politiek/1559605/escalatie-in-midden-oosten-werpt-schaduw-over-navo-top

***
Dutch Parliament Raises Alarm Over Rising Gun Violence and Youth Involvement in Curaçao. https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/local/dutch-parliament-raises-alarm-over-rising-gun-violence-and-youth-involvement-in-curacao/

***
Still the European politicians (& their friend in society, incl. large chunks of the press) sell the beefing up of military budgets as a policy to strengthen Europe.⬇️

The EU wants military independence, but it is buying thousands of US weapons each year.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/jun/24/visual-guide-can-europe-really-defend-itself-alone

June 23

***
Calls are everywhere

Hundreds rallied in Belgrade, on Sunday, to oppose Serbian arms exports to Israel. Slogans and banners said:

- Halt weapons for genocide
- Israel kills kids, the US shields the perpetrators
- Liberate Palestine
https://www.newsflare.com/video/757774/serbia-belgrade-protesters-condemn-serbias-arms-exports-to-israel

And after this Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that #Serbia stated that he was #halting #arms exports to #Israel, a decision that he made following a meeting of the extended staff of the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces. https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1919659

***
Als militarisering de drijvende kracht achter herindustrialisering wordt, leidt dat ofwel tot oorlog ofwel tot crisis en in beide gevallen tot industriële achteruitgang.
https://jacobin.nl/waarom-de-militarisering-van-de-europese-economie-onze-industrie-niet-zal-redden/

Neoliberal magazine The Economist is off another position:
A defence splurge will slow Europe’s deindustrialisation
But probably not reverse it
https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/06/26/a-defence-splurge-will-slow-europes-deindustrialisation

***
‘Trump Is a Terrorist’ — Thousands of Leftists Protest Iran Strikes Ahead of Hague NATO Summit, Breitbart reports.

The rightwing, misogynistic, xenophobic, and racist publication gave Wilders the last word. https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/06/22/trump-is-a-terrorist-thousands-of-leftists-protest-iran-strikes-ahead-of-hague-nato-summit/

***
#Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has partially funded a new €600m investment into #AI #military company Helsing. German based, #Helsing develops AI tools for military use, and Ek's investment firm, #PrimaMateria, has been lead investor in the latest funding round. https://djmag.com/news/spotifys-daniel-ek-leads-eu600-million-investment-ai-military-defence-company

It was not his first step on this track. https://ra.co/news/76439

***
The arms trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry that profits regardless of whether peace or conflict prevails. It converts political disputes into profitable transactions and makes violence a permanent fixture in international politics. Arms dealers do not create wars, but their products enable disputes to become wars and undermine diplomatic solutions.

Despite growing reports of alleged violations, major suppliers —incl. US, Canada, Germany, Italy, UK, Netherlands— have kept sending arms & military aid to Israel.

https://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/Arms-trade-Middle-East-war-splits-Trump-base/172-312251

***
The legacy of Heckler & Koch firearms continues to be seen on both sides of the civil war in Myanmar. The military still relies on its domestically produced G3 (BA64) and HK33 (MA11) rifles. These are used to arm the collaborationist militias, which have participated in counterinsurgency campaigns.
The enduring presence of Heckler & Koch firearms in Myanmar’s protracted civil war highlights a troubling aspect of the global arms trade and the legacy of the global Cold War.
What began as a post-war German effort to re-establish its industrial capacity and credibility has culminated in a decades-long entanglement with one of Asia’s longest-running conflicts. The “German Connection” has left an undeniable and tragic imprint on Myanmar’s story.

This lengthy investigation of the role of one of the wellknown names of European (German) military industry is a must read digest for those who naively consider the current militarisation of European society a welcome improvement to society & security. https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/the-german-connection-in-myanmars-civil-wars/

June 22

***
#KPN & #Thales gaan gezamenlijk aan de slag met 'n soevereine #MoD #cloud. In aanwezigheid van staatssecretaris Tuinman legden beide partijen dit vast in een overeenkomst. Dat gebeurde op de 55e editie van de internationale #ParisAirShow2025.
https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/18/data-krijgsmacht-straks-veilig-in-soevereine-cloud

***
Politico leaked a legal opinion. It includes:

EU Members must exercise special caution and re-assess any licences to export arms to Israel, due to the risk that these arms would be used in the commission of serious violations of IHL as identified in the 2024 Advisory Opinion.
https://www.politico.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18/2.-Hernandez-Wessel_Expert-Legal-Opinion-on-ICJ-AO-19-July-2024-and-the-EU_advance-181.clean_.pdf

***
The inventive human being:
Chinese military robotics lab creates mosquito-sized microdrone for covert operations

State broadcaster CCTV showcases defence university’s miniature bionic robots suited to reconnaissance and battlefield missions.

Sad.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3315206/chinese-military-robotics-lab-creates-mosquito-sized-microdrone-covert-operations

***
#Airbus #verkoopt aandelen om mensenrechtenschendingen in #Myanmar - Follow the Money.
https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/airbus-verkocht-aandelen-om-mensenrechtenschending-myanmar

***
„Bij een crisis moet militaire mobiliteit prioriteit krijgen op het spoor. Personenvervoer moet wijken, en dat heeft impact: mensen kunnen niet naar werk, naar familie of vrienden.’’

Voor wie ze niet kent, lees de documetnen nog eens door over civiele verdediging die Onkruit uitgaf, zoals Bunkerbuit (vol officiële & als geheim bedoelde documenten). https://www.boekwinkeltjes.nl/b/188790681/Bunker-in-bunkerbuit-De-plannen/)

Mij trof destijds dat migranten met 'n afkomst uit de Maghreb in crisistijd moesten worden gestopt bij het vluchten naar de landen van hun voorouders. https://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/leger-wil-bij-crisis-voorrang-op-spoor-personenvervoer-moet-wijken-en-dat-heeft-impact/72740205.html

***
Retweet with comment @socialistworker: ‘Don’t buy Labour lies about arms spending and jobs’: Andrew Feinstein Author and campaigner @andrewfeinstein spoke to Socialist Worker about why taking on the arms industry is vital https://socialistworker.co.uk/palestine-2023/dont-buy-labour-lies-about-arms-spending-and-jobs-andrew-feinstein/

And for that case do not buy them in European Union nations also. They are embarking on a mega militarisation of the economy and the expense of the climate plans, social expenditures and care. And the winner is the (USA) arms industry. 

***
The most peculiar things are done to strengthen the 'European' military industry. Raytheon's production lines overheat as Europe lines up for 1000 Patriot missiles. https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/06/20/raytheons-production-lines-overheat-as-europe-lines-up-for-1000-patriot-missiles-and-ukraine-pleads-for-speed/ 

European missile maker MBDA https://mbda-systems.com/products (De Lairessestraat 145 E, Amsterdam)

€1100 Billion by 2032 on the European military market: US military industry are adapting to avoid missing out . https://meta-defense.fr/en/2025/06/20/industriels-americains-de-defense-europ/

***
Wat doet het met je economie als je zoveel meer gaat uitgeven aan defensie? Daar gaan we eens induiken. https://fd.nl/economie/1559405/de-plussen-en-minnen-van-een-oorlogseconomie

Met audio

Bovenstaande podcast stipt vooral punten aan, en zet wat uitroep- en vraagtekens bij de 5% BBP en veeal nogal uit de losse pols.

In Europa regent het straks miljarden voor militairen en bewapening. Het is maar de vraag of de Nederlandse industrie bij machte is om dat geld direct in te zetten. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1559400/miljarden-voor-herbewapening-kan-de-nederlandse-industrie-dat-wel-bijbenen (Hoe je in dit tijdsgewricht het woord 'defensie' consequent kan blijven gebruiken?!)

June 19

***
Chapter to the GIJN Reporter’s Guide to Investigating War Crimes to assist journalists looking into arms sales which may've crossed the line into complicity with or fueling national & international crimes in conflict or other systemic human rights abuses. https://gijn.org/resource/guide-to-investigating-war-crimes-arms-trade/

***
The EFA Group (EP #Greens) is urging EU & Member States to:
Trigger Art 2 and suspend the #EU-#srael Association Agreement;
Support an international arms embargo on Israel;
Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and full humanitarian access to Gaza.
https://www.greens-efa.eu/en/article/press/eu-must-suspend-the-association-agreement-with-israel-over-the-war-in-gaza

***
The #Israeli military (it is NOT 'defence') companies, which have been blocked from displaying their offensive wares, petitioned the #court, but it ruled that it has no authority to intervene in a #French government decision. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-18/ty-article/.premium/french-court-rejects-israeli-appeal-over-arms-display-ban-at-paris-air-show/00000197-824d-d0dc-a99f-db4d12a80000 #ParisAirShow

***
EU producers of Eurofighter adapt fighter to future. https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/eurofighter-eyes-midlife-upgrade-better-integrate-future-systems But who needs it with 2 more European fighters coming & less EFA's in EU forces https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurofighter_Typhoon_procurement as there are US F-35's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II_procurement, a numbeer still growing?

Ohh it is exportmarkets.

***
This how military technology spreads to other parts of the world, included the autocratic countries.

#EDGE signs MoU to localise maintenance capabilities of #Thales’ Advanced Optronic Systems in the #UAE. 
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/Thales-EDGE-Signs-MoU-to-Localise-Maintenance-Capabilities-of-Thales-Advanced-Optronic-Systems-50271562/

***
The Defence Readiness Omnibus is aimed at establishing a defence-readiness #mindset across the #EU. It lays the groundwork for facilitating up to €800.000.000.000 in military investments over the next 4 years. https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/.../defence...

No better use for these resources?

June 18

***
#Dutch #submarines will be armed by a #European-developed cruise missile after the US-made #Tomahawk originally selected became unavailable, outgoing State Secretary for Defense Tuinman announced in a June 17 letter to Parliament. https://nltimes.nl/2025/06/17/dutch-submarines-get-european-tomahawk-alternative-military-buying-israeli-missiles
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=2025D28166

***
Is de militaire koopkracht van een roebel groter dan van een dollar of 'n euro?

Het SIPRI maakt op zijn website korte metten met dit argument: 'Koopkrachtpariteiten zijn van beperkte relevantie voor de omrekening van gegevens over militaire uitgaven naar dollars. Koopkrachtpariteiten zijn bedoeld om de koopkracht weer te geven voor goederen en diensten die representatief zijn voor de bestedingspatronen in een bepaald land, dat wil zeggen vnl. voor civiele goederen en diensten.'

https://vredessite.nl/nieuws/statistiek_2453.html
https://www.sipri.org/databases/milex/frequently-asked-questions#PPP

***
#Dutch nature under threat by growing focus on military. https://militarnyi.com/en/news/environmental-rules-in-the-netherlands-hamper-army-operations-media/

Safe our security, #environment & biodiversity! Not by sponsoring arms companies and flexing muscles.

And by the way the military is a major contributor to climate change. https://centredelas.org/publicacions/climatecrossfire

June 17

***

#IHC en #Naval tekenen contract binnen industriële samenwerking #onderzeeboten.

#Nederlandse maritieme industrie doet volop mee aan de bouw van 4 onderzeeboten voor de marine via de verplichte industriële #samenwerkingsovereenkomst (ICA).

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/16/ihc-en-naval-tekenen-contract-binnen-industriele-samenwerking-onderzeeboten

***
In a rare public rebuke, organizers of the #ParisAirShow have shut down the exhibition booths of 4 major #Israeli military firms after the companies allegedly refused to comply with requests to remove bombs and other offensive weapons from their displays. https://minutemirror.com.pk/paris-airshow-closes-israeli-arms-booths-over-display-of-offensive-weapons-403127/

Israeli Stands Censored From View At Paris Air Show AW&ST reports.

Israeli companies IAI and Rafael are up in arms at the Paris Air Show after French limits were placed on what they could exhibit. https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/israeli-stands-censored-view-paris-air-show #Rafael #Elbit #IAI #Uvision

***
Nederlandse schrijvers zijn zich lam geschrokken nu blijkt dat uitgeverijen indirect de oorlog in Gaza ondersteunen. Uitgeverijen, zoals Atlas Contact, Ambo Anthos & Luitingh-Sijthoff, vallen allemaal onder VBK, het grootste uitgeversconcern van Nederland. https://www.trouw.nl/cultuur-media/schrijvers-eisen-dat-uitgevers-afstand-nemen-van-pro-israelische-investeerder~b4131ebb/

VBK blijkt vorig jaar te zijn gekocht door KKR, een Amerikaanse durfinvesteerder die betrokken is bij wapenhandel met Israël. 

***
Why Japan seems to be doubling down on arms exports? Japan Defence Minister Gen Nakatani told Nikkei that he was eager to take the lead in promoting exports of his country’s military equipment, along with PM Shigeru Ishiba. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/pacifist-japan-seems-to-be-doubling-down-on-arms-exports.html

***
Het staat er zo terloops, maar je zou de klappen er maar van gaan ondervinden....

"Waar gaat die €19 mrd per jaar vandaan komen? Zonder pijnlijke ingrepen in de sociale zekerheid of de zorg, in combinatie met lastenverhogingen, zal dat niet lukken." https://fd.nl/economie/1559086/defensie-ambities-dwingen-partijen-keuzes-te-maken #NAVO

June 16

***
Guest Blog Stop Wapenhandel (Vesna and Poule, Vredesburo Eindhoven): Technical #University #Eindhoven starts new research projects with #Israeli partners. #TUE https://stopwapenhandel.org/tu-eindhoven-starts-new-research-projects-with-israeli-partners/

***
Ruttie Rusland produceert veel meer dan de NAVO?

“Waarom gloednieuwe pantser voertuigen naar 't buitenland terwijl onze troepen zich tevreden moeten stellen met pickups & metalen platen op civiele vrachtwagens lassen?” Russische militaire blogger.

https://www.msn.com/nl-nl/nieuws/Buitenland/militaire-parade-in-libi%C3%AB-onthult-massale-levering-van-russische-wapens-en-veroorzaakt-kritiek-in-rusland/ar-AA1FNXfc

***
Key findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2025 are that a dangerous new #nuclear #arms #race is emerging at a time when arms control regimes are severely weakened. https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2025/nuclear-risks-grow-new-arms-race-looms-new-sipri-yearbook-out-now

June 15

***
Retweet with comment @TheNatlInterest: Rostec claims it can boost arms production, but experts say it’s psychological warfare, not industrial strength.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/the-kremlin-promises-more-tanks-and-aircraft-to-the-front-lines

“By projecting an illusion of inexhaustible supply, Moscow hopes to undermine Western political will, its most vulnerable flank in a long war,” Tsukerman warned.

This may be classic hybrid warfare: narrative as artillery, ambiguity as armor.

June 14

***
#FCAS, the future 6th-gen. fighter, jointly developed by #France, #Germany & #Spain, is slowly going down the same path as the #Eurofighter, because Paris now has 3 demands from its partners: 1) nuclear role, 2) carrier capability, 3) bigger voting power. https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/three_nails_into_fcas_fighter_program_paris_calls_for_frank_talk_with_partners-14845.html

***
Fors hogere #Navo-norm vergt ‘pijnlijke ingrepen in #zorg en #sociale zekerheid’

In aanloop naar de Haagse Navo-top groeit de steun voor fors hogere defensie-uitgaven. Maar kunnen Europese staten zich dat veroorloven en wat betekent het voor de economie?

https://fd.nl/economie/1558623/fors-hogere-navo-norm-vergt-pijnlijke-ingrepen-in-zorg-en-sociale-zekerheid

***
Despite repeated requests from Kyiv, #Germany will not send #Taurus missiles. Pistorius stated clearly that Berlin is not considering this. The Taurus missile, with a range of over 500 km, would allow #Ukraine to strike deep into #Russian territory.https://menafn.com/1109669543/Germany-Increases-Ukraine-Military-Aid-Holds-Back-On-Taurus-Missiles

June 13

Retweet @Defensie: Bouwbedrijf Heijmans en Defensie slaan de handen ineen . Medewerkers kunnen voortaan reservist worden. Deze kruisbestuiving versterkt beide organisaties en versterkt tevens de veiligheid van Nederland. Lees hier meer: https://defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/13/heijmans-en-defensie-versterken-inzet-reservisten

***
Interesting investigation where ENAAT is quoted:

"A European subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI is currently involved in 15 EU defence projects, including a multi-million euro #drone development programme co-funded by European governments."

https://www.investigate-europe.eu/posts/european-defence-fund-millions-benefiting-israeli-state-owned-drone-manufacturer

***
News from the Brussels' Bubble
(Essential reading; full of links and info)

EU funding for the arms industry
Other aspects on EU militarisation
EU Peace Facility & related news

And much more.
https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ENAAT-NBB-2025-3_09.06.2025.pdf

***

Minister Brekelmans staat open te staan voor 'n Nederlandse munitiefabriek. Is dat verstandig? Op #Radio1

Erik Stijnman, onderzoeker bij instituut Clingendael

Gerard Zondervan, wapenfabrikant

Mark Akkerman, onderzoeker bij stichting Stop Wapenhandel https://www.nporadio1.nl/fragmenten/dit-is-de-dag/01975ad1-c18e-73bc-ab61-f0fb3388dc9c/2025-06-10-een-eigen-munitiefabriek-slimme-zet-of-gevaarlijke-ontwikkeling

https://dit.eo.nl/artikel/moet-nederland-zelf-ook-bommen-en-kogels-maken-munitiefabriek

***
A Chinese man pleaded guilty to #US federal criminal charges for illegally exporting firearms, ammo & other military items to #NorthKorea by #smuggling them inside containers at the port of Long Beach, California. N. Korean officials wired him +/- $2 mln. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chinese-national-pleads-guilty-acting-direction-north-korea-export-firearms-ammo-and

***
#China is working on a #AI-powered targeting system for high-speed #torpedoes. Tests suggest the system, developed by the #PLA Navy and China State Shipbuilding Corporation #CSSC, can distinguish real targets from decoys with an average accuracy of 92.2%. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3312861/china-working-ultra-fast-torpedo-powered-ai-submarine-warfare

***
The ongoing exchange: #petrodollars for US military products. The US State Department has approved a potential $325 million sale to #Kuwait for sustainment support and related equipment for the M1A2 Abrams main battle #tank #MBT systems. https://www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/Major-Arms-Sales/Article-Display/Article/4206289/kuwait-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tank-system-sustainment-support

***
1e #Airbus A400M militaire transportvliegtuig voor de Indonesische luchtmacht is bij bij Airbus Defence (#Spanje). #Indonesië tekende in december 2022 een contract voor 2 A400Ms met een optie op nog 4. Het moet eind 2025 worden geleverd, het 2e begin 2026. https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/militair/eerste-indonesische-airbus-a400m-atlas-bekent-kleur-video/

***
Faced with revelations about the export of #French military components to #Israel after Oct. 7, a coalition of associations is calling for the immediate suspension of #arms licenses. 3 Separate appeals have been lodged with the Paris Administrative #Court. https://frenchdailynews.com/politics/government/11783-arms-deliveries-to-israel-eleven-ngos-take-the-french-government-to-court

***
To make the world a safer place?

#Swiss arms exports eased.
The Swiss Senate decided to give prior authorisation to applications from 25 Western countries. The Senate also wants to allow these countries to re-export Swiss equipment without authorisation.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/various/swiss-senate-wants-to-make-arms-exports-and-re-exports-easier/89497243

***
Geen schip, dan ook geen geld: scheepsbouwer #Damen in het nauw door vertraging #Duitse #fregatten. Bouw 6 F126-fregatten die Damen aan Duitsland moet leveren, loopt ernstige vertraging op. Dat brengt de scheepsbouwer in acute #financiële #problemen. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/06/10/geen-schip-dan-ook-geen-geld-scheepsbouwer-damen-in-het-nauw-door-vertraging-duitse-fregatten-a4896404

#Damen Marine Components has received the order to design, engineer and produce eight rudders for the four anti-submarine warfare frigates that Damen Naval is building for the #Belgian and #Dutch navies. https://www.navaltoday.com/2025/06/13/damen-marine-components-to-provide-rudders-for-dutch-and-belgian-asw-frigates/

***
#Swedish warplane maker #Saab and Germany-based #Helsing sent a Gripen-E combat #jet aloft in late May powered by an artificial-intelligence #AI agent that took control of long-range flight maneuvers from the human pilot. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/06/11/saab-helsing-let-gripen-fighter-fly-with-ai-in-charge/

***
#Turkey and #Indonesia signed a MoU for the sale of 48 units of the future 5th-generation KAAN fighter #aircraft during the #IndoDefence2025 arms fair held in Indonesia. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/06/12/first-kaan-export-prospect-turkey-to-deliver-48-jets-to-indonesia/

***
#Israeli arms industrsy in #Paris Air Show arms fair? Yes or No?

“for now everything is business as usual. We have not received any notification on the subject,” said Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Israeli military company #Rafael.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2025/06/12/israel-to-show-fresh-weapons-at-paris-air-show/

Israeli military companies may be forced to cancel their participation in the Paris Air Show after Israel’s strike on Iranian targets.

If not it is another crack in the gradually collapsing European/French arms control policy. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/06/13/iran-strike-puts-question-mark-over-israeli-firms-at-paris-air-show/

***
#US Senate permits arms sales to #Qatar, #UAE amidst controversy over jet gifted to Trump.

Democrats introduced resolutions to block the sales, saying they were compromised by Trump’s recent deals with Gulf states.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/senate-permits-arms-sales-qatar-uae-amidst-controversy

***
Hear, hear...

In just 5 years, #Russia’s global arms exports have collapsed by over 53%. Its market share has shrunk from 21% to 11%.

Meanwhile, #France’s #arms exports have surged by 47%, catapulting the country into the №2 spot globally.

https://medium.com/@julianroche1022/france-has-overtaken-russia-as-the-second-largest-arms-exporter-1d5626b7d326 #SIPRI

***
#Finland’s military exports reach record high in 2024. In 2024, the MoD granted 432 licences for permanent exports & transfers to 52 countries. The total value reached €1.4bn, more than doubling the €667mln reported in 2023. The highest figure on record. https://defence-industry.eu/finlands-defence-materiel-exports-reach-record-high-in-2024-ministry-reports/

***
Juridical quagmire around deployment of National Guard to quell political unrest in California.

Appeals court (with 2 Trump appointed judges& 1 by Biden) temporarily blocks federal judge’s order directing Trump to return control of N. Guard to California.

https://nypost.com/2025/06/12/us-news/federal-judge-questions-constitutionality-of-trump-sending-national-guard-to-contain-la-riots/

***
Militarisering civiele economie:

Defensie wil civiele bedrijven inzetten voor vervoer naar oorlogsgebied & logistiek rond bescherming van strategisch belangrijke infrastructuur in Nederland en voor het aftanken van VS-voertuigen die hier binnen komen. https://fd.nl/economie/1558471/munitievervoer-naar-strijd-in-oost-europa-gebeurt-straks-grotendeels-met-burgerchauffeurs

June 10

***
WTF To help the European military industry to become bigger and stronger, Europe has to buy its fighter aircraft not in Europe but in Texas and that in large quantities.

The poodle of WASP Trump has spoken. https://tvpworld.com/87186214/nato-chief-says-europe-needs-700-f-35-fighters-to-oppose-russia #Rutte

***
#Australia produced parts of #Lockheed's F-35s that are used by Israel to bomb. #Maersk is a shipping company that has transported these parts across the world to be assembled and sent to Israel. It is up to us to protest the lethal #F35 arms trade. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/protest-against-maersk-and-f-35-supply-chain

***
Spain’s parliament rejects proposal to ban Israeli firms from defense fairs.

Last week, Spain’s Defense Ministry suspended a 2023 contract with an Israeli company to produce Spike LR2 anti-tank missile systems.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/spain-s-parliament-rejects-proposal-to-ban-israeli-firms-from-defense-fairs/3592677

June 9

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#NATO’s Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate met the leadership of #Azerbaijan’s National Defence University & its affiliated military education institutions in Baku 29/30 May). They evaluated ongoing NATO reform efforts. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_236139.htm

#Armenia #EthnicCleansing

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The #Dutch #navy acquired the HNLMS Den Helder combat support #ship. The design of the vessel is based on 5.0000 tons of #steel supplied by the Metinvest Group, in particular from the #Ukrainian #Azovstal plant and the Italian Metinvest Trametal plant.

The #steel from #Mariupol was delivered in 2020-2021, before the invasion by Russia. In total, 4.76 thousand tons came from Azovstal, 240 tons from Italy. The ship was constructed at the Romanian shipyard #Damen Galati, which is part Damen. https://gmk.center/en/news/the-dutch-fleet-is-replenished-with-the-den-helder-ship-made-of-metinvest-steel/

***
#Militarism

Trump orders National Guard #troops to LA to #quell #immigration #protests. Move came over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsome, marking the 1st time in decades that a state’s national guard was activated without a request from its governor. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/06/08/trump-orders-national-guard-troops-to-la-to-quell-immigration-protests

President Trump zet het leger in Los Angeles in na gewelddadige protesten tegen acties van de federale vreemdelingenpolitie. De Democratische gouverneur van Californië spreekt van een doelbewuste escalatie door het Witte Huis.

https://www.telegraaf.nl/buitenland/trump-stuurt-leger-naar-rellen-tegen-vreemdelingenpolitie-in-los-angeles-zero-tolerance-voor-crimineel-gedrag/70728367.html

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Nice neighbour

June 5, the US Supreme Court dismissed #Mexico’s lawsuit against gun comapnies, saying that a US law (Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act) shields them from liability for crimes committed with their arms and thus from Mexico’s claims.

https://aztecreports.com/mexico-reacts-to-u-s-supreme-court-rejection-of-its-lawsuit-against-gun-companies/4520/

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Turkey will supply Somalia’s navy with T129 Atak helicopters as part of a defence agreement signed earlier this year, according to sources familiar with the deal. https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/turkey-to-supply-african-country-with-combat-helicopters/ar-AA1GdNW7

***
Warfare addicted Israeli army launches strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. It does so almost on a daily bases. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250606-israeli-army-launches-strikes-on-beiruts-southern-suburbs/

***
Geef Tegengas legde zich niet bij de zaken neer en nu gaat Rotterdam onderzoeken welke rol de haven van de stad speelt bij het oorlogsgeweld in Gaza. Een motie die oproept tot het onderzoek is donderdagavond aangenomen in de gemeenteraad. https://fd.nl/politiek/1558167/rotterdam-gaat-onderzoek-doen-naar-rol-haven-bij-vervoer-wapens-naar-israel

In de Tweede Kamer heeft @sarahdobbe (@SPnl) een serie vragen gesteld over #doorvoer van wapenonderdelen naar Israël via de Rotterdamse #haven. Nog niet online: https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken?cfg=tksearch&fld_tk_categorie=Kamerstukken&qry=%2A&srt=date%3Adesc%3Adate&sta=1

June 6

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US #DoD lacks a robust #fraud risk management program, and its leadership hasn't shown a strong commitment to this issue #GAO noticed.

As a result, we recently expanded DOD's financial management area on our High Risk List to include fraud risk management.

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108500

***
Haaretz notes: Europe Discusses Boycotting Israel – While Rushing to Buy More Israeli Weapons. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-05/ty-article-magazine/.premium/europe-discusses-boycotting-israel-while-rushing-to-buy-more-israeli-weapons/00000197-3f88-de48-a1f7-ff9e44a70000

***
Double whammy

Our biggest and trusted partner, the US, is Eroding of What’s Left of Congressional #Arms Transfer Oversight.

E.g. for the #Netherlands the #USA is a major destination of military equipment and components, also uncontrolled. https://www.stimson.org/2025/eroding-whats-left-of-congressional-arms-transfer-oversight/

***
Als we in Europa veiligheid willen, moeten we nadenken over wat veiligheid is, en voor wie die veiligheid moet zijn. Een enorm bewapend Europa maakt de wereld niet veiliger. Dat levert alleen maar heel veel winst op voor de wapenindustrie. https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/een-wapenwedloop-is-geen-veiligheid

***
De Europese wapenindustrie groeit uit tot een politieke speler van formaat. Quitterie de Labbey, doctoraatsonderzoeker aan de Brusselse ULB, belicht hoe wapenbedrijven invloed uitoefenen op het EU-defensiebeleid – en welke risico’s dat met zich meebrengt. https://www.dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2025/06/04/wie-profiteert-van-de-angst-de-wapenindustrie-en-haar-lobbypraktijken/

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‘Oorlog is het falen van diplomatie. Voorkomen van oorlog is óók een manier van verdedigen. Daarvoor is een breed blikveld nodig.’

Een ambassade in Libïe is belangrijker dan munitieopslag in Staphorst
https://www.ad.nl/commentaar/vergeet-de-diplomatie-niet-als-we-miljarden-extra-uittrekken-voor-defensie~a281f2eb/

June 5

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In Fos-sur-Mer the vessel Contship Era https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9507702 is loading pieces for canon barrels (tubes de canons) en route to Israel. https://disclose.ngo/fr/article/fos-sur-mer-des-tubes-de-canons-doivent-aussi-etre-expedies-vers-israel

via https://x.com/ElluinA/status/1930609288516358284

French Dockworkers Block Military Shipment to Israel Over 'Ongoing Genocide' in Gaza.
Cargo destined for the Israeli port of Haifa is said to consist of machine gun parts manufactured by a company in the southern city of Marseille.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-05/ty-article/french-dockworkers-block-military-shipment-to-israel-over-ongoing-genocide-in-gaza/00000197-4025-da41-a9f7-7da5f4920000

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#Saudi Arabia in talks to buy as many as 200 MQ-9 Reaper #drones, General Atomics #GA says. With or without Dutch components produced at #GKN/#Fokker? https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/saudi-arabia-in-talks-to-buy-as-many-as-200-mq-9-drones-general-atomics-says/

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3 #Nederlandse #zakenmannen helpen #Israëlische wapenbedrijven via hun bedrijf in India. Ze leveren belangrijke elektronische onderdelen die nodig zijn voor militaire vliegtuigen, drones en tanks. Dit blijkt uit onderzoek van @SOMO.

https://www.somo.nl/short-circuiting-international-law/

https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/nederlandse-ondernemers-leveren-onderdelen-aan-israelische-wapenmakers

***
#Tawazun Council & #Thales will cooperate to produce locally military surveillance radars. This agreement supports the #UAE’s plan to boost local manufacturing & develop national military capabilities [for the authoritarian Kingdom] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/tawazun-council-and-thales-sign-agreement-establish

Profit over democracy?

***
#Rwanda is calmly preparing the upcoming #Cycle World Championships. No outrage. No op-eds. No protests. And yet Rwanda is directly involved in one of the deadliest and most underreported wars in the world: the ongoing conflict in Eastern #Congo. #M23 https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/outrage-over-israels-song-silence-over-rwandas-war/

***

Al Seer Marine has won an agreement valued AED47.6 million (€11,35m) to deliver high-speed interceptor vessels to Albwardy #Damen.

The units will be integrated into offshore patrol vessels and part of the “Make it in the #Emirates” industrialisation plan. https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bjrpwfw-seer-marine-awarded-aed476-million-contract

***
#NATO #corruption probe 'reminder' of just one of the manu military industry and acquisitions boom #risks. https://www.francenetworktimes.com/news/nato-corruption-probe-reminder-of-defence-boom-risks202505200912030017/

***
War is business for cynics:

The #Myanmar junta’s deadly #airstrikes targeting resistance-held civilian areas rely on aviation #fuel from #ASEAN-based firms, Justice For Myanmar #JFM said.

https://www.irrawaddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/JFM-May-2625-feat.jpg

***
The #Netherlands has emerged as the second-largest arms supplier to #Pakistan after #China, with Turkey and Azerbaijan also aiding Pakistan’s military buildup. The Netherlands risks facing #diplomatic #consequences similar from #India, source states. https://inshorts.com/en/news/pakistan-s-2nd-largest-arms-supplier-is-netherlands-1748255971349

***
Column over hoe het handelswapen en de wapenhandel samen optrekken en Europa zal kiezen zijn eigen IT-tech indutrie te versrterken om de afhankelijkheid van VS bedrijven te verminderen. De VS heeft de weg daartoe al voorgedaan. https://fd.nl/financiele-markten/1557180/het-handelswapen-en-de-wapenhandel

However: The inroads for the US military business into Europe is foreseen. The Readiness 2030 plan offers major opportunities for US industry. Europe has never seen a collective investment of this magnitude and Unlce Sam will ensure he joins the party. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2025/05/20/europes-defense-investments-signal-big-wins-for-american-industry/

***
What #Europe can gain from #Ukrainian #arms exports? European armies would greatly benefit from access to Ukrainian domestic arms production, allowing them to train soldiers in drone warfare and integrate #drone units in command structures, at low #cost. https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-war-ukraine-arms-exports-defense-industry-cooperation/

***
#Israeli military companies have begun questioning their government about a #chill in relations with the #Philippines, as officials in Manila appear to be turning away from a longtime supplier of military equipment. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2025/05/27/israeli-defense-firms-lament-a-chill-from-erstwhile-client-philippines/

***
#Demissionair of niet, #Nederland heeft een nieuw militair steunpakket voor #Oekraïne aangekondigd met een totale waarde van zo’n €400mljn. Het gaat om 100+ snelle patrouilleboten en vaartuigen voor #speciale ops. Minister?? Brekelmans maakte dat bekend. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/06/04/nederland-versterkt-oekraiense-marine-met-vaartuigen-en-drones

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Israeli gross human rights violator #Elbit supplies #NATO countries. It has secured a series of naval defence contracts worth +/- $330m from customers, including NATO members. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/elbit-wins-330m-in-naval-defence-contracts-across-nato/

Aimed to defend what?

***
Alphabet-owned #Google, like several other US-based tech firms, has come under intense criticism for its #AI-military military contracts with #Israel. https://www.thenationalnews.com/future/technology/2025/06/03/palestine-protests-ai-conference-eric-schmidt/

***
Battle proven sales

srael's 'defence' ministry said Wednesday that its arms exports hit an all-time high of more than $14.7 billion in 2024. “Operational achievements” in the Gaza war had driven the demand, the ministry declared. https://www.macaubusiness.com/israel-arms-exports-hit-all-time-high-in-2024-ministry/

***
Arrestaties bij demonstratie tegen #Maersk schip met #F35-#onderdelen voor #Israël. De actievoerders uitten hun zorgen over de rol van Nederland in de internationale wapenhandel. @Geef_Tegengas

https://www.flashphoto.nl/nieuws/15592/arrestaties-bij-demonstratie-tegen-maersk-schip-met-f-35-onderdelen-voor-isral-coolsingel-rotterdam.html

De wollige verklaring van #Maersk in de pers. Wij vervoeren onderdelen die worden in elkaar gezet met een bestremming bij ons onbekend. Pas na assemblage gaat het volgens de woordvoerder om wapens.

Heeft zo iemand zich wel verdiept in #wapenexportregels? https://www.pzc.nl/rotterdam/maersk-reageert-voor-het-eerst-op-demonstraties-in-rotterdam-om-vervoer-f-35-onderdelen-misleidende-claims~ab21f3db/

***
73% of Germans want tighter controls on arms exports to Israel, including 30% who favour a total ban, a poll showed on Wednesday, reflecting growing public unease over the government's Israel policy. https://www.forth.news/threads/CPoWWLDMk2UP1PtrEWMXw

But Berlin sticks to its despicable position.

#Germany says will continue arms deliveries to #Israel even as public wants stricter control. https://firstpost.com/world/germany-says-will-continue-arms-deliveries-to-israel-even-as-public-wants-stricter-control-13894497.html Ethic cleansing, genocide, no problem?

***
#Indonesia is evaluating the acquisition of #Chinese J-10 fighters, while simultaneously considering finalizing a deal for #US F-15EX jets. Jakarta is also weighing a preliminary defense pact with #France, which may lead to further orders of Rafale jets. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indonesia-weighing-purchase-of-chinas-j-10-fighter-jets/articleshow/121623226.cms

June 3

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#Spain Reportedly Freezes Billion-shekel #Arms Deal With #Israeli Defense Firm #Rafael. https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/europe/2025-06-03/ty-article/.premium/spain-freezes-billion-shekel-arms-deal-with-israeli-defense-firm-rafael-el-pais-reports/00000197-359c-dd58-add7-35dffeb50000

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A scheme to boost defence tech research at a #university in #Flensburg, in the north of #Germany, has been rejected by students & staff, but a push remains in some quarters to make university support for military research obligatory throughout the country. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250602191719430

***
Germany has a history of a badly developed moral compass to understate its history. Does it doubt in 2025 if ethic cleansing is a human rights violation?

It has approved exports of arms to Israel worth almost €500m since the beginning of the war in Gaza. https://www.yahoo.com/news/german-arms-exports-israel-since-125721116.html