Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
March 27
***
De brochure is bij boekhandel Fort van Sjakoo in Amsterdam te verkrijgen of tegen verzendkosten te bestellen.
Download de brochure Geen NAVO Oorlogstop als PDF https://stopwapenhandel.org/app/uploads/2025/03/STOP-WAPENHANDEL_NAVO-Brochure_v5.pdf
***
Marianne
Thieme: De Partij voor de Dieren keert zich met defensie-uitbreiding
tegen de eigen idealen. ‘Een Europees leger verenigt zich niet met
de principes van haar partij,' schrijft Thieme.
https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/marianne-thieme-de-partij-voor-de-dieren-keert-zich-met-defensie-uitbreiding-tegen-de-eigen-idealen~ba7e9c5c/
***
Representatives
from the Egyptian MoD and Alexandria Shipyard #ASY are in talks with
#NavalGroup to upgrade the anti-submarine warfare #ASW capabilities
of the #Egyptian Navy’s #Gowind-class corvettes.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63414
***
#Airbus heeft
LOAD geïntroduceerd, een #drone ontworpen om dreigingen in de lucht
te onderscheppen. Dit vernieuwde en geavanceerde platform, gebaseerd
op de Do-DT25-doeldrone, zal maximaal drie geleide #raketten
vervoeren met een bereik van 100 km.
https://www.gamereactor.nl/airbus-onthult-met-raketten-bewapende-drone-voor-kosteneffectieve-luchtverdediging-1541743/
Airbus
announces missile-slinging drone for air defence. The European
aerospace giant hopes to get new mileage out of a training dummy
drone design from the early 2000s.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/26/airbus-announces-missile-slinging-drone-for-air-defense/
***
#UK business
and trade minister Jonathan Reynolds was interrupted talking at a
stage by 2 protesters opposing arms sales to #Israel. The #protest
was intended to pressure the government to halt all arms exports to
Israel - especially of parts for #F35.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/arms-sales-protest-interrupt-uk-business-minister-during-trade-event-2025-03-27/
***
Defense
officials from South Korea and Indonesia have recently convened in
Jakarta in a bid to breathe new life into the troubled KF-21 joint
fighter jet development program.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-03-24/national/defense/Defense-officials-meet-in-Jakarta-over-stalled-fighter-jet-project/2268705
***
Will it
happen?
---
Calls are mounting in Canada/Europe to shun the Lockheed F35 fighter & other US defence exports following the controversial foreign policy changes in Washington.
---
Most probably not. Elites favour working with the US. Whatever the costs? https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/trump-moves-prompt-some-international-f-35-buyers-reconsider
***
At the cost
of what?
Britain's finance minister Rachel Reeves said she wanted the country to become a "defence industrial superpower" as she pumped an extra £ 2.2 billion pounds ($2.8 billion) into the sector in her budget update on Wednesday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-become-defence-industrial-superpower-finance-minister-says-2025-03-26/
An
answer:
Rachel Reeves offered billions to help
arms industry profiteers with one hand, while taking billions away
from chronically ill and disabled people with the other.
https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2025/03/26/spring-statement-rachel-reeves-defence/
***
From #Obama
to #Trump to #Biden & back to Trump, #Yemen has been devastated
by US air strikes. "The main issue is you're killing other
people. You're killing innocent people. You have no legal or moral
right to do so," Shireen al-Adeimi (@shireen818)
said.https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/washington-meltdown-over-signal-not-because-us-bombing-yemen
***
#China
protested Wednesday after the US added dozens of companies to its
export control list, including more than 50 based in China that it
says sought advanced knowhow in supercomputing, artificial
intelligence & quantum technology for military purposes.
https://www.sheltonherald.com/news/world/article/us-adds-chinese-tech-firms-to-its-export-control-20241482.php
March 26
***
Insurance
firms complicit in climate disaster, human rights abuses and Israel’s
genocide in Gaza were stormed by protesters as marches were held
across the UK yesterday.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/palestine-climate-and-migrant-activists-storm-insurance-offices-cities-across-england
***
Huge
Turkey expects to strike a $6 billion agreement with Saudi Arabia for the sale of warships, tanks and missiles.
The deal may include Saudi Arabia
joining Turkey’s fighter jet development project.
https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/saudi-arabia-in-talks-for-6bn-turkish-arms-deal/ar-AA1xYFsZ
***
#Belgian
Finance Minister Jambon (N-VA) referred to European plans favouring
domestic arms production and purchases, stating, “We must ensure
that ‘Buy European’ also means ‘Buy in this country’.”
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1504253/jambon-not-a-good-idea-to-sell-strategic-holdings-for-bombs-and-grenades
***
In
defiance of international rulings to boycott Israel for its ongoing
violence and brutal occupation of Palestinian lands, Australia’s
exports to Israel have increased by 20% in 12 months. Kellie Tranter
of Declassified Australia reports.
https://michaelwest.com.au/trade-in-a-time-of-genocide-our-exports-to-israel-growing-fast/
March 25
***
Hoe moeten we dit
noemen? Militair Industrieel Complex #MIC is niet meer afdoende.
#MIFK-complex voor Militair, Industrieel, Financieel en
Kennis-complex. Alles voor meer wapens.
Hoe zit het eigenlijk met de toeslagenouders, ook daar die daadkracht?
***
Not all are
brainwashed
"The future of the automobile is not the defense industry." Stellantis Group refuses to engage in arms production
Stellantis Chairman John Elkann said
this in a debate in the Italian parliament in recent days.
https://ground.news/article/the-future-of-the-automobile-is-not-the-defense-industry-stellantis-group-refuses-to-engage-in-arms-production
The major #investments that the #EU needs are in its energy &
digital autonomy, in food & medicines. Retreating in the digital
transition and disinvesting in innovation and cohesion is a risk to
Europe’s security, the left block in the EuParliament stated.
https://www.esquerda.net/en/artigo/europe-trump-putin-axis-trap/94290
***
Another
country puting aside doubt on #US fighters in its inventory.
The UK MoD has confirmed that the #UK
will continue providing equipment support for the global fleet of
#F35's until at least 2069, when the aircraft is set to retire from
UK service.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-aiming-to-keep-f-35-in-service-until-2069/
***
Golden Dome
The US shouldn't only assess the technical feasibility & simple costs and benefits of missile defence proposals, but also the long-term opportunity costs & the appropriateness of alternatives such as negotiated reductions in strategic arsenals. https://www.armscontrol.org/2025-03/golden-dome-gambit
***
#Chinese
buyers are circumventing #US export controls to order Nvidia’s
latest artificial-intelligence #AI chips, illustrating the challenges
the Trump administration will face in choking off cutting-edge US
technology.
https://www.wsj.com/tech/china-nvidia-blackwell-chips-ai-531fed0c
***
#Rafale,
#Gripen and #EFA Typhoon position themselves against the #F35
conquering the #European air forces with international sales, from
2015 to 2025, of more than 450 European combat aircraft, in the
world, 10 x more than Russia, over the same period.
https://meta-defense.fr/en/2025/03/24/US-vs-European-aeronautics-industry/
March 24
***
To support
human rights the #US State Department has approved what would be the
first sale of advanced precision #kill weapon systems to #Saudi
Arabia for an estimated cost of $100m, according to the Pentagon.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-advanced-precision-kill-weapon-systems
***
Supporting
genocide
#Sweden has expanded its arms imports
from #Israel
According to the newspaper Dagens ETC,
Sweden has no legal restrictions on #arms #imports, allowing it to
procure weapons strengthening the military industries of countries
like Israel.
https://see.news/sweden-increases-arms-imports-from-israel
***
#UAE's #EDGE
Group has been in talks with #Thales #Alenia Space concerning
memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
The MoUs would include transfer of
technology and cooperation agreements for artificial intelligence
#AI-powered space solutions.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63401
#UAE defense giant #EDGE Group joins forces with #French firm
#CMN NAVAL (Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie). Paris knows how
to find partners in democratic human rights respecting countries.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/uae-defense-giant-edge-group-joins-forces-with-french-firm-cmn-naval/
The right priority or is it the result of fear mongering.
Graph from: https://www.cadtm.org/From-welfare-to-warfare-military-Keynesianism
***
Next blow to
NATO 'alliance'
President Donald Trump has announced that any new US F-47 fighter jets sold to allied nations will be deliberately downgraded by 10%, citing potential future changes in alliances.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/u-s-to-reduce-capabilities-of-new-jet-purchased-by-allies/
But for now it is business as usual.
"Eight nations participated in the
development, including five Europeans – Italy, the Netherlands,
Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Fourteen NATO nations and a
total of 20 nations currently use or will use the F-35 in the
future."
https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/focus-germany-reaffirms-commitment-to-us-f-35-fighter-jet-procurement-despite-trumps-criticism-of-europe
***
A compact,
deep-sea, #cable-cutting device, capable of severing the world’s
underwater communication or power lines, has been unveiled by #China.
The revelation marks the first time any
country has officially disclosed that it has such an asset.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3303246/china-unveils-powerful-deep-sea-cable-cutter-could-reset-world-order
***
#Volkswagen
wants to produce for the German army. This signifies a return to the
company’s rooted connections with military production—a part of
its past that it has long distanced itself from.
It signals a broader shift in Europe’s
industrial landscape.
https://engineerine.com/volkswagen-manufacturing-military-gear/
***
The
question is raised in Watan (US based) why the West is silent on the
actions by the #UAE. One of 3 main reasons is: #Arms Trade –
Western governments prioritize arms deals over human rights, ensuring
the UAE faces no real consequences.
https://www.watanserb.com/en/2025/03/23/targeting-muslims-uaes-covert-influence-in-europe/
March 23
***
Orry Van de
Wauwer (Pax Christi Vlaanderen) argued at a conference held in the
Flemish Parliament that relaxing the arms trade decree could lead to
a loss of control of strategic goods, jeopardising national safety if
these weapons fall into wrong hands.
https://www.brusselstimes.com/1496397/pax-christi-warns-against-watering-down-flemish-arms-trade-regulations
***
David Van
Reybrouck:
‘Het lijkt wel juli 1914. Het gemak waarmee nu met een soort enthousiasme de oorlogstrom wordt geroerd, vind ik verbijsterend’; en
‘Ineens is er €800 mrd voor defensie, maar voor klimaat is er geen cent te makken.’ https://fd.nl/samenleving/1548577/david-van-reybrouck-ineens-is-er-800-mrd-voor-defensie-maar-voor-het-klimaat-is-er-geen-cent
***
Report 'Death
on Delivery; #Drone Proliferation and Civilian Harm in Africa, 44
pages.
Table 2 is a 3 page Dataset of
incidents of civilian harm arising from #MALE drone use.
https://dronewars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Death-on-Delivery-March2025.pdf
***
Defensie
vraagt volgend jaar aan 2.000.000+ jongeren (18-27 jaar) of ze de
krijgsmacht in willen. #werving
Hierover wordt maandag na de ministerraad meer bekendgemaakt.
Fijn, voor je 't weet wordt je uitgezonden en sta je ergens kogels te happen.
***
#BAE Systems
has signed a contract with #Damen Naval to provide a #Bofors 40 Mk4
naval gun system for the #Colombian Navy’s PES frigate. The 40 Mk4
system, is designed for anti-aircraft and anti-surface warfare and
usable against shore targets.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-systems-to-supply-naval-gun-for-colombian-frigate/
***
Saferworld
News & events
Israel’s renewed assault on the population of Gaza reinforces the urgent need to impose a comprehensive arms embargo https://www.saferworld-global.org/resources/news-and-analysis/post/1073-israelas-renewed-assault-on-the-population-of-gaza-reinforces-the-urgent-need-to-impose-a-comprehensive-arms-embargo
***
Will #Russian
arms exports reemerge after the war will be ended. The Moscow-based
Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade #TsAMTO expects this will
happen. Article below ends with a sparse argumented: "the
question remains whether the buyers will return."
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia-is-looking-to-increase-arms-exports-after-ukraine-war-ends
***
Profit over
people!
President #Trump is working on a big gain for US arms industries. It was reported that the White House is “drafting an executive order aimed at streamlining the federal government’s process of #selling #weapons overseas.” https://responsiblestatecraft.org/arms-sales/
***
't Optreden
van #NAVO-lidstaat Turkije in #Afrika gaat meer opvallen.
#Turkije breidt zijn economische en
militaire invloed op het Afrikaanse continent in hoog tempo uit en
maakt daarbij gebruik van zijn eigen #huurlingenleger #SADAT.
#Uranium
https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10569759/erdogan-jaagt-met-turkse-huurlingen-op-afrikaans-uranium
***
Has the
downfall of the most expensive weapon programme ever started?
#Portugal has decided not to acquire #US-made #F35's due to concerns over US restrictions on access to critical components and software. https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers/lockheed-martin/portugal-cancels-f-35-purchase-over-concerns-about-u-s-reliability/
March 22
***
De vrienden
van het o zo hoogstaande Westen zijn niet zachtzinnig. (Eigenlijk
zijn het oorlogsmisdadigers, maar er zijn er die dat mogen en - beter
- die dat niet mogen.)
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/19/israels-netanyahu-warns-deadly-gaza-onslaught-only-the-beginning
***
#Sweden’s
AP Pension fund exits #Bharat Electronics Ltd #BEL. The Ethics
Council of AP says BEL’s arms exports to the #Myanmar military are
“believed to contribute to the latter’s ability to commit
violence against the country’s civilian population.”
Hard power or ethics
#Dutch branch of #Thales has close relations with #BEL https://bel-india.in/bel-thales-systems-limited/Defence However unnoticed by political parties and civil society for it. On the contrary, relations with India were recently strengthened by the #Netherlands MoD. https://x.com/martinbroek/status/1902264214988656936
***
Het laatste wat we
vandaag nodig hebben is dat het Oude Continent verandert van een
baken van stabiliteit en vrede in een nieuwe krijgsheer.
Si vis pacem para pacem – als je vrede wilt, bouw dan aan vrede, niet aan oorlog.
https://www.globalinfo.nl/nieuws/wetenschappers-tegen-herbewapening-een-manifest/
***
On the
peculiar position of @elonmusk
President #Trump said March 21 that Musk shouldn't be allowed to see top-secret #US plans for any #war with #China, in a rare admission that his billionaire ally’s business links raised potential conflicts of interest. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-admits-elon-musk-susceptible-on-china
***
***
Boeing krijgt het contract voor de ontwikkeling van een nieuwe generatie jachtvliegtuigen voor het Pentagon, de F-47. Daarmee heeft #Boeing #Lockheed verslagen. Ze zullen de F-22 Raptors vervangen en op zijn vroegst in 2030 in dienst worden genomen. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1549505/boeing-verslaat-lockheed-met-miljardenorder-voor-jachtvliegtuigen
#Boeing wins Air Force contract for NGAD next-gen fighter, dubbed F-47. Boeing's selection to produce the Next Generation Air Dominance #NGAD fighter is a game-changer for the company's challenged military arm. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/boeing-wins-sixth-gen-fighter-ngad-air-force-lockheed-loss-trump-hegseth/
When will the first be bought in #Europe?
March 20
***
For weeks
now, against the backdrop of the geostrategic repositioning of the
#US, several #European and allied countries have been shaken by the
question of the relevance of choosing the #F35, as part of
modernising their air forces.
Overview ➡️https://www.meta-defense.fr/en/2025/03/19/no-kill-switch-f-35-pentagon-but/comment-page-1/
***
Ordinary
people shouldn't have to pick up the tab for the EUs Defence bonanza.
EU Defence white paper proposed cutting funding for communities
to help pay for €800bn of bumper defence contracts.
Protect our
neutrality and oppose cuts to community funding.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHY0g_Ysiod/
***
Organising
arms trade into the future
#Thales sonar contract with #Dutch navy creates significant opportunities for Thales in future export contracts. While Thales continues to be a world leader in #sonar, it will further strengthen its strong position
https://raillynews.com/2025/03/thales-hollanda-denizalti-filosuna-sonar-sistemleri-tedarik-edecek/
***
Protests held
in Madrid against Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine says Spain continues arms trade with Israel, urging immediate halt.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/protests-held-in-madrid-against-israels-attacks-on-gaza/3514805
***
France’s
defence industry moves toward war footing
Increased defence spending having an effect on companies converting from declining sectors like automobiles.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence/news/the-french-defence-industry-builds-to-a-war-footing/
"Fight the power
We've got
to fight the powers that be"
March 19
***
Onderwijs
demonstratie
Op borden staan leuzen als ‘Books Not Bombs’, ‘Fund Education Not Occupation’ & ‘Investeer in kennis, niet in kanonnen’.
Flyers worden uitgedeeld waarbezuinigingen op 't onderwijs worden gekoppeld aan de verhoogde militaire uitgaven. https://www.parool.nl/amsterdam/we-pikken-die-middelvinger-van-de-overheid-niet-langer-duizenden-betogers-bij-onderwijsprotest-in-amsterdam~b455ea06/
***
Min
Brekelmans & staats Tuinman roepen op de militaire-industrie
sneller & efficiënter op te schalen. Dit deden zij tijdens een
zogeheten pre-event vd #NAVO-top in #DenHaag. De overheid heeft €1,1
mjd extra vrijgemaakt om dit opschalen te steunen. #MIC
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/03/13/bewindslieden-roepen-op-tot-snellere-opschaling-defensie-industrie
***
Australian
Defence Forces on Tuesday described #Nigeria’s custom-made
logistics vessel, NNS KADA, a Landing Ship Tank #LST, as the best in
the world in landing craft. Build by #Damen.
https://thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-has-best-landing-craft-says-australian-military/
#Australia itself is buying a similar
ship. https://x.com/martinbroek/status/1878744390174396911
***
#India
and the #Netherlands will increase military cooperation. Dehli urged
The Hague to avoid supplying arms, platforms and military techn to
#Pakistan. However Karachi is an important client for #Dutch military
equipment (especially for #Damen).
https://bharatshakti.in/india-netherlands-strengthen-defence-ties-rajnath-raises-concerns-over-pakistan/
Terror claims India’s push to block Dutch arms to Pakistan. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/03/19/terror-claims-indias-push-to-block-dutch-arms-to-pakistan/
March 18
***
Reactie op
denigrerend/paternalistisch artikel.
Het pacifisme van linkse jongeren is een verkapte vorm van naïviteit en privilege, werd gesteld in een opiniestuk in Het Parool. Willem de Haan vindt dat die blik geen recht doet aan wat pacifisme echt is.
https://www.parool.nl/auteur/willem-de-haan/
***
Did US
military contractor Mach Industries use a Swiwin SW800 Pro, a
Chinese-made jet engine in its latest product, a vertical take-off
cruise missile, ‘Strategic Strike’. The debate continues also on
how tight Chinese & US controls of dual-use items are.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3302388/did-us-military-contractor-use-chinese-made-jet-engine-strategic-strike-missile
***
Is this
Contra-conversion? From cusumer products (cars) to products for
destruction (armoured vehicles)?
On March 14, it was reported that
Rheinmetall's CEO is considering Volkswagen's Osnabrück factory as a
potential site for military production.
https://www.marklines.com/en/news/323510
***
The #UAE MoD
has been in talks with #Palantir Technologies to enhance the
integration of #AI-driven defense analytics within the UAE Armed
Forces. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63384
Good idea at the time the UAE is illegally arming South #Sudan forces? https://apnews.com/article/sudan-war-icj-uae-8b27cb3b8e4fef5b05a6b45084c967c7
***
Hier valt
weer een schroefje uit het #NAVO-apparaat.
De Duitse ondernemingsraad van de #defensiedivisie van #Airbus wil dat de #Duitse regering geen wapens meer koopt in de Verenigde Staten. https://www.gva.be/economie/bedrijven/ondernemingsraad-airbus-wil-dat-duitsland-geen-amerikaanse-wapens-meer-koopt/49838408.html
***
Reports from
Indian media suggest that #Saudi Arabia has declined an offer to
purchase #China’s #J35 stealth fighter jet, a development that
could impact Beijing’s ambitions to expand its influence in the
Middle East arms market.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2025/03/18/riyadh-rejects-j-35-shuns-beijing-for-saudi-air-force-plans/
***
#Elbit &
#Rafael didn't name the buyers in a recent deal. Defense News
analysed it can be the #Dutch/#Belgium combo. Which will acquire 2
anti-submarine frigates each, built by #Damen with #Thales
electronics.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/17/israeli-companies-to-supply-ship-defense-suite-to-european-frigates/
***
Dan hier wat doorwrochter in Follow the Money. https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/het-nederlandse-leger-heeft-meer-officieren-dan-soldaten
March
17
***
Initial sea trials of
the 2nd OPV-76 offshore patrol vessel for the #Nigerian Navy
#Turkey’s Dearsan Shipyard. The 1st ship was launched in October
2023 & the 2nd in April 2024. They both feature advanced tech &
weaponry. The project is valued at $160m.
https://www.dearsan.com/en/news/an-agreement-was-signed-with-the-nigerian-navy-for-the-construction-of-2-opvs
March 15
***
Despite all
the European talk ...
A Royal #Netherlands Navy frigate test fired a #Tomahawk guided-cruise missile off the coast of Norfolk, Va., on Tuesday ahead of introducing the missile system into Dutch service.
... still hooked to #USA.
https://news.usni.org/2025/03/13/royal-netherlands-navy-frigate-fires-first-tomahawk-off-east-coast-u-k-italy-prepare-for-carrier-operations
***
Controversial
arms firm Leonardo was given a licence to test communications
equipment in the Braid Hills last year. But now Green councillor
Ben Parker is calling for such testing to be stopped – &
calling for the council to ‘stand against the arms trade.’
https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/03/councillor-calls-for-ban-on-arms-companies-testing-products-in-the-capital/
March 14
***
Recent deals
have included Patriot missiles and Chinook heavy lift helicopters for
Germany, F-35s for Greece, Romania and the Czech Republic, and
tactical missiles and missile defense systems for the Netherlands. If
these deals are sustained, European defense forces would be dependent
on U.S. military technology for combat aircraft, missile defense
systems, and tactical missiles for years, perhaps even decades to
come. So one question is whether any major European nation will pull
back from one or more of these multi-billion dollar deals in order to
“buy European.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2025/03/10/can-europe-wean-itself-of-us-arms/
***
“TRUMP SAYS
defence spending has to go up, and the #EU jumps through the hoop.
€800bn, whoopee!” Wendela deVries, of @CTWnl , is #denouncing the
EU’s new defence-financing initiative before a few hundred
activists at a community centre in #Amsterdam.
https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/03/13/europes-other-front-peaceniks-vs-hawks
***
The #EU plans
to develop the defence industry by reducing US support. The priority
is to provide #Ukraine with weapons, ammo and strengthen
collaboration in the military sector.
https://unn.ua/en/news/eu-prepares-white-paper-on-defense-investments-to-deter-russia-and-support-ukraine-politico
And when the war in Ukraine is over, will it be scaled back?
***
Why?
The partner countries involved in the #Lockheed Martin F-35 remain fully committed to the fighter jet, and there’s no sign the US is changing course on the Joint Strike Fighter program, #Dutch @DefensieMin Brekelmans said.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/11/f-35-partners-fully-committed-to-program-dutch-defense-minister-says/
***
#African
imports of major #arms by African states #fell by 44% between 2015–19
and 2020–24, which was mainly due to decreases in the arms imports
of Algeria and Morocco, research (SIPRI) has shown.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/african-news/african-arms-imports-decline-by-nearly-50-over-last-decade/
March 13
***
A #US Army
AH-64 #Apache heli recently flew with the Spike NLOS missile in Erbil
Air Base, #Iraq.
The flight was part of the #Israeli
military manufacturer #Rafael missile’s operational tests with the
attack rotorcraft.
➡️
https://thedefensepost.com/2025/03/10/us-army-spike-missile/
***
An overview
of Czech views on expanding the European Union budget for military
items in the Brno Daily.
"... some Czech MEPs reject the new defence spending." https://brnodaily.com/2025/03/12/news/politics/czech-meps-question-european-commissions-plans-to-borrow-to-increase-defence-funding/
***
#Israël
bombardeerde in Gaza en Zuid-Libanon met #F15 gevechtsvliegtuigen die
Waalse onderdelen bevatten, aldus de Franstalige omroep RTBF. Het
gaat om #motoronderdelen van het Waalse bedrijf Safran Aero Boosters
https://www.safran-group.com/companies/safran-aero-boosters).
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/03/11/israel-wapens-belgie-wallonie-rtbf/
***
"#TNI-Polri
members who are found to be involved in the purchasing and selling of
firearms with armed criminal groups must be #shot dead,” Papua
Regional Police Chief Inspector General Patrige said in a voice
message received by Tempo March 11, 2025.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1985807/papua-police-chief-personnel-involved-in-arms-sales-with-separatist-group-must-be-shot-dead
***
The past
returns?
Deputy Director of Imparsial, Hussein Ahmad, underscored the excessive participation of active soldiers in Prabowo’s administration. He likened the situation to that of the New Order regime. https://en.tempo.co/read/1985823/indonesias-army-chief-dismisses-fear-of-new-order-resurgence-says-its-naive-thinking
See also [in Malay]: https://www.tempo.co/politik/imparsial-sebut-revisi-uu-tni-hanya-dalih-agar-elite-tentara-bisa-berbisnis-1216434
***
UK
'confident' in #F35 exports to #Israel even as aid into Gaza halted.
Middle East minister says halting export of parts would harm
international peace and security.
(Article also explains #Dutch position clearly.)
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-middle-east-minister-confident-f-35-exports-israel-even-aid-gaza-halted
***
The
sentencing of #Israeli Gal Haimovich to 2 yrs in prison for
violations of #US export controls on erospace components listed at
the Commerce Control List #CCL shows the policy adopted by US to
counter the #circumvention of trade restrictions on #Russia.
https://blog.volkovlaw.com/2025/03/israeli-freight-forwarder-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison-for-violating-u-s-export-controls-on-aircraft-components-to-russia/
March 12
***
Accident
involving US chemical/oil tanker. The MV Stena Immaculate was at
anchor near #Grimsby and on route to #Rotterdam. There is concern
about the “potential ecological impact” of the #spill. Cause
investigated by Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/03/10/cargo-ship-hits-tanker-carrying-jet-fuel-for-the-us-military/
***
#SouthAfrica’s
arms exports to #UAE, a state accused of violating Genocide
Convention. (Unfortunately it is not only Pretoria considering the
Emirates a welcome client for its arms.)
https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/2025-03-12-sas-arms-exports-to-uae-a-state-accused-of-violating-genocide-convention/
***
‘Gunning
for the trouble’: Investigating the #Bofors scandal, its impact –
and inconclusive outcome (#Book Review)
The scandal tarnished the image of two PMs , threw light on the unscrupulous world of the global arms trade and its nexus with politics. By @chitraSD
https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/03/10/gunning-for-the-trouble-investigating-the-bofors-scandal-its-impact-and-inconclusive-outcome-book-review/
***
NL MoD
schaft 13 snelle vaartuigen aan. Ze vervangen de huidige Frisc’s.
#DeHaasShipyards in #Rotterdam bouwt de zogeheten Future Fast
Interceptors (FFI). De contracten werden 10 maart 2025 ondertekend.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/03/10/nieuwe-snelle-boten-voor-marine-en-landmacht
March 11
***
Scholz wants
to involve the UK, Norway, Switzerland, or Turkey in EU expansion of
military production. Macron pushed back, emphasizing that Europe’s
focus should be on developing its own capabilities rather than
relying on outside suppliers.
https://english.nv.ua/nation/france-and-germany-split-over-eu-defense-funding-as-brussels-fears-150-billion-delay-50496277.html
***
appointed &
corrupt
EU leaders last week pledged to dramatically increase military spending after Von der Leyen presented a €800bn plan to allow member states to take out loans & increase national debts. Many member states would like to go further, how... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/09/eu-defence-funding-ursula-von-der-leyen-trump
***
The CAAT UK
arms exports browser has been updated to include data up to September
2024:
https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/overview
The raw data is also available for
analysis in CSV spreadsheet format:
https://github.com/caatdata/uk-arms-export-data
***
A kill switch
embedded within the F-35s could allow the US to effectively ground
these fighter aircraft at any time, raising significant questions
about military autonomy. (The article is on Germany but the argument
is valuable for large parts of the EU).
https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/concerns-rise-over-trumps-influence-on-germanys-f35-acquisition-257711
The reality is that a dedicated kill switch is not needed to keep foreign F-35s from being able to perform what they were designed to do. Just cutting off support to the jets would accomplish the same result, albeit maybe not instantly, but soon enough. https://www.twz.com/air/you-dont-need-a-kill-switch-to-hobble-exported-f-35s
***
Onbemande
straaljagers?
Het #Zwitserse bedrijf #Destinus is naar eigen zeggen in onderhandeling met het #Nederlandse ministerie van Defensie, over de levering van drones die worden aangedreven door straalmotoren. #drones https://fd.nl/economie/1548206/vdl-zou-straaljagerdrones-gaan-maken-voor-het-nederlandse-leger
***
Shipments of
US weapons to Europe rose 233% in 2020-24 from the previous 5-year
period, a March 10 report (https://doi.org/10.55163/PBRP4239) by
#SIPRI stated.
For the 1st time in 2 decades, Europe
accounted for the largest share of US arms exports, SIPRI said.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/10/us-arms-exports-to-europe-triple-boosted-by-ukraine-aid-sipri
Internationale wapenhandel Europese landen zijn de afgelopen
vijf jaar voor de uitbreiding van hun wapenarsenaal alleen maar
afhankelijker geworden van de VS, blijkt uit onderzoek van het
Zweedse instituut SIPRI.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/03/09/de-verwevenheid-tussen-defensiebedrijven-in-europa-en-de-vs-zal-trump-overleven-en-vier-andere-trends-in-de-wapenhandel-a4885600
***
#Militarisation.
#Germany’s #economy should embrace the pivot from cars to defence
equipment as a major growth driver, according to a proposal by the
Federal Association of the German Security and Defence Industry
#BDSV, which pitched the idea last week.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/10/defense-companies-jack-up-germanys-auto-industry-to-make-weapons-fast/
War economy. Who will pay the price?
While French social partners have been
engaged since February in discussions on the 2023 pension reform, the
question of a further postponement of the retirement age has
resurfaced as part of the war economy.
https://entrevue.fr/en/lage-de-la-retraite-sous-tension-leconomie-de-guerre-sinvite-dans-les-negociations/
Same disease is also
in the UK drinking water. "Labour must rely on military
Keynesianism," columist states.
https://thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-14476239/British-defence-giants-ready-war-footing.html
Producing renewable energy systems, a better idea?
***
Italy’s
#Leonardo and Turkey’s notorious #Baykar ink agreement for UAV
joint venture, which may tap into growing demand from the European
#drone market valued in excess of $100bn over the next decade and
will include production out of #Italy & #Turkey.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/italys-leonardo-and-turkeys-baykar-ink-agreement-for-uav-joint-venture/
#Baykar
one of #Turkey’s largest military companies has been linked to
#Sudan's nearly 2-year-old war after a report showed a series of arms
shipments to the Horn of Africa nation in what could be a clear
violation of EU & US-led #sanctions on #Khartoum.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/turkish-defence-firm-linked-sudan-182237104.html
***
Europe,
what Europe?
As #Europe rushes to reasses its reliance on US security guarantees and to dramatically boost military spending, #Lithuania’s defence minister personally worked to cement ties with US policymakers & also with the US military industry. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/amid-us-european-strain-lithuanian-defense-minister-cements-ties-with-us-industry-giants/
March 8
***
Ralph Nader
in an outburst on Trump (a deranged, unstable pathological liar): "He
has launched an arms race with China & Russia. He has perpetuated
and even worsened the genocidal support against the Palestinians. He
never mentioned the Palestinians once."
https://eveningreport.nz/2025/03/07/trump-has-declared-war-against-the-american-people-says-ralph-nader/
Keynes trekt
steeds vaker zijn militaire uniform aan:
Defensie is niet alleen een kostenpost, maar ook een businesscase.
https://fd.nl/economie/1547465/defensie-is-niet-alleen-een-kostenpost-maar-ook-een-businesscase
***
Ze doen
er alles aan om Europa uit te wringen, ze sluiten eigen personeel uit
(https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/02/21/reed-blasts-trumps-firings-of-top-military-brass/),
maar: ‘Werkwijze en vriendschap met Amerikanen blijft onveranderd,’
aldus commandeur George Pastoor a/b Johan de Witt In de laatste
Defensiekrant.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2025/09/01_joint-viking_09
Rob de Wijk: ‘Tegen mensen die hopen dat het nog goed komt
met de VS zeg ik: dat is een totale illusie’
https://fd.nl/politiek/1547574/tegen-mensen-die-hopen-dat-het-nog-goed-komt-met-de-vs-zeg-ik-dat-is-een-totale-illusie
March 7
***
Stories on
resales of Ukrainian arms keep surfacing as are the reports to
counter or downplay them. An example of the 2nd. It concludes "arms
trafficking happening in Ukraine appears, as of this writing, to be
contained to isolated incidents by criminals."
https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/03/06/ukraine-black-market-weapon-sales/
***
Military
industry spends big on #lobbying Brussels
With Brussels increasingly taking charge of Europe’s defence agenda, arms-makers are beefing up their #influence in #EU institutions.
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-defense-industry-goes-big-on-lobbying-in-brussels/
***
#CAAT
(https://caat.org.uk/news/latest-repression-in-turkey-must-be-nail-in-the-coffin-for-eurofighter-deal/)
has called on the UK government to block the proposed sale of 40 EFA
Typhoon jets to #Turkey, citing the country’s ongoing military
campaign in Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria & alleged
human rights violations.
***
Just part of
the Great re-Militarisation game?
March 6, 2025, #Lithuania formally withdrew from the Convention on #Cluster #Munitions, an unprecedented move with potentially profound consequences. It creates dangers for its population and global norms.
***
Turkey the new regional
power in Africa is part of a serie of three articles. This 3rd is
about unofficial troop deployments.
https://www.lesclesdumoyenorient.com/Turkiye-the-new-regional-power-in-Africa-3-3-A-military-presence-that-is-now.html
prt1: military industries https://www.lesclesdumoyenorient.com/Turkiye-the-new-regional-power-in-Africa-1-3-African-solutions-for-African.html
prt2: troop deployments
https://www.lesclesdumoyenorient.com/Turkiye-the-new-regional-power-in-Africa-2-3-A-Turkish-economic-presence.html
 |
 |
March 6
***
Von der
Leyen’s ‘Rearm Europe’ plan and the holes in it.
The US withdrawing from Europe and reviewing its military position has shaken Brussels, which now searches for a place at the ball of the global powers instead of developing Nie Wieder tools. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence/news/von-der-leyens-rearm-europe-plan-and-the-holes-in-it/
***
New #ENAAT
#website #counters clarion calls for European rearmament with
valuable information.
https://enaat.org/2025/03/05/new-enaat-website-counters-clarion-calls-for-european-rearmament-with-valuable-information/
Le nouveau site web de l'ENAAT propose des informations et une perspective #critique face au appels incessants au réarmement européen.https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PR_ENAAT-new-website_05.03.2025_FR.pdf
***
What is it
good for?
European military stocks have rallied in the wake of talks from EC President Von der Leyen, Starmer and other leaders on ramping up military budgets. Thales has gained 60% in 2025, while Hensoldt gained 85.5% and Saab 52% in 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/thales-ceo-presses-for-europe-defense-spending-to-stay-in-the-region.html
***
Erosion of
existing disarmament regimes has exacerbated global insecurity.
“I urge leaders to strengthen the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation, testing and use of deadly weapons and live up to their disarmament obligations,” Guterres said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/1160796
***
#Saudi Arabia
has long been among the world’s top #arms importers, particularly
relying on western suppliers. But the Kingdom is no longer just
purchasing military equipment—it is building a domestic industry.
Turkey plans to be a key driver of this shift.
https://amwaj.media/article/turkey-moves-to-power-saudi-defense-driven-economic-transformation
***
Chinese
Buyers Are Ordering #Nvidia’s Newest #AI #Chips, Defying US Curbs.
Traders offer servers containing the company’s Blackwell chips by
routing them through 3rd parties in nearby regions.
After the initial Biden controls took effect in late 2022, a cottage industry
of #middlemen sprang
up, sometimes bringing small quantities of chips into China through
couriers. That business has matured into a more sophisticated network
that can handle the paperwork, foreign payments & logistics of
moving chips across borders.
https://www.wsj.com/tech/china-nvidia-blackwell-chips-ai-531fed0c
March 5
***
Most
expensive weapon ever. #F35 a cash succes, but the Office of the
Director Operational Test & Evaluation: “no improvement in
meeting schedule and performance timelines for developing and testing
software designed to address deficiencies..”
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/02/05/key-tests-for-latest-f-35s-will-begin-in-2026-two-years-after-rollout/
Frontpage
F-35 to get new software this summer—but there’s no date yet for planned full upgrade.
Lockheed is hoping to wring out problems this year as the new administration revisits purchase plan.
https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/03/f-35-get-new-software-summer-theres-no-date-yet-planned-full-upgrade/403536/
***
Kan iemand ze even waarschuwen in #Brussel dat 't uitgeven van €800miljard voor militaire zaken misschien wat voorbarig is als bijvoorbeeld Nederland zijn #toeslagenschandaal nog niet eens elegant financieel kan afronden.
#Veiligheid voor wie eigenlijk?
https://eutoday.net/eu-commission-e800-billion-defence-and-ukraine-plan
March 3
***
“Producing
ammo is a dangerous business,” a US spokesperson said after blast,
Feb 25
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2025/02/28/no-injuries-reported-in-virginia-army-ammunition-plant-explosion/
In Spain an explosion at a Rheinmetall ammo plant injured 6, Jan 25 https://www.aol.com/multiple-injuries-explosion-rheinmetall-munitions-115758075.html
A blast at a Turkish ammo factory killed 11, Dec 24 https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/a-blast-at-a-turkish-ammunition-factory-kills-11-people/
***
The #US
approved potential FMSales to #Israel worth $3 bn, according to the
State Department. The sales include #munitions, guidance kits, and
Caterpillar D9 #bulldozers, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
#DSCA stated.
▶️https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/israel-caterpillar-d9-bulldozers
***
The world’s
five largest listed oil companies – BP, Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil
and TotalEnergies – have made profits of more than $380 billion
dollars since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ensuing rise in
energy bills.
https://globalwitness.org/en/press-releases/ukraine-war-third-anniversary-record-oil-profits-and-dash-for-critical-minerals-amid-conflict/
***
Is that really what Europeans want?
Ukranian protester: “Europe must organise its own defence to be at least as strong as that of the US. European member states need to increase their arms production and take the lead.”
https://www.brusselstimes.com/1468557/brussels-demonstrators-call-on-europe-to-build-its-own-defence
2024 ME
US $ 840 bn
EU $ 340 bn
Peace campaigners
slam continued rise in British military spending. Campaign for
Nuclear Disarmament general secretary Sophie Bolt e.g. slammed Sir
Keir’s plans to hike military spending while portraying himself as
a peacemaker.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/peace-campaigners-slam-continued-rise-in-british-military-spending
March 1
***
India
overlegt met #Airbus om 10 extra C-295 militaire
#transportvliegtuigen te kopen boven de 71 die het gepland had.
https://nl.marketscreener.com/koers/aandeel/AIRBUS-SE-4637/nieuws/India-in-gesprek-voor-10-extra-Airbus-C-295-vliegtuigen-om-verouderde-vloot-op-te-knappen-zeggen-br-49196208/
India in talks for 10 more Airbus C-295
aircraft in ageing fleet revamp, sources say.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-talks-10-more-airbus-c-295-aircraft-ageing-fleet-revamp-sources-say-2025-02-28/
***
We'll see.
Getting rid of US military products? This was how SIPRI pictured the relationship in 2019-2023: https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/fs_2403_at_2023.pdf
***
#US-made
#AI empowers #Israel’s #warfare.
US tech giants have empowered Israel to track and kill in Gaza, raising fears that AI is contributing to the deaths of innocent people.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41583856.html
