Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
January 31
***
#UAE based
#EDGE, has signed a LoI with the #Hungarian MoD during the visit of
Hungary’s PM Orbán, to the UAE. The agreement, focused on defence
innovation and R&D, sets the stage for contracts and highlights
the possibility of future collaboration.
https://defensehere.com/en/edge-to-collaborate-with-hungary/
***
Andrews (Special
Rapporteur on the human rights situation in #Myanmar) said action by
member states including targeted sanctions and a crackdown on the
arms trade by Singapore have contributed to a 1/3 drop in the volume
of weapons and military supplies the junta has been able to purchase
through the formal banking system since the year ending March 2023.
Andrews urges support for people of Myanmar as they heroically oppose military oppression.
***
Het geld
klotst toch tegen de plinten!
Netherlands to buy Rheinmetall anti-drone cannons in $1.35 billion buy.
The ability to protect deployed troops against drones is considered a prerequisite for land combat operations in the future.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/30/netherlands-to-buy-rheinmetall-anti-drone-cannons-in-135-billion-buy/
***
Ploughshare report on
#F35 production: "aims to bring clarity to the global production
chain behind the F-35 aircraft, with a specific focus on the Israeli
F-35I, and to assess the implications for compliance with
international arms control frameworks."
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63e066081ef50cb16a3f4157/679ba3e22945449fe7a7167e_F35I%20Report%20Jan.25.pdf
 |
 |
 |
 Table continues with US companies |
January 30
***
To underline
the urgency of high military budgets, NATO-sg Rutte claimed in the EP
that Russia is producing in 3 months more weaponry than all NATO
countries together in a year. An unlikely figure which sounds like an
alternative fact. So let's fact check.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2025/01/turbo-charged-arms-production-for.html
Table from blog, made on annual information provided by NATO (https://nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2024/6/pdf/240617-def-exp-2024-en.pdf). Why are the facts often so different from the given analyses?
***
***
"The
landscape of the #Arctic region has been transformed by global
warming ... this has unveiled new routes for trade and shipping."
#Military and foreign policy cicles are reacting to it, like in this meeting: https://eco-cdn.iqpc.com/eco/files/event_content/arctic-security-2025-agendaTgZtRyrOTu76ygJAEbbYP4y0HNAXJltcnhY1HDJk.pdf. Even #Frontex is on the speakers list.
***
"The
manufacturing of #war equipment does not help increase a country's
growth potential. Development comes from productive investment, not
from #arms," said Panetta, a member of the European Central
Bank's governing council & #Italy's central bank chief.
https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/military-spending-doesnt-help-long-term-growth-italys-central-bank-chief-says-2025-01-16/
***
Trade union
members at #Damen Shipyards Mangalia #DSMa, #Romania organised a
protest on January 28 following the company's decision to lay off 263
of a total of some 1,200 employees. They see a military future for
the wharf.
https://www.romania-insider.com/workers-protest-mangalia-shipyard-january-2025
***
January 29
***
Translated
from Catalan "The funds allocated to
European militarization have multiplied. Total European military
spending is the second largest in the world in volume, behind the
USA. A little further away, there is China and, much further away,
Russia"
Retweet
with comment @CentreDelas: "Els
fons destinats a la militarització europea s’han multiplicat. La
despesa militar europea total és la segona més important del món
en volum, darrere dels EUA. Una mica més lluny, hi ha la Xina i,
molt més lluny, Rússia"
https://www.elpuntavui.cat/politica/article/17-politica/2501465-no-ens-podem-resignar-que-el-mon-vagi-cap-enrere.html
***
#UAE's #EDGE
proposed integrating systems from the US Freedom-class combat ship
into the EDGE-Fincantieri FCX30 frigate for #Greece.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63255-uae-edges-bid-for-greece-can-the-fcx30-frigate-outshine-its-rivals
EDGE controls 51% of a JV, giving it the right to regionally produce #Fincantierri's FCX30 ships. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/uaes-edge-group-and-italian-shipbuilder-fincantieri-stand-up-32-billion-jv/
***
Militaire
activiteiten richten grote schade aan, ook aan natuur & milieu.
Nu de Nederlandse militaire sector meer ruimte krijgt en de budgetten
stijgen, neemt die schade toe. Ondertussen wekt de krijgsmacht de
indruk bij te dragen aan natuurbescherming.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/natuur-onder-vuur/
***
Are they never
informed about the #constroversial role of #Turkish #Bayraktars on
several continents at #Italy’s #Leonardo? Or do they just don't
care?
Both are discussing a team-up which could see Leonardo’s electronics/radar mounted on Baykar’s #drones
***
Turkey
expects to strike a $6bn agreement with Saudi's for the sale of
warships, tanks and missiles. The deal may include Saudi Arabia
joining Turkey’s fighter jet development project.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-27/turkey-aims-for-6-billion-weapons-deal-with-saudi-arabia?embedded-checkout=true
https://www.agbi.com/economy/2025/01/saudi-arabia-in-talks-for-6bn-turkish-arms-deal/
***
What does
rise of #AI firm #DeepSeek mean for US-China #TechWar, and the race
for talent?
After the company took tech world by surprise with powerful, low-cost AI model, new questions are raised about US containment strategy.
***
NAVO het land
in, nu vrijheid op het spel staat
Al weer een angst aanjagend bericht
over de #NAVO-#propaganda tour door Nederland. Staan ze voor
vrijheid? Of voor het verdedigen van de belangen van de elite en
wapen- en IT-fabrikanten?
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/01/28/navo-het-land-in-nu-vrijheid-op-het-spel-staat
***
In an article
on US-EU links and troubles this was written about weaponry:
Even on the military side, the US has benefited from Europe’s dependency. More than a ¼ of US arms exports went to Europe in the period 2019-2023, up from 11% in 2014–18. https://carnegieendowment.org/europe/strategic-europe/2025/01/europeans-dont-have-to-be-the-losers-trump-thinks-they-are
***
Minister’s
backing for defence firms after student protests.
In a letter seen by The Times, the
defence secretary John Healey warned universities they must help
protect recruiters from intimidation at careers fairs.
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/defence/article/john-healey-defence-firms-backing-intimidation-university-c8gh76jgc
***
#Morocco
has deepened its weapons cooperation with #Turkey to modernize its
military arsenal and strengthen military capabilities. Rabat recently
hosted a delegation from Turkey’s #Aselsan to discuss potential
collaborations on local arms production.
https://thedefensepost.com/2025/01/28/turkey-morocco-arms-collaboration/
Turkish
defence firm Aselsan has secured a $50.7-million contract to provide
the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces with the Koral electronic warfare
system.
https://caliber.az/en/post/turkish-aselsan-secures-50-million-deal-to-boost-morocco-s-electronic-warfare-capabilities
January 28
***
#Rheinmetall
has been accused of using complex mechanisms to bypass international
laws & sanctions, particularly by re-exporting weapons to
conflict zones such as Ukraine & Israel...raising questions about
the need for increased oversight by SA government
https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/analysis/uncovering-rheinmetalls-controversial-arms-trade-practices-in-south-africa-850c37a0-989b-423e-88be-34b7474965d1
***
Will S. Korea’s
politcial developmetns cause problems, or savings, for Poland’s
large weapon buys? Warshaw has announced $16bn+ in weapon buys from
S. Korean firms since 2022. Those deals could be impacted by the
uncertainty around S. Korea's government.
“the political earthquake
that was the attempted coup and its consequences must have an impact
on the institutions and the people functioning in them. Let us recall
that the Korean MoD was headed by a close confidant of the
compromised president.” He isn't anymore.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/will-s-koreas-drama-cause-problems-or-savings-for-polands-large-weapon-buys/
January 27
***
As #arms
sales continue to rise, AOAV’s reported data on explosive violence
serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences. Without
stronger rules the cycle of #violence and profit will only intensify,
leaving countless lives shattered in its wake.
https://aoav.org.uk/2025/record-arms-sales-fuel-global-explosive-violence-surge-aoav-reports/
***
#NATO is
initiating the exchange of top-secret info with the military industry
and the #EU, detailing the weapons and equipment members need to
#produce.
Watch out they are planning a hundreds of billion rise of ME. Who will pay?
***
#Pakistan
urges #UNSC action to end crisis in #DRCongo. Since the renewed
offensives by #Rwadan-backed rebels—#M23—near Goma on Jan 23,
hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee from
conflict zones, with relief capacity already
overstretched.https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/864706-pakistan-urges-effective-unsc-action-to-end-crisis-in-dr-congo
VN-chef
António Guterres riep zondag de #Rwandese strijdkrachten op zich
terug te trekken uit de Democratische Republiek #Congo en geen steun
meer te verlenen aan #M23-strijders die oprukken naar de belangrijke
Congolese stad Goma.
https://www.gooieneemlander.nl/buitenland/vn-baas-roept-rwanda-op-troepen-terug-te-trekken-uit-congo/36060942.html
Niet de grondstoffen
maar militaire bondgenootschapspolitiek reden voor oplaaiend
conflict.
Het Congolese leger werkt samen met de
FDLR, Rwandese rebellen & milities die betrokken waren bij de
genocide van 1994. Rwanda geeft forse militaire steun aan M23.
https://www.mo.be/opinie/de-congocrisis-reikt-verder-dan-conflictmineralen
***
Interior
Minister Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan has stated that anyone taking up
arms against Pakistan would be dealt with an iron hand.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/864573
To make this possible besides China,
also Germany, Italy, the Dutch, Turkey & US delivered new weapons
to Karachi 2020-24.
Janaury
26
***
De laatste jaren
versoepelen veel Europese landen de wapenexportregels met 't argument
dat dit nodig is om de wapenindustrie te laten floreren.
Beleidsveranderingen maken export mogelijk maken naar landen in
oorlog of met 'n slechte mensenrechtensituatie.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/militarisering-van-europa-ten-koste-van-controle-op-de-wapenexport/
January 25
***
How our ally
in #Riyad imports #Russian arms.
Leaked documents offer a look into #Russia's efforts to sell weapons abroad to generate cash and grow influence. #Saudi_arabia
https://kyivindependent.com/investigation-how-saudi-arabia-helps-russia-profit-from-arms-exports-amid-war/
Sanctioned Russian Firms Sold $2B Air Defense System to Saudi
Arabia, Leaked Documents Show
Russia has been exporting arms to countries including Saudi Arabia, bolstering its economy after a barrage of sanctions followed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/sanctioned-russian-firms-sold-2b-air-defense-system-to-saudi-arabia-leaked-documents-show
***
28 jan: Stop
Wapenhandel presenteert: Vrijmarkt voor oorlogswapens. Hoe de
wapenindustrie de exportcontrole ondermijnt en wat we er tegen kunnen
doen. Met @andrewfeinstein (@ShadowWorldInv1), @martijndekker Jip van
Dort (Pax) en @WendelaVries (@CTWnl).
https://www.globalinfo.nl/nieuws/50993/
***
Armoured-vehicle
makers #KNDS and #Rheinmetall and defence-electronics firm #Thales
signed the shareholder agreement for the project company that will
develop a future tank #MBT for #Germany and #France, moving a step
closer to starting actual work.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/24/knds-rheinmetall-thales-move-ahead-on-next-generation-tank-project/
***
#Dutch PM
Schoof told visiting Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang why his
government has introduced tighter restrictions on exports of #ASML's
#chipmaking tools to #China under pressure from the US - a policy
harming ASML and that Beijing has objected to.
https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/USA-CHINA-CHIPS-NETHERLANDS-899e60d3-ba4e-4222-970e-44d3f650268c
***
#Indonesia &
India will discuss boosting military ties, incl. a potential sale to
Jakarta of #supersonic cruise missiles build by a #Russian-#Indian
JV. The deal may materialise during the visit of the notorious
President Prabow's visit to New Delhi.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/indonesia-talks-buy-russian-indian-missile-president-prabowo-visits-delhi-2025-01-24/
***
South
#Korea's #arms exports decreased for a 2nd consecutive year,
officials said. The country's annual arms exports came in at $9.5bn
last year following the $13.5bn in 2023. In '22, the country's arms
exports hit the highest of $17.3 bn, reports Yonhap.
https://www.sakshipost.com/news/south-koreas-arms-exports-expected-rebound-year-371253
***
In FY 2024,
#US arms exports reached a record high of over $318 bn. According to
a recent report by the US Department of State, there was a record
#increase in US #arms exports, bringing total sales to $318.7 bn,
which is 29% higher than in FY 2023.
https://www.state.gov/fiscal-year-2024-u-s-arms-transfers-and-defense-trade/
***
Two #US
lawmakers said Friday that the United Arab Emirates #UAE has
#violated its promises and kept arming #Sudan’s Rapid Support
Forces, which Washington has accused of genocide. @ChrisVanHollen
@SaraJacobsCA
https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-jacobs-confirm-uae-providing-weapons-to-rsf-in-sudan-in-contradiction-to-its-assurances-to-us
***
PULSE is a
new joint venture launched by #UAE’s #EDGE Group and #Spanish
company #Indra. Report behind paywall.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/in-depth/63249
***
#India
providing Armenia weaponry, #Pakistan finalizing arms trade agreement
with #Azerbaijan, says Khawaja Asif (the Pakistani Defence Minister).
He wants to enhance ties through cooperation in arms trade, military infrastructure and intelligence sharing. https://24newshd.tv/24-Jan-2025/pakistan-finalizing-arms-trade-agreement-with
***
The South
African #military #industry can be a growth engine as promoted by a
consultant of Orion Consulting providing services to the Aerospace &
Defence related industry.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/stuck-record-the-south-african-defence-industry-can-be-a-south-african-growth-engine/
Sure more human security focussed
economic activities can do better. #SouthAfrica
***
At least
8 workers were killed in a blast at #Bhandara Ordnance Factory (+/-
800 km east of Mumbai), Indian government officials said. Several
others still trapped inside the building. The explosion hcaused
the factory’s roof to collapse.
https://thedefensepost.com/2025/01/25/indian-munitions-factory-blast/
January 24
***
#AI is likely
to be a priority within the #Trump administration. That is for
strategic as well as economic reasons. The government’s “north
star”, as one tech insider in #Washington puts it, will be how to
beat #China in the AI war.
https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/22/a-500bn-investment-plan-says-a-lot-about-trumps-ai-priorities
***
#Belgian
region #Wallonia arms sales to #UAE: Three export licences suspended
by top court.
https://www.brusselstimes.com/1388525/wallonia-arms-sales-to-uae-three-export-licences-suspended-by-top-court
***
#NATO
Secretary General Mark Rutte, the voice of his US master, on Thursday
urged the US to keep supplying #Ukraine with weapons to fight
Russia’s invasion and said he was sure #Europe was ready to pay the
bill.
https://humenglish.com/latest/nato-chief-rutte-says-europe-will-pay-for-us-arms-for-ukraine/
***
EU hawks call
for unrealistic military spending, European Conservative (allegedly
linked to Viktor Orbán) reports.
https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/eu-hawks-call-for-unrealistic-military-spending/
***
#Israeli
firms SMARTSHOOTER (https://www.smart-shooter.com/) and HevenDrones
(https://hevendrones.com/) have announced a strategic partnership to
equip logistics drones with advanced #robotic #weapon systems.
#drones
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hevendrones-partners-with-smartshooter-for-drone-defense-302352140.html
***
#Trump’s
90-day foreign aid suspension order does not impact weapon deliveries
to #Ukraine, #Pentagon says. #US #MoD
https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-90-day-foreign-add-suspension-order-does-not-impact-weapon-deliveries-to-ukraine-pentagon-says/
***
Raids and
detentions in #Ukraine #arms #smuggling crackdown. Police on the
afternoon of Jan 23 said they had carried out nearly 700 searches,
detained 22 people and notified another 38 they are suspects in an
#illicit #weapons smuggling probe.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/raids-and-detentions-in-ukraine-arms-smuggling-crackdown
January 23
***
#Agitprop
door BuZa. 28 januari start de NAVO door Nederland-tour, 'n tour over
vrede & veiligheid langs wat steden in #Nederland. Dit
rondreizende programma vindt plaats in de aanloop naar de #NAVO-top
'25, op 24 en 25 juni in het World Forum in Den Haag.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/01/23/start-van-navo-door-nederland-tour
***
***
Retweet
@keesamok: Greenpeace heeft de
militaire krachtsverhoudingen door experts laten onderzoeken - De
uitspraken van Rutte zijn niet onderbouwd - Wie viel Aufrüstung ist
sinnvoll?
https://oekologiepolitik.de/2025/01/20/wie-viel-aufruestung-ist-sinnvoll/
***
1/2 EU
lanceert IRIS². Betrokken bij dit project zijn: Thales Alenia Space,
OHB, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange,
Hisdesat en Thales SIX.
https://businessam.be/eu-iris%C2%B2-veilige-satellietverbindingen/
Eerdere tweet over IRIS en militaire deel, zie hieronder.
De
#EU zet €10,6 miljard opzij voor #IRIS². Dat acroniem staat voor
Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by
#Satellite.
https://itdaily.be/nieuws/netwerk/eu-10-miljard-euro-iris/
The system will support surveillance (eg #borders), as well as
security and #defence.
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en
January 22
***
Retweet
@Intel_Online: In a bid to safeguard French
defence contracts and prospects with Jakarta, President Emmanuel
Macron has invited his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, to
attend this year's Bastille Day celebrations in
Paris.https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/01/21/paris-sends-bastille-day-invite-to-safeguard-defence-prospects-with-jakarta,110365172-art
***
Antropologe
Molendijk: "We hanteren toch een soort sprookjesnarratief: goed
en kwaad, helden en schurken, heel binair." Ook onze ideeën
over een 'schone oorlog' zijn te eenzijdig. "We hebben het over
drones alsof er teddyberen uit die wapens zouden komen".
https://www.nporadio1.nl/nieuws/wetenschap-techniek/4269a47f-d5c4-4a1b-b660-ec380a5a19e1/wat-betekent-oorlogstechnologie-voor-militaire-en-burgerbevolking
***
#Cyprus has
been incorporated into the #US Defence Security Cooperation Agency’s
Foreign Military Sales #FMS programme, the Excess Defence Articles
#EDA programme, & will be allocated resources under the US’
‘Title 10’ security assistance provisions.
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/01/19/cyprus-deepens-us-military-ties
#Turkey has condemned a US decision allowing #Cyprus to
purchase US arms and acquire surplus military equipment, a move
Washington says promotes stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/01/17/ankara-slams-us-move-to-allow-arms-sales-to-cyprus5/amp/
***
#India’s
interest in #Eurodrone builds off a statement signed with Germany,
October 2024, to deepen military cooperation and which includes a
“focus on tech collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and
co-development of defence platforms and equipment.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/india-joins-eurodrone-effort-as-observer-nation/
***
In 2024
#Germany approved #arms xports vallued €13.33 bn - more than ever
before. €8.15bn, well over half of this went to #Ukraine.
The figures are based on an answer from
the Min of Economics to a question from BSW MP
@SevimDagdelen.
Ukraine was Singapore with €1.21bn. It was
followed by Algeria (€558.7m), the USA (€319.9m) and Turkey
(€230.8m).
Controversial deliveries to Turkey at
highest level since 2006. Even more controversial: arms exports to
Israel.
https://www.bluewin.ch/en/news/international/133-billion-euros-arms-exports-rise-to-record-level-2530120.html
January 21
***
Illegal arms
manufacturing has become a serious regional security threat in
Sub-Saharan Africa,
manifested through increased violence, crime, and political instability. This study examines the
driving forces and its consequences. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388174700_The_Growing_Threat_of_Illegal_Arms_Manufacturing_in_Sub-Saharan_Africa_A_Significant_Concern
***
Data
analytics giant Palantir Technologies is in advanced discussions to
invest in Shield AI, a significant move that could reshape the
autonomous Drone-industrie. The potential investment is part of a
broader $200 million funding round that would value the AI drone
startup at approximately $5 billion.
The investment talks, first reported by The Information, represent a growing convergence between Silicon Valley’s technology sector and the defense industry, particularly in autonomous systems development.
The funding round brings together an impressive consortium of investors. Other potential participants include aerospace giants Airbus, L3Harris Technologies, and Lockheed Martin, alongside venture capital firms Andreessen Horowitz, Point72, and Riot Ventures.
https://dronexl.co/nl/2025/01/20/palantir-investment-drone-maker-shield-ai/
January 20
***
The
#Netherlands has signed a huge contract with Israeli arms maker
#Elbit, despite a Dutch court decision barring #F35 parts to #Israel
over the Gaza War. The deal was closed despite strong criticism by
the #Dutch parliament, reports Haaretz.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2025-01-20/ty-article/.premium/netherlands-restricts-f-35-spare-parts-to-israel-but-buys-israeli-weapons-systems/00000194-82d5-d57c-a597-a3df32650000
Dutch
military policy isn't often in the international press, but this was
even noticed on Sri Lanka.
Netherlands Signs $175 Million Arms Deal with Israeli Firm Elbit https://slguardian.org/netherlands-signs-175-million-arms-deal-with-israeli-firm-elbit/
***
Bristol City
Council in the UK has passed a motion calling for divestment from
companies linked to Israeli war crimes in Gaza and the arms trade,
marking a significant milestone for the Palestine solidarity
movement.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250120-uks-bristol-council-votes-for-divesting-from-companies-linked-to-israel-war-crimes/
***
Came across this
music: We Began This Quilt There: I. Uluhaimalama. Composed: Leilehua
Lanzilotti Performed: Ethel Featuring: Allison Loggins-hull Based on
text by the last queen of #Hawaii (before it was annexed by the
#USA).
https://leilehualanzilotti.com/we-began-this-quilt-there
https://youtu.be/1mWB4ATZlM4?si=xcfu3-gaqI8TkSLb
***
Arms export
control is helping gross human rights violators to military tech?
#Egyptian Min. of Military Prod. #MoMP is in talks with #Rheinmetall for transfer of technology and localization agreements for LUNA (https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/products/uncrewed-systems/luna) #drones (UAV). https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63235
***
If #Turkey is
bombing its neighbour
(https://hawarnews.com/en/turkish-occupation-warplanes-bomb-serrin-villages-and-tishrin-dam-vicinity)
it is time to sell it more fighter aircraft?
Turkish paper on why #Germany reviews sale of 40 #Eurofighter jets to Ankara. https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/germany-reviews-sale-of-40-eurofighter-jets-to-turkiye-108152/
***
#Ukraine aims
to spend a record $35 #billion on #weapons #production in 2025,
according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The Ukrainian government
intends to provide $17 billion, while the rest may be financed by
#allies.
https://kyivindependent.com/ammunition-used-by-russians-halved-syrskyi-says/
***
#Russia's
#ammunition use has been cut nearly in half amid the long-term
impacts of #Ukrainian strikes on Russian military targets,
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the
Ukrainian news outlet TSN on Jan. 19.
https://kyivindependent.com/ammunition-used-by-russians-halved-syrskyi-says/
***
#Myanmar is another
country that #Sweden must, on paper, not export to. However, the
rights watchdog, Justice For Myanmar #JFM, has found that the Indian
firm, Sandeep Metal Craft Private Ltd, supplied Myanmar's military
with FFV-447 projectile #fuses designed for use with Swedish 84 mm
Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles. This would not be the first time such
an incident has happened.
SPAS (@svenskafreds) the agency
@lakerstrom is working for, has been looking into this and she says
the results have been “frustrating.”
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/the-military-complex-and-war
***
With
#Airbus & #Maxar deals, #Dutch double up on #space-based ISR
business. “These contracts are established for the renewal and
improvement of the current direct access satellite imagery platforms
used by the MoD," said a #Netherlands MoD spokesperson.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/with-airbus-and-maxar-deals-dutch-double-up-on-space-based-isr-business/
Januari
19
***
De bewering van Mark Rutte in het Europees Parlement dat Rusland in drie maanden meer wapens produceert dan Navo-landen in een jaar (FD, 14 januari), roept vragen op over feitelijke juistheid.
January 18
***
Zelensky and
#Dutch FA minister Veldkamp discussed military cooperation between
the 2 countries & investments in #Ukrainian arms #production.
This was reported by the Office of the
President , Ukrinform reports.
https://menafn.com/1109099652/Zelensky-Dutch-FM-Discuss-Investments-In-Ukrainian-Arms-Production
Wordt ook al export controle op poten gezet?
***
Nederland is
een spil in de #wapenhandel dat moet stoppen, zegt de SP op haar
site.
https://www.sp.nl/standpunten/defensie/nederland-is-een-spil-in-de-wapenhandel-dat-moet-stoppen
***
Security?
The US government estimates there are over half a million weapons in Haiti, many illegally trafficked from the US. Many of the firearms were legally purchased in the US, but they fetch multiples of their market price when sold to Haitian gangs. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/guns-from-us-fuel-haitis-violence-crisis-gangs-weild-high-powered-weapons/
January 17
***
The Dutch
government excludes billions of euros of sales by technology company
ASML to China from disclosures on sensitive goods exports, it has
told Reuters, following a policy decision that has not been
previously reported.
The move is of interest because
disclosure of exports of dual use goods with
potential military applications had previously been routine in the
Netherlands, and experts who rely on public data to understand
states' military capabilities, incl parliament, may no longer have
the full picture.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dutch-government-excludes-most-asml-114605718.html
The
reports started after a FOIA-claim (WOB in Dutch) by @CTWnl &
VPRO's Argos. This provided more info as Members of Parliament got.
After a meeting between the Min. of Economics & @SP the current
format of info reports was decided and worked for 20 years.
#TransparencyErosion
***
an end to the
live-streamed genocide?
@CAATuk, a 2012 Right Livelihood Laureate, said: “We need to keep demanding a full 2-way arms embargo.” “A genuine, long-lasting peace can only be achieved when we stop the flow of arms sales.”
https://caat.org.uk/news/caat-statement-on-potential-gaza-ceasefire/
January 16
***
CSIS study
on: How #Ukraine rebuilt its #military acquisition system around
commercial #technology.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-ukraine-rebuilt-its-military-acquisition-system-around-commercial-technology
***
The villains are the
friends of the West
The evidence of the UAE’s massive
operation propping up the RSF with all the heavy weaponry and
financial backing it needs to survive and continue carrying out
atrocities since the very start of the conflict is irrefutable,
including drones and intelligence. There is even
evidence suggesting the UAE is directly controlling advanced military
drones from its territory to provide intelligence and arms shipments.
https://www.justsecurity.org/106305/genocide-determination-uae-arms-sales/
***
Growing
pressure on Avon Pension Fund to divest from firms making weapons
used in Gaza.
Bristol councillors are urging the
pension fund to withdraw millions of pounds invested in weapons
manufacturers.
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/growing-pressure-avon-pension-fund-9865911
***
#Vietnam and
#Russia inked Tuesday an agreement to boost cooperation on #nuclear
energy during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's two-day
visit to Hanoi.
***
Mizoram
police arrested five individuals, including a Chin National Front
leader, near the India-#Bangladesh border. A large cache of arms,
including AK-47 rifles and ammunition, was seized, thwarting plans
for an #arms trade with Bangladeshi insurgents.
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3226415-major-arms-seizure-foils-insurgent-plot-in-mizoram
***
Russia’s
arms exports dropped by 92 percent from 2021 to 2024 due to
redirected resources for Ukraine, sanctions, inflation, and funding
issues, Jamestown Foundation
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamestown_Foundation) reports.
https://jamestown.org/program/russian-arms-exports-collapse-by-92-percent-as-military-industrial-complex-fails/
***
https://vrede.be/nl/kalender/potestkamp-tegen-maersk-kopenhagen
***
Legislative
initiative in Congress to permanently lift #arms embargo on #Cyprus.
Legislation would streamline the sale of US military systems,
strengthening the strategic partnership between the #US & Nicosia
while enhancing Cyprus' #military capabilities.
https://www.tovima.com/politics/legislative-initiative-in-congress-to-permanently-lift-arms-embargo-on-cyprus/
***
Retweet
@SIPRIorg: What are the drivers and
implications of #naval build-ups in the Indo–Pacific? This SIPRI
paper examines the drivers and implications of naval build-ups in the
Indo-Pacific, considering key actors’ security objectives and
threat perceptions
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2024/research-reports/navigating-security-dilemmas-indo-pacific-waters-undersea-capabilities-and-armament-dynamics
***
Chipwar
continues
#Nvidia blasts #Biden Administration's move on AI chip export curbs. The restrictions' announcement drew a fiery response from #China & prompted criticism from the US chip industry, while the #EU expressed its "concern" over the approach. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/tech/nvidia-blasts-biden-administrations-move-on-ai-chip-export-curbs
***
#Raytheon
#RTX is investing in its SM-3 production lines to answer global
interest for the #interceptor due to successful launches against
ballistic missiles in the Middle East.
S Korea is example of country with a
strong interest in buying the missile.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2025/01/15/raytheon-aims-to-boost-sm-3-missile-production-rates
***
#UAE
officials are in talks with #Elbit Systems for the acquisition of
Hermes 900 medium-altitude long-endurance #MALE #drones along with
transfer of technology and licensed production agreements.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63225
UAE as #illegal provider of arms to
conflicts no problem?
***
The chief
of the South #Korean state arms procurement agency DAPA will visit
#Norway and #Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ways to expand #arms
industry cooperation, officials said Thursday, amid South Korea's
push to boost its overseas arms exports.
https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250116003000315?section=national/defense
January 15
***
The new face
of weaponry.
#Saab will provide its TactiCall
communications system to the Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed
aircraft system being developed by #Boeing that also has drawn
Pentagon interest. #Unmanned #drones
https://aviationweek.com/defense/sensors-electronic-warfare/saab-joins-boeings-mq-28-ghost-bat-program
***
US fighters
to defend #Greenland against US policy? #Denmark repatriated 3 more
F-35's it had been using for training in the US, finalizing a
workaround to delivery delays by #Lockheed. Denmark flew home 4
aircraft in an older configuration in December.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/14/denmark-flies-home-more-f-35s-for-patrols-to-buffer-upgrade-delays/
***
Interview:
The West may be losing control over the world’s resources but it
still dominates weapons systems and information. Vijay Prashad
explains why some world leaders are effectively arms dealers and how
this influences diplomacy.
https://newint.org/arms/2025/why-west-picks-guns-over-diplomacy-vijay-prashad
***
Money, money,
it is so funny...
Rutte didn't offer a specific spending figure for NATO members to agree on, but his plea follows US President-elect Trump calling for a target of 5% of GDP to be met. Earlier this week he spoke about a target of 3.7% of GDP.
***
The Royal
#Thai Air Force is set to conduct a critical evaluation of the
Swedish #Saab Gripen fighter jet, focusing on its ability to operate
from makeshift airstrips on public highways, the Nation reports.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40045085
The Thai government
will support the country's air force in its proposal to acquire the
Saab Gripen E/F to replace its aging Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs. The
backing from Bangkok clears a key hurdle for Saab and the Royal Thai
Air Force (RTAF) prior to contract signing.
https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/thai-government-backs-air-forces-gripen-ef-selection
***
The
#Biden administration in its final days is shifting more than $100
million in military aid from Israel and #Egypt to #Lebanon as it
tries to bolster a ceasefire agreement it helped mediate between
#Israel and Hezbollah.
https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-hezbollah-israel-ceasefire-7d8e3ecced6305ef0ec922d04d571fb4
January 14
***
The US has
decided to shut off around 120 countries from accessing the most
valuable element that is powering the free market at present #AI. The
US has a global dominance in the fast-moving world of AI to defend.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91259603/joe-bidens-new-chip-export-rules-strangle-competition-to-ensure-u-s-ai-supremacy
See also: https://www.bis.gov/
***
Germany
cooperates with Israeli Elbit firm producing destruction. The German
army has received parliamentary approval to buy an initial batch of
Elbit-made PULS rocket artillery systems.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/06/german-army-gets-nod-to-buy-israeli-puls-rocket-launchers/
***
WTF? EU
needs to rethink its spending priorities to boost the military. Mark
Rutte: "On average, European countries easily spend up to a ¼
of their income on pensions, health and social security systems, and
we need only a small fraction of that money..."
https://www.politico.eu/article/welfare-finance-nato-boss-european-parliament-mark-rutte-secretary-general-gdp-defense/
January 13
***
After a year
marked by war & calls for isolating #Israel on the world stage,
its military industry sells more weapons than ever in its history.
This is spurred by foreign demand and significant government spending
to fund Israel’s ongoing wars.
https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israels-defense-industry-booms-on-foreign-demand-and-war-at-home-0709ef94
***
Retweet
@keesamok: Videos and photos have
surfaced online reportedly showing a warehouse of Emirati ammunition
and missiles in Wad Madani, Sudan, after the country's military
captured the strategic city from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/stashes-emirati-weapons-sudans-wad-madani-report
***
Apple and
#Nvidia chip supplier #TSMC’s sales top estimates, boosting #AI’s
2025 outlook
The world’s largest contract chipmaker reported a 39 per cent rise in Oct-Dec revenue to US$26.3bn.
Expansion includes construction in
Japan, the US and Germany.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3294278/apple-and-nvidia-chip-supplier-tsmcs-sales-top-estimates-boosting-ais-2025-outlook
***
List of
military industrial meetings accross Europe (Copenhagen, Bristol,
Bristol, Middlesex, Sardinia) topics run from major weapon systems to
change of military technology. A border tech conference will be
organised in Canberra. https://www.defenceiq.com/events
***
If the
#Pentagon gets another big funding boost under cover of a campaign
for “efficiency,” the old guard & the new tech arms sector
could end up doing fine, at the expense of US citizens & of other
needed programs 4 which “efficiency” may mean deep cuts.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-musk-pentagon/
***
 |
Visit Rwanda? |
The flows started after the M23 movement, a Tutsi-led organisation purportedly backed by Rwanda, seized the Rubaya area, which produces minerals used in smartphones and computers, follow hing intense fighting in April.
Report: https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/373/37/pdf/n2437337.pdf
***
#Nigeria,
#China plan collaboration on #military training, arms production.
https://punchng.com/nigeria-china-plan-collaboration-on-military-training-arms-production/
Chinese
steel giant, Jingye Group, is expected to engage in the
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, according to media reports.
Estimated at $26 billion, this infrastructure aims to connect West Africa, Morocco and Europe.
https://apanews.net/chinese-company-injects-26bn-into-nigeria-morocco-gas-pipeline/
The
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maitama Yusuf Tuggar, has said he
demanded that China invest in refining Lithium in the country rather
than the current export of the mineral resources out of the country.
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/10/we-want-china-to-refine-our-lithium-in-nigeria-tuggar/
***
#India and
#Indonesia discuss $450m #BrahMos missile deal. The #supersonic
#missile, range of 290-450 kms depending on the variant, is capable
of carrying out precision strikes from land, sea, or air.
http://slguardian.org/india-and-indonesia-discuss-450-million-brahmos-missile-purchase-deal/
***
#MBDA, in
partnership with #SAAB through their joint venture #TAURUS Systems
GmbH, has signed a contract with the Bundeswehr to modernise and
maintain the TAURUS stand-off weapon system, ensuring its operational
readiness through at least 2045.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/germany-modernises-cruise-missiles/
***
Creating a
new arsenal. #Ukraine’s domestic #arms production grew 500% in
2024, led by drone production. The trend in 2025 is expected to
continue on the basis of the “Danish model”; #Denmark has been
providing Ukraine with hundreds of millions of euros.
https://www.intellinews.com/danish-model-funded-500-increase-in-ukraine-s-domestic-arms-production-in-2024-360899/
***
W-Australian
#Damen shipyards is to deliver a new landing craft for the Army.
#LST100 The vessel will be capable of carrying more than 500 tonnes
of military vehicles/equipment – it is intended to carry six Abrams
Tanks,11 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles or 26 HIMARS – &
will be fitted with weapon systems and #Australian military
communications.
https://newscop.com.au/2025/01/12/159bn-earmarked-for-10-year-plan-to-boost-naval-shipbuilding/
***
@WilliamHartung:
“Trump likes to pose as the ultimate dealmaker, ... he touted how
US arms sales support jobs ... Letting Israel spend US aid to bolster
Israel’s arms sector rather than to buy weapons from US firms runs
counter to his usual approach.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/12/israel-weapons-bombs-trump-united-states/
***
SDP MP
Stegner wrote that Trump's 5% remark was delusional & insane.
Resources are neded to solve real-world problems. "We have too
much poverty, environmental destruction, civil wars, migration, and
too few resources to combat this," according to Stegner.
https://www.businessinsider.nl/europe-is-divided-over-trumps-call-for-nato-members-to-boost-defense-spending-to-5-of-gdp/
***
TurkSat 5A
would greatly extend the range of drone operations from the west of
Europe to the east of Kazakhstan, with more resistance against
jamming, rejection and wiretapping; high-definition live streams of
targets and commanding of munitions drops.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%BCrksat_5A
***
Arianespace
brengt #Franse militaire #satelliet in de ruimte
De Composante Spatiale Optique -2 #CSO2 satelliet werd door #Airbus Defence and Space gebouwd in opdracht van het Franse MoD en zal de volgende jaren gebruikt worden voor #spionagetoepassingen. https://www.spacepage.be/nieuws/nieuws-ruimtevaart/lanceringen/arianespace-brengt-franse-militaire-satelliet-in-de-ruimte.html
January
10
***
#Nederland heeft voor
#Oekraïne inmiddels voor ruim €1 #miljard aan 155mm
#artilleriemunitie verworven. Daarnaast realiseerde Nederland in het
laatste kwartaal €2 #miljard aan steun. Hieronder vallen #F16's en
contracten en financiering voor #drones.
***
Britse speciale
legereenheid mocht vrijuit moorden in Afghanistan. Trouw noemt ook
voorbeelden uit Australië, de VS en Nederland van militaire
wandaden.
Er zijn nog steeds mensen die dit
veiligheidsbeleid noemen.
Inquiry hears elite forces had a
‘kill all males on target whether they posed a threat or not’
policy in Afghanistan
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/08/flat-packing-them-soldier-says-sas-described-killing-afghans-in-casual-way
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07g40x1v53o
Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan (with documents):
https://www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/
January 9
***
Learn how to
automatically invade Greenland, conquer Canada, despise the UK,
Denmark & Germany.
Rheinmetalll, BAe Systems & Elbit will help you.
On show in London, 31 March - 2 April https://www.smgconferences.com/defence/uk/conference/robotic-autonomous-systems#tab_sponsors
Or demand less spectaulair: efforts
arms control & diplomatic solutions.
***
Pan-European
missile maker #MBDA bought the remaining 50% of rocket-engine
supplier #Roxel from co-owner #Safran, in a move the company expects
will help it ramp up production in the face of surging demand.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/07/missile-maker-mbda-buys-safrans-stake-in-rocket-engine-supplier-roxel/
***
#EU #funding
for #Israeli tech raises fresh concerns of complicity in genocide. EU
funds suspected of supporting artificial intelligence #AI
technologies used by Israel to ‘locate and kill’ civilians.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-funding-for-israeli-tech-raises-fresh-concerns-of-complicity-in-genocide/3444314
***
#Russia
continues to lose the #Serbian arms market — one of the last loyal
countries in Europe that has not joined sanctions and has been
purchasing #weapons from Moscow since Soviet times and now has
terminated a number of contracts for Russian weapons.
https://odessa-journal.com/serbia-announced-the-termination-of-contracts-for-russian-weapons
***
Conversation
with @antloewenstein
#Israel has deep historical ties with oppressive regimes, arming many that have been accused of genocide. But how is Tel Aviv using expertise it is gaining during its war on #Gaza to make a profit?
***
#Damen Cape
Town has delivered another FCS 3307 patrol vessel to #Nigeria’s
Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Ltd to patrol Nigerian waters.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/nigerias-hiosl-receives-another-damen-patrol-vessel/
These privately owned vessels won't mount any deck guns, but their crew will include heavily #armed #guards
***
The German
army has received parliamentary approval to buy an initial batch of
Elbit-made PULS rocket artillery systems, a decision that could see
Berlin look to European munitions suppliers in the future.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/06/german-army-gets-nod-to-buy-israeli-puls-rocket-launchers
***
Not a reason
yet to be against Elbit, here's a next:
#Israel's MoD signed deals worth about US$276m with defence contractor #Elbit Systems to boost domestic arms production amid the the ongoing genocide in #Gaza. https://manufacturing.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aerospace-defence/israel-signs-deals-to-boost-domestic-weapons-production/117052090
Amsterdam: https://www.kvk.nl/bestellen/#/88476286000054339367
***
Relaxed
control:
#US move to ease dual-use tech exports to #India likely.
Changes in the US #MCTR policy likely to lead to more US companies entering the Indian space sector which has been opened up for private participation under a new policy.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/india-us-commercial-space-cooeration-ties-dual-use-technology-export-9767055/lite/
New Biden MTCR policy will free long-range missile tech,
space launcher sales to key allies, partners.
http://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/new-biden-mtcr-policy-will-free-long-range-missile-rocket-sales-to-key-allies-partners/
***
#Elbit
Systems has secured a significant $60 million contract with a unnamed
#NATO European country to supply its advanced ReDrone
counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). #drones
https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-60-million-contract-to-supply-counter-uas-solution-to-a-nato-european-country/
Romania seems to be the buyer: https://x.com/laurbjn/status/1876249288872992859
***
#UAE
President #MBZ had previously reached an understanding with US
President-elect Trump regarding the F-35. Trump is interested in
activating the #F35 deal with the UAE under specific terms.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63210
Again tabled: the issue of #components
by F-35 partners.
***
Nearly half
(49%) of Britons view investing in arms manufacturers as crossing an
ethical line, according to a new YouGov poll.
60% of Labour voters & 65% of LibDems consider investments in arms industries to be unethical, compared to 28% of Conservatives. https://leftfootforward.org/2025/01/almost-half-of-brits-say-investing-in-arms-manufacturers-is-unethical/
January 8
***
Turkey said
that it was “only a matter of time” before Syrian Kurdish
fighters –seen by the West as essential against ISIS– will be
wiped out. “They will face Turkey’s iron
fist.”https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/6/turkiye-says-kurdish-led-armed-groups-in-syria-will-be-eliminated
Do we really sell arms to Ankara? Oh we're even military connected via NATO.
***
Links bij de Vrijmarkt voor oorlogswapens:
https://stopwapenhandel.org/boekbespreking-tegen-de-stroom-in/
Reserveren: https://dezwijger.nl/programma/vrijmarkt-voor-oorlogswapens/make_reservation
Kijk verder op de website van deze
organisatie voor vrede en tegen oorlogsgeweld.
P.S. The January 13 meeting is organised by Forum on the Arms Trade.
***
The #French
government has announced that the value of French arms exports
exceeded €18bn in 2024, making it the 2nd-best year in its history.
#Rafales to Qatar, Serbia and Indonesia & #submarines to the
Netherlands were the main exported military items.
https://www.fananews.com/language/en/french-arms-exports-hit-second-all-time-record-in-2024/
***
Billionaire
and extremist @ElonMusk is looking to carve out a role in #Italy's
telecommunications system by expanding his aerospace business Space X
and satellite broadband venture Starlink. Italian PM #Meloni has
developed a strong relationship with Musk
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/How-Elon-Musk-s-Space-X-is-looking-to-gain-ground-in-Italy-48698208/
January 7
***
The #UAE and
#France are still in talks about a joint financing partnership for
the development of the future Dassault #Rafale F5 fighter jet. [pay
wall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63198
***
Een Israëliër
die op vakantie was in #Brazilië is de grens over gevlucht uit angst
dat hij vervolgd zou worden voor daden in Gaza. Ambassade hielp hem
't land uit.
Minister Saar vervolgens boos dat #Israël geen genocide mag plegen, noemde dit 'verdedigen'. https://www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/israelische-soldaten-lopen-risico-tijdens-vakantie-in-buitenland-te-worden-opgepakt-voor-oorlogsmisdaden~b2a0c281/
***
UK Labour gov
refused to end Israel’s access to F35 parts exported from the UK
despite evidence that they have been used to bomb “safe zones” in
Gaza.
Scottish Green Harvie said: This will
taint Labour's legacy like Iraq did to the last Labour government.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24837504.labour-refuse-block-israel-access-f-35-jets-despite-gaza-bombing/
***
'If you’ve
got an industry that’s working transnationally & across
borders, we've to work across borders, building solidarity between
different struggles, pulling out those links and where we can work
together, where we’ve got pressure points.’ @CAATuk
https://newint.org/arms/2025/how-dismantle-deadly-arms-trade
***
#Israel
Aerospace Industries is seeking to support start-up companies in
#India via a new program, as the company seeks to expand its
relationships with a major market for Israeli goods, #IAI CEO Boaz
Levy told Breaking Defense in a recent interview.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/why-israels-iai-is-investing-heavily-in-indian-startups/
January 6
***
#Arms #race
in Asia-Pacific will intensify this year, observers believe as US
allies like #Japan & the #Philippines plan big boosts to their
defence budgets.
The aim is to counter #China and to
hedge against uncertainties over incoming US president #Trump.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3293412/china-and-trump-factor-will-heat-asia-pacific-arms-race-observers-warn
***
Article on this: https://defensenews.com/pentagon/2025/01/03/pentagons-2025-industry-investments-target-space-biochem-and-more/
***
Strengthening
Riyad. The #US has greenlit arms deal with #Saudi Arabia. The deal
involves selling 20 MK 54 #torpedoes, along with a comprehensive
package of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost of
the program is $78.5 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-mk-54-mod-0-lightweight-torpedoes
***
Russian
arms industries vanished in the Ukraine war, corruption, tanking
ruble and no export orders. Russian weapons exports have dropped
dramatically under the shadow of Moscow's full-scale invasion of
Ukraine and the global ...
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2025/01/06/russian-arms-induestries-vanished-in-the-ukraine-war-corruptions-tanking-ruble-and-no-export-orders/
January 5
***
'New' kid on
the block #Japan plans to map out a strategy within 2025 to boost
military equipment exports by enhancing the int. competitiveness of
its defense industry. Tokyo aims to strengthen the industry's
foundation by helping expand its market reach.
https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025010300314/
***
The
outgoing villain has a message for those who commit gross violations
of #IHL. #US State Dep. has informally notified Congress of an $8bn
proposed sale of ammo to resupply #IDF stocks of ammo and air defence
capabilities, an official said anonymously.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341057/biden-administration-announces-8bn-arms-sale-to-israel
January 3
***
#Israel's MoD
and the IDF inaugurated a new Directorate for #AI and Autonomy this
week, aimed at spearheading research, development, and force-building
in the fields of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems
across all branches of the #IDF.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/government-israel/defense-ministry-launches-new-ai-and-autonomy-administration/2025/01/01/
***
For Germany’s
political class, supporting Israel's genocide is naked self-interest.
Many German companies and institutions
are intimately connected with Israel. Any change would result in the
loss of profits and influence.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/germany-israel-support-genocide-is-naked-self-interest
January 2
***
Former
#Turkish military officer Bozkır (22-year in prison for his role in
smuggling explosives to #ISIS) claimed during a court hearing that he
previously sold arms to Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, now the de facto
president of #Syria, Turkish media reported.
https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/01/02/former-turkish-military-officer-jailed-over-explosives-shipments-to-isil-claims-he-sold-arms-to-al-jolani/
Hablemitoğlu
defendant Nuri Gökhan Bozkır: I sold weapons to Colani
Former captain Bozkır, said that he years ago sold weapons to Colani, who took over the administration in Syria. https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/hablemitoglu-sanigi-nuri-gokhan-bozkir-colaniye-silah-sattim-haber-1746796
***
How the arms
industry #corrupts political parties—interview with
@andrewfeinstein.
He's joint editor of The Monstrous
Anger of the Guns: How the Global Arms Trade Is Ruining the World and
What We Can Do About It. He spoke to Judy Cox about the new book.
https://socialistworker.co.uk/in-depth/how-the-arms-industry-corrupts-political-parties-interview-with-andrew-feinstein/
***
#French
aircraft have bombed Islamic State positions in #Syria, Defense
Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Tuesday, in its first such strike on
the country’s soil since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
https://www.barrons.com/news/france-says-it-struck-is-positions-in-syria-b52568e1
***
Ridderorde voor
de omstreden Raymond #Westerling?
Nieuwe kalenderjaar, archiefstukken openbaar. Zoals rond de voordracht voor een koninklijke onderscheiding, voor Westerling, de meest #omstreden NL officier uit de Indonesische #Onafhankelijkheidsoorlog. https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/beleven/nieuws/ridderorde-voor-de-omstreden-raymond-westerling
January 1
***
Burgers en
NGO's kunnenterecht bij 'n meldpunt voor vermoedens van
burgerslachtoffers door NL militaire inzet. Het meldpunt is te vinden
op Defensie.nl.
https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/burgerslachtoffers/melden-burgerslachtoffers
Het gaat om inzet in 20 landen vanaf 2000 zoals in Bosnië, Irak, Afghanistan en Mali.
***
Is #Trump a
friend or foe to the #military #industry & who will benefit?
It remains to be seen whether any from
old league win Trump’s favour, but so far his regard seems to be
centered on business leaders from the defence startup & venture
capital world.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/defense-industry-could-see-big-shakeup-under-trump-2025-preview/
***
#US court
orders release of $6m arms #funds to #Nigeria that had been seized by
the US government in 2014 from an arms broker.
Until the judgment, Nigeria faced a
double whammy, receiving neither its funds nor the military items it
wanted to purchase.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/764519-us-court-orders-release-of-seized-6-million-arms-funds-to-nigeria.html
***
Happy new
year, for whom? #Serbia Buys Advanced Artillery and Drones From
Israel's #Elbit Systems. Serbia, a supplier of munitions used by
Israel in Gaza, inks $335 million deal for Israeli weapons, amid its
arms race with neighboring NATO member #Croatia.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2025-01-01/ty-article/.premium/serbia-buys-advanced-artillery-and-drones-from-israels-elbit-systems/00000194-1ebe-dbdd-add5-1ebf13af0000
