Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
May 19
***
Oproep: Naar
het #Rheinmetall ontwapeningskamp in Keulen eind augustus!
Er zullen spannende lezingen, workshops en acties zijn. We gaan samen de straat op, maken ons verzet zichtbaar en grijpen actief in.
Website voor alle info: https://rheinmetallentwaffnen.noblogs.org/
***
Ongoing
clashes between #India & #Pakistan aren't business opportunities.
They involve real people. China’s decision to use this conflict as
a testing ground for its weapons serves as a stark reminder of the
moral cost of prioritising profit over humanity.
https://kashmirlife.net/china-arms-testing-india-pakistan-conflict-391241/
***
#Chinese
military firm strikes arms deal with #Nigeria, deepening ties with
West Africa. Chinese company to produce ammunition, upgrade military
hardware, service battle tanks and train defence personnel for
Nigeria.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3310635/chinese-defence-firm-strikes-arms-deal-nigeria-deepening-ties-west-africa
***
Since
Russia’s invasion in 2022, #Ukraine has faced not only a military
onslaught but also challenges in securing ammo & weapons. A
critical and largely underreported aspect of this has been Kyiv’s
costly #missteps and vulnerabilities on #arms #market.
https://caliber.az/en/post/ft-how-ukraine-blew-hundreds-of-millions-on-failed-arms-deals
Ukraine has paid US$770 million for weapons it has not received yet – Financial Times. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/05/16/7512511/
***
Churchill saw
German car manufacturers and other industries shift toward arms
production. We are now seeing the same thing. (...) Investments are
made to turn the whole German landscape into a field ready for
battle.
https://www.thetrumpet.com/31559-germanys-new-chancellor-makes-militarization-top-priority
(The Trumpet is a religious publication with a taste for complot
theory. https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/The_Philadelphia_Trumpet)
***
(Er is meer
dan plastic alleen @eventothier)
The #Netherlands signed a contract to buy 46 #Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks #MBT from French-German military firm #KNDS for more than €1 billion, officially based (https://www.kvk.nl/bestellen/#/64277925000033117004) in the Netherlands.
***
Two #US
senators have introduced legislation to streamline arms sales to
#Taiwan by adopting similar rules as those used for "NATO Plus"
countries for shorter formal Congressional notification times and
higher weapons value thresholds.
https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202505150004
***
In a striking
development that has caught the attention of defense observers
worldwide, #China has extended an offer to sell two squadrons of its
advanced Chengdu J-10CE multirole fighter jets to #Colombia.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/05/16/china-pitches-j-10ce-jets-to-colombia-in-bold-defense-play/
***
Deputy Prime
Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated on May 16
that he was unaware of any plans to transfer Thailand’s
Chinese-built submarine to Cambodia if the troubled project is
canceled. His remarks come amid growing pressure from the Chinese
ambassador, who has repeatedly requested clarification on the future
of the submarine, which remains without an engine due to Germany’s
refusal to supply one.
https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/phumtham-denies-knowledge-of-thai-submarine-transfer-to-cambodia-amid-chinese-pressure-501074
***
Is this also
NATO policy or 'only' a policy by the president of the most important
member state of the military alliance?
Trump is reportedly working on a plan
to move one million Palestinians permanently from Gaza to Libya. NBC
news reported.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-administration-working-plan-move-1-million-palestinians-libya-rcna207224
#Libya?
A fragile calm has
settled over Tripoli after a sudden surge of violence this week left
parts of the city in ruins, claimed civilian lives, and heightened
concerns about the stability of Libya’s already fragile political
and security situation.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2025/05/15/39863
***
May 18
***
#Turkish
Aerospace Industries #TUSAS has signed a memorandum of understanding
with #Airbus and a group of 15 Spanish companies – “Team Spain”
– to explore cooperation on Spain’s future jet trainer program.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/05/15/tusas-and-airbus-team-up-on-jet-trainer-pitch-for-spanish-air-force/
***
Component
watch
Israeli and US officials concerned
#Trump could push #F35 sale to #Saudi Arabia.
Trump's Republican allies are expected
to push the sale of F-16s to Saudi Arabia in place of the more
advanced F-35 fighter jets, officials say.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-and-us-officials-concerned-trump-could-push-f-35-sale-saudi-arabia
***
Prof. F. Reyntjens
stelt zich vragen bij de enorme stijging van de militaire uitgaven in
Europa. Wordt de dreiging uit Rusland niet overdreven. En wat met de
dreiging die vanuit de VS komt? Moeten we in Europa daar niet meer
wakker van liggen?
Is in de NAVO
geen coalition of the unwilling te vinden die zegt: ‘Genoeg is
genoeg, dit kunnen/willen wij niet doen’?
https://www.mo.be/opinie/wie-bedreigt-ons-het-meest-poetin-of-trump
***
"This is not
the time to leave Pentagon spending and federal budget priorities to
“the experts,” given what is at stake."
William Hartung, "When a Trillion
Is Not a Trillion: The Pentagon’s Budget Request," Inkstick,
May 12, 2025.
https://inkstickmedia.com/when-a-trillion-is-not-a-trillion-the-pentagons-budget-request/
***
"Failure to
deter Russia might have terrible consequences, not least the prospect
of a resort to nuclear weapons if European conventional forces become exhausted."
Nicholas Marsh, PRIO, “Beyond Resolve,” April 2025. https://www.idn.gov.pt/pt/publicacoes/idnbrief/Documents/2025/IDN%20Brief_abril%202025.pdf
***
How dare you?!
Approved UK arms exports to Israel
skyrocketed under Labour, data shows.
UK greenlit $169m in military goods to
Israel in three months after a partial arms embargo.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/major-jump-approved-uk-arms-exports-israel-weeks-after-gaza-ban
***
#Dutch
authorities have confirmed that the recent arrest of three people,
including a former #Netherlands department of defence employee, is
related to a #Belgian probe into alleged #corruption in #NATO defence
contracts.
-
https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/article/eu-agencies-investigate-nato-defence-contracts
-
https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/05/five-arrested-in-bribery-probe-linked-to-nato-defence-contracts/
Nato
is co-operating with a sprawling investigation into alleged bribes
paid to some of its officials in return for intelligence on military
procurement. Authorities in Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Spain, and the US in recent days have carried out raids.
https://www.ft.com/content/e43a99dc-f37d-498b-a599-3541ef7b2ece
De
voormalige medewerker van Defensie die sinds maandag vastzit omdat
hij verdacht wordt van corruptie, blijkt tot voor kort als
hoofd-inkoper bij het Munitiebedrijf van de krijgsmacht te hebben
gewerkt.’
https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/corruptieschandaal-bij-munitiebedrijf-van-het-leger~acc57c0d/
***
Jürgen Grässlin,
a well informed campaigner against the arms trade said: “there is
reasonable suspicion that Heckler & Koch or intermediaries
illegally supplied large numbers of G36s to the Gaddafi regime.”
He wants the procecutor to look into the matter. https://iol.co.za/news/africa/2011-08-31-german-rifles-in-gaddafi-compound/
***
Rotterdam
activists now target Maersk HQ rather than rail.
https://www.railfreight.com/business/2025/05/14/rotterdam-activists-now-target-maersk-hq-rather-than-rail/
De politie heeft alle demonstranten
weggehaald en heeft 17 demonstranten aangehouden.
https://www.worldcargonews.com/news/2025/05/protesters-block-maersks-rotterdam-office/
***
The #US and
#Qatar have finalized a nearly $2 billion agreement for the sale of
eight General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian #drones (Reapers), marking
the first acquisition of this advanced unmanned aerial system in the
Middle East.
https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/05/14/u-s-sells-mq-9b-uavs-to-qatar-in-2b-shift-for-gulf-defense/
***
#Bharat
Electronics Ltd #BEL, an #Indian state-owned defence manufacturer,
has announced new contracts worth ₹572 crore (app. $68.5m),
expanding its order book with advanced systems including drone
detection, communication, and #AI-based tech.
https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20250518/bharat-electronics-secures-572-crore-defence-contracts-amid-rising-demand
***
Re-Arm EU, is not
yet a fully formed EU strategy that the UK can "pay to play"
a part in, as it has done with the EU's Horizon scheme.
An agreement with the UK in this
defence industrial context will be brand new and bespoke. And it's
getting political. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4r54kd8do
***
There's a range
of articles on the military and arms trade Turkish-Pakistan
relationship in the Indian press. Here one example:
Turkey has been supporting Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and Islamabad has reciprocated by backing Ankara’s claims on Cyprus. https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/columns/2025/May/18/the-turkish-challenge-for-new-delhi
May 14
***
Foreign
Affairs on how trade wars can turn into shooting wars and make the
world a more dangerous place. Also the instigator may end less
prosperous.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/world/when-trade-wars-become-shooting-wars
***
Moreeel
kompas kapot of niet. De krijgsmacht krijgt brede steun. Velen zijn
'n beetje blind voor wat niet past in 't idee dat we gekke Henkie
niet zijn en ons wel moeten bewapenen tegen de Vijand. De vele
gruizige verhalen blijven daarbij op afstand.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/05/12/oud-veteranen-tegen-bbc-barbaarse-oorlogsmisdaden-door-elitetroepen-in-afghanistan-a4892980
***
The #Indian
#Navy massed naval forces in the Northern Arabian Sea and sent a
carrier battle group, surface combatants, submarines and #naval
aviation to keep their #Pakistani adversaries in a “defensive
position,” officials said this week.
https://news.usni.org/2025/05/11/indian-navy-sent-to-north-arabian-sea-to-deter-pakistan-say-officials
***
#Ukraine
isn’t in NATO — but the Netherlands keeps sending F-16s and
billions in military aid.
In 2024 alone, the #Netherlands delivered over €3 billion in military support to Ukraine, including F-16 jets, artillery, and advanced training. #Dutch
***
#EU weighs
#redefining ‘#defence’ to turn regional aid into defence cash.
EU countries want to blur the line
between civilian and military domains – so money can be spent
interchangeably on either project.
https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence/news/eu-weighs-redefining-defence-to-turn-regional-aid-into-defence-cash/
***
For some war is
what is wanted.
Chinese defence #stocks slumped by as much as 9% on Tuesday as investors unwound bets on an extended conflict between #India & #Pakistan, following a #ceasefire agreement that eased fears of further escalation in South Asia.
https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/chinese-defence-stocks-tumble-up-to-9-as-india-pakistan-ceasefire-douses-war-bets/amp_articleshow/121135149.cms
However former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote in his
memoirs, “I do not think the world properly knows just how close
the India-Pakistan rivalry came to spilling over into a #nuclear
conflagration in February 2019,” reacting on the Balakot crisis.
https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025/05/india-pakistan-ceasefire-shouldnt-disguise-fact-norms-have-changed-south-asia-making-future-de-escalation-much-harder/405262/
***
#Thailand’s
Deputy PM/MoD Wechayachai revealed after talks with his #German
colleague Pistorius on May 13 that Germany has definitively stated it
cannot sell #submarine engines to Thailand due to European Union
restrictions on arms exports to #China.
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2025/05/13/germany-confirms-block-engine-sale-to-thai-submarine-over-china-links/
***
Short
overview: Artificial Intelligence #AI
Top 8 AI Companies In #Israel (Phaedra Solutions, Plavno, TLV Tech, Coro, Riskified, The NineHertz, Eurisko, and Snowflake).
https://techround.co.uk/artificial-intelligence/top-8-ai-companies-in-israel/
***
#Czech arms
production is booming. Could weapons complement or replace the
country's traditional automotive industry as the main economic
driver?
A Czech economist said: "I also don't want to see weapons production replace commercial production." (no why) https://www.dw.com/en/czech-republic-are-weapons-not-cars-the-future-engine-of-the-czech-economy/a-72528699
***
Russia depends on
China, US, Switzerland, Japan. S. Korea & others for its weapons
The cruise missile, Banderol, is a mélange of Chinese & Western parts. https://asiatimes.com/2025/05/russia-depends-on-china-and-the-west-for-its-weapons/
The data was published by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's MoD. https://t.me/DIUkraine/5845
***
Chinese
air-to-air PL-15 missiles deployed on Pakistan’s J-10C aircraft (in
their first known combat use)were found in India after shoot-downs of
Delhi's fighters . With a top speed above Mach 5, the PL-15 is a
rival to Western air-to-air missiles.
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/755032
***
Tegen de
oorlogsmachine. https://stopwapenhandel.org/tegen-de-oorlogsmachine/
May 13
***
The #Pentagon
has ordered military commands to pull all of their library books that
address #diversity, #antiracism or #gender issues by May 21, because
they "are incompatible with the Department’s core mission."
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/05/09/pentagon-orders-military-to-pull-all-library-books-on-diversity/
https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-hegseth-dei-library-books-770364ab99591402ddffe8758432ff26
That mission is?
***
Here’s just one of the
many ways Trump can turn the screw on Putin’s arms making: A
tantalum shortage is one factor in declining Russian arms production.
Sanctions could work, if they were implemented seriously
Without American buy-in, there’s almost no prospect of a stricter sanctions regime that might finally halt the trickle of tantalum into Russia. By doing nothing – or worse, unwinding existing sanctions – the US government, could rescue that industry from tantalum starvation. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/12/putin-arms-trump-us-tantalum-electronic-weapons/
***
A Barcelona
court is investigating the Danish #Maersk for possibly supplying #US
weapons to the #Israeli armed forces. The court has ordered Maersk's
logistics subsidiary in Spain to identify the captains of the Nexoe
and Detroit so that they can testify.
https://en.ara.cat/international/barcelona-court-is-investigating-two-maersk-ships-for-arms-trade-with-israel_25_5377364.html
***
The
#Lithuanian Navy has taken delivery of a newly built tug, Lokio. The
tug was constructed by the #Dutch shipbuilder #Damen Shipyards Group
and tailored to meet the specific technical and operational
requirements of the Lithuanian #Navy.
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/lithuanian-navy-receives-first-newly-built-ship-tug-lokio/
***
Bla bla:
Belgian defense minister: FCAS, GCAP 6th-gen fighter projects show Europe failing to integrate.https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/belgian-defense-minister-fcas-gcap-6th-gen-fighter-projects-show-europe-failing-to-integrate/
And that's why Belgium bought a US
fighter?
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1547015/belgium-will-continue-to-purchase-f-35-fighter-jets-from-the-us-pm-de-wever
Swedish manufacturer Saab has started deliveries of the
company’s Arexis Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor suite to Airbus,
ahead of the planned integration of the equipment on German Air Force
Eurofighter Typhoons.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/saab-begins-arexis-ew-deliveries-to-airbus-for-german-eurofighter-typhoons/
***
#Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. #TSMC (the world's largest contract
#chipmaker) is under investigation by the #US Department of Commerce
for potential violations of export control regulations and faces $1bn
#fine for export controls violation.
https://www.doccredit.world/tsmc-potentially-facing-usd-1-billion-fine-for-export-controls-violation/
***
The European
Commission is considering changes to sustainability rules to make it
easier to attract private investment in the defense industry. This
should stimulate arms production in Europe.
- https://unn.ua/en/news/eu-may-soften-rules-to-stimulate-arms-companies-euractiv
May 11
***
#Dutch #Damen
Naval has signed a contract with #Portuguese military technology
company #EID S.A. for the delivery of the Integrated Communications
Control System #ICCS for the PES (Plataforma Estratégica de
Superficie) #frigate to be built in #Colombia.
https://www.ajot.com/news/damen-naval-partners-with-eid-for-integrated-communications-system-for-colombian-pes-frigate
Marines Nederland en Colombia ‘samen sterker’
(Navies of the Netherlands and Colombia
'stronger together')
In Dutch navy magazine Alle Hens: https://magazines.defensie.nl/allehens/2025/04/02_jungletraining-colombia
***
#Israeli
#Kamikaze #Drones Take Center Stage in #India-#Pakistan Conflict.
Footage of Israeli-made loitering munitions used in cross-border
#strikes in Indian media, highlighting military ties and fueling
expectations of record arms exports to India.
https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/2025-05-10/ty-article/.premium/israeli-kamikaze-drones-take-center-stage-in-india-pakistan-conflict/00000196-b944-d1bb-a5d6-bff41e5b0000
***
War bad for
the world, but Indian drone makers see demand opportunity in border
skirmishes.
https://www.pressreader.com/india/mint-mumbai/20250510/281951728707375
***
Retweet @dwnews with comment: The advanced technology of the Russian bear?
A probe launched from the Soviet Union more than five decades ago has plummeted back to Earth, splashing down in the Indian Ocean. Kosmos 482 had been bound for Venus but never reached its destination.
https://www.dw.com/en/soviet-era-venus-probe-plunges-back-to-earth-after-53-years/a-72502555
***
#Chengdu Aircraft Co's shares rose 17% following reports that its J-10C #fighters, used by #Pakistan, downed Indian aircraft in recent #Kashmir clashes and participated in bringing down 5 Indian jets, including 3 #Rafales made in #France. https://caliber.az/en/post/pakistan-s-deployment-of-chinese-jets-missiles-marks-turning-point-in-kashmir-conflict
***
Former European Union foreign and security policy chief Josep Borrell criticised the failure of EU countries to take action to stop the ethnic cleansing & pointed out that "half of the bombs that fall on the Gaza Strip come from us (Europeans)." https://www.saba.ye/en/news3478995.htm
May 10
***
When will Western
troops lay down arms in solidarity with human beings part of our
society, but harrased as being inferior?
US military to start kicking out transgender troops.
Or will they adapt to this policy in
the mayor part of NATO armed forces?
***
When
are Western troops lay down their arms in solidarity with human
beings part of the fabric of society and now harassed as being
inferior?
US military to start kicking out
transgender troops next month, memo says.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/
***
Stop Wapenhandel
guestblog:
Despite all the rhetoric surrounding autonomous machines, it is not robots who are developing AI weapons, it is humans, backed by ever more generous private and public funding.
Same org, different view: https://stopwapenhandel.org/we-need-two-tier-approach-to-control-military-ai/
***
The new
combat support ship of the #Netherlands, Den Helder, is made of steel
of the #Azovstal steelworks of the Metinvest mining and metallurgical
group, manufactured before the start of Russia's invasion of
#Ukraine.
https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/1070230.html
=***
British Tory MP
‘withdraws’ support for Israel over Gaza genocide, urges UK to be
on ‘the right side of history’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250508-british-tory-mp-withdraws-support-for-israel-over-gaza-genocide-urges-uk-to-be-on-the-right-side-of-history/
***
First time
#Norinco Group B50A bombs have been documented in active use in any
conflict worldwide
Evidence that Chinese-made bombs and howitzers used in #Sudan. They were almost certainly re-exported to Sudan by the #UAE.
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/sudan-advanced-chinese-weaponry-provided-uae-breach-arms-embargo-new-investigation
Sudan has cut diplomatic ties with the #UAE,
after repeatedly accusing the Emirate of backing the rival Rapid
Support Forces #RSF in the country's
civil war.
The announcement came as the RSF were
blamed for attacks on the usually safe city of Port Sudan.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly1ygvxvq3o
May 9
***
't Argument voor
full spectrum militarisering:
De Nederlandse industrie heeft een plan
om #Oekraïne te ondersteunen vanuit de ruimte door hoogwaardige
#satellietsystemen te lanceren. Staatssecretaris nam hun voorstel
‘Military use of #space’ in ontvangst.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/05/08/industrie-komt-met-plan-voor-eigen-satellieten
***
We moeten in
Europa dringend op zoek naar 'n stem voor vrede, voor het
internationaal recht en voor oprechte internationale samenwerking.
Want de bedreigingen van onze samenleving zijn immers veel complexer
dan louter militaire agressie.
@mondiaalnieuws https://www.mo.be/nl/column/de-sluipende-logica-van-een-wapenwedloop
May 8
***
Genocide no
problem?
#Israel’s MoD is reportedly in “advanced talks” with the #US to procure Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles #JASSM from #Lockheed Martin. Further details of the reported deal are not clear, the Israeli newspaper Globes stated. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-in-advanced-talks-with-us-to-buy-long-range-cruise-missiles-1001509420
***
#War, what is
it good for?
#India launched a large-scale operation (against what it described as 'terrorist infrastructure' operating from #Pakistan) armed with an arsenal built over 2 decades of close cooperation with #Israeli military industries. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/4lhejshfw
***
War near
#nukes
A senior #French intelligence official
has confirmed to CNN that a #Rafale fighter jet operated by the
#Indian Air Force was downed by #Pakistan, marking what could be the
first-ever combat loss of the advanced French-made aircraft.
https://english.aaj.tv/news/330415781/french-intelligence-confirms-pakistani-downing-of-five-indian-rafale-jets
India and Pakistan Are Perilously Close to the Brink
The Real Risk of Escalation in Kashmir
Sushant Singh
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/india/india-pakistan-kashmir-are-perilously-close-brink
***
The defence
sector is one of #Scotland’s most #controversial #industries, and
regularly lobbies ministers and MSPs. The Ferret has looked at the
sector and its major players and found that arms firms have held 99
meetings with MSPs since the last election.
https://theferret.scot/who-runs-scotlands-defence-industry/
***
About
3000 union workers for Pratt & Whitney have gone on strike,
including those who manufacture the F-35 engine, but the company says
it has plans to continue, but its unclear if the strike put pressure
on Lockheed’s production goal of 156 F-35s in 2025.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/union-workers-strike-at-pratt-whitney-plant-where-f-35-engine-is-made/
May 7
***
Militair
beveilighede vergadering hartje politiek Nederland
Onder de naam
operatie Orange Shield zet Defensie zo'n 5.000 militairen en andere
medewerkers in. Op land. In de lucht. Op zee. Met o.a.
luchtverdedigingssystemen, F-35's en fregatten.
https://www.nu.nl/algemeen/6354819/27000-agenten-5000-militairen-navo-top-in-den-haag-wordt-megaoperatie.html
Leuk? Nee. Kosten: €
183,4 miloen (nog net niet het dubbele van een eerder raming van €
94 miljoen).
O ja net het NTCV wijst erop dat burgers en media te
maken kunnen krijgen met desinformatie. Dat gebeurde eerder bij de
NAVO-top in de VS en in Litouwen. De NAVO spreekt vanzelfsprekend
alleen de waarheid
***
#India not
happy
#Turkey has sold #Pakistan drones (like
Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci), upgraded its F-16s, and is co-developing
advanced missile systems and fighter jets with it. Ten per cent of
Turkey’s arms exports reportedly go to Pakistan.
https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/why-turkey-s-military-presence-in-pakistan-is-raising-eyebrows-amid-india-pakistan-tensions-2025-05-06-988925
***
War and
#arms #exports at the same time?
Forbes #Ukraine: Arms export plan gets
"general approval" from President. Ukrainian ministries are considering
three possible scenarios for arms exports if the moratorium is
lifted.
https://biz.liga.net/en/all/all/novosti/forbes-ukraine-opening-of-arms-exports-received-general-approval-from-the-president
***
The World’s Top
Jet Fighter Is About to Get More Expensive
The US dominates arms exports but the
#F35, already dubbed the world’s priciest weapon, shows how some
are reliant on foreign parts that may now be subject to #tariffs.
https://www.wsj.com/business/f35-jet-fighter-tariffs-2b807ad3
Yet the F-35
uses parts from across the world. The program was partly financed by
the U.K., Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and
Denmark, whose companies then won contracts to supply components.
For text without barrier see:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/the-world-s-top-jet-fighter-is-about-to-get-more-expensive/ar-AA1EaSqz
In the Netherlands, which is getting up-wards of 50 of the
fifth-generation aircraft, a court case last year by three
humanitarian organizations seeking to block the shipment of F-35
parts to Israel shed some light on how logistics for the stealth
aircraft are managed. Woensdrecht Air Base, the main support base of
the Royal Netherlands Air Force, is one of three distribution hubs
for F-35 parts for several countries.
The three hubs store U.S.
supplied parts that are forwarded to F-35 users, with the parts
remaining property of the U.S. Until they’re mounted on an F-35,
according to court documents. The Dutch distribution hub supplies
parts to countries including the Netherlands and Israel, which is a
user
but not a partner in
the F-35 program.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/15/f-35-nations-prize-spare-parts-as-us-dismisses-kill-switch-angst/
***
#US lawmaker
plans to introduce legislation soon to verify the location of #AI
#chips like those made by #Nvidia after they are sold.
The effort to keep tabs on the chips, aims to address reports of widespread smuggling of Nvidia's chips into #China.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/us-lawmaker-targets-nvidia-chip-smuggling-to-china-with-new-bill/ar-AA1EdV7x
***
UK sent
Israel thousands of military items despite export ban, study finds.
Trade data analysis shows British firms
have exported items including munitions since suspension of key
licences.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/07/uk-sent-israel-thousands-of-military-items-despite-export-ban-study-finds
Boekbespreking: Operatie Oppoets door Jip van Dort. Het is een kristal helder boek over de oorlogspropaganda en waar deze op standvastig verzet stuitte. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2025/05/operatie-oppoets.html
May 6
***
Washington Roulette
If you strive for confrontation, you
may get it.
Signs of closer cooperation between
#China & #Russia are emerging at an accelerated pace under #US
President Donald Trump’s 2nd administration, South Korean daily
JoongAng Ilbo notes.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-06/opinion/editorials/Trumps-foreign-policy-missteps-deepen-ChinaRussia-ties/2300251
***
"We spreken nu
zelfs van een defensie-industrie, die zo nodig moet worden
uitgebreid. Het gebruik van de term ‘defensie’ alleen al is
volksbedrog. Hij betekent wel degelijk: oorlog."
Retweet with comment @janbuelinckx: Wat in hemelsnaam is er mis met vredesduiven? Goed stuk van Walter Zinzen. Pacifisme is geen passiviteit. Pacifisme is geen capitulatie. https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/wat-in-hemelsnaam-is-er-mis-met-vredesduiven~b42e8a60/
***
The EU’s
executive arm picked 62 defense projects for a combined €910
million in financing in the latest funding round by the #EDF,
focusing on areas including #drones, #AI, autonomous mine sweeping
and defence against #hypersonic weapons.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/05/01/european-defence-fund-funnels-money-to-drones-hypersonic-defense-ai/
***
The UK
Government has confirmed its continued support for the prospective
sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, while acknowledging
ongoing discussions with Germany and other partner nations involved
in the programme, according to a written parliamentary response
published on 30 April 2025.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-reiterates-support-for-turkish-typhoon-sale/
EU
risks over-reliance on Turkey for defence Member states are striking
more deals with Turkey's booming defence industry. That could
jumpstart the EU's own — or create a strategic dependency.
https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/eu-risks-overreliance-on-turkey-for-defence
***
#Boeing sources equipment worth more than $600m from
Indian firms for #submarine fighting #planes it is building for
Delhi. #India signed a $2.1bn contract with Boeing to procure 8 P-8I
aircraft for its navy, part of a move away from old Soviet equipment.
https://businessreport.co.za/economy/2009-12-08-boeing-orders-600-million-from-india-defence-companies/
May 5
***
Make the #US
boss & bully again
US has threatened action that could disrupt a #Thales #Alenia Space, a French-led #satellite maker's supply chain, because of suspicion that it illegally used US know-how or parts in spacecraft launched by #Chinese rockets. https://iol.co.za/news/2012-02-13-stop-using-our-space-parts-or-else---/
***
Het Griekse
Ministerie van #Klimaatcrisis en Civiele Bescherming heeft acht
H215-#helikopters bij #Airbus Helicopters besteld, met een optie voor
twee extra toestellen, om de strijd tegen bosbranden in heel
#Griekenland te versterken.
https://www.msn.com/nl-nl/nieuws/other/griekenland-bestelt-acht-airbus-h215-helikopters-om-de-bestrijding-van-bosbranden-te-versterken/ar-AA1E2W8n
***
#Iraq got 2
#Airbus H225M #heli's. The choppers were delivered to the Iraqi MoD
and will go to the Air Force. Both aircraft are set to enter service
in June. The next 6 are scheduled to arrive between June &
October, and the final batch early 2026.
https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/010520251
***
Het kleine
Geldersche #Rozendaal komt zijn maatschappelijke verplichtingen na,
zegt burgemeester Weststeijn. Maar #knallen met zware explosieven op
de Terletse Heide gaat haar een stap te ver. ‘Het is niet ónze
#achtertuin, het is die van heel Nederland.’
https://www.binnenlandsbestuur.nl/ruimte-en-milieu/burgemeester-rozendaal-zegt-nee-tegen-defensie
***
#Russische
deserteurs worden onder zeer slechte omstandigheden vastgehouden.
Vorige week ontsnapten zeven #deserteurs uit een gevangenkamp in
Krasnodar nadat zo'n honderd gedetineerde soldaten in opstand kwamen.
-
https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10572526/russische-deserteurs-in-opstand-tegen-barre-leefomstandigheden
-
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/04/24/a-raging-meat-grinder
***
#Oekraïne
stimuleert zijn soldaten om meer Russen te doden met 'n #macaber
#puntensysteem. Het programma geeft militairen punten als ze video's
uploaden waaruit blijkt dat hun drones Russische doelen hebben
geraakt.
Generaal bd De Kruif vindt het gewoon.
***
When exclusion
becomes the norm for companies who claim they provide security. But
not for all.
Rolls-Royce to pull back from
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, citing the need
to comply with anti-DEI legislation in the United States
https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/rolls-royce-scales-back-dei-policies-amid-us-political-pressure-and-legal-shifts/
How about European military companies?
DEI, DOA: How the defense industry is
racing to bury its diversity efforts
Defence primes have rushed to wipe web pages & remove previous claims of "unwavering" commitment to DEI efforts following Trumpian policies. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/02/dei-doa-how-the-defense-industry-is-racing-to-bury-its-diversity-efforts/
***
The Basque
and Catalan EH Bildu and the Republican Left of Catalonia have called
for a stop on export licenses for police and security equipment to
Morocco. They demand that no such licenses be granted until all
allegations of serious violations of international law, 2/2 ...
including excessive use of force, torture, and the forced
disappearance of migrants by Moroccan security forces,are thoroughly
and independently investigated and those responsible are held
accountable.
https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/165436/spanish-parties-call-halt-arms.html
#Spain
***
#Pakistan is
facing a critical shortage of #ammo due to the supply of shells to
#Ukraine, the New Indian Express reported. According to experts,
Islamabad's current reserves would be enough for 4 days of a
full-scale war.
***
A symposium
on arms industry cooperation between #Korea & #Peru took place at
the fringes of the #SITDEF2025 arms fair in Peru.
A Korean delegation recently visited four #Latin America nations to promote #arms #exports, & profits. Not peace and security.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/korean-delegation-visits-latin-america-to-boost-arms-exports/ar-AA1E1EmV
***
Mexican
President Sheinbaum Rejects Trump's Military Proposal in Drug War.
She also urged Trump to take action against the illegal #arms #trade
from the #US that fuels violence in #Mexico.
https://themunicheye.com/mexican-president-sheinbaum-rejects-trumps-military-proposal-20331
May 3
***
Trump
administration wants Congress to loosen its oversight of US arms
sales —in what could be a welcome move in Europe, where frustrated
governments of NATO allies have long pleaded for faster access to US
weapons.
Is their no gain to the US?
***
US navy
awards up to $17.1bn submarine contract modification to General
Dynamics Electric Boat for the construction of 2 Virginia-class
submarines appropriated through fiscal 2024 funding. That is $ 8.6bn
each.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/navy-awards-up-to-17-1-billion-submarine-contract-modification-to-general-dynamics-electric-boat/
What else can be done with this amount?
***
The #Maldives
has unveiled its new Ajban 4×4 light armoured vehicles to the
public. Abu Dhabi’s state-owned #EDGE Group confirmed the Maldives’
unannounced procurement of the vehicles as part of the #UAE’s
cooperation with the South Asian government.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nimr--automotive_ajban-nimr-mndf-activity-7319666698297442304-ONSU/
***
“How Donald
Trump Became the Arms Dealer in Chief” "...The Trump
administration’s approach risks enabling repressive, reckless
regimes that provoke instability and war — the exact opposite of
what US arms sales policy should be about..."
https://inkstickmedia.com/how-donald-trump-became-the-arms-dealer-in-chief/
***
US President
Trump instructed Departments to implement the Conventional #Arms
Trade policy as was developed during his 1st term in office &
only prohibits a transfer if there is a “actual knowledge” of a
likely misuse.
https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2025-05/news-briefs/us-reinstitutes-2018-arms-trade-policy
(A similar position as the EU has.)
***
Wat
betekent dit in miljarden euro's?
Waar wordt dit geld weggehaald?
De lidstaten van de Navo moeten straks 5% van hun bbp uitgeven aan de krijgsmacht en veiligheid. Mark Rutte spreekbuis van de NAVO gaat dit later deze maand officieel voorstellen. https://fd.nl/politiek/1554235/navo-chef-rutte-komt-met-plan-om-aan-5-eis-van-trump-te-voldoen
May 1
***
Solidarity is
not just about statements. It is about action. If workers in Europe
and North America ... refused to load weapons headed to Israel ... If
African governments ... ceased all arms trade, that would be
solidarity, Mafa Kwanisai Mafa stated.
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1396560/workers-of-the-world-unite-from-africa-to-palest.html
***
UAE said it
had foiled a weapons shipment intended for the #Sudanese army. The
announcement comes just days before the ICJ is slated to issue a
ruling in a case Khartoum filed against the #UAE accusing it of
complicity in genocide by supporting the RSF.
https://www.reuters.com/world/uae-says-it-thwarts-illegal-attempt-transfer-ammunition-sudans-army-2025-04-30/
***
Belgisch bankier is
klip en klaar:Duurzame private #oorlogsfinanciering
bestaat niet.
Echte veiligheid komt niet uit de loop van een geweer, maar uit een rechtvaardige en duurzame samenleving. Oorlog is niet duurzaam. Laten we daar niet aan verdienen.
https://visie.net/de-gids-artikel/duurzame-private-oorlogsfinanciering-bestaat-niet
***
To make Europe more
independent of the US?
US #Lockheed & German #Rheinmetall have announced plans to jointly establish a European rocket & missile production center after extending a MoU. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/04/lockheed-martin-rheinmetall-renew-missile-collaboration-eye-european-center-of-excellence/
Or to strengthen business &
military trans-Atlantic ties?
***
#Thales
has secured a major contract to modernise the #TACTIS (Tactical
Indoor Simulator) training centre for armoured vehicles used by the
#Dutch Army, one of the most advanced training centres in the world,
the company states at its website.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/thales-modernises-world-class-tactis-armoured-vehicle
