Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
September
29
***
Security?
European military spending spree
supports #genocide
#Israeli defence firms tap #Nato’s
public spending spree across #Europe.
Eamon Quinn reports on why it’s
currently a boom time for Europe’s national military industries and
their shareholders.
https://www.irishnews.com/news/business/israeli-defence-firms-tap-natos-public-spending-spree-across-europe-43NR4Y67EVGPDKJLPONZOCMZXQ/
September 28
***
The expected
failure. Dutch pride sinks. Sources have revealed that Damen’s
contracted #German F-126 frigate obligations have been breached to a
considerable extent. #Damen could face penalties, potentially needing
to reimburse
#Berlin.https://news.ssbcrack.com/german-navy-considers-canceling-f126-program-plans-acquisition-of-f127-frigates/
***
Wat een
puinbak!
Duitsland geeft prioriteit aan de ontwikkeling van een nieuw Europees #gevechtsvliegtuig, zelfs als dit betekent uitsluiten van het Franse Dassault.
Onenigheid tussen #Dassault &
#Airbus over 't #FCAS-project bedreigt de toekomst ervan.
https://businessam.be/duitsland-wil-europees-gevechtsvliegtuig-ontwikkelen-ook-zonder-dassault/
Germany and #Sweden not discussing FCAS
partnership, say defense ministers.
"A decision must and will be made
regarding whether and how #FCAS will continue” said #German defense
minister Boris Pistorius.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/germany-and-sweden-not-discussing-fcas-partnership-say-defense-ministers/
***
The
#Spanish government on Thursday unilaterally canceled a €6.8m arms
contract with #Israeli military company #IMI Systems, following
internal tensions within the ruling left-wing coalition over the
deal, government sources said.
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/spain-cancels-6-8-million-arms-deal-with-israeli-firm-amid-coalition-tensions/ar-AA1DxzeG
September 27
***
#Germany is
ready to take a leading role in the EU’s #militarisation drive,
pitching itself as the leader for joint arms projects. Berlin would
also like #EDA to take on a bigger role as central matchmaking and
co-ordination platform for #EU procurement.
https://www.ft.com/content/65fb7781-feaa-4cd5-b8da-463f9aa7d7fd
***
Over 70% of
#Czech artillery #shells now go to #Ukraine, says arms
industry chief.
A top defense figure says artillery demand is maxing out, with chemical supply bottlenecks now in play. https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/09/26/over-70-of-czech-artillery-shells-now-go-to-ukraine-says-arms-industry-chief/
***
Politics written on
the back of a drip mat
Asked by a reporter if he could revive
#Turkey’s canceled F-35 #JSF deal shortly, #Trump replied: “I
could do so easily if I want. We may do that."
https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/reviving-banned-turkey-f-35-deal-easily-done-trump-says
Turkey may drop US F-16 purchase in favour of acquiring jet
engines.
Ankara could buy parts instead of new
aircraft in bid to accelerate fifth-generation Kaan warplane project.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-may-drop-us-f-16-purchase-favour-jet-engines
***
"Congress
Must Block Trump’s Latest $6.5 Billion Weapons Package to Israel,"
IMEU Policy Memo #21, Institute for Middle East Understanding,
September
2025. https://www.imeupolicyproject.org/memos/congress-must-block-trumps-latest-65-billion-weapons-package-to-israel
***
The #US on
Thursday announced sanctions on a network it said generated revenue
for #NorthKorean weapons programs, including by procuring North
Korean bombs and bomb guidance kits for #Myanmar’s ruling military.
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16052283
***
The #US
Dep. of State announced an update to its military #drone #export
review #policy on September 15, 2025, hey will be subject to an
export control policy similar to that of crewed aircraft, rather than
more restrictive review applicable to missiles.
https://governmentcontractsnavigator.com/2025/09/24/u-s-department-of-state-eases-military-drone-export-review-policy/
September 26
***
“#Elbit
Out!” Activists launch campaign to expel arms company from
#Romania.
Palestine solidarity groups in Romania
and beyond to end ties with #Israeli arms company Elbit Systems.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/09/25/elbit-out-activists-launch-campaign-to-expel-arms-company-from-romania/
Elbit in the Netherlands:
- https://www.kvk.nl/bestellen/#/88476286000054339367
- https://www.kvk.nl/bestellen/#/61242888000030360420
***
Opvallend
In het boek 'Wat ik nog kwijt wil', beweert Willy #Claes dat zijn veroordeling in het #Agusta-schandaal eigenlijk het gevolg was van een complot: "Johannes Paulus II was #wapenhandelaar, Vaticaan wou me met Agusta politiek kopje kleiner maken", https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/09/25/willy-claes-reactie-rik-torfs-emmanuel-van-lierde/
September 25
***
Sometimes the new,
daily paper like websites, just translate or copy news from others,
sometimes they spread rubbish:
https://dailyfriend.co.za/2025/09/25/europe-emerges-as-new-player-in-global-arms-trade/
. Want to know the real story look at SIPRI
(https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers
) (Unfortunately the US has ended its WMEAT database.)
***
The materiel
which guarantees #insecutity.
GAO says Energy Dept. must review #PFAS at dozens of sites. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107809
#Pentagon but also #Zwijdrecht BE #Dordrecht NL
***
Congress and
the executive branch have debated the merits of a new #nuclear-armed
sea-launched cruise missile #SLCM-N since the weapon was proposed by
the first Trump Administration in 2018. The Biden Administration
proposed cancelling the SLCM-N program.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26126416-slcm-n/
***
Met de
campagne ‘Word geen kanonnenvoer’ hoopt De Nieuwe Vredesbeweging
dat jongeren een enquête van Defensie retour zullen sturen, of
verscheuren. 17-jarigen krijgen de vragen toegestuurd om hun
interesse voor het leger te wekken. In dagblad Trouw
https://archive.ph/WRpc
***
President Trump
meldde dat Oekraïne alle verloren gebied kan terugwinnen en
‘misschien meer’.
Daarmee is de verwarring vergroot.
Vandaag duurt de oorlog 43 maanden.
Stand van zaken?
Inzet van de verschillende partijen?’
Zie:
- https://www.stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/alle-verloren-gebied-terug-naar-oekraine---kan-dat-wel.html
- https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/alle-verloren-gebied-terug-naar-oekraine-kan-dat-wel
September 24
***
#US-#UK tech
deal aims to promote #AI exports
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/memorandum-of-understanding-between-the-government-of-the-united-states-of-america-and-the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland-regarding-the-technology-prosperity-de/
***
Europe’s Gaza paralysis: Time for Berlin, Rome and Brussels to stand up to Trump
Gaza has become a case study in how EU
foreign policy is shaped less by values and more by power dynamics
between member states, the Commission, and Washington.
https://www.euractiv.com/news/europes-gaza-paralysis-time-for-berlin-rome-and-brussels-to-stand-up-to-trump/
***
Greens,
GroenLinks, Grünen, PartijvdDieren change course? Or prefer to
neglect?
#Military expansion fails to recognise
that the allocation of resources to the military & arms exports
significantly undermines global efforts to combat the #climate
crisis. https://theecologist.org/2025/sep/24/environment-casualty-war
***
Long
after the war the tragedy still present.
The public prosecutor seeks to put
former Luxembourg MoD François Bausch on trial over a fatal
explosion at a ammunition depot that killed 2 ammo experts and
injured 2 soldiers in 2019. for the disaster.”
https://www.luxtimes.lu/luxembourg/former-defence-minister-could-face-charges-over-munitions-explosion/92323916.html
News
site Reporter.lu stated the indictment from the public prosecutor,
based on a 6-year investigation into the incident, “contains
volatile allegations” and that it also “establishes political
responsibility for the disaster.”
https://www.reporter.lu/luxemburg-justiz-munitionsunglueck-waldhof-ex-minister-francois-bausch-soll-auf-die-anklagebank/
September 23
***
The #US has
reportedly restricted various arms exports to certain European
allies, citing shortages in key weapons systems. #Denmark is a target
for this #restrictions, because of its policy on Greenland, reported
known (prev. Forbes) journalist Eric Mack.
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/arms-sales-europe/2025/09/21/id/1227257/
***
#Czech
Republic Supplies Planes to #Myanmar Airline Tied to Junta. Let
Aircraft Industries delivered an L-410 aircraft to Myanmar in
September 2024, with two other L-410s following in June and July this
year.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/czech-republic-supplies-planes-to-myanmar-airline-tied-to-junta.html
***
Pressure
works, more #pressure needed:
In a monumental victory one of the world’s largest integrated logistics and #shipping companies, Maersk, announced it would halt its transport and business in illegal Israeli settlements. #Palestine More: https://inthesetimes.com/article/maersk-palestinian-youth-movement-israel-genocide
***
Who will block this
criminal behaviour?
#US plans to sell nearly $6 bn in weapons to #Israel. The package includes a $3.8 bn sale for 30 AH-64 #Apache heli's, almost doubling Israel’s current stocks & a $1.9 bn sale for 3,200 infantry assault vehicles.
https://defence-industry.eu/trump-administration-plans-nearly-6-billion-arms-sale-to-israel-associated-press/
GKN #Fokker still produces parts for the AH-64 attack
helicopters it deliver/ed/s these parts
https://www.gknaerospace.com/media/12lid30z/appb-2en2008-apache-spar-box-manes.pdf
& recently advertised with the statement: "we work on the
most famous aircraft and helicopters; think of the Apache combat
helicopter..."
https://careers.gknaerospace.com/job/Papendrecht-Senior-Manufacturing-Engineer-Assembly/1206988401/
***
#Germany arms
to the teeth.
Berlin will award Saab and Northrop Grumman a €1.2 bn contract to upgrade its Eurofighter #EFA fleet with missile & sensor capabilities,
The plan also includes 20 additional
EFA's ^thousands of new tanks and armored vehicles.
https://caliber.az/en/post/eurofighter-fleet-to-get-high-tech-overhaul-in-1-2-billion-german-contract
September 22
***
Who follows?
Wages not weapons': As #UK defence spending soars, the #labour movement takes a stand.
A majority of Trades Union Congress
#tuc delegates rejected the government's argument for ever-higher
military spending.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/wages-not-weapons-uk-defence-spending-soars-labour-movement-takes-stand
***
132,000 foreign-made parts from China, Europe, Japan, the US & others were found in Russian missiles & drones launched this week — Zelensky urged partners to shut down all supply routes & sanction loopholes allowing these parts to reach Russia. https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/09/21/132000-foreign-made-parts-found-in-russian-missiles-and-drones-launched-this-week-zelenskyy-demands-full-tech-blockade/
***
Britain,
Australia, Canada and Portugal Recognize a #Palestinian State.
The moves came just before the annual UN General Assembly, increasing pressure on Israel and putting key allies at odds with the #US administration.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/world/europe/starmer-uk-recognize-palestinian-state.html
“Whatever today’s votes, Australia is still purchasing
billions in Israeli-made weapons, which have been tested on
Palestinians in Gaza. This two-way arms trade must end and
comprehensive sanctions need to be put on the Israeli Government.
https://greens.org.au/news/media-release/media-release-recognition-palestine-long-overdue-it-will-not-end-genocide-gaza
Oxfam France:
President Macron must use all levers
available to France to help end the ongoing genocide in the Gaza
Strip. This requires deploying all economic & political means,
incl. ending all arms trade that risks making France complicit.
https://www.oxfamfrance.org/communiques-de-presse/oxfam-france-reacts-to-president-emmanuel-macrons-announcement-of-frances-recognition-of-the-state-of-palestine/
September
21
***
#Damen on a slippery
slope of corruption, sanction violations, frozen payments & a
cash crunch. The #setbacks have alarmed the company's clients just as
#Europe has begun investing billions in the continent's rearmament.
https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/europe/crisis-nato-shipbuilder-unsettles-europes-defence-efforts
September 20
***
Seeds of critical
analysis to EU leaders and different pathways from escalation
and war:
The Changing Dynamics of #EU #Arms
#Exports: Trade, Geopolitics and Ethics from the First Gulf War to
the War in Ukraine.
https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/2TCMEQVBCNQCQPMXA6GX/full
***
The familiar story
#Switzerland’s order of #F35 fighter
jets from Lockheed Martin will be significantly #more expensive than
originally #expected, prompting introspection in Bern about possibly
altering the procurement.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/17/swiss-panel-audits-2022-contract-as-f-35-cost-surprise-may-shrink-buy/
***
If you need a
killer/kamikaze drone (LM drone sounds more friendly):
The Loitering Munitions Conference 2025 is where the most influential voices in defence, procurement, and industry converge to shape the future of LM development, integration, deployment.
https://www.smgconferences.com/defence/uk/conference/loitering-munitions
***
Retweet
with comment @Europalestine1:
Protesters in #Marseille blocked the
#Eurolinks arms production facility. #18september #18september2025
#France #Protest
The company supplies the Israeli occupation with military equipment, making it "complicit in the genocide in Gaza," said Gabrielle Cattal, an MP for the left-wing France Insoumise party (https://x.com/L_insoumission/status/1968546426901676153).
***
#Russia
Finally Giving Up on #Carrier Aviation? Russia seems ready to finally
retire its only aircraft carrier, the maligned Admiral Kuznetsov,
thereby closing a chapter on Moscow’s #troubled history with
carrier aviation.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/september/russia-finally-giving-carrier-aviation
***
#European
Investment Bank #EIB has granted a €450m loan to #Thales to finance
its R&D investment programme in aeronautics and radar
technologies. This programme is set to run until the end of 2027 and
fociussed civil & #military flights.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/thales-eib-backs-thales-with-a-450-million-loan-ce7d58d9db8ff520
Cluster Munition Monitor 2025 highlights worrisome challenges to the convention, including Lithuania’s unprecedented withdrawal from the treaty, marking the first time a state has left a humanitarian disarmament convention, and continued use by a few states not party to the convention—Myanmar, Russia, Syria, and Ukraine."
Press release:
https://the-monitor.org/api/assets/reports/Cluster-Munition-Monitors/CMM2025/Press-release/Monitor_Release15Sept2025_EN.pdf
Report:
https://backend.icblcmc.org/assets/reports/Cluster-Munition-Monitors/CMM2025/Cluster-Munition-Monitor-2025-Web.pdf
***
Sneaky barter trade
#Vietnam has purchased #Russian #arms including fighter jets, tanks & ships on credit from Moscow, then paid that credit back from its share of profits from a joint Vietnam-Russia @oil company operating in Siberia. https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41708471.html
***
-- that stream is
steadily rising more and more --
#Greece delays #Israel arms deals due to Gaza. he deal includes #Elbit Systems PULS rocket launch system, and a full range of munitions worth around €700 million, "eKathimerini" reports. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-greece-delaying-israel-arms-deals-due-to-gaza-war-report-1001522201
***
The aim of arms
control?
Zelenskiy unveils a strategy for
Ukraine's managed #arms exports within weeks. He identified the US,
Europe, and #global partners. Strict export controls will ensure that
#Ukrainian technology remains secure from #Russian access.
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3634150-ukraines-strategic-arms-exports-a-new-dawn
Ukraine is receiving
its first proposals for the export of domestically produced weapons,
including naval drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in a
video address on Sept. 21.
https://english.nv.ua/nation/zelenskyy-unveils-plan-to-export-ukrainian-weapons-including-naval-drones-to-global-partners-50546854.html
***
UK PM is
preparing to recognise #Palestine as an independent state this
weekend, but many #Labour members and MPs would like to see the
government going further by ceasing all #arms trade with Israel and
withdrawing military cooperation.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/19/labour-rules-against-dozens-of-motions-about-palestine-being-debated-at-party-conference
September 18
***
Japan’s finance
minister Kato said no on a US call to ramp up pressure on Russia to
end the war in Ukraine by imposing higher tariffs on China &
India for importing Russian oil.
Tokyo is exploring other ways to pressurise Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/09/17/japan-pushes-back-tariff-hikes-over-russian-oil/
***
Argumenting
for a military oriented EU: "the time has come for ... the
Commission select and develop European Defence Projects of Common
Interest which go beyond the capacity of any single Member State."
https://eulawlive.com/op-ed-european-defence-projects-of-common-interest-from-concept-to-practice/
Time to remember: arms control, CBM's and diplomacy.
***
#Draaideur
#deskundigen
Vaak treden oud-diplomaten, oud-politici maar ook generaals b.d. op als militaire experts in de media zonder vermelding van hun commerciële functies. Soms omdat ze het zelf niet noemen, soms omdat journalisten 't niet nodig vinden.
https://www.ftm.nl/artikelen/topmilitairen-werken-na-pensioen-voor-defensiebedrijven
***
Greasing the
revolving doors:
Retired four-star #US Navy #admiral Robert P. Burke was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison for his conviction on #corruption charges that he agreed to exchange a military contract for a lucrative post-retirement job. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2025/09/17/retired-4-star-navy-admiral-sentenced-to-6-years-for-bribery-plot/
***
Why are some
Southeast Asian states buying #Turkish warships, jets and missiles?
Turkish arms deals and deployment by
#Indonesia, #Malaysia and the #Philippines have made the news
recently, putting the spotlight on this non-traditional source of
weapons.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-malaysia-turkiye-arms-deals-weapons-5346316
***
War on drugs
Making enemies
#Colombia on Tuesday halted #arms
purchases from the #US, its biggest military partner, after
Washington decertified the South American country as an anti-drugs
ally for failing to halt cocaine trafficking.
https://www.spacewar.com/reports/Colombia_halts_US_arms_purchases_in_row_over_drug_fight_delisting_999.html
***
Bericht uit Noord-Korea
“Er is een groeiende publieke
verontwaardiging onder de inwoners over het feit dat jonge soldaten
van in de 20 gedwongen werden om kogels te incasseren om buitenlandse
valuta te verdienen,” zei 'n anonieme bron van Radio Free Asia.
https://www.msn.com/nl-nl/nieuws/Buitenland/groeiende-publieke-verontwaardiging-in-noord-korea-nu-het-aantal-slachtoffers-in-rusland-stijgt/ar-AA1wLitc
September 17
***
Betekent meer
van hetzelfde echt meer veiligheid? Het lijtk bijna exacte
wetenschap. Meer geld voor de krijgsmacht betekent meer vrede, maar
is dat zo, debatteer mee.
 |
 |
 |
 |
***
He's now even
attacking part of the EU/Dutch population. Turns the situation on its
head.
Not people protesting violations of
Int. Humanitariam Law must be blamed, but those committing these
crimes.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-blames-muslim-immigration-for-europes-anti-israel-policies/
Is there yet protest from any European government?
***
As Netanyahu
calls for urgent action, Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI has been
unable to function for months. IAI is paralyzed by a #feud between
MoD Katz and Minister Amsalem, blocking board appointments, delaying
arms contracts etc. during wartime.
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/rjjeoaljlg
***
2025
CORPORATE UNDERMINERS OF DEMOCRACY by the International Trade Union
Confederation #ITUC focuses on the rising threat to democracy posed
by major and emerging players in the rapid militarisation of the
global economy.
https://www.ituc-csi.org/corporate-underminers-explained
***
Reports on the protests are numerous, like this one:
Christian groups organised protests and vigils outside the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair at London’s ExCel last week. https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/christian-protests-at-arms-fair-there-is-nothing-fair-about-it/
***
Danish #Terma
has signed a major contract with Albwardy #Damen to deliver advanced
mission-critical systems for a new series of naval vessels,
significantly strengthening its position in the #MiddleEast and
#Africa (MEA) region.
https://www.terma.com/news-events/news/latest-news/terma-secures-landmark-naval-contract-expanding-strategic-presence-in-middle-east-and-africa/
***
Since the
normalization of relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv in exchange for
the #US recognition of the Moroccanness of the #Sahara, #Morocco has
allocated billions of dollars to the acquisition of #Israeli drones
and military systems for its army.
https://en.bladi.net/morocco-billion-dollar-israeli-arms-spree-reshapes-regional-defense,116841.html
September 16
***
Editorial: The
Guardian view on Palestine Action: the ban on Gaza activists must be
overturned.
As protesters go on trial, it is clearer than ever
that ministers chose the wrong target and the wrong process.
It
is bad enough that the UK has, like the European Union, failed to
restrict trade with Israel or end arms exports, despite mounting
evidence of war crimes.
***
Example?
#Spain cancels major arms deal with #Elbit. As part of the deal, Elbit was expected to supply artillery systems to Spain worth several hundred million €.
Last week, Spain canceled a contract worth $278m to purchase #Spike missiles from #Rafael.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2025-09-15/ty-article/.premium/spain-cancels-major-arms-deal-with-elbit-in-second-canceled-israeli-contract-this-week/00000199-4d05-d276-a7fd-4f850c340000
UK bans Israelis from military academy over Gaza war
Ministry of Defence confirms policy, citing Israel's 'decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza'. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-bans-israelis-military-academy-over-gaza-war
***
#Pakistan
emerged as the 5th-largest #arms importer, responsible for 4.6% of
the global total. #China supplied the bulk of these weapons, while
the #Netherlands and Turkey also contributed. The figures highlight
Pakistan’s policy to expand its arsenal.
https://www.wionews.com/photos/do-you-know-which-7-countries-top-the-global-arms-import-list-1757941700124/1757941700131
***
Essay
Recognizing Reality: A Case for #Nationalizing the US Arms Industry. Outlining the perverse incentives for policymakers to prioritize corporate interests over strategic considerations—and how to change the politics of national security policy making.
https://www.stimson.org/2025/recognizing-reality-a-case-for-nationalizing-the-us-arms-industry/
***
South African
entrepreneur Mcebisi Mlonzi, CEO of TFM Defence & Aerospace, is
negotiating a major arms deal with #Zimbabwe involving
Russian/Chinese small arms amid past corruption controversies.
https://www.billionaires.africa/2025/09/15/south-african-arms-broker-mcebisi-mlonzi-to-supply-russian-and-chinese-weapons-to-zimbabwe-army/
***
Military production
colossus
#Germany’s #Rheinmetall is on the
brink of acquiring local shipbuilder Naval Vessels Luerssen
(NVL/#Lürssen) as it looks to break into the naval domain & take
advantage of lucrative domestic and European market opportunities.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/rheinmetall-ceo-says-german-firm-days-away-from-local-shipbuilder-takeover/
***
Thanks to
the #EU, taxpayer money is flowing into the pockets of commercial
#spyware firms. Their tools are not only being used by repressive
regimes in South Sudan & Egypt, but also against unknowing
#journalists, lawmakers, & even politicians in Europe.
https://www.ftm.eu/articles/spyware-industry-eu-subsidies-surveillance-concers
September 15
***
Evaluationmeeting of the camp and actionsdays by Disarm #Rheinmetall, 22nd of September 2025
https://de.indymedia.org/node/538139
Short impression here:
Website:
www.rheinmetallentwaffnen.noblogs.org
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rentwaffnen.bsky.social
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rentwaffnen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheinmetallentwaffnen/
September 14
***
The arms
trade runs both ways. Israel is also a significant buyer of German
equipment.
Between 2020 and 2024, it ranked as the third-largest importer of German weapons, accounting for 11 percent of Germany’s total exports.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/israel-tensions-to-arms-demand-germany/
September 13
***
European armies
biggest customers of Israeli-made weapons
Israel’s 3 military giants – #Elbit #Rafael & Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI – don’t just sell to #Europe; they've operations on the ground via subsidiaries & partnerships with local companies. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3325224/europes-defence-needs-threaten-push-penalise-israel-gaza
***
#Europe’s
plans for an Iron #Dome-style missile & drone shield risks being
scuppered by growing anti-#Israeli attitudes.
#German-led Sky Shield Initiative aims to form a dome from Turkey to Finland as part of a massive Continental rearmament drive.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/13/anger-at-israel-blows-hole-europe-iron-dome-plans/
***
Arms control is
under threat of the drive to militarise the West. One of the targets
is the treaty against the anti-personnel mines.
Here you'll find information why it's important to keep the treaty upright & fully implemented in the interest of security. https://www.icblcmc.org/our-impact/silent-killers
***
Amid scenes
of destruction, frustrated #European pliticians threaten sanctions on
#Israel & rethink ties to the longtime ally.
But their armies are the biggest customers of Israeli-made #arms, buying €6.8bn worth in 2024 & demand is only likely to grow. https://www.luxtimes.lu/businessandfinance/european-efforts-to-punish-israel-face-barrier-over-arms-needs/89585449.html
***
Op 22 oktober
organiseren The Movement en de Bibliotheek Bibliorura een Inspiraton
Café rondom het thema wapenhandel in #Roermond. Hoofdspreker van het
Inspiration Café is Frank Slijper van PAX. Hij doet al ruim dertig
jaar onderzoek naar de wapenhandel.
https://bibliorura.nl/inspirationcafe
***
So far for an open
debate.
Attendees at this week's #DSEI arms fair in London say they were stopped from taking #photographs of #Israeli companies' displays, with one #journalist forced to delete his photos.
***
#Saudi Arabia
is in talks with #France for the transfer and localization of
artificial intelligence technologies, notes Tactical Report [behind
Pay Wall]. The note mentions an #AI initiative under consideration by
the Saudi and French sides.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63830
***
The
Indian Ministry of Defence has received a formal proposal from the
Air Force #IAF to acquire 114 ‘Made in India’ #afale fighter
jets, marking what could become the largest defence procurement in
#India’s history.
https://www.firstpost.com/india/make-in-india-rafales-mod-begins-review-of-rs-2-lakh-crore-fighter-jet-proposal-13933298.html
September 12
***
How UK
universities’ relationship with the arms trade has informed the
clampdown on pro-Palestine student activism. If there is any hope of
dismantling the Military-Industrial-Academic complex, this crackdown
must be challenged at every step.
https://newint.org/resistance/2025/criminalized-campus-uk-students-taking-action-gaza
***
De lobby
organistaie voor de Nederlandse maritieme industrie #NMT-IRO is in
Sea #Naval gestapt, een permanente werkgroep die formeel valt onder
Sea Europe. In Sea Naval participeren brancheorganisaties uit
meerdere Europese landen en de grootste marinewerven. Het primaire
doel van deze werkgroep is strategische samenwerking en afstemming
rond Europese defensieprogramma’s en -financiering, zoals projecten
die via het European Defence Fund #EDF worden ondersteund.
September 11
***
#France
#cutback on expenditures, but not on everything.
Paris Envisions Larger Future Aircraft Carrier With More UAS. https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/france-envisions-larger-future-aircraft-carrier-more-uas
This PANG aircraft #carrier will cost
around €8 to €10 #billion just for the carrier’s construction
costs.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/06/the-france-aircraft-carrier-question-no-one-dares-ask/
***
#Wapenexport
uit #Wallonië daalt met 32% ondanks oorlog in Oekraïne. In 2024 was
de omvang daarmee €860,7 mljn. Dat blijkt uit cijfers die L’Echo
publiceerde. Van de 1.618 exportvergunningen waren er 985 voor
private ontvangers, 633 waren voor overheden.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/binnenland/wapenexport-uit-wallonie-daalt-met-32-ondanks-oorlog-in-oekrane/89312940.html
September 10
***
Activists in
#Barcelona urge Spain to impose 'real' #arms embargo on #Israel.
Demonstrators call for decree to ban any private or public trade,
following PM Sánchez's nine measures to stop the conflict by Israel
on #Palestine.
https://www.catalannews.com/society-science/item/pro-palestinians-in-barcelona-urge-spain-to-impose-real-arms-embargo-on-israel
***
#srael’s
#Rafael touts Iron Beam antimissile lasers at #DSEI fair. Rafael
Advanced Defense Systems brought replicas of its laser-powered Iron
Beam missile shield to the arms fair, lifting the veil on a defensive
technology used recently in the #Gaza War.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/09/israels-rafael-touts-iron-beam-antimissile-lasers-at-dsei-fair/
***
MBDA,
Europe’s largest missile maker, to show tank gun-launched missile,
cheap cruise missile at DSEI.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/08/mbda-to-show-tank-gun-launched-missile-cheap-cruise-missile-at-dsei/
September 9
***
It’s been
proven that a ceasefire or any peace deal in #Ukraine
will never be achieved by pressing Moscow alone. Any strategy that
ignores #China is doomed from the start; China now holds the decisive
leverage on #Russia’s economic & military survival.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/09/08/why_the_peace_deal_in_ukraine_runs_through_china_1133363.html
***
Banana Kingdom on
the edge of the North Sea
Johnson and Cummings’ secret meeting with #Palantir founder revealed.
Revealed: how #Boris_Johnson traded PM
contacts for global business deals. #UK
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/boris-johnson-dominic-cummings-secret-meeting-palantir-peter-thiel
***
#PalestineAction
activists vandalize #Elbit facility in Germany to protest Gaza
slaughter. The recent wave of protests against military actions in
Gaza has sparked.
Original by Haaretz, Hagai Amit.
***
#Chinese
company #Geedge Networks has exported surveillance and censorship
technology to several #repressive regimes. The countries include Myanmar,
Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Ethiopia.
Geedge Networks partly relied on
Western and #European #technology.
https://www.ftm.eu/articles/how-china-is-exporting-its-censorship-technology
***
[Join us]
KICK #ISRAEL OUT OF #SEOUL #ADEX 2025!
South #Korea’s largest arms fair, the Seoul ADEX 2025, will be held October 17-24 at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam & KINTEX in Ilsan.
Israeli arms companies are coming and
plan to sell their weapons at ADEX.
https://www.peoplepower21.org/english/2000001
***
#UAE’s
#EDGE Group expands in #Brazil and #Switzerland
The defense conglomerate announced new facilities for two of its subsidiaries, half a world away. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/uaes-edge-group-expands-in-brazil-and-switzerland/
***
Het
Frans-Duitse defensiebedrijf KNDS overweegt in 2026 naar de beurs te
gaan. Dat heeft ceo Jean-Paul Alary maandag gezegd bij een
persconferentie in Amsterdam, zo meldde persbureau Bloomberg Sept 8.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1569282/tankbouwer-knds-kijkt-naar-beursgang-in-2026
***
A report by
Observer Research Foundation (ORF
https://www.orfonline.org/research/capitol-consensus-where-war-is-business)
shows that the #US military-industrial complex has benefited
enormously from the #Ukraine war, with an explosive growth in orders
for arms, production, profits, & AI systems agreements.
***
#Trump’s
state visit is an opportunity for a massive protest against the
#genocide and the ruthless imperialists sustaining it.
Join the national #demonstration
against Trump’s state visit on 17 September, 2pm Portland Place,
London.
https://www.counterfire.org/article/stop-trump-end-the-genocide/
***
#DSEI2025
arms fair opens in London. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's
administration excluded the officials from the four-day event, but
not the 51 Israeli defence companies that are set to attend including
major arms manufacturer Elbit.
#Israeli companies exhibiting
"should be investigated for crimes against humanity, not invited
to profit from the unspeakable devastation they have caused in Gaza",
Campaign Against Arms Trade #CAAT spokesperson Emily Apple said.
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/09/london-arms-show-opens-under-israel-cloud
September 8
***
In Brussels on
Sunday, as in June, tens of thousands of people took to the streets
to show their support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to
protest against the Israeli government. It was the second edition of
“Red Line for Gaza”.
So, what do they expect?
Firstly, a
complete military #embargo on all #military cooperation and arms
trade between Israel and #Belgium.
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2025/09/08/tens-of-thousands-take-part-in-brussels-gaza-demo/
Will it happen? #Israel is part of the nowadays so applauded European Military Industrial Complex #EU #MIC which isn't easy to put aside.
***
Naval Group
bets all on Saudi frigates after Norway and Canada setbacks. The
French shipyard is hoping to convince the French government to throw
all its support behind its bid to win a mega-contract in Riyadh.
[Paywall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/09/08/naval-group-bets-all-on-saudi-frigates-after-norway-and-canada-setbacks,110518673-art
***
Since 2022
#Bulgaria has exported #arms worth 13 bn leva (€6.65 bn), marking a
historic surge in the country’s defence industry.
Minister of Economy Petar Dilov said this sector has become one of the pillars of Bulgaria’s economic growth, now 4%+ of GDP. https://www.novinite.com/articles/234284/Bulgaria%E2%80%99s+Arms+Exports+Reach+%E2%82%AC6.65+Billion+Since+Ukraine+War+Began
September
7
***
Ex-official was ordered
to make UK arms report look ‘less bad’, Gaza tribunal hears. Mark
Smith, civil servant who resigned over war in Gaza, joins Corbyn-led
inquest into UK complicity in Israeli crimes.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/ex-official-was-ordered-make-uk-arms-report-look-less-bad-gaza-tribunal-hears
September 6
***
In a dramatic
escalation of Middle Eastern military dynamics, the US has redeployed
a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense #THAAD missile battery from the
#UAE to #Israel [states tacticalreport.com behind Pay
Wall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63815
Same source: #Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production is
negotiating with #Thales to co-develop a national #SatCom-C2 network,
with a preliminary deal expected soon.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63817
***
Retweet
@londoncaat: Israeli arms manufacturer closes
UK facility targeted by Palestine Action. Well that's a win.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/israeli-arms-manufacturer-elbit-systems-closes-uk-facility-targeted-by-palestine-action
***
The
#Dominican Navy has received its 2nd #NCPV patrol vessel, built by
US's #MetalShark. The NCPV is uses the #Damen Shipyards’ 2606 Stan
Patrol vessel hull.
https://www.workboat.com/shipbuilding/metal-shark-delivers-second-patrol-boat-to-dominican-republic-navy
It has the ability to mount machine guns.
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2025/08/25/dominican-navy-adds-new-coast-guard-vessel/
Dutch export permit needed?
***
Even after
reducing the scope of Block 4 #F35 upgrades, #Lockheed still needs 2
years to develop and install planned improvements, #GAO said in a new
audit of the fighter program
(https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26081786-gao-f35s/).
Details won’t be available until this fall.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/gao-action-needed-to-solve-f-35-block-4-issues/
Every F-35 delivered to the U.S. military last year by
Lockheed Martin was behind schedule by an average of seven months, a
government watchdog found, but contractors kept millions in
“incentive fees” designed to speed up the delivery.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/lockheed-martin-f-35s-late/
***
#US lawmakers
are pushing a series of amendments to the 2026 National Defence
Authorization Act #NDAA aimed at halting arms sales to #Turkey,
including the transfer of #F35 fighter jets, citing Ankara’s ties
to #Hamas and its broader regional activities.
https://caliber.az/en/post/us-lawmakers-move-to-block-f-35-sales-to-turkiye-over-hamas-ties
***
Israeli
orders for #French arms experienced ‘a record year’ in 2024.
According to the 2025 report on French #arms exports, orders from #Israel reached 27.1m euros last year, an amount not seen since 2017. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-orders-french-arms-experienced-record-year-2024
***
#Trump tries
to speed up drone sales as big #Gulf orders wait. Trump announced
#arms sales to Gulf states with fanfare, but the deals have yet to
translate into #cash.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/trump-tries-speed-drone-sales-big-gulf-orders-wait
***
Even in
Poland
#Israeli military firms face backlash at Poland’s premier arms expo. Police questioning & paint-splattered booths at #Poland's #MSPO weapons exhibition as Israel’s defense industry confronts growing European #resistance over #Gaza 'war'.
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-866508
***
THE #British
government has reached “peak genocide complicity,” campaigners
have warned after it emerged that 51 #Israeli #companies will exhibit
at next week’s Defence and Security Equipment International #DSEI
arms fair.
https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/article/britain-reaches-peak-genocide-complicity-israeli-companies-exhibit-arms-fair
***
KNDS has its
administrative headquarters in Amsterdam.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/knds/
September
4
***
defensiebudgetten van de NAVO-lidstaten naar 5% van hun inkomen zal de EU opschuiven in de richting van de VS, Rusland en het Midden-Oosten. https://www.mo.be/analyse/waar-het-geld-van-de-wereld-naartoe-vloeit
***
#Damen Naval
has entered into a contract with De Jong & Lavino
(https://jola.nl/over-ons/ #Geldermalsen #Antwerpen), a #steel
supplier based in the Netherlands, for the supply of steel required
to build the #Colombian Navy’s PES #frigate.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/colombia-pes-frigates-damen-steel/
***
#Russia’s
gambit in the #Sahel as France leaves the stage.
https://www.africa-confidential.com/article-preview/id/15630/putins-gambit-in-the-sahel-as-france-leaves-the-stage
#BurkinaFaso #Mali #Niger
***
Halt: combat,
repression and genocide proven products!
#Israeli firms say they will participate in #DSEI, despite ban on officials. The #UK government linked the lack of official invite to Israel's conduct in #Gaza, a move condemned by the Israeli #MoD. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/israeli-firms-say-they-will-participate-in-dsei-despite-ban-on-officials/
***
Ideaal voor gebruik
in Westelijke #Sahara.
#Marokko staat op het punt tien H225M Caracal-heli's te kopen van #Airbus #Helicopters. De deal van zo’n €500 miljoen moet de luchtmacht versterken voor transport, reddingsmissies en speciale operaties #SOF. https://nieuws.marokko.nl/106028/marokko-bestelt-tien-caracal-helikopters-bij-airbus/
***
#Scotland
bans arms companies that supply #IDF
from receiving financial aid. Devolved government says contractors
seeking support must prove products will not be used by #Israeli
#military.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/03/scotland-government-defence-israel-military-gaza
Inactive Commission on the biggest crime of all risks to tear
Foreign Policy of EU apart.
Tired of #EU inaction on #Gaza,
#Belgium imposes sanctions on Israel. 12 sanctions target violent
settlers, settler organizations, arms exports, says FA minister.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/tired-of-eu-inaction-on-gaza-belgium-imposes-sanctions-on-israel/3677662
Canary on #CAAT report: #UK has delivered over £500m in arms
parts to #Israel’s #genocide efforts.
https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2025/09/03/uk-arms-exports-israel-genocide/
***
Aiming for a 21st
century Cocom-system?
The US has revoked #TSMC's fast-track status for #US #chip manufacturing equipment exports to its main plant in #China - a move that comes days after revocations of the same privilege for South Korean chipmakers. https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW172903092025RP1/
***
#Sanctions
now—what they mean and why they can stop #Israel. It is a small
country and suffers from acute dependency on strategic imports like
the coal it uses to generate energy. And its #weapons stocks can be
replenished only by the US & its key allies.
https://solidarity.net.au/palestine/sanctions-now-what-they-mean-and-why-they-can-stop-israel/
***
Artificial
intelligence repression, one of the gains of the deployment of this
technology in times of autocrats?
Human rights organisations say the US
is using #Palantir & #Babel Street #AI tools to target
participants in pro-Palestine demonstrations. https://www.mizanonline.ir/en/news/2318/ten-years-in-prison-for-a-wall-painting-the-cost-of-standing-with-palestine-in-america
***
India
claims #Pakistan used #Turkish Songar #drones during the May conflict
between the two countries. But Asisguard, the manufacturer, claims
not to have sold any such aircraft to Pakistan and has launched an
investigation into the matter.
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2025/09/04/mystery-remains-over-provenance-of-turkish-drones-used-in-india-pakistan-clashes,110517752-art
September 3
***
Merchants of
death relocate after two years of #protest
The Specialist Defence and Security
Convention (#SDSC-UK) -- one of the UK's biggest arms #fairs -- is to
relocate from Telford to #Birmingham following two years of
persistent protest.
https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/merchants-of-death-relocate-after-two-years-of-protest
***
At the cost
of?
The EU collectively spent €343
billion on the military last year, exceeding projections and setting
a new record, according to a report by #EDA.
The agency said it expected defense spending to increase further in 2025 to €381 billion.
***
The annual
TOP 100 is published.
DRONES, AI AND ROBOTICS CHALLENGE ORDER OF
TOP 100 DEFENSE FIRMS
Below the first 10 ( 6 from the US, 2
from China, 1 from the UK and 1 French). 2 with a lower revenue, the
other 8 with growth, especially Thales.
September 2
***
#Prabowo
besloot zaterdag om een reis naar China af te zeggen, zodat hij zich
volledig kon richten op het bedwingen van de crisis. Wat hem betreft
blijft de politie hard optreden tegen de demonstranten, die hij
beschuldigt van landverraad en terrorisme.
https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/jongeren-protesteren-al-ruim-een-week-in-indonesie-wat-is-er-aan-de-hand~b340360a/
***
Retweet
@ArmsTradeCT: Defex’s Dirty Decades: Arms
Sales to Saudi Arabia Spain is investigating over two decades of arms
deals to Saudi Arabia- a case rooted in earlier corruption scandals
involving the now liquidated state-owned arms exporter, Defex.
https://corruption-tracker.org/case/defexs-dirty-decades-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia
***
UN Report
uncovers in South #Sudan #Turkish arms like BRG-55 rifles, MKA 556
rifles. Rifles made by Utaş Defence, another Turkish brand, were
also identified in the possession of armed factions, despite the
existing arms embargo.
- https://nordicmonitor.com/2025/09/un-report-identifies-turkish-made-weapons-in-south-sudan-conflict-despite-arms-embargo/
- https://docs.un.org/en/S/2025/442
***
M Abba-Aji at
Washington Uni & N Maani at the Uni of Edinburgh outline research
priorities and the role of health practitioners to help confront the
growing power asymmetries between the arms industry and public health
interests.
- https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-experts-urge-medical-global-arms.html
- https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj.r1784
***
#sleepwalking
into an #arms #race
The global arms industry who enjoys a
boon unseen before. The surge is silent, but it is no less real for
that. Unless dissent finds a stronger voice, humanity risks
sleepwalking into another age of arms.
https://aoav.org.uk/2025/the-distant-sounding-of-the-guns-how-the-world-is-sleepwalking-into-an-arms-race/
***
Retweet
@brown_johnbrown: How Israeli arms
exports to Argentina's dictatorship continued despite documented use
of these weapons against Jews. An analysis of declassified documents
and testimonies. My latest article examines this troubling chapter in
Israeli foreign policy.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025-08-31/ty-article-opinion/.premium/october-7-wasnt-the-first-time-israels-government-abandoned-jews-for-political-gain/00000198-fba0-d558-afba-ffbf56ba0000
September 1
***
Russia’s
largest tank manufacturer relies on 100s of foreign machine
parts.https://odessa-journal.com/russias-largest-tank-manufacturer-relies-on-hundreds-of-foreign-machine
See for the Main Intelligence
Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine publishes in the
“Instruments of War” section of the War&Sanctions portal.
https://war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua/en/tools
Dutch entries in the list are:
INNOVATEST, Maastricht
HGG Group, Wieringerwerf
But entries from numerous
countries are listed.
***
Retweet @obsarm: Actions
Stop Arming Israel devant deux entreprises Thalès près d’Orléans
https://france-palestine.org/Actions-Stop-Arming-Israel-devant-deux-entreprises-Thales-pres-d-Orleans
***
Test your arms and
gear in Ukraine, NATO’s military chief urges companies
“Find the right partners,” said
Gen. Grynkewich, “and get up there and do some real-world testing.”
https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/08/test-your-arms-and-gear-ukraine-natos-military-chief-urges-companies/407779/
***
Not the #climate
but military production should be the priority, some seem to think.
Steel producer #Thyssenkrupp
#TKSE
wants more relaxed CO2-rules from Brussels. Krupp was central in the
German military industry, but still is producing for military uses.
https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1567885/staalreus-thyssenkrupp-vraagt-coulance-van-brussel-bij-co2-regels
***
EC
President Von der Leyen’s visit to Bulgaria’s largest state-owned
arms producer drew protests from nationalists, laying bare domestic
tensions over the country’s role as a hub for dirty & dangerous
ammo production where many haven't even running water.
https://www.politico.eu/article/von-der-leyen-visit-spotlights-bulgaria-uneasy-role-europe-arms-hub/
