Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek voor dagelijks vredesnieuws zie hier)
January 30
***
Cooperation with
the enemy
Recently GA-ASI started a partnership with the Dutch MoD to co-develop a small drone. https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-and-dutch-ministry-of-defense-sign-agreement-to-develop-new-defense-capabilities
These partnerships show GA-ASI's proactive approach to expanding its military footprint & adapting to the needs of its global clientele.
***
EU cooperation on
military production?
1/2 German
Chancellor Merz said on Thursday that the French-German-Spanish FCAS
warplane programme was sure to yield joint defence systems, but it
remained to be seen whether it would generate joint aircraft.
https://www.reuters.com/business/germanys-merz-remains-be-seen-whether-fcas-will-yield-joint-aircraft-2026-01-29/
2/2 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested that a beleaguered project to build a fighter jet with France could continue in scaled-back form, after Airbus said the partners should part ways. https://www.ft.com/content/6f65417d-8e4c-48ff-a2c3-4437d881ae1c
***
Gemeente
Hoogeveen hield lozing gevaarlijk chroom-6 door GKN Fokker stil voor
bedrijf dat aan riool werkte.
https://dvhn.nl/drenthe/hoogeveen/hoogeveen-hield-lozing-gevaarlijk-chroom-6-stil-voor-bedrijf-dat-aan-riool-werkte-48372294.html
***
Het
hoofdkantoor van GKN #Fokker is gisteren door demonstranten bezet. AD
30/01/26
Rectificatie: https://www.ad.nl/papendrecht/rectificatie-geen-demonstratie-bij-fokker~aa5bef51/
Bericht nam tekst over van bijna drie maanden geleden (6 november 2025) https://www.ad.nl/papendrecht/politie-beeindigt-bezetting-hoofdkantoor-fokker-29-activisten-met-nummers-op-het-voorhoofd-afgevoerd~a210e4b1/
Dit klopt wel Bij museum Aviodrome is er de komende weken
extra aandacht voor straaljagers. T/m 15 maart allerlei activiteiten
rondom straaljagers. Ook is er een speciale tijdelijke
tentoonstelling over #Fokker en #straaljagers.
- https://flevopost.nl/lelystad/straaljagerweken-bij-aviodrome-proefjes-techniek-en-luchtvaartkunst-48305909.html
- https://www.aviodrome.nl/ontdek/evenementen/straaljagerweken
***
The German
Minister of Defence Pistorius is not yet ready to pull the plug on
the troubled #F126 project. However, the coalition's budget experts
are demanding a clear framework for the alternative solution from
#TKMS.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/ruestung-pistorius-laesst-sich-bei-fregatten-projekt-nicht-unter-druck-setzen/100195638.html
***
New tool of
war
#Portugal is building Europe's first dedicated #drone carrier, a warship designed to operate aerial, surface and underwater drones that could challenge the dominance of traditional aircraft #carriers. #Dutch company #Damen is building the vessel in Romania's Galati at a total cost of €132 million, mostly funded by #EU recovery funds. https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/portugal-builds-europe-s-first-dedicated-drone-carrier-d-jo%C3%A3o-ii/ar-AA1VeUOn
***
Antimilitarist
of "Disarm Rheinmetall" draw attention to the "increasingly
dramatic humanitarian situation in the Syrian city Kobanê."
Members of the alliance carried out similar actions simultaneously in
cities across Germany.
https://www.nordbayern.de/nuernberg/rauch-uber-dem-karl-broger-haus-aktivisten-besetzen-spd-zentrale-in-nurnberg-1.14987331
***
The sale of the
French company LMB Aerospace, which supplies the Rafale fighter jet
and nuclear submarines, to a US group is causing controversy.
"Once again, a part of our
sovereignty and a French company is disappearing," laments
Senator Cédric Perrin.
https://www.publicsenat.fr/actualites/economie/vente-de-lmb-aux-americains-une-fois-de-plus-cest-une-partie-de-notre-souverainete-et-une-entreprise-francaise-qui-disparait-se-desole-le-senateur-cedric-perr
***
Tweede Kamer
heeft een motie aangenomen over het afbouwen van Nederlandse
afhankelijkheid van de Israëlische wapenindustrie. De PvdD motie
kreeg 81 stemmen. Het is de eerste keer dat de Kamer een motie
aanneemt tegen militaire afhankelijkheid van Israël.
https://rightsforum.org/meerderheid-tweede-kamer-wil-militaire-afhankelijkheid-van-israel-afbouwen/
Komt net weer een nieuwe aanschaf van Israëlische (Rafael)
technologie aan. Hoe moet een ontwikkeling in die richting worden
vormgegeven, welke stappen gezet?
***
Maritime
maakindustrie Drechtsteden laat civiele en militaire bedrijvigheid
vermengen. Zo verdwijnt onderscheid. Nog niet zo lang geleden noemden
we dat militairisering van de civiele samenleving. Nu wordt ons
voorgehouden dat dit dual-usebeleid nodig is.
https://www.maritimeoffshore.nl/nl/actueel/drechtsteden-vertalen-rapport-wennink-naar-concrete-projecten-maritieme-maakindustrie-in-regio/
***
#Nigerian
President Tinubu’s delegation held meetings with leading #Turkish
defence companies, reflecting Ankara’s push to expand arms exports
and defence partnerships across #Africa.
https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/world/281295/t%C3%BCrkiye-deepens-strategic-footprint-in-nigeria-as-security,-energy-talks-intensify
***
The great
Ministry of Defence-to-#Palantir pipeline
Palantir hired four UK Ministry of
Defence officials last year. Then it won its biggest ever contract
with the department.
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/palantir-ministry-defence-hire-four-officials-2025-record-defence-contract-240-million/
***
#Turkish
armoured-vehicles manufacturer #Otokar Otomotiv is expanding its
European footprint by signing a MoU to acquire a controlling stake in
#Romania’s Automecanica, according to a disclosure filed on the
Public Disclosure Platform this week.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/01/29/otokar-moves-to-buy-romanian-military-vehicles-partner-automecanica/
***
Een
bijzonder zorgwekkend #EU-voorstel is het “vereenvoudigen” van de
EU-richtlijn voor de wapenhandel binnen de Unie, kortweg het
‘Transfers-directief’. Deze herziening vormt een verdere stap
richting deregulering van de wapenhandel binnen de EU. Meer ->
https://stopwapenhandel.org/uitholling-van-regels-voor-wapentransfers-onder-het-mom-van-veiligheid-en-concurrentievermogen-wordt-de-wereld-gevaarlijker/
January 29
***
The pendulum
on Switzerland’s sale of weapons to countries embroiled in conflict
has swung in favour of its defence industry, as Europe rearms at a
rate not seen since the Cold War. Swiss officials insist such exports
are compatible with neutrality.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/neutrality/switzerland-eases-arms-export-rules-as-its-industry-shunned-by-europe/90836288
***
Canadian companies
are coming under fire over their ties to US Immigration and Customs
Enforcement as US President Donald Trump pursues a mass deportation
campaign to expel vast numbers of immigrants.
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/01/28/canadian-companies-criticized-over-ties-to-u-s-immigration-enforcement/
***
Bangladesh
inks an agreement with China to manufacture drones with tech transfer
and the development of military infrastructure. Although Dhaka
stresses the tech’s civilian use, India views the agreement as a
strengthening Chinese military presence.
https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Deal-over-Chinese-drone-production-in-Bangladesh-sets-off-alarm-bells-in-India-64734.html
***
Cmpaigners
protested outside the Leonardo UK in Edinburgh. The demonstrators
said it makes components for F-35 fighter jet used by Israel.
They are calling on Leonardo UK to drop its F-35 contract with Lockheed Martin, the leading F-35 program contractor. https://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/national/25802837.pro-palestinian-demonstrators-blockade-aerospace-defence-factory/
January 27
***
Trumpian Folicy
Trump Administration installed a near-total ban of foreign drones UAS and parts in the US. The surprisehas the potential to dramatically effect US customers & contractors alike—and not necessarily in a good way. Aviation Week video & txt https://aviationweek.com/podcasts/check-6/podcast-shot-down-what-fccs-uas-ban-means
***
Thales
Nederland involved with Long-Range Radar SMART-L MM in Saint-Mandrier
at French site for R&D on naval air defence systems .
Also present It-Fr-Uk PAAMS, Kronos Grand Naval, as well as Italian then French Combat Management Systems. #OCCAR https://www.edrmagazine.eu/occar-horizon-mlu-milestone-reached-with-kronos-grand-naval-kgn-radar-installed
***
India, UAE
Embark on a Strategic Defense Partnership
https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/india-uae-embark-on-a-strategic-defense-partnership/
***
An overview:
USA’s massive arms sales to allies & vasals to keep them on the
US-lead and do what Washington wants.
https://raillynews.com/2026/01/usas-massive-arms-sale-to-allies/
***
I fear he's wrong
John F. Kerry in a guest essay tot the
NYT complains Potus is endangering arms sales. The European countries
buy about 35% of US's global arms exports, making Europe the
commercial military enterprises' largest regional customer.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/opinion/john-kerry-greenland-alliances.html
***
What troubles
most isn't that the Gaza #ceasefire is inadequate, but that it is
being treated as sufficient. Already int. pressure is easing. Arms
exports resume. The logic is implicit but familiar: the worst has
passed. History suggests otherwise.
https://southasia.com.pk/2026/01/02/theres-no-ceasefire/
***
1/2 DCSA approves
multi-Bn $$ arms sales to 7 Asian aations: Israel, Japan, Kuwait,
Malaysia, S. Korea and Turkey.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01342/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01337/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01362/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01335/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01355/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01363/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01354/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01356/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01343/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/26/2026-01357/arms-sales-notification?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov
***
Recently
released official report indicates that #Israel intervened in the
sale of #German warships to #Egypt without following clear procedures
and without notifying key security officials, which may have posed
risks to national security.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/submarine-affair-probe-finds-systemic-failings-endangered-state-security/
***
Land grab aloud (Western Sahara)?
Le Pentagone notifie le Congrès de la vente de 500 bombes GBU-39 au Maroc. https://ledesk.ma/enoff/le-pentagone-notifie-officiellement-le-congres-de-la-vente-de-500-bombes-gbu-39-au-maroc/
US has formally notified Congress of a proposed $86m sale of precision-guided bombs to Morocco.https://en.hespress.com/130401-us-notifies-congress-of-86-million-precision-bomb-sale-to-morocco.html
See also (idem): https://www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/Major-Arms-Sales/Article-Display/Article/4017999/kingdom-of-morocco-gbu-39b-small-diameter-bombs-sdb-i
***
Berlin presented
its new industrial strategy. It now appears that the arms exports in
particular could benefit.
Economics Minister Hattmannsdorfer "export controls should be significantly simplified and liability issues liberalized." https://www.pressreader.com/austria/die-presse/20260117/281788520456640
***
Hmmmm.
Question: Will Germany continue to supply weapons to Israel?
FA Minister Johann Wadephul: Because it
serves our security and the security of Israel: Of course. (...)
Israel is an outstanding partner for our cooperation in this area.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/2753504-2753504
***
Czech CSG's
holds contracts worth €11.2 billion, including multi-year
agreements to supply 155mm shells to Germany, Poland, and the
Netherlands.
https://europeanbusinessmagazine.com/business/czech-ammunition-giant-csg-shares-surge-28-on-prague-stock-exchange-debut/
***
The French
company EOS Technologie has sent Ukraine several Rodeur 330 drones
capable of striking targets at a range of up to 500 kilometers.
They can carry a payload of up to 4 kg and stay in flight for up to 5 hours at a speed of about 100 km/h. https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukrainian_forces_get_rodeur_330_uavs_from_eos_technologie_knds_offers_potent_anti_armor_warhead-17290.html
***
#Elbit bets
on UK as its European #drone #sales hub
Elbit’s full ownership of UTACS comes
about a year after the British government decided to gradually phase
its Watchkeepers out of military service.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/01/26/elbit-bets-on-uk-as-its-european-drone-sales-hub/
***
Ook op nieuwe
panelen bij #begraafplaats #Margraten staat informatie over zwarte
gesneuvelde soldaten. Er wordt, voor zover bekend, geen specifieke
melding gemaakt van hun strijd tegen #racisme in de #VS, zoals eerst
wel het geval was.
https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/nieuwe-informatieborden-margraten-nog-deze-week-opgehangen~b85eb08d/
***
New US
National Defense Strategy
(https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/23/2003864773/-1/-1/0/2026-NATIONAL-DEFENSE-STRATEGY.PDF)
attention the Middle East (Israel and regional partners) to reign in
Iran, with the added benefit of arms sales.
There is a call for reindustrialisation and expanded arms exports to allies. https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278832260/america-first-in-uniform-what-nds-2026-really-means
January
26
***
De strijd tegen de
wapenhandel blijft lastig, ziet officier van justitie Trokic. Hij
vreest daarbij het enorme wapenarsenaal dat nu naar Oekraïne gaat.
Want waar blijft al dat oorlogstuig straks?
De Balkan oorlog van 30 jaar gelden als dreigend voorbeeld. https://www.parool.nl/misdaad/plegen-amsterdamse-criminelen-straks-liquidaties-met-drones-uit-oekraine-gebeurde-ook-bij-wapens-uit-de-balkanoorlogen~bc4bb2af/
January 25
***
The
bear has rotten teeth
At first glance, Russia's arms industry
seems unstoppable: millions of shells, thousands of tanks, and an
economy fully geared towards war. But anyone who looks behind the
propaganda facade sees a system that is consuming itself.
https://xpert.digital/en/how-strong-is-russia-really-/
January 24
***
#Belgium has
banned aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel
from using the country's airspace or making technical stops, the
Foreign Ministry confirmed. The measure came into effect on Thursday.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/belgium-imposes-arms-embargo-on-israel/3809219
Dutch #Schiphol as refuge?
***
Trump nonsense
In 2010 I looked into the wikileaks files & focussed on Dutch involvement in #Afghanistan. The US info from Chelsea Manning obviously shows Dutch troops fought in the country (more than Chora).
Table:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8nHmbT0qNjWbF96THAzRFdOaHc
In de pers o.a.
https://www.parool.nl/kunst-media/defensie-verzwijgt-60-doden-in-uruzgan~b9a8b405/
Brallen en borstklopperij en daarna het
stoffer en blik. Eerst in het VK. Nu laat de Telegraaf zich gebruiken
als krant om de scherven op uit te schudden en op te ruimen. Er is
nauwelijks reden voor, maar de transatlantische pilaar zou eens gaan
wankelen.
https://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/amerikaanse-ambassadeur-negatieve-uitspraken-trump-over-navo-in-afghanistan-niet-aan-nederland-gericht/126477848.html
***
In 2010 I
looked into the wikileaks files & focussed on Dutch involvement
in Afghanistan. The US info from Chelsea Manning obviously shows
Dutch troops fought in the country (& more than Chora alone).
Table:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8nHmbT0qNjWbF96THAzRFdOaHc
In de pers o.a.
https://www.parool.nl/kunst-media/defensie-verzwijgt-60-doden-in-uruzgan~b9a8b405/
January 23
***
Partners in crime
the UK, Israel & F-35
THE Labour Government is facing questions over whether its weapons export policy is “fit for purpose” after it defended allowing three Israeli fighter jets to use a British air force base.
https://youtu.be/qSrf37zUFVA?si=53R3nzAgL8_K4P7M
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/fury-labour-let-israeli-fighter-181107562.html
***
State of the art?
The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R.
Ford, which cost roughly $13bn to manufacture, is facing consistent
plumbing issues with the nearly 650 toilets aboard the vessel.
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/01/22/the-navys-largest-ship-continues-to-be-plagued-by-plumbing-issues/
***
#Palantir
Helps #Ukraine Turn Battlefield Data Into Drone Intercepts. The
initiative builds on Palantir’s existing cooperation with Ukrainian
government agencies, formalizing its role inside a new
defense-focused #AI platform.
https://www.eweek.com/news/ukraine-palantir-ai-dataroom-drone-defense/
***
All quiet on the
Northwestern front?
A recent $610 million order placed by Denmark for air surveillance radars to be stationed across Danish territory was sole-sourced to US military colossus Lockheed in the “essential security interests” of the country. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/01/23/denmark-fast-tracked-lockheed-radars-for-northern-air-surveillance/
***
Consequences?
Francesca Albanese, the UN special
rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, said the
demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem by
Israel symbolizes a systematic assault on the UN system & the
Palestinians.
https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/166600
***
Just
asking?
India must hold the EU accountable for its delivery on
human rights and the EU must no longer remain silent about India’s
human rights record because of geostrategic and economic
considerations, said Aakar Patel, Amnesty International India.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/01/eu-india-crucial-partners-must-prioritize-human-rights-at-forthcoming-summit/
***
Downplaying problems
Franco-German-Spanish #FCAS fighter is suffering because slow pace of decision-making rather than political will to work together, France’s ambassador to Germany said.
Visa versa would be more convincing:
German ambassador in Paris.
https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/fcas-decisions-need-be-faster-french-ambassador-says
January 22
***
Dat de wereld
aan het veranderen is, ziet iedereen. Maar dat inzicht wordt wat
minder als er geld mee gemoeid is. Dan zijn zelfs de vertrouwelijke
gegevens van de bugers handelswaar.
Een blokkade van de
overname is de oplossing, klonk het.
https://fd.nl/tech-en-innovatie/1584176/kamerleden-bezorgder-na-uitleg-over-verkoop-digid-beheerder
***
#Malaysia's
former army chief charged with laundering $519,000+. He wasn't
the only one.The #corruption cases are believed to
be the 1st brought against Malaysia's most senior military.
Global military business is notorious for its corruption practises.
January 21
***
German
manufacturer Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) will provide
its tracked Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) platform for all
elements of the new Netherlands low-level air defence system.
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/netherlands-to-get-step-change-in-air-defence-capability/
***
Dutch #Damen
has announced at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition
and Conference #DIMDEX 2026 a contract with the #Qatar navy for the
delivery of two ASD Tugs.
They will be build at the Song Cam Shipyard in #Vietnam. https://www.damen.com/insights-center/news/damen-contracted-with-qatari-emiri-navy-for-two-asd-tugs-3212
***
Several
French organisations (ASER, JURDI, AFPS, Actionnaires pour le climat
& Cogeres) demanded that #MBDA will publish a plan specifying the
measures taken by the company to control and prevent serious human
rights violations resulting from its activity.
https://aser-asso.org/mbda-mise-en-demeure-pour-les-manquements-de-son-plan-de-vigilance-et-son-implication-a-gaza/
***
Trump calls the US$
9bn vessel a new class of “battleship” (to be nuclear armed)
graced by his own name.
China just calls the concept a larger and “easier target” for its anti-ship drones and missiles, like the DF-21D ballistic missile US$10m each. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/01/16/amid-mixed-reception-china-calls-trump-battleship-an-easier-target/
***
Denmark has
retired its F-16 fleet, becoming the latest European nation to rely
solely on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, also produced by the
military industry of its new enemy, as its front line combat
aircraft.
https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/denmark-retires-f-16-fleet-after-46-years
***
#Renault
has embarked on a strategic partnership with the French Directorate
General for Armament (DGA) and local firm Turgis Gaillard to
manufacture long-range strike #drones. Entering the military sector
is a major shift in production for the company, .
https://news.defcros.com/french-carmaker-renault-to-produce-long-range-drones-for-french-forces/
January 20
***
Arms
trade and ethical policy? #Israel's government-owned arms producer
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems said it will sell Trophy systems for
tanks worth € 330 million, to 4 NATO countries:
the Czech
Republic,
the #Netherlands,
Croatia and
Lithuania.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-19/ty-article/.premium/four-nato-states-to-buy-tank-protection-systems-from-israel-in-multimillion-euro-deal/0000019b-d772-d2f8-af9b-f7f300d20000
In de
boekbespreking rond Trillion Dollar War Machine noemde ik het al op
basis van een artikel in Defense News. https://broekfoto.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-trillion-dollar-war-machine.html
***
WHAT COULD GO
WRONG? US defense secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week that the
US military will begin integrating #Elon_Musk’s AI tool, #Grok,
into #Pentagon networks.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/13/elon-musk-grok-hegseth-military-pentagon
***
Indian
#Tata Sons military division is actively pursuing overseas contracts,
supplying military hardware to #Africa and #Europe. In September,
Tata opened its first overseas defence factory near Casablanca to
produce 150 armoured vehicles for Morocco."
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tatas-defence-division-in-talks-to-supply-military-hardware-to-europe-africa-report/articleshow/126749820.cms
Indian manufacturer Tata Sons’ defence arm is stepping up its overseas ambitions as India pushes to expand its militaryindustrial base and boost arms exports in Africa from its Morocco factory. https://northafricapost.com/94324-morocco-factory-marks-tatas-entry-point-into-the-african-defense-market.html
***
Sudan
forgotten? #UAE's EDGE Group teams up with Indra to establish weapons
manufacturing firm in #Spain. EDGE will focus on “lifecycle support
of loitering munitions [kamikaze drones] and smart weapons for
Spanish and European programmes,” it
stated.
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/01/edge-group-teams-up-with-indra-to-establish-weapons-manufacturing-firm-in-spain/
January
19
***
Spy firm #Palantir
secures top Australian security clearance. Its CEO Karp has been
blunt about Palantir’s mission. Speaking to shareholders and
investors last week, he said the company is helps the West to “scare
enemies” and, “on occasion, kill them”.
https://michaelwest.com.au/we-kill-enemies-spy-firm-palantir-secures-top-australian-security-clearance/
January 17
***
Asian 'arms race'?
The point at which China’s military
budget will top the combined military spending of its neighbors is
slipping ever later as those countries keep boosting their coffers to
counter Beijing. With facts, graphs and figures.
https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/why-chinas-military-spending-dominance-being-delayed
***
Ben Freeman
and William Hartung, "The reality of Trump’s cartoonish $1.5
trillion DOD budget proposal," "...If we want a safer
nation, we should be going in the other direction, towards a lower
Pentagon budget, driven by a more intelligent and a..."
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-15-trillion/
Authors recently
published The Trillion Dollar War Machine. This already showed the war machine
eagerness of Trump (and predecessors). My review [in Dutch].
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-trillion-dollar-war-machine.htmlhttps://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-trillion-dollar-war-machine.html
***
Vlaanderen
mikt op sterke wapenindustrie en werkbare controle op wapenhandel. De
Vlaamse Regering sloot 2025 af met zowel de Vlaamse Innovatie- en
Industriestrategie voor Veiligheid en Defensie als het ontwerp voor
een nieuw Wapenhandeldecreet goedgekeurd.
https://monardlaw.be/nl/stories/ingelicht/vlaanderen-mikt-op-sterke-defensie-industrie-en-werkbare-controle-op-wapenhandel/
***
Iraq is said
to be in the final phase of negotiations with France to acquire 14
newly manufactured Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets. The note
[PayWall] sheds more light on the deal, its progress, Israeli and
Kurdish lobby concerns, and US reservations.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/64182
***
The Netherlands considers a new sanctions bill that
could give the country power to impose administrative penalties
alongside its existing criminal framework, create a “central
reporting point” for sanctions, and put in place other measures to
modernize the country’s sanctions implementation and rules, Dutch
law firm Knepplehout noted
(https://kneppelhout.com/news/the-netherlands-international-sanctions-act-new/) in
2026.
The bill would repeal the country’s “outdated” Sanctions Act of 1977 (https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003296/2025-03-01) and replace it with the International Sanctions Act (in Dutch: Wet Internationale Sanctiemaatregelen https://www.internetconsultatie.nl/sanctiemaatregelen/document/12709).
Data provision for investigations into companies is organised by the FA Ministry in case of the 'Strategic Services Act' (Wet strategische diensten) & the 'Strategic Goods Decree' (Besluit strategische goederen).
January 16
***
Zij zorgen voor uw
veiligheid?
OM onderzoekt of kankerverwekkende
chroom-6 lozing door civiel militaire bedrijf #Fokker strafbaar was.
https://hoogeveenschecourant.nl/hoogeveen/om-onderzoekt-of-fokker-strafbaar-handelde-bij-lozing-chroom-6-hoogeveen-48297933.html
***
And the winners
are:
European Defense Companies in Line to
Benefit From Bulk of EU’s $105 Billion Ukraine Loan.
The loan proposal is still to be
approved by the European Parliament and representatives of EU
countries.
https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/european-defense-companies-in-line-to-benefit-from-bulk-of-eus-105-billion-ukraine-loan-22d826ad
Von der Leyen said EU military items are preferred, but from
elsewhere can be financed also by the EU if "gear was not
available."
Ukraine said it can't do without the RTX Patriot system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIM-104_Patriot, also on cost per battery and missile).
https://kyivindependent.com/eu-reveals-details-on-90-billion-ukraine-support-loan/
***
Overal
bestaan verhalen van dwarsliggers, ook in Rusland. Hun ‘alledaags
democratisch protest’ brengt misschien geen brede verandering, maar
inspireert wel. De Russische Natalja Taranoesjenko weigerde
propaganda te verspreiden in haar klas. Lees maar.
https://www.mo.be/reportage/ik-protesteerde-niet-om-rusland-te-veranderen-maar-om-mens-te-blijven
***
Updated
version at enaat.org of Omnibus for defence; Weakening Arms Transfers
Rules or how to sell principles & ethics for the sake of arms
dealers
https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025_Omn4Def_Transfers_BriefingNote_FINAL-V2-07.01.26.pdf
Intro page: Weakening arms trade rules
for the sake of arms dealers.
https://enaat.org/2026/01/15/weakening-arms-trade-rules-for-the-sake-of-arms-dealers/
A more campaign-like text: Weakening arms transfers rules:
creating a more dangerous world in the name of ‘security’ &
‘competitiveness’
https://stopwapenhandel.org/weakening-arms-transfers-rules-creating-a-more-dangerous-world-in-the-name-of-security-and-competitiveness/
Wendela de Vries – Stop
Wapenhandel/NL
Laëtitia Sédou – ENAAT Brussels/EU
Charlotte Kehne – Ohne Rüstung
Leben/Germany
***
Briefing:
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey have prepared a draft trilateral
military agreement after nearly a year of talks, Pakistan’s
military production minister said. Its a signal of a move to create a
new regional bloc independent of Western alliances.
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/15/the-pakistan-saudi-turkey-axis-a-draft-for-a-new-regional-order/
***
The Dep.
of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security revising its
licensing policy for chip exports to China. BIS will review export
license applications for the Nvidia H200, AMD MI325X, and similar
chips on a case-by-case basis.
https://www.bis.gov/press-release/department-commerce-revises-license-review-policy-semiconductors-exported-china
January
15
***
Cameron Hudson, a
Washington DC-based analyst and former US blames the UAE, which
Hudson said "has used its wealth and political influence across
the Horn of Africa to construct the largest and an extensive military
air bridge operation, flying weapons into the RSF via client regimes
in Chad, Libya, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia's
Puntland region," efforts, he said that "have enabled and
expanded this conflict in ways that have no justification and are
beyond any doubt."
https://allafrica.com/stories/202601120678.html
***
Regional weaponry
and ammunition conglomerate Czechoslovak Group (CSG) confirmed an
initial public offering (IPO) or stock launch plan in Amsterdam where
it wants to emit €750mn in stock through CSG B.V.
CSG is also a key ammo producer in
Slovakia
https://www.intellinews.com/czechoslovak-group-confirms-plans-for-ipo-in-amsterdam-420093/?source=czech-republic
***
German arms
industry stocks such as TKMS, Rheinmetall, HENSOLDT and RENK are off
to a strong start in the 2026. But is the rally sustainable?
Arms relations with India (previously mainly buying Russian arms) give German arms industry strong trade winds. https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/geopolitik-im-fokus-aktien-von-tkms-rheinmetall-renk-rutschen-ab-gewinnmitnahmen-oder-trendwende-15414742
***
Europese
leiders zijn bang om voor Europese wapens te kiezen en minder met de
VS te doen. Maar er is weinig keus, zegt Guntram Wolff, want ,,de VS
hebben weinig goeds met ons
voor."https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/01/14/we-moeten-af-van-onze-militaire-afhankelijkheid-van-de-amerikanen-a4917558
@DickBerlijn is nu anti, maar hij liet Nederland de F-35 fuik in zwemmen.
***
Amnesty
International UK urged the British government on Tuesday not to
“reward” Israel by unblocking arms export licenses, saying such a
move would be “deeply troubling” amid the ongoing genocide in the
Gaza Strip.
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/deeply-troubling-amnesty-warns-uk-against-unblocking-of-arms-sales-to-israel/
***
The #Saudi
Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the French leg of the French–German
#ArianeGroup https://ariane.group/en/group/ remain in talks over a
prospective strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the
Kingdom’s #space military capabilities. [Paywall]
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/64174
***
Als
zogenaamde heldhaftigheid dodelijk of levensslopend is, dan is het
beter om eieren voor je zweet te kiezen. Dat geldt niet alleen
Oekraïne.
Veel dienstplichtigen ontvluchten het
land of verstoppen zich, soms zelfs al een paar jaar.
https://www.ad.nl/buitenland/als-onze-verslaggever-in-oekraine-loopt-springen-vier-mannen-uit-een-busje-he-jij-daar~afa8c71a/
***
How to qualify the
USA?
A Banana Kingdom driven by Robbery Capitalism?
Federal jury in New Mexico has
convicted a former US Navy #SEAL of attempting to #kill law
enforcement officers at political demonstrations against President
Trump in California. #SOF
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/01/14/ex-navy-seal-convicted-for-plot-to-kill-officers-at-california-protest/
***
In
support of the military partnership in #AUKUS, over the last 2 years,
the US Department of State & Commerce set steps to remove
regulatory #obstacles to trade in military items, services, &
other export-controlled items among these countries.
https://perkinscoie.com/insights/update/export-control-exemptions-facilitate-us-defense-and-sensitive-technology-trade
January
13
***
Indonesia in Talks
with Pakistan on JF-17 Jet Deal, Sources Say. Indonesia is in talks
with Pakistan to buy over 40 JF-17 fighter jets and drones as it
upgrades its air force fleet, sources say.
https://stratnewsglobal.com/world-news/indonesia-in-talks-with-pakistan-on-jf-17-jet-deal-sources-say/
January 12
***
In een hal
bij #Fokker Aerospace aan de Anthony Fokkerweg in #Papendrecht heeft
donderdagavond #brand gewoed. Dat gebeurde rond 22:30 uur in een
afzuiginstallatie.
https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/2134706/veel-rook-bij-fokker-aerospace-door-brand-in-afzuiginstallatie
***
#Myanmar:
Beyond criminal law, creative civil pathways are also being utilized,
including lawsuits against social media platforms for fueling hate
speech and domestic litigation, such as in #South_Africa, that aims
to ban #arms exports to the junta.
https://thediplomat.com/2026/01/rohingya-genocide-victims-finally-confront-the-myanmar-military/
***
Journalists
from DanWatch and Dagbladet Information received the Cavling Prize
for their coverage of Danish arms exports to Israel. They were
praised for uncovering a system bending the rules and misleading the
Danish Parliament.
https://cphpost.dk/2026-01-12/news/round-up/journalists-win-cavling-prize-for-articles-on-arms-exports-to-israel/
***
An alliance
of the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party, the Evangelical
People's Party, opponents of the military, and NGOs in #Switzerland
launched a referendum on Tuesday against the War Materiel Act, which
was relaxed by parliament. #Arms_Trade
https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/referendum-lanciert-allianz-will-lockerung-fuer-kriegsmaterialexporte-verhindern
***
German arms for
Hindu extremist.
Deutschland und Indien wollen ihre
Rüstungs Kooperation ausbauen. Eine Absichtserklärung der
Verteidigungsministerien wurde während des Indien-Besuchs von
Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad unterzeichnet.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/indien-merz-und-modi-vereinbaren-engere-ruestungskooperation/100190587.html
NOT the largest democracy in the world
Wie die Nachrichtenagentur KNA berichtete, leiden Christen, Muslime und andere Minderheiten unter ,,hindunationalistischer Diskriminierung und Gewalt".
https://www.fr.de/politik/fr-ueh-dran-merz-trifft-modi-und-macht-geschaefte-in-gandhis-heimat-94117170.html
Germany and India aim to expand their cooperation in the
defence sector, with a corresponding declaration of intent signed by
their defence ministries during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to
the Indian city of Ahmedabad on Monday.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pm-modi-german-chancellor-merz-set-for-crucial-talks-in-ahmedabad-amid-rising-geopolitical-tension/articleshow/126462589.cms
***
An
interview on global arms trade & Venezuela Michael Klare: My fear
is an unconstrained nuclear arms race, with dangerous consequences.
https://harici.com.tr/en/michael-klare-my-fear-is-an-unconstrained-nuclear-arms-race-with-dangerous-consequences/
Klare himself wrote in The Nation on Venezuela & that its extra-heavy crude isn't easy to take: https://www.thenation.com/article/world/venezuela-trump-oil-regime-change-war/
January 11
***
War what is it good
for
During the 4-day conflict with India in
May 2025, Pakistan demonstrated the effectiveness of Chinese military
hardware, and indigenously produced equipment, like the JF-17
fighter, the Al-Khalid tank and the Fatah guided G-MLRS.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1966203
***
Pro-Palestine
protesters disrupt UK Trade Secreatry Reynolds speech in Chatam House
(London) with call for F 35 export ban.
According to him this is impossible due to security considerations and internationalised production. https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/uknews/pro-palestine-protesters-disrupt-reynolds-speech-with-call-for-f35-export-ban/ar-AA1BLvq6
January 10
***
Disreputable
Indonesian president Prabowo sends two ministers to meet Erdogan
after KAAN fighter jet deal. Last year, Erdogan announced that
Indonesia had pledged to acquire 48 KAAN fighter jets.
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/prabowo-sends-ministers-to-meet-erdogan-after-kaan-fighter-jet-deal
***
A list of events to
protest. Military meetings in:
Australia, Germany, Portugal, Sweden
Switzerland, and the UK.
https://www.defenceiq.com/events
More security is not reached by more weaponry and war.
***
Which
countries are supporting #US
military might?
The example of the F-35 #Lockheed
Martin fighter jet.
https://www.f35.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/aero/f35/documents/26-00130_001A%20F-35FastFacts_1_2026.pdf
Europe is represented by 14 countries.
⬇️↓
#Pakistan Nears $1.5 Billion Arms Deal to Aid #Sudan’s Army. The agreement, reportedly including jets, drones, and air defence systems, could shift the balance in Sudan’s protracted conflict with paramilitary forces. https://slguardian.org/pakistan-nears-1-5-billion-arms-deal-to-aid-sudans-army/
***
Corruptiezaak rond de kurk waar de Nederlandse marine vrijwel geheel op drijft.
#Damen: verdediging wil 101 getuigen oproepen, rechter wijst slechts een kwart toe. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1583133/corruptiezaak-damen-verdediging-wil-101-getuigen-oproepen-rechter-wijst-slechts-een-kwart-toe
January 9
***
#Egypt is in talks
with the #Saab to replace the Egyptian Air Force's E-2C Hawkeye 2000
fleet.
Talks began on the sidelines of the
Paris Air Show in late June 2025 and have since evolved into a formal
government-to-government scoping phase. [Paywall]
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/64154
***
Dangerous course,
in the interest of what, who?
Trump is proposing setting US military
spending at $1.5 trn in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous
times.”
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/01/07/trump-proposes-massive-increase-in-2027-defense-spending-to-15t/
In 2024 the whole world (minus US)
spent $ 1.7 trn on the military.
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/2504_fs_milex_2024.pdf
Here the
in and outs of the 50% increase is discussed. Will it happen? Where
does the money come from ("even mandatory programs like Social
Security or Medicare")? How ill it influence or being influenced
by the mid term elections? What about Greenland?
https://aviationweek.com/podcasts/check-6/podcast-trump-vs-defense-industry
***
World an arms
bazaar
Hindu extremist #India and #Germany are preparing to sign an $8bn military deal for advanced #submarines, including technology transfer and domestic manufacturing, marking the largest-ever military agreement between the two nations. https://zeenews.india.com/world/8-billion-deal-india-and-germany-set-to-seal-biggest-ever-defence-agreement-3004699.html
***
The Malaysian
anti-corruption center C4 warned that the newly passed government
procurement pact would've been largely ineffective in preventing the
recent military #RMAF corruption scandal. There are deep-rooted
failures in the military procurement
system.https://www.dagangnews.com/article/english-terkini/army-procurement-corruption-can-government-procurement-act-prevent-future-scandals-63463
***
The US State
Department has issued a final rule that, effective Dec. 30,
2025, amended the ITAR Regulations to further facilitate defense
trade among the U.S, Australia, and the UK. This rule finalizes an
August 2024 interim final rule.
https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/january/defense-trade-with-australia-and-uk-further-liberalized
***
Defensie als
redder van de Europese industrie? ‘Wie dat gelooft, is aan het
dromen’. Militaire productie kan de malaise in de Europese
industrie niet afwenden, stelt econoom Carl Benedikt Frey. ‘Als dat
je groeistrategie is, dan heb je geen strategie.’
https://fd.nl/economie/1582418/defensie-als-redder-van-de-europese-industrie-wie-dat-gelooft-is-aan-het-dromen
***
Here it
is argumented that an interlinked word is safer for the parties
cooperating. Here in the context of Nvidia chips for China & the
links with Taiwanese TMSC.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johntamny/2026/01/08/nvidias-china-chip-sales-great-business-even-better-foreign-policy/
If that is fully true? History shows
otherwise. But cooperation is to be preferred over divide.
January 8
***
Damen Naval
expands Colombian involvement by contracting Georg Fischer
(https://www.georgfischer.com/en/about-gf/locations.html)
for the PES project in LATAM. Under this project, a Damen SIGMA
frigate will be built by COTECMAR, at their shipyard in Cartagena.
https://www.damen.com/insights-center/news/georg-fischer-latin-america-contracted-for-pes-project
***
Trump
vowed to block military contractors like RTX (Raytheon) from paying
dividends or buying back shares until they speed up weapons
production. This is a rare presidential strike. It sent 'defence'
stocks lower & signals sweeping changes for US's MIC.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/01/08/companies/trump-defense-payout-block/
January 7
***
Pak-Chinese fighter
plane becomes success (after Algeria now ...):
... Pakistan courts Bangladesh with
fighter jet deal Talks on JF-17 sales highlight warming ties as
Islamabad pushes arms exports after clashes with India.
https://www.gamereactor.eu/pakistan-courts-bangladesh-with-fighter-jet-deal-and-new-defence-pact-1657273/
Pakistan
and Saudi Arabia negotiate a conversion of about $2bn of Saudi loans
into a deal to buy JF-17 fighter jets.
The talks come as KSA flexes its
military muscle against the UAE in Yemen, & as Pakistan looks to
seal major arms deals with Arab states.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-arabia-and-pakistan-talks-swap-loans-jf-17-warplanes-report
Pakistan’s is
offering JF-17 warplanes to pay for debt. Converting debt into jets
and military stakes might make for colourful headlines, but it does
nothing to address the fundamental economic rot that has gripped
Pakistan for decades. [Paywall]
https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/pakistan-s-new-economic-model-how-a-debt-ridden-country-is-offering-jf-17-warplanes-instead-of-repayments-article-13764810.html
Saudi
Arabia and Pakistan conduct negotiations regarding purchasing
Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 fighters. This is very interesting
considering parallel attempts to acquire American F-35s, creating a
threat of U.S. secret information could leaking to China.
https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/saudi_arabia_negotiates_chinese_pakistani_fighters_while_seeking_f_35s_us_secrets_at_risk-17109.html
***
S. Korea’s
response to Thai forces’ use of the ROK’s T-50TH trainer aircraft
in cross-border strikes on Cambodian territory has exposed how Seoul
applies its arms export policy inconsistently, tolerating combat use
in some cases while restraining others.
https://koreapro.org/2026/01/thailands-use-of-korean-made-jets-against-cambodia-poses-arms-exports-quandary/
***
Israel's arms
manufacturers benefit from EU funding for cutting edge civilian
research.
Public data shows that Israeli arms
companies have won grants for civilian projects despite a strict EU
ban on funding research that can be used in warfare.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israels-arms-manufacturers-benefit-eu-funding-cutting-edge-civilian-research
***
GroenLinks-lid
Mari Beks: “Bij de Partij voor de Dieren was er in ieder geval nog
discussie voordat het hogere defensiebudget werd goedgekeurd. Bij
GroenLinks-PvdA heb ik daar weinig van gemerkt. Blijkbaar leeft het
te weinig bij de leden.”
Wendela de Vries van Stop
Wapenhandel zegt: “Het is goed dat politici weten dat er iemand op
ze let. Alleen al dat besef, zorgt ervoor dat ze niet zomaar hun gang
gaan.” De Vredesbeweging is watching you.
https://www.nieuwwij.nl/interview/vredesbeweging-is-watching-you/
***
More Israeli
weapons for Europe
Elbit Systems will supply Iron Fist active protection systems to BAE Systems Hägglunds in a $150m deal, the Israeli company stated.
The tech will be fitted on CV90
infantry fighting vehicle used by European NATO members.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/01/06/elbit-sells-new-batch-of-iron-fist-protective-kit-for-cv90-vehicles/
***
China on
Tuesday banned exports of dual-use goods that can serve military
purposes to Japan, a move that comes at time of heightened tensions
between the two countries over Taiwan, a self-ruled island Beijing
claims as its sovereign territory.
https://apnews.com/article/china-japan-exports-ban-military-0ea90fa798771c9fb650422ca3e21e09
China has targeted Japan with “rare earth controls” in
response to Japanese PM Takaichi Sanae’s remarks on Taiwan. This is
the first retaliation that has escalated from diplomatic protests and
restrictions on human exchanges to trade and tech controls.
https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2026/01/06/XXAETRRHQNCF5MHZRB5JJYLLQE/
***
Kleine
modulaire #kerncentrales zijn zeer duur, maar omdat sinds het ophogen
van de NAVO-norm het geld tegen de plinten klotst, kan het leger
juist een voortrekkersrol spelen bij het realiseren van zo'n
kerncentrale. Dat is een conclusie van #TNO.
https://www.laka.org/nieuws/2026/tno-kleine-kerncentrales-te-duur-maar-voor-het-leger-speelt-geld-geen-rol-731635 #LAKA
***
While the
rare earth supply chain is being shaken by trade disputes between the
United States and China, the Donald Trump administration’s invasion
of Venezuela is expected to intensify the power struggle over
resources with China.
https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html
January
6
***
While the rare
earth supply chain is being shaken by trade disputes between the
United States and China, the Donald Trump administration’s invasion
of Venezuela is expected to intensify the power struggle over
resources with China.
https://businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html
***
More background by 'rationale'
for US miliary action against Venezuela
Alas, as I predicted for
Venezuela, Trump has captured the chicken to scare the monkeys. The
president has signaled that he can and will do anything to expand his
power globally.
https://fpif.org/the-geopolitics-of-trumps-venezuela-campaign/
January 5
***
Retweet
@johnfeffer:
Alas, as I predicted for Venezuela, Trump has captured the chicken to
scare the monkeys. The president has signaled that he can and will do
anything to expand his power globally.
https://fpif.org/the-geopolitics-of-trumps-venezuela-campaign/
***
#Bosnia’s FA &
Economics Minister, Kosarac, revoked the licence of BNT Tvornica
Masina i Hidraulike to produce drones, citing violations of the Law
on the Production of Weapons & Military Equipment.
Decision has halted the production of military #drones. https://balkaninsight.com/2026/01/05/bosnian-drone-producer-loses-licence-over-legal-violations/
***
With European
record spending on the military in 2025 from ammo to battle tanks,
air defence and naval ships, industry winners included MBDA,
Rheinmetall, Saab and BAE Systems.France’s Naval Group had a less
successful year.
The US gain is not mentioned.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/12/31/europes-2025-defense-winners-include-saab-rheinmetall-fcas-falters/
***
Solidarity
activists targeted an aerospace manufacturing factory located near
Edinburgh, protesting its links to #Israel.
Images posted online showed the
Bruntons Aero Products site sprayed with slogans in red, just after
midnight on New Year’s Day. #F35
https://www.newarab.com/news/pro-palestine-activists-vandalise-israel-linked-factory
January 1
The #US
government has renewed its annual licence for 2026 to Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing #TSMC to import US #chip manufacturing
equipment to its production facility in Nanjing, the capital of
eastern #China’s Jiangsu province, the company
said.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3338380/us-grants-tsmc-annual-licence-import-american-chipmaking-tools-china
***
South Korea seals US$4 billion arms deal with Poland
amid ‘daunting’ EU bloc trade threat. Observers urge South Korea
to integrate itself into European supply chains by increasing
production localisation to maintain competitiveness.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338318/south-korea-seals-us4-billion-arms-deal-poland-amid-daunting-eu-bloc-trade-threat
