zondag 1 november 2026

My tweets for October 2026

Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)

October 31

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Tsjee. De Militaire Spectator 11/26 opent met de door de Regering gewenste groei van de krijgsmacht. Onhaalbaar, ongewenst (gezien bijdrage en andere prioriteiten) en losgezongen van eerdere doelstellingen. Planning wordt zo wel zeer moeilijk. Lees zelf → https://militairespectator.nl/artikelen/een-schaalbare-krijgsmacht-tijden-van-vergrijzing

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Betaalbaar openbaarvervoer, militarisering of oorogsvoorbereiding?

Militaire voertuigen over lange afstanden verplaatsen gaat steeds vaker over 't spoor. Nederland speelt als doorvoerland een sleutelrol in het snel verplaatsen van dit soort transporten. https://www.defensie.nl/magazines/defensiekrant/2026/editie-40/02_samenwerking-met-prorail

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A series of articles highlights the contributions of university research in developing critical weaponry arms tech. The 5th of 6 discusses the academic origins of scaled directed energy, the tech behind weapons that use lasers and microwaves. https://www.aau.edu/newsroom/university-scientists-at-the-forefront-of-directed-energy-weapons-research

Japanese universities ‘cautiously commit’ to defence research. Financial pressures and shifting attitudes prompt institutions to chase military grants but experts warn researchers against ceding academic freedom. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/japanese-universities-cautiously-commit-defence-research

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The former head of a state-owned enterprise that is part of Ukrspetsexport State Corporation, is suspected of embezzling more than 1.1 billion hryvnia ($43 million) in public funds. https://biz.liga.net/en/business-corruption/news/a-former-top-executive-at-ukrspetsexport-has-been-charged-with-embezzling-43-million

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On the strengthening of the Israeli military industry, in casu the Covenant production of the Anthem missile, with support of US, Germany & soon Denmark.

(Human rights, peace, security, ending genocide are for public declarations. Not day to day politics.) https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-913331

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Specialised fuels and components for fighter jets pass silently through the ports, railway lines and airports of Italy and around the world.

This is the opening passage of an investigative report by Linda Maggiori published .../2 2/2 in the latest issue of *Altreconomia*.

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Romania wants to expand cooperation with Pakistan, military issues included. Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu said EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe could facilitate academic partnerships are helpful in this regard. https://leadpakistan.com.pk/news/romania-seeks-to-expand-cooperation-with-pakistan-in-it-ai-education/ #Damen

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Damen delivers a SAR vessel to Lithuania, as a step towards a future, highly flexible naval force in which the navy operates with the wider Armed Forces. One of its potential tasks, enabled by its storage capacity for containers, is to operate drones. -> https://maritime-executive.com/corporate/damen-signs-with-lithuanian-navy-for-pollution-incident-response-sar-vessel

October 30

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Armed conflicts multiply, military spending reaches records & the arms trade flourishes. Hiruni Alwishewa examines how the pursuit of profit, tech competition & rivalries are driving an arms race while weakening transparency, accountability and safeguards. https://globalchallenges.ch/issue/20/the-arms-trade-in-a-new-era-of-war/

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The European Gateway for Genocide Technology, traces how Israeli military, cybersecurity, surveillance and drone companies linked to Palestine are entering the European market & how European institutions enable this through funding

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UAE: Interest in Thales HexaForce system French #Thales is currently in contact with the General Staff of the #UAE Armed Forces (UAEAF) on its HexaForce artificial intelligence #AI command-and-control #C2 system, which it launched on September 17, 2026. https://www.tacticalreport.com/reports/64973-uae-interest-in-thales-hexaforce-system

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The UN has published extensive findings implicating Abu Dhabi-based companies in supplying the RSF in Sudan with military hardware and mercenary forces. Allegations which Abu Dhabi has consistently denied and upon which it has not publicly acted. https://sudantribune.com/article/320655

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Canadian Labour Congress calls for an end to all direct and indirect transfers of arms and military equipment to Israel. https://pbicanada.org/2026/10/29/canadian-labour-congress-calls-for-an-end-to-all-direct-and-indirect-transfers-of-arms-and-military-equipment-to-israel/

How about imports (at least as important for the power of the genocidal military)?

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Lviv Herald targets arms broker.

"There is a particularly unpleasant category of individual who flourishes in wartime. He is neither a soldier nor a humanitarian volunteer, neither a diplomat nor a representative of a legitimate defence manufacturer. He is the private arms broker, the intermediary who claims to have access to quantities of weapons and ammunition, who offers to arrange their delivery to a country fighting for its survival and who expects to make a handsome profit from the desperation of the people to whom he proposes to sell them. His business is conducted in the shadows of international commerce, amidst obscure companies, improbable personal contacts and promises that are frequently difficult to verify. https://www.lvivherald.com/post/the-shadow-merchants-of-war-private-arms-traders-and-the-exploitation-of-ukraine

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Schevenings zeelab voor militaire drones breidt met EU-geld uit. ‘Een Schevenings testcentrum voor militaire zeedrones kan met Europees geld fors gaan uitbreiden. Het lab is uitverkoren als een van de twee eerste Europese 'dronetechnologiehubs'. https://www.ad.nl/den-haag/schevenings-zeelab-voor-militaire-drones-breidt-met-eu-geld-uit~abf9d91b/

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French dockworkers strike over budget measures and militarisation of ports French ports are expected to be almost completely shut down Friday as dockworkers join a 24-hr strike in 110 ports to protest against war and the use of ports for arms exports. https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20261030-french-dockworkers-strike-over-budget-measures-and-militarisation-of-ports-arms-war

Dockworkers in 22 countries are preparing coordinated strikes and demonstrations October 30, in an int. campaign opposing the movement of military equipment to conflict zones through civilian ports. The strike is now backed by trade unions in at least 111 ports. https://shippingtelegraph.com/port-news/dockworkers-claim-friday-strike-across-113-ports-over-arms-trade-and-war/

October 29

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Retweet @DemilitarizeDay: New @SIPRIorg report: Widening gap between the official devlp assistance (ODA) & actual needs could be closed with a small fraction of the resources committed to new military spending. This gap could have potentially serious consequences for human security & political stability. https://www.sipri.org/publications/2026/sipri-insights-peace-and-security/rising-military-spending-context-falling-development-assistance

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To Russia through straw buyers in Turkey, Korea & Kazakhstan. Ilya Pankov worked for Pacific Route Inc. also known as Pacific Terminals and allegedly conspired to evade US’ export control laws/regulations & smuggle export-controlled mining etc to Russia. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/seattle-man-arrested-indictment-illegally-shipping-restricted-items-russia-going

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Retweet @CAATuk: NEW REPORT: How UK arms export reporting obscures as much as it reveals CAAT's latest report unveils the main sources of official information on UK arms exports and their limitations. https://caat.org.uk/publications/transparent-as-mud-how-uk-arms-export-reporting-obscures-as-much-as-it-reveals/

October 28

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On his 3rd trip to Asia as Chancelor, Merz is seeking new markets, particularly for German military industry.

Alongside drone manufacturer Quantum Systems, & Airbus Defence & Space, at least 2 military firms accompany him to Singapore, Japan, S. Korea. https://harici.com.tr/en/merz-visits-asia-to-seek-new-markets-for-german-defence-firms/

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Doubt the influence of citizens worries are that big.

Israeli tech magazine notes foreign militaries continue to show interest in Israeli arms, yet political leaders must weigh procurement decisions against public opposition to Israel.

Let's work on it. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/o7x2cgwn7

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EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is asked to strengthen the EU’s 2021 Dual-Use Regulation on surveillance tech. Human Rights orgs argue that EU members continue to export surveillance tools to countries where they may be used for repression/HR abuses. https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/10/26/european-union-tighten-surveillance-export-controls

October 27

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The night before the mass entry, a Guardia Civil Lt. Col stated that he had spotted 6 Moroccan vessels: 2 patrol boats, 2 interceptors & 2 smaller craft. He noted that it was striking that, on a day with fog, there were 6 Moroccan Navy vessels in the area. https://www.telesurenglish.net/guardia-civil-and-national-police-point-to-morocco-regarding-the-mass-entry-of-migrants/

October 26

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The world, including Swiss, seems to be on a slippery slope

Ahead of a referendum on 29/11 the right/business support a reform, easing restrictions on arms exports, incl. to countries at war; left-wing parties, NGOs and churches are opposing the new law. https://www.repubblica.it/en/world/2026/10/25/news/neutral_switzerland_divided_over_arms-425674298/

October 24

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Thales zal zich begin 2027 vestigen in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Het stadsbestuur hoopt dat de komst van Thales het vestigingsklimaat daar verbetert.

De Partij voor de Dieren is kritisch: is een wapenfabriek echt het visitekaartje dat we willen afgeven als stad? https://amsterdam.partijvoordedieren.nl/nieuws/partij-voor-de-dieren-kritisch-op-komt-wapenfabriek-thales-naar-zuidoost

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Retweet @NATO with comment: A new hurdle to a neutral Ukraine as part of a step in the direction of an end on the daily dead and destruction. 

Ukraine has joined the @NSPA_NATO Security Cooperation Support Partnership, enabling access for Ukrainian industry to participate in NATO contracts, and help shape Ukraine’s defence and industrial requirements Read more → https://www.nspa.nato.int/news/2026/ukraine-joins-nato-support-partnership--unlocking-opportunities-for-alliance-support-and-cooperation

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In October 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce & of Science and Technology proposed expanding the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export by adding 40 technologies, including 23 related to AI, 5 biomedical and 12 photovoltaics. https://info.expeditors.com/newsflash/china-announces-proposed-and-updated-export-controls

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India Rises to Second Place Among Europe's Ammunition Suppliers. India has shipped at least $872 million in ammunition to Europe since 2022, Bloomberg reports, as soaring demand and defense policies drive export growth. https://voennoedelo.com/en/posts/id21327-india-becomes-europe-s-no.-2-ammunition-supplier-report

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AFSOC gunship launches new Havoc Spear cruise missiles at targets in Africa during combat operations. The combat employment of the Leidos-built weapon occurred in spring 2026, according to a press release. https://defensescoop.com/2026/09/14/afsoc-gunship-launches-havoc-spear-cruise-missiles-at-targets-in-africa/

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Palantir led a closed-door review of how the Ministry of Defence buys software at the same time as the ministry handed the controversial US tech firm a £240m contract without competition, Democracy for Sale can reveal. https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-palantir-led-secret-review

October 23

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The BBC has spoken to several tech workers who have either recently resigned from Google's AI company, Google DeepMind, or are in the process of leaving, over concerns with the tech firm's military contracts.

Sofia Liguori, a London-based research engineer: "Realising my company is pushing more and more for AI systems in military operations makes me feel ashamed to work at Google," Liguori said, speaking in a personal capacity. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmreyvepnv0po

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Ukraine produces more arms than it can buy. A year ago, it said to sell the surplus abroad and turn the proceeds into its own army. However, a year later, that promise hasn't materialized: a state fee of up to 30% is pricing them out of foreign markets. https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/10/22/one-year-of-ukrainian-arms-exports-and-industry-has-questions-how-much-army-gained-where-berlin-office-is-who-joins-joint-ventures/

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To strengthen the European military industry the Netherlands ordered infrared countermeasure systems and radar warning equipment for crewed aircraft, not in Hengelo, Paris, Rome or Berlin, but in the USA, valued $294 million.

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Stop de groei van de wapenindustrie. https://boeddhistischdagblad.nl/achtergronden/969887-stop-de-groei-van-de-wapenindustrie/

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The U.S. Department of War said it has reached a 10-year deal framework with Lockheed Martin under the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program, which would guarantee the production of at least 850 aircraft for the U.S. military.
https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4631150/department-of-war-and-lockheed-martin-finalize-landmark-10-year-f-35-deal-secur/

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Interesting but hypothetical angle.

How would a US veto influence military sovereignty in Spain & Morocco? Reliance on US military tech risks limiting both nations during a conflict—prompting Spain to push for national and European military autonomy.

https://www.escudodigital.com/en/defense/europe/itar-the-us-veto-shaping-military-sovereignty-in-spain-and-morocco.html

But a Spanish Álvaro de Bazán class frigate (the most recent) is a tiger which has lost most of its teeth when US weaponry/systems are removed. Independence of the US is a catch phrase often separated from reality & used to expand ALSO the EU budget flows. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81lvaro_de_Baz%C3%A1n-class_frigate

Spain’s National Court has requested info from the MoD on the alleged presence of Moroccan naval vessels near occupied Ceuta between July 29 and August 10, as part of an ongoing investigation into the mass arrival of migrants in the enclave in July. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/10/343343/spanish-judge-seeks-information-on-alleged-moroccan-naval-activity-near-ceuta/

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Overview on Japan-US military ties, starts with photo: a US MILITARY OUT! sign outside the PM’s office in Tokyo, 5 Oct. Protest followed the killing of Anna Yagi in Okinawa. The killing sparked renewed protests against the US military presence on Okinawa. https://www.struggle-la-lucha.org/2026/10/22/pentagon-rushes-japans-war-buildup-against-china/

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The port of Rotterdam is part of the global distribution system, also for arms ammo. An illustration: transport in June 2026 by an Czech company which send 100,000 bullets by boat to El Salvador. (CSV-report https://rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen) What kind of country? https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/americas/central-america-and-the-caribbean/el-salvador/report-el-salvador/

October 22

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Combat proven

“Their innovation is going so fast right now that we have a lot to learn from it,” Jacqueline Borsboom, director of support to ops, NATO Support and Procurement Agency #NSPA said and she added cynically: “It’s definitely of mutual benefit.”
https://www.ft.com/content/991ac37c-289b-40e5-b2e6-220ee2aebe5d

October 21

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Weiger, weiger, weiger!

Duizenden Russische mannen ontvluchten het land uit vrees dat ze opgeroepen worden om te vechten in de Oekraïne. Bij de grens met Georgië, die Russen vrij kunnen oversteken, verdrievoudigde het aantal ‘reizigers’ tot 20.000 per dag. https://www.hln.be/buitenland/je-kan-zomaar-weggestuurd-worden-om-te-worden-afgeslacht-waarom-russische-mannen-nog-snel-het-land-uitvluchten~a12fcb93/

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Ukrainian military manufacturers attending US arms fair AUSA expressed optimism about future export opportunities but said regulatory and licensing challenges continue to hinder their ability to sell weapons abroad. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/ukrainian-defense-firms-get-creative-to-try-and-break-through-export-restrictions/

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Seven US House members sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to prioritize human rights in his discussions this weekend with Indian officials. The letter cites reports of mass detentions, excessive force, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on peaceful protests in India related to examination controversies, unemployment, and changes to voter rolls that reportedly removed more than 130 million voters. https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400465

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Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan & Indonesia will sign a MoU to boost military industrial cooperation. The four-nation deal builds on major Turkish projects with each partner, from corvettes for Pakistan to tanks for Indonesia as Ankara shifts toward co-production. https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/turkiye-qatar-pakistan-indonesia-to-sign-defense-industry-pact-in-doha-3230716

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To strengthen the European military industry Dutch aeronautic research institute NLR will share its knowledge with US Lockheed’s Skunk Works division on drones, F-35 etc. The move broadens a MoU both signed roughly 2 years ago as an exploratory agreement. https://envantermedya.com/en/skunk-works-netherlands-nlr-partnership-expansion/

Hier een lenige verklaring vanuit Christen Democratische hoek: Nederlandse defensie-industrie zoekt nieuwe balans in relatie met ’grillig’ Amerika: ’Als we geen zaken meer doen met de VS, staat onze luchtmacht stil’ https://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/nederlandse-defensie-industrie-zoekt-nieuwe-balans-in-relatie-met-grillig-amerika-als-we-geen-zaken-meer-doen-met-de-vs-staat-onze-luchtmacht-stil/163148201.html

Rheinmetall: Both civilian and military vessels will be built at the Mangalia Shipyard. Rheinmetall stated this in a press release on the buy of the yard, it did together with the Swiss company MSC. https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/rheinmetall-both-civilian-and-military-vessels-will-be-built-at-the-mangalia-shipyard/122209

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A desire to kill and destroy? Boeing helps!

Israel is set to acquire 12 Apache “Echo” attack helicopters from Boeing, according to an Israeli ministry of defense announcement last week. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/10/16/israel-secures-procurement-of-12-apache-gunships-in-last-minute-maneuver/

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Poor Damen

Damen Holding challenges in court the sale of Mangalia Shipyard to Rheinmetall for 138 million euros. https://informat.ro/en/current-affairs/damen-challenges-sale-of-mangalia-shipyard-to-rheinmetall-144279

The concurrent

Rheinmetall announces now plans for major military shipbuilding hub at Romania’s Mangalia shipyard.
https://www.romania-insider.com/business/germanys-rheinmetall-announces-plans-major-military-shipbuilding-hub

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In contrast to the stories Europe is going European US defence firm an Anduril executive said it could eventually manufacture its newly unveiled Steelfin interceptor missiles in Europe, a company and it is using Poland as its trojan horse. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-arms-firm-anduril-could-make-interceptors-europe-executive-says-2026-10-16/

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How to make the world more unsafe.

And the contractors delivering components for the F-35 will deliver their products indirectly to the butcher in Riyadh without telling anyone (so far for transparency and the accountability of government). https://gulfif.org/saudi-arabias-f-35-deal-is-taking-shape/

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When viewpoints become lucrative

Lockheed Martin showered Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), with cash as F-35 program hit turbulence. Collins received tens of thousands from Lockheed during a two-month period surrounding a critical 2023 watchdog report. https://theintercept.com/2026/10/15/susan-collins-lockheed-martin-f35-fighter-jet/

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Investigation showed the HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund reportedly held more than $100m in companies linked to Israel’s military during the first half of 2026, putting its investment standards under fresh scrutiny amid the devastating war in Gaza. https://pakobserver.net/uks-hbsc-islamic-investment-fund-faces-heat-over-100-million-in-investments-in-israel-linked-firms/

Named are RTX , Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace, Honeywell, Analog Devices. An earlier report found out investment in Palantir.

Based on: MEE analysis reveals HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund purchased shares in world’s 2nd-largest arms company https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hsbc-sharia-compliant-fund-spent-over-100m-on-five-israeli-military-linked-firms

October 17

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EL PAÍS revealed that on 30-31/07/26 several Moroccan war ships also entered Ceuta territorial waters repeatedly and without authorization, and only retreated after the Spanish Navy deployed vessels in the area as well. https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-10-13/king-of-spain-in-ceuta-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity-are-not-negotiable-and-faced-with-any-risk-our-duty-is-their-defense.html

On https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/6048453/infodefensa-fotografio-fragata-hassan-ii-saliendo-ksar-sghir-dia-marina-marroqui-entro-aguas-ceuta-durante-asalto photo's taken on the morning 31/07/26 at Ksar Sghir naval base. They show the French build frigate Hassan II leaving. The Dutch build frigate Tariq Ben Ziyad remains at the dock. The frigate Mohammed VI wasn't visible. https://ledesk.ma/2026/10/12/des-navires-de-la-marine-royale-etaient-presents-dans-les-eaux-de-ceuta-pendant-la-crise-migratoire/

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Yemen's Houthi movement claimed that a missile had struck a Saudi Typhoon in northern Yemen. The unconfirmed report raised questions about Saudi military operations & UK's running supply of combat aircraft and military equipment to Riyadh. https://www.diplomacyandlaw.com/post/saudi-typhoon-shot-down

According to a statement issued by Sanaa forces spokesperson Brig Gen Saree the aircraft sustained a direct hit.

Al-Masirah TV broadcast footage shows the targeting. Saree stated that the warfighter had taken off from Taif Air Base prior to the incident. https://en.ypagency.net/408548

October 16

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The UK has sanctioned Alexander Tattersall and Turkish Redwing Metal, the Dutch man co-owns, months after it was revealed the firm had funneled EU-made machinery to Russian metallurgical plants that supply the country's missile & fighter jet manufacturers. https://kyivindependent.com/uk-sanctions-dutch-businessman-exposed-by-kyiv-independent-for-shipping-eu-machinery-to-russian-missile-suppliers/

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Voor elk vraagstuk een workshop. Hier: Hoe doe je soepeler zaken met de wapeninkopers van Defensie (Directie Materiële Instandhouding, DMI).https://www.maritimeoffshore.nl/nl/actueel/webinar-ter-helder/

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A government-appointed commission recommends Norway’s $2.3 trn sovereign wealth fund be allowed to reinvest in major Western military firms by exempting NATO allied, NPT recognized producers.

Norwegian Red Cross, among others, condemned the suggestion. https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/norways-wealth-fund-set-overhaul-ethical-rules-us-scrutiny/#heading-criticism-from-civil-society

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For who still is of the opinion Stockholm is a human rights champion -> New Swedish Plant to Produce Elbit Laser Warning Systems for European Forces. https://thedefensepost.com/2026/10/15/sweden-laser-warning-plant-elbit/

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Thales hoort geen plek te krijgen in Amsterdam om zijn dodelijke businessmodel uit te breiden! Kom om te protesteren tegen de komst van Thales naar Amsterdam.

Demonstratie geen wapenbedrijven in Mokum! 12/11, 19:00 Stopera (Amstel 1, Amsterdam)

https://stopwapenhandel.org/demonstratie-12-november-geen-wapenbedrijven-in-onze-stad/

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Will the EU show solidarity with Spain?

US threatens to impose $200,000 fines on each Spanish ship wanting to use its ports ..., because Madrid did not allow US ships carrying military material with origin or destination in Israel to access port. 
https://www.mundoamerica.com/news/2026/10/16/6ad1e1d4fdddff1d148b4580.html

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Europe, what Europe?

France will develop a next-generation combat aircraft domestically as a successor to the Rafale, after a joint project with Germany & Spain for a future combat air system collapsed earlier this year.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/15/france-to-go-it-alone-on-next-gen-combat-aircraft-after-fcas-collapse/

Efficient or national interests?

October 14

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"In Africa and the Sahel, [Ukraine] is providing clear and open support to terrorist groups and other mafia-like groups to undermine our country's territorial integrity," Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop alleged at the UN in September. https://www.afp.com/en/ukraine-takes-russia-fight-scorching-sands-sahel

Mali beschuldigt Oekraïne ervan dat het actief steun verleent aan opstandelingen die strijden tegen het Malinese leger en het Russische Afrika Korps, schrijft AFP. 'In Afrika en de Sahel verleent [Oekraïne] duidelijke en openlijke steun aan terroristische groeperingen en andere maffia-achtige groeperingen om de territoriale integriteit van ons land te ondermijnen', aldus de Malinese minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Abdoulaye Diop. https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10613320/mali-oekraine-traint-toeareg-rebellen-in-gebruik-drones

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The Netherlands send F-35 fighter jets in NATO’s annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise, which began in Italy on October 13. Aircraft from 17 countries are taking part; no live nuclear weapons. The Dutch F-35s are adapted for US B61 tactical nuclear bombs.https://defence-industry.eu/netherlands-deploys-nuclear-capable-f-35-fighters-for-natos-steadfast-noon-exercise/

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What new fighter jet will India buy. The changes of US planes are shrinking. Will it be the Russian the Su-57 as interim fighter (https://www.eurasiantimes.com/su-57-still-under-review-iaf-boss-says-can-india/) until it has developed its own variant?
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/india-shuts-down-f-35-talk-with-one-blunt-line-says-u-s-crew-wont-even-let-us-near-the-stealth-fighter/

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Voice from under the geopolitical boulder

Polish defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz calls for US industry to establish European facilities. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/polish-defense-minister-calls-for-us-industry-to-establish-european-facilities/

October 13

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Italy is holding tests with MBDA to mount the weaponry of the European missile maker on the new Astore Levante drone being built by Turkey’s nptorious Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo, the head of the Italian air force has said. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/12/italy-eyes-mbda-armaments-for-new-italo-turkish-drone/

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@_ENAAT Newsletter from the Brussels' bubble: power struggles and differing views on the concept of European preference suggest that negotiations on the next EU budgetary cycle and rearmament programmes will be tense... https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ENAAT-NBB_2026-5_28.09.2026.pdf

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Ko Colijn: In Nederlandse talkshows wordt beweerd dat Chinese technologie voor Russische drone 'verbeteringen' heeft gezorgd. Maar dat is niet meer zo. Oekraïense bronnen zeggen dat nota bene VS (!) elektronica en optische zoekapparatuur werden gebruikt. https://www.nu.nl/spanningen-oekraine/6412540/defensie-expert-ko-colijn-over-oorlogskoorts-en-risico-op-escalatie-in-oekraine.html

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The UN Panel of Experts on Haiti documented that 908,001 rounds of ammo were diverted from Dominican National Police stocks in 2024 and found Dominican-marked ammo among gangs in Haiti, the Haitian Times reported. https://haitiantimes.com/2026/10/12/u-n-report-links-dominican-republic-ammunition-to-haiti-gangs/

Report UN Panel: https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n26/196/03/pdf/n2619603.pdf

***
Pilots for peace?

Protest tegen wapenbeurs in Rotterdam: politieke partijen willen evenement in Ahoy tegenhouden.
https://www.dehavenloods.nl/nieuws/algemeen/68546/protest-tegen-wapenbeurs-in-rotterdam-politieke-partijen-will

October 12

***
How to oppose war criminals!

Fate of French shipment to Elbit unclear after groups push for it to be nixed. The cargo, said to contain gears for military vehicles, was blocked from an Air France flight, then wasn't loaded onto El Al jet. Elbit: no comment. https://www.timesofisrael.com/fate-of-french-shipment-to-elbit-unclear-after-anti-israel-groups-push-for-it-to-be-nixed/amp/

Paris Airport Protest Won't Harm Israeli Security. But It Could Complicate Things for Elbit. The delay won't harm Israeli security, but it could damage the reputation of Israeli defence companies whose products are in high demand worldwide. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-10-11/ty-article/how-paris-airport-protest-could-complicate-things-for-israels-elbit/000001a1-2a9a-d93c-a7a3-ba9e68e70000

***
USA beacon on a hill?

New York mayor Mamdani is facing a firestorm over how his administration responds to immigration raids after an ICE Enforcement officer shot 28-year-old father Oscar Belgal in front of his 5-year-old child in Manhattan. https://theintercept.com/2026/10/09/ice-shooting-mamdani-nypd/

October 11

***
European defence startups are forecast to raise a record $10.5bn of funding this year, roughly 4x the $2.6bn raised a year earlier and led by investments in firms developing drone tech, according to Dealroom, which tracks data on venture capital funding. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/05/european-defense-startups-to-raise-record-105-billion-in-2026-dealroom-forecasts/

***
Hadrian, an Amsterdam-based cybersecurity startup, has raised $40m to expand to expand in Europe, West Asia, Africa & the US.

Hadrian offers security software that is offensive in nature; it targets a company’s systems in the same way a hacker would. https://thenextweb.com/news/amsterdams-hadrian-raises-40m-for-ai-powered-offensive-security

***
How about ECA's?

The Export-Import Bank of Korea signed a MoU with the Korea Defense Industry Association to boost defense exports. The document is titled: "defence industry mutual cooperation and export promotion for small and medium-sized enterprises." https://mbiz.heraldcorp.com/article/10895343

***
UAE EDGE Signs Drone Weapons Contract, Production MoU with Morocco. Both agreements were signed Friday at the Marrakech Air Show, where EDGE exhibited for the second time.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/10/341481/uae-edge-signs-drone-weapons-contract-production-mou-with-morocco/

October 10

***
Shares of Electro Optic Systems Holdings are up 12.9% after Dutch laser weapon development deal with development and production to be based in the Netherlands and integrated into NATO command and control systems. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/electro-optic-systems-holdings-asx-170547775.html

***
Not the 1st case. Not the last. I fear

A US Marine lance corporal is in custody of local authorities after being arrested for allegedly robbing & murdering a Japanese woman in Okinawa, reawakening concerns over the large US troop presence on the island.https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/10/05/us-marine-arrested-suspected-of-robbing-murdering-woman-in-okinawa/

***
Denmark's CenSec (a cluster for companies ​and researchers in defence, ‌space and security) signed a partnership agreement with ​Airbus'. It will open a Defence and Space ​division, the groups said. They will focus in ​part on ​the A400M ​and A330 MRTT. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/denmarks-censec-airbus-sign-deal-cooperation-2026-10-07/

***
‘Defensie heeft 2 integriteitsonderzoeken gelast na corruptiemeldingen over militaire projecten waarmee Nederland Oekraïne steunt. Het gaat onder meer over de bouw van honderd patrouilleboten, een geheime levering waarmee volgens betrokkenen meer dan €400 mln is gemoeid. De integriteitsmeldingen betreffen vijf ambtenaren en een voormalige officier van het Korps Mariniers.’ https://fd.nl/samenleving/1614714/defensie-onderzoekt-corruptie-bij-wapenleveranties-aan-oekraine

***
Germany plans to buy 4 more Meko A-200 frigates from ​shipyard TKMS, opens new tab for about €5.6 billion, a finance ministry document seen by Reuters showed on Tuesday, with parliamentary ​budget committee approval expected on ​Thursday. https://www.reuters.com/business/germany-order-four-more-tkms-frigates-63-billion-document-shows-2026-10-06/

***
How many others closed their eyes for the same period?

Declassified documents show UK aware of Israeli war crimes for 24 years.
https://newscord.org/watchdog/article/051d8000-bd99-422f-9ecf-d522586af0f8

***
Part of the story around the failures of Damen in Romania

German defence group Rheinmetall has acquired the Damen Mangalia shipyard at auction for EUR 138.03 million, excluding VAT, according to CITR, the judicial liquidator of Damen Shipyards Mangalia. 
https://business-review.eu/property/industrial/rheinmetall-acquires-damen-mangalia-shipyard-for-eur-138-million-301783

The Competition Council and the Direct Investment Examination Commission (CEID) have not yet received a notification from Rheinmetall regarding its agreement to take over the Mangalia Shipyard, according to media reports. https://www.romania-insider.com/business/rheinmetall-yet-confirm-takeover-romanian-shipyard-mangalia

***
Stop!

French trade unions and Palestinian solidarity groups say they have prevented a shipment of military components from being flown to Israel by Air France, but warn the same cargo has now been booked onto an Israeli El Al flight scheduled for Saturday. https://www.newarab.com/news/french-unions-block-israel-elbit-arms-shipment-el-al-step

***
Hear, hear...

As European governments invest billions in arms and weapons for growth, skilled labour and industry, Simon Barrow shows how this new “military Keynesianism” won’t develop good jobs but it will drive climate breakdown. https://scottishleftreview.scot/guns-versus-greenery-the-false-promise-of-a-warfare-economy/

***
Working with villains is popular in military circles

An Israeli arms manufacturer has opened a rifle production facility in Azerbaijan, marking another step in the increasingly close military-industrial cooperation between Baku and Israel. https://muslimnews.io/news/d218dab3-3115-4b76-a384-2e2b7764e0a6

***
Arms acquisitions floating in cash

Lockheed: A F-35 deal covering production & sustainment of the fighter could be worth tens of billions of dollars. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/pentagon-lockheed-weigh-multi-year-f-35-production-sustainment-deal/

RTX: Pentagon, Raytheon ink up to $6.3bn contract for SM-3 IB missiles. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/pentagon-raytheon-ink-up-to-6-3-billion-multi-year-contract-for-sm-3-ib-missiles/

October 9

***
Nigeria, Czech discuss ammunition production, buy of small planes like Skyfox and L-410NG.

Nigeria is seeking Czech support for a new DICON ammunition production line and drone technology transfer as the two countries deepen defense-industrial cooperation. 
https://www.military.africa/2026/10/nigeria-czech-discuss-ammunition-production-skyfox-and-l-410ng-buy/

***
Several Malaysian companies, including some with direct financial ties to the state, are actively supplying or seeking to supply aircraft parts and maintenance services to the Myanmar military. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/malaysian-firms-linked-to-myanmar-military-aviation-supply-chain-jfm.html

***
Rabat and Tel Aviv are hand in glove

Israeli arms firms participate in Morocco air show for first time. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-arms-firms-participate-morocco-air-show-first-time

***
US Kleptocracy

Companies backed by the sons of Trump have secured +€5.2b in contracts from the MoD.
Several companies only obtained government contracts after the Trumpies joined them.
Critics condemn these arrangements as corruption and self enrichment.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/companies-that-have-links-with-donald-trumpa-s-sons-secure-6-billion-dollars-in-defence-contracts-ce785ddfdb80f22c

***
European countries are increasingly financing weapons purchases and commissioning production for Ukraine as US contributions decline, shifting support toward long-term contracts and joint manufacturing while struggling to replace key US capabilities. https://ubn.news/europe-turns-to-arms-contracts-for-ukraine-as-us-support-shrinks/

***
Iranian general stated domestic arms production increased 2.5x in the 7 months following the US-Israeli war of aggression compared with the same period before the conflict, despite damage to some facilities, the Defense Ministry’s spokesperson said. https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/10/09/3718200/iran-s-arms-production-surges-despite-war-defense-ministry-spokesman

***
SP, BIJ1 & Partij voor de Dieren tegen wapenbeurs (19/11/26 in Rotterdam Ahoy).

De partijen gaan tijdens de raadsvergadering van donderdag 15 oktober een motie indienen om de wapenbeurs te stoppen.

Op 14 oktober 18:00 een demonstratie voor het Stadhuis. https://dagblad010.nl/Rotterdam%20&%20Regio/protest-tegen-de-wapenbeurs-op-14-oktober-in-rotterdam

***
Sudan: No Immunity for Militia Backers; Counter-Terrorism Requires Halting Arms Supplies. https://sudanhorizon.com/sudan-no-immunity-for-militia-backers-counter-terrorism-requires-halting-arms-supplies/

***
The US State Department has issued a proposed rule that would amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to ensure that the U.S. Munitions List focuses ITAR controls on the most sensitive technologies. https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/october/defense-export-controls-would-be-eased-under-proposed-rule

***
Elk jaar publiceert de Vlaamse Regering gegevens over de vergunde en geweigerde in-, uit- en doorvoer en overbrenging van militaire goederen naar, vanuit en door Vlaanderen. Het Vlaams Vredesinstituut analyseerde de gegevens over 2025 ➡️ https://vlaamsvredesinstituut.eu/factsheet/vlaamse-buitenlandse-wapenhandel-in-2025-de-handel-in-militair-materieel-vanuit-naar-en-door-vlaanderen/

***
Romania orders 12 H225M multirole military heli's at Airbus, which profits from the current situation.

Previous customers are Brazil, France, Hungary,  Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore, Tanzania and Thailand.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-10-romania-orders-12-airbus-h225m-multirole-military-helicopters

October 5

***
Militaire reus komt naar Mokum

Thales is namelijk geen vredelievend bedrijf. Thales heeft wapens geleverd aan Rusland, doet dat nu aan Oekraïne en heeft nauwe banden met Israël. Sinds wanneer maken wapenfabrieken de wereld veiliger?
https://amsterdam.sp.nl/nieuws/thales

Jaag Thales weg!

***
Putin, who dreamed of restoring the Soviet empire, has embarked on the path taken by the USSR – allocating as much money to defense as the generals and defense plants request. However, in the Soviet economy, this came at the cost of a gradual decline in citizens' living standards, and in later years, at the expense of investment in infrastructure, scientific and technical development, and everything that could have helped narrow the technological gap with the West, Director for Europe at Eurasia Group Alexander Kolyandr noted. https://english.nv.ua/business/ukraine-war-could-rank-among-the-most-expensive-21st-century-conflicts-50647069.html

October 4

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When cooperation in the EU fails and turning to the UK is no alternative, doe Berlin turn to North Bethesda, Maryland.

Germany turns its attention to Lockheed Martin after failure of FCAS fighter jet project. https://www.marketscreener.com/news/germany-turns-its-attention-to-lockheed-martin-after-failure-of-fcas-fighter-jet-project-ce785ddbdc88f420

October 3

***
Wasn't the Fighting Falcon over a decade ago to outdated for European countries to keep. But it is enough fr Taiwan?
Taiwan Receives First Batch of New F-16V Fighter Jets Amid Rising Military Threat from China.
https://news.ssbcrack.com/taiwan-receives-first-batch-of-new-f-16v-fighter-jets-amid-rising-military-threat-from-china/

***
Critics of the Helsinki's procurement in Israel have argued that defence contracts provide revenue to Israel’s arms industry & deepen Finland’s military ties with the country. The Finnish government has defended the purchases on national security grounds. https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/politics/29335-government-and-haekkaenen-retain-parliament-s-confidence-after-israel-dispute.html

***
Israel’s defence exports soar 130% despite wars, UAE biggest buyer among Abraham Accord partners according to IISS. https://theprint.in/defence/israels-defence-exports-soar-130-despite-wars-uae-biggest-buyer-among-abraham-accord-partners-iiss/3060965/

But it is not despite, but more cynical because of the wars and the ethics free policy and the neglect of IHL by importing states. 

***
Is Mark Rutte the voice of NATO or of the Trump administration in Washington?
European preference in defence is a 'luxury' debate, NATO chief tells Euronews.

***
On the focus of the human in the loop. There is considerably to less public alarm over AI performing exactly the actions that the Pentagon asks of it, whether targeting airstrikes or generating actionable intelligence reports for US Special Ops Command. https://theintercept.com/2026/09/28/ai-military-nuclear-war-doomsday/

AI is Fueling a Gilded Age on Steroids
Meet the New Boss, Worse than the Old Boss
https://whartung.substack.com/p/ai-is-fueling-a-guilded-age-on-steroids

***
Europe or US?

According to UK’s 2025 Strategic Defense Review, the nation’s foreign military sales with the US is valued at +18.6 billion. The US is the UK’s 2nd-largest market for arms exports, accounting for approximately 14% of its exports 2021-2025. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/10/01/us-uk-special-relationship-will-weather-stormy-seas/

***
The Russian-Ukrainian war has significantly increased Poland's arms exports. Ukraine purchased €1.683bn of weapons from Poland, over 67% of the country's total arms exports of €2.487bn (Poland's military aid not inclued. This is kept confidential). https://en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraine_remains_polands_largest_arms_buyer_taking_more_than_67_of_exports_in_2025-19959.html

***
Dutch Damen Holding BV, the parent company of Mangalia SY and a creditor with a 49% stake in the shipyard, filed an appeal against the sale by auction. This does not suspend the sale, and the process may continue regardless of the court's decision.

Damen Shipyards Mangalia entered insolvency on June 19, 2024, after the Dutch group claimed significant debts.

The sale is also important for the €920 million contract signed by Romania with Rheinmetall for the construction of four military vessels by 2030. https://informat.ro/en/economy/fourth-auction-for-damen-mangalia-shipyard-fails-141387

***
Hoe Nederland de moord op een Indonesische vrijheidsstrijder in de doofpot stopte - NRC https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/10/01/hoe-nederland-de-moord-op-een-indonesische-vrijheidsstrijder-in-de-doofpot-stopte-a4934269

Het doet me denken aan de moord op de Indonesische activist Munir?

***
The Netherlands said discussions with Belgium are ongoing on a delayed joint project to develop anti-submarine frigates, amid reports the Belgian government is looking for a way out and is shopping for a European alternative that can join its navy sooner. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/01/dutch-say-asw-frigate-talks-ongoing-amid-reports-belgium-may-quit-project/

***
The new race to earn money on secucrity tech
Fight AI with AI, Thales CEO Tells Cybersecurity Gathering.
Thales Unveils a Global Framework to Protect Critical Organisations from Frontier AI Attacks.
https://www.marketscreener.com/news/thales-unveils-a-global-framework-to-protect-critical-organisations-from-frontier-ai-attacks-ce785ad3de80f125

***
Andy Burnham’s government is searching for a UK alternative to #Palantir, as the prime minister’s “Buy British” push triggers a hunt to find a homegrown replacement for the controversial US software group in the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.
https://www.ft.com/content/9a6e17fe-55e4-4a6d-8761-8346ec765ba9?syn-25a6b1a6=1

October 1

***
Germany's Left Party vows to resist Volkswagen plant’s shift to Israel arms production. Left Party’s Thorben Peters criticizes Lower Saxony’s government for partnering with Rafael, a company owned by a state accused of genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/germanys-left-party-vows-to-resist-volkswagen-plant-s-shift-to-israel-arms-production/4073712

***
Hegseth Taps Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, & Newt Gingrich to Lead ‘Future of Warfare’ Project.

“A board loaded with defense contractors & one draft-dodging war hawk will decide the future of the US military,” said one observer. “What could possibly go wrong?”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/hegseth-project-meridian

***
Europese fabrieken die wapens produceren voor Oekraïne zijn legitieme doelwitten voor Russische aanvallen. Dat heeft een woordvoerder van het Russische ministerie van buitenlandse zaken woensdag gezegd tijdens een persconferentie. https://fd.nl/politiek/1613763/rusland-militaire-fabrieken-in-europa-zijn-legitieme-doelen

Estonia blames Russia for arson attack on drone maker supplying Ukraine. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/29/estonia-blames-russia-arson-attack-drone-maker-ukraine

***
‘Bijzonder jammer dat fregattenruzie rond Damen de voorbeeldige samenwerking beschadigt.’ Belgen zouden van het contract met Damen af willen, maar volgens de Belgische legerbaas hecht hij nog altijd aan de bijzonder goede relatie met de Nederlandse marine. https://fd.nl/politiek/1613760/belgische-legercommandant-heel-jammer-dat-fregattenruzie-rond-damen-de-voorbeeldige-samenwerking-beschadigt

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