My tweets for August 2021

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

August 31

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How the failure of a military option is used to stress the imporance off ... more military https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/breton/blog/afghanistan-common-european-defence-no-longer-option_en and more cooperation with the US https://thehill.com/opinion/international/569845-transatlantic-ties-that-bind-europe

Or how to create a U turn if what happens doesn't fit the military and security establishment.

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Iraqi MoD Sadun said on Television that Iraq and Turkey reached a consensus on buying the Bayraktar TB2, 12 T-129 ATAK helicopters and 6 electronic warfare systems from Turkey. https://www.azernews.az/region/182727.html

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German government approved exports worth € 22.5 billion in the current parliamentary term. Deliveries to #Egypt are particularly controversial / Besonders umstritten sind die Ausfuhren nach Ägypten.

https://www.zeit.de/news/2021-08/29/wahlperiode-ruestungsexporte-fuer-225-milliarden-genehmigt

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A show of naval force in the India-Pacific. 6 task groups from the US, UK, Australian, Japanese & Indian navies are currently on operational deployments. The Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805) is the contribution of the Netherlands to the sable rattling. https://news.usni.org/2021/08/30/6-naval-task-groups-from-u-s-u-k-india-japan-and-australia-underway-in-pacific

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Mexico allowed in 2018 & 2019 the export of armoured vehicles used by the Colombian police during the violent protests that left dozens of wounded & several dead in April-May 2021. It did not report the sales to the ATT-secretariat to which it is a party. https://today.in-24.com/News/309084.html

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Interventions and arms sales make the world a safer place? India worries Afghan arms will be sold to Karachi and used by Pakistani sponsored armed groups. https://www.oneindia.com/india/taliban-s-new-us-weapons-likely-to-fall-into-hands-of-terror-groups-targeting-india-3305389.html

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Duits-Nederlandse samenwerking 't klonk de wapenindustrie als muziek in de oren, maar 't kleine Nederland verliest de slag om nieuwe raketverdediging op Duitse fregatten. Deze komt nu van Duits-Israëlische samenwerking. Volgen de Denen ook dit voorbeeld? https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Fregattensamenwerking-met-Duitsland-lastiger-na-kauze-voor-Hensoldt-in-plaats-van-Thales-300821.html

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3 US citizens facing federal indictment for attempting illegal exports of fire arms and ammo to Nigeria (38 semi-automatic firearms; over 35,000 rounds of ammunition; and 44 magazines and more, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/three-maryland-residents-facing-federal-indictment-attempting-illegally-export-arms-and).

Nigeria and Russia have signed a military cooperation deal providing a legal framework for the supply of equipment and the training of troops, the Nigerian embassy in Moscow said on Wednesday. https://www.reuters.com/world/nigeria-signs-military-cooperation-agreement-with-russia-2021-08-25/

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Turkish shipyard Ares said it has designed and developed an unmanned anti-submarine warfare vessel, hoping to begin mass production this year. Will be fitted with STAMP-gun (https://www.aselsan.com.tr/STAMP2ENG_7674.pdf) and sonar (by Armelsan Defence).

https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/08/30/turkish-shipyard-develops-anti-submarine-drone/

Here more info on the anti-submarine drone. https://youtu.be/GUFHVBBF08o

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has told exhibition organisers planning to exhibit arms in the capital city to "reconsider". According to letters seen by staff at The Independent, he said the fair's presence was insulting to those who have escaped violence. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1483851/sadiq-khan-london-mayor-DSEI-evg

August 30

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LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has told the organisers of an arms fair in the capital next month to reconsider the event and not come back, newly seen letters reveal. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/sadiq-khan-tells-organisers-london-arms-fair-cancel-event-and-not-come-back

August 28

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Boeing formally rolled out its new F-15QA fighter for the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF). The first set of F-15QA jets will ferry to Qatar later this year following the completion of pre-delivery pilot training. https://militaryleak.com/2021/08/26/boeing-unveils-its-new-f-15qa-ababil-fighter-for-qatar-emiri-air-force/

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Civilian control over the military is embedded in the US Constitution. But that control has quietly but steadily degraded over the past three decades, write Risa Brooks, Jim Golby & Heidi Urben.

Is that slippery slope to militarism? New? Stronger now? https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2021-04-09/national-security-crisis-command

August 27

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The 5000 kg of #ammo confiscated by Dutch customs in June (see https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1404354544000249856) were 500.000 stuks 9X19mm parabellum 115 GR FMJ cartridges were destined for #Brunei. Logistical problems in Brussels caused a rerouting without the right papers. https://www.tweedekamer.nl/downloads/document?id=d98ea222-b1e0-4496-9bf7-be07b4fe3087&title=Antwoord%20op%20vragen%20van%20het%20lid%20Jasper%20van%20Dijk%20over%20een%20lading%20onderschepte%20munitie%20op%20vliegveld%20Beek%20.docx

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What will be more influential?

Biden warns Kabul airport attackers: “We will hunt you down” https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-warns-kabul-airport-attackers-we-will-hunt-you-down-2021-08-26/

China says it has established an “open and effective communication and consultation with the Afghan Taliban.” https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/08/25/china-blasts-us-over-afghanistan-pullout-describes-effective-talks-with-taliban/

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Retweet with comment: A US diplomatic cable on the JAS Gripen Fighters stated: "The Swedish military lobbied for the deployment, arguing that possible combat experience would be good for the Air Force -- and enhance the marketability of the Gripen."

@wikileaks: US Cable: Sweden wanted to bomb Afghans in order to 'enhance the marketability' of their new Gripen fighter jets Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/08STOCKHOLM29_a.html

A Swedish blogger already in 2011: "Slightly surprising that the Swedish media has not picked this up yet." http://wisemanswisdoms.blogspot.com/2011/09/wikileaks-gripen-och-afghanistan.html

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The EU is militarising its borders. A €7bn Internal Security Fund has been used since 2014 for border surveillance and security, coast guard patrols & information exchange with non-government “3rd parties” to violently regulate the journey of refugees. https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/newsdetail/index/6/20818/eu-border-security-and-arms-exports-create-circle-of-profit

August 26

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Veiligheid komt niet uit de loop van een geweer, maar uit een brandblusslang, een injectienaald, van 'n schoolbord, en sociale voorzieningen.

De roep om de graai in de schatkist voor 't leger is toch al weer begonnen in Nederland (in Elsevier) en België: https://trends.knack.be/economie/magazine/investeer-in-defensie/article-normal-1770653.html

Aanvulling: Opinie uit Trouw, afgelopen voorjaar: Hogere budgetten voor defensie maken de wereld niet veiliger. https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/hogere-budgetten-voor-defensie-maken-de-wereld-niet-veiliger~b2a1c5f4/

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Making money on misery as a business model in privatised security bizz.

The notorious organisation of Eric Prince charges US$ 6,500 for a seat on a plane to leave Kabul. https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewsolender/2021/08/25/white-house-bashes-erik-princes-6500-evacuation-flights-efforts-to-profit-off-peoples-agony-and-pain/

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Anger: While we see the terrible pictures from Afghanistan, an armaments fair was held in Turkey, at which despots and warmongers could help themselves. At IDEF21 in Istanbul (Aug 17-20) participants from all over Europe. https://netzfrauen.org/2021/08/24/afghanistan-5/

https://forms.tuyap.online/Exhibitors/FirmaDisEn.php?page=1

August 25

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Turkish Aerospace Industries #TAI said it inked a contract with Pakistan's National Engineering and Science Commission #NESCOM to produce components for TAI's medium-altitude, long-endurance #MALE combat drone, Anka. https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkish-aerospace-pakistani-institution-to-jointly-produce-uav-parts

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Fincantieri is seeking to grow where it counts. The € 1.2 billion Italian shipbuilder is talking to 3.9 billion euro defence group Leonardo about a possible acquisition of its OTO Melara unit, which makes naval guns, Reuters reported on Saturday read more.https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/italys-fincantieri-flags-bigger-defence-ambition-2021-08-23/

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Europe is preparing for drones. Millions of them are due to fly by 2035. Euroactiv [in Slovak] https://euractiv.sk/section/obrana-a-zahranicie/news/europa-sa-pripravuje-na-drony-do-roku-2035-ich-maju-lietat-miliony/

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Hear, hear: In fact, it aren't the criminal enterprises that produce the arms, but the large arms companies, considered to be the flagships of France. It would be to the credit of France, as a great power, to put the question of disarmament on the table. https://www.humanite.fr/narcocriminalite-marseille-est-le-miroir-grossissant-de-la-france-717835

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German application to stop arms exports to the countries of the Middle East immediately.

Rüstungsexporte in die Länder des Vorderen und Mittleren Orients sofort stoppen.

By Amira Mohamed Ali, Dr. Dietmar Bartsch Die Linke.

https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/19/320/1932082.pdf

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Remarkable: Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a military cooperation agreement at an arms expo outside Moscow. Saudi Dep. Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman announced the agreement is “aimed at developing joint military cooperation" between both nations. https://www.rferl.org/a/saudi-russia-arms-weapons-/31425164.html

See for announcement on twitter: https://twitter.com/kbsalsaud/status/1430172573577449481

Addition: Saudi-Russian defence agreement reflects Riyadh's diversification drive. The deal came at a time when diversification of int partners is of increasing importance to KSA in light of the growing disengagement from the region of Riyadh's historic ally the US. https://thearabweekly.com/saudi-russian-defence-agreement-reflects-riyadhs-diversification-drive

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The CRS issued the following report (No. R44000) on Aug. 23, 2021, entitled "Turkey: Background and US Relations In Brief" by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Jim Zanotti and Middle Eastern affairs analyst Clayton Thomas. Not yet available at: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R44000

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Thoughts on the call for an arms embargo on Myanmar in Irrawaddy, an independent news medium. Myanmar (Burma): Can a UN Arms Embargo on Myanmar Work? https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/can-a-un-arms-embargo-on-myanmar-work.html

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The passage of UK carrier group (involving Dutch frigate Evertsen) to Japan is expected to be controversial and a balancing act between avoiding what might be regarded by China as provocation in their back-yard, & and a display of a robust show of resolve. https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/202108131307345335.pdf

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The Aug. 15 launch of its new PNS Babur corvette from a Turkish shipyard marks a major step in a wide modernization effort underway for Pakistans Navy (PN). https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/pakistan-turkey-tighten-ties-with-first-corvette-launch/

Will the Netherlands now ask Islamabad to withhold its destructive influence in Afghanistan in exchange for the sales of Dutch military tech for the vessels? Or is it just sell, and keep eyes closed. (See: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/11/dutch-military-naval-technology-to.html)

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Solving problems with power and military means only increases problems not for the United States - which has seen its war industry flourish and thrive again over the last twenty years - but for the EU Member States. https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/51511

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Weapons from Serbia and other European nations are being used by extremists in the Sahel and supporting armed conflict, according to a new Amnesty International report. https://africatimes.com/2021/08/24/amnesty-europes-weapons-sales-are-arming-sahel-extremists/#wpcf7-f3852-o2
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/08/sahel-amnesty-identifies-serbian-weapons-in-stockpiles-of-brutal-armed-groups/

August 24

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The Dutch government licensed technology for nuclear reactors to China in June 2021. What kind of tech? https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

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#Leonardo held the 2nd EU OCEAN2020 demonstratio. The Italian firm coordinates this European #EDF funded research defence programme and will include its SW-4 SOLO remotely piloted helicopter, Osprey 30 radar and the naval Combat Management System. https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/23-08-2021-leonardo-stands-ready-for-second-ocean2020-demonstration-europe-s-most-important-research-project-for-maritime-surveillance

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Amnesty Int USA calls on the Biden government to forgo a waiver & further halt arms sales to #Egypt due to the credible evidence confirming use of US-provided arms in flagrant violations by security forces, including extrajudicial killings just weeks ago. https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/waiving-restrictions-on-u-s-military-assistance-to-egypt-risks-u-s-complicity-in-human-rights-abuses/

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Early August the EU published 2 new contract award notices for aerial surveillance services for Frontex, worth €84.5m. Some of the companies already contribute to the system of increasingly militarised borders, which results in pushbacks and violence. https://www.stopwapenhandel.org/node/2524

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Two women have been arrested at a factory in a protest against the arms trade.

Palestine Action has been protesting at the Ferranti factory in Oldham - owned by Israeli firm Elbit Systems - since about 06:00 BST yesterday.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-58305265

Addition: 'Beyond ridiculous': Oldham Conservatives hit out after Elbit factory roof protest. The debate following the action. Conservatives versus progressives and activists. https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/news/19532390.oldham-conservatives-hit-elbit-factory-roof-protest/

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Retweet: @dwnews Germany’s Left party says it was a mistake to cut off development funds to Afghanistan in response to the Taliban takeover. In a DW interview, the lead candidate @Janine_Wissler says too many people are suffering on the ground. https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1429594735908245504?s=20

August 23

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Running into a new Cold War. The main contractor for China's nuclear projects has seen a massive increase in orders from the military since a year ago, signalling Beijing's intensified push to boost its strategic power amid tensions with Washington. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3145851/chinas-military-nuclear-orders-rise-fourfold-push-catch-us

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And Now? Since the beginning of the international military operation in Afghanistan almost 20 years ago, the German government has approved the export of arms to Kabul valued € 400 million+. https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/nachrichten/afghanistan-deutsche-lieferten-ruestungsgueter-fuer-millionen-1666617.html

August 22

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"Every time a border gets militarised, migrants are pushed to other routes, to more dangerous routes," Mark Akkerman of @CTWnl said. "Then that becomes a big problem in the eyes of the EU and they put more focus and more militarisation on that route." https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2021/08/14/fortress-europe-eu-turns-to-military-to-stop-new-migrant-crisis/

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Has Biden become a hawk? Since he was sworn in his administration has stepped up support for Taiwan, incl issuing new guidelines allowing US officials to increase their direct engagement with Taipei. This month it approved its 1st arms sales to the island. https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/east-asia/us-biden-taiwan-china-b1905913.html

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"Er past ons meer bescheidenheid. We gingen in de eerste instantie niet naar Afghanistan voor vrouwenrechten en democratie," zegt Lt.-kolonel in actieve dienst Mirjam Grandia, "Als Nederlands staatsburger schaam ik mij voor de arrogantie van mijn land." https://fd.nl/economie-politiek/1408353/onze-aanwezigheid-in-uruzgan-heeft-juist-tot-meer-geweld-geleid

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Taliban's captured war material; Afghanistan's army was well equipped - with weapons from Nato countries.

https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus233224119/Afghanistan-Deutsches-Kriegsgeraet-in-den-Haenden-der-Taliban.html

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Called many names from the Iran-Contra Scandal to the McFarlane affair, to simply Iran Contra, the Iran-Contra affair involved US officials illegally funding Central American rebels and violating an arms embargo on Iran while it was at war with Iraq. https://text-message.blogs.archives.gov/2021/08/17/iran-contra-affair/

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The Vietnam People's Navy received its first submarine search-and-rescue ship July 30, at the Z189 shipyard in Hải Phòng. Named Yết Kiêu (pennant number 927), the 93.11 m-long vessel was built by in co-operation with Dutch Damen. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/vietnamese-navy-receives-submarine-rescue-ship

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On the still not signed Romanian corvette acquisition and the ongoing battle between Dutch Damen and the French Naval Group (NG won the contract). [in Romanian] https://atitudinea.ro/romania-in-marea-neagra-naufragiul-corvetelor-moderne-in-valoare-de-peste-un-miliard-de-euro/

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The Navy's new Light Amphibious Warship #LAW program envisions procuring a class of 24-35 amphibious ships for the Marines, to particularly implement a new operational concept: Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations #EABO. #Damen is one of the contenders. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/R46374.pdf

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For who thinks this is an investment advice; it isn't. After 20 years and trillions of dollars gushing into the Afghanistan war and rebuilding effort, it's the private military contractors that have come out on top, laughing their way to the bank. https://www.firstpost.com/world/so-who-won-the-afghanistan-war-americas-boots-on-the-ground-didnt-but-its-the-suits-who-made-a-killing-9900441.html

August 21

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Beter never than to late.

Biden administration suspends all arms sales to Taliban-held Afghanistan. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/us-suspends-arms-sales-exports-defence-contractors-afghanistan-taliban-takeover-1842865-2021-08-19

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Wonder how Turkey acquires its military technology to be reexported? TUSAS Engine Industries #TEI, a subsidiary of Turkish Aerospace Industries #TAI, signed a MoU with US based GE Marine to explore opportunities to produce engines for warships. https://www.ge.com/about-us

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http://nidv.eu/nieuws/directeur-nidv-benoemd-in-ec-expert-group/ Deze Expert Group on policies and programmes relevant to EU Space, Defence and Aeronautics industry assisteert EC bij voorbereiding / implementatie EU-wetgeving, programma’s en beleid m.b.t. dit ecosysteem. @Defensie @Defensie DMO@defis_eu @ministerieEZK

August 20

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US contractor industry groups, like the National Defense Industrial Association - are set to meet Friday with U.S. government agencies, as companies try to help their former employees in Afghanistan find a way to leave the country. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/08/18/us-contractors-rush-to-get-former-employees-out-of-afghanistan/

August 19

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Voor wie Bette Dam's 'Op zoek naar de vijand; het verhaal van een terrorist die een vriend wilde zijn' nog niet gelezen heeft: 't verbreedt de blik op het Afghanistan v/d taliban. De vraag waarom 'n oorlog met Afghanistan niet vermeden is, staat centraal. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2020/01/waarom-werd-een-oorlog-in-afganistan.html

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If we’re serious about stopping impending climate disaster, we have no choice but to radically rein in one of the world’s worst polluters: the US military. https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/08/climate-change-crisis-military-spending-arms-sales

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Better F-35 engines proposed by - guess who - General Electric, also the producer of current engine, but "you have to think about what the return on the investment might be there,” said Brig. General who leads the AF’s program office for advanced aircraft. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/08/12/the-pentagon-is-exploring-its-options-for-a-more-efficient-and-powerful-f-35-engine/

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Activists blocked the entrance to a US Raytheon Tech plant last week to protest the company’s role in “the killing of civilians” and “other human rights abuses,” like “weapon sales to Saudi's, Israel, and their involvement in enforcing US-Mexican border.” https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/08/12/protesters-block-entrances-to-raytheon-plant

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US won bid to expand scope of Assange extradition appeal. But without Wikileaks we would have known far less of Western military operations in Afghanistan, like the one covered by the Dutch MoD. https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/defensie-verzwijgt-60-doden-in-uruzgan~b9a8b405/

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A Speed Racer is that what the world needs? Lockheed Martin unveiled some details on its: “Small, Penetrating, Expendable Decoy Radically Affordable Compact Extended Range.” The 'E' of Expensive may be added to let the abbreviation fit the name. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/lockheed-confirms-new-details-speed-racers-role-future

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While UK activist are preparing to protest the #DSEI arms fair, a next military London event is already planned : the International Fighter Conference, 2-4 Nov. Not familiar with military language? Fighters are the planes which e.g. do the bombing raids. https://www.defenceiq.com/events-internationalfighter/landing/international-fighter-21-event-schedule

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US SOF to Mozambique and Congo. [in Dutch]

Special forces VS naar Congo en Mozambique

http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2021/08/special-forces-vs-naar-congo-en.html

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Illegally occupation of Western Sahara by Rabat no problem. Rules are for some, not all. If you’re in the business of selling drones, precision weapons or stealth technology, Morocco’s Air Force could be your next customer. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/08/18/here-are-moroccos-top-priorities-for-modernizing-its-air-force/

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We also need to urgently stop pumping out weapons into a world awash with them – turn our arms trade to essential, rather than abusive, purposes. The Taliban is now extraordinarily well armed – with weapons from the UK, US and other allied nations.

Of the $83 billion the US spent on Afghanistan’s army and police, a very large percentage was on those weapons, now in the hands of forces with, for the people of Afghanistan and beyond, a terrifying record of human rights abuse.
https://leftfootforward.org/2021/08/natalie-bennett-war-in-afghanistan-was-a-catastrophic-failure-we-cant-afford-more-mistakes-in-its-aftermath/

Addition: 3. In Defense News Valerie Insinna looks into potential use and the hurdles the Taliban will find on its way using US delivered aircraft and helicopters. From hiring pilots, to after flight overhaul, to repercussions. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/08/17/the-taliban-has-access-to-us-military-aircraft-now-what-happens/

@keesamok: Taliban zou biometrische gegevens over Afghaans personeel van de VS in handen hebben - #HIIDE = Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment - Pakistaanse geheime dienst ISI kan helpen die leesbaar te maken https://interc.pt/2UtA1Y8 @kenklippenstein, @SaraLSirota

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UK universities have received at least £190 million in research funding from arms producing and military services companies since 2013, the Byline Intelligence Unit (BITE), working with Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) can reveal. https://bylinetimes.com/2021/08/18/uk-universities-received-at-least-190-million-from-major-arms-manufacturers-in-past-eight-years/

August 18

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Fortress Europe: EU turns to military to stop new migrant crisis. https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2021/08/14/fortress-europe-eu-turns-to-military-to-stop-new-migrant-crisis/

Dutch general (Ret.) chair of Int Military Council on Climate & Security #IMCCS Middendorp predicts hundreds of millions of refugees because of Climate Change. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/08/10/oud-cds-middendorp-steeds-groter-beroep-op-defensie-door-klimaatverandering

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Lobby for more budget for military related scientific research. A slight growth isn't enough according the vison brought forward here.

How about scientific research into the quality of the security provided by the militaries? Budget: almost none existant. https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2021/08/10/defense-research-forms-the-foundation-for-national-security-funding-cuts-crack-it/

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SPECIAL REPORT: "No Credible Evidence" - Canada's flawed analysis of arms exports to Saudi Arabia https://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/special-report-no-credible-evidence-canadas-flawed-analysis-of-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia/

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Activists across Canada marked the third anniversary of the Yemen school bus massacre on Monday with protests at weapons manufacturers and government offices, calling on Canada to stop all weapons exports to Saudi Arabia. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2108/S00025/activists-paint-tank-tracks-to-doors-of-weapons-dealers.htm

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Bosnia's arms exports reached €67 million. The full year is expected to be as successful as the record-high, pre-pandemic 2019. Main export destination: Egypt 32% of total exports, followed by Saudi Arabia with 20% and Turkey with 11.2%. https://seenews.com/news/bosnias-arms-exports-up-20-yy-in-h1-21-report-751166

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Provoking China via arms sales to Tapei narrows the space in which the world’s most powerful nations can make progress on global concerns. US & Taiwanese security would be best served in a world where the US and China avoided provocative military actions. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/08/17/new-arms-sales-send-the-wrong-signal-on-taiwan/

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Wondering who benefited from the war in Afghanistan? They’ll be meeting in London next month in London at one of the world’s largest arms fairs. At least 1,700 arms companies will be exhibiting, and government employees will be doing their shopping. https://www.thecanary.co/opinion/2021/08/17/wondering-who-benefited-from-the-war-in-afghanistan-theyll-be-meeting-in-london-next-month/

Addition: Wonder what the Covid policies at arms fairs are? Here a description of the measures at:
MSPO, Kielce, Poland, Sept. 7-10.
DSEI, London, Sept. 14-17.
AUSA Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., Oct. 11-13.
FEINDEF, Madrid, Nov. 3-5.

for some more see https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/08/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-2021-defense-trade-shows/

***
Bolivia’s ambassador to #Argentina, Jorge Ramiro Tapia, stated that the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts #GIEI found evidence for the Argentine government sending weaponry to #Bolivia during the alleged coup against Evo #Morales, Nov. 2019. https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/mercosur/bolivia/bolivian-ambassador-to-argentina-calls-on-former-president-macri-to-admit-arms-trade-with-his-country/

August 17

***
"The best way to fight terrorism is to invest in education," said Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in October 2014. She advocated the international community to follow new policies of aid: "Instead of guns, send books. Instead of weapons, send teachers"

***
Arms firms funded by Scottish Enterprise linked to the displacement of 10.000's of civilians escaping fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh & Northern Syria. https://theferret.scot/arms-firms-linked-to-displacement/

What about others mentioned? #MBDA e.g. which is for tax reasons based in the Netherlands.

***
Generals plan REACTION on climate change: Gen. b.d. Middendorp: Steeds groter beroep op Defensie door klimaatverandering (Implicatie meer €€?) https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/08/10/oud-cds-middendorp-steeds-groter-beroep-op-defensie-door-klimaatverandering

As US defense leaders prioritize climate measures, how are armed services adapting? https://www.defensenews.com/smr/energy-and-environment/2021/08/09/climate-change-is-going-to-cost-us-how-the-us-military-is-preparing-for-harsher-environments/

***
NATO sees continued investment in autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence and big data as critical to understanding how a thawing Arctic Ocean will impact military operations, planning and infrastructure in the High North. https://www.c4isrnet.com/global/europe/2021/08/06/autonomous-systems-to-help-nato-examine-climate-change-effects-in-arctic-waters/

***
Italian military ship builder #Ficantieri wants to use cow dung and crops not fit for consumption (but harvested from land used for agriculture) to propel the naval ships across the seven seas. https://www.defensenews.com/smr/energy-and-environment/2021/08/09/fincantieri-eyes-biofuels-to-power-future-warships/ #ClimateChange #hunger

***
Damen Shipyard Curaçao needs financial investments urgently the CEO stated. The Curaçao Chronicle points out that Damen Shipyards Group (Curaçaos incl.) on April 30 reported that the Order Portfolio doubled in 2020 compared to the end of 2019 to € 8bn. https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/damen-shipyard-curacao-needs-financial-investments-urgently/

***
The story on the Iraqi super canon of Bull and the journalist Bazoft surfaced this weekend.

Mother of journalist Farzad Bazoft says documents relating to UK connections to so-called supergun were stolen from him days before he traveled to Baghdad. https://www.timesofisrael.com/mom-of-iraqi-reporter-killed-in-1990-as-israeli-spy-says-he-was-lured-into-trap/

***
Hypersonic Weapons: New Global Arms Race?

There is growing international interest in the development of offensive hypersonic weapon systems. See for an overview AW&ST graph. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/hypersonic-weapons-new-global-arms-race

***
Ukrainian firm Practika reportedly delivered Kozak-5 lightweight armored vehicles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kozak_(armored_personnel_carrier)#cite_note-12) to Saudi's this year. The vehicle is based on 4×4 truck Ford F550 (and can be exported freely to Riyadh without US consent of Ford, US Government?). https://www.ukrgate.com/eng/?p=19229

***
#UAE firm #Milanion Group signs agreement with #Ukrainian Armor on robotic vehicles. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/08/09/emirati-firm-signs-agreement-with-ukrainian-armor-on-robotic-vehicles/

#Agema can be armed with firepower including 7.62mm machine gun, 12.7mm HMG and 20mm canon. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/agema-unmanned-ground-vehicle-united-arab-emirates/

***
In US Military Times: Built and trained at a two-decade cost of $83bn, Afghan security forces collapsed so quickly and completely — in some cases without a shot fired — that the ultimate beneficiary of the American investment turned out to be the Taliban. https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/afghanistan/2021/08/16/billions-spent-on-afghan-army-ultimately-benefitted-taliban/

***
The people who have suffered most have not, of course, been fundamentalist warlords or western politicians, but the people of Afghanistan, sacrificed to the ideals and military interests of the competing forces. https://leftfootforward.org/2021/08/why-calls-for-more-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-spectacularly-miss-the-point/

August 16

***
Nederlands' grootste wapenfabrikant #Thales heeft een eigen interne Starbucks in huis.

(De Amerikaanse koffiebrander is bekend van de belastingontwijking (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/nieuws/2017/07/dit-moet-je-weten-over-belastingontwijking), waar ook de wapenindustrie zijn weg naar Nederland weet te vinden (https://www.groene.nl/artikel/de-financiele-draaischijf).

August 9

***
The Egyptian military - a major client for European and US arms - has been accused of extrajudicial executions. Now wasn't the first time. None of the previous cases have been independently investigated. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/egypt-deeply-disturbing-propaganda-video-shows-military-killings

***
In the meantime, it is busy in the corridors of the Greek MoD. Lockheed Martin is offering an adapted version of its Multi-Mission Surface Combatant for the Greek government’s future frigate program, which is scheduled to be awarded later this fall. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/lockheed-facing-intense-competition-to-build-greeces-next-frigate/

***
The renewable military:

“Fuel, additives you don’t have to bring everything.”

"The only thing I wish to move is lethality,” Marine Lt. Gen. Smith said.

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/08/06/is-expeditionary-foraging-in-the-corps-future/

August 5

***
The next offer of weaponry to Greece: Two of Britain’s aged and retiring warships are to be offered to the Hellenic Navy to help Babcock International win a multibillion-pound deal with Greece to build new frigates and upgrade its fleet. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britains-ageing-frigates-are-a-gift-in-greek-navy-deal-nj2wgjsqz

***
Are the billions for the military - protecting a fossil fuel economy - well spend or do we need more to counter climate change?
"A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West."
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/08/04/more-national-guard-soldiers-ordered-to-help-with-wildfires-in-montana/

Addition: Zijn de miljarden voor Defensie - dat de fossiele brandstof economie verdedigt - goed besteed of hebben meer nodig in de strijd tegen klimaat verandering.
In Defensie PR-bericht missen de woorden "Klimaat verandering," zoals wel in de Military Times.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2021/08/04/defensiehelikopters-naar-albanie-voor-blussen-natuurbranden

***
US, Afghan airstrikes pummel Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch asked both sides to take care to prevent civilian casualties as the fighting rages on. https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2021/08/04/us-afghan-airstrikes-pummel-taliban-positions-in-southern-afghanistan/

***
Germany's informal hold on defence exports to Turkey remains in place over concerns about the destination of arms, a European official told journalists on Wednesday. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-germany-informal-halt-arms-exports-continues

***
Some lines may temper optimism: Sales of major systems, such as air defense systems or naval systems, could be slowed although they likely would still go ahead/Overall, the Biden people seem to be in the same mode as the Trump people ...on... arms exports https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-biden-plans-shift-arms-export-policy-favor-human-rights-sources-2021-08-04/

***
Mexico sleept Amerikaanse wapenproducenten (o.a. Smith & Wesson, Barrett Firearms, Beretta, Glock en Colt) voor de rechter. De bedrijven zouden medeschuldig zijn aan de instroom van wapens die het geweld in Mexico aanwakkeren. https://www.telegraaf.nl/financieel/1736122533/mexico-sleept-amerikaanse-wapenproducenten-voor-de-rechter

Geteisterd Mexico sleept wapenfabrikanten voor de rechter. https://fd.nl/samenleving/1414014/geteisterd-mexico-sleept-wapenfabrikanten-voor-de-rechter

Addition: Mexico has sued weapons manufacturers (Smith&Wesson, Barrett Firearms, Colt, Glock, Sturm, Ruger & Co and others) in a US federal court over the reckless business practices that allowed Mexican drug cartels to possess weapons, causing thousands of deaths. https://voi.id/en/news/73164/mexican-government-sues-colt-to-glock-over-illegal-arms-trade

August 4

***
Some info, not details, of the compliance of #EDF are not releasable, but - how reassuring - the Commission will ensure that the ethics procedures are as transparent as possible & include them in its interim evaluation report of the European Defence Fund, @ThierryBreton answered.

Question on Ombudsman guidance on ensuring the European Defence Fund projects comply with international law and have no adverse impact on human rights, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001518_EN.html
zanswer: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001518-ASW_EN.pdf
Decision Ombudsman: https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/decision/en/139074
Thanks to @Vredesactie

***
As Myanmar's crisis deepens amid a growing Covid outbreak, collapsing economy & repressive military coup, rising anger & insecurity are galvanizing calls 4 the shadow National Unity Government #NUG to launch a nationwide armed uprising against the regime. https://asiatimes.com/2021/08/rising-cry-for-civil-war-in-myanmar/

***
The repeated misery in armed forces around the world: Women soldiers say they are facing repeated attempts at unwanted sexual relations, being “ignored,” “mistreated” & “insulted “due to their gender and hearing they aren't as good as men, Rand concluded. https://rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RRA1300/RRA1385-1/RAND_RRA1385-1.pdf

Addition: More than half of women in US Army report facing some form of sexual harassment https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/08/03/more-than-half-of-women-in-army-report-facing-some-form-of-sexual-harassment-study/

***
US Special Ops Command will acquire light aircraft. Congress & the Air Force remain wary. #SOCOM doesn't want to depend on fighter jets, such as the F-22 or the F-35, that cost between $30,000 to $70,000 an hour to operate and develops its own air force. https://www.businessinsider.com/us-socom-has-big-plans-for-armed-overwatch-attack-planes-2021-8

***

By adopting resolution 2588 (2021) by 14 votes in favour and one abstention (China), the Security Council decided to extend the arms embargo on the Central African Republic #CAR for one year, while creating a new exemption for mortars of a certain caliber. https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/no-arms-supplies-in-the-central-african-republic-for-another-year/

Addition: Clause 1.g of S/RES/2588 (2021) states that the measures shall not apply to: Supplies of weapons with a calibre of 14.5, mortars 60/80mm, RPGs & ammo intended solely for support of or use in the CAR process of SSR, as notified in advance to the Committee. https://undocs.org/S/RES/2588(2021)

***
UK and Kenya sign new Defence Cooperation Agreement to tackle shared threat from Al-Shabaab. Includes the annual training 1,100 Kenyan soldiers annually to fight Al-Shabaab and around 5 joint training exercises, involving +/- 750 Kenyan & 5,000 UK troops. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-kenya-sign-new-defence-cooperation-agreement-to-tackle-shared-threat-from-al-shabaab

August 3

***
Dutch government is restrictive on arms exports, but gave green light for #Damen naval vessel export to Pakistan (region of tension India-Pak; and major ally of China). Now second of class is being build. https://www.hilal.gov.pk/eng-article/detail/MTQ4Nw==.html

***
Growing support for legislation by Murphy, Sanders, and Lee to reclaim Congress's critical role in national security matters, included on arms exports. https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/support-grows-for-murphy-lee-sanders-bipartisan-legislation-to-overhaul-congresss-role-in-national-security

***
US firm Parker-Hannifin want to takeover UK Meggitt, a company with 9,000 staff globally, which makes parts for Typhoon fighters, US F-35s and Hercules military planes. Some want UK government to protect Meggitt against it. This the limit on #FreeMarket? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9853901/Minister-goes-battle-6bn-defence-raid.html

August 2

***
Frankfurter Rundschau forum on arms exports links peace and environmental policy, and rightly so. Who wants to protect the climate must disarm (Wer das Klima schützen wolle, müsse abrüsten) argued Linke MP Dagdelen. https://www.fr.de/politik/abruesten-fuers-klima-90895729.html

***
Biometric identity database and registry systems in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, much of the funding comes through Civipol, a consulting firm attached to France's interior ministry & part-owned by #Milipol, one of the most important global arms trade fairs. https://www.euronews.com/2021/07/30/european-funds-for-african-ids-migration-regulation-tool-or-privacy-risk

***
Committees on Arms Export Controls #CAEC calls for comments on UK Strategic Export Controls Annual Report 2020. https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/15/committees-on-arms-export-controls/news/156984/uk-arms-exports-in-2019-further-call-for-evidence/

When searching for CAEC and arms I get back a mixed appreciation of its work and membership. https://twitter.com/search?q=CAEC%20arms&src=typed_query

***
Engineers from QuTech (a collaboration between TU Delft and TNO) can use measurement device-independent (MDI) quantum key distribution (QKD) to ensure untappable communication that is scalable in costs for multiple users. https://qutech.nl/2021/07/06/untappable-quantum-cryptography-becomes-practical-with-mdi-qkd/

***
#Airbus' overall turnover jumped 30% to €24.6bn, with a net profit €2.2bn Jan-Jun 2021. Turnover for commercial aircraft rose 42%, Airbus Helicopters climbed 11%. Military & space remained stable, although earnings before interest and taxes doubled. https://www.airbus.com/content/dam/corporate-topics/financial-and-company-information/Press-Release-Airbus-H1-2021-Results.pdf

***
Rocket Ariane 5 takes off successfully carrying 2 #satellites into orbit. Intelsat will market will market capacity on Eutelsat Quantumto the US military https://spacenews.com/intelsat-to-market-half-of-capacity-on-eutelsats-quantum-satellite/ and the other the Star One D2 with a military X-band payload. https://spacenews.com/brazils-star-one-taps-ssl-for-satellite-arianespace-for-launch/

My tweets for July 2021

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

July 31

***
Turkish state-owned defense firm ASFAT has received an order for four unmanned minesweeping equipment to Burkina Faso. “We made our first defense industry export to the region with the sale of 4 Mechanical Mine Clearing Vehicle,” the company announced. https://militaryleak.com/2021/07/29/turkeys-asfat-exports-mematt-mine-clearing-equipments-to-burkina-faso/

***
CAAT Spokesperson Andrew Smith said: "BAE Systems has a long and shameful history of arming and supporting human rights abusers and selling weapons into conflict zones. These sales aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet, they are potentially deadly." https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19476814.bae-systems-lancashire-firms-earnings-top-1billion/

***
The British MoD has signed a £250m deal with Team Tempest, a group of companies working on the country’s future combat jet, to provide digital & physical infrastructure to develop the aircraft. It also spoke with Japan to cooperate on power and propulsion. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/07/29/britain-inks-200-million-contract-with-team-tempest-for-future-fighter-jet/

***
Private security contractors, often referred to as mercenaries, have made a poor reputation for themselves throughout the Global War on Terror. And it turns out the Pentagon isn’t really monitoring whom it’s hired, or verifying backgrounds and compliance. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/07/30/dod-really-has-no-idea-who-its-hired-to-do-private-security-report-finds/

July 29

***
US Democrat Senator Murphy calls on the Biden Administration to withhold aid to Egypt based on Human Rights violations. He wonders: "Why ... Egypt get showered with $1.3 billion in military aid each year?" https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2021/07/29/mil-osi-usa-murphy-calls-on-the-biden-administration-to-withhold-aid-to-egypt-based-on-human-rights-violations/

***
Some United States lawmakers have halted the planned sale of arms worth $875 million to Nigeria over concerns about the President Muhammadu Buhari's-led government's human rights record. https://www.sunnewsonline.com/us-lawmakers-stop-875m-arms-sale-to-nigeria/

***
Somalia and Ireland will cooperate on Somalia's campaign in the UN Security Council to completely lift the arms embargo imposed on it on January 23, 1992. https://www.mfa.gov.so/somalia-and-ireland-discuss-security-support-and-partnership/

***
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has contracted Damen Marine Components (DMC) for a series of rudders and steering gear systems. The equipment is for five F110 frigates Navantia is constructing for Armada Española – the Spanish Navy. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/damen-to-supply-rudders-and-steering-gear-for-navantia-built-frigates-66750

***
#NSO Group affair is latest in Israel’s long history of arming shady regimes

Aversion to arming human rights violators often trumped by political expediency; only new legislation can keep Israeli firms from selling wares to bad actors, activists say https://www.timesofisrael.com/nso-group-affair-is-latest-in-israels-long-history-of-arming-shady-regimes

***
The British government plans to nationalize specialist steel components-maker Sheffield Forgemasters in order to protect the supply chain involving critical defense programs in the nuclear submarine and other sectors. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/07/28/british-government-to-nationalize-steel-components-maker-in-354-million-deal/

***
President Biden told US intelligence officials that he thinks a cyber breach could lead to a “shooting war” with a major global power. I think it’s more likely we’re going to end up in a war as a consequence of a cyber breach of great consequence, he said. https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-warns-cyber-attacks-could-lead-a-real-shooting-war-2021-07-27/

July 28

***
Canada last year approved a deal involving Canadian business for the sale of nearly $74m of weapons to Saudi Arabia, even as there were calls for Canada to stop arms transactions with the Saudis, one of the main combatants fuelling the war in Yemen. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-approved-brokered-arms-deal-to-sell-74-million-of-explosives-to/

***
Despite Rabat illegally occupying Western Sahara Raytheon won a $212 million delivery order external link for Morocco Fighter Aircraft Engines. The order is for F100-PW-229 install engines.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2707824/

***
Verrassend wapenindustrie vindt wapenexportcontrole te streng: het huidige restrictieve beleid zorgt voor problemen bij industrie en belemmert de ambities van het kabinet voor de defensie- en veiligheidsindustrie. https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/gestage-groei-export-veiligheidssector-ondanks-aanhoudend-streng-beleid/

Surprising: Dutch arms industry considers the arms control policies to tight. https://www.nidv.eu/nieuws/gestage-groei-export-veiligheidssector-ondanks-aanhoudend-streng-beleid/

***
smoking guns

How European arms exports are forcing

millions from their homes

https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/smokingguns-report-tni_final.pdf

July 27

***
Thales optimistic for the whole of 2021, hoping to achieve a turnover of between €17.5-18bn. During the 1st half of 2021 it had won 7 contracts worth more than €100m, 4 military - like a share of Rafale fighter sales - & security, & 3 in the space field. https://www.lacorrespondanceeconomique.fr/2020-07-31

***
#Damen & ENGIE Axima Germany (formerly Noske-Kaeser) have concluded a contract for the design & supply of the heating, ventilation & air-conditioning systems, the CBRN protection systems and the refrigeration systems for the German F126-class frigates. https://www.damen.com/en/news/2021/07/damen_assigns_responsibility_for_f126_air-conditioning_systems

***
The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is a ground-modernization effort to replace nearly 3,800 Bradley Fighting Vehicles among the US Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams.

Retweet @RheinmetallAG: #Rheinmetall’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle concept down-selected for #USArmy’s program Team of industry-leading experts to digitally design advanced #OMFV https://rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_26496.php

#defence #army

***
Amendment MEPs Demirel, @wallacemick: #EDF & the entire “Defence” budget line violate Art 41.2 TEU that prohibits any funding from EU budget of measures & operations having military or defence implications. The budget lines therefore have to be cut to 0. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-DT-695297_EN.pdf

***
Amendment MEPs Demirel, @wallacemick: #Frontex is criminalising migration & militarising EU borders & its management. Serious human rights violations became institutionalised and accepted...funds shall be reallocated for tackling root causes of migration. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/AFET-DT-695297_EN.pdf

***
The Ukrainian Navy has accepted delivery of the first notorious Bayraktar TB2 drone from Turkish defense company Baykar, according to Ukraine’s Defence Ministry. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/07/26/turkey-delivers-first-armed-drone-to-ukraine-much-to-russias-ire/

***
Bolsonaro government ended 150% tax that Brazilian exporters selling arms to Central & S American countries had to pay. Tax was imposed in 2001 after it surfaced 1000s of arms exported to neighboring countries, later came back to Brazil in criminal hands. https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil/brazil-eliminates-taxes-on-domestic-arms-exports/

July 26

***
Murphy, Lee, Sanders statement on #drone strikes in #Somalia: "We need to reestablish a system of checks and balances ... to make Congress a part of these decisions about war and peace and put the interests of the American people front and center," https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2021/07/23/mil-osi-usa-murphy-lee-sanders-statement-on-drone-strikes-in-somalia/

***
Czech military used the Airbus A-330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) from the international fleet, in which the Czech Republic participates, for transport of its soldiers for the first time this week, from Pardubice, east Bohemia, to the Baltics.

***
Who will sell a frigate to Bangladesh? A $2.5 billion program. China, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey made the offers that reached the final stage.

One would think security issues in #Bangladesh aren't met by with expensive naval ships. #rivers #climate https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/turkish-shipbuilder-front-runner-in-bangladesh-frigate-program

More on same: Bangladesh Shortlists Chinese, Dutch, Italian and Turkish Shipyards for its $2.5B Frigate Project. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30097/Bangladesh_Shortlists_Chinese__Dutch__Italian_and_Turkish_Shipyards_for_its__2_5B_Frigate_Project

***
Massive lay offs at #Damen Shipyards in Romania (Damen Mangalia and Damen Galaţi shipyards) also involved in building Dutch naval vessels. https://www.capital.ro/sute-de-angajati-romani-raman-fara-un-loc-de-munca-o-mare-companie-din-romania-da-masiv-oameni-afara.html

July 25

***
How to make yourself unmissable as weapon producer? Exclusive Interview: Lockheed’s CEO Wants His Company to Connect All the Pentagon’s Weapons.

What will this mean for other nations buying arms at Lockheed?https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/07/exclusive-interview-lockheeds-ceo-wants-his-company-connect-all-pentagons-weapons/183957/

***
Britain has invested $268 million for another 13 Protector aircraft, Defense Minister Jeremy Queen announced Thursday during a visit to GKN Aerospace, a press release stated. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/07/22/britain-protector-aircraft-deal/2811626972446/

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/195m-contract-signed-for-13-additional-raf-protectors/

***
Most costly weapon system ever (#F35) disarmed by weather conditions. https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/07/23/lightning-strike-grounds-2-f-35b-lightning-ii-jets

***
Sarah Roussel from Amnesty told Euronews: "On one hand you have the minister of Foreign Affairs calling this a dirty war.

"And on the other hand, France is still exporting military weapons to the two main countries engaged in this conflict.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1467018/Emmanuel-Macron-latest-France-weapons-exports-Yemen-conflict-EU-arms-sales-amnesty-VN

***
“NSO Group can no longer hide behind the claim that its spyware is only used to fight crime, it appears that Pegasus is also the spyware of choice for those wanting to snoop on foreign governments,” said Amnesty International’s Secretary General Callamard. https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19467071.david-pratts-four-corners-foreign-affairs-writer-gives-expert-analysis-insight-france-australia-tunisia-peru

***
Photo exhibition at #Greenpeace ship “Beluga II” by the award-winning photographer Nikita Teryosin to show the negative effects of the German arms export policy. #Teryoshin took photographs at arms fairs around the world. https://www.archyworldys.com/greenpeace-sailing-ship-in-wurzburg-protest-against-arms-exports/

July 22

***
Retweet @keesamok: Middle East Eye has compiled a list of Middle East and North Africa figures who have either been targeted in the past or whose numbers are known to have been in the latest Pegasus surveillance software leaks. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pegasus-spyware-middle-east-north-africa-names-list-targeted

***
‘Bandits’ shoot down Nigeria fighter jet; pilot survives. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/19/bandits-shoot-down-nigeria-fighter-jet-pilot-survives

***
#Embargo? During a military parade that was held in #Libya on May 2021, Libyan armed forces have unveiled 2 new wheeled armored vehicles that are produced in #Jordan, the Al-Wahsh (4x4 armored vehicle) & the Al-Mared (8x8 APC, Armored Personnel Carrier). https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2021_global_security_army_industry/jordanian-made_al-wahsh_and_al-mared_armored_vehicles_in_service_with_libyan_army.html

***
Roads fall apart, health care is minimal, social welfare almost not existent, but US Senate members will consider increasing White House military spending for next year by $25bn as part of this week debate over annual defence spending. #SecurityForWhom https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/07/21/plan-to-boost-bidens-defense-budget-could-see-bipartisan-support/

July 21

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Retweet @SIPRIorg The volume of international arms transfers in 2016–20 was 35% lower than the peak reached in 1981–85, at the height of the cold war. Read more in the summary of #SIPRIYearbook 2021 https://sipri.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/sipri_yb21_summary_en_v2_0.pdf

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Israel doesn't care whether journalists or activists are targeted. Instead it says: we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and they do not interfere in ours, said lawyer Eitay Mack who's been suing Israeli exports, but to no avail. https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/pegasus-software-warum-sich-israel-nicht-dafuer-interessiert-wer-ins-visier-der-cyberwaffe-geraet-a-0440e45b-6a8e-48db-9980-30d0aaea9d29

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Quarrel on Peninsular. Egypt & Saudi Arabia have been seen in the past decades as prominent Arab countries. Riyadh the financial & Egypt its military hub. But in the last decades, the emergence of the UAE has begun to change that equation. Iranian analysis https://en.abna24.com/news//analysis-tip-of-iceberg-recent-saudi-emirati-spat-not-easy-to-solve_1161828.html

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US Senators Murphy (D-Conn.), Lee (R-Utah), and @BernieSanders (I-Vt.), on Tuesday introduced bipartisan legislation to reclaim Congress's critical role in national security matters such as the use of military force, emergency powers and arms exports. https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-lee-sanders-introduce-sweeping-bipartisan-legislation-to-overhaul-congresss-role-in-national-security

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Deutsche Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik (Society for Foreign Policy) under criticism: It doesn't clearly disclose payments from industry & apparently forms hidden reserves. The current president, former Airbus boss Thomas Enders, limited transparency. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus232569931/Thinktank-mit-Tradition-Verdeckte-Foerderung-in-der-Denkfabrik.html

***
German KMW recently acquired a significant stake in Estonian Milrem Robotics, by which KMW hopes to obtain supplementary knowledge on autonomous military systems while Milrem may be part of the development of various defence industry projects. Baltic News Service/BNS, 20/07/21

***
De lobby voor #onderzeeërs van #Damen in het Noordhollands Dagblad gaat door. Nu niet in de redactionele kolommen maar met een ingezonden stuk. "Waarom duurt het zo lang? Nederland profiteert van de bouw van goede #onderzeeboten." https://www.noordhollandsdagblad.nl/cnt/dmf20210713_71437261

***
Diplomat on Malaysian shipbuilding, but looking at PT PAL, a state-owned shipbuilder in Surabaya, Indonesia. It cooperates with S. Korea (submarines) & the Netherlands (frigates) not for financial reasons but to acquire "advanced knowledge and technology." https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/the-challenge-of-modernizing-a-navy-malaysias-boustead-heavy-industries/

***
The frigates Dutch Damen wants to sell to Greece are accompanied by a funding package of 80+% of the contract amount, enabled by the Dutch State Export Credit Agency, which has extensive experience in arranging loans in cooperation with commercial banks. https://www.sofokleousin.gr/i-ollandiki-protasi-gia-tis-fregates-tou-pn

***
Longread in Haaretz on Israeli cybersurveillance firm NSO, its Pegasus tech phone infections and the persons targeted. It surpasses encryption programs like Telegram and Signal. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/tech-news/.premium-nso-s-pegasus-the-israeli-cyber-weapon-used-against-180-journalists-1.10010446

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A campaign adviser to former President Donald Trump who also served as chair of his inaugural committee was arrested Tuesday and accused of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government by secretly lobbying on behalf of the #UAE. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/20/thomas-barrack-chairman-of-trump-2017-inaugural-fund-arrested-on-federal-charge.html

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Noise of F-35 fighter jets is not only a problem in Dutch province #Friesland. Duane Peterson & Patrick McCormack made a short movie on the ear-shattering “sound of freedom” & living under a #F35 flight path, or how weaponry intrudes on everyday life. https://jetlinefilm.com/

Addition: Dutch Secretary for Defence Visser said: 'I am aware of the fact that people are disturbed by the noise of fighters flying over. However, the defence forces must practice and train so that its personnel and aircraft are ready for its constitutional tasks.' https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/kamervragen/detail?id=2021Z11172&did=2021D29558

***
Dutch arms exports lowest since 2002. With 1. US, 2. Pakistan, 3. S. Korea, 4. Indonesia, 5. Germany, 6. Romania as major clients.

Licenses (export and transit) refused for Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi A., UAE. For more details see: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2021/07/12/rapport-over-het-nederlandse-exportcontrolebeleid-in-2020/rapport-over-het-nederlandse-exportcontrolebeleid-in-2020.pdf

July 20

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It took the European Commission eight months to give this 'answer' (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-006257-ASW_EN.pdf) on the role of Thierry Breton, Commissioner with responsibility for industry, in establishing the EDF. The Questions were raised November last year (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-006257_EN.html).

***
De macht van president Erdogan is groter dan ooit en met talloze buitenlandse interventies schendt hij het internationale recht. Volgens @SadetKarabulut hoort Turkije niet meer thuis in de NAVO en stop met het leveren van wapentuig. Zie verder. https://www.nporadio1.nl/nieuws/buitenland/c28ab7eb-bd92-4330-a251-6b74da1dc9af/sadetstop-met-turkije-vol-te-stouwen-met-wapens

***
Italië, Frankrijk, Duitland en Nederland zijn heus niet de enige landen die wapens leveren aan het brute regime van Al-Sisi. De zelfverklaarde politieagent van de wereld uit Washington steunt Egypte al jarenlang met miljarden aan militaire steun. https://www.justsecurity.org/77513/bidens-egypt-problem/

***
In 2020 then-candidate Biden called for “no more blank checks” for al-Sisi; yet in February, the Biden administration approved a $200m arms sale & the 2022 budget requests $1.3bn in military aid to Egypt, with no human rights reforms or commitments. https://www.justsecurity.org/77513/bidens-egypt-problem/

***
Retweet @SadetKarabulut Dit is hoe de Israëlische Pegasus-software wordt gebruikt om kritische journalisten de mond te snoeren. De Marokkaanse journalist Radi wordt ook beschuldigd van spionage voor Nederland. Dit kan niet zo passeren lijkt mij. #journalismisnotacrime #freeRadi https://nos.nl/artikel/2390006-zes-jaar-gevangenisstraf-voor-marokkaanse-journalist-radi

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A very personal lifelong view on the Endless War fought by the US by @mazzarino_a.

Worthwhile to read for several reasons.

It concludes with "Don’t doubt it for a second. War is a cancer on our democracy." https://live-thenation.pantheon.io/article/world/american-endless-wars/

***
Tony Blair’s defence secretary defended BAe by criticizing the Foreign Office for delaying the controversial export of Hawks to Indonesia in 1997. Despite the fact some believed Labour came to power with a new ‘ethical foreign policy’. https://afegames.com/blairs-defence-secretary-berated-foreign-office-over-delays-to-hawk-jet-exports/

***
UN human rights experts expressed grave concern for the situation of human rights defenders in Myanmar & called for coordinated sanctions & an arms embargo by an ‘emergency coalition of nations’.

But what is needed to get those unwilling aboard too?

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27323&LangID=E

***
Former South African president Zuma is accused of pocketing 4m rand (€234,000) in bribes from French defence giant Thales, which has been charged with corruption and money laundering. Thales is meanwhile selling its arms to all Western democracies. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210718-zuma-graft-trial-to-resume-despite-deadly-s-africa-protests

***
Is #Hungary acquiring Spike missiles for its 220 Lynx Rheinmetall KF41 APCs? Other potential use are the 20 H145M helicopters purchased from Airbus, or the APCs that Hungary plans to produce indigenously, based on the Artec Boxer APC of Rheinmetall & KMW. https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/50957

***
What's happening with the Damen vessels (four patrol vessels and six utility vessels – plus an interceptor for each vessel) sold to Trinidad and Tobago after they were delivered? https://newsday.co.tt/2021/07/19/lyder-queries-new-coast-guard-patrol-boats/

July 19

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Pegasus, the spyware program of Israeli company NSO Group, has been used to hack dozens of smartphones of journalists, human rights activists, businesspeople, and even of the fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-report-claims-nsos-pegasus-spies-on-journalists-rights-activists-1001378595

***
Once upon a time the EU was a project for peace. Now: Europe’s fledgling #Eurodrone program received a boost in the form of a €100m #grant from the EU, while an official promised a long expected, €7.1bn production contract will be signed by October. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2021/07/16/eurodrone-effort-gets-118m-funding-boost-updated-production-timeline/

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Western nations and arms companies are complicit in aiding regimes in the Middle East to spy on their citizens, speakers at an international conference shedding light on the human rights implications of the arms trade, said on Saturday. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/speakers-international-conference-arms-trade-criticise-western-governments-over-hypocrisy

***
Teething diseases for fighter with a first flight in 2006, that is 15 years ago.

The number of major F-35 flaws is shrinking, but the Pentagon is keeping details of the problems under wraps (huh?). And the number of minor problems runs into the hundreds. https://www.navytimes.com/smr/hidden-troubles-f35/2021/07/16/the-number-of-major-f-35-flaws-is-shrinking-but-the-pentagon-is-keeping-details-of-the-problems-under-wraps/

July 16

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hina's military has overcome numerous techn challenges to chip away at the US' supremacy in recent years, but continues to be stymied by lagging domestic innovation and corruption in its defence industry, according to a RAND US government-financed study.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3141151/pla-faces-persistent-problems-innovative-weaponry-relying

***
Robot wars may have started by NATO member. The report by independent experts of UN panel on Libya arms embargo breaches stated that four-rotor drones were programmed in autonomous mode to attack convoys and vehicles without further human intervention. https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/5/232159/Robot-wars-may-have-started

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US "Democrat" argues for larger role of US Special Forces #SOF to counter threats. The grey covert and poorly controlled and rapidly growing army already active in dozens of countries globally isn't the the force to defend democracy. It is a threat itself. https://news.usni.org/2021/07/15/lawmaker-special-operations-must-adapt-to-gray-zone-conflict

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Top US generals planned to resign en masse if Trump refused to leave office. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff compared President Donald Trump to Hitler, and his administration to the birth of the Nazi party. Read More https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/07/15/top-generals-planned-to-resign-en-masse-if-trump-refused-to-leave-office-reports/

July 15

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‘Pressure transducers’ are used for a wide range of civil, but also military applications, from commercial airliners to nuclear submarines. The specification "for the production of technology" given by Dutch on a sale to Israel is thus to vague to judge. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

***
A image intensifier tube of € 16,464 isn't the cheapest one. May an export license was provided for a sale to India "for scientific use." But optech is an integral part of the military ops on India's borders. Can such a (in)direct connection be excluded? https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-dual-use-vergunningen

***
Jorge Domecq took the revolving door from the the European Defence Agency #EDA to #Airbus. MEP's @TonoEPP, @DolorsMM both (PPE) question this. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001623_EN.html

@JosepBorrellF answers https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-001623-ASW_EN.pdf which can unsurprisingly be summarised: "No big deal at all."

Addition: For more details on the case, read this article from @corporateeurope and @Vredesactie. https://corporateeurope.org/en/2021/05/eu-defence-agency-under-pressure-change-rules-after-airbus-revolving-doors-scandal

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#Bolivia’s FA Ministry published evidence on how #Argentina, under President #Macri, supplied bullets used by the Añez dictatorship to repress anti-coup protests across the country, including in Sacaba and Senkata, where numerous protesters were shot dead. https://kawsachunnews.com/argentinas-macri-sent-arms-for-bolivia-coup-massacres

***
US warned Egypt not to target rights campaigners after a prominent activist was indicted, saying the issue would be a factor in arms sales to Cairo. But recently US sold $200m in weapons to Egypt despite human rights abuses. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/17/us-sells-200m-in-weapons-to-egypt-despite-human-rights-abuses

ill: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33003.pdf

***
A British colonel blocked an 80 million dollar weapons sale to Haftar from Jordan. End-user certificates: “You can declare that the destination is Tunisia or anywhere else you find acceptable.” #UK, #Jordan, #Libya https://www.libyanexpress.com/a-british-colonel-blocked-an-80-million-dollar-weapons-sale-to-haftar-from-jordan/

***
UK asking SA Armscor to market its surplus arms in Africa. It includes: minimi's, Sig Sauer pistols heli's, patrol boats, armoured vehicles etc. "Trying to put a morally superior justification into something morally questionable just makes it worse." https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1461731/Army-equipment-sale-African-countries-morally-supsect

***
4 builders left for Greek frigate acquisition, part of its military build up sending an indirect message to Turkey that "the Armed Forces are being modernized and the country is shielded against any challenge and threat ... in the region," said MoFA. https://newpost.gr/amyna/60edc6ac4de2b83e5a4ef3c1/minymata-ishyos-pros-tin-agkyra-efialtis-oi-fregates-kai-ta-rafale-gia-toys-toyrkoys-aystiri-apantisi-panagiotopoyloy-se-akar

***
Erdoğan, his associates enriched themselves on back of Turkey-Qatari military, defense deals, states Gülen connected Nordic Monitor of exiled journalist (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_Bozkurt) in long article and illustrated with documents. https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/erdogan-his-associates-enriched-themselves-on-back-of-turkey-qatari-military-and-dense-deals/

***
New CAAT research reveals that the majority of UK arms sales are supplied via secretive Open Licences, meaning official figures on UK arms exports only tell part of the story. Share if you agree we need real transparency to stop the arms trade. http://caat.org.uk/hiddenarmssales

***
Infamous Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's ruling military leaders to represent them in Washington and other capitals said on Wednesday he has stopped his work with the generals because sanctions prevented him from being paid. https://www.jpost.com/international/infamous-israeli-lobbyist-for-myanmar-junta-ceases-efforts-wasnt-paid-673871

July 14

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A'dam fractie van Bij1 heeft schriftelijke vragen gesteld over gemeentelijke plannen om de verhuizing van de firma Damen subsidiëren: https://amsterdam.raadsinformatie.nl/document/10389523/1/232%20sv%20Veldhuyzen%20inzake%20behoud%20scheepswerf%20Damen

Las net dat Damen Senegal schepen gaat leveren. Handig voor contraguerrilla in de Casamanche. https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-and-west-africa_business/2021/07/09/damen-shipyards-beats-off-turkey-s-desan-and-tais,109678797-art

VVD Raadslid noemt opsommen van de feiten een smeercampagne. De handel van de eerlijke ondernemer uit Gorinchem, met een vestiging in Amsterdam, klinkt blijkbaar toch niet zo prettig. https://twitter.com/ClaireMartens3/status/1413800322879918080

(In het geval Senegal gaat het niet persé om Amsterdam wel om Damen).

***
At Greek arms DEFEA 2021: Ssmart and Signaal Hellas (https://www.ssmart.gr/ssmart-sa/ssmart-participation-in-domestic-international-programs/)showcased Thales Netherlands Lirod Mk2 system. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-exhibitions/defea-2021-news-official-show-daily/10428-defea-2021-ssmart-and-signaal-hellas-showcases-lirod-mk2-system.html

***
German group Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems handed over controversial S44, the fourth Type 209/1400mod-class submarine, to the Egyptian Navy. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/fourth-class-209-1400mod-submarine-officially-handed-over-to-egypt/

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MDT Armor won a $9.9 million contract for procurement of the David Urban Light Armored Combat Vehicle by Israel. The David Urban Light Armored Combat Vehicle is based on a LandRover Defender 4x4 wheeled chassis and is built in MDT Armor’s Alabama facility. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2687878/

***
Pakistan has hired an Italian defense company to convert three Embraer Lineage 1000 regional jetliners into long-range maritime patrol aircraft for its Navy. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/07/08/pakistan-hires-leonardo-paramount-group-for-aircraft-conversion-program/

***
Europa heeft ambitieuze plannen voor een satellietnetwerk dat de digitale groei aanzwengelt. ,,We willen aan de top blijven en data uit de ruimte zijn onmisbaar’’, zegt directeur Rodrigo da Costa van Europees ruimteprogramma Euspa. https://www.ad.nl/tech/interview-rodrigo-is-de-grote-baas-van-de-europese-satellieten~aea7a640/

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NEW: Israeli oppression in #Gaza did not end with the ceasefire. The UK must end military support & all arms exports to Israel. Statement by the UK Working Group on Arms (UKWG): https://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/news-and-analysis/post/971-uk-working-group-on-arms-statement-on-the-continuous-conflict-between-israel-and-palestine-

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Brochure: de militarisering van de Europese Unie. Korte introductie, bespreking en met veel links. https://www.globalinfo.nl/Recensies-enzo/brochure-de-militarisering-van-de-europese-unie

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Dutch #Damen vessels for contraguerrilla in #Senegal? It has has been contracted to deliver 3 military logistics ships to the Senegalese navy. These ships could help improve the army's deployments in the insurgent province of #Casamance. https://www.africaintelligence.com/central-and-west-africa_business/2021/07/09/damen-shipyards-beats-off-turkey-s-desan-and-tais,109678797-art

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'Important milestone' as Norway, Germany conclude 'Gigantic' submarine deal. Russian https://sputniknews.com/military/202107091083343872-important-milestone-as-norway-germany-conclude-gigantic-submarine-deal/ But based on Norwegian source https://e24.no/internasjonal-oekonomi/i/4zz7bV/kongsberg-gruppen-datter-inngaar-gigantavtale-med-norge-og-tyskland

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Chinese military threat is overstated, states professor at Australian Strategic & Defence Studies. However the Pentagon will continue to worst-case China’s military capability to support its claims for funding in a competitive US ­fiscal environment. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/chinese-military-threat-is-overstated/news-story/93b69ed912992e9996d204fba2bc7893

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"Zuma also faces a corruption case related to the $2 billion arms trade when he was vice president in 1999. He denied the allegations in this case."

It puzzels me why only the receiver of the bribes is always mentioned & not the briber arms giant #Thales. https://quebecnewstribune.com/news/business/former-south-african-leader-zuma-faces-court-hearing-during-robbery-and-killing-reuters-28430/

***
Morocco becomes poluar destination for arms sales. It overtakes Algeria to become Africa’s top importer of French Arms. Morocco ordered €425.9m worth of arms from France, whereas Algeria ordered €41.1m.https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/07/343357/morocco-overtakes-algeria-to-become-africas-top-importer-of-french-arms #WesternSahara ?

***
UK government refuses to reveal details of its support for the Saudi war machine. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/07/13/saud-j13.html

***
Skirmisses. US Navy has denied China’s claim that its military chased an US warship out of the South China Sea. The statement from the Navy comes after one of its guided-missile destroyers performed a freedom of navigation operation in the SCS on Monday. https://news.usni.org/2021/07/12/navy-denies-chinese-forces-chased-away-destroyer-during-fonop

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Military industry revenues of the top 100 defense companies in the world climbed for a fifth consecutive year, a sign that fiscal 2020 was good for the industry despite the crippling coronavirus. https://www.defensenews.com/top-100/2021/07/12/riding-the-wave-defense-revenues-rise-despite-a-dark-2020/

***
The German military has announced the creation of a separate command dedicated to #space, becoming the latest of a handful of nations prioritizing more resources and missions among the stars. It follows the US, UK and France who established space commands. https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/07/13/germany-establishes-new-military-space-command/

***
Indonesian naval wharf PT Pal order book (expected and realisations) shows intake from Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and expected sale of amphibious vessel for Philippine navy Rp. 1,529 bn (€ 2.613.675). https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/indonesian-defense-equipment-and-arms-exports.345821/page-19#post-13228020

July 9

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SIPRI arms & ME programme’s Smith points out, even as military options are considered by the Southern African regional bloc & EU “adding new arms to the conflict in Mozambique risks worsening an already dire situation for local civilians, not ending it”. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sipri-warns-arms-for-mozambique-will-not-necessarily-end-insurgency/

***
Switzerland looks to the US with F-35 & Patriot selections. But protest is already brewing over the decision. Campaigners have begun securing signatures for a referendum through the country’s voting system that could yet ditch an F-35 buy altogether. http://now.eloqua.com/es.asp?s=966913078&e=817603&elqTrackId=4c85114565b64dab9d00441ca5178163&elq=c252494e99f7483db974276855671119&elqaid=29066&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=24570

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Warning tumbles over warning: When US Air Force, Navy & Marine Corps’ F-35 operations reach their peak in 2036, it will be exponentially difficult to afford sustaining the F-35 if the cost per tail remains at current estimates.

https://www.navytimes.com/air/2021/07/07/watchdog-group-finds-f-35-sustainment-costs-could-be-headed-off-affordability-cliff/

GAO https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-439

July 8

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EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations. European Parliament resolution of 7 July 2021 on EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations.

On EDA, EDF, "fostering the development of the European defence industry," etc https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2021-0346_EN.pdf

***
French arms sales order intake in Africa in 2020: Morocco and Algeria leading customers. https://maghrebemergent.net/ventes-darmes-francaises-en-afrique-en-2020-le-maroc-et-lalgerie-en-tete-des-clients/ Based on annual report (https://defense.gouv.fr/content/download/616773/10303962/file/Rapport%20au%20Parlement%20sur%20les%20exportations%20d'armement%20de%20la%20France%202021.pdf

***
Corruption in the military business, paid with Government money to protect society. 10 years after juicy contracts with Kazakhstan, Tunisian intermediary, Lyès Ben Chedli & a former #Airbus executive, Olivier Brun, were indicted in the "Kazakhgate" survey. https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/kazakhgate-un-ex-cadre-d-airbus-et-un-intermediaire-mis-en-examen-20210707

***
Retweet @shustry: SCOOP: Documents Reveal Erik Prince's $10 Billion Plan to Make Weapons and Create a Private Army in Ukraine. https://time.com/6076035/erik-prince-ukraine-private-army/

***
#France will soon end its participation in the Franco-German program for maritime patrol aircraft #MAWS and turn to a Franco-French solution. #Germany's decision to buy 5 P-8A Poseidon aircraft from #Boeing for €1.43bn is at the origin of this withdrawal. https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/defense/avions-de-patrouille-maritime-la-france-claque-la-porte-au-nez-de-l-allemagne_772419

Addition: In English on same issue: Germany's Purchase of Boeing P-8A Poseidon Casts Doubts over Franco-German MPA Program https://www.defenseworld.net/news/29971/Germany_s_Purchase_of_Boeing_P_8A_Poseidon_Casts_Doubts_over_Franco_German_MPA_Program

***
Thales wants to launch a drone on the commercial market, which can also perform military and government missions. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/thales-booste-son-offre-sur-le-marche-commercial-des-drones-civils-et-gouvernementaux-888371.html

***
Raytheon Technologies will get up to $2 billion to develop the U.S. Air Force’s Long Range Standoff Weapon system, a new nuclear-capable, air-launched cruise missile that will be carried by B-52 and B-21 bombers. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/07/06/raytheon-wins-2b-for-new-nuclear-cruise-missile/

***
Revealed: UK troops ‘secretly operating in Yemen’

By Naseh Shaker, Phil Miller and Mark Curtis

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-07-06-revealed-uk-troops-secretly-operating-in-yemen/

July 7

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#Argentine Air Force undertook "huge effort" to modernize 2 Fokker 28s & a #Fokker 27 "that had been deprogrammed & can continue to operate," MoD Agustin Rossi said July 1st at the Cdr Rivadavia air base. https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/rossi-en-chubut-el-reequipamiento-de-la-fuerzas-armadas-es-uno-de-nuestros-objetivos

History of planes sold to Argentine is notorious.

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Bad news: Italy has loosened restrictions on arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, government sources said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at easing diplomatic tensions with the two Gulf states. https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/italy-eases-curbs-arms-sales-saudi-arabia-and-uae

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Belarus was the only country voting against the UN resolution on Myanmar urging - among more - to “prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar”.

Why? It is one of the countries that continue to sell arms and air defense capabilities to the Myanmar military.

https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/un-vote-puts-spotlight-on-myanmar-belarus-connection.html

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#France is arming its MQ-9 #Reaper drones with GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs for Operation Barkhane operations in Africa. The French Air and Space Force will this month put the bombs into service on 3 of its MQ-9 Reaper UAVs deployed to #Niger (...) https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/unmanned-aerial-vehicles/france-arming-operation-barkhane-reaper-uavs/

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The US State Department approved a contract to Kuwait for heavy tactical vehicles. The contract, estimated to be worth $445 million, will cover 517 total Heavy Tactical Vehicles. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kuwait-heavy-tactical-vehicles

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IISS reports on the development of different aspects of cyber capabilities in a selection of countries. https://www.iiss.org/-/media/files/research-papers/cyber-capabilities-and-national-power---a-net-assessment.pdf Is seems the Netherlands stayed under the radar.

C$ISRNet summarised: Who can match the US as a cyber superpower? No one

https://www.c4isrnet.com/cyber/2021/06/28/who-can-match-the-us-as-a-cyber-superpower-no-one/

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Retweet @Vredesactie: Juridische strijd keldert de wapenexport

Het afgelopen jaar trokken we 3 keer naar de Raad van State om de wapenexport naar Saudi-Arabië te schorsen. Mét effect, tonen de jaarverslagen van FN Herstal & Mecar nu.

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Protestors of @3CCAAT against military expo in UK ask to focus efforts not on weapons, but to concentrate technology on climate instead. https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/19422383.three-counties-defence-expo-concentrate-technology-climate-instead/

July 6

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Retweet @JaspervanDijkSP Replying to @DeGroene @GidiPols and @jvstaalduine Onze Kamervragen:

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1.2 billion euros! What "major things" can the European Defense Fund accomplish? A Chinese view - readable with Google translate - on the European Defence Fund (the writers miss the national military contributions, Europe is hard to understand). https://news.sina.com.cn/w/2021-07-03/doc-ikqciyzk3314125.shtml

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Prabowo’s European trip seems to be aimed at further arms procurement to modernize the Indonesian Military (TNI).The notorious former Special Forces general has deep pockets, with a budget of US$ 125bn for arms procurement for the period 2020-24.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2021/07/05/prabowos-defense-diplomacy.html

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba has said "We're working to change Germany's position on number of issues", like Ukraine's EU membership, a more constructive German position on Ukraine's membership of NATO, as well as arms sales to Ukraine. https://ukranews.com/en/news/786532-foreign-ministry-hopes-for-change-in-germany-s-position-on-ukraine-s-membership-in-eu-and-nato

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Athens seeking to contain Turkish influence in Libya. Greece suspects Turkish influence in a recent request by Libya that Greece return 8 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles confiscated from a ship traveling from Turkey. https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1163917/athens-seeking-to-contain-turkish-influence-in-libya/

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Franco-Italian military industrial cooperation stuck. There are several cases of friction. On a naval engine eg the French are frustrated a General Electric propulsion system is introduced in Europe "as Trojan horse" by Italian Avio at the cost of Safran. https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/armement-la-cooperation-entre-la-france-et-l-italie-au-plus-bas-888270.html

July 5

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Yemen war: Britain cannot be both arms dealer and peacemaker

The international community must send Britain a message: either stop selling weapons to the Saudis, or give up the UN penholder role for Yemen

https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/uk-yemen-war-arms-dealer-and-peacemaker

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OCCAR Extends Contract for Binocular Night Vision Goggles for Belgian Defence and German Army with HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS. The first phase alone will amount to a high two-digit million-euro value. https://forceindia.net/occar-extends-contract-binocular-night-vision-goggles-belgian-defence-german-army/

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7 projects involving the participation of #Estonian defence industry received € 6m from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme #EDIDP to develop new technological solutions. The Estonian state is providing almost €500,000 for the projects. https://kaitseministeerium.ee/en/news/projects-estonian-defence-industry-companies-received-eur-6-million-europe

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De krijgsmacht is er voor de veiligheid? Wiens veiligheid dan en tegen welke dreigingen?

'Extreme' militair kan in wapendepot; Zelfs na zaak-Jürgen Conings moet aan Hells Angels gelinkte Bart D.S. nog wacht houden bij opgeslagen munitie. https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/opnieuw-extremistische-militair-die-in-munitiedepot-kan-zelfs-na-zaak-conings~bc2e09c7/

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#German arms export report or 2020 published. https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Aussenwirtschaft/ruestungsexporte-bmwi-070221.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=12 The largest recipients in value outside NATO/EU are Egypt (€763.8m), Tunesia (€57.1m), Indonesia (€56.9m), India (€48.6m) and the Philippines (€24.8m).

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East Lancashire Girl Guides (promoting an interest in engineering amongst young females) participated in a programme run by #BAE, notorious for its arms trade.

#CAAT said: "We would urge the Guides to think again, and to end their relationship with BAE." https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19403979.bae-systems-3000-east-lancs-girl-guides-take-part-clever-clogs-partnership/

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A top German court largely confirmed a decision to force Sig Sauer to pay back earnings from illegal sales. It found it largely right to confiscate € 11.1m for legally exporting 38,000+ pistols to the US, from where they were illegally sent to Colombia. https://then24.com/2021/07/02/arms-export-to-colombia-via-detours-sig-sauer-costs-dearly-to-export-them/

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A legal campaign to expose details about Israeli arms exports came to an end last week, as the country's Supreme Court rejected a petition regarding tracking technology made by an Israeli cyber company and also shut the door on all future petitions. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-arms-sales-transparency-court-decision-ends-hopes

Aanvulling Nederlands: Israëlische rechter sluit de deur voor tegenstanders van geheime wapendeals. Wapenindustrie Activisten al jaren in Israël trachtten openheid te krijgen over de wapenhandel met dubieuze regimes. De juridische weg is nu afgesneden. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/07/06/israelische-rechter-sluit-de-deur-voor-tegenstanders-van-geheime-wapendeals-a4050114

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Arming the Philippines: It’s a Duterte job, but does UK have to do it?

Thousands of people have been killed in the Philippines under President Duterte, but the UK has massively increased arms exports to his authoritarian regime http://southafrica.shafaqna.com/EN/AL/2776924

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Miroslav Číž & @monika_benova of EP S&D fraction asked if the Commission is prepared to take sanctions to Members providing arms used in the Yemen conflict. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-002355_EN.html It took @JosepBorrellF 2 months to state it's up to the Member States. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-002355-ASW_EN.pdf

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Where Beijing buys its military hardware? Mainly SIPRI based answer is: Russia 1st, than France (9.7%) & Ukraine (6.3%). China is 2nd-largest client for Swiss exports, receiving 13% of total exports during 2016-20, and also imports from Germany and UK. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3139603/how-china-grew-buyer-major-arms-trade-player

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With the #Swiss buying the US #F35 fighter jet, the Swiss Federal Council upset its European partners. The issue will be settled in the coming weeks, when the losing bidders meet with Swiss government officials in Bern, a conference, called a #debriefing. https://www.msn.com/de-ch/nachrichten/schweiz/kampfjet-krimi-amherds-entscheid-kostet-die-deutschen-15-millionen/ar-AALKdy8

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The weaponisation of the T&T juridical system. List of cases provided includes: investigation between the Anti-Corruption Bureau & Dutch prosecuting authorities, concerning a criminal investigation into a suspicion of bribery committed by #Damen. More see: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/ag-some-weaponising-courts-as-business-ventures-6.2.1350877.2b0960b3c3

July 3

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The new face of war:

Israeli Rafael combines AI and automatic target recognition in new Sea Breaker missile and also performs “deep learning” that it combines with its AI capabilities. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/07/02/rafael-combines-ai-and-automatic-target-recognition-in-new-sea-breaker-missile/

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Nederland heeft zijn eerste eigen militaire satelliet in de ruimte. https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2021/25/05_lancering-nanosatelliet_25

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Terwijl het Nederlandse marineschip Zr. Ms. Evertsen in de Zwarte Zee de Koude oorlog opzoekt, liggen de grootste grijze griezels in de haven van #Amsterdam. Je zou wensen dat er meer aandacht voor ntspanning zou zijn dan voor grijs spierballengerol. https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Karel-Doorman-Rotterdam-in-Amsterdam-020721.html

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Dutch government sold 12 F-16's to private US company, Draken International. Draken offers contracted air support to air forces around the world during exercises and earlier bought F-16 Fighting Falcons which were retired from the Israeli Air Force. https://www.aerotime.aero/28274-draken-buys-12-dutch-f-16-fighters-to-train-usaf-pilots

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Earlier this year, it was reported that the Sri Lankan Air Force was in talks with Israel to overhaul five Kfir fighters. Now Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has confirmed that a deal worth $50 million was signed recently with Sri Lanka. https://www.iai.co.il/iai-to-upgrade-sri-lanka-air-force-kfir-aircraft

July 1

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There was a time the European Community was seen as a force for diplomacy, peace and development. Defence Industry: the Commission kick-starts the European Defence Fund with €1.2bn and awards 26 new industrial cooperation projects for more than €158m. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_3325

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#German #submarines are giving #Turkey an edge over #Greece

That may make the eastern Mediterranean less stable.

https://www.economist.com/europe/2021/07/03/german-submarines-are-giving-turkey-an-edge-over-greece

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Data en inlichtingen als wapen, zo laat informatiemanoeuvre zich kort omschrijven. Het is verontrustend dat in de Militaire Specator wordt gepleit dit 'wapen' onderdeel te maken van de militaire diplomatie. Een 'quick win' wordt dit genoemd. https://www.militairespectator.nl/thema/geschiedenis-operaties/artikel/informatiemanoeuvre-en-nieuwe-traditieverbanden-de-koninklijke

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Lost at the bus stop. The bundle of top-secret files includes updates on arms export campaigns between the UK and other nations. Within these documents are sensitive observations about areas that Britain might find itself competing with European allies. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1455085/Brexit-news-leaked-documents-bus-stop-MoD-European-Commission-OCCAR-EU-army-vn

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Hulpdiensten zijn gisteren uitgerukt naar #Fokker Landing Gear in #Helmond, actief op militair en luchtvaart gebied. Medewerkers voelden zich niet lekker nadat ze giftige dampen hadden ingeademd. Na een grondige controle bleek het mee te vallen. https://www.ed.nl/helmond/groot-alarm-om-lek-giftige-stoffen-bij-fokker-in-helmond-loopt-af-met-een-sisser~a2804a24/

Aanvulling: Voor blogs met informatie over het bedrijf zie: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/search?q=Fokker+landing+gear

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Retweet @Vredesactie: Turkey uses the A400M airplane to violate international arms embargoes. The Belgian export of components for this aircraft has to end immediately. #StopArmingTurkey https://www.brusselstimes.com/news/belgium-all-news/175814/ego-amnesty-international-flemish-brussels-walloon-government-libya-syria-turkey-united-nations-weapons/

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Hier een link naar het Groene artikel: https://www.groene.nl/artikel/de-financiele-draaischijf

En het project in het Engels https://www.journalismfund.eu/supported-projects/tax-avoidance-arms-industry (overigens exporteert Nederland wel direct naar Egypte en is het zelfs een grote klant voor Nedelandse wapens).

Aanvulling: Kamervragen rond de Nederlandse rol als financiële draaischijf voor wapenindustrie door Jasper van Dijk @SP en @MahirAlkaya https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/kamervragen/detail?id=2021Z13008&did=2021D27992

Schriftelijke vragen in de Amsterdamse Raad door @AmsterdamBIJ1 @GroenLinks020 en #SP

https://amsterdam.raadsinformatie.nl/document/10343666/1/224%20sv%20Ernsting%20N_T_%20Bakker%20Veldhuyzen%20Nederland%20zegt%20ja%20tegen%20het%20G7-akkoord

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Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has emerged victorious in Switzerland’s $6.5 billion fighter competition, beating out entrants from Eurofighter, Dassault and Boeing. Switzerland plans to buy 36 F-35's. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/06/30/lockheeds-f-35-topples-competition-in-swiss-fighter-contest/