Latest on top (updated
regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
December 31
***
The real winner of higher military expenditure is not security, but are the military industries. -> See chart. Security of citizens would be better off with investment in health, education, social expenditure, environment and infrastructure.
Retweet @stephensemler: Because ~55% of military spending goes to contractors, arms companies will likely get more money from Biden’s Pentagon budget than the public got through his $1,400 stimulus checks: https://stephensemler.substack.com/p/biden-sends-stimulus-checks-to-military
December 30
***
1/2 The US Dep of Commerce's Bureau of
Industry and Security #BIS recently published a Request for Public
Comments regarding the newly formed Export Control Working Group of
the US-European Union Trade and Technology Council #TTC.
https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2021/12/public-input-requested-on-us-eu-export-control
2/2 For this public comment request, BIS is specifically seeking input regarding the following issues.
Ways in which dual-use export control policies and practices can be made more transparent, efficient, effective, convergent and fit for today's challenges, especially as they relate to emerging technologies
Specific examples of ways in which convergence of U.S. and EU export control practices could enhance international security, protect human rights, support a global level playing field and increase joint technology development The deadline to submit public comments on these issues is Jan. 14, 2022.
***
November jl. is 'n deel van
VS-helikopterbrigade in het kader van Operatie Atlantic Resolve via
Nederland afgelost. De Combat Aviation Brigade van de 1ste
Infanteriedivisie uit Texas kwam en de Air Cavalry Brigade van de
1ste Cavaleriedivisie vertrok. #HNS
http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2021/12/atlantic-resolve-2021-via-nederland.html
***
China hits back in White
Paper at ‘double standards’ amid US tech war.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3161447/china-hits-back-double-standards-amid-us-tech-war-washingtons
But Beijings export control paper lacks much substance on arms control and eg a policy on Myanmar. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202112/1243652.shtml
The paper foremost shows control is part of the new Cold War.
December 29
***
Stop Starving Afghanistan
Why the West Should Release Its Economic Chokehold
"After generations of suffering,
the Afghan people deserve better."
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/afghanistan/2021-12-29/stop-starving-afghanistan
***
International deals, including a
$72 million contract with the Indian military in 2019 for some 72,400
rifles, along with dozens of other police and military contracts,
have allowed #SigSauer to grow and become the largest US exporter of
#firearms.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-sig-sauer-became-largest-us-firearms-exporter-198670
***
The US military budget
infuriated progressive Democrats. Congress approved the all time
largest US defence budget, at a time when expectations were that it
would be reduced after the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the
reduction of forces in Iraq.
https://thetimeshub.in/8-priorities-for-the-highest-military-budget-in-the-history-of-battalions
***
The US military wants
to directly plug commercial imagery satellites into its forthcoming
orbital networks, enabling soldiers in the field to access that data
faster.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/intel-geoint/2021/12/23/the-us-military-wants-to-plug-commercial-satellites-into-its-orbital-networks/
December 27
***
Promises are easy to make, but
more easily forgotten by those in power. When sellers of white goods
should operate like that, they would be quick out of business.
Biden Went Soft on Saudi Arabia. Now Democrats in Congress Are, Too. https://www.thedailybeast.com/joe-biden-went-soft-on-saudi-arabia-now-democrats-in-congress-are-too
***
The UNSC adopted resolution
S/RES/2616(2021) to consider during mandate renewals the role peace
operations could play in helping States to stem the flow of illicit
arms in line with related arms embargoes. 12 votes in favor. China,
India & Russia abstained
https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14751.doc.htm
***
1/2 #Thales will work with
Du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company – EITC) to
enhance the #UAE's telco provider’s Digital Trust portfolio and
Cybersecurity #Defense Centre. What military activities will be
protected?
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/uae/du-partners-with-thales-to-enhance-data-security-processes-and-meet-evolving-regulatory-compliance-in-the-uae
…/2
2/2 Recently it gained considerable experience through
its military operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348993255_The_Evolution_of_the_Armed_Forces_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates
***
Spending spree and Greece
naval buildup seems to continue. Italians, French and Dutch are vying
for the Navy's four-corvette program worth 3 billion euros. [in
Greek]
https://www.sofokleousin.gr/italoi-galloi-kai-ollandoi-ypopsifioi-gia-tis-tesseris-korvetes-t
#Sigma10514, #Damen #DOHAcorvette, #Ficantieri #GOWIND #NavalGroup
December 26
1/4 German arms exports hit new record during Merkel's last days. The former government approved almost €5 billion in warships and missile defense deals as it prepared to leave office. .../2 https://www.dw.com/en/german-arms-exports-hit-new-record-during-merkels-last-days/a-60256034
2/4 Baerbock pointed out that arms
exports cannot be viewed in purely economic terms. "It is also a
question of foreign policy, of human rights, of int. relations."
She also advocates for a joint arms export control at EU level: "a
thick board." .../3
https://www.n-tv.de/politik/CDU-verteidigt-spaete-Ruestungsexporte-article23021711.html
3/4 First arms trade is a balancing act
between economics, foreign relations, military strength and moral
policies as laid down in the EU arms control policy. Arms sales to
Egypt have been a policy tool for decades. It is thus more a policy
issue: what is sound economic policy, what kind of foreign policy
(included military) and how strict to interpret existing rules. .../4
4/4 ... what kind of foreign/military policy & how strict
to interpret rules? But when even Berlin cannot get its act together
it is no improvement to transfer the issue to Brussels to let it be
watered down even more. An EU policy exist. Time to pressure for its
implementation.
December 25
***
Ultimately, the story of the
Kyaw Thaungs - an Burmese-Irish clan - parallels that of Myanmar: a
country of vast potential foiled by a ruthless military and the
families willing to compromise themselves in pursuit of its riches.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/24/world/asia/myanmar-coup-military-tatmadaw-kyaw-thaung.html
“It’s
civilian planes delivered to civilian companies, but they are used by
a military force with a very bad reputation,” said @MartinBroek, an
arms trade expert who tracked the delivery of Fokkers to the
Tatmadaw.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/24/world/asia/myanmar-coup-military-tatmadaw-kyaw-thaung.html
Hope it leads to more future carefulness.
For those who want to have more information on the Dutch decision making on this subject see this reply to a Freedom of Information Act request of July 2021 (not mine): https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/wob-verzoeken/2021/12/15/besluit-op-wob-verzoek-over-registratie-eigendom-en-export-luchtvaartuigen/bijlage-wobbesluit-luchtvaartuigen.pdf
December 22
***
Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn
moet stoppen met het beleggen van ons geld in fossiele brandstof,
wapenhandel en bedrijven die ongezonde voeding produceren. Die oproep
doet De Jonge Arts M+G, dat 500 artsen in opleiding vertegenwoordigt
aan #PFZW.
https://www.medischcontact.nl/nieuws/laatste-nieuws/nieuwsartikel/artsen-mg-in-opleiding-investeer-ons-pensioengeld-niet-in-onverantwoorde-bedrijven.htm
***
Retweet @defense_news:
Britain and Japan join forces on next-generation
fighter engine
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/12/22/britain-and-japan-join-forces-on-next-generation-fighter-engine/
***
“The Flemish government is
acting in violation of the Flemish arms trade decree by allowing
transfers of military technology to #Turkey, despite evidence that
this violates international arms embargoes,” a coalition of Belgian
NGO's said in a statement.
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/198784/belgian-court-hears-arguments-to-end-arms-export-to-turkey
***
The Problem with Drones that
Everyone Saw Coming
Just because drone warfare is less
dangerous for American soldiers does not mean it is more effective.
https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2021/12/problem-drones-everyone-saw-coming/360025/
***
It seems the 23rd annual report
on arms exports is published by the EU, see for text in several
languages:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.C_.2021.515.01.0001.01.ENG
Tweeted almost three months ago for the first time on the publication. https://twitter.com/martinbroek/status/1443468253184016386
***
In Glasgow werd geëist dat de
krijgsmacht zijn klimaatvervuiling vermindert. Intussen past deze
vooral de strategie aan klimaatverandering aan, zegt Wendela de Vries
van vredesorganisatie @Ctwnl. Het resultaat is ongeveer het
tegenovergestelde van de eis.
https://downtoearthmagazine.nl/het-leger-moet-vergroenen/
***
#Switzerland’s arms industry
is booming as globally countries increase their military firepower.
But can a neutral country that prides itself on humanitarianism
justify exporting arms at all? Pressure from civil society has forced
policymakers into action.
https://www.swisscommunity.org/en/news-media/swiss-review/article/swiss-arms-industry-on-the-defensive
***
Retweet @Vredesactie: Wij
daagden de Vlaamse overheid voor de rechtbank voor de export van
militaire onderdelen naar Turkije. Vandaag vindt de zitting in de
rechtbank van eerste aanleg plaats. Volg hier alle updates.
https://twitter.com/Vredesactie/status/1473599996679311365
December 21
***
In a huray mood, because the new
Dutch government will spend billions more on the military, the Dutch
defence lobby NIVD goes to arms fairs in
Berlin,
Chile,
Greece,
Korea,
Malaysia,
Rotterdam and
Paris. https://www.nidv.eu/agenda/
***
Kenyan Mombasa mixed military
and civil Shipyard is just opened and was developed in partnership
with Dutch #Damen. Kenyatta thanked the #Kenya Defence Force and its
partner Damen for delivering the shipyard on budget and ahead of
schedule.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/mombasa-shipyard-commissioned-in-kenya/
***
Finnish Company Patria, as the
industrial coordinator of consortium FAMOUS (European Future Highly
Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems), has signed an agreement with the
EU Commission to start the development of the next generation
armoured vehicles.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/
***
Leonardo owned Vitrociset
(http://www.vitrociset.it/)
contracting agency for study into space based situational awareness
and space traffic management and coordination tendered by the
European Defence Agency #EDA.
***
The Indian government
imposed a fine on French company Dassault Aviation last month over
delays in offset obligations that were part of a 2016 deal for 36
Rafale fighters, Defense News has learned.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/12/20/india-fines-french-firm-dassault-aviation-over-offset-delays/
December 20
***
They've mastered?
No it is mastered with and without
consent by us all. "European aviation supported "decisions
of many EU countries to increase their defence spending, Covid-19
notwithstanding, as well as the more ambitious EU initiatives,
starting with EDF, albeit curtailed..."
Retweet @ASDEurope: The Covid pandemic entailed the worst crisis in the history of #aviation. Find out how the European aeronautics industry has mastered this unprecedented challenge and how it is at the same time moving forward on the route towards net zero aviation. https://www.asd-europe.org/news-publications/facts-figures
***
At last in the mainstream press.
Dutch major daily: UK activists who defaced an #Elbit Systems factory
with red paint were recently acquitted. Despite its bloody image, the
#Netherlands still does business with #Israel's largest private arms
manufacturer.
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/12/20/omstreden-elbit-blijft-leveren-aan-defensie-a4069553
***
SpaceX launches civil/military
#Turksat 5A (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%BCrksat_5A)
communications satellite for #Turkey. European firm #Airbus Defense
and Space built the satellite in #England and #France, with
significant Turkish contributions.
https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-turkeys-turksat-5b-communications-satellite/
***
As the leading provider of
military satellite communication services in Europe, #Airbus will
offer new communication services utilising the OneWeb constellation
to selected EU & UK armed forces, & civil protection and
security forces, from the end of 2021.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-12-airbus-and-oneweb-expand-their-partnership-to-connect-european
***
The long life of military
exports. In an #Iranian ceremony, a number of overhauled military
aircraft, swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) and a destroyer have
joined the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy one of those was a #Fokker
F27 Friendship aircraft.
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/181937/Overhauled-military-aircraft-SDVs-destroyer-join-Iran-Navy
***
The #Korea Herald gives just
the facts. S. Korea ranks 9th in world arms exports. No moral view,
no hurays, just "Saudi Arabia was the largest importer, followed
by India, Egypt, Australia, China and Algeria." Sales to the UAE
& Egypt are in the pipeline.
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20211220000634
December 19
***
French DoD is renewing its
relations with the Ariane Group to provide optical space surveillance
services based on the GEOTracker system. In June 2021 the EU
Commission selected Ariane Group to set up 2 space surveillance
projects "Sauron" & "Integral".
https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entreprises/industries/l-armee-francaise-signe-un-contrat-de-surveillance-spatial-avec-ariane-group_AD-202112160202.html
***
One of the policies to prevent
refugees dying in Europe: Get arms sales out of the reign of opacity
and secrecy; establish real parliamentary oversight and rigorously
apply the ban on arms sale to regimes that would use them against the
population.
https://www.nouvelobs.com/tribunes/20211217.OBS52295/najat-vallaud-belkacem-les-morts-des-migrants-sur-nos-cotes-ne-sont-pas-une-fatalite.html
***
Theatrics will only be credible
if the US government is self-reflective about its own policies that
enable human rights abuses around the world. Consider,
e.g that US arms sales continue to benefit rights-abusing Philippines, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. https://www.dailyadvent.com/news/5209b4b6aa3b19086d410e9a214054a8-Column-Biden-should-live-up-to-rhetoric
***
Countering America’s
Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. Under #CAATSA the US has the
authority to sanction countries that engage in “significant
transactions” with North Korea, Iran, or Russia through the
purchase of military equipment. How about #India?
https://thediplomat.com/2021/12/the-problem-with-caatsa/
***
Viewpoints can differ. Airbus
Defence chief Schöllhorn: "Germany already has a very
restrictive view of arms exports and very intensive review processes
by state authorities."
https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article235730170/Airbus-Defence-Neuer-CEO-Michael-Schoellhorn-fuer-europaeisches-Kampfflugzeugbuendnis.html
But Berlin is selling its arms to a range of clients https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutscher_R%C3%BCstungsexport.
***
A decade of extreme violence in
Libya. Weapons shipments from foreign backers have been flooding the
country, despite a UN arms embargo, and violations of a tentative
truce between warring factions have escalated.
https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/world/libya-presidential-election-delay-violence-b1978212.html
***
Drone
tech becoming the way of the future for militaries. "The tide of
the fighting turned only after Turkey ignored the UN arms embargo
placed on Libya and implemented the use of the Bayraktar TB2 drones
to combat Haftar's use of the Chinese Wing Loong."
https://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/drone-technology-becoming-the-way-of-the-future-for-militaries/
***
Egypt and Kenya agreed to
localize Egyptian arms industry in Kenya and provide defence and
civilian support to local Kenyan industry.
https://tittlepress.com/recep-tayyip-erdogan/1380690/
December 18
Asia continues to witness a boom in the manufacture of arms and ammunition led by regional superpowers keen on bolstering the growth of local firms while ignoring increasing disquiet across the continent. https://www.ucanews.com/news/asian-arms-industry-thrives-amid-regional-disquiet/
***
"Germany’s national
laws are confusing because they oscillate between a default
permission — or a default ban — to export defense technology,
depending on the recipient and the types of wares involved. "
Why is it more so than the EU arms export policy?
https://defensenews.com/global/europe/
December 16
***
1/4: Militaire zaken in
Coalitieakkoord:
Wie zijn die partners wat houdt het in?
"We versterken onze specialismen
in ‘cyber’ en inlichtingen. Dit gebeurt in nauw overleg met onze
belangrijkste partners."
https://www.kabinetsformatie2021.nl/documenten/publicaties/2021/12/15/coalitieakkoord-omzien-naar-elkaar-vooruitkijken-naar-de-toekomst
2/4: Militaire zaken in
Coalitieakkoord:
Binnen de NAVO concentreert Nederland
zich meer op de bescherming van de eigen regio.
Betekent dit geen wereldwijd inzetbare
onderzeeboten, maar boten geschikt voor zeeën/oceaan hier? Flinke
besparing #balasttanks.
We versterken onze krijgsmacht en verhogen de uitgaven fors richting de drie grondwettelijke taken en internationale verplichtingen. Veiligheid is gediend met voldoende gezondheidszorg, niet met militaire ambities.
4/4 Militaire zaken in Coalitieakkoord:
Dit kabinet zet de benodigde stappen voor de bouw van 2 nieuwe kerncentrales.
Kernenergie heeft ernstige nadelen, zoals proliferatiegevaar. Nederland heeft 'n grote rol gespeeld bij de verspreiding van kernwapens. https://www.groene.nl/artikel/de-beer-of-de-hond
***
According to SPIEGEL
information, the old federal government approved the export of
frigates and state-of-the-art air defense systems to #Egypt shortly
before the end. The Greens feel taken by surprise.
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ruestungslieferung-an-aegypten-groko-genehmigte-noch-kurz-vor-regierungswechsel-heiklen-waffenexport-a-77fe32e9-6199-419f-b33f-64e3cb2e4291
***
#Danish IT giant #Systematic
exports to Bahrain. Sitaware is #software that provides a unique
overview in war. According to several international experts, it is an
"extremely effective tool for the regime in #Bahrain"
because it can be used for repression.
https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2021-12-15-dansk-it-gigant-eksporterer-militaer-software-til-berygtet-diktatur
***
If ASEAN does not change its
sail to US winds (and limit influence of 3 of 10 members) it will
loose relevance, the analytical article "ASEAN Is In Danger Of
Becoming Irrelevant In Regional Security' can be summarised.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/15122021-asean-is-in-danger-of-becoming-irrelevant-in-regional-security-analysis/
Or aiming 4 #armscontrol #nuclearfree
***
What European countries did export to #Israel in 2016-2020 according to the ENAAT EU arms browser? http://enaat.org/eu-export-browser/overview?destination=israel&year_from=2016
***
But what European company bribed
the former South African president Zuma to to help "secure
lucrative defence contracts"?
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/500933-south-african-court-orders-jacob-zuma-be-returned-to-prison-says-medical-parole-unlawful.html
(See for a summary of the case e.g.: https://www.smithbrandon.com/blog/160-jacob-zuma-and-thales-an-arms-deal-with-repercussions-decades-later).
***
French MoD Florence Parly will
be arriving in Delhi on Thursday. The focus of the visit will be on
ongoing defence contracts and possible future defence contracts which
could mean offering for Rafale fighter jets, it is learnt.
https://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-defence-minister-florence-parly-to-reach-delhi-on-thursday-437229
***
“The US wants to extend
its alliance in space to create overwhelming superiority in the
#space domain, which might result in the escalation of the space arms
race, or even space militarisation,” Song Zhongping, a Hong
Kong-based military commentator said.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3159702/us-space-war-games-allies-raise-risk-star-wars-style-arms-race
December 15
***
Lekker. "Nederland speelt
een actieve rol in de Europese ontwikkeling van defensiecapaciteiten,
en sluit daarvoor aan bij de groeiende consensus over wederzijdse
erkenning van vergunningen." Als Frankrijk wapens levert aan 'n
dictatuur dan volgt Nederland?
https://www.kabinetsformatie2021.nl/binaries/kabinetsformatie/documenten/publicaties/2021/12/15/coalitieakkoord-omzien-naar-elkaar-vooruitkijken-naar-de-toekomst/coalitieakkoord-2021-2025.pdf
***
The Royal Moroccan Air Force is
reportedly planning to buy 8 H225M Caracal helicopter from Airbus
France.
https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/military-helicopters/h225m
Morocco is currently negotiating with Airbus for eight H225Ms.
https://moroccolatestnews.com/uae-fighter-jets-caracal-helicopters-from-france-to-morocco/
#WesternSahara
#Polisario
***
Middenveldorganisaties roepen
Jambon op om eindgebruik Vlaamse wapenhandel te controleren
https://www.dewereldmorgen.be/artikel/2021/12/14/middenveldorganisaties-roepen-jambon-op-om-eindgebruik-vlaamse-wapenhandel-te-controleren
***
Orban and Macron, the best
enemies, meet in Budapest. On arms sales to Hungary Macron said that
it had not been on the menu of discussions but that it could be the
case "in the future".
https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2021/12/14/orban-et-macron-les-meilleurs-ennemis-se-rencontrent-a-budapest_6105982_3210.html
***
Ankara has a military base in
Somalia. Morocco & Tunisia reportedly took their 1st delivery of
Turkish combat drones in September. Angola became the latest to
express an interest in Turkish drones. Ankara signed a military
cooperation pledge with Ethiopia.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211215-armed-with-drones-turkey-explores-african-arms-sales
***
Not all - if true - is bad.
Early 2021 Ukraine paid 4 arms supplies via the NATO procurement
agency #NSPA, Bild reported. However Germany & the Netherlands
opposed the deal and prevented sales. The Dutch allegedly sided with
Germany at Merkel's request.
https://english.pravda.ru/world/149879-germany_scholz/
Addition:
Link to Bild article [pay wall] "Doch im Mai stellten sich
ein deutscher und ein niederländischer Vertreter im Rat der NSPA
gegen die Verkäufe und blockierten sie damit."
https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/bild-recherche-merkel-blockierte-waffenlieferungen-an-die-ukraine-78529256.bild.html
***
1/2 Political rights victim of strife
for power in Asia. “The Vietnamese leadership knows that it can get
away with jailing activists like Trang because #Vietnam has become an
important component of outside powers’ strategies in East and
Southeast Asia.”
https://thediplomat.com/2021/12/why-the-west-has-gone-soft-on-human-rights-in-vietnam/
2/2 But what Vietnam tells us is that
the U.S. takes a two-pronged approach. Countries that wholly or
somewhat align with Washington’s rivalry with China, such as
Vietnam, get off scot-free when it comes to their authoritarianism
and human rights abuses.
***
EU sponsored shipbuilding.
Italian #Fincantieri, French Naval Group, their joint venture company
#Naviris, & Spanish #Navantia have strengthened their cooperation
to tender for European Corvettes #MMPC, a program launched by the
European Defence Fund #EDF
https://www.fincantieri.com/en/media/press-releases/2021/industrial-offer-for-the-modular-and-multirole-patrol-corvette-submitted/
***
Military business' cash cow: the
Middle East. 1st 2 of 28 #Eurofighters ordered by #Kuwait flew to the
Gulf state, Italy’s #Leonardo announced. The EFA's took off in
#Italy, where they were assembled. Saudi's bought 72, 15, Oman 12,
Kuwait 28 and Qatar 24.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/12/14/kuwait-gets-its-first-two-eurofighters/
Only the US Hits 800,000 Covid deaths 22 months after the first. And still no one takes the patents for big farma away to vaccinate the world, also those without the resources or spend the amount for one aircraft carrier ($13.3 billion) to this end. https://www.statista.com/chart/26397/cumulative-covid-19-deaths-in-the-us/
***
Turkish TRT on how profits of
the military-industrial complex are growing by the global refugee
crisis. The industry that has fueled and prolonged war & conflict
around the world through weapons sales is earning on border security
against asylum-seekers.
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/militarised-borders-are-a-bonanza-for-the-arms-industry-52630
***
Arms sales: France and the
United Arab Emirates, partners in the crimes committed in Yemen?
https://www.fidh.org/en/region/europe-central-asia/france/arms-sales-france-and-the-united-arab-emirates-partners-in-the-crimes
Addition:
Not just France. The Biden administration said on Tuesday it
wants a "clear, mutual understanding" of the UAE's
obligations before it finalises a $23bn sale of US-made F-35 fighter
jets, Reaper drones and other advanced munitions.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-uae-f-35-sale-seeks-mutual-understanding-obligations
Additon2: And for those who think the Dutch government is transparent on its exports. It isn't! Dutch companies will produce for the F-35's and Reaper drones. The exports will be reported as aircraft components to the United States. No questions asked.
December 14
***
AI Control or Competition?
Organisational change at the Pentagon gets to the heart of the US
Joint All-Domain Command and Control approach, which seeks to more
seamlessly connect sensor information to shooters to allow for faster
decision-making.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/artificial-intelligence/2021/12/08/pentagon-creates-new-digital-and-artificial-intelligence-office/
***
UK overhauls export control
licensing regime and tightens controls on exports to China.
@ButcherMartin
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:bk8II8A0yJ8J:https://www.worldecr.com/news/uk-overhauls-export-control-licensing-regime-and-tightens-controls-on-exports-to-china/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=nl
***
Het streven naar verhoging van
de defensiebegrotingen van NAVO-landen tot 2% van het BNP met daarin
minimaal 20% voor de aanschaf van nieuwe wapens zal onvermijdelijk
leiden tot meer broeikasgas-uitstoot.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/militair-klimaatbeleid/
***
#Egypt buys from Bulgaria mainly
ammunition, small arms and light weapons, artillery ammunition, spare
parts, batteries for combat vehicles, bulletproof vests, and more.
https://www.24chasa.bg/novini/article/10461835
(via BBC Monitoring Europe).
***
Shit happens? No military
personnel will be punished for mistakes made in a drone strike that
killed 10 civilians in Afghanistan in August, defense officials
confirmed on Monday.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/12/13/no-military-personnel-will-be-punished-for-afghanistan-air-strike-that-killed-10-civilians/
***
Not Just NSO: Israel fears US
targeting all Israeli offensive cyber firms
The days in which NSO worked in secret with the active encouragement of PM Netanyahu and the intelligence community are over, never to return
***
Norwegian environmentalists are
complaining that the country’s new F35s, to replace F-16 fighters,
will generate too many greenhouse gases: “fuel consumption for the
new fighter jets is estimated to be as much as 60% higher,”
according to daily Dagsavisen.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/next-threat-stealth-f-35-global-warming-92931
Extra:
The F-16's are cascading to Romania. The Romanian MoD has asked
the country’s lawmakers to approve the purchase of 32 second-hand
F-16 fighter jets from Norway under a contract estimated to be worth
about €454 million.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/12/13/romania-eyes-norwegian-f-16s-under-513-million-deal/
***
Dutch naval vessel combat
system exported globally. U.S. Navy as well as navies in Asia,
Europe, the Gulf region, Latin America, the Middle East and North
Africa.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/document/2019-04/Tacticos-v02.pdf
Retweet @thalesnederland: 38 Tacticos operational users, people we rely on to make the world go round, are participating in the Tacticos User Days in the Netherlands. They rely on 200 Tacticos engineers. Thanks to the system’s open architecture, new functionalities are added every six months.
December 13
***
October the Dutch government
gave an export license for ML communication systems destined for
#Italy but #Egypt was the end user. Valued € 2,362,000 (over the 2m
threshold to report to Parliament which didn't happen). Is this about
systems or components?
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-uitvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief-ML-uitvoer-rev09122021.csv
***
Commercial market survey expects
autonomous weapons sales to reach US$ 30 billion in 2030.
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/autonomous-weapons-market.html
***
The US has rejected an Israeli
request to fast-track the delivery of two Boeing KC-46 tanker
aircraft which had been ordered by Israel, as plans for a possible
military option against Iran's nuclear plan move forward.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/us-rejects-israeli-request-for-tanker-aircraft-as-iran-plans-advance-688600
***
Israel rejected a proposed arms
deal from the United Arab Emirates due to recent rapprochement with
Iran, an Israeli newspaper revealed on Sunday.
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/israel-refuses-sell-iron-dome-uae
***
The government has brought
in new rules for the arms trade that experts fear will make it easier
to ignore human rights concerns when deciding whether to allow
international sales of UK-made weapons.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/12/new-rules-on-uk-arms-trade-make-it-easier-to-sideline-human-rights
December 12
***
Question by Die Linke on the
size of arms transit (and stopped transports) in the Harbour of
Hamburg (https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/002/2000214.pdf).
***
A Greenpeace study into the
policies of Germany, Italy and Spain shows (based on publicly
available documents) that Europe is not afraid to send its soldiers
for to protect its fosil fuel interests in North Africa, the Gulf of
Guinea and the Middle East.
https://www.fr.de/meinung/gastbeitraege/militaerischer-schutz-fuer-oel-und-gas-91169336.html
***
Greece-Turkey maritime
delimitation dispute continues; a new period of escalation might be
on the horizon. France also views the dispute in the region as a
golden opportunity for arms sales & gather more profit for its
arms companies, states Turkish TRT.
https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/how-the-eu-can-help-de-escalate-greece-turkey-tensions-52510
***
Overview of thought on China -
Taiwan (and US) relations. 'The largest, most impactful war the
world's ever seen': Can the US, China avoid Taiwan face-off?
Channel NewsAsia, December 11, 2021 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/largest-most-impactful-war-worlds-ever-seen-can-us-china-avoid-taiwan-face-2369936
***
De F-35 wordt gebouwd door een
consortium, waar ook in Nederland gevestigde bedrijven aan meewerken.
Zo worden verschillende onderdelen die GKN Aerospace (waar het
vroegere Fokker deel van uitmaakt) aan Lockheed Martin levert, in
Nederland gefabriceerd.
https://fd.nl/politiek/1422826/gkn-fokker-profiteert-van-finse-keuze-voor-f-35
***
Nigerian Navy commissions large
number of new vessels included two Damen FCS 4008 patrol vessels (NNS
Kano and NNS Ikenne) built by Damen Song Cam shipyard in Vietnam and
delivered around June/July this year.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/nigerian-navy-commissions-large-number-of-new-vessels/
***
Inter-NATO arms sales rivalry.
French authorities have fired a shot across the bow of another US
attempt to sink one of its foreign defence contracts, after the loss
of the submarines sale to Australia. But this time the US gave France
advanced notice.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/not-this-time-says-france-to-us-over-rival-frigate-offers-to-greece/news-story/45be2f8348115c20141b7aebbf2d96ee
December
11
***
The U.S. Air Force has donated
C-130 Hercules airlifters to Jordan and Niger to help boost their
airlift capabilities. Niger received the second of a planned transfer
of three C-130Hs on Dec. 7.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/former-usaf-c-130s-transferred-jordan-niger
***
In addition to Afghanistan, US
commandos deployed — and in some cases are still deploying — to
Iraq and Syria and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. #SOF
https://www.businessinsider.com/what-socom-learned-in-afghanistan-means-for-future-fights-2021-12
***
Why is there so much pressure
for higher EU defence industrial funds, when major arms are bought in
the US?
Finland picks the F-35 as its next fighter, continuing the US warplane’s inroads in Europe
***
Which allies don't want to see
the US adopt a "no first use declaration"? Can they be
named so they subsequently can be shamed.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2021/12/10/defense-bill-orders-biden-nuclear-briefing-for-congress-on-probing-allies/
***
Australia plans to ditch
European Airbus Taipan helicopters for US Black Hawks, months after
Aukus pact.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3159177/australia-plans-ditch-european-taipan-helicopters-us-black
Addition: #Dutch industry affected by Australian heli decision. The MRH90 Taipan, named after a deadly venomous snake, is an Australian-specific derivative of the NH90, developed in Europe by NHIndustries, which comprises Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, & GKN #Fokker. https://theaviationist.com/2021/12/14/australia-retires-mrh90-taipan/
December 10
***
US support for authoritarian
governments. The US continues to support a number of non-democratic
states in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, providing
them with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weapons deals.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/arab-activists-us-biden-democracy-summit
***
Malawi corruption: Eyebrowse
raised over how SF International continue to win multi-million euro's
contracts with the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police to supply
military equipment.
https://www.nyasatimes.com/sf-international-goes-to-bed-with-security-top-brass-amid-eye-brows/
December 9
***
Post-shipment on-site
inspections enable a state to perform checks on exported military
materiel after they've been delivered. SIPRI Policy Brief is intended
to inform on various national processes currently underway that are
connected to such inspections.
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2021/sipri-policy-briefs/post-shipment-site-inspections-military-materiel-challenges-and-responses
***
Afghanistan: Kassa voor de
wapenindustrie. De politiek wil de slachtoffers van twintig jaar
falend beleid vooral buiten de deur houden, voor de wapenindustrie
betekent dat nogmaals aan hun ellende verdienen.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/afghanistan-kassa-voor-de-wapenindustrie/
***
Dassault owned Le Figaro on
resolution against EU eco-label which aims to exclude firms with a
military production share of +5%. Industries find it hypocritical to
spend money on arms & regard weapons as not ecological. But are
they environmental friendly?
https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/taxonomie-ou-ecolabel-ces-projets-europeens-qui-inquietent-les-industriels-francais-de-la-defense-20211208
***
"We have to export peace,
not arms."
German trade unionist on the arms industry: It isn't a determining factor, unlike the automotive industry or the health sector, for example. A "few thousand depend on the arms industry." https://www.badische-zeitung.de/gewerkschafter-wir-muessen-frieden-exportieren-nicht-waffen
***
US implemented restrictions on
military sales on Cambodja because of China. Aim of the 'embargo' is
to ensure that defense-related items aren't available to Cambodia's
military and military intelligence services without advance review by
the US government.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/us-orders-arms-embargo-on-cambodia-cites-chinese-influence.html
Addition:
And an outburst of anger in Pnom Penh. Leader Hun Sen ordered the
country’s military to destroy any US weaponry or dump it in
warehouses, after Washington imposed an arms embargo over human
rights concerns.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/12/12/destroy-all-us-weapons
Addition: Long reaction to Biden's policy on Cambodia. Potus has a long history with the country. Advice do not let ghost from the teapot dictate US policy in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. https://menafn.com/1103349076/Bidens-failed-Cambodia-policy-a-ghost-from-the-past
***
#US partner in the Middle East
armed even more. The US Senate rejected a resolution on Tuesday that
would have prohibited the proposed sale of advanced medium range
air-to-air missiles, missile launchers and other weapons and support
to #Saudi Arabia.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-senate-back-sale-missiles-saudi-arabia-2021-12-07
***
The submission of paperwork for
certain dual-use goods items subject to the Wassenaar Arrangement
will be waived in South-Korea.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2021/12/488_320173.html
***
The US DoD acquires and licenses
intellectual property #IP—such as computer software and technical
data—for its weapon systems. Yet, DOD often does not acquire the IP
it needs to operate and maintain those systems, which can lead to
surging costs later. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-104752
***
#Turkey has chosen an US-made
engine for its future fighter TF-X, but the country will also work
with Russia to locally produce aircraft parts, Turkey’s top
procurement official said.
Analysts say Congress most likely won’t endorse engine sales to Turkey. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/12/08/could-turkeys-future-tf-x-jet-include-a-mix-of-american-and-russian-tech/
***
Egypt’s Defense Ministry
is launching the country’s first naval defense exhibition in
September 2022, dubbed “Naval Power,” according to the commander
of the Navy.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/12/08/egypt-to-host-its-first-naval-defense-expo-in-2022/
December 8
***
Norman Friedman noted the French
loss of the Australian submarine order "may be a hint that it
should offer its own nuclear submarine technology to prospective
buyers." And thus expand the submerged arms race even stronger
to nuclear powered #submarines.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/november/australia-and-nuclear-powered-submarines
***
When in military doctrine
offensive & defence "exist simultaneously as "necessary
components of each other and the transition from one to the other is
fluid and continuous",
(https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/MCDP%201%20Warfighting%20GN.pdf?ver=2019-01-31-110543-300)
why are we calling Ministries of Military Affairs, still Ministries
of Defence?
***
Director of the Center for
Analysis of Strategies & Technologies Ruslan Pukhov said #SIPRI
misses - not intentionally - information. #Russian arms exports are
not dindling, but "the entire global arms market, including the
Russian segment, is on the rise."
https://tass.com/defense/1371973
***
Airbus US Space & Defense
entered in a settlement agreement to pay to the United States
$1,043,475 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims
Act by billing impermissible fees in contracts involving a number of
federal
agencies.https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/government-contractor-agrees-pay-more-1-million-resolve-false-claims-act-lawsuit-overbilling
Turkey hints at potential Hurkus aircraft sale to Azerbaijan Hurkus-C, the armed variant of the base version Hurkus, features locally developed ammunition . It can also use INS/GPS-guided bombs, conventional bombs, non-guided rockets and machine guns. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/12/07/turkey-hints-at-potential-hurkus-aircraft-sale-to-azerbaijan/
***
A NEW peace
declaration demanding that the executive and Irish and British
governments reject any plans to allow arms manufacturers to establish
in Ireland is to be launched today.
https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/12/07/news/-downpatrick-declaration-to-demand-rejection-of-arms-trade-2528287/
***
1/3
Israel Exports Arms That Endanger Human Rights Because It Serves Us,
Top Defense Official Admits.
2/3 "Thales is the number 1 exporter of cyber technology in Europe. Who don't they sell to? Just name it, they're already there. Places we wouldn't dare touch. So they have an ethical code, or so they say. Very nice," Pinko (1st director Defense Export Control Agency) said.
3/3 "The only state that
upholds the human rights issue is Germany. Germany will not sell to
Saudi Arabia or other such countries, out of considerations of human
rights (...) that didn't prevent [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel
from offering the Saudis a fleet of submarines."
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.HIGHLIGHT.MAGAZINE-israel-exported-arms-that-endangered-human-rights-top-defense-official-admits-1.10445867
Addition: 'Trust the Dictator': Israel's New Method of 'Supervising' Cyber Arms Exports. Israel's Foreign and Defense Ministries have introduced a defense export policy that made Israel into one of the world's main supporters of state-sponsored terror. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-trust-the-dictator-israel-s-new-method-of-supervising-cyber-arms-exports-1.10449545
December 7
***
Recent news of potential
civilian casualties during drone attack comes just days after the
Pentagon appointed a general to investigate a deadly March 18, 2019,
attack that killed 70 civilians.
https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2021/12/04/civilians-may-have-been-killed-in-latest-us-drone-strike-on-al-qaida-in-syria-centcom/
***
MEPs of The Left in the
European Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee #SEDE have
commissioned a study on EU Border Regime: Profiteering from
Dehumanisation & Mythologised Technologies.
https://left.eu/profiteering-from-dehumanisation-on-eu-borders/
***
India and Russia agreed
on a € 610 million Kalashnikov transaction. Approximately 600,000
AK 203 rifles would be manufactured in India as part of the
agreement.
https://english.newstracklive.com/news/defense-deal-of-5200-crores-signed-between-india-and-russia-ak-203-rifle-will-be-made-in-india-mc23-nu764-ta325-1196885-1.html
December 6
***
Egypt
unveils domestic naval combatants projects
https://egyptiandefenseblog.wordpress.com/2021/12/04/egypt-unveils-ambitious-domestic-naval-projects-at-edex2021/
Thales Netherlands seems to make long nose towards peace organisations after judge gave green light for military export to Al-Sisi regime with next export, 3D Smart Mk2 target radar https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/smart-s-mk2-3d-medium-long-range-surveillance-radar
***
Retweet @ForumArmsTrade:
Finland is reportedly set to pick F-35 fighter jets in its $11
billion tender to replace soon-outdated war planes that form a key
defense pillar of Russia’s neighbor
https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-05/finland-is-said-to-pick-lockheed-martin-f-35-jets-iltalehti
via @business
***
Army Op goes Awry; 14 Civilians
Killed in Nagaland.
https://www.mangalorean.com/14-killed-in-nagaland-violence-after-army-operation-goes-awry/
Not an accident, but part of a militarised repressive & "senseless" policy, see Dragon On Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power door Pravin Sawhney en Ghazala Wahab. https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2019/12/drakendoder-in-india.html
***
5 % more on military! European
Union states spent nearly €200 billion ($225 billion) on militaries
in 2020, the most since records began in 2006, but joint investment
by governments fell, the European Defence Agency #EDA said in a
report on Monday.
https://gazette.com/news/us-world/record-eu-defence-spending-masks-failure-to-collaborate-report-says/article_f33a762b-b105-56d7-9de7-b681b5fb2dd7.html
Addition: EDA Defence Data 2019-2020 https://eda.europa.eu/publications-and-data/latest-publications/eda-defence-data-2019-2020
***
Russian President Vladimir Putin
will travel to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December
6 for a summit expected to be dominated by energy and weapons sales.
https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-india-weapons-s400-/31595401.html
***
Never enough. The #UAE purchase
of French #Rafale fighter jets will complement its planned deal to
buy the US #F35 warplanes, which has slowed due to Washington's
concerns over Abu Dhabi's relationship with China, the country’s
defense ministry said.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/french-fighter-jets-not-a-substitute-for-american-f-35s-uae
***
#Saudi Arabian Military
Industries #SAMI and #Airbus will form a joint venture on military
aviation services and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)
capabilities.
By the way Airbus is a French-German-Spanish company with its official HQ in Leiden, NL. https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/614337/SAUDI-ARABIA/SAMI-Airbus-to-form-joint-venture-for-military-aviation-MRO-and-services
***
Despite a stream of
complaints arms sales of SIPRI Top 100 arms companies continue to
grow amid pandemic.
https://sipri.org/media/press-release/2021/business-usual-arms-sales-sipri-top-100-arms-companies-continue-grow-amid-pandemic
Aanvulling: De internationale wapenhandel heeft vorig jaar geen last gehad van corona. Uit berekeningen van het Zweedse vredesinstituut SIPRI blijkt dat de sector voor het zesde jaar op rij groeide. https://nos.nl/artikel/2408388-geen-coronadip-voor-internationale-wapenhandel
December 5
***
France, chaired at the time by
François Hollande, delivered tens of thousands of bombs to Saudi
Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2016, knowing that they would
be used in the war in Yemen, according to the Disclose site.
https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1283630/des-bombes-livrees-en-2016-a-larabie-et-aux-emirats-par-la-france-affirme-disclose.html
***
Vulture policies: Macron has
suggested that the blurs between Washington and its Saudi ally could
create favorable opportunities for Paris in the reconstruction of the
regional balance of power.
https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2021/12/03/a-dubai-emmanuel-macron-defend-son-choix-de-traiter-avec-les-regimes-autoritaires-du-golfe_6104649_3210.html
***
The brain teaser for a Sunday
afternoon: Ethical investors threaten national security.
A least this is what #Serco (public services provider) chief claims in a European wide campaign by military industries to confront ethical financial policies. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/ethical-investors-put-national-security-at-risk-warns-serco-chief/
***
A dubious honour: Macron
becomes first major Western leader to go to Saudi Arabia since
Khashoggi killing. But is it is profitable and offers a smelly
grandeur to French power politics. https://thehill.com/policy/international/584360-macron-becomes-first-major-western-leader-to-go-to-saudi-arabia-since
***
The Moroccan Khouribga base,
where a French naval aeronautics school base was established in 1945,
and handed over to Rabat in the early 1960s, will be rehabilitated to
receive Boeing AH-64E #Apache attack #helicopters acquired by
#Morocco. #WesternShara
https://ledesk.ma/enoff/la-base-de-khouribga-sera-rehabilitee-pour-recevoir-les-ah-64e-apache/
***
Jeune Afrique on the battle for
Africa. China wins on the economic level and despite illusions
disappeared remains a strategic partner. On the military level, on
the other hand, the Americans remain much more established than the
Chinese.
https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1275672/politique/comment-la-chine-et-les-etats-unis-se-disputent-lafrique/
***
French presidential
candidate for Green party Yannick Jadot deplored the sale of 80
Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates on Friday, saying
"France shames us when it arms authoritarian regimes".
https://www.europe1.fr/politique/la-france-nous-fait-honte-jadot-deplore-la-vente-de-80-rafale-aux-emirats-4080500
December 4
***
Artists #boycott #Spotify as CEO
invests €100m in #AI military tech: “It’s a complete
contradiction of our music philosophy”
https://musictech.com/news/industry/artists-boycott-spotify-as-ceo-invests-e100m-in-ai-defense-tech-its-a-complete-contradiction-of-our-music-philosophy/
***
The Virtualized Aegis Weapon
System #VAWS provided targeting data for Army and Air Force operation
centers in Hawaii and Guam during Valiant Shield (Sept 2020). The
system links together offensive and defensive fires capability.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/october/aegis-baseline-10-joint-battle-management
***
Nederlands wereldwijde
machtsvertoon komt na zeven maanden weer thuis.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2021/47/02_zr.ms.evertsen-terug_47
***
Despite this country's
proclaimed values and its international commitments, French-made
weapons are being used to carry out repression and kill civilians in
some of the world's worst conflicts. Mediapart lists some.
@RachidaElAzzz reports.
https://www.mediapart.fr/en/journal/international/021221/repression-and-death-how-french-made-weapons-are-being-used-global-conflicts
***
#France and the #UAE United Arab
Emirates sign 4 agreements, the largest of which is the supply of 80
Rafale fighters. Who speaks of diversion of arms, #Yemen, #Libya, and
something soft like aiming for #peace?
https://asumetech.com/france-and-the-united-arab-emirates-sign-4-agreements-the-largest-of-which-is-the-supply-of-80-rafale-fighters/
***
Jemen: hoe de wapenhandel wint
en de humanitaire hulp verliest (de helft minder alweer dan vorig
jaar). Twintig miljoen mensen in nood en op de vlucht. Jemenieten
houden van poëzie, zegt Laila, en ze citeert de dichter Sana Uqba:
‘peace will surely come’.
https://www.volkskrant.nl/columns-opinie/waarom-het-hier-en-nu-over-jemen-moet-gaan~bb1e9c5c/
Addition:
This week 64 international organisations, including Britain-based
group Campaign Against the Arms Trade, have signed a statement
calling on the UN General Assembly to urgently set up a new
international accountability mechanism for Yemen.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/civil-society-groups-call-for-new-independent-investigation-into-war-crimes-in-yemen
***
De nalatenschap van Desmond
Ball heeft een overzichtelijke boek opgeleverd; een schematische
introductie in de veiligheidssituatie in Azië, waarin ontwikkelingen
zijn geordend, gevaren benoemd en een aanzet tot oplossingen gegeven.
Mijn bespreking ervan.
https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2021/12/de-geopolitiek-in-azie.html
December 3
***
Also the Chinese arms industry
on Thursday wrapped up its exhibition of advanced weapons and
equipment, including tanks, artillery, warplanes, air defense
missiles, drones and electronic warfare systems, at the largest
international defense expo in Egypt. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202112/1240546.shtml
***
Abundance of extremism in the US
armed forces. It is not centrally registered, but the facts reported
this week are illuminating. Army reported eg. 33 allegations of
“racially motivated violent extremism,” Navy had 30, the Marines
7 and the Air Force ...
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/12/02/army-reports-the-most-racist-extremism-cases-usmc-the-most-anti-government-watchdog/
Hundreds
—possibly thousands— of armor-piercing grenades, plastic
explosives, as well as land mines and rockets have been stolen from
or lost by the US armed forces over the past decade, according to an
ongoing AP investigation into the military’s
failure.https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/12/02/us-military-explosives-vanish-emerge-in-civilian-world/
***
How to Jumpstart a Dialogue With
China on Arms Control
Engaging China in talks for its accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime could open the way for broader arms control talks.
https://thediplomat.com/2021/12/how-to-jumpstart-a-dialogue-with-china-on-arms-control/
America’s
defense chief rebuked China on Thursday, vowing to confront its
potential military threats in Asia and warning that its pursuit of
hypersonic weapons intended to evade U.S. missile defenses “increases
tensions in the region.”
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2021/12/02/us-defense-chief-slams-chinas-drive-for-hypersonic-weapons/
***
US unlikely to impose CAATSA
sanctions (like Turkey) on India for S-400, but other Russian deals
won’t be easy
The $5.43-bn S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems deal is going to be at the centre of the upcoming India visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
December 2
***
The protests by the arms
industry on ethical restrictions imposed on them by banks arn't
surprising, but rightly so activities to target involvement of
institutions in financing arms industries and thus wars around te
world continue. Like here: https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/22601
***
Dutch export of supply system
for #Indonesian naval replenishment ship, valued € 2.423.000
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/kamerstukken/2021/11/29/kamerbrief-inzake-afgifte-vergunning-voor-export-militair-materieel-naar-indonesie/kamerbrief-inzake-afgifte-vergunning-voor-export-militair-materieel-naar-indonesie.pdf
More on Dutch ‘Underway replenishment’ #UNREP systems (in Dutch, illustrated): https://www.maritiemland.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NML-Serie-35-De-marine-en-marinebouwcluster.pdf
***
German sensor systems in combat
drones in use in crisis areas. “The federal government must ensure
that arms companies no longer use loopholes and can indirectly export
arms technology to authoritarian regimes,” Greenpeace demands.
https://detv.us/2021/12/01/no-loopholes-more-greenpeace-wants-tougher-arms-control/
***
#Italian student Giulio Regeni
was abducted, tortured and killed by Egypt's security apparatus, a
parliamentary commission of inquiry into the early 2016 incident said
in its final report yesterday.
The Regenis have appealed to the
EU for help in finding the truth about their son's slaying and have
condemned continued Italian arms sales to #Egypt including two
frigates.
https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2021/12/01/regeni-killed-by-egypt-security-apparatus-says-panel_87947253-f1bf-4b1c-a963-898e53c9dd79.html
***
Another arms traders on the road
to the Gulf. A bipartisan group of senators wants to stop the #US
Biden administration from selling arms to #Saudi Arabia, but they are
running out of time.
https://www.nationaljournal.com/s/715793/the-clock-is-ticking-for-lawmakers-to-stop-bidens-first-major-saudi-arms-deal/
***
EDA will keep ammunition and
missiles 'healthier'. project is implemented by a consortium composed
by 13 European organisations, namely: MBDA Italy, Dutch #TNO, BAE
Systems Bofors AB, Polish Military University of Technology (MUT),
and more
https://eda.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/2021/11/25/eda-s-munition-health-management-project-expands
***
#Embraer and the Dutch Aerospace
Center #NLR have signed a MoU for a potential strategic collaboration
relating to aerospace research. The research areas include technology
development and innovation in defence and space systems, and more.
https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/embraer-and-the-netherlands-aerospace-centre-sign-a-mou-for-strategic-collaboration-relating-to-aerospace-research
***
Arms trafficker on the road to
the desert. French President Emmanuel Macron returns to the Gulf on
Friday, to obtain new contracts, such as the one expected on the
Rafales in the Emirates.
https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/12/02/macron-en-tournee-dans-le-golfe-entre-diplomatie-et-contrats
Addition:
France Should Stop Selling Arms to the United Arab Emirates,
Saudi Arabia
Macron Should Address Rights Abuses in Gulf Region
***
Civil society calls on French
company Thales to put an end to suspected indirect support to the
Myanmar Junta.
https://rsf.org/en/news/civil-society-calls-french-company-thales-put-end-suspected-indirect-support-myanmar-junta
Wrote on the issue six years ago: https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2015/07/despite-military-embargo-india-sells.html But was answered tech was absolete. Glad it surfaces again.
***
Satellite imagery obtained
by Al Jazeera reveals that the UAE is providing extensive military
support to the Ethiopian government in the civil war against Tigrayan
forces which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and displaced
millions.
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/satellite-images-reveal-uae-military-support-ethiopia
In het Nederlands: Satellietbeelden, waarover Al Jazeera beschikt, laten zien hoe de Verenigde Arabische Emiraten uitgebreide steun verlenen aan het Ethiopische leger bij de strijd tegen de rebellen in de regio Tigray. Er is een luchtbrug geopend voor militaire bevoorrading. http://troepenbewegingen.blogspot.com/2021/11/luchtbrug-van-emiraten-naar-ethiopie.html
December 1
***
More reassuring would be a
heading like:
US in hypersonic weapon 'arms control efforts' with China
Hardening of relations seems to be the choice of the day, at the cost of future relations & tax payer. Nice for the Military Scientific Industrial Complex. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-hypersonic-weapon-arms-race-with-china-air-force-secretary-2021-11-30/
***
During Hollande’s presidency,
Egypt became the world’s largest buyer of French armaments. It has
remained so under Emmanuel Macron, who preserved continuity by making
Le Drian minister for foreign affairs — and external trade.
https://www.monde-diplomatique.fr/2021/12/FONTENELLE/64116
***
The majority of #Libya is still
controlled by armed groups.
"Based on the 2020 transfers, arms stockpiles remain high and sufficient to sustain any future conflict," the UN experts said in a confidential report.
***
Airbus Takes Part in EDEX 2021
in Egypt With Defence and Military Operations Solutions.
https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/airbus-takes-part-edex-2021-egypt-defence-and-military-operations-solutions-1457085
***
Among allies. Airbus Helicopters
CEO Bruno Even said: "The aggressiveness of the Americans is
very strong on the military helicopter market."
https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-agressivite-des-americains-est-tres-forte-sur-le-marche-des-helicopteres-militaires-bruno-even-897438.html
***
Why is Turkey selling drones to
Ukraine? Turkey did “even though it was going to be something that
would certainly ruffle Russian feathers...it really shows that as far
as the Turks are concerned, there aren’t friends, there are
interests,” said @jteurope
https://thedispatch.com/p/why-is-turkey-selling-drones-to-ukraine
***
Two locally produced drones
have made their debut at the Egypt Defence Expo. One of them, the
EJune-30 looks exactly like the Emirati Yabhon United 40 unmanned
aerial vehicle. It is highly probable that technology was transfered
from the UAE to Egypt.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2021/11/30/egypt-unveils-locally-made-drones-at-edex-2021/
