My tweets (or X's) for late August

 Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
(Between July 14 and August 19 no tweets were created by me.)

August 31

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When it comes to contributing to the European Defence Fund #EDF, #Spain “punches above its weight,” according to a new Spanish report (https://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/en/analyses/investing-and-innovating-spain-and-the-european-defence-fund/), even outspending Germany, despite Berlin having a military budget more than 3x that of Madrid. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/08/spain-punches-above-its-weight-in-european-defense-fund-investments-report/

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The “One China policy” has kept the peace in the Taiwan strait. The understanding has been strained in recently by statements and actions on both sides. But renewing it in one form or another will do more to prevent war than all the drones in the world. https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2023/08/29/can-building-swarms-of-drones-head-off-war-with-china/?sh=2e75e5d6338b

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September 26, Military Emissions Gap Conference 2023--Military and Conflcit GHG Emissions: From Understanding to Mitigation, hosted by Conflict and Environment Observatory and others. https://ceobs.org/conference-military-and-conflict-ghg-emissions-from-understanding-to-mitigation/

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#Damen Digital Solutions, the digital services division of Damen Shipyards Group, and the British Royal #Navy’s innovation programme NavyX will work on the development of new solutions to enhance maritime operations based on the Damen Triton data platform. https://english.defensearabia.com/damen-triton-and-british-royal-navy-announce-collaboration/

August 30

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English Schadenfreude

Berlin and Paris clash over Europe’s next-generation fighter jet. Both countries have differing views on how to fund the project and who the jets should be sold to.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/08/30/berlin-paris-clash-europe-next-generation-fighter-jet/

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Remarkably, there is limited research and publicly available information about the connection between #climate change and militarism, but the impact of war and the military #industry on climate change can be observed on various levels. https://nation.cymru/opinion/the-arms-trade-and-the-climate-crisis/

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The arrest of the Egyptian father of a German activist is the latest in an escalating trend of targeting families of outspoken activists to silence dissent, while the world turns a blind eye. Cairo is even still a major destination for German arms exports. https://www.newarab.com/analysis/egypt-relatives-regime-critics-face-state-reprisal

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In 'Kijk eens aan, nu bewapent #Israël Europa' ontkent Robbert de Witt niet dat er talrijke rafelrandjes aan Israël zitten, maar we moeten toch vooral zien dat het land een succes is. 't Bewapent nu al her-en-der Europa, zo slaat hij de juichtoon aan.

Elseviers Weekblad EW 020923

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#Netherlands doubles order of MQ-9 Reaper #drones, plans to #arm them. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/08/29/netherlands-doubles-order-of-mq-9-reaper-drones-plans-to-arm-them/

August 29

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#Hanwha Defense #Australia has awarded #Israeli firm #Epsilor a contract to supply NATO-standard Li-Ion vehicle batteries for its Huntsman self-propelled #howitzers. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/08/25/australia-huntsman-howitzer-batteries-epsilor

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Surprising: Dutch maritime technology lobby organisation (NMT) advertises shipbuilding fair Marintec China https://maritimetechnology.nl/nl/agenda/marintec-2023/ the first mentioned suporter is the Equipment Department of PLA [Chinese] Navy. https://www.marintecchina.com/about_the_fair/

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Like in Norway (https://www.europeansanctions.com/2023/07/norway-to-establish-sanctions-and-export-control-agency/) also a separate department for export controls and sanctions will be created in the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/en/home/seco/nsb-news.msg-id-97397.html).
From 1 September 2023, sanctions, arms control and arms control policy, export controls on industrial products and export control policy dual-use will be separated from the previous area of bilateral economic relations and combined under their own management.

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The DOJ Aug. 24 filed an administrative lawsuit alleging that Elon Musk’s private rocket manufacturer #SpaceX engaged in “routine, widespread, and longstanding” #discrimination by refusing to hire asylees and refugees. The company wrongly stated that it could only hire US citizens and lawful permanent residents because of #export_control_laws limiting access to defence and national security-related technologies, the DOJ said.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/spacex-hiring-case-shows-export-control-immigration-law-clash

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is hitting back at the Justice Department over a lawsuit alleging that the company engaged in employment discrimination against asylum recipients and refugees. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/elon-musk-hits-back-at-doj-over-lawsuit-alleging-hiring-discrimination-by-spacex/ar-AA1fR0Ju

August 28

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The Federal Government gives in its answer (20/8053 https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/080/2008053.pdf) on a small request (20/7954 https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/079/2007954.pdf) from the Die Linke for information on ammunition and armaments exports via the Port of Hamburg in the first quarter of 2023.
https://www.bundestag.de/presse/hib/kurzmeldungen-963564

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Allegations of #corruption at Ruag.

Geheimakte #Ruag Ermittlungen gegen Walliser Manager. Korruptionsvorwürfe beim Rüstungskonzern – internes Papier legt brisante Details offen.

#Leopard tanks, #Ukraine, lax/creative rules, #Swiss, #Germany. https://www.blick.ch/news/internes-papier-legt-brisante-details-offen-geheimakte-ruag-spur-fuehrt-zu-einem-walliser-manager-id18881069.html

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Klimaat is een issue bij #Damen. Het gaat wel eens mis. De Australische #Nuyina van de scheepsbouwer mag niet onder een brug door en moet 100den km's omvaren om te bunkeren. Door de problemen werd ook een poolijsonderzoeksexpeditie afgelast. https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2023/08/25/damens-ijsbreker-nuyina-mag-brug-in-tasmanie-niet-door/

See also Australia’s $528m Antarctic icebreaker too big to fit under Tasman bridge to refuel: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/24/australias-528m-antarctic-icebreaker-too-big-to-fit-under-tasman-bridge-to-refuel

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#UAE Major-General Al-Alawi indicated that #MBDA approached the UAE with offers for an air defense system and AShMs for the Gowind corvettes. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62125

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EDITORIAL in major Japanese daily:

Arms exports rules must not be gutted without full public debate.

"the administration must not be allowed to make this grave decision in the rash manner"
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14989145

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The #UAE's #Edge_Group has expanded its footprint in the #Brazilian military sector by signing cooperation agreements with the Brazilian Air Force’s Department of Aerospace Science and Technology and engine developer Turbomachine. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/edge-group-deepens-brazil-defence-ties-with-new-technology-agreements/

UAE’s EDGE Group to co-develop defense systems with Brazilian military organization. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/08/uaes-edge-group-to-co-develop-defense-systems-with-brazilian-military-organization/

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#India has lifted a ban on #AgustaWestland and its parent company, Italian firm #Leonardo, allowing them to participate in ongoing projects and upcoming defence contracts. They were banned in 2015 for alleged #corruption in a helicopter supply contract. https://the1014.co.nz/uncategorized/agusta-westland-ban-revoked-law-asia/47859/

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A notorious arms fair in London is to be targeted for two weeks of resistance by protesters.

The annual #DSEI fair is attended by delegates from the world’s most repressive and murderous regimes, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Qatar and Israel.

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/activists-announce-two-week-action-targeting-notorious-dsei-arms-fair-london

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#South_Korea uses a warship (with exhibition booth) on a training mission (the #Hwacheon) to globally promote exports for its military industry.

The ship will visit the US, #Saudi Arabia, #Egypt, India and #Germany and several other countries. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/08/113_357929.html

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How Europe is shifting its Middle East policy: choosing geopolitical interests over values – OpEd

Includes a number of reasons/interests why European countries have choosen to lower normative standards.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/28082023-how-europe-is-shifting-its-middle-east-policy-choosing-geopolitical-interests-over-values-oped/

August 24

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Dutch government receives parliamentary questions on European arms exports. https://www.asser.nl/about-the-asser-institute/news/dutch-government-receives-parliamentary-questions-on-european-arms-exports/

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UK #Labour conference set to host weapons manufacturers and a controversial #spyware firm. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/labour-party-conference-greenwashing-weapons-boeing-palantir-babcock/

Arms firms, oil companies and private healthcare among firms sponsoring this autumn's Labour conference

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/arms-firms-oil-companies-and-private-healthcare-among-firms-sponsoring-autumns-labour

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German critics are linking the Israle-German Arrow deal to Chancellor Olaf Scholz allegedly blocking a statement on the legality of Israeli occupation recently, and pointing to possible ramifications for the Palestinians. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-08-23/ty-article-magazine/.premium/insanely-complex-germany-israels-arrow-3-system-and-the-occupation/0000018a-224d-da97-a7cb-66ffd86a0000

August 23

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The Israeli government has announced that it will sell the Arrow 3 missile-defence system to Germany, a $3.5 billion deal, marking it as Israel’s largest military export ever. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-arrow-3-missile-killer-sale-germany-approved-by-us-2023-08-17/

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Netherlands to double MQ-9A Reaper order to 8 drones

“We are doubling the number ... so we can increase our maritime and overland intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance (ISR) capacity,” said Lt-Col Ruedisueli, cdt of the Dutch Air Force's 306 Squadron. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/08/netherlands-to-double-mq-9a-order-to-eight-aircraft/

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US TOW anti-tank missiles potentially combined with Bradley armour for Morocco. The latest addition to a significant increase in the firepower of the Morroccan Royal Army (https://ledesk.ma/enoff/des-missiles-antichars-americains-tow-potentiellement-combines-a-des-blindes-bradley-pour-le-maroc/) involved in the illegal occupation of Western Sahara (https://press.un.org/en/2023/gacol3370.doc.htm).

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“Japan’s New Chip Equipment Export Rules Take Effect” Effective 23 July 2023, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (“METI”) imposed export regulations on 23 types of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. “General Bulk License (一般包括許可) for the Netherlands, the US, Taiwan, India, & Lithuania. And e.g China requires a “Specific Bulk License (特定包括許可) https://www.engage.hoganlovells.com/knowledgeservices/news/japans-new-chip-equipment-export-rules-take-effect/

August 22

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President Biden is warned, when he isn't friendly to Riyad the Saudi's/SAMI will cooperate with China on killer drones. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62126

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"As a nation we have [the UK has] to stop sitting down to tea with human rights abusing dictatorships, without exceptions. That means imposing sanctions on Saudi Arabia and withdrawing military support, not rolling out the red carpet.”

Retweet with comment @FisherAndrew79: Looking forward to the stern public condemnations from Rishi Sunak and Andrew Bailey any second now ... "the median pay of a FTSE 100 chief executive was £3.91m in 2022, up 16% from £3.38m in 2021" https://bbc.co.uk/news/business-66574218

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Israeli Elbit Systems will supply a multilayered counter-drone system to the Netherlands in a deal worth $55 million, the Israeli firm announced Monday. https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/08/21/netherlands-buys-counter-drone-defense-from-israels-elbit-systems/

August 21

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#Riyadh is interested in U.S. ground platforms, particularly ones that the Saudi Armed Forces possess, such as the M2 #Bradley vehicle. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62122

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Dutch group #Damen has been compelled to give up management and operational control of the #Mangalia shipyard, #Romania’s largest shipbuilder and the biggest in Damen’s international network. https://www.motorship.com/vessels-and-shipyards/strain-on-damens-romanian-links/1486766.article

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There’s only one way to control AI: nationalization.

True of more strategic products. But control of the economy and improve security is not the priority of the neoliberal political system we live in.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/08/20/its-time-to-nationalize-ai-00111862

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Preparing the next war. #China, #US test intelligent-#drone_swarms in race for military #AI dominance.

Beijing and Washington prioritize autonomous vehicles and surveillance, study shows. https://www.wsj.com/world/china/china-u-s-test-intelligent-drone-swarms-in-race-for-military-ai-dominance-db361265

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How many #Dutch F-16s will be delivered to #Ukraine and when they will be made available hasn't been announced.

Government report in Dutch https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/08/21/zelensky-krijgt-in-nederland-toezegging-voor-f-16s-en-voortdurende-steun

So the 42 fighters (all Dutch #F16s) mentioned by Ukrainian & UK press isn't communicated by the Dutch government.

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On 2 August, MBDA, leaders of the HYDIS consortium, announced that the European Commission has backed the project framework for research on a hypersonic interceptor, through the #EDF. The consortium contributes to the AQUILA concept for an endo-atmospheric hypersonic interceptor capability that can reach 100km above the surface of the Earth. https://www.army-technology.com/news/quantum-interceptor-technology-showcased-for-missile-defence/

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The question of Saudi Arabia's participation in the #GCAP project (#UK, #Italy, #Japan fighter programme) could be decided this fall, during a meeting of the three partner states in London or during the visit of #Saudi prince MbS to the English capital. https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/avion-de-combat-du-futur-le-gcap-anglo-italo-nippon-prend-de-lavance-sur-le-scaf-franco-allemand-1971136

London speeds up negotiations with Riyadh on Typhoon order and sixth generation fighter programme membership. [Paywall] https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2023/08/22/london-speeds-up-negotiations-with-riyadh-on-typhoon-order-and-sixth-generation-fighter-programme-membership,110034552-eve

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Biden should rethink the Saudi Arabia-Israel normalization deal.

What does Riyadh (civil nuclear knowledge, advanced weaponry, security guarantee) and Washington (more oil production...), want from the deal? What will be effects on Saudi foreign policy? https://thehill.com/opinion/international/4158677-biden-should-rethink-the-saudi-arabia-israel-normalization-deal/

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The British Armys AS90 turret training system (developed and manufactured by Van #Halteren Technologies #VHT) has recently reached 100,000 simulated firings since its introduction into the UK Armed Forces in 2005. https://www.army-technology.com/news/uk-as90-turret-trainer-hits-100000-firings-milestone/

August 21

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Last year In Europe military budgets increased by 13%, faster than in any other region. That is translating into big business for European military contractors, who have secured a flurry of new contracts for military ware in recent months. The Economist, August 19, 2023

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German businesses knows very well how important Hungarian factories, skilled workers and engineers are to the global success of German vehicle production and the military industry, PM Orban said at the inauguration of Rheinmetall Hungary's plant in Zalaegerszeg on August 18.

Moreover on the military cooperation between Berlin and Budapest: the Airbus factory in Gyula manufacturing parts for combat helicopters started operating a year ago, Orban said. https://www.budapesttimes.hu/hungary/orban-hungary-germany-natural-allies-on-competitiveness/

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The German arms company Rheinmetall wants to start servicing tanks in Ukraine in the coming days. "We will start the service this month," said Armin Papperger, CEO of the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Sunday newspaper" https://www.indonewyork.com/business/russian-war-of-aggression-rheinmetall-begins-servicing-tanks-directly-h93873.html

My tweets for July 2023

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

 

July 24

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A delegation of Belgium’s #Wallonia region has visited #Serbia to verify arms exports based on permits issued by regional authorities to arms maker Lachaussee, the Serbian Ministry of Defence said on Thursday. https://www.britic.co.uk/?p=1362816

July 23

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How the arms industry wins whether Ukraine wins or loses. In reality, the EU's Act in Support of Ammunition Production has little, if anything, to do with supporting Ukraine, and everything to do with guaranteeing the profit-driven interests of Europe's highly-lucrative arms industry. https://euobserver.com/opinion/157279

July 16

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French thought reaches a new height. German arms export controles limit the prospects for a German armaments sector. Wow! That is serious for Paris because Germany and France are cooperating on several arms systems. https://en.topwar.ru/221520-germanija-neset-ugrozu-dlja-jeksporta-oruzhija-vo-francuzskoj-presse-zadumalis-o-prodazhah-perspektivnogo-istrebitelja-ngf.html

So why not end all arms control?

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The UK is a weaponry ‘Amazon’ for Ukraine and a Supermarket Sweep for dictators. https://www.thecanary.co/opinion/2023/07/13/the-uk-is-a-weaponry-amazon-for-ukraine-and-a-supermarket-sweep-for-dictators/

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MEPs (the pariliamentarians in Brussels) approve plans to provide more ammunition for Ukraine. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230711IPR02613/meps-approve-plans-to-provide-more-ammunition-for-ukraine

A policy which is considered left and green; the Times They Are A-Changin'

***
Waar een klein land zich groots in kan voelen:

Denmark and the Netherlands heading coalition of 11 nations responsible for training pilots and ground personnel

https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/wordpress/2023/07/14/ukraine-f-16-pilot-training-to-commence-in-denmark-in-august/

July 15

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Things may look rosy for NATO today, but climate breakdown, not wars, are the biggest threat to global security. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/nato-vilnius-summit-ukraine-membership-climate-breakdown/ Sttttt those with euro's or dollar in their pockets don't want to know. They want to continue or at best kick a can down a the road.

Two Q&As are missing in: Scientists are freaking out about surging #temperatures. Why aren’t politicians?

1) Why are sitting politicans refusing to take facts seriously?
2) What's the strategy to replace them asap with responsible ones? #ClimateCrisis

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-scientists-freaking-out-about-surging-temperatures-heat-record-climate-change/

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Serbia suspended all arms exports for 30 days, the defense minister said Friday, just days after the US imposed sanctions on the Balkan country’s intelligence chief, Aleksandar Vulin, over alleged illegal arms deals and other criminal activities. https://apnews.com/article/serbia-suspends-export-weapons-us-sanctions-kosovo-ba744a5fc27d2362dfe065c9156705b8

July 12

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Egyptian Minister of Defense and Military Production Mohammad Zaki held on 19/6/2023 a meeting with the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee #EUMC General Robert Brieger.

The meeting focused on naval cooperation between #Egypt and the #EU. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62017

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Factsheet: Human Rights Conditions on U.S. Military Aid to #Egypt Under the Biden Administration. https://pomed.org/publication/human-rights-conditions-on-u-s-military-aid-to-egypt-under-the-biden-administration/

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A crystal clear worded opinion on why delivering #F16's to #Ukraine is not advisable from a tactical viewpoint.

By US Air Force Col. Maximilian Bremer and Kelly Grieco (a senior fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center). https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2023/07/12/ukraines-push-for-f-16s-risks-a-battlefield-advantage-simplicity/

***
#Germany loosens arms exports to #Saudi Arabia, but continues #blocking #Eurofighter jets.

Berlin will allow weapon sales to Saudi Arabia in 'specific individual cases' but they cannot be used in Yemen.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/germany-loosens-arms-exports-saudi-arabia-continues-blocking-eurofighter-jets

July 11

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Nordic defense firms are buying each other up as they vie for a greater share of potential contracts that could come with increased #cybersecurity funding among the region’s armed forces. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/07/04/nordic-firms-ride-wave-of-cyber-ma-activity/

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How many failures of US arms export policies combined with military interventions are needed before controls are taken seriously?

How Taliban Turned Arms Dealers For Terrorists; Fancy NATO Weapons Replace Kalashnikovs.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/shows/how-taliban-turned-arms-dealers-for-terrorists-fancy-nato-weapons-replace-kalashnikovs-101689091093992.html

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US export #controls problematised in case of strategic tech cooperation with #India.

“Modi’s US Technology Transfer Deals May Stumble On US Export Controls”. Can India succeed in getting the critical techn from the US when Australia and the UK have failed?

https://thewire.in/security/modi-tech-transfer-deals-may-stumble-on-export-controls

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To date, replenishing of stocks of weapons dispatched to the Ukraine has largely centered on missiles including the Anti Tank NLAW.

BAE said 11/7 it was already expanding munition capabilities in the UK to increase domestic capabilities in the sector.

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/07/11/bae-systems-wins-order-for-munitions-as-uk-rebuilds-stocks/

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Are Dutch PzH2000s delivered to Ukraine used to fire US https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/07/10/why-biden-is-giving-ukraine-cluster-bomb-weapons/8eac1352-1f50-11ee-8994-4b2d0b694a34_story.html & Turkish deliverd (https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/10/turkey-cold-war-cluster-bombs-ukraine/ cluster #DPICM ammo? They are fitted to do. https://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php?title=PzH_2000

(The M483A1 was once produced in the Netherlands, deliverd to Turkey and used against Kurds in Turkey.)

***
Andrew it does not even need expertise to come to this conclusion. The main reports are easy to find on the internet and the broad campaign against these fragmentation ammunitions became well informed during the many years the campaign ran.

For those not aware: read and absorb.

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See - but verify (https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/june/see-verify) is on the power of #AI to generate #desinformation. The article states this word comes from the Russian #Dezinformatsiya. But the word was already part of American English in the 19th century as wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disinformation) documents.

***
The price of confrontation policies instead of aiming for control.

Concerns about China are driving a projected surge in US military spending over the next 4 years, both conventional and nuclear, according to a recent report by investment bank TD Cowen.

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/china-biggest-driver-us-defense-spending-surge-td-cowen

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Retweet met comment @arjenvanderziel: Frankrijk gaat #Scalp-raketten leveren aan #Oekraïne. De Oekraïners kunnen daarmee Russische doelen diep in bezet gebied raken. Parijs volgt hiermee Londen dat dezelfde raketten al levert onder de Britse naam #StormShadow. De raketten worden gemaakt door 't Europese bedrijf #MBDA https://twitter.com/arjenvanderziel/status/1678724284871573505

MBDA B.V.

Rotterdam

Coolsingel 61 7th floor (r

Hoofdvestiging

KVK 33285376

Nederland gering belastingland.

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Germany is threatened with a shortage of hardened steel used to make parts of tanks. That's why #KDNS bought a 200-year-old steel foundry to ensure supply to make parts Leopard 2 tanks and other armored vehicles currently deployed on Ukrainian battlefields.https://www.wsj.com/articles/facing-a-battle-for-armored-steel-this-tank-maker-bought-the-factory-dfb8839a

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#Lockheed expands relations in murderous dictatorship. Representatives of the #Saudi Arabian Defence Electronic Company #SADEC are said to be currently in talks with Lockheed Martin for the acquisition of a sonar system & the transfer of technology (ToT). https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62013

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Uhm, beause it runs smoothly? #WhiteHouse said it opposes a provision in the House’s annual defence policy bill that would create a special #inspector general for #Ukraine aid, modelled after the Special Inspector General for #Afghanistan Reconstruction. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/07/10/white-house-wants-ukraine-inspector-general-out-of-defense-bill/

But battle lost, the House’s $874bn National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2024, would establish a special inspector general for Ukraine aid. https://www.c4isrnet.com/congress/budget/2023/06/22/house-defense-bill-adds-special-ukraine-ig-taiwan-cyber-cooperation/

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What a Negotiated Settlement to the Ukraine War Could Look Like? Author gives 3 main parts. Guarantees:

- Ukraine on souvereignity and security.
- Russia's security concerns should be respected.
- Russians of the Donbas must be guaranteed protection. https://original.antiwar.com/Ted_Snider/2023/07/09/what-a-negotiated-settlement-to-the-ukraine-war-could-look-like/

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Natural allies?

#Morocco is set to receive an unspecified number of Merkava tanks from #Israel as part of the African nation’s efforts to bolster its military firepower.

Come in handy in the #Western_Sahara? https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/defensa-y-espacio/20230705/merkava-nuevos-tanques-marruecos-pueden-destruir-blindados-km-distancia/774922547_0.html

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Nordic tech companies could enlarge their share of the world’s quantum computing pie. Sweden & Finland each aim to advance their capabilities using the disruptive technology. Saab is an “industrial partner” to the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology .https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2023/07/07/sweden-finland-eye-quantum-tech-leap-amid-call-for-official-strategy/

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"Military actions in #Ukraine have the potential to spread beyond Ukrainian territory and the option of using weapons of mass destruction cannot be completely ruled out". This is according to a report of the Bulgarian "National Security" agency #SANS. https://www.novinite.com/articles/220797/Bulgaria%E2%80%99s+National+Security+Agency%3A+Military+Actions+in+Ukraine+may+also+Spread+into+other+Countries

***
Sweden no accepted by Erdogan as NATO member. The costs: "Sweden has amended its constitution, changed its laws ... and resumed arms exports to Turkey." https://uk.news.yahoo.com/turkish-president-backs-swedens-entry-204100404.html

Amnesty International on Turkey: https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/turkey/report-turkey/

Despite the question in the title (What are the terms under which Turkey’s Erdogan agreed...?) it seems a one way deal. It provides Turkey presents in exchange for NATO-membership.

Stockholm as strong backer of an autocratic and violent regime. https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/07/11/What-are-the-terms-under-which-Turkey-s-Erdogan-agreed-to-back-Sweden-s-NATO-bid-

July 9

***
Not rocket science, but this story and these facts must be told to the public:
UK ‘wastes billions’ on defence firms that give investors rich returns

Study claims taxpayer is subsidising up to 90% of weapons companies’ research and development budgets.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/09/uk-wastes-billions-defence-firms-investors-taxpayer-weapons

***
So, the cluster munitions are not being sent because they are perceived as effective but because they're all that's left of the shelf? Is the entire West's arms production capacity that limited? https://twitter.com/AliR_Ahmadi/status/1677411248953077760

Biden to CNN on cluster munitions: "It was a very difficult decision on my part. And by the way, I discussed this with our allies, I discussed this with our friends up on the Hill...The Ukrainians are running out of ammunition." https://cnn.com/2023/07/07/politics/joe-biden-cluster-munitions-ukraine/index.html

+ This tweet by Ali Ahmadi on the issue of cluster ammo on the annoucement of what was already delivered. https://twitter.com/Kathleen_Tyson_/status/1677655247370452994

July 8

***
Half of #Germany’s whopping $109 billion military modernization fund could be heading straight into the pockets of #American military contractors. The CEO of German tank-parts manufacturer Renk Group paints a rather grim picture of the home-grown industry. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2023/07/06/f-35-stomps-european-competitors-german-industry-stagnates/

***
New #Germany-based F-35 fuselage factory will allow #Lockheed to boost #production. The #Weeze-based factory will replace a factory previously operated by Turkey. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2023/07/new-germany-based-f-35-fuselage-factory-will-allow-lockheed-boost-production/388210/

***
https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2023/07/07/us-to-destroy-its-last-chemical-weapons/

Want to read more on the peculiar relationship of the US to #chemical weponstocks, read Six stops on the national security tour by Miriam Pemberton with a chapter dedicated to the Pine Bluff Arsenal https://broekstukken.blogspot.com/2022/11/boekbespreking-de-economie-van-de.html

***
#UAE’s military conglomerate EDGE Group has taken over Abu Dhabi-based #Oryxlabs, in its 1st-ever acquisition in the #cybersecurity realm. The move is to focus on unconventional tech & boost the UAE’s capabilities for regional and international exports. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/edge-group-acquires-oryxlabs-marking-first-move-into-cybersecurity/

***
NATO sec. gen. refuses to oppose #cluster munitions to #Ukraine. The errosion of norms and standards is part of the military support. This is just one of them.

Russia is using them as part of agression.
Ukraine as part of defence the argument goes.

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/will-us-cluster-munition-decision-meet-pushback-at-nato-summit/

US transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine undermines international efforts to safeguard civilians from indiscriminate weapons. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/07/ukraine-us-plan-to-transfer-cluster-munitions-to-ukraine-undermines-international-efforts-to-safeguard-civilians-from-indiscriminate-weapons/

***
#Damen has signed an agreement with Dutch #RH_Marine to deliver management capabilities for the Netherlands and Belgium’s upcoming Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates each will receive RH Marine’s Mission Management, Navigation & Platform Management system. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/07/06/netherland-belgium-frigate-management-system/

July 6

***
#China cancels planned trip by EU's foreign policy chief @JosepBorrellF; gives no reason. Guess what.

Is not that difficult, isn 't it? Seen what happened in past few months on the policies concerning "economic competitor and a systemic rival".

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-cancels-planned-trip-by-eus-foreign-policy-chief-gives-no-reason-101688472980157.html

***
The West Again Learns That #War Needs Industry

Biden and NATO leaders, fearing a war of attrition with Russia or China, will focus on rebuilding militaries and their supplies at coming summit.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-west-again-learns-that-war-needs-industry-33c8ca88

If you want war prepare for war.
If you want peace ...

***
Arme boeren, natuur & burgers.

Defensie heeft meer fysieke & #milieuruimte nodig voor gezamenlijke internationale oefeningen en militaire vervoer. Zij wel. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/07/05/defensie-heeft-meer-fysieke-en-milieuruimte-nodig

En dan hebben ze het niet eens over brullende voertuigen en grommende F-35s.

Argument: #Oekraïne.

***
Submarine proliferation in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61542-saudi-arabia-conditions-set-and-offers-received-for-submarines-tot Who are planning to deteriorate security in the MENA region? Offers are presented by France, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62003

JADC2 provides now and in the future: “an approach for developing the warfighting capability to sense, make sense, and act at all levels and phases of war, across all domains, and with partners, to deliver information advantage at the speed of relevance.” https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/june/navy-information-warfare-needs-requirements-officers

***
he #UAE is in talks with the US and #European military companies concerning Joint All Domain Command and Control #JADC2 and #C4ISR systems. (Paywall: Report includes European companies involved.) https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62002

***
Chinese military holds strategy talks with UK, France in first since Ukraine war to boost ‘understanding and trust’. #China and the two militaries must restore people-to-people exchanges after the pandemic, says Chinese security analyst. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3226626/chinese-military-holds-strategy-talks-uk-france-first-ukraine-war-boost-understanding-and-trust

***
Open letter to @MEPs by @ENAAT on on EU funding for ammunition and missiles.

ENAAT alerts MEPs: The #ASAP regulation is turning into a subsidy for the proliferation of #munitions and #missiles around the world.

English: https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230103_ASAP_ENAAT_OL-to-MEPs_03.07.2023_EN.pdf

French: https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/230103_ASAP_ENAAT_OL-to-MEPs_03.07.2023_FR.pdf

***
US President Biden has so often reiterated a narrative that positions ‘democracy vs autocracy’ as the defining struggle of our time that this is framed as core to the #Biden_doctrine. However, a string of observers have voiced #concern. https://sipri.org/commentary/blog/2023/arming-autocracies-arms-transfers-and-emerging-biden-doctrine

But Italy = worst.

***
The Pentagon finds itself with a sort of headache: how to stop weapons and systems that are dirt cheap.

The growing problem of inexpensive unmanned systems employing autonomy and #AI has been a longtime subject of military study and discussion.

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2023/07/05/us-military-calls-for-better-weapons-to-fight-artificial-intelligence/

July 5

***

Kampfjets für Saudi-Arabien Grüne fordern Stopp der geplanten Rüstungsexporte Fighter jets for Saudi Arabia; Greens demand a halt to the exports Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, July 5 2023

***
#Pakistan government has requested a nearly 16% increase to its military #budget, despite a standoff with the #IMF over economic stagflation. The government unveiled a request for $6.267bn for fiscal 2023-24. https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pakistan-unveils-51-billion-budget-with-half-to-service-debt-602703

***
#Rafale and #France advance In India while US and Russia lag behind Rafale and France advance in #India while US and Russia lag behind. https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2023/07/rafale-and-france-advance-in-india.html

***
Opvoeren Koude Oorlog tussen NAVO+ en China verergert ook de grootste globale crisis: #klimaatverandering.

Blijkbaar wordt het concept veiligheid wat beperkt opgevat door Jens 'Wacht-op-Rutte' Stoltenberg en zijn vrienden. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230704_95476188

***
An inquiry has been told that 80 Afghan civilians may 've been victims of summary executions by 3 separate SAS units operating in Afghanistan between 2010 - 13, & that evidence of these murders was allegedly destroyed in a war crimes coverup by SAS chiefs. https://aoav.org.uk/2023/inquiry-considers-allegations-of-80-unlawful-civilian-killings-and-cover-up-by-uks-sas-in-afghanistan/

***
In #Amsterdam kwam de Joint Expeditionary Force #JEF samen, een militair samenwerkingsverband van 10 N-Europese landen o.l.v. het VK. Het richt zich primair op hybride oorlogsvoering, zoals het verspreiden van #desinformatie of de inzet van cyberaanvallen. https://maritiemland.nl/nieuws/betere-bescherming-van-internetkabels-op-zee/

***
#Myanmar's domestic weapons industry produces five types of #antipersonnel land mines and has benefited from USD 1 billion worth of arms trade with foreign suppliers under the military regime. They are used to protect #Chinese assetys in the country.

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/myanmar-landmine-exacts-growing-toll-on-citizens-as-military-rings-chinese-assets20230705025121/

July 4

***
Singapore acknowledges 138 Singapore-based entities involved in Myanmar’s military junta supply chain amid international probe. They are engaged in the transfer spare parts for fighter aircraft, Naval equipment, and equipment for electronic warfare. https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/07/04/singapore-acknowledges-138-singapore-based-entities-involved-in-myanmars-military-junta-supply-chain-amid-international-probe/

***
South Africa has not approved any arms sales to Russia since 2020, minister says. https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/south-africa-has-not-approved-arms-sales-to-russia-since-2020-c9180280-1b4d-4493-9b88-aec01139e6bc Reassuring in the Lady R case (late 2022), but when was the Crim annexed?

***
Airbus Defense and Space  is to test intelligent swarms of drones on behalf of the German Armed Forces . Two start-ups (Quantum Systems & Spleenlab) are to help. The Bundeswehr needs artificial intelligence (AI) for this. https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/it-internet/kuenstliche-intelligenz-bundeswehr-airbus-erprobt-mit-start-ups-intelligente-drohnenschwaerme/29235616.html

***
#Damen will design and partly build the four wew anti-submarine #frigates for the Netherlands and Belgium in ... #Romania.

Wonder how the #Buy_Dutch_parliamentarians will react. https://www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/damen-will-design-and-partially-build-in-romania-the-4-new-anti-submarine-frigates-for-the-netherlands-and-belgium/

In English: Damen's Romanian subsidiary to partly build hulls for four frigates https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-damen-hulls-asw-frigates-2023

***
Japan is one of the most significant countries in East Asia and a ally of the US in the Indo-Pacific region. With the changing global scenario and new realities of the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been a greater strategic alignment between #NATO & #Japan. https://www.eurasiareview.com/03072023-japans-deepening-ties-with-nato-a-shift-in-strategic-objectives-in-the-indo-pacific-oped/

***
Cold War? #China curbs critical metal #gallium #germanium exports in retaliation for Western restrictions on chip industry.

The rules come just after the #Netherlands announces new measures to limit China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing equipment.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3226430/china-curbs-critical-metal-exports-retaliation-western-restrictions-chip-industry

***
#Dutch companies that produce machines that make advanced #semiconductor processor chips will be required to have export licenses before they can sell them overseas starting in September, the government announced Friday. https://government.nl/latest/news/2023/06/30/government-publishes-additional-export-measures-for-advanced-semiconductor-manufacturing-equipment

***
When you think you've seen the most polluting, the weirdest ... The Defense Innovation Unit #DIU is seeking pitches from commercial #space companies to provide “novel” launch capabilities for delivering #cargo around the globe, into space and within space. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2023/07/03/defense-innovation-unit-seeks-proposals-to-ship-cargo-using-rockets/

July 3

***
1/2 #F35 fighter jet #noise #Opposition to the reopening of the dormant De Peel airbase is increasing. Entrepreneurs in the horse world in East Brabant and Limburg fear that their companies and their horses will suffer seriously from the noise of the F-35 fighter jets.

2/2 Several entrepreneurs in the Limburg horse world have now joined forces. They have their first meeting tomorrow in the village of Kronenberg. Nearly 200 people have already registered for the meeting.
https://www.ed.nl/gemert-bakel/ook-paardenwereld-verzet-zich-tegen-heropening-vliegbasis-de-peel~abf1792d/

***
#Dutch against the #Swiss. The Hague wants to put pressure on Switzerland. Not only the Netherlands that should stop buying Swiss weapons and ammunition. They also call on other European countries to increase their pressure on Bern, guilty of #neutrality. https://www.blick.ch/politik/nach-panzer-absage-macht-der-westen-richtig-druck-niederlaender-wollen-keine-schweizer-waffen-mehr-id18712887.html

***
US Republicans loose achorage to even a tiny bit of civilisation and embark on extreme policies.

Republican politicians are expressing their bloodlust in public. As "Build the #Wall" loses its edge, "Bomb the #Mexicans" is becoming mainstream in the GOP. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-06-30/gop-conservatives-republicans-desantis-trump-mexico-fentanyl

***
A UN human rights expert said Wednesday (June 28) that a specialized international force is needed to help fight gang violence in #Haiti and that a weapons embargo should be implemented immediately. https://www.voanews.com/a/arms-embargo-special-force-needed-in-haiti-un-rights-expert-says-/7159606.html

***
France offers to co-develop engine for combat jets. Ahead of #Indian PM Modi's visit to Paris, #France made an offer many steps ahead of the path-breaking GE-414 #engine deal with the US, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-drdo-frances-safran-jointly-manufacture-certify-engine-amca-combat-aircraft-emmanuel-macron-101688259382106.html

***
#Israel is already #weaponizing #AI — but not in the ways it claims to be.

Israel claims to be a leader in AI tech, but its main innovations are lax industry ethics and widespread surveillance. https://truthout.org/articles/israel-is-already-weaponizing-ai-but-not-in-the-ways-it-claims-to-be/

***
Britain’s hopes of reviving a lucrative but long-stalled agreement to export dozens of fighter jets to Saudi Arabia have been stirred by signals that Germany could drop its veto against the sale. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/germany-may-end-veto-on-uk-deal-to-sell-typhoons-to-saudi-arabia-cxtq8grgm

Ampel-Koalition droht Streit über neue Kampfjets für Saudi-Arabien

Dispute in German coalition on sale of fighters to Saudi's. Critisism from Geens, but also in SPD. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article246144724/Ruestungsexporte-Ampel-Koalition-droht-Streit-ueber-Eurofighter-fuer-Saudi-Arabien.html

July 2

***
#Germany’s National Security Strategy previews change in arms-export policy. Will it be as tight as prommised? The fact that India was seen as 'third country' but became one of Pistorius's first visits shows how quickly politics can change. https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/military-balance/2023/06/germanys-national-security-strategy-previews-change-in-arms-export-policy/

***
#Disinformation, a key instrument of  #India’s foreign policy in relation to #China and Pakistan?  https://countercurrents.org/2023/07/disinformation-a-key-instrument-of-indias-foreign-policy-in-relation-to-china-and-pakistan/

Second of a two Part article on India’s media relations with China.

***
#Pentagon lacks ‘comprehensive’ strategy for buying AI tech, #GAO warns.

GAO advices AI acquisition strategy and that the military services should also develop their own guidance to help navigate the #AI acquisition process. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/06/pentagon-lacks-comprehensive-strategy-for-buying-ai-tech-gao-warns/

GAO: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105850

***
Norms to the dump?

White House weighing controversial #cluster munitions deliveries to #Ukraine

“We will [...] continue to work with allies and partners to identify and provide Ukraine with additional capabilities,” said a US State Department spokesperson.

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/06/white-house-weighing-controversial-cluster-munitions-deliveries-to-ukraine/

My tweets for June 2023

 

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

June 30

***
‘#Masculiene oriëntatie #krijgsmacht complex probleem’ https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2023/24/02_onderzoek-masculiniteit_24

Ja en al vele decennia. Het leger maakt een man van je, door Marcel Bullinga, 1984! https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/leger-maakt-een-man-van-je/1001004005127022/ Kan je 't niet oplossen of heb je er belang bij? Maneuvers door Cynthia Enloe stelt het 2de.

***
The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets, munitions and related equipment to the Czech Republic in a deal valued at up to $5.62 billion, the Pentagon said on Thursday. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-state-department-oks-possible-sale-f-35-aircraft-czech-republic-2023-06-29

***
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz met on 22/6/2023 with UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during an official visit to Abu Dhabi they discussed UAE’s interest in additional Bayraktar TB2 drones. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61993

***
Amid intensifying tech war, SiFive a US chip design firm, sees opportunity in China. It does not solve China’s problem of how to manufacture advanced semiconductors given Western export restrictions on chip-making tools. https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3225944/amid-intensifying-tech-war-one-us-chip-design-firm-sees-opportunity-china

***
A senior official in Kazakhstan has said that a certain volume of dual-use goods is being delivered to neighboring Russia, despite efforts to prevent that from happening. The minister of Trade said that more than 100 companies are under close scrutiny.
“When the sanctions [against Russia were first imposed, representatives of Western countries responsible for enforcement] handed us a list of 7,000 types of goods that were the object of sanctions,” he told RFE/RL. “Currently, there are …. 104 types of goods."
“Currently, there are …. 104 types of goods.  https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-says-some-dual-use-goods-getting-to-russia

June 29

***
Even retirees now called upon to expand arms production. Raytheon wants them to help restart Stinger missile production used against Russian planes in Ukraine. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2023/06/raytheon-calls-retirees-help-restart-stinger-missile-production/388067/

***
Pentagon uses Ukraine funds to find new sources of weapon grade alluminium, cobalt and chemicals for manufacturing propellants and explosives away from Russian & Chinese sources. Investment in Canada is sought, aswell as coop with the Australia & the UK. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/06/27/pentagon-uses-ukraine-funds-to-split-supply-chains-from-russia-china/

***
Rights? Peace? Development? No. #Saudi Arabia & #France step up strategic collaboration. It will reduce Saudi reliance on US arms, the Economist intell unit notes. Look away from the nasty aspects, enjoy exports, foreign relations & military ties. Cynical. https://country.eiu.com/Saudi%20Arabia

***
#German arms exports again at high level of €4.62 in the 1st half of 2023 (12% more as same period last year); #Ukraine (€1.18 bn) and #Hungary (€1.03bn) are most important recipient countries. The information is in reaction to questions by Die #Linke. https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/deutschland/politik/waffenexporte-deutschland-ruestungsindustrie-ampel-100.html

German Pax Christi criticized German arms exports. https://www.domradio.de/artikel/friedensbewegung-pax-christi-kritisiert-ruestungsexporte The critisism is two fold: arms exports to countries outside EU/NATO are opposed; and the arms trade is seen as part of the Western enormous rearmament programme.

***
#Dutch Arms export policy & Region of Tension criterium? The #Pakistan Navy has been increasing its strength in the Indian Ocean Region #IOR recently through a combination of upgrades and new acquisitions like the PNS #Yarmouk, a #Damen-Built frigate. http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/csas/PDF/2_38_1_23.pdf

The ship is 4 times as expensive as a modern Leopard tank. Two nuclear armed states are opposing each other, a conflict which regulary translates in armed confrontations, but nobody seems to care; not even the left opposition. It is to technical for them. Tja.

***
#Nederland koopt #raketartilleriesystemen van #Israël. Maar raakt Nederland dan niet betrokken bij de Israëlische militaire praktijken, de bezetting van de Palestijnse gebieden en de schending van mensenrechten, vraagt Simone Korkus zich af in #DeGroene. https://www.groene.nl/artikel/uitgetest-op-de-palestijnen

Doet het er toe? De Israëlische minister van Defensie, legt het gedrag van westerse landen pijnlijk bloot. "Terwijl ze ons veroordelen ... sturen ze hun officieren naar ons toe om te leren hoe wij tot zo'n lage ratio [mbt doden aan eigen zijde] zijn gekomen. Dat heet hypocrisie."

***
Waalse wapenexport naar Indonesië verzesvoudigd: ‘onverantwoordelijke praktijken’, zegt Amnesty gezien de inzet op #Papoea. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230628_94661749

Walon arms exports to #Indonesia increased six fold and this is irresponsible, Amnesty stated, because of operations in West #Papua.

***
#Japan is including provisions in its security policy blueprint that would allow the export of next-generation #fighters (Japan cooperates on the UK led #Tempest) to other countries, despite the country's strict regulations on international #arms_sales. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230628/p2g/00m/0na/051000c

***
Agitprop: #Switzerland vetoes export of 100 tanks to #Ukraine despite never using vehicles. Bern cites #neutrality laws for blocking sale of mothballed Leopard tanks stored in Italy. https://www.ft.com/content/f33417b0-89a6-4212-a052-41da96f75234

As if the practice of using them or not changes an political idea.

See #background blog on Swiss neutrality policy: https://stopwapenhandel.org/why-switzerland-doesnt-export-arms-to-ukraine/

***
US congress creates bipartisan task force to modernise foreign arms sales.The task force will aim to oversee the US government's foreign military sales process.

Republican Congress member from Texas McCaul said in May that he was willing to sell the #F16s to Ankara, on the condition that #Turkey accepts #Sweden's membership into #NATO in line with #Biden's policy but against the views of Congress. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-congress-bipartisan-task-force-modernise-foreign-arms-sales

Congress is ratcheting up legislative efforts to accelerate the lengthy U.S. Foreign Military Sales process mere weeks after the Pentagon released a series of its own proposals to help untangle the byzantine system. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/06/28/congress-aims-for-faster-arms-sales-with-defense-bills-and-task-force/

***
Hummm. New York Cityto purchase over $90,000 worth of high-powered submachine guns for a specially trained emergency security unit working at the troubled Rikers Island jail complex. https://www.democracynow.org/2023/6/28/headlines/new_york_city_to_spend_90_000_purchasing_submachine_guns_for_rikers_prison_guards

***
On the details of the details of how Biden feted Modi, who heads a far-right authoritarian regime that is relentlessly fomenting Hindu communalism and who was himself long barred from entry to the US for his role in the 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim pogrom. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/06/29/lxip-j29.html

Full agreement between #India & the US can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/22/joint-statement-from-the-united-states-and-india/

The cooperation between the superpower and the autocratic racist regime includes: "the joint development and commercialization of Artificial Intelligence #AI and #quantum technologies."

June 28

***
Partly surprising, isn't it?

238,000 people died in conflicts worldwide in 2022 – more than in 30 years. Most died in a war that goes largely unnoticed in Europe: the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia. https://globeecho.com/news/europe/germany/wars-and-conflicts-more-deaths-than-at-any-time-in-30-years/

Report (see p. 52): https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GPI-2023-Web.pdf

***
Report on reporting fuel purchases by the US #MoD. Guess what? It is about several aspects, but the words #climate_change or #emissions are missing.

So most costs of burning #fosil_fuels aren't included. An ommission even in a report on purchasing them. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23862067/gao-report-on-dod-bulk-fuel.pdf

June 28

***
Overview of the 2nd calls for proposals under the #EDF, 41 collaborative military research and development projects with a total EU support of almost €832 million are selected for funding. https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/calls-proposals/result-edf-2022-calls-proposals_en

Clear layout of factsheets but the level of information is low.

Involved Dutch companies:

42 SOLUTIONS
Adimec Holding
AEROSPACE PROPULSION PRODUCTS
Aircraft Development and Systems Engineering
Damen
DELFT DYNAMICS
EclecticIQ
Embedded Acoustics
Emproof
ISIS - INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN SPACE
Losberger de boer
MICROFLOWN AVISA
Offroad Apps
Optics11
Philips Electronics Nl
RHEA SYSTEM
Science and Technology B.V.
Thales Nl

Invoved Research Institutes & Universities
ACADEMISCH MEDISCH CENTRUM, UvA
Marin
NLR
TNO
TU Delft
TU EINDHOVEN

***
6 years ago Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI announced it was investing millions in 2 promising foreign firms: #Inpedio in the #Netherlands providing “cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions,” #Cytrox registered in Hungary and focusing on “cyberintelligence” for governments.

Both were however set up by the same Israeli's, Rotem Farkash and Abraham Rubinstein, selling the spyware known as Predator. Both comanies worked closely together Haaretz investgatuions found. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2023-06-28/ty-article/israel-invested-in-spyware-that-brought-down-greek-spymaster/00000188-dd36-d5fc-ab9d-df7edbf20000

June 27

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Julian Cooper at @SIPRI: Despite difficulty in accessing information on budget spending, total budgeted military spending in 2023 can be estimated at 6648 billion roubles (€71.1 bn). This represents 4.4% of forecast Russian gross domestic product. https://www.sipri.org/publications/2023/sipri-insights-peace-and-security/russias-military-expenditure-during-its-war-against-ukraine

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Apartheid meets authoritarian state. #Bahrain continues efforts to acquire Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems #drones. In this context, Manama is in talks with #Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI for the procurement of the Scorpius electronic warfare system. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61980

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#Rheinmetall is supplying 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles to #Ukraine. #Berlin awarded the multi-million-euro deal in May as part of a $1.9 billion defense package for Ukraine. The vehicles are scheduled to be delivered this summer. https://kyivindependent.com/rheinmetall-to-send-ukraine-further-20-marder-infantry-fighting-vehicles/

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#German coalition of SPD, Greens & FDP aimed for a “restrictive arms export policy” & “more binding rules”. Then came the turning point, and now the coalition slips from values to economic and military interests. Eg by trying to sell #India 6 #submarines. https://www.lr-online.de/nachrichten/politik/strengere-regeln-fuer-waffenausfuhren-geplant-neuer-koalitionskrach-wegen-ruestungskontrollen_-67139807.html

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The EU on the road to militarisation.

Europe's military #industries have called on EU institutions to clarify the sector's status in line with the bloc's sustainable #finance #legislation in order to open doors for more public and private investment. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/eu-defence-industry-pressures-commission-eu-countries-to-step-up-financing/

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Washington wants European defense euros to go to American companies; EU leaders hope to boost their own industries. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/06/23/boosting-ammunition-production-in-the-eu-defence-industry-council-ready-to-negotiate-with-the-european-parliament/

Boosting ammunition production in the EU defence industry. https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/06/23/boosting-ammunition-production-in-the-eu-defence-industry-council-ready-to-negotiate-with-the-european-parliament/

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België eist een onderzoek, nu blijkt dat Belgische wapens bij Russische anti-Poetin-milities zijn terechtgekomen. Volgens experts hebben Oekraïense autoriteiten zelf geen flauw benul van wat er met de wapens gebeurt. https://www.demorgen.be/oorlog-in-oekraine/in-het-spoor-van-belgische-wapens-in-oekraine-inlichtingendienst-heeft-ze-aan-russische-verzetsstrijders-gegeven~bd8d670e/

***

#Reapers. The US State Department approved a FMSale to the the #Netherlands of 4 MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $611 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification in June. https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-mq-9a-block-5-aircraft

June 26

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International control forum?

China’s cyberspace chief raises concerns over the power of generative AI, pledges to make it ‘controllable’

The director at the Cyberspace Administration of China, wants to ensure chat bot technology is ‘reliable & controllable https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3225366/chinas-cyberspace-chief-raises-concerns-over-power-generative-ai-pledges-make-it-controllable

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Business.

#Venture_capitalists & #tech_firms beg US Defence Sec. to speed up #innovation. Executives controlling $100bn in assets co-signed a letter to Sec. Lloyd Austin, urging him to adopt acquisition reforms put forward by a Atlantic Council commission. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/06/venture-capitalists-tech-firms-beg-defense-secretary-to-speed-up-innovation/

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#Turkish officials affiliated with military company #Aselsan are trying to sell SİPER missiles #SAM to the #UAE. Official stated to Aselsan that there is no interest in the procurement unless the deal would include a transfer of technology agreement. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61978

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Belgium approves agreement to increase costs of 2 ASW frigates because of extra systems. The Netherlands will place compensation orders in Belgium in the next 10 years to offset some of the cost increase. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/june/13264-belgium-approves-agreement-to-increase-costs-of-2-asw-frigates.html

COMMIT & Thales have signed a contract for the production/delivery of the AWWS fire control cluster and sensor suite for the 4 new ASW Frigates that Damen Naval will build for the Belgian and Netherlands’ Navies. Follows an earlier contract signed in 2018. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/group/press_release/thales-equip-new-dutch-and-belgian-frigates-leading-edge-above-water

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Delivery of #F35 II wheels & brakes assemblies serviced/maintained at GKN #Fokker landing gear facility in Nld. The servicing of wheels, brakes and struts in the Nld marks the first Maintenance, Repair & Operations #MRO work for the F-35 fleet in Europe. https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/2023/gkn-aerospace-overhauls-first-f-35-wheels-and-brakes-assemblies-for-european-fleet/

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Romania issues ultimatum to Naval Group 4 Gowind 2500 class corvettes. Minister Angel Tlvr issued a stern warning: If the French party fails to sign the contract within the next three days, MoD will commence discussions with Damen, the runner-up contender. https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/june/13240-romania-issues-ultimatum-to-naval-group-for-gowind-2500-class-corvettes.html

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German labour union IG Metall suggests that local industrial group #Thyssenkrupp should consider selling its #submarines business to sector players. Reportedly, Dutch shipbuilder #Damen and Swedish defence group #Saab AB may be interested. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THYSSENKRUPP-AG-436698/news/Thyssenkrupp-should-consider-industrial-players-in-sale-of-defense-division-IG-Metall-44156511/

June 25

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The Belgium (Kortrijk) company #ScioTeq is selceted by #Airbus Defence and Space to deliver the computers and displays abaord the latest generation of A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transportplanes #MRTT.

Dutch: https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2023/06/24/belgisch-bedrijf-levert-nieuwe-displays-a330-mrtt/

Eng: https://www.aviationtoday.com/2023/06/23/airbus-selects-scioteq-advanced-avionics-displays-for-a330-mrtt/

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A demand on the Elysée: “Let us do our part by refusing to arm those who do not respect International Law and human rights,” because France has one of the most horrible arms export policies. https://globeecho.com/news/europe/france/let-us-do-our-part-by-refusing-to-arm-those-who-do-not-respect-international-law-and-human-rights/

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The #Netherlands signed a contract with #Belgium for the production of FN MAG machine #guns for the #Ukrainian army. The number of FN #Herstal machine guns is not reported, but the contract value is € 111 million. https://en.topwar.ru/219985-niderlandy-zakljuchili-kontrakt-s-belgiej-na-proizvodstvo-pulemetov-fn-mag-dlja-ukrainskoj-armii.html

Nl info zie: https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/06/22/nederlands-belgische-samenwerking-bij-anti-submarine-warfare-fregatten
It leaves the question how they are marked and will be traced after arriving in Urkraine.

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"The name of the game has changed from “free” trade to “weaponised” trade."

It is this receipt "after which ramping up arms production may be seen (as in the 1930s) as the only escape route." https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3225005/trouble-de-risking-world-needs-make-trade-not-war

The world needs regulated trade, not war.

June 24

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Why #Switzerland doesn’t export arms to #Ukraine. Guest blog by Andreas Weibel – GSoA, Group for Switzerland Without an Army for @CTWnl. Switzerland could and should have a much more immediate impact on issues like humanitarian aid, support for ... https://stopwapenhandel.org/why-switzerland-doesnt-export-arms-to-ukraine/

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On June 12 '23, the US DoD's Office of Inspector General released a report evaluating the quality of the accountability controls for US weapons sent to Ukraine through Poland. The findings suggest a lack of accountability even worse than skeptics imagined. https://www.federaltimes.com/opinions/2023/06/16/us-failure-to-track-weapons-for-ukraine-has-consequences/

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The EU on Tuesday revealed plans to prevent European companies from making sensitive technologies such as supercomputers, artificial intelligence and advanced microchips in countries like China. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ban-companies-make-sensitive-tech-china/

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The UK Divisional #Court has dismissed a second challenge by Campaign Against Arms Trade (#CAAT) to the Secretary of State’s decision to continue granting licences for the export of arms to the Kingdom of #Saudi Arabia for use in the conflict in #Yemen. https://essexcourt.com/divisional-court-rejects-second-challenge-to-export-of-arms-to-saudi-arabia/

June 23

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Human rights are easy to swap aside. #Saudi Scopa Industries and #Airbus signed (19/6/2023) an agreement to jointly produce civil & military helicopters in the Kingdom. Crown Prince #MbS congratulated the Chairman of Scopa Industries for this result. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61975

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#UAE MoD received field reports about the #Ukrainian counteroffensive and held several evaluation meetings with high-ranking #US and #Russian officers to evaluate the performance of the weapons used. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61973

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US places sanctions on Myanmar’s defence ministry, banks
Military has used foreign sources, including Russian entities under sanctions, to purchase and import arms, Washington says. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/6/21/us-places-sanctions-on-myanmars-defence-ministry-banks

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By CRS: #AUKUS Pillar 2: Background and Issues for US Congress June 20, 2023.

AUKUS may have a blowback: "i.e. provoking a destabilizing response from regional competitors such as China." https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23854931/aukus-pillar-2-background-and-issues-for-congress-june-20-2023.pdf

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The #EU on Wednesday agreed to add €3.5bn to a fund used to pay for weapons for #Ukraine.
Overall, #Brussels says that some 15 billion euros have been provided by EU member states and the bloc's joint fund to arm Ukraine since #Russia's all-out invasion. https://www.spacewar.com/reports/EU_adds_35_billion_euros_to_Ukraine_weapons_fund_999.html

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The UAE MoD is in talks with the Chinese MND for a transfer of technology (TOT) agreement to locally manufacture laser weapon systems (LWS).

The UAE is also looking to procure Chinese LWS.https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/61968

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Western defence companies are interested in making weapons in Ukraine - but not until after the war, according to half a dozen executives contacted by Reuters at the Paris Airshow. https://hypeaviation.com/story/western-defence-firms-wary-on-ukraines-weapons-production-pitch/121072/

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#Russia uses #loopholes in export controls to buy tech from the West to fight its war against Ukraine, with much of the material passing through China, Newsweek stated. More than 60% of the critical #components in Russian weapons are coming from US corps. https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-russias-vast-sanctions-evasion-secures-us-european-tech-weapons-1807939

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Suspected Illicit #Swedish arms exports to Myanmar’s Military via #India sparks controversy. The Indian company, Sandeep Metalcraft Private seems to supply #Myanmar with FFV-447 projectile fuzes for use with the Swedish 84 mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles. https://bnn.network/conflict-defence/suspected-illicit-swedish-arms-exports-to-myanmars-military-via-indian-channels-sparks-controversy/

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US Senators @SenWarren and @ChuckGrassley introduced a bill Tuesday seeking to better bring to light the secretive process in which retired US service members work as consultants and contractors for foreign governments.https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4059497-senators-introduce-bill-restricting-retired-troops-work-for-foreign-governments/

https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-grassley-introduce-new-bipartisan-bill-cracking-down-on-retired-military-officers-working-for-foreign-governments

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#Belgium joins European #FCAS warplane program as observer. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/06/20/belgium-joins-european-fcas-warplane-program-as-observer/

Peculiar this tiny country just bought its new fighter jets at the workshops of Uncle Sam.Industrial policy?

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"Zelfs op het hoogtepunt van de Koude Oorlog is er niet zo veel geld naar wapens gegaan... over de wapenindustrie klinkt er geen kwaad woord. De gangsters van het kapitalisme zijn heilig verklaard..." https://volkskrant.nl/economie/is-dit-het-finest-hour-voor-de-wapenindustrie~b8e38048/

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The #Pakistani government has requested a nearly 16% increase to its defense budget, despite a standoff with the #IMF over economic stagflation. https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2023/06/22/pakistan-unveils-increased-defense-budget-imf-decries-spending-plan/

How does the Dutch government consider this stand-off. Karachi is a major client in #Gorinchem.

June 4

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Majority of MPs votes against proposal that would have allowed other states to supply #Swiss-made war material to Ukraine. Opponents, incl. the Greens and conservatives from the SVP, feared a violation of neutrality and too close a rapprochement with NATO. https://www.usmuslims.com/swiss-parliament-votes-to-block-indirect-arms-exports-to-ukraine-210093h.htm

June 2

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Premier Rutte roept op tot meer steun, meer Patriots en meer #F16-trainingen voor #Oekraïne. #Nederland gaat meer steun geven en wil dat ook andere landen dat doen. Die boodschap bracht premier Rutte donderdag op een top van Europese leiders in Moldavië. https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1594620612/rutte-roept-europese-leiders-op-om-oekraine-te-steunen-meer-hulp-niet-minder

June 1

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1 Juni gaat 'n nieuwe wet in die overnames van Nederlandse bedrijven kan terugdraaien. Het kabinet gaat als eerste de acquisitie van de Delftse chipmaker #Nowi onderzoeken. Nowi werd in 2022 overgenomen door #Nexperia uit Nijmegen met 'n #Chinese eigenaar. https://www.quotenet.nl/zakelijk/a44055747/nieuwsoverzicht-fixers-nuijten-nowi-sanderink-ryanair/

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#Morocco has turned to #China to bolster its military capabilities. The Royal Moroccan Navy recently showcased its newly-acquired Chinese HJ-9A anti-tank #AT_missile system, the Red Arrow 9A. https://www.defensa.com/africa-asia-pacifico/sistema-misiles-antitanque-chino-hj-9a-exhibido-infanteria-real

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Yeah again, higher costs! #F35’s Block 4 upgrade 55 percent over target costs, up $1.4B since last review. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/05/f-35s-block-4-upgrade-55-percent-over-target-costs-up-1-4b-since-last-review-gao/

#GAO report: F-35 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER More Actions Needed to Explain Cost Growth and Support Engine Modernization Decision https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106047.pdf

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For what it is worth (absolutely nothing). https://www.army-technology.com/dashboards/influencers-dashboards/social-media-posts-soldier-modernization-aerospace-defence-security-industry/

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As #EU member states consider boosting the military production capacity of the bloc, they must also decide how much power Brussels gets. There are worries the EC is granting itself far-reaching powers with few guarantees that information will be protected. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/defence-industry-nervous-about-sharing-trade-secrets-with-eu/

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#Arms_deals also serve to bolster use of #yuan. A growing number of countries, particularly those in the Middle East, are diversifying their purchases of weapons, with many turning to #China and willing to settle payments in the Chinese currency. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3222118/arms-deals-also-serve-bolster-use-yuan

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Contracts to overhaul US #prepositoning stocks in #Kuwait are worth millions https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3082010/, but the work's poorly done. #Ukraine was provided with dangerous howitzers a Pentagon report stated (contractor not named). https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/05/31/equipment-for-ukraine-drawn-from-kuwait-wasnt-combat-ready-ig-says/

Report https://media.defense.gov/2023/May/25/2003230073/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2023-076.PDF

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Italy has lifted an embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the government said in a statement yesterday. The decision comes after two years of partial or total restrictions on military equipment exports to the kingdom. https://bnn.network/finance-nav/business/italy-resumes-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-after-two-years-of-restrictions/

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Protest of over a 100 people disrupts opening of North America’s largest arms fair CANSEC, in Ottawa, #Canada, where 10,000 attendees were expected to gather. https://www.pressenza.com/2023/06/protest-disrupts-opening-of-north-americas-largest-weapons-fair/

CANSEC barred independent media outlet The Breach from attending because of it’s “critical anti-war journalism.” “We don’t want people coming in…and writing a headline like, ‘Warmongers gather in Ottawa.,” the arms fair stated. https://breachmedia.ca/cansec-2023-the-breach-blocked-critical-reporting/