Latest on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
February 15
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The Ukrainian war will likely last at least a few years — or even become interminable ... and could cause economic ruin in Russia. All this while the possibility of nuclear escalation remains. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/13/when-will-the-war-in-ukraine-end-experts-offer-their-predictions/
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With an eye on Ukraine’s needs to defend itself from the ongoing Russian offensive, #NATO plans to implement new #munition stockpile guidelines while working with member nations’ defense industries to BOOST ITS OWN arsenals WHILE continuing to fill Kyiv’s. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/13/eyes-on-ukraine-nato-preps-new-ammo-guidelines-to-boost-production/
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For what it is worth:
Following rising acrimony over Iran’s drone exports to Russia, Iranian and Ukrainian officials have in recent months gathered in Oman. Speaking on condition of anonymity, Iranian and regional sources have confirmed. https://amwaj.media/article/inside-story-the-emerging-iran-ukraine-dialogue-in-oman
February 14
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Er ontstaan steeds grotere achterstanden bij de overheidsmaandrapportages over Nederlandse wapendoorvoer, en omtrent vergunningen voor dual-use leveringen en militaire exporten. Slechte zaak! https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/exportcontrole-strategische-goederen/rapportages-dual-use-en-militaire-goederen
#Transparency #wapenexport #Nedelrand @JaspervanDijkSP
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A haul of missiles allegedly destined for Houthi rebels has been linked to Iran by a failure to wipe data from hard drive. Officials believe some parts in the missiles are genuine and have been procured from US, French, German, Dutch and Czech businesses. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/iran-ap-yemen-united-nations-personnel-b2281536.html
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As the UK is taking a relook at its #ammunition reserves in light of the war between Ukraine and Russia, UK Minister is betting on involving #Indian companies into the weapons supply chain and creating capabilities that can manage current and future needs. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/uk-takes-a-relook-at-ammunition-reserves-min-bets-big-on-india/articleshow/97888079.cms
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South Korea seeks to carry out an array of tasks to bolster arms exports, including reinforcing private-military technology cooperation and nurturing skilled workers in the defense industry, officials said Tuesday. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230214007400325
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#Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday set out ambitions to more than triple annual defence #exports to US$5 billion over the next two years, as arms firms flocked to a major air show for a slice of the nation's massive import budget. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-aims-to-triple-defence-exports-to-67b-sell-fighter-jets-choppers
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A key official at the Indian MoD points to the #TataGroup's entry into military aircraft manufacturing. "The Tatas had never made aircraft, but they have tied up with #Airbus and are now making #C295 transport planes here in #India. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20230220-adani-controversy-the-political-blowback-2332996-2023-02-10
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Russia and Egypt have initialed arms contracts worth $3.5 billion, head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Alexander Fomin said Wednesday. https://www.defensemirror.com/news/11124/Russia__Egypt_Close_To_Signing__3_5_Billion_Arms_Contracts
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#Greenpeace said on Monday it will appeal a #Spanish Supreme Court decision blocking public access, on national security grounds, to #information on government export licenses for vehicle-mounted weapons systems sold to #Saudi Arabia. https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/02/2023/greenpeace-to-appeal-spain-saudi-arms-deal-confidentiality
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1/2 UK defense industry officials are discussing with their Ukrainian counterparts plans for the production of British weapons in Ukraine, which would mark the deepening of Kiev’s ties with both London and NATO, British newspaper reported on Sunday. https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/stop-arming-ukraine-calls-manifesto-for-peace-quarter-of-a-million-sign-petition/
2/2 German Rheinmetall proposes to deliver Panther-type main battle tanks within 15 to 18 months – and later even to manufacture dozens of them directly in Ukraine. https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article243688183/Panther-Rheinmetall-will-modernsten-Kampfpanzer-in-der-Ukraine-bauen.html
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A quarter of a million people have signed an online petition urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to stop increasing the flow of weapons to Ukraine and to push for a peaceful resolution of the conflict instead. https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/stop-arming-ukraine-calls-manifesto-for-peace-quarter-of-a-million-sign-petition/
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New modification of the #Russian Orlan unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV. The drone was recently shot down by the Ukrainian military, uses the most modern ICs ( integrated circuit) of the US company #AMD_Xilinx. It is a dual-use product & subject to #sanctions. https://ukranews.com/en/news/914600-despite-sanctions-new-russian-drones-use-modern-american-microchips-says-volodymyr-yatsenko
February 13
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Ammunition and armaments exports via the port of #Hamburg in the third quarter 2022 https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/054/2005479.pdfThe information is a response on questions by Die Linke (https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/052/2005222.pdf).
The MP's also asked for planned destination countries. This is not answered.
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The 8-year-old asymmetric war by Saudi Arabia and allies against Iran-backed Houthi's in #Yemen cannot be won despite Riyadh's military superiority resulting from massive #western arms sales. This humanitarian crisis can only end with a political solution. https://www.pressenza.com/2023/02/why-saudi-arabia-cannot-win-the-yemen-war-despite-its-military-superiority/
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Austria does not want to train Ukrainian soldiers on the Leopard 2 main battle tanks. This was confirmed by the country’s Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner in a written statement to the Austrian public broadcaster Ö1, Kurier reports. https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/02/13/austria-doesnt-want-to-train-ukrainian-soldiers-on-leopard-2s-kurier/
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Morgen staking bij #Fokker, producent van wapentechnologie. https://www.bndestem.nl/woensdrecht/fokker-elmo-gaat-dinsdag-24-uur-plat-personeel-staakt-voor-gelijke-verhuisbonus-mensen-zijn-erg-boos~a24ad253/
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Swedish #Saab will increase production of the company’s Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon #NLAW system to reach an annual output of 400,000 units. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/saab-plans-huge-ramp-up-in-nlaw-production-to-reach-400000-units-a-year/
Get the feeling I understand what 'Krigen i Ukraina gull verdt for våpenindustrien' means.
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1989 was the moment to have dissolved Nato & create a new European security model. Instead Nato shifted from being a European defence alliance into a global policeman and a ineffective one at that. Nato's bombing Libya in 2011 created another failed state. https://www.thenational.scot/politics/23316401.zelenskyys-uk-visit-led-rhetoric-ramped-sides/
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Hindu nationalist PM Modi inaugurated #AeroIndia2023 at Bengaluru on Monday. Major exhibitors include #Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, #Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, #SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce and the major Indian military companies. https://theprint.in/world/union-defence-secy-meets-delegations-of-oman-us-saudi-arabia-defence-ties-discussed/1368787/
A key event during the show will be a conclave to be attended by defence ministers of 32 countries (not specified), air chiefs of 29 countries and 73 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aero-show-starts-today-focus-on-joint-development-and-exports-says-govt-8441065/
Website AeroIndia: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/
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The Straits Times: the UK government wants to work more closely with the EU on joint defence exports, to deter non-European countries from agreeing contracts with Russia and China. https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/rishi-sunak-is-privately-drafting-plans-to-rebuild-britain-s-ties-with-the-euThat is using the current situation to expand the market for arms exports.
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Britain offered $2.7bn in arms to Ukraine and $6m in disaster relief for 23 million people in Turkey and Syria? Is this for real? Apparently yes. https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/turkey-syria-earthquake-europe-heartless-face-billions-war
Voor een Nederlandse benadering: https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/duitsland-en-belgie-vangen-dakloos-geraakte-aardbevingsslachtoffers-op-nederland-heeft-daar-niet-veel-zin-in
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Head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation told that India, China and some Southeast Asian countries have continued to have interest in buying Russian arms. https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-supplied-india-with-arms-worth-13-billion-in-last-5-years-russian-agencies-561311
But is it all true? Bragging on arms exports is common in Moscow.
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Will it make East Asia a safer place?
South Korea's dilemma over sending arms to Ukraine. In face of myriad diplomatic challenges, NK threat, S. Korea in difficult position to offer lethal aid, experts in Seoul say. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230213000588
February 11
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The CAAT UK arms exports browser has been updated to include data up to September 2022: https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/overview
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Shout on every corner: Come to your senses! Stop! Everything else is a stupid and very dangerous illusion. Declare a cease-fire. Stop killing people! https://www.thenation.com/article/world/the-anti-war-russian-leader-grigory-yavlinsky-calls-for-a-cease-fire/
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German MBDA will develop military tech with one of the major arms companies of #Apartheid state Israel. #IAI and #MBDA will collaborate on electronic warfare and be based on the ground-breaking “Scorpius” system produced by IAI.https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-731183
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The Biden’s administration "tips the balance of importance away from both economic policy and diplomacy toward the exercise of military power, something the administration explicitly sought not to do."https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/biden-foreign-policy-mess
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Volgens Bloomberg is Berlijn van plan om de miljarden euro's die voorzien waren om de gevolgen van de uitstap uit de koolindustrie te verzachten, te gebruiken om de wapenindustrie financieel te ondersteunen als ze nieuwe productiehallen wil bouwen. https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230208_98323381
#Germany is considering re-routing existing subsidies for eliminating #coal-fired power plants to help the military industry build new production facilities, according to people familiar with the matter. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-03/germany-studies-tapping-coal-exit-funds-for-defense-projects#Climate #War
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According to the preliminary agreement signed between Iran’s Al-Quds Aviation Industry Company and the economic management authority of Yerabuga City, the will produce at least 6,000 drones for the Ukrainian war but did not specify when it will start. https://www.defenceview.in/feared-by-israel-iran-will-build-a-factory-in-russia-to-produce-armed-drones/
Februari 10
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Van 8 tot 10 maart wordt in Cartagena de civiel militaire beurs #Colombiamar 2023 gehouden. De beursricht zich op de marine, nautische industrie in #Colombia. Het Nederlandse NMT organiseert er samen met Holland House Colombia een collectieve MKB Lounge. https://maritimetechnology.nl/events/colombiamar-2023/
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Civiele nautische opleiding van het Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz #MIWB op Texel gaat nauw samenwerken met het militaire opleiding aan het Koninklijk Instituut voor de Marine #KIM. https://maritimetechnology.nl/miwb-en-koninklijk-instituut-voor-de-marine-tekenen-convenant-en-gaan-langer-met-elkaar-in-zee/
Februari 9
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More than welcome report by @ArmsControlNow with the aim to better inform policymakers, journalists, educators, and members of the public about the race to weaponize emerging technologies (like #AI) and the dangers inherent in doing so. https://armscontrol.org/reports/2023/assessing-dangers-emerging-military-technologies-nuclear-instabilityby @mklare1
Also in military press: Regulate military use of emerging tech before ‘Armageddon’. The report warns that without adopting such measures, this tech will be used in military systems at an ever-increasing tempo, and the dangers to world security will grow. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/regulate-military-use-of-emerging-tech-before-armageddon-new-report-urges/
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According to the available data, 2,150 #Palestinian civilians were killed between 7/7/14-31/12/21.
1,840 Were killed by air-launched explosives, 258 by live ammunition, 28 by surface-launched explosives & 24 by other means.
The story behind the numbers. https://www.hi.org/sn_uploads/document/Impact_EWIPA_Palestine_FS_EN-07022023.pdf
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Wapenhandel Oekraïne en Rusland zoeken allebei wapentuig van Sovjetmakelij. Wie dat vindt, kan grote winsten maken. De Nederlandse tussenhandelaar #ARLE was bij zo’n deal betrokken, door @LudoHekman en @LennartHofman https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/08/tussenhandelaren-verdienen-goud-geld-aan-wapenleveranties-aan-oekraine-a4156552
@JaspervanDijkSP stelt kamervragen.
February 8
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The German federal government has approved several major arms exports: to Niger, India and Cyprus. This emerges from a letter from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to MPs. https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/bundesregierung-genehmigt-rustungsexporte-li.315213
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The world is reeling under the economic and political impact of the war in Ukraine. Why does America want to escalate it and dangerously and is it prepared to cross red lines, asks retired Brigadier Tariq Khalil in the Pakistan Observer. https://pakobserver.net/pak-russia-relationship-geostrategic-necessity-by-brig-tariq-khalil-r/
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Together with Denmark and Germany, the Netherlands is supplying at least 100 Leopard-1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine. The countries also supply spare parts and ammo. Dutch MoD also wants to contribute to education & training.
Government letter [in Dutch]: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/02/07/nederland-koopt-leopard-1-tanks-voor-oekraine
Surprising lack of clarity in Leopard delivery; It is still open who will deliver how many tanks to Ukraine. https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus243653505/Ukraine-Die-erstaunlichen-Unklarheiten-bei-der-Leopard-Lieferung.htmlThe Danish, German, Dutch shipment not included.
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#OCCAR and #Eurosam will produce the medium range air defence systems (SAMP/T NG) for France and Italy. https://www.edrmagazine.eu/occar-signs-contract-to-launch-a-global-production-of-samp-t-ng-systemsThe news comes shortly after Ukraine sent troops to train on the use of the air defence missiels (comparable to Patriot). https://mil.in.ua/en/news/future-samp-t-operators-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-left-for-training/
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The anti-muslim Government in #India cooperates with Apartheid #Israel on military acquisitions already for decades: Israel Aerospace Industries #IAI furthers commitment to India’s defense sector
IAI has built close partnerships for the past 30 years. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-730812
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The European Defence Agency #EDA has launched its largest research & tech project to develop highly autonomous combat UGVs.
The Combat Unmanned Ground Systems #CUGS has a budget of €35.5m and brings together nine member states & 28 industry partners.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/european-defence-agency-ploughs-millions-into-autonomy-for-combat-ugvs/
February 7
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The #European Council has approved a signature-ready agreement with the US DoD to facilitate military cooperation. The draft between EDA and the Pentagon comes after years of both sides circling the subject of allowing the US MIC into EU military projects. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/02/06/pentagon-eu-ready-pact-to-spur-defense-cooperation-with-exceptions/
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Ammo supply chain crisis: Ukraine war tests Europe in race to re-arm. Germany’s Rheinmetall e.g. announced last month it would build a new explosives factory in Hungary in a joint venture with the government to address the shortage. https://www.ft.com/content/ea5b48b1-61e6-4c91-8778-4cc2edaff0ca
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Officials frustrated access to documents about explosive arms deals. Reported is the delicate decision that Merkel's government had made: #ThyssenKrupp's was given a nod to sell 3 frigates with a cost of about € 1.5bn to #Egypt's authoritarian government. https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus243564663/Fehlende-Transparenz-Beamte-im-Wirtschaftsministerium-bremsten-Staatssekretaer-aus.html
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The continuation of Korea's growing arms export footprint in Europe. In particular, Romanian ROMARM said it is interested in introducing Korean-made weapons systems. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230207000528
Ukraine War Drives Rapid Growth in South Korea’s Arms Exports. The country has been supplying the U.S. and its allies and is coming under pressure to aid Kyiv directly. https://www.kedglobal.com/war-in-ukraine/newsView/ked202302080001
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Upgrade of #Greek MEKO-frigates (cost € 500m), will according to sources go to the #German JV TKMS-#Thales #Netherlands. To strenthen its position the consortium of Thales-NL and #TKMS has invited Greek companies to a Industry Day in Athens. https://www.imerisia.gr/politiki/64697_exoplistika-proeklogiko-pagoma-alla-megali-kinitikotita-ellinikon-etaireion
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Complaints in the #German dual use/military industry on the lack of orders in a highly specialized market. #Vincorion https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/plus243572323/Bundeswehr-Ausstattung-Auf-die-Zeitenwende-wartet-die-Ruestungsindustrie-bis-heute.html
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Seeking to bring #Ukrainian forces into line, Zelenskyy in January signed into force a law that introduces harsher punishment (up to 10 years prison) for deserters and wayward soldiers & strips them of their right to appeal. The law is strongly protested. https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-war-military-law/
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Oorlog in Oekraïne: dekmantel voor totale militarisering EU. https://stopwapenhandel.org/oorlog-in-oekraine-dekmantel-voor-totale-militarisering-eu/
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#Expelo, a global engineering, technology and consulting service provider will focus on supporting #Apartheid. It will from its Israeli office help #Israel’s booming aerospace and #defence market with its leading engineering services and solutions. https://expleo.com/global/en/insights/news/new-israel-office-engineering-services-aerospace-defence/
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The world is not fully behind how the Russian invasion is tackled by the West, but even inside NATO not all look in the same direction.
"US warns Turkey on exports seen to boost Russia's war effort."https://www.reuters.com/world/us-warned-turkey-exports-seen-boost-russias-war-effort-official-says-2023-02-04/
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Get rid of controls? US DoD is facing new congressional demands to justify its expanding use of streamlined acquisition authorities that are meant to rapidly put capabilities into the field, in part by bypassing some traditional checks and balances. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/oversight-or-overkill-dod-faces-new-congressional-order-to-detail-mid-tier-acquisitions/
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The good news: “Not in our name”: Students launch campaign against University of Glasgow’s fossil fuel and arms investments.
https://glasgowguardian.co.uk/2023/02/06/not-in-our-name-students-launch-campaign-against-uofgs-fossil-fuel-and-arms-investments/
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The Ukrainian war has devastating effect not only on Ukraine but for people all over the world. Global hunger e.g. has started to rise again.
At the same time "the Ukraine war is fuelling massive profits for energy firms and #arms dealers."https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-war-is-fuelling-energy-and-arms-trade-worldwide-gcg6lpqpg
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Vadym Skibitskyi, the spokesman for an Ukrainian Intelligence organisation noted that international sanctions are currently one of the enemy's key problems because the ban on the supply of military and dual-use goods in 2022 has come into effect.
Also, everything related to high-tech weaponry is under sanctions.
At the same time, the Russians are learning to circumvent restrictions, so the question of blocking these channels arises, Skibitskyi said. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3666276-ukraine-intelligence-aware-of-situation-of-russias-defense-industry.html
February 6
Retweet @CTWnl: “The US defence industry is seizing the moment of the Ukraine crisis to push for a lot of things they’ve wanted for years,” according to @williamhartung https://ig.ft.com/us-defence-industry/
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Paris dumps Morocco in favour of Algeria.
#Russia has for years been #Algeria's prime supplier of weapons (although full of French tech, MB) , so it was striking that General Chengriha discussed arms sales with #French firms during his trip to #France. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/02/02/france-dumps-morocco-in-favour-of-algeria
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The Government of #Kuwait has requested to buy five hundred seventeen (517) total Heavy Tactical Vehicles consisting of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Heavy Equipment Transporters (HET). The estimated total case value is $445 million. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02380/arms-sales-notification
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Timely (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11714125/How-200m-F-22-Raptor-shot-Chinese-spy-balloon-400k-Sidewinder-missile.html): #Philippines—AIM-9X #Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles. #US Arms Sales Notification https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02382/arms-sales-notification
The Government of the #Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12) AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2) ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles. The estimated total cost is $120 million. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/06/2023-02376/arms-sales-notification
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New kid on the military export block.
#Japan’s New Defense Direction and Its Indo-Pacific Policy among more through the relaxation of restraints upon Japan’s arms exports and new security assistance budgets beyond the existing foreign aid protocols. #China
https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/japans-new-defense-direction-and-its-indo-pacific-policy/
February 4
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According to data by the Indian Ministry of Defence #Israel was ahead of Russia in the year 2013–2014 and 2015–2016, in terms of signing defence contracts with #India. https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/military-cooperation-remains-the-hallmark-of-nbspindia-israel-relations/2971005/
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Flemish (region of Belgium) military sector turbocharged by war in Ukraine.
Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon said that Flanders is actively looking to invest in the military sector, especially in companies specialising in new technologies. https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/362540/flemish-military-sector-turbocharged-by-war-in-ukraine
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Qatari navy’s new amphibious ship #LPD, the flight deck is sized for hosting #NH90 helicopter. In March 2018, Qatar signed a $3.7bn to buy 28 NH90 helicopters with #Leonardo as major contractor. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/qatari-navys-new-amphibious-ship-to-help-fulfil-nations-unique-needs/
Explains part of Dutch NH90 component sales to #Qatar.
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Security for some, not for all. #India almost 200 million people below poverty line, but Dehli is to boost defence spending 13%, with billions for new weapons. https://www.defensenews.com/global/2023/02/02/india-to-boost-defense-spending-13-with-billions-for-new-weapons/
February 3
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Verhelderend artikel waarin Paul Aarts en Henk Overbeek pleiten voor deelname van de NAVO aan onderhandelingen tussen Rusland en Oekraïne, omdat de NAVO zich al sinds 2007 met de onderlinge verhouding tussen die twee landen heeft bemoeid. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/02/02/alleen-een-akkoord-tussen-rusland-en-de-navo-kan-voor-duurzame-vrede-zorgen-a4156054
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Turkish STM has won 2 tenders to modernize NATO’s intelligence infrastructure, which is maintained by the NATO Communications & Information Agency. This effort stands as one of the largest software development projects assigned by NATO to a Turkish entity. https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2023/02/01/turkeys-stm-to-modernize-natos-intelligence-infrastructure/
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Overview article on the US, Japanese, #Dutch blow against #China in the #semiconductor export restriction tech war. China will need to adjust its development goals and strategies, as well as be prepared for long-term challenges ahead. #ASML https://www.eurasiareview.com/01022023-the-latest-us-chip-restrictions-on-china-analysis/
Tech war: #China-#Korea #semiconductor trade ties start to fray under #US pressure
Samsung and SK Hynix are finding it difficult to expand in China because Washington has cut China’s access to advanced chip making equipment https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3208892/tech-war-china-korea-semiconductor-trade-ties-start-fray-under-us-pressure
February 2
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The Star (South Africa): The conflict in Ukraine has widened international polarisation between the West and other countries, casting a shadow over international diplomacy characterised by Western isolation of Russia. The Star 02/02/23
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Reasoning from #Ankara is pecculiar at least. Candidate members must prioritize Turkey’s security concerns it stresses. But it was the #Turkish state, not only grossely violating rights, also sponsoring #ISIS and the #YPG fighting it. Which side to choose? https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/news-analysis/turkiye-sweden-row-hints-at-deeper-concerns-within-nato
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According to a tweet published by Andriy Melnyk on 29 January 2023, the former #Ukrainian ambassador to Germany proposed that #Germany give Ukraine its decommissioned Bremen-class #frigate, Lubeck. With #Dutch #Thales military tech & #Italian #US armament. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/january/12771-ukraine-wants-german-bremen-class-frigate-lubeck-decommissioned.html
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Arsen Avakov (interior minister, 2014-21) told that his home had been searched as part of an inquiry into #Ukraine's purchase of #Airbus helicopters 6 years ago (https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2018-07-airbus-helicopters-and-the-ukrainian-ministry-of-interior-sign-for). He said all the contracts had been approved at the time. #corruption https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-corruption-zelensky-billionaire-kolomoisky-b2273863.html
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Will the US Debt Limit Fight Impact Pentagon Spending? It could lead to some trimming of the Pentagon budget, but not by much. It will continue to go at the cost of non-military threats like climate change, pandemics, and global inequality. https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2023/01/30/will-the-debt-limit-fight-impact-pentagon-spending/
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CDA'er @RaymondKnops is overgelopen naar de commercie, meer precies de #wapenindustrie. Hij wordt betaald om zijn vrienden en vriendinnen in de politiek te lijmen. @NIDVnews https://www.bnnvara.nl/joop/artikelen/raymond-knops-moet-uit-den-haag-worden-geweerd
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Cooperating with military industries operating in and buying arms from an Apartheid state? Unthinkable some decades ago. But now #Finland has awarded #German-#Israeli weapons provider #Eurospike to deliver anti-tank missiles for the Finnish armed forces. https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/index_38336.php
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Stop Wapenhandel (@CTWnl) and The Transnational Institute (TNI @TNInstitute) co-produced an important dossier in November that details the enormous funds the West is spending on a new arms race at the expense of health, social and housing needs. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/profiteering-militarism-how-nato-using-russias-war-ukraine
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US guns are fueling violence in Central America. Here’s how to help stop the arms flow. The Biden administration must make good on its promise to revert control of firearms exports back to the State Department... https://www.justsecurity.org/84954/u-s-guns-are-fueling-violence-in-central-america-heres-how-to-help-stop-the-arms-flow/
Arms dealers in Arizona 've asked a federal court to dismiss a MEXICAN lawsuit accusing them of selling weapons used by drug cartels to kill people in Mexco. They also stated that US law protects them from most civil suits & that Mexico has no legal basis. https://hinterlandgazette.com/arizona-arms-dealers-ask-court-to-dismiss-mexican-government-lawsuit/
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West’s arming of Ukraine threatens to fuel endless cycle of violence and bloodshed in Europe and beyond
There is a dire need for the international community to find a political, negotiated solution to end the conflict before things spiral out of control https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3208570/wests-arming-ukraine-threatens-fuel-endless-cycle-violence-and-bloodshed-europe-and-beyond
February 1
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According to Jane’s, Ethiopia has acquired dozens of Chinese-built 155 mm SH15 wheeled, self-propelled howitzers, images of a joint military exercise revealed. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ethiopia-displays-new-sh15-howitzers
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Revolving doors. HII taps Chewning, former US DoD chief of staff, as new exec for strategy, development The hiring move comes as HII this past year has actively and aggressively rebranded itself from shipbuilder to a defence technology firm. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/01/hii-taps-chewning-former-dod-chief-of-staff-as-new-exec-for-strategy-development/
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World military expenditure is on the rise. To fund their increases in military spending, options available to governments include tax, debt or revenue from natural resources. Each form of financing has its consequences, economic, political or social. https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/2023_01_using_taxation_to_fund_military_spending_0.pdf
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China’s government criticized U.S. controls on technology exports as a trade violation, after Japan and the Netherlands agreed to join Washington in limiting Beijing’s access to materials to make advanced processor chips they say can be used in weapons. https://apnews.com/article/china-semiconductor-trade-violations-e0564c045bdc33a0c5fe0c4cc795db8b
Republicans are using their brand-new House majority to push for tougher China sanctions enforcement on dual-use tech even as the Biden administration greatly expands sweeping new export controls on US technology that could be used by the Chinese military. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/01/30/gop-pushes-tougher-china-dual-use-sanctions-cites-lax-enforcement/
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Moeilijke vragen over Oorlog in Oekraïne. Hoe stoppen we imperialistisch oorlogsgeweld? Op 2.Dh5 wordt een Hollanditis podcast gepresenteerd waarin we op zoek gaan naar antwoorden met @CTWnl https://www.2dh5.nl/event/moeilijke-vragen-over-oorlog-in-oekraine/
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No to NATO Tanks in Ukraine, Let’s Fight the Escalation!
Left Voice and German Klasse Gegen Klasse issued a joint statement against NATO sending tanks to Ukraine. We call to organize against this reactionary war which continues to escalate.
https://www.leftvoice.org/no-to-nato-tanks-in-ukraine-lets-fight-the-escalation/