Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
September 16
***
Lulkoek: Stssec
Defensie Van der Maat: "Europa heeft 16 soorten
gevechtsvliegtuigen... niet ideaal,” zo herkauwde hij de woorden
van de Europese wapenlobby op de DSEI wapenbeurs. Welke 16 en hoeveel
zijn er Amerikaans en Russisch? Hoeveel heeft de VS er?https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2023/35/06_globaal_35
***
State
Department diverting $85m in Egyptian military financing towards
Taiwan and Lebanon.
$55 million would be bound for Taiwan and $30 million for Lebanon. https://breakingdefense.com/2023/09/state-department-diverting-85m-in-egyptian-military-financing-towards-taiwan-and-lebanon/
***
Reuters: At
London arms fair, global war fears good for business
As one defence [= military
manufacturer] executive put it: "War is good for business".
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/london-arms-fair-global-war-fears-good-business-2023-09-15/
***
How the
UK’s arms trade funnels public cash into private pockets,
The Ministry of Defence’s leading suppliers have paid shareholders billions from a cruel industry beset by failures.
September 15
***
#Ukrainian
arms importer prioritizes howitzers, drones, ammo. Oleksii Petrov,
the acting director of #SpetsTechnoExport, told Defense News the
company is holding talks with various Western partners during this
year’s #DSEI industry show.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/09/13/ukrainian-arms-importer-prioritizes-howitzers-drones-ammo
***
“Efforts to
Evade Russia Export Controls Highlighted in New Report”
The federal government says it has identified nearly $1 billion in trade activity suspected of being associated with efforts to evade Russia-related export controls.
https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/september/efforts-to-evade-russia-export-controls-highlighted-in-new-report
Companies
in mainly in China and Hong Kong but also in #Belgium, #Germany,
Singapore, Turkey, the UAE, and the #UK – appear to be purchasing
U.S.-origin goods on behalf of Russian end-users.
The majority of companies identified are connected to the electronics industry
***
In July 2023, the
French General Directorate for Enterprise published its 2nd
Annual Report (French) to Parliament on dual-use goods exports,
outlining:
→ the number of authorisations and
denials;
→ the legislative and regulatory
control framework;
→ the role of the
departments which implement export controls
→ industry and
stakeholder awareness.
Report:
https://medias.vie-publique.fr/data_storage_s3/rapport/pdf/290900.pdf
https://www.europeansanctions.com/2023/09/french-government-publishes-report-on-dual-use-goods-exports/
***
#KNDS,
a #Amsterdam-based joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann #KMW &
#Nexter together with #Israel’s #Elbit to produce a rocket
artillery kit.
Will the weapons not be exported to a war somewhere or a dictatorship elsewhere as Israel recently did?
September 14
***
#Saudi
Minister of Defense Prince Khaled Bin Salman met with his #French
counterpart Sebastien Lecornu in Riyadh on 7/9/2023.
The two ministers are said to have touched on the #Rafale matter. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62178
***
Pakistan
Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel Launching Ceremony Held In Romania.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/pakistan-navys-offshore-patrol-vessel-launch-1749074.html
Daar gaat weer een groot Damen
wapenplatform naar Pakistan.
The OPV 2600 will be armed
with the main 76mm gun on the bow deck and two 20mm guns as secondary
weapons. In Romanian
https://adevarul.ro/stiri-interne/evenimente/in-romania-se-construiesc-nave-de-lupta-dar-2299871.html
***
Chair of
York's Green Party sentenced after #protest at #UAV_systems. He was
accused of damaging the forecourt by spraying red paint on it. UAV
systems is part of #Elbit Systems which makes drones for Israel which
are used to kill and maim Palestinians.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/tom-franklin-chair-of-yorks-green-party-sentenced-after-protest-at-drone-manufacturing-site-4333733
***
Export of
German engines for Indian battle tanks approved. German companies are
allowed to participate in the construction of Indian battle tanks.
India and Germany had recently agreed to expand arms cooperation.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/ruestungsexporte-export-deutscher-motoren-fuer-indische-kampfpanzer-genehmigt/29388932.html
***
Again Israel
arms exports are immoral.
#Azerbaijan tests advanced Israeli missile, as Nagorno-Karabakh tensions mount.
Azeri cargo flights to #Israeli base - used for arms exports - spike in recent weeks, as tensions with #Armenia run high.
***
Elizabeth Beavers
and William Hartung, "Why Are We Still Arming Saudi Arabia? |
Opinion," Newsweek, September 7, 2023.
https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-we-still-arming-saudi-arabia-opinion-1824773Riyadh "is more likely to embroil the United
States in conflict than stabilize the Middle East."
***
Biden
administration will track civilian deaths from U.S.-supplied arms.
New program will have officials investigate reports of foreign governments using American-made weapons against non-combatants.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/09/13/state-department-chirg-civilian-deaths/
September
13
***
At past DSEI fairs a
variety of illegal #torture equipment was advertised for sale -
including electro-shock stun guns, leg-irons, and body- and
gang-chains.
Amnesty has identified 9 companies that
have violated UK law at #DSEI events between 2005 and 2013
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/uk-police-must-allow-peaceful-protesters-demonstrate-global-arms-fair-london
***
Britain wants to loosen
rules and boost its arms exports
The UK is already a large weapons seller; it wants to get even bigger.
https://www.politico.eu/article/britain-wants-to-loosen-rules-and-boost-its-arms-exports/
***
Nederlandse
overheid cq. #marine neemt deel aan omstreden #DSEI-wapenbeurs in
Londen.
https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/september/13559-dsei-2023-royal-netherlands-navy-showcases-hmnls-de-ryuter.html
Dutch
Navy improves radar, adds Tomahawk cruise missile
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile))
to fleet.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/09/13/dutch-navy-improves-radar-adds-tomahawk-missile-to-fleet/
For decades already the Tomahawk is the weapon used in the early stages of a military involvement of the US in a international conflict.
September 12
***
#MBDA offered the
#UAE Navy Anti Ship #Missiles under a tender to arm the Gowind
corvettes being built by Naval Group.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62170
***
Joe Biden’s
administration is linking #F16 fighter jet sales to #Turkey with
Turkish ratification of #Sweden’s #NATO membership bid and this
“seriously upsets” Ankara.
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/news-analysis/distrust-disrupts-progress-in-turkish-us-ties
***
#France inks
deal to aid #Bangladesh launch second satellite to orbit. The
low-Earth orbit observation satellite is also for defence purposes.
Involved are state-run Bangladesh #Satellite Company Limited and
France's #Airbus Defence and Space company.
https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/82629/world/france-inks-deal-to-aid-bangladesh-launching-2nd-satellite-to-orbit
***
In a Campaign
Against Arms Trade #CAAT said the companies taking part in Londen
held Defence and Security Equipment Int. #DSEI arms fair read as a
"who's who of the world's worst arms dealers".
Activists promise two-week 'resistance' campaign against it. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/dsei-israel-companies-worst-arms-dealers
September 11
***
In a
dangerous world, Japan sharpens its foreign policy weapon.
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/in-a-dangerous-world-japan-sharpens-its-foreign-policy-weapon
***
German
MEP for the CDU David McAllister states German French tank troubles
“of course also brings the cooperation on the #FCAS multi-purpose
combat aircraft back into focus”.
https://www.hna.de/wirtschaft/david-mc-allister-panzer-projekt-mgcs-europa-knds-nexter-rheinmetall-krauss-maffei-wegmann-muenchen-zr-92511876.html
----
Europe's
largest arms project is in jeopardy because differences between its
partners France and Germany are increasing.
Europas größtes Rüstungsprojekt steht auf der Kippe, weil die Differenzen zwischen den Partnern Frankreich und Deutschland zunehmen
WELT AM SONNTAG 10/09/23
***
Washinton
and Hanoi the upgrade growth "in critical industries from
semiconductors to defense, even as #Vietnam reportedly looks to buy
arms from Russia secretly despite Western sanctions over the #Ukraine
war." #US #China
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/U.S.-upgrades-Vietnam-ties-as-Biden-blasts-China-for-changing-rules
September 10
***
Stop
Shopping Choir today at 14.00 hour at DSEI arms fair. Antother good
reason to go to the protest.
***
On Thursday,
UK Pax Christi joined the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, Quakers,
Columbans and others for the 'No Faith in War Day' protest at the
#DSEI Arms Fair, the ExCeL Centre, London.
https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47970
***
The
Department of Defense #DoD has paid about $1 billion to an arms
dealer who was once indicted for allegedly #bribing foreign officials
to supply equipment to Ukraine, The New York Times reported Saturday.
https://dailycaller.com/2023/09/09/pentagon-indicted-arms-dealer-supply-ammo-ukraine/
NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/09/world/europe/ukraine-military-arms-dealer-pentagon.html
September
9
***
7 questions to the
#OCCAR (https://www.occar.int/) director. OCCAR is a multi-national
organisation managing 18 programs (like: A400M airlifter, FREMM
frigate & the MAST-F tactical missile) with a total operational
budget this year of about €6 billion.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/09/08/seven-questions-with-the-head-of-international-arms-manager-occar/
September 8
***
The Chief of
Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces met with the Head of the Joint
Chinese-Saudi military work team Major Gen Fan Jianjun in Riyadh.
During this meeting 3 projects related to the production of arial & naval #drones are said to have been finalised. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62161
***
The
#Indonesian MoD & Navy have reached an impasse over the ‘Red
White' frigate programme's combat systems. The defence ministry
insist that the frigates be equipped with a #Turkish combat
management system instead of a #Thales-supplied one as planned.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/naval-weapons/latest/indonesian-defence-ministry-navy-at-impasse-over-red-white-frigates-combat-systems
***
The @CAATuk
#UK arms exports browser has been updated to include data up to March
2023.
Unfortunately, this quarter the data is only partial as licences held by many exporters are absent from official government figures.https://caat.org.uk/data/exports-uk/overview
***
Behind the
scenes
See how private #ammo sales from #US are fueling the war in #Ukraine.
“War is bad,” weapons dealer Brown said. “Loss of life is bad. But at the end of the day, it’s very profitable and injects revenue into this military industrial base.” https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/09/07/war-in-ukraine-private-ammunition-sales/70708811007/
***
Rather than
clarifying details of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the
docking of the #Russian cargo vessel, the #SA executive summary of
the #Lady_R report leaves questions open on what happened.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-09-07-uae-role-in-lady-r-saga-doesnt-make-sense-say-experts/
E.g. what has the #UAE to do with the shipment?
***
Rather than
clarifying details of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the
docking of the Russian cargo vessel, the #SouthAfrican executive
summary of the #Lady_R report leaves several questions open what was
really ongoing.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-09-07-uae-role-in-lady-r-saga-doesnt-make-sense-say-experts/
What has the #UAE to do with the shipment?
***
#Qatar may
opt to purchase an additional 24 #Rafale from Dassault, which would
bring the country’s fleet to 60, having acquired an initial batch
of 24 in 2015 and another 12 in 2017. Analysts have told Defense News
such a sale appears likely. #France
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/09/07/rafales-on-the-upswing-french-fighter-eyes-additional-mideast-sales/
***
Swedish military
company #Saab AB acquired #AI firm CrowdAI, again expanding its
footprint in the fast-growing sector.
The deal’s closing was announced Sept. 7. No financial details were shared. Saab ranked No. 33 of the world’s largest defense companies.
https://www.c4isrnet.com/industry/2023/09/07/swedens-saab-snags-silicon-valley-based-crowdai/
September 7
***
A new RUSI
analysis calls on partners of Ukraine to “ensure” the proposed
artillery park is developed, while also working to cut down an
existing supply of 17 artillery systems to focus on “maintaining a
more limited range of guns at greater scale.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/09/ukraine-counteroffensive-analysis-west-needs-to-help-kyiv-outrange-russians-protect-own-artillery/
For RUSI report see here: https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/special-resources/stormbreak-fighting-through-russian-defences-ukraines-2023-offensive
***
The European Defence Agency (#EDA) on Tuesday (5 September) signed eight contracts with European industry for the joint procurement of #155mm ammunition for #Ukraine in the first-ever move to use the bloc to purchase weapons collectively.
***
#Germany
starts new attempt for main battle #tank alliance - WITHOUT #France.
Germany, Italy, Sweden and Spain want to develop a new main battle tank. The project competes with the ongoing cooperation between Berlin and Paris. https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/leopard-nachfolger-dem-neuen-deutsch-franzoesischen-kampfpanzer-droht-das-aus-/29368146.html
***
Without proper political/diplomatic context, a surge towards capabilities like swarms of drones that can destroy 1000s of targets in China on short notice are more likely to accelerate a dangerous arms race than deter a potentially catastrophic conflict. https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2023/08/beware-pentagon-techno-enthusiasm/389885/
***
#JPO (F-35
Joint Program Office) spokesman Russ Goemaere wrote that it has
continued to update US military leaders, int. partners and foreign
governments purchasing the F-35 “about
the progress and challenges observed in testing TR-3 software in
flight.”
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/09/06/upgraded-f-35-deliveries-could-slip-to-june-2024/
But, Goemaere added, the TR-3 program still has risks.
***
The Pentagon
announced Sept. 6 it will send depleted uranium #DU rounds to Ukraine
in its latest military assistance package to the embattled country.
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/09/06/us-to-send-depleted-uranium-rounds-to-ukraine/
Iraq has some experience with its use as did deployed US military in the country. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2013/3/15/iraq-wars-legacy-of-cancer
***
“Our
[NATO's] job is to send the message that we can out-manufacture,”
Russia, said defence official Salm. “Our defence has been a
self-inducing spiral of declining defense budgets, especially in
Europe,” he added “Our job is to turn this around.”
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2023/09/06/us-considering-long-range-fires-for-ukraine-state-dept-official-says/
***
Old (July 19, 2023) but missed: The Netherlands lifts arms embargo against Turkey, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Dutch government changes policy following Turkish support for Sweden's Nato membership bid, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE also benefitting. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/netherlands-turkey-arms-embargo-lifted
September 6
***
iO
Associates, the only recruitment company for Elbit Sys UK removed all
the 22 jobs for Elbit from its online platforms. Elbit Systems UK
also removed their online job vacancies. This happened soon after an
occupation of iO’s Manchester offices.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2023/09/05/israeli-arms-firm-jobs-delisted-after-recruiters-targeted/
***
#Saudi #EDGE
Group & Israeli #Rafael talk to establish a strategic partnership
for the development of an air defence system.
The #UAE is in talks with Israel for the acquisition of the Spyder air defence system and the Iron Beam directed-energy system. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62155
***
News from the
Brussels' Bubble, newsletter by @ENAAT avaliable here:
https://enaat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ENAAT-NBB-2023-06_04.09.2023.pdf.
Five pages with nformation on:
* ENAAT activities
* EU funding for the arms industry
* Other aspects of EU militarisation
* EU Peace Facility & related news
***
#Israel sold
arms to #Myanmar even after the 2021 military coup.
Shipping records show #IAI and #Elbit arming Myanmar’s junta, which bombs civilian targets in the country.
Do you know these pictures, see link: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=562993306&rlz=1C1GCEA_enNL925NL925&q=ravage+Myanmar+bombing+2023&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjQ_df4sZWBAxUsg_0HHeNgDJEQ0pQJegQICxAB&biw=1920&bih=923&dpr=1
See
also
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-sold-arms-myanmar-coup-despite-high-court-ban
September 5
***
#Finland’s
#Patria weighs making combat vehicles in Ukraine.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/09/04/finlands-patria-weighs-making-combat-vehicles-in-ukraine/
Next EU weapon manufacturer which seems to consider #Ukraine a place to produce arms. If true Ukraine's notorious arms export policies must improve. Otherwise new problems will be created.
***
The
Algerian Air Force has agreed to acquire 4 Russian-made Beriev
Be-200ES Altair multirole amphibious #aircraft, so-called water
bombers. This procurement decision comes in response to the
#wildfires that have plagued several regions of #Algeria.
https://www.military.africa/2023/09/algeria-receives-beriev-be-200es-altair-amphibious-aircraft-for-firefighting/
***
And
the winner is?
EUROPEAN defence stocks rallied as analysts predicted an increase in shareholder returns and deal making across the industry next year.
Who are the losers?
***
Arianespace
VV23 Vega carried the #Airbus built #THEOS-2 #satellite.
https://spaceflightnow.com/launchschedule/vega-theos-2-formosat-7r-triton/
The satellite is part of a cooperation between #Thai Space Tech
Development Agency #GISTDA & the military to enhance national
security & support military missions.
https://asianews.network/thai-military-teams-up-with-space-agency-for-eyes-in-the-sky/
***
Militarisation
of the EU policy:
The European Commission plans to propose a new 'European Defence Production Act' to boost the bloc's military industrial base. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/european-commission-mulls-new-european-defence-act-before-end-of-year/
The Commision states that is to help EU member states better face future crises.
***
Human
rights? Peace? Democacy? Security? People?
Or just power and profit?
Australia’s rise in military export approvals to Saudi Arabia labelled ‘disturbing’
***
The
#ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum (ACSC/APF) has
declared #Myanmar’s military regime a terrorist organization and
called on regional leaders gathering in Jakarta for this week’s
ASEAN summit to cut ties with the junta.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/asean-must-cut-ties-with-terrorist-regime-in-myanmar-civil-society.html
***
Sinds
het begin van de oorlog in #Oekraïne geeft Europa meer geld aan zijn
#wapenindustrie. Maar hoe profiteert die daar van, en zijn daar ook
kritische noten bij te kraken? Daarover Mark Akkerman @CTWnl en
schrijver voor 't @TNI.
LUISTERUH mensen, hier
https://www.nporadio1.nl/podcasts/europa-draait-door/95349/36-hoe-profiteert-de-wapenindustrie-van-de-oorlog-in-oekraine-s05
Wil
je nog meer podcast met Stop Wapenhandel? Nieuwe aflevering van
Onderstroom, over wapenhandel, militair-industrieel complex,
wapenlobby, zogenaamd groene oorlogvoering en meer.
https://onderstroom.red/alle-afleveringen/podcast-over-wapenhandel/
September 4
***
"There is no such thing as #tactical nuclear weapons; any #nuclear employment for tactical purposes imposes #strategic consequences and engages an #escalation path down which few wish to tread." part from letter by Lieutenant commander Matt Hipple, https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/september/comment-discussion
***
Commander of the US Coast Guard Steve Hulse advises US navy to acquire #Sentinel-class vessels to be used as a missile armed patrol boat. They are built by Bollinger for the USCG, used in Bahrain & developped by Dutch #Damen. The ships cost $ 65 million. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/september/navy-should-use-fast-response-cutter-patrol-boat
September 3
***
#Airbus Helicopters and #Korea Aerospace Industries (#KAI) have agreed to initiate their series production of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) as well as deepening their commitment to the joint production of the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH). https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-08-airbus-and-korea-aerospace-industries-to-launch-light-armed
September 2
***
#Netherlands,
#Romania and #Lockheed agree to open F-16 training center (located at
Romania’s Air Base in Borcea, Călărași).
The letter of intent comes after the Biden administration approved the re-export of the fourth generation jets to Ukraine.
***
Chinese chip
makers can import critical #ASML tools until 2024, as new Netherlands
rules restrict access to DUV systems.
World’s leading maker of #lithography
systems said it will not be able to ship its most advanced DUV tools
to #China after January 1.
https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3233052/chinese-chip-makers-can-import-critical-asml-tools-until-2024-new-netherlands-rules-restrict-access
***
#Ukraine
has the power to deny Russia air ops over its territory an article in
a military magazine states.
https://usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/september/air-denial-lessons-ukraine…
But “we need a total of around 160 combat jets,’’ Zelensky
said. This to prevent Russia from dominating Ukrainian #airspace.
https://dailynigerian.com/ukraine-seeks-combat-jets/
September 1
***
#Djibouti
asserts maritime dominance with a naval garage. Central in the effort
is a naval repair boat ('aquatic garage') build by #Damen and
financed by Dutch based Invest International Capital #IIC and
#Atradius Dutch State Business #DSB.
https://www.capitalethiopia.com/2023/08/07/djibouti-asserts-maritime-dominance-with-a-naval-garage/
***
Constitutional
Court decides on referendum if Hamburg has the right thalt arms
shipment through its harbour. Despite the sentence in the preamble to
the Hamburg constitution states: Hamburg "as a world port city
has to fulfill a special task towards the German people assigned to
it by history and location. In the spirit of peace, it wants to be a
mediator between all continents and peoples of the world," Die
Welt forcasts a refusal by the Court to give Hamburg the right to
prevent the shipments.
Verdict 1/9/23, at 10 a.m.
https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article247104630/Entscheidung-ueber-Volksbegehren-gegen-Ruestungsgueter.html
The
refendum demands were put aside on several grounds. The issue is a
Federal responsibility and representaives of Senate/Parliament cannot
be forced to install a law against the shipments. This is
incompatible with freedom of the parliamentary mandate.
https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article247236692/Volksbegehren-gegen-Ruestungstransporte-unzulaessig.html
***
The Ministry
of Strategic Industries of Ukraine & BAE Systems signed a
Cooperation Agreement on arms production in Ukraine.
Ukraine & BAE Systems also signed a Framework Agreement on cooperation in the repair, spare parts & production of L119 light guns. https://defence-industry.eu/bae-systems-to-localize-arms-production-in-ukraine/
***
Dutch
military supplies to Ukraine nears € 2 billion.
De totale waarde van de geleverde militaire steun aan Oekraïne nadert de € 2 miljard. De vervangingswaarde van het geleverde materieel is wel iets naar beneden bijgesteld. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/08/31/bijna-2-miljard-euro-aan-militaire-steun-naar-oekraine-onder-meer-brugleggende-tanks