Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
February 16
***
Kennelijk kan
een demissionair Minister in één klap ruim € 20 miljard euro
beloven (2% van 1.078 bbp 2024).
https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/artikel/2509038-ollongren-defensie-budget-verdubbelen-naar-4-procent-als-vs-uit-navo-stapt
Vraag me af wat dat doet met andere
uitgaven bijvoorbeeld op het gebied van onderwijs, zorg, compenseren
toeslagen ouders, bouwen voldoende...
***
Rapport: https://stopwapenhandel.org/app/uploads/2024/02/Klimaat_rapport_UNFCCC.pdf
February 15
***
5 Countries
Halt Weapon Exports to Israel after ICJ Genocide Ruling.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1833558/5-countries-halt-weapon-exports-to-israel-after-icj-genocide-ruling
Which one will be next?
***
Villains
start military cooperation.
#Turkey and #Egypt resume relations through #arms deal. Although major differences remain, Cairo and Ankara are moving closer after years of estrangement.
Turkish FM Fidan has announced Turkey's sale of #drones.
***
Protesters
occupy weapons industry lobbying group HQ in Ottawa.
The protesters are demanding that
CADSI, which is government funded, end its complicity in Israel’s
genocide of the Palestinian people.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2024/02/14/protesters-occupy-weapons-industry-lobbying-group-hq-in-ottawa/
Protest
for #Palestine: #Weapons manufacturers #out of Meanjin/Brisbane,
#Australia.
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/protest-palestine-weapons-manufacturers-out-brisbane
***
Report to
Congress on US Special Operations Forces #SOF. As of 2023, #USSOCOM
has +/- 70,000 personnel. Its 4 components, #USASOC, #NSWC, #AFSOC &
#MARSOC).
Ops are characterized by elements like clandestine, low visibility, a high degree of risk, etc. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24424948/us-special-operations-forces-sof-background-and-considerations-for-congress-feb-5-2024.pdf
***
#België is
een draaischijf voor illegale #wapenhandel en het probleem wordt
steeds groter. Ondertussen moeten de diensten die dit bestrijden, 't
met steeds minder volk en middelen doen. Onschuldige mensen sterven.
De regering faalt. Meldt Belgische #PvdA.
https://www.pvda.be/wapenhandel-aanpak-van-regering-faalt
***
#Turkmenistan
is ready to consider new proposals from Italy's #Leonardo, which
specialises in aerospace, defence and security. This was confirmed to
press outlet Daryo.
https://daryo.uz/en/2024/02/14/italys-leonardo-offers-turkmenistan-new-projects
***
#NATO chief
Stoltenberg hails allies’ record defense spending.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/02/14/nato-chief-stoltenberg-hails-allies-record-defense-spending/
Saw a banner in the Swedish Prliament asking for #alternatives. More to healthcare, housing, climate & schools. Seems to be a wiser demand than this praise of fast growing #military #budgets.
***
Pro-Palestinian
protesters interrupt Canadian PM Trudeau during House of Commons
question period
They carried banners and chanted:
"free, free Palestine, stop arming
Israel."https://montrealgazette.com/news/national/pro-palestinian-protesters-interrupt-trudeau-during-house-of-commons-question-period
Protesters
interrupted a #Swedish Parliament session on the Israel-Palestine
conflict, calling for justice for Palestine. The debate addressed
Sweden's stance, UNRWA support, and #military #exports to #Israel.
https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/swedish-parliament-disrupted-by-pro-palestine-protests-amidst-ongoing-conflict
***
#Azerbaijani
President Aliyev says Baku will strengthen its army & military
industry.
Baku initiated an anti-terrorism operation in Karabakh Sept 2023 "to establish constitutional order".
Others call it an ethic cleansing operation by the ally of Turkey.
***
#Pakistan
#Navy Lays The Keel Of The 2nd Hangor-Class #Submarine. 4 Submarines
are under construction at #Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry in China
whereas the remaining 04 are being built at KS&EW in Karachi
under a Transfer of Technology agreement.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/pakistan-navy-lays-the-keel-of-the-2nd-hangor-class-submarine/
***
Under the
radar: behind the scenes at arms fairs – in pictures
Tanks, missiles and grenades … sold
with glasses of wine and finger food. Nikita Teryoshin’s images
lift the curtain on the secretive global weapons trade.
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2024/feb/15/under-the-radar-behind-the-scenes-at-arms-fairs-in-pictures
***
Anti-war
campaigners are protesting against a recruitment event at Cardiff
University organised by an arms firm that has supplied components for
Israeli F-35 fighter jets used to bomb Gaza.
https://nation.cymru/news/anti-war-protesters-target-cardiff-university-over-arms-firm-recruitment-event/
February 14
***
To much
people see this a road to a solution,instead of adding to the problem.
Saab, the 33rd largest military
contractor in the world, said orders increased 23% to $7.4bn last
year, lifting the order book to an all-time high of $14.6bn.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/02/09/saab-kongsberg-post-record-orders-as-europe-boosts-defense-spending/
***
#Israel’s
army has deployed some #AI-enabled military technology in #combat for
the first time in #Gaza, raising fears about the use of autonomous
weapons in modern warfare.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240210-israel-deploys-new-military-ai-in-gaza-war
***
Green Left
Australia:
Stop arming Israel
Israel can only continue to massacre Palestinians because of the billions of dollars it receives in military aid from weapons’ exports to the West. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/stop-arming-israel-0
***
Israël was
in 2023 na de VS & 't VK de voornaamste eindbestemming voor
Vlaamse wapenexport. In totaal verleende Vlaanderen 9
uitvoervergunningen voor militaire goederen naar Israël, zo blijkt
uit info van de Vlaamse dienst Controle Strategische Goederen.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20240213_96217723
***
CNN notes:
Calls grow in Europe to halt arms exports to Israel.
While the US Senate on Tuesday passed a $95 billion foreign aid package that includes further security assistance for Israel. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/13/europe/israel-arms-exports-europe-netherlands-f35-intl/index.html
***
Global military
spending hits record $2.2 trillion amid multiple wars
And guess who outspends all others?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/13/nato-spending-russia-ukraine-trump/
Dutch
Labour/GreenLeft refused to undersign amendment to stop all
activities of the Israeli military industry in the Netherlands &
stop coop with the Israeli Armed Forces. GreenLeft's policy has
enormously changed in the past 20 yrs. Supported by the SP, Partij vd
Dieren & DENK.
***
Please find
here the 1st #ENAAT Newsletter of the year
Main issues are the public consultation on the Defence Fund mid-term review & the political deal on the revision of the EU 2021-2027 budget putting #war and #borders before #climate and foreign #aid.
https://enaat.org/2024/02/13/enaat-newsletter-2024-01-war-borders-before-climate-and-foreign-aid
***
Ukraine on
Dec. 31 received a Skynex battery built in Italy by the fi rm’s
subsidiary Rheinmetall Italia and is now operational, according to
the division’s chief executive, Alessandro Ercolani.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/01/26/rheinmetall-italia-touts-ukraine-deployment-of-skynex-air-defense-gun/
***
The
EU has reimposed sanctions on Syria's Cham Wings Airlines: it uses
its flights in "the transfer of Syrian mercenaries, arms trade,
narcotics trafficking & money laundering, which supports the
activities of the Syrian regime.
https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/137029-eu-re-sanctions-syrias-cham-wings-airlines
EU
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202400380
***
Brazil's
Defence Ministry said on Monday it had authorized gun maker Forjas
Taurus SA to export arms to Djibouti in recent years, but that those
weapons could not be legally re-exported to other countries.
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-brazil-arms-taurus-defense/brazil-defence-ministry-taurus-arms-exports-not-cleared-for-re-export-idUKKCN11C017/
February
13
***
Biden doesn’t
plan to stop Israel support. New memo requires human rights
assurances for arms transfers, but the White House says it won't
restrict military aid for Israel.
***
#Azerbaijan
opens facilities for new #Akinci drone. Baku, the other ethic
cleanser, bought the #Turkish-made combat system from the
#NATO-country and also the rifht to produce.
The Akinci’s 1,500-kilogram payload is 10 times more than that of the TB2.
https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2024/02/12/azerbaijan-opens-facilities-for-new-akinci-drone/
***
Nederlandse
#rechtbank verbood de uitvoer naar #Israël van onderdelen voor het
#F35, vanwege een risico op ‘ernstige schendingen van het
humanitaire oorlogsrecht’. In #België exporteerde #Sabca al
vliegtuigonderdelen naar Israël. Geen vuiltje aan de lucht.
https://www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/nederlandse-rechtbank-verbiedt-export-van-f-35-onderdelen-naar-israel-hoe-zit-dat-in-belgie~b74132e3/
***
UK MoD
freezes all new capital spending as budgets spiral out of control.
Soaring costs throw long-planned projects due for approval into doubt, The Telegraph can reveal.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/12/mod-freezes-all-new-capital-spending-as-budgets-spiral/
***
Dutch court
order to halt F-35 part exports to Israel may influence other
nations, says Oxfam policy advisor.
Political pressure could increase on Israel to abide by international humanitarian law, Dirk-Jan Jalvingh says.
February 12
***
UAE’s EDGE
Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish Aerospace
to integrate payloads and sensors with Turkish Aerospace’s
products.
https://edgegroup.ae/news/edge-collaborate-turkish-aerospace-industries-advanced-airborne-domain-projects
***
#China
displays FC-31 #fighter at #Saudi defence show in bid to increase
exports to Middle East.
‘Arms sales could build client relations between Middle East countries and China, which could pay off with lucrative deals in petroleum exports’.
***
China makes
presence felt at Saudi arms fair wds2024, outpacing US, Russia.
The equipment on display by China was dominated by armed & unarmed drones, but also fighter jets, missiles, long-range air and missile defence systems, anti-tank and C4ISR kit.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/china-makes-presence-felt-at-saudi-arabian-defense-show-outpacing-us-russia/
***
'Stop
saying please': Josep Borrell says US must use weapons as leverage
with Israel
The National
The Netherlands is
bound by the EU's common position on arms exports, which includes a
clause on respect for human rights and international..
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2024/02/12/stop-saying-please-josep-borrell-says-us-must-use-weapons-as-leverage-with-israel/
'A
little contradictory': Borrell slams US for deploring Gaza deaths
while sending #weapons to Israel Organisations like Amnesty
International and #ENAAT have long called for a comprehensive arms
embargo on both #Israel and #Hamas.
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/02/12/a-little-contradictory-borrell-slams-us-for-deploring-gaza-deaths-while-sending-weapons-to
***
#Oekraïense
speciale eenheden ondersteunen het #Soedanese regeringsleger in de
strijd tegen Russische Wagnerhuurlingen die gelieerd zijn aan de
rebellen van de #RSF. Dat meldt The Kyiv Post die een korte video van
de Oekraïense inlichtingendienst vrijgaf.
https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10539788/oekraiense-elitetroepen-jagen-in-soedan-op-wagner-group
February 10
***
US briefed
#Israel on a new US security memorandum. It does not impose new
conditions on how US military equipment may be used, but it does
require the administration to send a report to Congress annually on
whether countries are meeting the requirements.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2457376/world
Security
Memorandum on Safeguards and Accountability With Respect to
Transferred Defense Articles and Defense Services
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/08/national-security-memorandum-on-safeguards-and-accountability-with-respect-to-transferred-defense-articles-and-defense-services/National
***
The General
Atomics/ Bayraktar drone race.
MQ-9 Deliveries Slated To Outpace TB2
In Coming Decade.https://aviationweek.com/awin-knowledge-center/mq-9-deliveries-slated-outpace-tb2-coming-decade
Peace and security is on the loosing
side.
General Atomics debuts new XQ-67A Air Force sensing
drone. Details remain highly classified, though the effort is
expected to field an unmanned aircraft that can fly ahead of fighters
and relay targeting information and other threat data back.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/general-atomics-debuts-new-xq-67a-air-force-sensing-drone/
***
And the
winners are: Saab, Kongsberg post record orders as Europe boosts
defense spending.
https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2024/02/09/saab-kongsberg-post-record-orders-as-europe-boosts-defense-spending/
February 9
***
To make the
region safer or regain petrodollars?
At #WDS2024, #Boeing defence president Colbert spoke about potential future deals in the region —from upgraded F-15s to Apaches and T-7 trainers— while navigating new #Saudi production mandates. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/boeing-expects-jump-in-international-defense-sales-with-good-portion-from-middle-east-colbert/
***
Conflict
between #M23 rebels & government forces is intensifying in
eastern #DRC's Masisi territory, local sources said, with six killed
on Wednesday and many more injured.
Kinshasa says M23 is supported by #Rwanda (claim backed by UN, denied by Kigali). https://www.barrons.com/news/conflict-intensifies-in-eastern-dr-congo-s-masisi-residents-5822470c
 |
| Source |
***Handy: Major Arms Sales (via FMS) Notification Tracker by @ForumArmsTrade . https://forumarmstrade.org/major-arms-sales-notifications-tracker.html
***
Linsey
Cottrell, "Does reporting #military #emissions data really
threaten national security?" Conflict and Environment
Observatory, February 7, 2024.
https://ceobs.org/does-reporting-military-emissions-data-really-threaten-national-security/
***
Colby
Goodman, "Does Congress Really Want to Relax Corruption Controls
on U.S. Arms Sales?," The Global Anticorruption
Blog. https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2024/02/04/does-congress-really-want-to-relax-corruption-controls-on-u-s-arms-sales/
***
US officials
should say what they & every impartial observer know about
Israel’s conduct in #Gaza: unacceptable & if it doesn't change,
US policy toward #military_assistance to Israel will. The price will
be high. But the price of hypocrisy is even higher.
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/how-end-americas-hypocrisy-gaza
***
US
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez #AOC opposes a proposed $17.6
billion aid bill to #Israel, saying Americans ‘should not tolerate
this squandering of our resources without oversight’ to a country
engaged in ‘gross human rights violations’.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240208-us-rep-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-calls-for-end-to-us-funding-of-israel/
***
Riyadh helped
to arms itself.
From robots to gliding bombs, Saudi Arabia showcases growing domestic defence trade
Domestically made military equipment is growing in complexity, World Defence Show exhibitors tell The National.
***
A US drone
strike hit a car in Bagdad Wednesday night, killing three members of
the powerful Kataib Hezbollah militia, including a high-ranking
commander, officials said.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/02/07/drone-strike-in-baghdad-kills-senior-militia-commander-official-say/
Si bellum vis, armis utere sine temperantia, M. Braccas.
***
#Saudi Arabia
‘keen’ to join #GCAP fighter program
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Combat_Air_Programme), but
#localization a must: GAMI governor
“I think [joining] the program [GCAP]
is important to Saudi Arabia,” GAMI governor Ahmad Al-Ohali told
Breaking Defense. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/saudi-arabia-keen-to-join-gcap-fighter-program-but-localization-a-must-gami-governor/
***
In
lifting #Turkish arms #embargo, #Canada politicizes arms controls.
The decision to lift the arms embargo on Turkey should be revisited,
and full compliance with domestic and international norms should be
seen to prevail over political calculation.
https://www.ploughshares.ca/publications/in-lifting-turkish-arms-embargo-canada-politicizes-arms-controls
February 8
***
#Japanese and
#German governments recently signed the Acquisition and
Cross-Servicing Agreements #ACSA to facilitate the mutual
replenishment of food, fuel and #ammunition between the Japan
Self-Defense Forces and the Bundeswehr.
http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16286074.html
***
Irini reports
included violations or potential violations of the #arms embargo in
the east and west of the #Libya, and it issued 84 recommendations to
inspect suspicious ships in the ports of EU's member states, 67 of
which were implemented.
https://libyaobserver.ly/news/eus-operation-irini-inspected-20-suspicious-flights-mediterranean-last-january
***
#Qatar
showcases its NHIndustries #NH90 helicopter in Riyadh.
https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2024/february/14022-wds-2024-qatar-showcases-its-nhindustries-nh90-helicopter-in-riyadh.html
Developed by NHIndustriesa a partnership #Airbus Helicopters, #Leonardo, and #Fokker Aerostructures the NH90 is designed to fulfill a variety of military roles, including troop transportation, cargo support, special operations, search and rescue, and maritime patrol.
***
Jacob Zuma
"zou eind jaren negentig zijn omgekocht door de Franse
wapenproducent #Thales, die daarmee een grote aanbesteding van
defensie wist binnen te halen - een beschuldiging die Zuma overigens
nog steeds ontkent.
Heel vaak is het verhaal nog niet
verteld. Als ik zoek op Zuma, Thales en corruptie dan vind ik 44
treffers tussen 2003 en vandaag in een krantendatabank, waarvan vier
deze week.
De directie van het Thales concern
zetelt inderdaad in Frankrijk, maar is Thales Nederland is al
sinds 1990 deel van het bedrijf (toen nog Thomson CSF) en heeft
vestigingen in Hengelo, Huizen, Delft en Eindhoven. Op het gebied van
marine technologie neemt het een centrale plaats in bij Thales.
Thales Nederland is een van de grootste wapenproducenten van Nederland en ja corruptie en wapenproductie zijn twee handen op een buik.
Winst gaat boven moraal. Vooral vastgoed en wapensector zijn uitblinkers in de corruptiestatistieken. Blijkbaar wordt dat gemakkelijk vergeten. Maar niet altijd.
Goed dat dit toch nog eens aan de orde
komt.
***
Munitions
#INDIA Alliance Limited (MIL), a leading Indian defense manufacturer,
has secured a significant contract worth $225m to supply #artillery
#ammunition to #Saudi Arabia. This milestone agreement was
facilitated by MIL's partner, Nadrah Company.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/munitions-india-bags-largest-export-order-from-saudi-arabia-to-supply-155mm-artillery-shells-worth-225m/
***
Arming the
brutes.
South #Korea will export missile systems to #Saudi Arabia as part of a $3.2bn deal signed in November, but only revealed this week. LIG Nex1 produces KM-SAM Block II batteries, while Hanwha provides the radar & supplies launcher vehicles.https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/02/07/saudi-arabia-signs-32b-deal-for-south-korean-air-defense-systems/
***
The
#Portuguese navy has concluded a contract with #Damen Shipyards Group
for the design, construction, and equipment of a state-of-the-art
multifunctional vessel. The "#drone aircraft carrier” will be
produced at the shipyard in #Galați, Romania.
https://www.romania-insider.com/damen-shipyard-romania-build-drone-aircraft-carrier-portuguese-navy-2024
***
A group of
several dozen #Bristol residents blockaded #Elbit in Bristol Tuesday
morning in solidarity with the people of Palestine. They arrived at
the site in Filton at 8:20 am and prevented vehicle access to the
site by standing together at the entrance.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2024/02/07/palestine-solidarity-protestors-blockade-bristol-arms-factory/
***
Voor 't eerst
sinds 2021 vindt er weer 'n beursintroductie in Amsterdam plaats.
De #Griekse maker van militaire #nachtkijkers #Theon komt voor €10 per aandeel naar de beurs. Sluit op €9,80.
De marktkapitalisatie bedraagt op de eerste handelsdag €700mln.
https://fd.nl/financiele-markten/1506889/defensiebedrijftheon-maakt-debuut-op-amsterdamse-beurs
February 7
***
Integris Composites
is the new name for #TenCate Advanced Armor.
https://www.worlddefenseshow.com/about-the-show/exhibitor-list/?name=&countries=NETHERLANDS#results
The company is present on the World
Defense Show #WDS2024 in Riyadh, #Saudi Arabia. The arms fair is this
week opened by the Saudi Minister of Defence Prince Khaled.
Also
present from the Netherlands;
PALS Communication Technologies B.V. - satellite antenna's
MAGNUM® / TOTECTORS® - armed forces footwear
Airbus - (juridically/financially based in the
Netherlands)
See for firms from other countries: https://www.worlddefenseshow.com/about-the-show/exhibitor-list/
***
#Itochu Corp's
aviation unit will end its strategic cooperation with #Israeli
military company #Elbit Systems Ltd by the end of February amid the
war in #Gaza, the #Japanese trading house's executive said on Monday.
https://archive.ph/UDOFR#selection-1581.0-1581.69
***
Next.
#Korea and #Qatar have signed an initial agreement to strengthen
bilateral defence cooperation during talks between their defence
chiefs, officials said Wednesday, amid Seoul's push to boost
#arms_exports to the Middle East.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/02/113_368418.html
February 6
***
#Lockheed
signed agreements with #Saudi companies to manufacture parts of its
missile systems. E.g. the sub-contracts for the #THAAD system will
enhance manufacturing capabilities by Riyadh and transfer expertise
beefing-up the country’s military industry.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudi-companies-make-parts-lockheeds-thaad-defense-system-2024-02-05/
***
How exports
of hightech components for #Turkish #Bayraktar drones intended for
acts of aggression are controled by the #EU? Answer by EU Vice-Pres
Dombrovskis after allmost 3 months on behalf of the European
Commission 06/02/24.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-003039-ASW_EN.pdf
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-003039_EN.html
***
The #Japanese
#pacifism will be enforced with fighter planes. Japanese PM Kishida
said in an Orwellian phrase that "exporting a #fighter jet
that’s set to be developed with the UK and Italy would not breach
his country’s pacifist principles." Tja.
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/japan-pm-says-fighter-plane-exports-wouldn-t-breach-peace-ethic-1.2030713
***
South #Korea,
#Saudi Arabia sign agreement on defence cooperation at Riyadh's World
Defense Show
The agreement comes as Seoul seeks to
become one of the worlds largest weapons exporters, seeing its
exports to the Middle East growing and petrodollars help.
https://www.newarab.com/news/south-korea-saudi-arabia-sign-defence-agreement-riyadh
#Kia,
South #Korea’s 2nd-largest automaker, has unveiled its
next-generation military vehicle technologies at the largest #arms
fair in the Middle East, the World Defense Show 2024 (#WDS2024) in
#Riyadh, as part of a search for new markets.
https://www.kedglobal.com/aerospace-defense/newsView/ked202402060007
***
“Open
letter to Elio Di Rupo: respect for international law begins in
Wallonia” had its impact.
https://www.lesoir.be/565704/article/2024-02-02/guerre-israel-hamas-lettre-ouverte-elio-di-rupo-le-respect-du-droit
Export licence for explosive powder to Israel of Eurenco Clermont suspended. @Vredesactie
In French:
https://lesoir.be/566333/article/2024-02-05/guerre-israel-hamas-sous-pression-la-wallonie-suspend-des-licences-dexport
In
Dutch:
https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/di-rupo-schorst-exportlicenties-van-munitie-naar-israel~bf26e898/
War on Gaza: Regional Belgian
government suspends arms export licences to Israel
Belgium's Walloon parliament suspended two licences for gunpowder exports to Israel following pressure from human rights groups.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/regional-belgian-government-suspends-arms-export-licences-israel
***
‘Driekwart
van de Belgische bevolking wil dat er een einde komt aan de
wapentrafieken tussen België en Israël, volgens een opiniepeiling
van YouGov.’ Zie:
https://vrede.be/nl/nieuws/drie-op-vier-belgen-roepen-op-tot-een-stopzetting-van-wapendoorvoer-naar-israel
February 5
***
Arming the
brute.
Since the #Saudi acquisition of 72 Eurofighter #Typhoons #EFA, delivered between 6/2009 and 6/2017, there has always been the expectation of further orders of up to 96 more EFAs. Finally, obstacles to a deal have started to melt away. https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/wds-uk-moves-in-on-new-saudi-typhoon-order
***
Poland
allocates loan for joint arms production between Ukraine and Poland.
"We have components of Polish weapons that are already fighting in Ukraine, and now we are talking about joint production," Ihor Zhovkva (Dep Head Ukr. Presidential Office) said.
https://unn.ua/en/news/poland-allocates-loan-for-joint-arms-production-between-ukraine-and-poland
***
Drone-race in
North Africa. #Turkey agreed to provide its increasingly popular
#drones (unspecified) to #Egypt after the two countries normalised
ties following a decade of rupture, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said
on Sunday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-agrees-provide-drones-egypt-2024-02-04/
February 4
***
The EU’s
promise to supply ammunition is falling short. Prague says it’s
time to look beyond the bloc.
https://www.politico.eu/article/czech-republic-artillery-weapons-ukraine-european-union/
Look into reports on transit through Netherlands to see ammo came already partly from elsewhere. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverheid/documenten/rapporten/2016/10/01/overzicht-doorvoer-militaire-goederen/Cumulatief_ML_doorvoer_15092023.csv
***
A new variant
on #Reforger?
#German Defence #secretary Möller & Defence Ministers Ollongren (#Netherlands) & Kosiniak-Kamysz (#Poland) have signed a declaration of intent to establish a cross-border model #corridor for military traffic from west to east. https://www.army-technology.com/news/germany-netherlands-poland-transport-corridor/
***
Applauded in
cicles of power abroad, criticised at home. Popularity is in decline,
even in her own party. Der Spiegel descibes her downfall; some catch
words: #Gaza politics, #arms sales to #Riyadh etc. #AnnalenaBaerbock
https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/annalena-baerbock-wie-sich-die-aussenministerin-von-den-gruenen-entfernt-a-776e73d2-3f74-40c5-a5aa-fc15746f1c96
***
The State
Department has made a determination approving a possible FMS to the
Government of the #Netherlands of #Hellfire Missiles and related
equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/netherlands-hellfire-missiles
A notorious missile (e.g. in
combination with drones).
De VS heeft de verkoop van 386
Hellfire-raketten aan Nederland goedgekeurd. Daarmee staan de seinen
op groen om de 4 Nederlandse Reaper-drones te bewapenen. Onomstreden
is de uitgave van ¤150 m aan raketten en ondersteuning voor de
MG9-Reaper niet.’
https://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/nederlandse-luchtmacht-kan-drones-eindelijk-gaan-bewapenen-maar-onomstreden-is-dat-niet~bb5a032b/
***
Thousands of
pro-Palestinian protestors marched in #Geneva, Switzerland, on
Saturday to demand an end to #arms_sales to the #Israeli occupation
entity and an immediate #ceasefire in Gaza Strip.
https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3135450&language=en
***
Time for
change.
The issue of an arms embargo on Israel is currently not on the EU's agenda, the Latvian Foreign Ministry told.
Over 1,500 EU officials have signed a letter calling on the EU to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
(Baltic News Service / - BNS 03/02/24)
***
The FF-18
Almirante Riveros is a M-class #frigate built at Royal Schelde (now
#Damen) for the Dutch navy (commissioned 1991-96). Of the 8 ships of
the class, 2 are still in Dutch service, of the other 6: 2 were sold
to #Chile, 2 to Belgium & 2 to Portugal.
https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4705347/regimiento-buin-conoce-capacidades-fragata-almirante-riveros-armada-chile
***
Korean Air’s
aerospace division built some 280 MD500s under license between 1976
and 1984, but these are being replaced by newer aircraft, including
the #Korea Aerospace Industries #KAI Light Armed Helicopter (based on
the #Airbus #EC155 Dauphin).
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/south-korea-donates-md500-helicopters-to-kenya/#Kenya
***
#Eurosam, a
joint venture between #MBDA and #Thales, will produce four #SAMP/T NG
sections (the rotating multi-function radar antenna and the vertical
missile launch system?) for the Italian Army.
https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2024_global_security_army_industry/italy_to_receive_four_samp/t_ng_air_defense_missile_systems.html
#OCCAR
***
How the UK profits from war
Britain’s arms trade is making a killing, with billions of taxpayers’ money being handed to arms manufacturers that give investors rich returns. This scheme seems to remain an integral feature of the government’s business model.
https://leftfootforward.org/2024/02/how-the-uk-profits-from-war/
February 3
***
 |
| bron |
All the UK companies manufacturing components for Israel's F35 combat aircraft. https://caat.org.uk/data/countries/israel/mapped-all-the-uk-companies-manufacturing-components-for-israels-f35-combat-aircraft/
***
UK citizen
sentenced to prison for attempting to export US #technology to #Iran.
According to the government’s evidence, in 2017 and 2018, Fakih and
his co-conspirators attempted to export to Iran items that had
potential civil and military uses.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/uk-citizen-sentenced-18-months-prison-attempt-procure-high-powered-microwave-system-iran
***
#Russia
has created more than half a million new jobs in its military sector
to meet soaring demand on the battlefield, Putin said.
The military sector accounting for much of the #sanctions-hit #economy's growth. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/02/02/ludmila-ulitskaya-is-the-latest-russian-writer-under-fire-a83957
February 2
***
A
#disagreement between Airbus & Dassault is threatening the
timeline for the development of the #Eurodrone, a German defense
ministry report has revealed. Parallels can be drawn with the #FCAS,
which also faced derailment over a disagreement between both.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/airbus-dassault-dispute-threatens-derail-eurodrone-schedule
Why,
when is is so important to security, is arms production still left to
market partiesfist of all interested in their own market position? Or
are other (ideological) considerations more important?
***
283 Mensen
hebben een klacht ingediend tegen de #Israëlische rederij #ZIM
vanwege de verdenking van betrokkenheid bij illegale #wapenhandel via
de haven van #Antwerpen. De politie van Gent zal de groepsklacht
doorsturen naar 't federale parket.
https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/02/02/283-gentenaars-dienen-klacht-in-tegen-israelisch-bedrijf-zim-voo/
***
Opmerkelijke zin:
Facebook is groot geworden met de filosofie van de Amerikaanse wapenhandel: 'We verkopen alleen, wij hebben geen morele of ethische rol.'
De variant die ik ken is
van de Director Government Relations van Thales: “we bijten niet in
de hand die ons voedt.” Met andere woorden de overheid zet de
lijnen uit, de wapengigant volgt slechts dit beleid.
***
The US' sale
of new 40 F-16 fighters to Turkey is not subject to any conditions as
the Greek media has claimed (such as not flying over Greek islands),
Turkish sources have said.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-f-16-sale-to-turkiye-not-subject-to-any-conditions-sources-190283
***
Leveranties
F-35-onderdelen aan Israël strijdig met het Wapenhandelsverdrag. De
leveranties kunnen sowieso niet door de beugel, dat is onafhankelijk
van mogelijke genocide, stelt Galina Cornelisse (hoogleraar Courts
and Transnational Justice aan de VU).
https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2024/02/01/leveranties-f-35-onderdelen-aan-israel-strijdig-met-het-wapenhandelsverdrag-a4188798
***
NL: #Airbus
Defence and Space heeft een nieuwe order op zak voor de levering een
#C295 aan #Kazachstan. Ditmaal werd een toestel besteld voor onder
meer de bewaking van de #grenzen van het land.
https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2024/02/01/kazachstan-breidt-c295-verder-opnieuw-uit/
ENG:
The Republic of Kazakhstan has signed a contract to purchase another
C295 transport aircraft, Airbus announced on 31 January 2024. The
Kazakh Air Force already operates eight C295s, while a single C295 is
in service with the Kazakh Border Service.
https://euro-sd.com/2024/01/major-news/36243/kazakhstan-orders-another-c295/
***
Dozens of
protesters blocked access to the Port of Vancouver for hours Thursday
morning, calling for an arms embargo on Israel.
https://www.iheartradio.ca/ctv-news-content/protesters-block-access-to-port-of-vancouver-calling-for-arms-embargo-on-israel-1.21548144l
UK Government urged
to stop arms sales to Israel by SNP MP petition.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24091228.uk-government-urged-stop-arms-sales-israel-snp-mp-petition/
#Norway
FM criticises countries exporting #weapons to #Israel.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240201-norway-fm-criticises-countries-exporting-weapons-to-israel/
According
to Australian industry sources, Israel has requested counter-drone
systems and other military technology.
However, the outlet claimed that the Australian Department of Defence has been ignoring the requests “for months.”
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/02/02/australia-military-exports-israel/
***
Hardly
surprising, but alarming it is.
Proud Boys, other far-right groups use Texas convoy as rallying cry. The 'Take Our Border Back' protest convoy is being used as a recruiting tool by fringe groups that advocate for violence against migrants.
***
Defence giant
#BAE Systems is at last preparing to sign its major #Typhoon supply
contract with #Saudi Arabia at the opening of the World Defense Show
#WDS in Riyadh. [Pay Wall]
https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2024/02/02/typhoons-prepare-riyadh-landing-for-world-defense-show,110155030-bre
***
An
article in an Indian paper on the acquisition of new tech for US
Special Forces to "spot, track, & take out urban threats"
with an hypothetical case of China invading Taiwan.
https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/socom-is-after-new-tech-to-help-special-operations-forces-spot-track-and-take-out-urban-threats-without-being-seen/articleshow/107331251.cms
Beijing the other big argument to embark on the preparation for enormous war.
February 1
***
Germany:
“Money printing machine for the arms industry”: Sevim Dagdelen
criticizes the federal government for arms exports.
https://www.noz.de/deutschland-welt/politik/artikel/ruestung-niedersachsen-exportiert-die-meisten-kriegswaffen-46376077
In Le Monde (see previous tweet) the German acquisition policy is also criticized because of "Forget about ‘European preference’."
***
As the world
rearms, the defence industry licks its lips; Ukraine conflict boosts
the business of war. But article also states: ‘Ukraine today, East
Asia tomorrow’ https://mondediplo.com/maps/profits-war
***
An article by
Ajay Shukla says that the US government has held back delivery of 31
MQ-9A Sea Guardian & Sky Guardian drones to India until New Delhi
carries out a "meaningful investigation" into the
conspiracy to #assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. See->
https://menafn.com/1107796267/US-Holds-Back-Sale-Of-Drone-To-India-Demanding-Investigation-Alleged-Plot-To-Kill-Pannun-Report
US
approves $4 billion deal to sell India 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones.
INDIA – MQ-9B REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft
The Biden administration reportedly pushed New Delhi to approve the deal on its end ahead of a state visit by Indian leader Narendra Modi in June. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/us-approves-4-billion-deal-to-sell-india-31-maritime-mq-9b-skyguardian-drones/
No word on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Anecdote to explain position change: ...when President F Roosevelt wanted to get a particularly contentious piece of legislation through the US Congress, he told a business delegation, “Okay, you’ve convinced me. Now go out there and bring pressure on me.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-gamesmanship-around-us-drone-sale-to-india/articleshow/107368834.cms
***
The UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated that the deteriorating
situation in Myanmar is in a “freefall” with “#insufficient
world attention paid to the misery and pain of its people.” Nearly
50,000 killed since 2021 military coup in #Myanmar.
https://english.dvb.no/nearly-50000-killed-since-2021-military-coup-states-acled/
Amnesty denounced that despite sanctions the #Myanmar military continues to import aviation #fuel that enables deadly air strikes on civilians. It received at least 67 kilotons shipped from Vietnam. Companies from China, Malaysia, & Singapore involved. https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/myanmar-new-data-suggests-military-still-importing-fuel-for-deadly-air-strikes-despite-sanctions/
***
#Rheinmetall
graps all the opporunities for its growth.
Rheinmetall is in talks with the #Lithuania to open an arms factory in the country, according to Economy & Innovation Minister Ausrine #Armonaite.https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/01/31/rheinmetall-arms-factory-lithuania/
Krieg: what is it good for? https://youtu.be/ztZI2aLQ9Sw?si=2cPfU6omRLTnniQZ
And another one:
Rheinmetall is continuing to enlarge
its weapons factory in Hungary.
The recently built Rheinmetall factory
will in future supply ammunition for tanks and artillery.
https://www.vdi-nachrichten.com/wirtschaft/unternehmen/rheinmetall-baut-waffenfabrik-in-ungarn-weiter-aus/
***
EU and UK
Stop at least the arms trade to Jeruzalem. Now!
War on Gaza: Israel 'most likely'
dropped 1,000 pound bomb on UK doctors in Gaza.
US and UK medical organisations ask why
Israel targeted protected site housing staff.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/war-gaza-israel-most-likely-dropped-1000-pound-bomb-british-doctors-gaza
***
***
Palestinian
Prisoner Solidarity Network activists note "that Switzerland,
despite its professed role of international neutrality, has “paused”
UNRWA funding, a sharp divergence from its position in 2002-04, when
it halted arms sales to the Israeli regime."https://samidoun.net/2024/01/no-to-the-silencing-of-palestinian-voices-in-basel-switzerland/
***
South
#Korea became one of the world's biggest arms exporters with sales
jumping to $17bn in 2022 from $7.25 bn in 2023.
The country's arms exports to the Middle East grew nearly tenfold between 2013 & 2022, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry said.