Latest
on top (updated regularly):
(https://twitter.com/martinbroek)
January 13
***
Rebels in
eastern DRCongo fraudulently exported at least 150 metric tons of
coltan to Rwanda last year, leading to the largest contamination of
the Great Lakes Region's mineral supply chain on record, UN experts
said in a report.
Visit Rwanda?
The flows started after the M23 movement, a Tutsi-led organisation purportedly backed by Rwanda, seized the Rubaya area, which produces minerals used in smartphones and computers, follow hing intense fighting in April.
Report: https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/373/37/pdf/n2437337.pdf
***
#Nigeria,
#China plan collaboration on #military training, arms production.
https://punchng.com/nigeria-china-plan-collaboration-on-military-training-arms-production/
Chinese
steel giant, Jingye Group, is expected to engage in the
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, according to media reports.
Estimated at $26 billion, this infrastructure aims to connect West Africa, Morocco and Europe.
https://apanews.net/chinese-company-injects-26bn-into-nigeria-morocco-gas-pipeline/
The
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maitama Yusuf Tuggar, has said he
demanded that China invest in refining Lithium in the country rather
than the current export of the mineral resources out of the country.
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/10/we-want-china-to-refine-our-lithium-in-nigeria-tuggar/
***
#India and
#Indonesia discuss $450m #BrahMos missile deal. The #supersonic
#missile, range of 290-450 kms depending on the variant, is capable
of carrying out precision strikes from land, sea, or air.
http://slguardian.org/india-and-indonesia-discuss-450-million-brahmos-missile-purchase-deal/
***
#MBDA, in
partnership with #SAAB through their joint venture #TAURUS Systems
GmbH, has signed a contract with the Bundeswehr to modernise and
maintain the TAURUS stand-off weapon system, ensuring its operational
readiness through at least 2045.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/germany-modernises-cruise-missiles/
***
Creating a
new arsenal. #Ukraine’s domestic #arms production grew 500% in
2024, led by drone production. The trend in 2025 is expected to
continue on the basis of the “Danish model”; #Denmark has been
providing Ukraine with hundreds of millions of euros.
https://www.intellinews.com/danish-model-funded-500-increase-in-ukraine-s-domestic-arms-production-in-2024-360899/
***
W-Australian
#Damen shipyards is to deliver a new landing craft for the Army.
#LST100 The vessel will be capable of carrying more than 500 tonnes
of military vehicles/equipment – it is intended to carry six Abrams
Tanks,11 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles or 26 HIMARS – &
will be fitted with weapon systems and #Australian military
communications.
https://newscop.com.au/2025/01/12/159bn-earmarked-for-10-year-plan-to-boost-naval-shipbuilding/
***
@WilliamHartung:
“Trump likes to pose as the ultimate dealmaker, ... he touted how
US arms sales support jobs ... Letting Israel spend US aid to bolster
Israel’s arms sector rather than to buy weapons from US firms runs
counter to his usual approach.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/12/israel-weapons-bombs-trump-united-states/
***
SDP MP
Stegner wrote that Trump's 5% remark was delusional & insane.
Resources are neded to solve real-world problems. "We have too
much poverty, environmental destruction, civil wars, migration, and
too few resources to combat this," according to Stegner.
https://www.businessinsider.nl/europe-is-divided-over-trumps-call-for-nato-members-to-boost-defense-spending-to-5-of-gdp/
***
TurkSat 5A
would greatly extend the range of drone operations from the west of
Europe to the east of Kazakhstan, with more resistance against
jamming, rejection and wiretapping; high-definition live streams of
targets and commanding of munitions drops.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%BCrksat_5A
***
Arianespace
brengt #Franse militaire #satelliet in de ruimte
De Composante Spatiale Optique -2 #CSO2 satelliet werd door #Airbus Defence and Space gebouwd in opdracht van het Franse MoD en zal de volgende jaren gebruikt worden voor #spionagetoepassingen. https://www.spacepage.be/nieuws/nieuws-ruimtevaart/lanceringen/arianespace-brengt-franse-militaire-satelliet-in-de-ruimte.html
January
10
***
#Nederland heeft voor
#Oekraïne inmiddels voor ruim €1 #miljard aan 155mm
#artilleriemunitie verworven. Daarnaast realiseerde Nederland in het
laatste kwartaal €2 #miljard aan steun. Hieronder vallen #F16's en
contracten en financiering voor #drones.
***
Britse speciale
legereenheid mocht vrijuit moorden in Afghanistan. Trouw noemt ook
voorbeelden uit Australië, de VS en Nederland van militaire
wandaden.
Er zijn nog steeds mensen die dit
veiligheidsbeleid noemen.
Inquiry hears elite forces had a
‘kill all males on target whether they posed a threat or not’
policy in Afghanistan
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/08/flat-packing-them-soldier-says-sas-described-killing-afghans-in-casual-way
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07g40x1v53o
Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan (with documents):
https://www.iia.independent-inquiry.uk/
January 9
***
Learn how to
automatically invade Greenland, conquer Canada, despise the UK,
Denmark & Germany.
Rheinmetalll, BAe Systems & Elbit will help you.
On show in London, 31 March - 2 April https://www.smgconferences.com/defence/uk/conference/robotic-autonomous-systems#tab_sponsors
Or demand less spectaulair: efforts
arms control & diplomatic solutions.
***
Pan-European
missile maker #MBDA bought the remaining 50% of rocket-engine
supplier #Roxel from co-owner #Safran, in a move the company expects
will help it ramp up production in the face of surging demand.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/07/missile-maker-mbda-buys-safrans-stake-in-rocket-engine-supplier-roxel/
***
#EU #funding
for #Israeli tech raises fresh concerns of complicity in genocide. EU
funds suspected of supporting artificial intelligence #AI
technologies used by Israel to ‘locate and kill’ civilians.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-funding-for-israeli-tech-raises-fresh-concerns-of-complicity-in-genocide/3444314
***
#Russia
continues to lose the #Serbian arms market — one of the last loyal
countries in Europe that has not joined sanctions and has been
purchasing #weapons from Moscow since Soviet times and now has
terminated a number of contracts for Russian weapons.
https://odessa-journal.com/serbia-announced-the-termination-of-contracts-for-russian-weapons
***
Conversation
with @antloewenstein
#Israel has deep historical ties with oppressive regimes, arming many that have been accused of genocide. But how is Tel Aviv using expertise it is gaining during its war on #Gaza to make a profit?
***
#Damen Cape
Town has delivered another FCS 3307 patrol vessel to #Nigeria’s
Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Ltd to patrol Nigerian waters.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/nigerias-hiosl-receives-another-damen-patrol-vessel/
These privately owned vessels won't mount any deck guns, but their crew will include heavily #armed #guards
***
The German
army has received parliamentary approval to buy an initial batch of
Elbit-made PULS rocket artillery systems, a decision that could see
Berlin look to European munitions suppliers in the future.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/01/06/german-army-gets-nod-to-buy-israeli-puls-rocket-launchers
***
Not a reason
yet to be against Elbit, here's a next:
#Israel's MoD signed deals worth about US$276m with defence contractor #Elbit Systems to boost domestic arms production amid the the ongoing genocide in #Gaza. https://manufacturing.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aerospace-defence/israel-signs-deals-to-boost-domestic-weapons-production/117052090
Amsterdam: https://www.kvk.nl/bestellen/#/88476286000054339367
***
Relaxed
control:
#US move to ease dual-use tech exports to #India likely.
Changes in the US #MCTR policy likely to lead to more US companies entering the Indian space sector which has been opened up for private participation under a new policy.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/india-us-commercial-space-cooeration-ties-dual-use-technology-export-9767055/lite/
New Biden MTCR policy will free long-range missile tech,
space launcher sales to key allies, partners.
http://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/new-biden-mtcr-policy-will-free-long-range-missile-rocket-sales-to-key-allies-partners/
***
#Elbit
Systems has secured a significant $60 million contract with a unnamed
#NATO European country to supply its advanced ReDrone
counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). #drones
https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-60-million-contract-to-supply-counter-uas-solution-to-a-nato-european-country/
Romania seems to be the buyer: https://x.com/laurbjn/status/1876249288872992859
***
#UAE
President #MBZ had previously reached an understanding with US
President-elect Trump regarding the F-35. Trump is interested in
activating the #F35 deal with the UAE under specific terms.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63210
Again tabled: the issue of #components
by F-35 partners.
***
Nearly half
(49%) of Britons view investing in arms manufacturers as crossing an
ethical line, according to a new YouGov poll.
60% of Labour voters & 65% of LibDems consider investments in arms industries to be unethical, compared to 28% of Conservatives. https://leftfootforward.org/2025/01/almost-half-of-brits-say-investing-in-arms-manufacturers-is-unethical/
January 8
***
Turkey said
that it was “only a matter of time” before Syrian Kurdish
fighters –seen by the West as essential against ISIS– will be
wiped out. “They will face Turkey’s iron
fist.”https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/6/turkiye-says-kurdish-led-armed-groups-in-syria-will-be-eliminated
Do we really sell arms to Ankara? Oh we're even military connected via NATO.
***
Links bij de Vrijmarkt voor oorlogswapens:
https://stopwapenhandel.org/boekbespreking-tegen-de-stroom-in/
Reserveren: https://dezwijger.nl/programma/vrijmarkt-voor-oorlogswapens/make_reservation
Kijk verder op de website van deze
organisatie voor vrede en tegen oorlogsgeweld.
P.S. The January 13 meeting is organised by Forum on the Arms Trade.
***
The #French
government has announced that the value of French arms exports
exceeded €18bn in 2024, making it the 2nd-best year in its history.
#Rafales to Qatar, Serbia and Indonesia & #submarines to the
Netherlands were the main exported military items.
https://www.fananews.com/language/en/french-arms-exports-hit-second-all-time-record-in-2024/
***
Billionaire
and extremist @ElonMusk is looking to carve out a role in #Italy's
telecommunications system by expanding his aerospace business Space X
and satellite broadband venture Starlink. Italian PM #Meloni has
developed a strong relationship with Musk
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/How-Elon-Musk-s-Space-X-is-looking-to-gain-ground-in-Italy-48698208/
January 7
***
The #UAE and
#France are still in talks about a joint financing partnership for
the development of the future Dassault #Rafale F5 fighter jet. [pay
wall] https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/63198
***
Een Israëliër
die op vakantie was in #Brazilië is de grens over gevlucht uit angst
dat hij vervolgd zou worden voor daden in Gaza. Ambassade hielp hem
't land uit.
Minister Saar vervolgens boos dat #Israël geen genocide mag plegen, noemde dit 'verdedigen'. https://www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/israelische-soldaten-lopen-risico-tijdens-vakantie-in-buitenland-te-worden-opgepakt-voor-oorlogsmisdaden~b2a0c281/
***
UK Labour gov
refused to end Israel’s access to F35 parts exported from the UK
despite evidence that they have been used to bomb “safe zones” in
Gaza.
Scottish Green Harvie said: This will
taint Labour's legacy like Iraq did to the last Labour government.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24837504.labour-refuse-block-israel-access-f-35-jets-despite-gaza-bombing/
***
'If you’ve
got an industry that’s working transnationally & across
borders, we've to work across borders, building solidarity between
different struggles, pulling out those links and where we can work
together, where we’ve got pressure points.’ @CAATuk
https://newint.org/arms/2025/how-dismantle-deadly-arms-trade
***
#Israel
Aerospace Industries is seeking to support start-up companies in
#India via a new program, as the company seeks to expand its
relationships with a major market for Israeli goods, #IAI CEO Boaz
Levy told Breaking Defense in a recent interview.
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/why-israels-iai-is-investing-heavily-in-indian-startups/
January 6
***
#Arms #race
in Asia-Pacific will intensify this year, observers believe as US
allies like #Japan & the #Philippines plan big boosts to their
defence budgets.
The aim is to counter #China and to
hedge against uncertainties over incoming US president #Trump.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3293412/china-and-trump-factor-will-heat-asia-pacific-arms-race-observers-warn
***
Article on this: https://defensenews.com/pentagon/2025/01/03/pentagons-2025-industry-investments-target-space-biochem-and-more/
***
Strengthening
Riyad. The #US has greenlit arms deal with #Saudi Arabia. The deal
involves selling 20 MK 54 #torpedoes, along with a comprehensive
package of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost of
the program is $78.5 million.
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-mk-54-mod-0-lightweight-torpedoes
***
Russian
arms industries vanished in the Ukraine war, corruption, tanking
ruble and no export orders. Russian weapons exports have dropped
dramatically under the shadow of Moscow's full-scale invasion of
Ukraine and the global ...
https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2025/01/06/russian-arms-induestries-vanished-in-the-ukraine-war-corruptions-tanking-ruble-and-no-export-orders/
January 5
***
'New' kid on
the block #Japan plans to map out a strategy within 2025 to boost
military equipment exports by enhancing the int. competitiveness of
its defense industry. Tokyo aims to strengthen the industry's
foundation by helping expand its market reach.
https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025010300314/
***
The
outgoing villain has a message for those who commit gross violations
of #IHL. #US State Dep. has informally notified Congress of an $8bn
proposed sale of ammo to resupply #IDF stocks of ammo and air defence
capabilities, an official said anonymously.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341057/biden-administration-announces-8bn-arms-sale-to-israel
January 3
***
#Israel's MoD
and the IDF inaugurated a new Directorate for #AI and Autonomy this
week, aimed at spearheading research, development, and force-building
in the fields of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems
across all branches of the #IDF.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/government-israel/defense-ministry-launches-new-ai-and-autonomy-administration/2025/01/01/
***
For Germany’s
political class, supporting Israel's genocide is naked self-interest.
Many German companies and institutions
are intimately connected with Israel. Any change would result in the
loss of profits and influence.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/germany-israel-support-genocide-is-naked-self-interest
January 2
***
Former
#Turkish military officer Bozkır (22-year in prison for his role in
smuggling explosives to #ISIS) claimed during a court hearing that he
previously sold arms to Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, now the de facto
president of #Syria, Turkish media reported.
https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/01/02/former-turkish-military-officer-jailed-over-explosives-shipments-to-isil-claims-he-sold-arms-to-al-jolani/
Hablemitoğlu
defendant Nuri Gökhan Bozkır: I sold weapons to Colani
Former captain Bozkır, said that he years ago sold weapons to Colani, who took over the administration in Syria. https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/hablemitoglu-sanigi-nuri-gokhan-bozkir-colaniye-silah-sattim-haber-1746796
***
How the arms
industry #corrupts political parties—interview with
@andrewfeinstein.
He's joint editor of The Monstrous
Anger of the Guns: How the Global Arms Trade Is Ruining the World and
What We Can Do About It. He spoke to Judy Cox about the new book.
https://socialistworker.co.uk/in-depth/how-the-arms-industry-corrupts-political-parties-interview-with-andrew-feinstein/
***
#French
aircraft have bombed Islamic State positions in #Syria, Defense
Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Tuesday, in its first such strike on
the country’s soil since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
https://www.barrons.com/news/france-says-it-struck-is-positions-in-syria-b52568e1
***
Ridderorde voor
de omstreden Raymond #Westerling?
Nieuwe kalenderjaar, archiefstukken openbaar. Zoals rond de voordracht voor een koninklijke onderscheiding, voor Westerling, de meest #omstreden NL officier uit de Indonesische #Onafhankelijkheidsoorlog. https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/beleven/nieuws/ridderorde-voor-de-omstreden-raymond-westerling
January 1
***
Burgers en
NGO's kunnenterecht bij 'n meldpunt voor vermoedens van
burgerslachtoffers door NL militaire inzet. Het meldpunt is te vinden
op Defensie.nl.
https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/burgerslachtoffers/melden-burgerslachtoffers
Het gaat om inzet in 20 landen vanaf 2000 zoals in Bosnië, Irak, Afghanistan en Mali.
***
Is #Trump a
friend or foe to the #military #industry & who will benefit?
It remains to be seen whether any from
old league win Trump’s favour, but so far his regard seems to be
centered on business leaders from the defence startup & venture
capital world.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/defense-industry-could-see-big-shakeup-under-trump-2025-preview/
***
#US court
orders release of $6m arms #funds to #Nigeria that had been seized by
the US government in 2014 from an arms broker.
Until the judgment, Nigeria faced a
double whammy, receiving neither its funds nor the military items it
wanted to purchase.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/764519-us-court-orders-release-of-seized-6-million-arms-funds-to-nigeria.html
***
Happy new
year, for whom? #Serbia Buys Advanced Artillery and Drones From
Israel's #Elbit Systems. Serbia, a supplier of munitions used by
Israel in Gaza, inks $335 million deal for Israeli weapons, amid its
arms race with neighboring NATO member #Croatia.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2025-01-01/ty-article/.premium/serbia-buys-advanced-artillery-and-drones-from-israels-elbit-systems/00000194-1ebe-dbdd-add5-1ebf13af0000