vrijdag 3 mei 2024

My tweets (or X's) for April

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

April 30

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RTX’s Raytheon selected Spanish engineering and technology group Sener to make the electro-mechanical control sectiona of the Patriot air-defense system’s interceptor missile at its Madrid site.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/29/raytheon-picks-spains-sener-to-make-patriot-interceptor-parts/

https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2024/04/29/rtxs-raytheon-awards-contract-to-spains-sener-for-missile-production-support

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#Uganda has partnered with #China’s #Norinco to embark on a JV to revolutionize the country’s military capabilities. This collaboration is set to establish a comprehensive #drone workshop in Nakasongola as part of Uganda’s miliary modernisation.
https://www.military.africa/2024/04/uganda-and-chinas-norinco-partner-on-drone-production

***
Why the Military Can’t Trust #AI
Large Language Models Can Make Bad Decisions—and Could Trigger #Nuclear War
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/why-military-cant-trust-ai

***
In a move to strengthen defence ties between India and the Netherlands, Dutch naval vessel Tromp engaged in a exercised with the Indian frigate INS Trishul, Indian MoD officially stated on Monday.
https://www.indianarrative.com/india-news/royal-netherlands-navys-hnlms-tromp-engages-in-maritime-partnership-exercise-with-indian-navy-156518.html

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#VS doen er alles aan om China op achterstand te houden in de ontwikkeling van de meest geavanceerde computerchips. Belangrijke leveranciers van apparatuur om die chips te maken, zoals #ASML, mogen niet meer aan #China leveren, op straffe van sancties.
https://fd.nl/financiele-markten/1514993/half-chinees-asml

***
#Thales said orders jumped 46% to 5.037 bn euros, buoyed by a third tranche of Rafale fighters for #Indonesia, for which it makes the radar, and an air surveillance system for an unnamed #MiddleEast nation. Revenues rose by an underlying 7.9%
https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/THALES-4715/news/Defence-demand-pushes-Thales-orders-and-sales-higher-in-Q1-46572888/

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UK’s MoD has stated that Italy has sent Storm Shadow missiles (a French, Matra and UK, BAES produced weapon https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/storm-shadow-scalp/) to Ukraine, lifting the lid on months of secrecy surrounding Italy’s supply of weaponry to Kyiv.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/29/italy-has-given-ukraine-long-range-missiles-says-uk-defense-minister/

https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/28/italy-supplies-ukraine-with-storm-shadow-missiles-uk-defense-secretary-discloses/

***
The #Saudi Ministry of Investment #MISA stands as a cornerstone in advancing the Kingdom's military sector:

- encouraging foreign military contracts
- incentives provided
- companies that MISA prioritizes cooperation with
- avenues for engagement.
https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62700 Paywall

April 29

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#Saab has delivered the fourth #GlobalEye AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) aircraft to the #UAE, the company has announced. The delivery took place on April 18, a little over a year since the aircraft made its first flight.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/multi-mission-aircraft/saab-delivers-fourth-globaleye-uae

***
The #OIC and Arab League's "Gaza Contact Group," urged the international community to apply meaningful sanctions on #Israel, including halting #arms exports. #Saudi Arabia threatening to impose sanctions on Israeli government for the first time.
https://www.albawaba.com/business/saudi-arabia-imposes-sanctions-israeli-government-first-time-1563483

***
The Indonesian Air Force #IdAF has announced its plans to use #drones to conduct beyond-visual-range aerial combat. The IdAF announced the move on April 22 and mentioned plans to acquire Chinese-made CH-4 and Turkish-origin ANKA and #Bayraktar drones.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/indonesia-to-develop-ucav-for-anti-air-beyond/

April 28

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#Rabat helping Israel.

Despite the #Israel-#Gaza war, #Morocco continues using Israeli tech to expand domestic arms production capacity and weapons arsenal, to catch up to #Algeria's military power and eventually positioning itself as a weapons exporter. https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/despite-gaza-war-morocco-israel-defense-ties-look-set-deepen

***
"I can say that not a single unit of #weaponry (we're talking about #illegal ones) has crossed the border between #Ukraine and the #EU in the two years of full-scale war. This is a colossal effort by our security forces," MoIA of Ukraine Klymenko said.
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/minister-of-internal-affairs-of-ukraine-no-illegal-arms-exports-in-two-years/ar-BB1iR1TK

***
Do Columbia's pro-Palestinian protests resemble the ones against the Vietnam war, US National Public Radio asks. To be followed by was it worth the efforts than and now?
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1247405879

And guess what ...

April 27

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Ukrainian forces are withdrawing US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines after at least 5 have been destroyed by cheap Russian drones.
https://www.intellinews.com/cheap-russian-drones-overwhelm-us-made-abrams-tanks-taken-out-of-action-322988/

https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-abrams-tanks-19d71475d427875653a2130063a8fb7a

The cost of a Abrams M1A1 is US$ 10m. The cost of a Russian drone +/- ₽3m (around $35,000)

***
#Berlin police on Friday began clearing a pro-Palestinian camp set up in front of the German parliament by activists demanding the government stop #arms exports to #Israel and end what they say is the criminalization of the Palestinian solidarity movement.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/berlin-police-clear-pro-palestinian-camp-parliament-lawn-2024-04-26/

***
Commerce/BIS restricts export of all firearms to non-Government entities in high-risk countries.
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2024/04/department-commerce-restricts-export-all-firearms-non-government

Commerce expects the restrictions tied to 36 countries to result in a +/- 7% reduction, or $40m, in average annual US firearm exports. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-announce-new-restrictions-firearm-exports-official-says-2024-04-26/

***
#Indian Defence Ministry’s #Goa Shipyard Limited signs MoU with Netherlands’ based #Damen Shipyards. So far only on tugs.
https://thenewsmill.com/2024/04/indian-defence-ministrys-goa-shipyard-limited-signs-mou-with-netherlands-based-damen-shipyards/

Surface naval ships are produced by Damen for neighbour #Pakistan.

***
Swedish defense committee calls for near $4.8 billion defense spending jump.

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/swedish-defense-committee-calls-for-near-4-8-billion-defense-spending-jump/

No other #needs in #Sweden for such an enormous amount of money?

***
The Scottish pension funds investing in arms firms. Article mentions funds and companies they invested in like Lockheed, Britis Aerospace Systems and General Dynamics.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24282092.scottish-pension-funds-investing-arms-firms/

***
It becomes undianable and shocking: Although humanitarian protections for civilians are enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, critics argue that Washington has been selective in its enforcement of international law, @ForeignAffairs #Israel #Protest
https://link.foreignaffairs.com/view/591ef1863f92a4689d33bda8ky0kz.134g/eba1c941

April 26

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Japanese firm says its part found on North Korean missile is fake: report

It came after a British arms watchdog found Japanese parts used in a missile launched by Russia against Ukraine. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/japan-nkmissile-russia-04252024231958.html

How about the parts in a in the North Korean missile used by Russia against Ukraine from companies based in the United States, China, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and Taiwan?
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/japan-nkmissile-russia-04252024231958.html

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#F35 onderdelen voor #Israël. 't Lijkt erop dat er 'n omweg is gevonden, stelt #Vredespolitiek, in de vorm van 'n ander onderdelendepot. Dan krijgt Israël onderdelen via dat land. #Woensdrecht moet dan aan de opdracht van dat andere land voldoen. Zoiets?
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/brieven_regering/detail?id=2024Z07337&did=2024D16833

***
Impact of conflict-related carbon emissions should be accounted for and more data from #military operations is needed, according to NGOs and lawmakers.

Rising militarisation and spending on defence is detracting from efforts to counter #climate change...

https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/04/25/rapid-militarisation-jeopardising-climate-claim-ngos

***
The world spent $2,443,000,000,000 on armaments last year. As demand increases, so do the sales of defence companies that manufacture all kinds of military equipment.

In #Switzerland, however, sales are falling. Why?

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-abroad/die-welt-r%C3%BCstet-auf-warum-sinken-die-ums%C3%A4tze-in-der-schweiz/76288694

***
To remember when you start the next search:

#Google fires 20 more employees for protesting contract with Israeli government. The group organizing the protest, accused Google of 'valuing its profit and its $1.2bn contract with #Israel more than people'. https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-04-25/ty-article/google-fires-20-more-employees-for-protesting-contract-with-israeli-government/0000018f-14c5-d2e1-a7df-15e7acc30000

***
The new face of war

DARPA, the US military’s research department, announced that it has tested fully unmanned robotic fighting vehicles. https://defence-blog.com/darpa-tests-fully-unmanned-robotic-fighting-vehicles/

***
Cash cow investments continue.

Hartung shows the new militairy tech performs badly. "But don’t expect the embarrassing news from Ukraine to stem the flow of funds into AI-driven systems, [drones] and robotic warfare, absent major pushback from the public." https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhartung/2024/04/19/getting-past-the-hype-on-emerging-military-technologies-is-a-life-and-death-issue

April 25

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#Azerbaijan asked to halt arms supply to #Armenia - it long time enemy - citing national security concerns. Aliyev said, “We cannot sit and wait, seeing how France, India and Greece are #weaponising Armenia against us and doing it openly, demonstratively.”
https://www.news18.com/world/azerbaijan-asks-india-to-halt-arms-supply-to-armenia-citing-national-security-concerns-8865422.html

***
#Ukraine's ambassador slams Canada for #Airbus sanctions waiver on critical #Russian mineral #titanium.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/russia-ukraine-canada-sanctions-airbus-titanium-1.7184373

***
Turkish president called for complete lift of restrictions on arms exports to Turkey & more cooperation on arms.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/tuerkei-reise-steinmeier-und-erdogan-bleiben-in-nahost-frage-uneins-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-240424-99-791124

There's a number of reasons to say NO. Moscow gets Western hightech via Ankara, in neighbouring states, fierce repression, war in Kurdistan etc

***
Call for an end to #taxpayer funding of arms companies

Last month #CAAT encouraged supporters to demand the end funding arms companies with taxpayers money. How about governments of EU member states; can they be asked also end the funding schemes?

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24273964.2m-scots-public-grants-given-arms-firms-supplying-israel/

***
1/2 An arms fair may contain all the trappings of war, but it is nothing like a battlefield. It is "an oversized playground for adults with wine, finger foods and shiny weapons," said photographer Nikita Teryoshin in a press release about his new book, "Nothing Personal: The Back Office of War." The photographs reveal - sometimes with humor - the business of destruction or the ability to hit back.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/24/style/nikita-teryoshin-global-arms-fairs-photo-book/index.html

***
#Somerset Council will pursue legal action to #remove #Elbit from an office block it owns near Bristol following a wave of protests.
The council has a portfolio of corporate property, including offices at Aztec West, occupied by Elbit Systems.https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/somerset-council-pursue-legal-action-9243914

***
War what is it good for?

Surely not for the hungry.

See this quick overview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV4EntU8vus&ab_channel=AlJazeeraEnglish

***
A set of uprades to the #F35 (TR-3) is already a year overdue. It isn't likely to be ready until late '24. Lockheed is still building F-35s intended to have TR-3, but since last summer the government has refused to accept delivery of those jets without it. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/04/23/first-upgraded-f-35s-wont-be-ready-for-combat-until-next-year/

***
A view on the economic appropach by South #Korea selling arms to the world. The country entered the top-10 of #arms sellers. But to continue this position Seoul needs to focus on #geopolitics and building military to military besides on finance and tech. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/south-koreas-cheap-weapons-still-wont-sell-themselves-2993765

April 24

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Some like @tomvdkendelaere fear not enough is done to invest in the arms industry (see
https://www.europaindustryrl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2024-000450_EN.html). @ThierryBreton tries to reasure much is done. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2024-000441-ASW_EN.pdf.

Euroactiv notes creating an EU military industry goes not fast enough. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/alice-negotiations-for-eu-defence-industry-programme-likely-to-face-delay/

***
Sudan conflict: Amnesty International calls for broader arms embargo. https://sudantribune.com/article284770/

See for military sales 1998-2022 enaat EU arms browser:

***
Kom VANDAAG woensdag 24 april naar het Spui: Fotograaf en voormalig wethouder Dolph Kessler spreekt over de noodzaak van de-escalatie. UvA studenten komen vertellen waarom ze de speech verstoorden van de hoogste NAVO-militair, Rob Bauer. Met sprekers, dichters en muziek protesteren de activisten maandelijks tegen 't voortduren van de bloedige oorlog in Oekraïne - en Gaza - en pleiten voor 'n wapenstilstand, diplomatie en onderhandelingen. Met 2 minuten stilte herdenken ze de slachtoffers aan beide kanten. Doe mee. https://www.stopdeoorlogamsterdam.nl/

***
In Hengelo (just over the border with Germany and location of main brance of #Thales NL) the German Navy, the #BAAINBw, #Thales and others, such as prime contractor for the F126 frigat such as #Damen Naval, inaugurated the “extended Thales Testing Centre”.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/thales-opens-new-system-testing-centre-german-f126

***
Chinese universities and research institutes recently obtained high-end Nvidia AI chips, despite the US widening a ban in 2023 on the sale of such tech to China.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91111245/banned-nvidia-ai-chips-end-up-china-embedded-dell-servers

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-acquired-recently-banned-nvidia-chips-super-micro-dell-servers-tenders-2024-04-23

More focus on common arms control may work better. Back to the table.


***
MANY jobs in Scotland are directly tied with arms production, but trade unionists have nevertheless been proudly at the forefront of campaigns to oppose weapons sales to murderous regimes and to promote diversification to civilian production when possible.
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/24274227.trade-unions-key-role-blocking-arms-sales-kill-workers/

April 23

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"Our leaders seem determined to give war a chance. Their thirst for conflict endangers us all (...) we need politicians with the ability and willingness to actively facilitate de-escalation and diplomacy. " Jeremy Corbyn noticed. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/23/leaders-war-gaza-jeremy-corbyn

***
#Japan has tapped #Estonian and EU supported #Milrem Robotics to supply 3 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles #UGVs for supply transportation and intelligence missions. The UGVs will be equipped with the Estonian company’s Intelligent Functions Kit #MIFIK. https://milremrobotics.com/milrem-robotics-awarded-contract-to-deliver-themis-ugvs-to-japan/

***
Scotish fighter jet lover calls net zero emmission obtuse. With this ignorant remark he tries to support the UK MoD. The Royal Air Force objects to a wind farm plan amid fears jets will crash into turbines.

#ClimateCrisis #military https://www.thenational.scot/news/24269394.mod-objects-scottish-wind-farm-amid-fears-jets-will-crash/

***
Taking action arms industry

By arming Israel, Scotland has to answer for what is done If our politicians fail to act, then shutting #Thales, #Elbit, #Leonardo etc down is the correct course of action. It took only a few of us to show that this can be done. https://www.thenational.scot/politics/24268294.detained-protesting-arms-sales--/

***
Peace and #Palestine solidarity activists from across #Wales formed a #picket at the #QinetiQ-run MoD #Aberporth base last week. The pointed at several key problems, like while the UN calls for a halt to arms exports to #Israel they continue. https://www.tivysideadvertiser.co.uk/news/24270619.pro-palestine-protesters-form-picket-line-mod-aberporth/

***
Why European defence stocks have surged ahead of US rivals, Daniel Grote asks in Citywire.uk. Relatively European military budgets have more space to take and arms exports increase. To name a few of the arguments given. https://citywire.com/ch/news/why-european-defence-stocks-have-surged-ahead-of-us-rivals/a2440920

***
Urgent need to investigate role of #technology, social media companies in killing #Gazan civilians. “These companies need to be held accountable if found to be complicit ... and exploitation of, users’ information,” Euro-Med wrote. #Google #Meta #Israel https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/urgent-need-investigate-role-technology-social-media-companies-killing-gazan-civilians-enar

***
#Nigeria will take delivery of the first 6 of 24 #Leonardo M-346 aircraft it has ordered, the Nigerian Air Force stated. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/19/nigeria-expects-first-batch-of-leonardo-m-346-fighter-jets-this-year/

Human rights? Nigerian air strikes resulted in the death of hundreds of people over almost a decade. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/01/nigeria-victims-of-reckless-air-strike-still-awaiting-justice-a-year-on

***
Everywhere people want to get rid of #nuclear weapons. In Poland they start talks how to get them. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/22/polish-president-wants-nato-nukes-for-deterring-russia/

***
Restructuring military and dual use exports to smoothen AUKUS relations in in areas like (counter) hypersonic, electronic warfare, quantum tech, AI and automation, cyber, and additional undersea capabilities:

When will AUKUS allies receive US export control exemptions? https://www.defensenews.com/newsletters/daily-news-roundup/2024/04/23/when-will-aukus-allies-receive-us-export-control-exemptions/

***
Ten charged and one arrested by US in connection with sanctions evasion scheme to deliver aircraft parts to Petróleos de #Venezuela #PDVSA. They, if convicted, face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ten-charged-and-one-arrested-connection-sanctions-evasion-scheme

***
Indian Tribune reports on #China’s military #tech under lens after poor show in conflicts; exports dip. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria faced issues with Chinese weapons. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/chinas-military-tech-under-lens-after-poor-show-in-conflicts-exports-dip-613540

April 22

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Thales wil zijn eigen slimme wapensystemen de baas blijven. Van de € 4 mrd die #Thales jaarlijks investeert in R&D, gaat een groot deel naar de ontwikkeling van #AI. https://fd.nl/bedrijfsleven/1513915/thales-wil-zijn-eigen-slimme-wapensystemen-de-baas-blijven

Het bedrijf wordt in het FD veel lof toegezwaaid voor zijn ethische kompas op dit gebied.

***
Military sector one of the most corrupt in the world!

---

Peter Hain calls for inquiry into MoD’s alleged role in Saudi bribes scandal.

Government auditors must look into claims of complicity in corruption on arms deals with UK, says Labour peer.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/21/peter-hain-calls-for-inquiry-into-mod-alleged-role-saudi-arabia-arms-deals-bribes-scandal

***
Alys Samson Estapé, of the Enough Complicity with Israel Coalition criticized the Catalan, Spanish, and EU institutions for not acting to stop the deteroriating situation in Palestine. Alys demanded that the Madrid ends arms trade with Israel, both ways.
https://www.catalannews.com/society-science/item/thousands-turn-out-in-barcelona-protest-against-genocide-in-palestine

***
Forget about the climate crisis, hunger, war and all other major demanding issues. Higher military expenditures is what is aimed for.

Global military budget jumps to record of $2440bn.
1st time military spending increased in all parts of the world. #SIPRI
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/22/global-defence-budget-jumps-to-record-high-of-2440bn

‘The unprecedented rise in military spending is a direct response to the global deterioration in peace and security.’ But States ‘risk an action–reaction spiral in the increasingly volatile geopolitical and security landscape,’ said Nan Tian of SIPRI. https://www.sipri.org/publications/2024/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-world-military-expenditure-2023

Decision makers and media outlets around the world view the annual report by SIPRI as a comprehensive, reliable source of information on global arms trade. The data it presents, however, has far too many holes, Haaretz reports based on Israeli info. https://www.msn.com/he-il/news/other/the-data-hidden-from-the-world-about-the-global-arms-trade/ar-AA1noTER

April 21

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Canadian NDP calls on Liberals to impose a two-way arms embargo on Netanyahu’s Israel.
https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-calls-liberals-impose-two-way-arms-embargo-netanyahus-israel

Indeed not only arms sales to Israel are supporting the Israels military forces, acquisitions are beefing up Israeli Apartheid military industrial base.

***
Het is duidelijk waar Washington staat.

Het Huis van Afgevaardigden in de VS heeft zaterdag nieuwe militaire hulp ter waarde van $ 26 miljard goedgekeurd voor Israël, ondanks het lot van burgers in Gaza.

https://www.pzc.nl/buitenland/israel-roept-ambassadeurs-op-matje-om-stemming-veiligheidsraad-14-doden-bij-inval-westelijke-jordaanoever~a477f88e/

***
#Palestine Action and Youth Demand painted Ministry of Defence. They demanded an end to the MoD’s contracts with #Elbit Systems and an end to all future licensing and consents for the exploration, development and production of #fossil_fuels in the UK.
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2024/04/19/palestine-action-and-youth-demand-paint-ministry-of-defence/

April 20

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#Kongsberg to propel next-gen #frigates in #Dutch-#Belgian defence deal.

The Norwegian firm has clinched a contract with #Damen Naval for propeller systems, which will improve the frigates' ASW capabilities.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/kongsberg-to-propel-next-gen-frigates-in-dutch-belgian-defence-deal/

***
A Human Rights Watch #HRW report, last August, on the mass killing of hundreds, even thousands, of unarmed migrants and asylum seekers by #Saudi Arabia at the #Yemen-Saudi border raises questions about the potential use of #Australian-supplied weaponry. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/were-australian-weapons-used-saudi-atrocities-yemen-border

***
It can help to point at abuses!

The #UN special rapporteur on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, has credited #Singapore's government for reducing #weapons transfers to the #Myanmar military government by up to 83% in the past year. https://mothership.sg/2024/04/un-spore-reduce-weapons-myanmar/

***
Will growing public opinion force #Germany to suspend arms sales to #Israel?

Berlin has been Israel's 2nd-biggest weapons supplier for the last 20 years. Its weapons supplies account for 47% of all Israeli #arms imports, closely behind the 53% from the US.
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/will-growing-public-opinion-force-germany-to-suspend-arms-sales-to-israel-17837516


***
Defense giant #BAE Systems linked to arms deals in countries accused of #human rights abuses, UK based Action on Armed Violence @AOAV finds. https://nbcnewyork.com/news/business/money-report/defense-giant-bae-systems-linked-to-arms-deals-in-countries-accused-of-human-rights-abuses-report-finds/5336061/

Report: https://aoav.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/How-BAE-Systems-helped-arm-almost-half-the-world.docx.pdf

***
Play with fire:

“One miscalculation ... one mistake, could”

Iran’s brought down 3 small drones over the central city of #Isfahan, state media reported, hours after US broadcasters, quoting senior US officials, said Israeli missiles had hit an Iranian site. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/19/israeli-missiles-hit-site-in-iran-explosions-heard-in-isfahan-report

What is the importance of Isfahan? A look at erstwhile Safavid capital amid alleged Israeli attackIsfahan hosts an Iranian military airbase, located near a nuclear enrichment site. https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2024/04/19/what-is-the-importance-of-isfahan-inside-erstwhile-safavid-capital-amid-alleged-israeli-attack.html

Published yesterday (190424)

It will take the strength and determination of the entire international community to find a way to end this conflict. It is abundantly clear that polarisation will not bring the peace we desire. https://leftfootforward.org/2024/04/wera-hobhouse-mp-polarisation-will-not-bring-peace/

***
#Germany taken to #court over arms deliveries to #Israel. A positive verdict could mean that the 3,000 anti-tank #weapons can no longer be delivered to Israel. It's also possible the court will declare that it has no jurisdiction and dismiss the complaint.

https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/is-germany-complicit-in-war-against-gaza-a-eec8c88f-0b8b-45e4-ab31-24c29d1df1e2

***
Time for confrontation or time to talk?

#US missile deployment could push #China to further militarise South China Sea #SCS.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3259453/south-china-sea-will-beijing-ramp-military-presence-after-very-strategic-deployment-us-missile

***
Militaire ambities werpen schaduw over klimaatbeleid

#Milieuorganisaties vrezen dat de aandacht voor de #klimaatcrisis in Europa weg is. 'n Europese Raad nota beschrijft vooral militaire ambities.

‘een bosbrand of overstroming [kun je] niet neerschieten’

https://www.mo.be/nieuws/europa-toont-militaire-ambitie-milieuorganisaties-vrezen-klimaatbloedbad

***
On 18 April, 3 unknown drones were reported to attack the #Kamensk factory in Rostov Oblast, which produced fuel for ballistic missiles.

Ukraine is developing long-range drones for strikes amid a call by Western allies not to use weapons on Russian soil. https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/19/drones-attack-russian-factory-that-produced-missile-fuel/

***
Eisenhower was right, every missile fired is a theft from those in need.

With so many nations struggling to provide electricity and clean water, healthcare and education, it’s a travesty that billions are being diverted to arms production and defence.

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3259514/eisenhower-was-right-every-missile-fired-theft-those-need

***
‘Sjacheraar’ Mark Rutte loopt zich volop warm als chef van de Navo, kopt het FD om te vervolgen: "De last man standing op het Binnenhof regeert zonder problemen over zijn politiek graf heen en versterkt zijn geloofsbrief voor zijn nieuwe functie." https://fd.nl/politiek/1513957/sjacheraar-mark-rutte-loopt-zich-volop-warm-als-chef-van-de-navo

***
Automated war?

The US Air Force, #DARPA and industry had an #AI-controlled F-16 and a human-controlled one maneuver against each other in #dogfights — a feat the team is claiming to be a “world first.”https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/in-a-world-first-darpa-project-demonstrates-ai-dogfighting-in-real-jet/

***
The surge in global arms exports will have far-reaching implications, reshaping geopolitical dynamics & fostering a climate of heightened tension & competition. The article describes several key implications. #France https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/04/20/elevation-of-france-as-major-arms-exporter-in-the-world-causes-and-implications/

***
Russia’s arms industry still importing vital foreign CNC machines despite sanctions.

Turkey, UAE & China are acting as key conduits for Western technology feeding Russia’s arms production, an investigation has found.

https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/04/19/istories-russias-arms-industry-still-importing-vital-foreign-cnc-machines-despite-sanctions/

April 18

***
KIVI helpt het MIC

Alle jonge opgeleide professionals die in de defensiesector actief willen zijn hebben moeten zich zelfstandig inwerken. Denk daarbij aan bijzondere technologie, politieke controle, geheimhouding en ethische dilemma’s. Een moeizame en vaak langdurige klus.

Retweet with comment @KIVIDV: Masterclass 2023 visiting DEFIS in the Breydel building of the European Commission. Highly interesting presentations on major European cooperation programmes like EDF, EDIRPA, EDIS, EDIP etc. Meer info en deelname aan de Masterclass 24/25: https://eurodefense.nl/masterclass

***
#Manchester students occupy university building in solidarity with #Palestine. They demand that the university end its partnership with #arms companies and adopts a policy ensuring all research is conducted ethically & doesn't contribute to the arms trade.
https://thetab.com/uk/manchester/2024/04/17/manchester-students-resume-occupation-of-university-building-in-solidarity-with-palestine-58965

***
Info on #Ukraine engagement with Sudanese army luitenant general Lt. Gen. A Fattah al-Burhan who is the de facto ruler of #Sudan:

Thnx http://aser-asso.org


***
Retweet @trouw: De Fransen zijn de tweede exporteur van defensiematerieel ter wereld. Daarmee stoten ze de Russen van de tweede plek. ‘Er is in Frankrijk brede steun voor de wapenindustrie’, zegt een deskundige. https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/frankrijk-verdringt-rusland-als-tweede-wapenexporteur-ter-wereld~b422baa6/

***
Retweet @melissakchan: "The Olympics have a long track record of supporting the augmentation of host cities’ and countries’ state power through the passage of special laws and the procurement of sophisticated equipment," writes @JulesBoykoff 100 days before the Paris Olympics:
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/17/opinions/paris-olympics-surveillance-security-boykoff/index.html

***
#Argentina signs $300M contract for 24 #Danish #F16 fighter jets. The Danish MoD did not disclose when deliveries will take place but the jets are set to rebuild Argentina’s strike capabilities, almost a decade after retiring Dassault Mirage III fighters.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/argentina-signs-300m-contract-for-24-danish-f-16-fighter-jets/

***
#Turkish networks overtake #Europe in Malaysia's defence sector

#Malaysia has chosen Turkey to equip its future frigates, with European defence contractors increasingly losing out to Ankara's networks in Kuala Lumpur. [Pay wall]

https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2024/04/18/turkish-networks-overtake-europe-in-malaysia-s-defence-sector,110217061-eve

April 17

***
Beautifully made program about the reaction on drawing stick figure cartoons in India. It's worth 50 minutes of your time to lwatch this informative video.

Look e.g. at the marching orange coloured puppets. https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/113646-001-A/draw-for-change/

***
Expanding military capabilities the answer to war? Cease fires, diplomacy and arms control are far cheaper and bring more peaceful results. Easy? No. But the way to go.

#Lithuania and #Rheinmetall agreed to build a factory to produce 155mm artillery ammo. https://mil.in.ua/en/news/rheinmetall-to-build-ammunition-plant-in-lithuania/

***
Cynical

Qaddafi mansion sale profits must go to US arms firm, judge rules.

#General_Dynamics wants London property to be sold to recoup part of £16 million it is owed for deal to supply regime of Muammar Qaddafi. #Libya

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2024/04/17/qaddafi-mansion-profits-must-go-to-us-arms-firm-judge-rules/

***
Rail Lines in Toronto Shut Down by Hundreds Calling for Arms Embargo on Israel, End to Genocide in Palestine.
https://worldbeyondwar.org/breaking-rail-lines-in-toronto-shut-down-by-hundreds-calling-for-arms-embargo-on-israel-end-to-genocide-in-palestine/

April 16

***
Nederlandse startup #REEQ overgenomen door Rheinmetall Defence Nederland. REEQ draait om bemande en onbemande quads.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2024/03/reeq-overgenomen-door-rheinmetall-defence-nederland

Het project is er gekomen met hulp en steun van het MoD afdeling #MIND (Military Innovation by Doing) https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/commit/organisatiestructuur

***
The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with €4 bn in military aid in the 2024-26 period, the Dutch government said in a budget update on April 15.

The country already lifted its 2024 military budget to
€21.4 bn from
€15.4 bn in 2023 &
€12.9 bn in 2022.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/15/netherlands-budgets-over-4-billion-military-aid-for-ukraine/

***
#Airbus has rolled out the 1st of 2 A400M airlifters with the colors of the Kazakh Air Defense Forces.

#Kazakhstan, which placed its order in Sept. '21, & becomes the 2nd export customer of the plane, after Malaysia. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/multi-mission-aircraft/first-kazakh-a400m-rolled-out

#HumanRights: https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/kazakhstan/

***
Arms industry can count on European Commission at Defence & Security Summit. Tomorrow (April 17), the European Defence & Security Summit happens in Brussels, bringing together industrial, military & political leaders, including EC President Von der Leyen.
https://stopwapenhandel.org/arms-industry-can-count-on-european-commission-support-at-defence-security-summit/

***
SM-3 ballistic missile interceptor used for 1st time in combat.
https://news.usni.org/2024/04/15/sm-3-ballistic-missile-interceptor-used-for-first-time-in-combat-officials-confirm

For the SM-3 to be developped it was necessarily Bush ended the anti-ballistic missile #ABM treaty, because its capabilities were bigger as what this arms control treaty allowed.

***
Protests conitue. Pro-Palestinian protesters paralyse roads in US cities over war on Gaza Demonstrators block highways and shut down travel in Illinois, California, New York and the Pacific Northwest.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/16/pro-palestinian-protesters-paralyse-roads-in-us-cities-over-israel-attacks

***
Protesters hold up a sign that reads "#Canada stop arming genocide" as part of the "People's Picket for #Palestine" protest at the #Deltaport on April 15, 2024.
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/04/15/deltaport-palestinian-rally/

***
#US #Marine Corps has selected three companies (#AeroVironment, #Anduril Industries and #Teledyne FLIR) to compete for its light loitering munitions program, which seeks to equip small units with an armed #kamikazedrone for over-the-horizon fire missions.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/04/15/marines-pick-three-companies-for-loitering-munitions-program/

***
The #Netherlands will purchase RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones made by Danish company #SkyWatch for #Ukraine, cost €200 million.

The drones will be procured in cooperation with Denmark and Germany as part of the Drone Coalition.

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-netherlands-in-cooperation-with-denmark-and-germany-will-purchase-rq-35-heidrun-uavs-for-ukraine/

***
Even in #Singapore:

A group of Singaporeans #protested peacefully in the city-state yesterday to call on the government to stop the #arms trade with #Israel, as part of a global day of action.

In 2018-22 Singapore imported arms from Israel worth US$73m.

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2024/04/16/singaporeans-stage-protest-to-demand-end-to-arms-trade-with-israel

Three activists in Singapore have been said to be under police investigation after protesting the nation’s arms trade with Israel by unfurling a banner at Gardens by the Bay on Monday. https://gutzy.asia/2024/04/16/three-activists-are-under-police-investigation-over-protest-against-arms-trade-with-israel-at-gardens-by-the-bay/

In a rare act of defiance of strict laws governing demonstrations, supporters of the pro-Palestinian cause unfurled a banner.

Political observers have noted Singapore’s political elite expressing greater empathy for the plight of Palestinians.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3259226/israel-gaza-war-singapore-investigates-latest-anti-israel-protest-there-paradigm-shift-domestic

***
Stilletjes glijdt #GroenLinks-#PvdA de #oorlogsstand in, alsof het vanzelfsprekend is. Maar dat is het niet.

https://www.trouw.nl/opinie/geef-diplomaten-het-voortouw-in-plaats-van-wapens-in-oekraine-oorlog~b68bf539/

***
F-35 program’s lifetime price tag tops $2 trillion, Pentagon wants jets to fly longer. That is US$ 2,000,000,000,000; an amount enough to provide essential security to many, in the form of education, health, food, drinking water, climate policy, etc. https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/f-35-programs-lifetime-price-tag-tops-2-trillion-pentagon-wants-jets-to-fly-longer/

April 15

***
#Thales to supply seven additional Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars for the #Dutch MoD.
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/thales-to-supply-seven-additional-ground-master-200-multi-mission-compact-radars-for-the-dutch-ministry-of-defence The unit price for the GM200 MM/C variant is +/- € 14.5 million. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_Master_200_Multi_Mission

***
Debate: How much has Europe spent on the military in 2023? How is EU militarisation exacerbating military spending? Why is militarization not compatible with the fight against climate change? And more: Tuesday 23 April, from 16:00 to 17:15 CEST
https://centredelas.org/agenda/european-military-spending-the-climate-emergency-squaring-the-circle/

***
The Dutch MoD has confirmed that Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems #TKMS is starting an objection procedure over the provisional contract award for 4 new #submarines to French #Naval_Group.
https://swzmaritime.nl/news/2024/04/15/tkms-to-court-over-dutch-submarines-saab-damen-leaves-it-to-parliament/

***
Veiligheid of kloteherrie?

‘De ongezond harde geluidspieken rondom vliegbasis #Leeuwarden, veroorzaakt door oefenvluchten van de #F35 straaljager, nemen toe. Defensie wil na publicatie van de cijfers praten met de omwonenden van de vliegbasis.’ https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/politiek/artikel/5445061/ongezond-hard-geluid-rondom-vliegbasis-leeuwarden-neemt-toe

Moreover. Even the commander of the Dutch commander of #Volkel and #Leeuwarden stated the noise levels have to go down. https://www.gelderlander.nl/maashorst/geen-f-35-meer-tijdens-speelkwartier-overlast-vliegbasis-volkel-gaat-komende-jaren-minder-worden-zo-belooft-de-commandant~a6b42d84/

***
Anas Sarwar, who heads up the Scottish Labour group, has said he believes Israel has clearly breached international law and that weapons exports should cease. Herewith he has gone further than the UK leadership of the party.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24252079.scottish-labour-mp-refuses-back-anas-sarwar-israel-arms-exports/

***
Turkey has set significant steps over the past two decades in developing its military industry (with the help of NATO). Several Turkish companies are now expanding their footprint across the world, thus further expanding the sector’s cloud. #ASELSAN #TAI
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/from-chile-to-indonesia-turkish-defense-industry-expands-global-footprint

***
How #Damen is arming the #Pakistani navy.
https://quwa.org/?s=Damen

April 14

***
Russian forces used a freshly produced subsonic air-to-surface Kh-69 cruise missile to destroy a power station near Kyiv. The Kh-69 extends the range of Russian attacks from 306 to 402 km & is fired by fighters rather than more cumbersome Russian bombers.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/13/pictured-russias-new-ultra-low-flying-missile-that-destroye/

***
#Western governments gave military support to #Israel while fending off accusations that their weapons were being used to commit war crimes in Gaza. But as a global outcry over the death toll mounts, maintaining that #position is becoming more difficult.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/13/world/europe/israel-weapons-sales-genocide.html

***
David Boyd, the UN special rapporteur for human rights and the environment, said: “Armed conflict pushes humanity even closer to the precipice of climate catastrophe, and is an idiotic way to spend our shrinking carbon budget.”

David Boyd, the UN special rapporteur for human rights and the environment, said: “Armed conflict pushes humanity even closer to the precipice of climate catastrophe, and is an idiotic way to spend our shrinking carbon budget.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/09/emissions-gaza-israel-hamas-war-climate-change?mc_cid=751d5966dd

***
#China limited the supply of #components to #Russia, which Moscow uses for the production of weapons and their use in the war against Ukraine.

What is known about China's introduction of #restrictions on Russia in the field of arms production.

https://news.online.ua/en/china-has-created-a-serious-problem-for-russia-in-the-field-of-arms-production-876698/

***
The war in Ukraine "has acted as an excellent advertisement for artillery systems, air defence systems, drones, armoured vehicles, helicopters, and other equipment or otherwise for those that have not performed as well as expected.," wrote Vadym Ivchenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker from the Batkivshchyna party, is a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence
. https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/30907

***
Carabineros de #Chile (military police) acquired the #Airbus H125 heli's.
https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/carabineros-de-chile-induct-h125

"Chile has tried, with little success, to reform its national police, the Carabineros, since 2019, when police used excessive force against protesters (..)" https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/chile

April 13

***
V: Nederland is veel meer geld aan de krijgsmacht gaan uitgeven. Waar gaat dit geld naartoe?

A: Veel naar wapens. ‘Fijn voor de wapenindustrie. De regering heeft meteen gezegd: we gaan nog zes extra F-35’s kopen. Dat is zonder enige discussie gebeurd.’

https://www.sp.nl/achtergrond/wendela-vries-doel-is-altijd-versterken-van-wapenindustrie

April 12

***
EU must address Egypt’s ‘abysmal’ human rights record, Amnesty asked. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/01/eu-egypt-eu-must-address-egypts-abysmal-human-rights-record/

However the Egyptian Ministry of military production #MoMP is said to deal with #Thales for transfer of technology #TOT and license production agreements. https://www.tacticalreport.com/daily/62661 #Egypt

***
#Klimaatcrisis is nu!

Meer dan 24 miljoen mensen in zuidelijk Afrika kampen met de dubbele crisis van honger en overstromingen. De snelle opeenvolging van klimaatextremen geeft de bevolking geen tijd om te recupereren. https://www.mo.be/nieuws/al-meer-dan-24-miljoen-mensen-zuidelijk-afrika-getroffen-door-droogte-overstromingen-en

***
A 39-jet fleet of #Israeli Air Force #F35 I Adirs have surged to more than 5 times normal operations since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas & have sustained that level with the help of international support, a US Joint Program Office #JPO official said Apr. 10.
https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/us-f-35-sustainment-lead-details-israel-fleet-ops-october

***
India expands strategic presence, and will post defence attaches in several African countries, including Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, and  Djibouti.

New Delhi plans to strengthen its strategic relation with these countries and boost arms exports.https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-post-new-defence-attaches-in-african-nations-for-first-time-armenia-poland-philippines-global-south-2525834-2024-04-11

***
The word 'sustainable' can also has a worrying meaning.

"We must be quick, go hard, mass produce," he said, adding the effort must also be "sustainable" said French PM Macron when visiting a gun powder factory in Bergerac. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240411-france-s-macron-calls-for-sustainable-defence-industry-effort

***
From #AUKUS to JAUKUS? The US is inviting #Japan to be a potential partner on part of the trilateral AUKUS pact that aims to deepen top-secret technology sharing and joint development on advanced defence capabilities.
https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2024/04/11/aukus-allies-float-path-for-japan-to-join-tech-sharing-pact/

***
#Serbia closer to deal over #Rafale jets with #France, President Vucic says.
https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2024/04/11/serbia-closer-to-deal-over-rafale-jets-with-france-president-vucic-says.html

The declaration of a French fighter purchase underlines Serbia’s intention to diversify its sources of military importation, while underlining the fallout for Russian defense exports in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.
https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2024/04/10/serbias-potential-rafale-acquisition-signifies-more-than-just-a-fighter-decision/

April 11

***
Future automated wars? Time to talk?

Chinese military researchers on an #AI-driven navy, space combat to ‘win future wars’.

Study Times, a key Communist Party paper, publishes series by PLA experts on emerging weapons tech to take strategic high ground.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3258503/chinese-military-researchers-zero-ai-driven-navy-space-combat-win-future-wars

***
The US is providing 1000s of Iranian machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launchers and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammo to Ukraine.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/09/politics/us-iran-arms-ukraine/index.html

Not the first time Iranian small arms related items went to Ukraine. https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3547919/

***
The extra's coming with adds.

The digital surveillance corporation #Intellexa, which is owned by a former #Israeli #intelligence commander, showcased a sensitive spying product that makes it possible to #infect #GSMs through online advertisements alone. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/security-aviation/2024-04-11/ty-article/.premium/israel-tried-to-keep-sensitive-spy-tech-under-wraps-it-leaked-abroad/0000018e-c948-d480-a99e-cf5f24900000

***
Changing world views.

ICJ court case highlights "Berlin’s complicity in war crimes. It may not stop Germany’s military and political support for Israel, but will certainly help expose the so-called morality of Western nations." https://www.dawn.com/news/1826801/complicit-in-genocide

***
The German government has approved €4.89 billion worth of arms exports from January 1 to March 27, 2024, with Ukraine receiving the lion’s share—approximately 72% of the total. The current statistics at this stage are almost double that of last year.
https://report.az/en/other-countries/value-of-germany-approved-arms-exports-reaches-almost-5b-in-q12024/

***
On Wednesday, Balkan Insight reported https://balkaninsight.com/2024/04/10/serbia-sells-more-arms-worth-14-million-euros-to-israel/ that #Serbia’s main state-owned arms trader, Yugoimport-SDPR, exported weapons worth 14 million euros ($15.2m) to #Israel last month, citing customs data.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/10/as-gaza-is-pummelled-is-serbia-secretly-sending-weapons-to-israel

This vaque source used the information as if its own and added some views on the historic Yyogo/Serb-Israeli relations (included the positions on Kosovo): https://www.inventiva.co.in/trends/keeping-a-secret-is-serbia-discreetly-sending-weapons-to-israel-as-gaza-falls-spains-sanchez-states-disproportionate-israeli-gaza-attacks-a-world-threat/

April 10

***
Welke bedrijven in Nederland maken raketten, bommen e.d. In Trouw wordt beweerd dat die productie niet bestaat. https://www.trouw.nl/duurzaamheid-economie/jawel-nederland-heeft-een-defensie-industrie-maar-voor-bommen-en-raketten-moet-je-toch-echt-de-grens-over~b2afc65b/ Maar Nederland is leverancier van onderdelen. Ook voor deze wapentypen? Heldere bron: Catalogue of Netherlands Defence Related Industries van 't Commissariaat Militaire Productie #CMP (vroeger een jaarlijkse papieren gids). Met 'n mogelijkheid tot zoeken op verschillende wapentypen waaronder munitie en raketten & torpedo's.

Onlangs verdwenen.

Weer 'n voorbeeld van afgenomen transparantie op wapengebied.

Deel van het #militarisme is #geheimzinnigheid; niet de toegenomen openheid.

Nu lost zelfs zo'n al decennia bestaande gids op in de #oorlogskoorts. En kunnen we moeilijker controleren of wat geschreven wordt over wapenproductie juist is. https://web.archive.org/web/20210620153921/https://cmp.minez.nl/Compensatie/En/Default.asp

***
More talks needed. #US’s deployment of launchers for its medium-range #missiles in the Asia-Pacific region for the 1st time in nearly 4 decades is a #warning to #China against military action across the Taiwan Strait, analysts said. #SM6 #Tomahawk https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3258327/us-viewed-warning-china-against-military-advancement-its-plan-medium-range-missile-launchers-asia

***
The US Space Force #USSF will officially begin the major competition for the next-generation #nuclear #command-and-control constellation this month, a program expected to cost up to $8 #billion. https://aviationweek.com/shows-events/space-symposium/ussf-begin-major-nuclear-command-control-competition

***

Despite the sanctions, #Russia steadily increases the production of missiles & cruise missiles, some of which require 40 to 50 Western #components, which the Russia receives thanks to "gray" imports. https://rubryka.com/en/2024/04/09/zbroyi/

(Based on Die Welt article https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus250918582/Ukraine-Krieg-So-steht-es-wirklich-um-die-russische-Ruestungsindustrie.html)

***
What’s the contractual state of munitions orders concerning Ukraine? Defense News April 2024, p. 58. ->

***
Billions spend, trillions planned, but: "Delivery disruptions for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are creating a headache for European buyers, as some countries face a potential capacity gap and delays in training pilots and maintenance engineers." #F35 #JSF https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/03/21/f-35-delivery-delays-frustrate-european-air-force-upgrade-plans/

***
A lawyer for #Germany told the #ICJ that since Oct 7, 98% of arms exports to Israel were general #equipment like vests, helmets & binoculars.

Of 4 cases where #weapon exports were approved 3 concerned arms unsuitable for use in combat & meant for training. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/9/germany-rejects-allegation-of-aiding-genocide-in-gaza-at-icj

April 9

***
Shipbuilder #Damen Naval has commissioned gearbox manufacturer #Renk to supply 8 gearboxes for the 4 #ASW #frigates ordered by #Belgium and the #Netherlands, the companies announced on 4 April 2024.

Renk originated in #Germany, key dates in WOI and WOII. https://www.renk.com/en/newsroom/news/press-releases/renk-awarded-contract-for-anti-submarine-warfare-frigates

***
South #Korea has successfully launched its 2nd military spy #satellite into orbit, days after North Korea reaffirmed its plan to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites this year. The Koreas each launched their first spy satellites last year.
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/south-korea-military-spy-satellite-launched-9257370/

***
De Haan vindt het onbegrijpelijk dat bijna niemand vraagtekens zet bij de westerse steun aan de oorlog in #Oekraïne: “Elke dode die nu valt, had je kunnen voorkomen,” “Er is alle reden om onmiddellijk te de-escaleren. Maar nee, wij gaan juist escaleren.”
https://archive.ph/CYRri#selection-769.0-883.288

***
Protesters demanding arms embargo on Israel spray Labour HQ with red paint.

Demonstrators from the Youth Demand group insisted both the Government and Opposition should commit to preventing supply of weapons to the country. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/labour-government-israel-protesters-labour-party-b2525234.html

***
Turkish #Atesci https://www.atesci.com/ starts arms production in Congo, Nigeria & Kenya. In 2019 Turkish President Erdogan started an aggressive campaign to strengthen Turkey’s role on the world stage & facilitated companies’ access to the African market.
https://www.military.africa/2024/04/turkish-atesci-to-produce-munitions-in-three-african-countries/

April 8


***
Netherlands only country disappearing from list wih 10 biggest global arms exporters and South-Korea only nation entering the league with major arms exporters when SIPRI rankings for 2014-18 and 2019-23 are compared.

Retweet with comment @SIPRIorg: Russian arms exports fell by 53% between 2014–18 and 2019–23. For the first time, Russia was the third biggest arms exporter, just behind France. Get the full analysis https://www.sipri.org/publications/2024/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-international-arms-transfers-2023

April 7

***
#Spain rejects ban on arms exports to #Morocco. «Spain's defense exports comply with national, EU, and international regulations, all of which prioritize international humanitarian law and peace and security», wrote the MFA Albares.
https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/148435/spain-rejects-arms-exports-morocco.htmlIllegal #occupation?

***
Representative Nancy #Pelosi, former House speaker and a key ally of Biden, has signed a letter from dozens of congressional #Democrats to the president and Secretary of State Blinken, urging a halt to #weapons #transfers to Israel.
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1308762/Pelosi-joins-call-to-halt-arms-exports

https://twitter.com/RepMarkPocan/status/1776366820502421643/photo/3

April 6

***
War sells.

At Singapore Airshow, the Israeli-Gaza war was a selling point for Israeli arms makers. Israeli firms unveiled the next generation of kamikaze drones. A visit to the biggest arms trade show in Asia. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-04-05/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/at-singapore-airshow-the-gaza-war-was-a-selling-point-for-israeli-weapon-manufacturers/0000018e-aa7f-dc75-afde-faff383b0000

***
De meest bekende communicatie truc. Nederlands hoogste militair kent hem: Op de foto met kinderen, dat vertedert.
https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2024/12/index

Maar wie geeft eigenlijk toestemming voor militaire propaganda naar elf en twaalf jarigen?

***
Van opgedrongen #oorlogslogica tot opgelegde #militarisering?
https://stopwapenhandel.org/van-opgedrongen-oorlogslogica-tot-opgelegde-militarisering/ Hoe 't tij te keren?

Waar is 't woord 'wapenbeheersing' eigenlijk weggestopt? Afstoffen en toepassen op AI, cyber, hyper, nucleaire, nano & biowapens. Niet alsmaar meer, maar werken aan minder.

***
Israel admits ‘grave mistake’ after Gaza bombing kills seven aid workers– but charity demands full inquiry.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/israel-admits-grave-mistake-sacks-103948914.html

It raises the question: what about the other 30,000 killed Gazans? Mistake or part of ethnic cleansing?

***
Toys for the boys? Longing for past heavy armour? Wise financially? Sound policy, military strategically? Or just uniformed nostalgia?

Air defence, #tanks top Dutch military's wish list.https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/05/air-defense-tanks-top-dutch-militarys-wish-list

***
As if the history of Ukrainian arms exports is not bad already:

Ukraine needs to liberalize arms exports abroad. If the domestic arms industry can produce, it would be logical and necessary to sell, Vladyslav Belbas, Gen. Dir of Ukrainian Armor LLC said. https://censor.net/en/n3482832

***
The opposition towards arming Israel gathers strength day by day.

UK civil servants in the Department of Business and Trade involved with arms exports have raised concern over their degree of liability in arms sales.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/government-gaza-israel-joe-biden-benjamin-netanyahu-b2523585.html

***
The expensive and blunt answer to a world in disorder. #Norway to double military spending under ‘historic’ long-term military plan "involving a significant strengthening of all branches of the Armed Forces," said Prime Minister Gahr Støre. #Petrokrone.
https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/norway-to-double-military-spending-under-historic-long-term-defense-plan/

***
Human rights lawyers said on Friday they had filed an urgent appeal against Germany's government to stop exports of war weapons to Israel, citing reasons to believe they were being used in ways violating international humanitarian law in Gaza.
https://www.aol.com/news/rights-lawyers-court-stop-german-135731376.html

Legal push to stop Germany's arms exports to Israel
https://euobserver.com/rule-of-law/158312

April 5

***
Preliminary investigation of misfired frigate.

Dutch #Thales disclaims responsibility for misfired missile launches on frigate (according to #Danish broadcaster DR https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/foreloebig-undersoegelse-af-fejlramt-fregat-frikender-del-af-luftforsvar): “[It] does not indicate a problem related to the #APAR radar.”

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/04/denmark-fires-chief-of-defense-runs-into-more-naval-issues/

***
België:

Activisten blokkeren toegang tot Buitenlandse Zaken om militair embargo te eisen.

https://www.bruzz.be/actua/politiek/activisten-blokkeren-toegang-tot-buitenlandse-zaken-om-militair-embargo-te-eisen

***
UK under growing pressure to halt arms exports to #Israel.

Ex-Supreme Court judges among those warning government of risk of international law breach after aid worker deaths.

Britain also supplies around 15% of the #F35 built in the US by #Lockheed Martin.

https://www-ft-com.ezproxy.depaul.edu/content/69855ef9-da6c-41ed-bf53-a3a1542888a4

***
‘VS willen niet dat #ASML machines in China blijft onderhouden’.

Next week officials of the Biden administration will demand ASML to stop litho machine cooperation with China.

#Veldhoven is the a village in the 51st state?

https://fd.nl/economie/1512749/verenigde-staten-willen-niet-dat-asml-machines-in-china-blijft-onderhouden

***
A minor shift coming?

“What we want to see are some real changes on the #Israeli side,” #US #NSC spokesman John Kirby said. “And, you know, if we don’t see changes from their side, they’ll have to be changes from our side.” https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/white-house-indicates-arms-sale-changes-on-table-for-israel/

April 4

***
Waar vind je informatie over Nederlandse wapenhandel met #Israël? Wat zijn de militaire relaties tussen Nederland en Israël? Stop #Wapenhandel heeft jarenlang ervaring met onderzoek naar dit soort informatie.”

We steunen de oproep tot een militair embargo en vinden het belangrijk dat acties en campagnes worden gevoerd op grond van kennis en feiten stelt @CTWnl en “Omdat we graag onze kennis delen organiseren we #workshops over dit onderwerp.” https://stopwapenhandel.org/app/uploads/2024/04/workshop-wapenhandel-online-DEF.pdf

***
#Indonesia has ordered 2 Scorpene-class #submarines from #France’s #Naval_Group as part of a defence cooperation agreement signed in 2021, the company said Tuesday. The submarines will be built at the Indonesian #PT_Pal shipyard.
https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2024/04/03/indonesia-buys-two-submarines-from-france.html

***
Offaly-based Irish Training Solutions has recruited former Army Rangers to train Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar's troops in an apparent breach of a UN arms embargo. https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/04/03/irishmen-training-army-of-libyan-strongman-khalifa-haftar-in-apparent-breach-of-un-embargo/


Oud-militairen van het Ierse leger hebben de troepen van de Libische warlord Khalifa Haftar getraind, zo blijkt uit onderzoek van The Irish Times. De oud-leden van de Defence Forces werken vanaf 2023 voor Irish Training Solutions, een commercieel huurlingenbedrijf. 
https://www.bnr.nl/nieuws/internationaal/10544241/iers-huurlingenbedrijf-traint-libische-opstandelingen-schendt-vn-embargo

***
Healthcare workers blockaded #NHS #England’s headquarters today, demanding that it sever ties with #Palantir — a US #spy-tech firm which supplies tech to #Israel’s military and which was first funded by the #CIA. It was awarded a £330m contract by the NHS.
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/not-only-is-our-government-complicit-in-genocide-it-knows-it

***
In the years 2014-23 84 incidents of explosive weapons used by #Nigeria were recorded with 797 civilian casualties (444 #killed) & 3238 armed actor #casualties (2971 killed). #Air-launched weapons account for all civilian casualties.
https://aoav.org.uk/category/explosive-violence-research/state-actors/nigerian-armed-forces/

***
"Israël bombardeert, #Thales profiteert", galmde het gisteren door de straten van #Huizen. Zo'n 40 actievoerders van Extinction Rebellion hebben Thales bezet. "Hier blijven we zitten tot Thales stopt met het leveren van wapens aan #Israël", zeggen ze. https://www.nhnieuws.nl/nieuws/334227/pro-palestina-demonstratie-gaande-tegen-wapenhandel-van-huizer-bedrijf

De Huizer vestiging is niet de enige vestiging die vandaag wordt bezet. Ook #Hengelo, #Delft en #Breda zijn aan de beurt. De actie is onderdeel van een serie internationale acties tegen wapenreus #Thales, waaronder in de #VS, 't #VK (incl, Noord-#Ierland & #Schotland) en #België.

‘Stop met het bewapenen van Israel’, zo luidt het. De demonstranten hebben zich vastgeketend.

“Thales Groep produceert wapens, drones en militaire technologie in samenwerking met de Israëlische militaire industrie. Dat moet stoppen!”, stelt de organisatie.

https://www.huizernieuws.nl/politiek/politiek/335362/extinction-rebellion-demonstreert-tegen-wapenhandel-voor-inga

Tientallen demonstranten hebben zich vanmorgen verzameld bij de hoofdingang van Thales in #Hengelo. Zij demonstreren tegen wapenhandel en laten Palestijnse vlaggen zien. https://www.rtvoost.nl/nieuws/2329272/tientallen-pro-palestina-demonstranten-protesteren-tegen-wapenhandel-voor-ingang-thales

Activisten beschuldigen Thales van leveren militaire onderdelen aan Israël. ‘Bloederige business’. https://www.trouw.nl/binnenland/activisten-beschuldigen-thales-van-leveren-militaire-onderdelen-aan-israel-bloederige-business~be3f8522/

***
Israeli #Hermes 450 #drone/Zik drone used in Gaza aid strike could be powered by #British-made engine, #CAAT stated.

Pressure mounts to halt arms sales as senior Tory calls airstrike a ‘turning point in #Israel’s collapsing #reputation’.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-aid-workers-israel-british-drone-b2522977.html

The Hermes 450 is powered by a UK-made R902(W) Wankel engine, which is produced by Elbit subsidiary UAV Engines Limited in the UK, according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT). https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/not-only-is-our-government-complicit-in-genocide-it-knows-it

***
The Palestine solidarity movement in Canada has forced the government into a more critical stance on Israel, but the arms embargo suffers from serious loopholes, argues John Clarke.
https://www.counterfire.org/article/canadas-dubious-arms-embargo-on-israel/

***
#UK PM Sunak pressured by lawmakers to suspend arms sales to #Israel. MP's from multiple parties claimed that the UK should end #arms supply to Israel based on their perception that Israel was not following humanitarian law, as the JP worded their concern.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-795271

April 3

***
Family pay tribute to ‘genuine gentleman’ killed by Israeli missile.

IDF chief sorry for ‘mistake’ after strike kills British aid workers. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/03/israel-hamas-war-latest-british-aid-workers-gaza-air-strike/#1712134974673

Sorry isn't the hardest word, 'ceasefire' is, it seems.

***
PM of Israel Netanyahu has called on the country’s military industry to boost local production of weapons amid #growing international calls to stop arming Jerusalem. He said those firms must adapt to the increasing needs of the war against Hamas militants.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/04/03/israel-local-production-weapons/

***
"Investeren in #wapens mag niet normaal worden"

Waarom de financiële sector niet in wapens moet investeren. #Triodos

https://dekleurvangeld.nl/artikelen/2024/opinie-wapens

***
Helpful, isn't it.

The administration of US President Joe Biden is close to approving the supply of up to 50 American-made F-15 fighter jets and ammunition to Israel, in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240402-us-close-to-approving-18bn-aircraft-ammunition-sale-to-israel/

***
US sanctions targeting #Myanmar’s #arms acquisitions have been imposed regularly since the coup, with specific sanctions on jet #fuel supplies in March & August 2023. These measures should be #coordinated and expanded in light of the surge in air strikes.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/how-myanmar-regime-surviving

April 2

***
Italian shipbuilder #Fincantieri signed a contract to provide the #Indonesian Navy with two 4900-ton PPA ships, although the government has not yet funded the purchase.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2024/03/29/fincantieri-inks-13b-deal-with-indonesia-for-two-patrol-ships/

Indonesia is headed by the notorious #Prabowo. Some crimes seem to be easily forgotten.

***
Who pays for the US-China Tech Trade War?

#China progresses on new techniques to cut reliance on advanced ASML lithography machines.

By applying SAQP to DUV machines, China could make 5-nanometre grade #chips without EUV tools sold only by #ASML.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3257442/tech-war-china-quietly-making-progress-new-techniques-cut-reliance-advanced-asml-lithography

***
"While Russia has increased production of key munitions most heavily used in Ukraine, such as artillery shells, the impact of the sanctions is highly likely greatest on Russia’s most advanced and complex weapon systems. These systems in production and development almost certainly have an increased reliance on foreign components and technology," https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1774738757586997696

***
Bij zo’n 200.000 jongeren die in 2024 17 zijn of worden valt deze dagen weer de Dienstplichtbrief op de mat. Ook mensen jonger dan 35 jaar die (op)nieuw zijn ingeschreven als Nederlander, krijgen de brief.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/04/02/dienstplichtbrief-valt-weer-op-de-mat-voor-17-jarigen

Kan je ook weigeren? https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0002386/2020-01-01

April 1

***
US lawmakers accused the Biden administration of hypocrisy on Friday after it voiced concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza, while approving the transfer of billions of dollars' worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel.
https://www.newarab.com/news/us-accused-hypocrisy-over-obscene-israel-arms-transfer

***
A man from Oakland is heading to the slammer. Fares Abdo Al Eyani, 41, has been sentenced to one year and a day in prison for his audacious plot to smuggle firearms and night-vision rifle scopes to #Oman. #Optech #US

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/california-man-sentenced-attempting-illegally-export-firearms-and-night-vision-rifle-scopes

https://hoodline.com/2024/03/oakland-man-sentenced-for-illegally-attempting-to-export-arms-and-night-vision-tech-to-oman/

***
Corbyn “And our governments still can’t bring themselves to utter the words permanent ceasefire, still can’t bring themselves to stop the grisly, ghastly arms trade with Israel and the supply of weapons," from France, Germany, the UK and the US.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/mar/31/four-arrested-as-200000-attend-pro-palestine-march-in-london

***
Tailwind for the German arms industry?

There is much demand for tanks, missiles, and ammunition, and Chancellor Scholz is not the only one who wants to see more of them produced in Germany. But it's not as easy as it sounds.

https://www.dw.com/en/rearmament-tailwind-for-the-german-arms-industry/a-68704891