BRIEFING

Arms Trade Bulletin March – April 2020

UNITED STATES SANCTIONS ENFORCEMENT POLICY

On 9th March 2020 the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of State for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions presented the United States Government’s sanctions policy and future sanctions enforcement posture at an event organised by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. The measures will impact the global maritime industry. (1) “The message from these actions is that the U.S. Government expects the maritime industry in its entirety to develop risk-based compliance programs designed to detect and mitigate risk of exposure to U.S.-sanctioned parties and jurisdictions.” (2) The measures apply to U.S. and non-U.S. entities.

Under impetus of the United States Government the open shipping registries of Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in regard of sharing information about, what the DAS called, bad actors. This Registry Information Sharing Compact will make it more difficult to re-register a vessel, after having been caught sanctions busting, under another flag of convenience: this Memorandum of Understanding “offers collaboration between the … ship registries on sharing information when a flag registry deregisters or is in process of de registering, or when it denies registration of a vessel due to engagement in a sanctionable activity. Under the MoU all … registries will now promptly notify other flags to ensure questionable vessels are not registered in line with the UNSCR regulations”. (3) The shipping registries of Comoros, Honduras, Palau and St. Kitts & Nevis have joined the Compact.

As previously stated a global maritime sanctions advisory from the U.S. Government is forthcoming. The U.S. Government is aiming for continuous and accurate AIS (Automatic Identification System) information reporting. At present a master of a vessel can switch off AIS if the safety or security of the ship is compromised, for example piracy threats. Such action should always be recorded in the ship’s logbook together with the reason for doing so. Moreover the AIS transponder should be restarted as soon as the source of danger has disappeared (IMO Resolution A.917(22) Guidelines for the On Board Operational Use of Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems: para 21). The U.S. Government advises that shipping registries, insurance companies and financial institutions ask for AIS data from those that seek to register their vessels, seek insurance or credit. If the AIS has been switched off or tampered with, this may be a reason to deny services. Industry insiders see administrative difficulties arising for insurance companies and would rather prefer clauses to be included “in insurance contracts that require compliance with law and exclude from insurance coverage illicit activity and sanctioned conduct” (4).

Maritime service providers should also obtain the beneficial ownership information of vessel owners: required is not only information about the front company, but also the ultimate beneficial owner and the individual principals that own and control the vessel. Questions are being raised by industry insiders about accessibility to information about the different parties by the various maritime industry segments.

More information to be found in this article: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/the-registry-information-sharing-compact-is-a-major-step-forward-in-sanctions-enforcement/

Peter Danssaert

(Update) The U.S. Guidance to Address Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion Practices (released 14 May 2020) can be downloaded here (pdf).

(1) Transcript at https://www.fdd.org/events/2020/03/09/us-government-sanctions-priorities-and-approach-in-2020/
(2) https://www.winston.com/en/global-trade-and-foreign-policy-insights/us-government-to-increase-compliance-obligations-for-maritime-sector.html
(3) https://www.palaureg.com/palau-on-board-with-liberia-marshal-islands-and-panama/
(4) https://www.winston.com/en/global-trade-and-foreign-policy-insights/us-government-to-increase-compliance-obligations-for-maritime-sector.html

GENERAL

Shipping: The Registry Information Sharing Compact is a major step forward in sanctions enforcement | 26 April 2020 | MaltaWinds
On 21 February 2020 details were first published of an historic and unprecedented information-sharing agreement among the world’s three biggest open shipping registries – Panama, Marshall Islands and Liberia. The Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) creates a process for flag states to notify each other if they de-register, or deny registration to, a merchant ship on suspicion that it is in breach of sanctions.
Le monde opaque du commerce des armes : quelles spécificités ? | 16 April 2020 | Areion24.News
Les armes produites ici tuent parfois des gens de l’autre côté du globe, en dépit des règles du droit. S’il est impossible de déterminer précisément le nombre d’armes à feu en circulation dans le monde, c’est parce que le marché des armes est un secteur opaque, où règne le culte du secret et où se mêlent de nombreux intérêts.
Wassenaar Nations Set New Export Controls | April 2020 | Arms Control Today
Transfers of military-grade software and chip manufacturing technology will face increased scrutiny following an amendment to the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international export control regime.
U.S. Government to Increase Compliance Obligations for Maritime Sector | 26 March 2020 | Winston & Strawn LLP
U.S. Government Sanctions Priorities and Approach in 2020 (transcript) | 9 March 2020 | Foundation for Defense of Democracies
The U.S. State Department (State) previewed on March 9, 2020, new U.S. Government economic sanctions compliance measures that will have a substantial effect on the worldwide maritime industry. The measures were set out by David Peyman, the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of State for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions in an interview at the Foundation for Defense of Democracy. During the interview, DAS Peyman announced notable developments in several significant areas.
Palau, Liberia, Marshall Islands and Panama Unite on Sanctions | 21 February 2020 | The Maritime Executive
Vessels which violate the current United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) on trading with North Korea will not be registered with the Palau International Ship Registry (PISR). The announcement comes as the registry unites with Liberia, Marshall Islands and Panama on the issue.

INTERNATIONAL (HUMANITARIAN) LAW

Male Rape Victims Confront the Bosnian War’s Last Taboo | 24 April 2020 | Balkan Insight
Men who were raped or sexually assaulted during the 1992-95 Bosnian war have long been reluctant to speak out for fear of stigmatisation, but now attempts are being made to ensure they get the same welfare benefits as other war victims.
The Saudis’ War in Yemen Is a Crime Against Humanity | 18 April 2020 | The Globalist
For Saudi Arabia, which leads the Sunni Muslim world, to act as brutally as it has in Yemen is a gross violation of Islam and constitutes crimes against humanity.
The Group of Experts under the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and the ECtHR: Complementary or Contradictory Tools? | 31 March 2020 | EJIL: Talk!
The Istanbul Convention is a blueprint document in handling violence against women as the first legally binding treaty in Europe specifically devoted to the problem of violence against women. One aspect of the Istanbul Convention that deserves particular attention is the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), which was established as the monitoring body of the implementation of the Convention by state parties.
US government threatens families of Int’l Criminal Court staff if they try Americans for war crimes | 20 March 2020 | The Grayzone
The International Criminal Court approved an investigation into US war crimes in Afghanistan. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded by threatening to punish family members of ICC staff.
The US is complicit in Saudi atrocities in Yemen | 19 March 2020 | Alex Preve | Al Jazeera
Five years after the start of the war, the US continues to support a Saudi-led coalition accused of war crimes.
Rüstungsexporte – Beihilfe zu Kriegsverbrechen? | 18 March 2020 | NDR
Vor fünf Jahren, in der Nacht auf den 26. März 2015, begann die von Saudi-Arabien geführte Militärkoalition mit Luftangriffen auf den Jemen. Zuvor war der Konflikt zwischen Huthi-Rebellen und der international anerkannten Regierung unter Präsident Hadi eskaliert. Die Rebellen hatten die Hauptstadt Sanaa eingenommen. Der Präsident floh nach Saudi-Arabien und bat Riad um Unterstützung. Seither tobt im Jemen ein Bürgerkrieg. Die Vereinten Nationen bezeichnen den Konflikt als die schlimmste humanitäre Krise der Welt.
International Criminal Court Allows Afghanistan War Crimes Probe | 5 March 2020 | VoA News
The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled Thursday that an investigation can go ahead into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the United States and other warring parties to the conflict in Afghanistan.
ICC clears way for probe of alleged Afghanistan war crimes | 5 March 2020 | Reuters
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court will investigate whether war crimes were committed in Afghanistan by the Taliban, Afghan military and U.S. forces after an appeals panel said on Thursday the “truth-seeking” inquiry should go ahead.
War crimes committed by almost all sides in Syria, report says | 2 March 2020 | AP | The Star
Investigators for the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council said on Monday that they had found evidence of war crimes in Syria committed by nearly all sides in the conflict during the second half of last year and into January.

AFRICA

UAE violates arms embargo on Libya, ships fuel to Haftar forces, report says | 20 April 2020 | Daily Sabah
The United Arab Emirates continues to violate the arms embargo on Libya by providing jet fuel to the forces loyal to putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar, the Financial Times (FT) reported Monday.
Flux d’armes de Libye vers le Mali : Une source de réarmement pour les groupes armés | 16 April 2020 | Malijet.com
Un Institut spécialisé en armement a examiné les armes récupérées à Gao, Sévaré et Tombouctou ainsi que des données dont la véracité a été vérifiée sur les saisies d’armes effectuées dans les régions de Gao (Ménaka et Touzzek), Kidal (Kidal et Tessalit), Mopti (Dialloubé) et Sikasso (Misséni). Ces données combinées fournissent un aperçu des armes et engins explosifs improvisés (EEI) utilisés par les groupes armés pro-gouvernementaux, séparatistes et islamistes dans la région du sud du Mali, frontalière avec la Côte d’Ivoire, et dans les régions septentrionale et orientale, frontalières avec le Burkina Faso voisin.
Russia sells assault boats to sub-Saharan African country | 16 April 2020 | DefenceWeb
Russia’s Kalashnikov has sold a number of BK-10 assault boats to a sub-Saharan African country in the first such naval sale in 20 years, defence holding company Rosoboronexport has announced.
Nigerian Army receives Chinese weapon systems | 16 April 2020 | Jane’s Defence Weekly
The Nigerian Army has received a consignment of Chinese armoured vehicles and artillery systems that included Norinco VT4 main battle tanks (MBT), ST1 tank destroyers, and self-propelled howitzers.
Arrestation en Mauritanie d’une bande de trafiquants d’armes et de drogue | 12 April 2020 | Maroc diplomatique
L’armée mauritanienne a annoncé avoir intercepté, vendredi, une bande de trafiquants d’armes et de drogue qui se déplaçait sur la frontière avec le Mali.
Military in US$90m murky weapons deals | 10 April 2020 | The Independent (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe’s military splurged vast amounts of money, exceeding US$90 million, on undeclared and opaque transactions to acquire new and refurbished armaments from 2000 to 2016 at a time the country was gripped by a debilitating economic crisis and political turmoil, Zimbabwe Independent can reveal.
Sahel: d’où viennent les armes et les munitions? | 9 April 2020 | RFI
Qu’il s’agisse de terrorisme, d’insurrections ou de banditisme, l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel en particulier sont confrontés à la présence de nombreuses armes et munitions en circulation qui menacent la sécurité. D’où viennent ces armes ? Comment les groupes armés, qui ne font pas partie des forces nationales et internationales, se dotent en armements et en munitions dans le contexte actuel ? Réponses avec le chercheur Georges Berghezan.
Nigeria receives VT4 main battle tanks from China | 9 April 2020 | Defence-Blog.com
The Nigerian Army has taken delivery of a shipment of military vehicles from the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).
Traité sur le commerce des armes : Des experts renforcent les connaissances des journalistes et communicateurs | 7 April 2020 | LeFaso.net
Le secrétariat permanent de la Haute autorité de contrôle des importations d’armes et de leur utilisation (HACIAU) et son partenaire Expertise France ont organisé, à l’intention des journalistes et communicateurs, les 25 et 26 février 2020 à Ouagadougou, un atelier de sensibilisation sur le Traité sur le commerce des armes(TCA).
Nigerian Army fields locally-fabricated mine-resistant vehicles | 3 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
The Nigerian Army has inducted locally fabricated Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles into the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorist group in the Northeast of the country. The MRAPs, which were built by the engineers at the military counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast (Operation Lafiya Dole) were commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai.
Ivory Coast to receive trucks from South Korea | 2 April 2020 | DefenceWeb
Towards the end of this year Ivory Coast’s military will take delivery of 100 trucks from South Korea’s KIA to replace its French-made ACMAT vehicles.
Ivory Coast receives second hand Mi-8Ps | 1 April 2020 | DefenceWeb
The Ivory Coast Air Force has taken delivery of two second hand Mi-8P transport helicopters, which it plans to use to assist with coronavirus mitigation efforts.
Derrière le procès de Bouaké, l’ombre pesante des marchands d’armes en Afrique (6) | 21 March 2020 | Centpapiers
Derrière le procès de Bouaké, l’ombre pesante des marchands d’armes en Afrique (5) | 18 March 2020 | Centpapiers
Derrière le procès de Bouaké, l’ombre pesante des marchands d’armes en Afrique (3) | 13 March 2020 | Centpapiers
Depuis le début de cette série, nous plongeons dans l’univers glauque des marchands s’armes, pour expliquer comment on en a pu arriver à cette sombre affaire de Bouaké. On est entré aussi dans l’univers de David Tokoph, marchand d’armes américain aujourd’hui ad patres mais dont le legs mérite toute notre attention. On l’a retrouvé à la fin de sa vie agissant en effet en Afrique du Sud, mais il est passé aussi par la Belgique, où il a laissé pas mal de souvenirs… et pas mal d’avions. Pas mal d’entre eux ayant fricoté avec la CIA ! Accrochez vos ceintures, car c’est un dossier complexe !!!
High Court to hear application to have Dutch arms dealer Kouwenhoven deported | 19 March 2020 | The Citizen
Augustinus Petrus Kouwenhoven is wanted in the Netherlands, where he faces a 19-year jail sentence for crimes against humanity and for selling firearms to former Liberian president Charles Taylor.
Libya’s state oil firm says jet fuel illegally shipped to east | 16 March 2020 | Reuters
A shipment of jet fuel has been imported into eastern Libya from the United Arab Emirates in breach of an arms embargo and other international agreements, Libya’s NOC state oil company said on Monday.
UN too scared to stop breaches of arms ban, says Libyan minister | 13 March 2020 | The Guardian
A fear among key members of the UN security council of taking on the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt has allowed the three countries to carry out a wholesale breach of the UN weapons embargo to Libya, one of Libya’s most senior ministers has warned.
Suspected military supplies pour into Libya as UN flounders | 11 March 2020 | The Guardian
International powers are increasing deliveries of suspected military supplies to factions in Libya’s civil war, ignoring a poorly enforced UN embargo as the shattered country braces for a new round of fighting.
‘Crime against humanity’: UN expert calls on Australia to stop selling weapons to war-torn Mali | 11 March 2020 | The Guardian
Australia sold weapons to Mali as UN warned violence creating ‘humanitarian disaster’ | 10 March 2020 | The Guardian
The independent United Nations human rights expert in Mali has called on Australia to cease selling arms to the war-torn country and urged the international community to do more to stop nations “actively producing and selling weapons” in conflict zones.
Libye : la menace terroriste | 10 March 2020 | Investig’Action
La préparation de la Turquie à un nouveau cycle de confrontation en Libye n’est pas de bon augure non seulement pour ce pays, mais aussi pour l’Europe. Tout d’abord, cela promet de nouveaux flux de réfugiés arrivant par la mer Méditerranée. Deuxièmement, et contrairement à la Syrie, les islamistes transférés par la Turquie en Libye se trouvent à portée directe de l’Europe – à quelques centaines de kilomètres seulement des côtes italiennes.
Australia sold weapons to Mali as UN warned violence creating ‘humanitarian disaster’ | 10 March 2020 | The Guardian
The Australian government approved a large volume of weapons sales to war-torn Mali in the same year the United Nations warned escalating violence was creating an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster” in the West African nation.
Schweizer Kanonen waren auf dem Weg nach Libyen | 4 March 2020 | Blick
Im Bürgerkriegsland Libyen sollen Schweizer Waffen aufgetaucht sein. Für Kritiker zeigt das, wie problematisch Kriegsmaterialexporte sind.
Morocco cleared to buy American-made 70–ton armored beasts | 4 March 2020 | Defence Blog
Morocco has been cleared to buy the 70-tons M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles for an estimated value of $239.35 million.
US provides patrol boats to Djibouti | 3 March 2020 | DefenceWeb
The United States has delivered four Defender patrol boats to Djibouti’s military, weeks after delivering Humvee vehicles to the Horn of Africa nation.
Swiss traders conducting business with Libyan militias | 2 March 2020 | Al Jazeera
An international criminal network with connections in Switzerland has been smuggling Libyan oil between 2014 and 2015, an investigative report revealed on Monday.

AMERICAS

Judge tosses California ammunition purchase law | 24 April 2020 | The Washington Post
A federal judge on Thursday blocked a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition, issuing a sharply worded rebuke of “onerous and convoluted” regulations that violate the constitutional right to bear arms.
Trudeau is talking about more gun control — but he hasn’t enacted the last round of firearms changes | 24 April 2020 | CBC
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised Wednesday to pursue more stringent gun control measures in the aftermath of the Nova Scotia massacre — but his government still hasn’t enacted amendments to the Firearms Act that were passed by Parliament last year.
Canada extends Turkey arms sales ban ‘until further notice’ | 23 April 2020 | Middle East Eye
Canada has extended a ban on arms exports to Turkey following Ankara’s decision last year to deploy troops to northern Syria
Gun killings in U.S. cities: The scourge not even a pandemic lockdown can stop | 23 April 2020 | CBC
Homicide figures are similar, even higher, in some American cities despite stay-at-home orders.
Political violence, state incapacity and post-peace agreement Colombia | 23 April 2020 | The Global Americans
The last few days have fueled significant friction between United Nations human rights representatives in Colombia and the government of President Iván Duque, given the results of a report whose main conclusion was: Colombia had the highest number of murders of social activists and human rights defenders in Latin America in 2019.
APC9K from Brugger and Thomet of Switzerland new 9mm submachine gun of US Army | 18 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
In April 2019, the APC9K from Swiss firearms manufacturer Brugger & Thomet (B&T) was selected by the U.S. Army as the new 9mm standard submachine gun. According to U.S. military sources the delivery of the first batch of 350 weapons will take place this year, with additional options to buy up to 1,000 of the guns in total.
Gun sales rose to record levels in March, as COVID-19 fears climbed | 15 April 2020 | Cronkite News | The Sun Times (Fairfield)
Arizona processed a record 82,771 background checks on would-be gun buyers in March, as fears of the coronavirus drove people to gun shops in what one shop owner called “panic time.”
COVID-19, gun sales and guns in homes | 11 April 2020 | Griffin Dix | The Hill
In March an astounding 3,740,688 background checks took place, according to the FBI. While this does not correlate exactly with gun sales, it is close and tells us that more guns were sold than any time since the background check system began in 1998.
Weapons sales to Saudi Arabia reveal that Canada is willing to trade jobs for its principles | 10 April 2020 | The Washington Post
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to hold the world’s attention, Canada has decided to resume selling weapons to the butcher regime in Saudi Arabia. An April 9 release from Global Affairs Canada entitled “Canada improves terms of light armored vehicles contract, putting in place a new robust permits review process” stretches the limits of feel-good government double-talk, effectively stating that the country is willing to trade jobs for its principles, albeit with a bit more transparency and an “arms-length advisory panel of experts who will review best practices regarding arms exports.”
Saudi Arabian-Canadian arms deal improved, more transparent | 9 April 2020 | BNN Bloomberg
The federal government says it has improved a controversial contract to sell light-armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia by making its details more transparent to the Canadian public.
Canada to resume approving military-goods exports to Saudi Arabia | 8 April 2020 | The Globe & Mail
The Canadian government is lifting a moratorium on approving new permits for military exports to Saudi Arabia after renegotiating some terms of a controversial $14-billion deal to sell light-armoured vehicles to Riyadh.
Army asks Northrop Grumman to build add-on kits to convert artillery shells into GPS-guided smart munitions | 8 April 2020 | Military Aerospace
Northrop Grumman’s PGK kit transforms existing 155-millimeter high-explosive artillery projectiles into affordable satellite-guided precision weapons.
Preventing Train and Defeat in Future Conflicts | 8 April 2020 | POGO
The war and nation building effort in Afghanistan cost the United States an estimated $975 billion between 2001 and 2019, with an average annual cost of over $54 billion. When indirect costs including veterans care, Homeland Security spending, and debt interest are added, the Afghanistan campaign will cost taxpayers an estimated $2.5 trillion, including approximately $12.5 billion annually for the next 40 years as we continue to pay for veteran disability and care. And it was a failure.
Firearms Export Changes Partially Blocked | April 2020 | Arms Control Today
Despite opposition from some members of Congress and a wide range of civil society groups, Trump administration changes to its oversight of certain firearms exports took effect in March. A federal district judge, however, issued a temporary injunction on portions of the rules that deal with 3D gun-printing plans.
New Trump Arms Rules Loosen Oversight of Foreign Gun Sales | 10 March 2020 | The Trace
The new rules, which went into effect on March 9, shift oversight of small arms exports from the State Department to the Commerce Department. The arrangement dramatically reduces restrictions on who can sell weapons internationally and guts oversight of where guns end up. It also eliminates a requirement to notify Congress of gun deals totaling more than $1 million.
Report on U.S. Hypersonic Weapon Development | 7 March 2020 | Congressional Research Service | USNI News
The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons—maneuvering weapons that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5—as a part of its conventional prompt global strike program since the early 2000s. In recent years, the United States has focused such efforts on developing hypersonic glide vehicles, which are launched from a rocket before gliding to a target, and hypersonic cruise missiles, which are powered by high-speed, air-breathing engines during flight.
Firearm purchaser licensing laws linked to fewer fatal mass shootings | 2 March 2020 | Johns Hopkins University
Firearm purchaser licensing laws that require an in-person application or fingerprinting are associated with an estimated 56% fewer fatal mass shootings in states that have them, according to a new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

ASIA

Hybrid combat vehicle Humvee fitted with BMP-1 73mm turret used by Houthi militia in Yemen | 19 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Houthi militia in Yemen continues to manufacture hybrid combat vehicles as an American-made HMMWV (Humvee) High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle fitted with a Soviet-made BMP-1 73mm turret mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The conflicts in Syria or Libya saw also rebel forces using captured military equipment to make combat vehicles offering more mobility and firepower.
Russian Military Says 27 Militants, Trained By US Forces, Surrender To Syrian Army | 16 April 2020 | UrduPoint
Surrendered US-backed rebels admit to receiving training to destroy Syrian oil sites | 16 April 2020 | AMN
Twenty-seven militants who surrendered to the Syrian military said they had been trained at the US military base, and the US forces provided them with weapons and vehicles, Rear Adm. Oleg Zhuravlev, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s center for the Syrian reconciliation, said during a briefing on Wednesday.
Over 3 million rounds of munitions handed over to Afghan forces | 16 April 2020 | Khaama Press
The international allies of Afghanistan handed over more than 3 million rounds of munitions to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.
Azerbaijan keeps producing military hardware to address national and international demand | 14 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Azerbaijan recorded a 5.6 % year-over-year increase in military production in 2019 as the country’s defense output exceeded $150 million, Ilham Karimli reports. The overall value of defensive output last year stood at $153.9 million compared to $145.8 million in 2018, according to government data published by Interfax Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan exports locally-made ammunition, modern small arms, UAVs, and armored vehicles to more than 10 countries, and the country’s defense enterprises produce more than 700 items and their components.
Jordan army receives MRAP armored personnel carriers Nomad and Thunder from Qatar | 11 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti on Tuesday attended a ceremony organized on 7th April by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) to receive eight armored personnel carriers donated by Qatar including Nomad and Thunder MRAP vehicles, which are part of a total of 44 carriers that the Gulf country is extending to Jordan, the Jordan Times reports.
Chinese missiles for Myanmar | 10 April 2020 | Northeast Now
Myanmar is all set to receive the first batch of Chinese-made SY-400 short-range ballistic missiles very soon. This follows several years of intense negotiations.
Iraqi army BMP-3 Russian-made IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle tracked armored | 9 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
In September 2015, the Russian defense industry had announced that Iraq had a plan to acquire 500 BMP-3 tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) from Russia. According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Arms Transfers Database, Iraq has ordered 300 BMP-3 IFVs in 2015 that were delivered in 2018-2019.
HJ-12: What Is Known About China’s 3rd Gen Anti-Tank Missile System? | 7 April 2020 | Sputnik News
Chinese arms exporter Norinco has announced the first export shipment of China’s third-generation HJ-12 anti-tank missile system (ATCM). The corporation does not disclose any further details about the deal, including the name of the buyer, the number of goods purchased and its value.
UAE-based company Streit Group armored vehicles manufacturer continues to increase its business | 6 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Army Recognition editorial team had the chance to visit one more time the production facility of Streit Group in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). During an exclusive interview, Caroline Cresp, the new managing director has presented the results of Streit Group as well as new projects of the Company for 2019 -2021.
China’s Norinco announces first export of HJ-12E ATGW system | 31 March 2020 | Jane’s Defence Weekly
The China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) announced on 25 March that it has completed deliveries of its Red Arrow 12E (‘Hongjian-12E’, or HJ-12E) man-portable anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) system to a foreign customer.
Yemen war: Why supporting MBS is driving UK’s unethical foreign policy | 19 March 2020 | Emily Thornberry | Middle East Eye
Tories have failed to take action to bring the Saudi-led war in Yemen to an end, instead fuelling it through weapons exports.
UAE orders more Seekers from Denel | 19 March 2020 | DefenceWeb
The United Arab Emirates has ordered further Seeker unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Denel Dynamics, worth more than R100 million.
Australian Department of Defence releases its Sales Catalogue for 2020 | 19 March 2020 | Navy Recognition
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP today released the fourth edition of the Australian Military Sales Catalogue, now titled Australian Defence Sales Catalogue.
Long awaited procurement of 16000 Light Machine Guns from Israel approved finally | 19 March 2020 | The New Indian Express
Boosting the fire power of Indian infantry units, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finally approved the long-pending requirement of a modern state-of-the-art Light Machine Gun (LMG).
La France toujours l’un des plus gros fournisseurs de l’Arabie Saoudite | 12 March 2020 | Amnesty International France
La France reste 3ème exportateur d’armes au monde. Le “pays des droits de l’Homme” est l’un des plus gros fournisseurs de l’Arabie saoudite et des Émirats arabes unis.
PT Pindad opens new weapons facility | 3 March 2020 | Jane’s Defence Weekly
Indonesia’s land systems specialist PT Pindad has opened a new facility to produce weapons systems, the company has said.

EUROPE

Spain: Real Decreto 494/2020, de 28 de abril, por el que se modifica el Real Decreto 679/2014, de 1 de agosto, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de control del comercio exterior de material de defensa, de otro material y de productos y tecnologías de do (pdf) | 29 April 2020 | Boletín Oficial del Estado
Ukraine to disband UkrOboronProm, create six defense production clusters | 23 April 2020 | KyivPost
The top management of UkrOboronProm will move to eliminate the state-run defense production giant and transform it into at least six industrial branches.
La France parmi les grands marchands d’armes | 21 April 2020 | La Tribune
L’industrie de l’armement française surfe sur le niveau record des ventes d’armes mondiales.
Russian T-14 Armata tanks tested in Syria and to be inducted in 2021 | 20 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
T-14 Armata main battle tanks have been tested in Syria, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said on Sunday, April 19: “They [Armata tanks] were used in Syria,” he said in an interview with the Deistvuyushchiye Litsa (Political Actors) with Nailya Asker-zade program on the Rossiya-1 television channel answering a corresponding question. “They were used in field conditions, in Syria, so, we took into account all the nuances.”
Russia completes 2S7M Malka 203mm self-propelled howitzer upgrade | 14 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Russia has completed the upgrade of the most powerful 2S7M Malka self-propelled gun in the world. One shot of the 203mm weapon can fully destroy a building used as a stronghold, Gazeta.ru online publication said. 2S7M is an upgrade of Pion created in 1970s.
Ukraine receives additional BMP-1s | 14 April 2020 | Jane’s Defence Weekly
The Ukrainian armed forces have received 37 BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from the state-owned entity Ukrspetsexport, UkrOboronProm (UOP) announced on its website on 7 April. This was achieved despite the countries of origin and transit imposing restrictions due to Covid-19 and ahead of schedule, according to UOP.
UK arms deals with Egypt condemned after report reveals regime’s child torture | 5 April 2020 | The Ferret
The UK government and arms firms based in Scotland have been condemned over deals with Egypt after a new report revealed the regime tortures children by waterboarding and electrocution.
UkrOboronProm presents BM-21UM Berest 122 mm MRL | 3 April 2020 | Jane’s Defence Weekly
New Ukrainian-made BM-21UM Berest 122mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System | 5 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Ukraine’s state-owned Shepetivka Repair Plant (ShRP) has completed factory testing of and is ready to accept domestic and foreign orders for its new BM-21UM Berest 122 mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL), the UkrOboronProm defence conglomerate to which ShRP belongs announced on its website on 1 April.
Russian armed forces will receive 40,000 AK-12 assault rifles in 2020 | 3 April 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Russian Army infantry and reconnaissance units continue receiving AK-12 assault rifles, the Russian Defense Ministry’s press office said, on April 3, 2020. In accordance with the state defense order, the defense contractor will hand over 40,000 AK-12 assault rifles to the Russian armed forces in 2020.
Germany sells arms to members of Saudi-led Yemen coalition | 2 April 2020 | DW
Since 2019, Germany’s government has approved arms exports worth over €1 billion to members of the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Critics says this exacerbates the fighting.
Sig Sauer soll Waffen illegal nach Mexiko verkauft haben | 1 April 2020 | Spiegel
Drei Ex-Manager des Waffenherstellers Sig Sauer sind bereits wegen illegaler Rüstungsexporte zu Bewährungsstrafen verurteilt worden. Die Staatsanwaltschaft Kiel prüft nach einem Medienbericht nun neue Vorwürfe.
Russia demonstrates 2S19 MSTA-S 155mm self-propelled howitzer to Mideast customers | 29 March 2020 | ArmyRecognition
Russian State Company Rosoboronexport arms trader and Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) for the first time demonstrated combat capabilities of the 155mm self-propelled howitzer 2S19 MSTA-S artillery gun. The demonstration for Mideast customers was held at a range of Staratel in Nizhny Tagil, Rosoboronexport said.
£1bn of taxpayers’ cash to help foreign countries buy British arms | 28 March 2020 | The Guardian
The government has quietly drawn up proposals to lend other countries £1bn of public money so that they can buy British-made bombs and surveillance technology.
Russia’s New Weapon Against Armed Pickups: Gun Trucks | 28 March 2020 | National Interest
Armed pickup trucks, or “technicals,” have become the poor man’s tank. Across Africa and Central Asia, insurgents and warlords have found that a Toyota pickup can become a formidable weapon when armed with a machine gun, cannon or rocket launcher. They’re fast and nimble to swarm a bigger opponent like a tank, and far, far cheaper to buy and maintain than an armored vehicle. Fearing attacks by technicals in Central Asia, Russia is deploying a weapon to stop them: armed trucks.
Germany Extends Arms Embargo on Saudi Arabia | 24 March 2020 | Defense & Security Monitor
German media outlet DW reported on Monday that the German government had approved an extension of the arms embargo on Saudi Arabia, which will now last until December 31, 2020.
Waffenexportstopp für den Jemen – Offener Brief an die Mitglieder des Bundessicherheitsrates | 18 March 2020 | Die Freiheitsliebe
Im Folgenden veröffentlicht Die Freiheitsliebe einen offenen Brief eines Bündnisses aus 33 friedensbewegten deutschen und internationalen Organisationen an die Mitglieder des Bundessicherheitsrats, jenem Gremium also, in dem in Deutschland Rüstungsexporte beschlossen werden.
Matériel de guerre: un débat explosif au parlement | 10 March 2020 | Le Temps (CH)
Les caisses de pension et la BNS ne devraient plus pouvoir investir dans du matériel de guerre, prône une initiative. Malgré l’opposition du Conseil fédéral, les experts jugent cette proposition raisonnable.
Le Conseil d’Etat suspend 17 licences d’exportation d’armes vers l’Arabie saoudite | 9 March 2020 | Le Soir
Licences d’exportation d’armes et de matériel lié à la défense vers l’Arabie saoudite: décisions (pdf) | 9 March 2020 | Conseil d’Etat
Siégeant en extrême-urgence, le Conseil d’Etat vient de donner raison aux ONG Ligue des droits humains, CNAPD (Coordination nationale pour la paix et la démocratie) et Vredesactie : avec l’appui d’Amnesty International, elles avaient plaidé pour une suspension de toute exportation d’armes vers l’Arabie saoudite. Elles ont ce lundi obtenu gain de cause puisque dans un arrêt de 32 pages, le Conseil d’Etat suspend 17 licences qui avaient été accordées au mois de décembre dernier à la FN Herstal, à CMI et à Mecar.
Exportwert über Hamburger Hafen 20-fach gestiegen | 7 March 2020 | Der Tagesspiegel
Die Exporte von Kleinwaffen über den Hamburger Hafen sind in den vergangenen Jahren stark gestiegen. 2017 wurden über diesen Weg Revolver und Pistolen im Wert von 500.000 Euro exportiert, 2018 im Wert von fünf Millionen und 2019 von mindestens 11,5 Millionen.
Cargolux transporte des armes avec l’aval du gouvernement | 4 March 2020 | Paperjam
Les ministres de la Mobilité et des Affaires étrangères confirment que la compagnie de fret, qui fête ce mercredi ses 50 ans, peut charger des armes, sous conditions.
Unangenehm für Bundesrat: 43 Prozent mehr Waffenexporte | 4 March 2020 | Tages Anzeiger
Die Schweiz hat im Jahr 2019 Rüstungsgüter im Wert von 728 Millionen Franken exportiert. Hauptabnehmer waren Dänemark, Rumänien und Bangladesh.