BRIEFING

Arms Trade Highlights: January – February 2017

On 17 January 2017, a four-year investigation by the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) into 30 years of bribery and corruption on a global scale (Angola, UK, United States, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Thailand…) by Rolls-Royce PLC came to an end. The investigation will continue into the conduct of individuals. The SFO entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with Rolls-Royce following approval by a judge. A DPA is a statutory means by which a company can account to a court for conduct without suffering the full consequences of a criminal conviction. The enforcement action will cost the company approximately £671 million (UK settlement £497.25m plus interest and the SFO’s costs of £13m; US$170m to the United States Department of Justice and $25m to Brazil’s Ministério Público Federal).

In his ruling, the judge alleged that his decision to accept the DPA was not determined by the adverse effects a criminal prosecution would have on the company, the UK defence industry and the national economic interest:

“[…] a conviction would undeniably affect the ability of Rolls-Royce to trade in the world where, as I started this judgment by observing, it is a world leader and has a reputation for excellence. It is well known that many countries operate public sector procurement rules which would debar participation following conviction […] Furthermore, it is not difficult to visualize that the direct losses to revenue which would be caused by debarment would have a long term financial effect consequent upon losing contracts […] Debarment and exclusion would clearly have significant, and potentially business critical, effects on the financial position of Rolls-Royce. This could lead to the worst case scenario of a very negative share price impact, and, potentially, more serious impacts on shareholder confidence, future strategy, and therefore viability. These repercussions for Rolls-Royce risk additional repercussions to third party interests, including: i) adverse effect to the UK defence industry, where Rolls-Royce has a critical role […] None of these factors is determinative of my decision in relation to this DPA; indeed, the national economic interest is irrelevant.”

Instead, the judge alleged that his judgment was based upon the compliant nature of the current Rolls-Royce management – it had provided full cooperation with the SFO investigation – and the new culture that is flowing through the organisation:

“I accept that Rolls-Royce is no longer the company that once it was; its new Board and executive team has embraced the need to make essential change and has deliberately sought to clear out all the disreputable practices that have gone before, creating new policies, practices and cultures. Its full co-operation and willingness to expose every potential criminal act that it uncovers and the work being done on compliance and creating that culture goes a long way to address the obvious concerns as to the past.”

It is further argued that a DPA avoids a significant expenditure of tax payers’ money, and “that a DPA will likely incentivise the exposure and self-reporting of wrong doing by organisations in similar situations to Rolls-Royce”. Or as the Financial Times puts it: “[…] the very prevalence of such settlements is an indication that their deterrent effect is small. Senior executives appear not to mind paying out large amounts of shareholders’ money to escape any […] liability”.

Global Arms Trade

By Ripping NATO, Trump Makes Europe Nervous and Arms Trade Happy | 18 January 2017 | Bloomberg

Donald Trump is right to say America’s NATO allies aren’t paying their fair share. But, to the delight of the arms industry, that may be changing. “This is the best market for defense in many years, across the board,” said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with the Teal Group in Fairfax, Virginia.

Waffenexporte auf höchstem Stand seit 1990 | 20 February 2017 | ZEIT ONLINE

Der Waffenhandel hat in den vergangenen Jahren laut einer Studie des Forschungsinstituts Sipri deutlich zugelegt. Zu den größten Exporteuren gehören die USA und Russland.

Pour un rapport de l’Union européenne sur les exportations d’armement dans le monde | 28 February 2017 | IRIS

Arms Trade Treaty

A Simple Plan in 2017 for the Arms Trade Treaty: Return To Sender (Report) | 24 January 2017 | The Heritage Foundation

Though then–Secretary of State John Kerry signed the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on behalf of the United States on September 25, 2013, the Obama Administration waited until December 9, 2016, to transmit the treaty to the Senate. The strength of the opposition to the treaty and the fact that the Administration only acted when it had less than six weeks left in office make clear that the ATT has no chance of receiving the advice and consent of the Senate. Therefore, like a number of other treaties, it will await action by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) when the next Administration enters office.

Repealment of Firearms Licencing bill means potential for unnecessary paperwork | 24 January 2017 | The Barrhead Leader

Conservative backbencher Arnold Viersen says proposed legislation by the federal Liberals, to repeal parts of Bill C-42 — the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Bill, is unnecessary bureaucracy … In addition to repealing the section of Bill C-42 that handles permits and implementing tougher restrictions on restricted weapons transportation, Viersen said the federal government would adopt the United Nation’s (UN) Arms Trade Treaty … The treaty is essentially a UN-controlled gun registry, Viersen said.

Draining the Swamp at the UN: Start with the Arms Trade Treaty”, Bob Barr | 5 February 2017 | The Marietta Daily Journal

When looking to “drain the swamp” of meddling bureaucrats and global do-gooders, there is perhaps no better place to start than on the banks of the East River in New York, home to the headquarters of the United Nations. And, with the United States’ newest U.N. Ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, sworn into office, there is no better time to start than now.

Africa

Angolan Il-76 undergoing refurbishment in Ukraine | 5 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

An Angolan Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft is being refurbished at the Belotserkovsky Cargo Aircraft Complex (BVAK) in Bila Tserkva, central Ukraine, to extend its operational life, the company announced on 26 December.

Obama’s parting gift to Kenya: A Sh43bn arms deal | 25 January 2017 | Business Daily Africa

Former US president Barack Obama approved the proposed sale of arms to Kenya and submitted the proposal to Congress a day before he left office last Friday — signalling his resolve to strengthen Nairobi’s fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

Namibia to receive RG32M armoured vehicles | 30 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Namibia will receive the eight RG32M mine-hardened armoured patrol vehicles that it has ordered for its army from Denel Vehicle Systems by the end of March, the South African group announced on 19 January.

N530B Arms Contract Probe : Army Generals Block Magu | 4 February 2017 | Sun News

More than six months after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC launched investigation into alleged diversion and misappropriation of over N530 billion allocated for procurement and operations in the Nigerian Army between 2007 and 2015, the Commission appears finding it tough with Army Generals under probe. As a result, the acting Chairman of the agency, Mr. Ibrahim Magu has come under immense pressure to back down.

Tunisia begins receiving Kiowa Warrior helos | 6 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Tunisia has begun receiving the surplus-US Army Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout and light attack helicopters it ordered in 2016, the AFP reported on 4 February.

Welcoming The Firearms Act | 9 February 2017 | Statement by the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LINCSA) | (Liberian) Daily Observer

For nearly two decades, Liberia has been ravaged by illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in the hands of non-state actors. Although a report on the actual number of deaths during the Liberia civil crisis varies, consecutive estimates put the figure at 200,000. For a country like Liberia with a low population, that number is extremely high.

Nigeria to get Brazilian Super Tucanos | 10 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced on 9 February that it will receive three Embraer EMB-314/A-29 Super Tucano turboprops from the Brazilian Air Force.

Somaliland parliament approves UAE military base | 14 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) request to establish a military base in the northern Somali city of Berbera was approved by an overwhelming majority in the parliament of the Somaliland separatist region on 12 February, local media reported.

Prochaine entrée en vigueur de la convention de Kinshasa : l’UNREC-Togo jubile ! | 15 February 2017 | Togo Top Infos | Information Togolaise (Communiqué de presse)

Le Centre Régional des Nations Unies pour la paix et le Désarmement en Afrique (UNREC) lutte depuis plusieurs années pour la réglementation de la circulation des armes de pays calibres dans les pays africains.

661 RIFLES Concerns grow over ‘sick’ scanners clearing deadly cargoes | 19 February 2017 | Vanguard

As controversy continues to trail the container seized with 661 rifles, new facts emerged from Sunday Vanguard’s visit to the Apapa port, Lagos to have first hand information on how goods coming into the country are cleared and released.

MSPV confirms large Egyptian order | 22 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The Dubai-based company Minerva Special Purpose Vehicles (MSPV) confirmed during IDEX 2017 held in Abu Dhabi that it is building large numbers of Panthera T6 light armoured vehicles for Egypt.

L’Algérie, premier importateur d’armes sur le continent africain | 22 February 2017 | Cameroonvoice

L’Algérie tousse. Son président Abdelaziz Bouteflika, qui n’ouvre plus la bouche en public depuis son accident vasculaire cérébral en 2013, souffre d’une bronchite aiguë qui a poussé la chancelière allemande Angela Merkel à annuler sa visite à Alger.

Gliding in from Sudan | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Featured as part of a large display from Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC-Sudan) is the BK-3 Burkan precision-guided glide bomb. The weapon has been developed by the SAFAT Aviation Group and is in service with the Sudanese air force. It is cleared for carriage by the air force’s Mikoyan MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-24 and Hongdu A-5 tactical aircraft.

Americas

There Is a Way to Control Arms Exports, but Does Canada Have the Will? | 1 January 2017 | CCPA

The Trudeau government has significantly undermined its stated commitment to human rights by going ahead with a $15-billion sale of light armoured vehicles (LAVs—combat transports that can be armed with lethal high-calibre weapons) to Saudi Arabia.

Peruvian Army receives RMMV trucks | 17 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The Peruvian Army’s 1st Cavalry Brigade received 10 new Rheinmetall Man Military Vehicles (RMMV) on 14 January.

MPF firma acordo de leniência com Rolls-Royce | 17 January 2017 | Ministério Público Federal

O Ministério Público Federal (MPF) firmou, na última sexta-feira, 13 de janeiro, acordo de leniência com a Rolls-Royce, holding britânica do grupo Rolls-Royce, a respeito de atos ilícitos praticados em benefício de empresas pertencentes a esse grupo econômico e investigados pela força-tarefa Lava Jato. O acordo será submetido à homologação da 5ª Câmara de Coordenação e Revisão do Ministério Público Federal.

US responsible for one third of international arms trade | 20 January 2017 | Middle East Monitor

The United States has topped the list of countries that trade in arms followed by rival Russia, an annual report issued by major think tank the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said. According to the report, most of the buyers are from crisis areas in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Lockheed Martin annonce moins de livraisons de F-35 que prévues en 2016 | 24 January 2017 | L’Usine Nouvelle

Lockheed Martin a annoncé mardi avoir livré en 2016 moins d’avions de chasse F-35 que prévu. Surtout, l’entreprise de défense a déclaré avoir découvert une “défaillance grave” dans le contrôle interne des comptes de sa filiale d’hélicoptères Sikorsky.

Stéphane Dion avait le droit d’autoriser la vente de blindés à l’Arabie saoudite | 24 January 2017 | Le Huffington Post Quebec

L’ex-ministre des Affaires étrangères Stéphane Dion a tenu compte des “facteurs pertinents” en émettant les licences d’exportation des véhicules blindés canadiens à l’Arabie saoudite et sa décision d’honorer le contrat était légale.

US-Rüstungsfirma verklagt Heckler & Koch | 2 February 2017 | IKZ

Der US-Rüstungskonzern Orbital ATK hat den deutschen Waffenhersteller Heckler & Koch wegen Vertragsbruchs verklagt.

Nigéria : Buhari négocie un contrat d’armement avec Trump | 15 February 2017 | africapostnews.com

Selon la présidence du Nigéria, le président Muhammadu Buhari aurait appelé le nouveau président américain Donald Trump lundi afin de négocier un contrat d’armement dans le but d’équiper son pays dans la lutte contre le terrorisme.

Les Etats-Unis disent que le deal d’armes avec le Kenya est au stade des études | 19 February 2017 | Chine.org

Les États-Unis ont précisé samedi qu’ils n’avaient signé aucun accord avec le Kenya portant sur l’achat d’armes américains de 418 millions de dollars pour être utilisés dans le renforcement de la guerre contre Al-Shebab.

Brazil’s Taurus shipped arms to son of Yemeni smuggler | 22 February 2017 | Reuters

Brazil’s Forjas Taurus SA, the largest weapons maker in Latin America, shipped guns to the son of a known arms trafficker in July 2015, three months after the United Nations imposed an arms embargo on his allies in Yemen’s civil war, according to a U.N. report released last week.

Asia

Parrikar bypasses rifle tender quicksand | 31 December 2016 | The Sunday Standard | The New Indian Express

Perturbed with the repeated failure to purchase 44,000 close quarter battle (CQB) carbines, a crucial weapon for the Indian Army for its counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley, the Manohar Parrikar-led Ministry of Defence (MoD) will buy them directly instead of opting for the global tendering process.

The Real Plan Behind the US Decision to Supply Arms to Syrian Rebels | 1 January 2017 | Sputnik News

“As for US arms supplies to Syria, we understand who will receive those weapons. And this is not the Syrian Army. Today you supply MANPADS to moderate rebels, tomorrow it turns out that they are terrorists. The same old story.”

Iraq: End irresponsible arms transfers fuelling militia war crimes | 5 January 2017 | Amnesty International

Paramilitary militias nominally operating as part of the Iraqi armed forces in the fight against the armed group calling itself Islamic State (IS) are using arms from Iraqi military stockpiles, provided by the USA, Europe, Russia and Iran, to commit war crimes, revenge attacks and other atrocities said Amnesty International in a new report today.

Security forces bust jihadist French rockets in northern Hama | 8 January 2017 | AMN

Syrian security forces discovered a large weapons storage cell in the northern countryside of Hama containing 45 French-manufactured 68mm SNEB rockets along with hundreds of French 81mm mortar shells.

NORINCO launches new tank destroyer | 9 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s International Defence Review

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has expanded its armoured vehicle portfolio with the development of the ST2 tracked 105 mm Tank Destroying Vehicle (TDV), which is understood to have been developed specifically for the export market rather than the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

U.N. chief concerned Iran may have violated arms embargo | 9 January 2017 | The Nation (Pakistan)

The United Nations chief expressed concern to the Security Council that Iran may have violated an arms embargo by supplying weapons and missiles to Lebanese Shi’ite group Hezbollah, according to a confidential report, seen by Reuters on Sunday.

L’Iran a-t-il violé l’embargo sur les armes en envoyant des armes au Hezbollah? | 9 January 2017 | Iloubnan

Le porte-parole du Quai d’Orsay a indiqué lundi que Paris suit “avec attention” les informations faisant état d’une possible violation par l’Iran d’un embargo onusien sur les armes.

L’Arabie saoudite débloque son aide militaire au Liban | 10 January 2017 | RTBF

L’Arabie saoudite va rétablir son aide militaire de trois milliards de dollars au Liban après une interruption de cette assistance en février, a annoncé mardi une source officielle au sein d’une délégation présidentielle libanaise en visite à Ryad.

Syrian Army seizes Turkish weapons supply destined for jihadist rebels in Hama | 10 January 2017 | AMN

The National Defense Forces (NDF) carried out an ambush in the eastern countryside of Hama on Tuesday, seizing a large supply of weapons destined for Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham militants in western Salamiyah.

UK trains Bahraini troops as May puts trade before human rights | 10 January 2017 | Middle East Eye

British commandos trained Bahrain’s security forces in small arms and sniping tactics just two days after Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain would not “snipe” from the sidelines over human rights concerns in the county, Middle East Eye can reveal.

India to Spend $250Bln on Defense Purchases Over 10 Years | 12 January 2017 | Sputnik News

Indian government will spend $250 billion on defense purchases in the next 10 years, the Indian Defense Ministry’s Secretary of the Department of Defense Production Ashok Kumar Gupta said on Thursday.

South Korea details extent of US imports | 16 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

South Korea has imported military equipment from the United States worth an average of about USD3 billion a year over the past decade, according to Ministry of National Defense (MND) statistics published by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.

Indonesia probes corruption related to Rolls-Royce and Airbus | 19 January 2017 | Financial Times

Indonesia’s anti-graft agency has placed two people under investigation for suspected corruption in the purchase of aircraft and engines from Airbus and Rolls-Royce, in the widening fallout from the UK’s four-year investigation into the blue-chip jet turbine maker.

Russia’s Kamaz plans Vietnam expansion | 20 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Industry

Russian truck manufacturer Kamaz is planning to expand its operations in Vietnam with a view to penetrating export markets in Southeast Asia, Kamaz Director General Sergey Kogogin has told the Russian state-owned Tass news agency.

China enhances PGZ-07 capability | 20 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s International Defence Review

The PGZ-07 twin 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) system currently in service with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been upgraded with the addition of a new sensor pod.

We only arm Arabs in the SDF, not Kurds”, says US to Turkey | 21 January 2017 | AMN

Pentagon officials have emphasized to their Turkish partners that the US are only arming the Arab elements in the Kurdish-less Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The US has already begun airdropping aid to the Arab factions of the SDF to assist in their fight against ISIS in Raqqa countryside.

Rolls-Royce hired defence brokers | 21 January 2017 | The Hindu

Engineering giant Rolls-Royce engaged middlemen for swinging defence contracts in India between 2005 and 2009 violating Indian laws, according to the judgment of a British high court. The company also paid bribes to an Income Tax official to remove a list of its middlemen recovered during a raid on its India office. At least two major defence deals — Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk aircraft for the Indian Air Force and Pegasus engines for the Navy’s Sea Harrier aircraft — involved illegal kickbacks, according to the judgment.

Rolls-Royce staring at fat fine here too | 24 January 2017 | Economic Times (India Times)

British defence player Rolls-Royce will likely have to shell out heavy fines to the Indian government to avoid blacklisting for hiring consultants and alleged middlemen as revealed in a UK probe, in line with the $808-million the company agreed to pay abroad to settle corruption charges.

British probe findings in Rolls-Royce corruption case to help CBI’s inquiry | 24 January 2017 | Economic Times (India Times)

An ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into alleged corruption by British company Rolls-Royce received a boost from a probe by Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), which led to a court settlement with the company. CBI is looking into charges that Rolls-Royce employed a middleman to try and sweeten defence deals, and the bureau is reviewing new material.

Rolls-Royce scandal puts Thailand military rulers under spotlight | 24 January 2017 | Financial Times

Thailand’s junta is under growing pressure to investigate corruption claims that have emerged from the bribery scandal at Britain’s Rolls-Royce and embroiled two high-profile state-controlled companies in the south-east Asian kingdom.

India, UAE sign defence MoU accord | 26 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Industry

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an agreement to expand defence manufacturing and technology collaboration, it was announced on 25 January.

Kazakhstan JV announces first exports | 2 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Industry

Kazakhstan Aselsan Engineering (KAE) announced on 30 January that it had begun its first export deliveries of thermal weapon sights to Turkey.

Sunni MP accused of arms trade with Islamic State | 3 February 2017 | Iraqi News

Officials at Salahuddin province have accused a Sunni Iraqi parliamentarian of selling arms and foodstuff to Islamic State militants.

Defence procurement delays. Panel to tell Manohar Parrikar to create unit outside MoD to fast-track purchases | 3 February 2017 | The Financial Express

To overcome the perennial problem of delays in defence procurement, unspent budgets, allegations of corruption and botched deals, an expert committee established by the government has recommended the creation of a new, independent organisation outside the Ministry of Defence to undertake defence procurement.

Urgent arms deals of Rs 20,000 crore inked to keep forces ready | 6 February 2017 | Economic Times (India Times)

India is finally taking steps to make its armed forces fighting fit. The country has inked a flurry of emergency deals for ammunition and spares worth around Rs 20,000 crore over the last two to three months to ensure its fighters and tanks, infantry and warships, are all ready to go to battle at short notice.

La Corée du Nord exporte ses armes vers l’Afrique | 7 February 2017 | Sud Quotidien

La Corée du nord s’est tournée vers l’Afrique pour vendre ses armes aux fins de financer son programme nucléaire.

Indonesian defence firms secure export support | 8 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Industry

The Indonesian Export Financing Agency (IEFA) – also known as the Indonesia Eximbank – has said it will support the country’s biggest state-owned defence manufacturers’ efforts to expand in international markets.

Iran unveils guided 333 mm artillery rocket | 9 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The Iranian Ministry of Defence unveiled a range of new weapons on 6 February, the most potentially significant being a guided version of the 333 mm Fajr-5 artillery rocket.

Turkey reveals ‘Bora’ ballistic missile | 9 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Turkey has made public it has been developing a long-range surface-to-surface missile system called ‘Bora’ (Storm).

Saab pitches modern combat jet plant in India in two-horse race with Lockheed | 10 February 2017 | Reuters

Sweden’s Saab has offered to build the world’s most modern fighter aircraft factory in India, it said on Friday, as it goes head-to-head with U.S. rival Lockheed Martin to supply hundreds of locally produced planes to India’s military.

Syrian Army ambushes large jihadist weapons transport in east Hama | 15 February 2017 | AMN

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) carried out a successful ambush against a truck transporting a large cache of weapons from northern Hama to the province’s eastern countryside on Tuesday night.

Go for open tenders, anti-graft body tells defence ministry | 15 February 2017 | Free Malaysia Today

Malaysia needs more transparency in its purchases to reduce the risk of corruption in national defence establishments, says an anti-graft body.

Contracts | 17 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Among deals announced by the UAE GHQ was an order for a third GlobalEye swing-role surveillance system aircraft from Saab, for a total of nearly AED866 million ($235 million).

Off-road mobility | 18 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Being shown for the first time at IDEX is the Polaris Defense four-seat turbo diesel MRZR ultralight tactical vehicle. Being displayed by Specialised Sports Equipment, the largest Polaris dealer in the Middle East, the MRZR is targeted at both civilian and military markets.

Jordan boosts trainer fleet | 18 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

The Royal Jordanian Air Force, having placed an initial order for the Pilatus PC-9M in August 2015, re-evaluated its requirement in early 2016 and revised the procurement decision following a modification of the training concept, introducing the PC-21 all-through training model.

Enhanced capability is MENA message | 19 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region are continuing to enhance their armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) capability with the acquisition of new platforms or by upgrading their older models to extend their operational lives.

Public order ensured | 19 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Iveco Defence Vehicles is showing its latest Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) in the specialised Public Order configuration, which is already in service with an undisclosed customer in the Gulf.

Turkish missiles move forward | 19 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Turkish missile specialist Roketsan continues to grow its portfolio of precision weapons and bring new options to the marketplace, as well as expand the number of platforms to which they can be applied.

Emirati excellence on show | 19 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

The largest display area at IDEX is that of EDIC, the Emirates Defense Industries Company. As a strategic partner of the IDEX exhibition, EDIC is presenting the products and services of 12 Emirati companies that span a wide spectrum of technologies, highlighting the world-class capabilities of the UAE in the defence sector.

China funds new Cambodian military MRO facility | 20 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Industry

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) has opened a new facility – fully funded by China – to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for military vehicles.

Patria boosts UAE presence – IDEX 2017 | 20 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Finland’s Patria has announced that it is to boost its presence in the Middle East with the establishment of a new subsidiary company in Abu Dhabi.

China develops SR7 rocket launcher | 20 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s International Defence Review

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has expanded its family of multiple-rocket launchers (MRLs) with the development of the SR7.

L’Indonésie s’offre à nouveau le canon Caesar de Nexter | 20 February 2017 | La Tribune.fr

Djakarta a acheté 18 nouveaux systèmes Caesar à Nexter pour un contrat évalué 60 millions d’euros environ.

US to sell 40 MRAPs to Pakistan | 21 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

US manufacturer Navistar Defense has been granted a USD35 million contract to produce 40 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) MaxxPro Dash DXM vehicles for Pakistan, the US Department of Defense (DoD) said in a 16 February statement.

High rate of fire | 21 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) is showing its latest tracked PLZ52 155mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery system. This system, which is also referred to as the SH8, has a high rate of fire as 155mm artillery projectiles are loaded automatically with the charges loaded using a semi-automatic loading system.

Formidable adversary | 21 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is showing its latest Light Armoured Vehicle 700 (LAV 700) for the first time – the most advanced vehicle in its class to have been developed by the company.

Permanent presence | 21 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Chemring Group has announced the opening of its new office in the UAE, headed by Nigel Howard as regional business development director.

Expanded product range | 21 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

NIMR Automotive of the United Arab Emirates is now ramping up production of its Ajban (4×4) and Hafeet (6×6) high-mobility vehicles at its purpose-built facility at the Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan orders further AW139 helicopters from Leonardo | 21 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Pakistan has ordered an undisclosed number of additional AgustaWestland AW139 multirole twin-engine helicopters, Italian defence group Leonardo announced on 20 February.

$931 mln in defence contracts announced on day four of Abu Dhabi expo | 22 February 2017 | Reuters

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced 3.42 billion dirhams ($931 million) in defence procurement contracts on Wednesday, the fourth day of the biennial International Defence Exhibition (Idex) in Abu Dhabi.

Amazonian warrior | 22 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

With more than 200 aircraft delivered to 13 air forces, the Embraer Super Tucano multi-mission light intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)/attack and advanced training platform has compiled more than 35,000 combat hours during its service in theatre in South America and Afghanistan.

Archangel on watch | 22 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

In March, the UAE is due to take delivery of the 24th and last Iomax Archangel aircraft from its current order. The final machine is already flying at Iomax’s facility in the USA, while the aircraft creating a buzz of excitement in the static display here at IDEX is the penultimate aircraft.

UK firms linked to alleged war crimes tout weapons in UAE | 23 February 2017 | Middle East Eye

Major British weapons manufacturers linked to alleged war crimes in Yemen have been touting their products at the Middle East’s biggest arms show in the United Arab Emirates, to the dismay of opposition politicians and human rights campaigners.

International Viper | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

This year Pakistan will begin receiving the first of 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters that it has ordered. When delivered, they will be the first export use of the type, which is the latest iteration of Bell’s iconic gunship helicopter.

New ammunition company | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) has just announced the establishment of Barij Munitions, which will be a manufacturer of all types of ammunition, ranging from ammunition for small arms and infantry to artillery and aircraft.

Seeking export success | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Hanwha Defense Systems of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has brought its latest production K21 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to IDEX in an effort to win a first export contract for it. It has been developed to meet the requirements of the ROK Army and has also been referred to as the Next Infantry Fighting Vehicle (NIFV), with an estimated 500 units under contract or delivered.

On the move | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Ireland-based Timoney Technology this week signed an agreement with Indonesia’s PT Pindad to upgrade the Badak 6×6 military vehicle with a customised Timoney modular driveline, transfer case and steering system.

Nexter proposes UAE Leclerc upgrades | 24 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s International Defence Review

Nexter Systems has proposed a number of potential upgrades to enhance the capability of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Leclerc main battle tanks (MBTs).

UAE selects Rabdan 8×8 IFV | 24 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) military announced during the IDEX show in Abu Dhabi that it had ordered 400 8×8 vehicles from the local company Al-Jasoor, a joint venture between the Emirati company Heavy Vehicles industries (HVI) and the Turkish armoured vehicle manufacturer Otokar Land systems.

Turkey turns to Russia for S-400 purchase | 24 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Turkish defence minister Fikri Isik said on 22 February that Turkey has made progress in talks with Russia for the purchase of S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems. However, Isik noted that they were not yet ready to sign a contract.

North Korean spy agency found running arms operation in Malaysian suburb | 27 February 2017 | Asian Correspondent

IT is in Kuala Lumpur’s “Little India” neighbourhood, behind an unmarked door on the second floor of a rundown building, where a military equipment company called Glocom says it has its office.

Malaysia says North Korean firms linked to arms trade being deactivated | 28 February 2017 | Reuters

Malaysia’s authorities were aware that two North Korea-linked companies operated an arms business in the country and both were being struck from the Company Registry, the police chief said on Tuesday.

Europe

Serbia buys nine H145M helicopters from Airbus | 4 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Serbia has agreed to buy nine H145M twin-engine multipurpose helicopters from Airbus under an agreement signed in Belgrade on 28 December.

Russland bietet Philippinen Waffenlieferungen an | 5 January 2017 | derStandard.at

Erster offizieller Flottenbesuch – Militär will Drohnen und Scharfschützengewehre.

Alakran finds first customer | 5 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s International Defence Review

Spain’s Everis Aerospace and Defense and New Technologies Global Systems (NTGS) have been awarded their first production contract for the Alakran 120 mm light mortar carrier (LMC).

Defence Corruption – How Big a Problem Is It? | 9 January 2017 | publicspendforumeurope.com

Over the holiday period, figures released to the UK Labour Party Member of Parliament Roger Godsiff showed the scale of corruption investigations in the UK’s Ministry of Defence. He uncovered the figures through a series of written parliamentary questions.

Lithuania looking to single procurement agency | 11 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Lithuania is considering establishing a single defence procurement agency, according to defence minister Raimundas Karoblis.

ThyssenKrupp baut Rüstungsgeschäft aus | 12 January 2017 | DiePresse.com

Airbus verkauft seine Anteile am Marinetechnikspezialisten Atlas Elektronik an den deutschen Industriekonzern Thyssenkrupp.

Hungary purchases light aircraft from Zlin | 17 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Hungary’s ministry of defence (MoD) has purchased four light training and reconnaissance aircraft from Zlin Aircraft, the MoD told IHS Jane’s.

SFO completes £497.25m Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Rolls-Royce PLC | 17 January 2017 | Serious Fraud Office

The SFO has entered into a significant Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with Rolls-Royce PLC following its approval (pdf) today by Sir Brian Leveson, President of the Queen’s Bench division.

Rolls-Royce leadership aware of potential corruption in 2010 | 17 January 2017 | Financial Times

Rolls-Royce leadership knew about potential corruption in 2010 but decided not to notify authorities, according to a court ruling.

Rolls-Royce shares climb on back of bribery settlement | 17 January 2017 | Financial Times

Rolls-Royce shares were up almost 8 per cent on Tuesday after the UK’s flagship engineering group announced it had agreed a £671m deal with regulators to settle allegations of bribery and corruption, including the largest British fine ever imposed on a company for criminal conduct.

Rolls-Royce humbled by long list of corruption offences | 18 January 2017 | Financial Times

It was a humbling moment for the most blue-chip of British engineering companies. One by one, a crowded London courtroom listened to a list of offences committed by Rolls-Royce, which spanned more than 20 years and revealed a policy of active or laissez-faire corruption at the jet engine maker.

Les exportations d’armement français ont atteint un nouveau record en 2016 | 19 January 2017 | Le Monde

Cette croissance est attribuée à la vente de 36 avions Rafale à l’Inde et celle de 12 sous-marins à l’Australie.

UK reprieve for Rolls-Royce in India bribery cases | 20 January 2017 | Hindustan Times

…Rolls-Royce got a reprieve this week when a British court approved a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) between the company and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO)… the DPA enables Rolls-Royce to avoid potential criminal conviction in court, which would have barred it from bidding for contracts in several countries….

Justice has settled for second best in the Rolls-Royce scandal | 20 January 2017 | Financial Times

For more than a century, the name Rolls-Royce has been synonymous with manufacturing excellence. So the news that the company has paid £671m to settle allegations of bribery and corruption made by the British, American and Brazilian authorities comes as a shock — to people unfamiliar with the bizarre ways of modern business. The only connection between Rolls-Royce cars, with their pedestrian-unfriendly Spirit of Ecstasy motif protruding from the bonnet, and the company that was fined is the name.

Bataille de fusil d’assaut entre FN Herstal et son concurrent allemand | 20 January 2017 | monargent.be

Le fabricant d’armes allemand Heckler & Koch reproche à la FN Herstal d’avoir violé un de ses brevets pour la conception d’un fusil d’assaut utilisé par les forces spéciales américaines.

Deutsche Rüstungsexporte 2016 gesunken | 20 January 2017 | FAZ – Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Deutschland hat 2016 weniger Rüstungsgüter exportiert. Der Wert der Ausfuhren ging im Vergleich zu 2015 um etwa eine Milliarde Euro zurück. Einige Posten stiegen trotzdem an.

UK investigation into Rolls-Royce turns its focus to individuals | 21 January 2017 | Financial Times

In 2009, Rolls-Royce paid £3.32m to rent a Dubai warehouse for eight months to store defence products destined for the Indian market. The only problem was that, apart from a test run, no Rolls-Royce stock ever passed through the warehouse doors.

Britain ‘putting arms sales to Turkey above human rights’ | 22 January 2017 | The Guardian

Britain has sold almost £50m-worth of arms to Turkey since the crackdown on opposition groups by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after last year’s failed coup attempt. Newly published export statistics confirm that Turkey is now a major buyer of UK-made weapons.

Do defence contractors play by different rules? | 23 January 2017 | Letter Transparency International | Financial Times

Sir, Reading your coverage of the deferred prosecution agreement with Rolls-Royce, I couldn’t help asking myself whether big defence contractors simply play by different rules.

British Army think-tank recommends ditching procurement competitions | 23 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The UK’s default preference for competition in equipment procurement should be reversed to help rebuild the country’s land industrial sector, according to an internal British Army report (pdf) into the rebuilding of its warfighting capability.

German arms sales drop – to second-highest levels on record | 23 January 2017 | DW

German arms exports dropped in 2016 – but remain at the second-highest levels on record under the watch of Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel. He insists he is doing what he can to limit Germany’s war business worldwide.

Ukraine seizes missile components destined for Iran | 23 January 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU) announced on 20 January that it had found missile system components on an aircraft that was about to leave Kiev’s Zulyany airport for Iran.

La législation européenne révisée sur le contrôle des armes à feu approuvée en commission | 26 January 2017 | RTBF

La commission du marché intérieur du Parlement européen a approuvé jeudi l’accord provisoire conclu avec le Conseil sur la directive européenne actualisée relative aux armes à feu.

Scrutiny of billions of pounds of defence projects scaled back | 26 January 2017 | Financial Times

Defence projects costing billions of pounds will no longer receive independent in-depth scrutiny by Britain’s spending watchdog, after officials opted to leave the Ministry of Defence to assess its own annual performance.

National Audit Office: UK’s military is buying more than it can afford | 27 January 2017 | The Register

Military kit costs are going to skyrocket, according to the National Audit Office, which claims the Ministry of Defence now needs to slash an extra £5.8bn from its budget over the next 10 years.

Theresa May signs £100m fighter jet deal with Turkey’s Erdoğan | 28 January 2017 | The Guardian

Theresa May issued a stern warning to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan about respecting human rights yesterday as she prepared to sign a £100m fighter jet deal that Downing Street hopes will lead to Britain becoming Turkey’s main defence partner.

MoD faces pressure on single-source procurement | 29 January 2017 | Financial Times

The watchdog that oversees UK defence procurement wants the power to force the Ministry of Defence and its suppliers to disclose information on contracts awarded without open competition.

Review of the single source regulatory framework: Consultation | 30 January 2017 | UK Single Source Regulations Office

The regulatory framework was introduced by the Defence Reform Act 2014 and the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014. It aims to strike a balance between value for money for the taxpayer and fair prices for contractors by subjecting qualifying contracts to price control and by requiring suppliers to provide an increased level of transparency. The Secretary of State for Defence is required to conduct periodic reviews of the framework, with the SSRO providing its recommendations for the first of these by June 2017.

Zum Abschied zwei Boote für Riad | 30 January 2017 | taz.de

Am letzten Tag als Wirtschaftsminister meldete Sigmar Gabriel dem Bundestag neue Rüstungsexporte. Wieder gehen zwei Schiffe nach Saudi-Arabien.

Tschechische Waffenexporte wachsen deutlich | 31 January 2017 | Radio Prag

Die tschechischen Waffenexporte sind im vergangenen Jahr gewachsen. Laut dem Rüstungsindustrieverband stiegen die Ausfuhren um 20 bis 30 Prozent. Der gesamte Exportumsatz lag bei 700 bis 750 Millionen Euro, hieß es am Montag. Die tschechischen Waffenhersteller verkaufen rund 90 Prozent ihrer Produktion im Ausland.

Romania orders more Piranha III APCs | 1 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Romania has ordered another batch of Piranha III 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) announced on 26 January.

Poland buys new Piorun MANPADS | 2 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Missiles & Rockets

Poland’s Armament Inspectorate has signed a six-year PLN932.2 million (USD232.7 million) contract with Mesko (part of PGZ, the Polish Armaments Group) to acquire the new PPZR ‘Piorun’ (manufacturers designator: ‘Grom Modernizowany’- Grom-M-) man-portable air defence system (MANPADS).

RUAG est très exposée à la corruption selon un audit fédéral | 2 February 2017 | Tribune de Genève

Le Contrôle fédéral des finances passe au lance-flammes l’entreprise publique pour ses graves lacunes en matière de contrôle. Celle-ci minimise le danger mais prend des mesures.

Was der U-Boot-Deal mit Norwegen für Thyssen-Krupp bedeutet | 3 February 2017 | Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung

Nach der Niederlage in Australien hat Thyssen-Krupp in Norwegen Erfolg: Frankreich zieht den Kürzeren. Thyssen-Krupp winkt Milliardengeschäft.

Slovenia orders militarised Land Cruisers | 6 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The Slovenian Ministry of Defence has announced a EUR5.95 million (USD6.4 million) order for Achleitner MMV Survivor 4×4 vehicles.

La Russie privatise Kalachnikov, le fabricant du célèbre fusil AK-47 | 6 February 2017 | Le Figaro

Rostec, le conglomérat public russe, va réduire sa participation au capital de 51 % à 25 %, soit la minorité de blocage, aux profits des investisseurs privés qui détiennent déjà 49 % du capital.

Royaume-Uni. La Haute Cour va examiner les transferts d’armes britanniques vers l’Arabie saoudite durant la guerre du Yémen | 7 February 2017 | Amnesty International France (Communiqué de presse)

Dans le cadre d’une révision judiciaire historique les 7, 8 et 10 février, la Haute Cour du Royaume-Uni va statuer sur la légalité des transferts d’armes effectués par le gouvernement britannique à destination de l’Arabie saoudite durant le conflit armé qui se déroule au Yémen.

Ukraine needs to enforce US sanctions on Iran | 7 February 2017 | The Hill (Blog)

The Ukrainian State Border Guard seized anti-tank missile components, reportedly the AT-4 Spigot, destined for Iran on Jan. 19. The weapons were concealed in the cargo section of a UM Airlines flight from Kiev to Tehran. Ukraine deserves praise for capturing the illicit cargo, but Kiev continues to let Iran use its aviation sector to evade a U.N.-implemented sanctioned international arms embargo and Western sanctions.

Judicial review aiming to stop UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia to begin | 7 February 2017 | The Guardian

Saudi Arabia – legal challenge (documents) | Campaign Against Arms Trade

A judicial review that aims to halt UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia because they could be used to illegally kill civilians in Yemen is set to begin on Tuesday. The Campaign Against the Arms Trade will claim that the indiscriminate nature of the airstrikes by Saudi Arabia in Yemen means there is a significant risk that British arms are being used in strikes that break international humanitarian law.

Former Rolls-Royce chief quizzed under caution in corruption probe | 10 February 2017 | Financial Times

The four-year corruption investigation into past business practices at Rolls-Royce has entangled former chief executive Sir John Rose, one of Britain’s most prominent corporate executives, who has been questioned as a possible suspect by the Serious Fraud Office.

Boris Johnson pressed for UK to keep selling bombs to Saudi Arabia after air strike killed 140 at funeral | 10 February 2017 | The Independent

Boris Johnson privately pushed for Britain to keep selling bombs and other weapons to Saudi Arabia after the country’s air forces killed over 140 people attending a funeral in Yemen. Correspondence between the Foreign Secretary and Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, shows Mr Johnson intervened after the bombing to tell his Cabinet colleague that he did not judge the attack as a reason to stop selling weapons.

The Observer view on Britain’s shameful role in the arms trade | 12 February 2017 | The Guardian

At the outset, at least, the Arab spring was a moment of great hope. The series of popular uprisings against repressive regimes that swept across the Middle East in 2011 seemed to promise a new, democratic beginning.

Medien: Bosniens Waffenexport 2016 um fast 30 Prozent gestiegen | 13 February 2017 | Tiroler Tageszeitung Online

Bosniens Waffenexporte sind im Vergleich zum Vorjahr um fast 30 Prozent gestiegen und haben damit ein Gesamtvolumen von 390 Millionen Euro erreicht, zitierten bosnische Medien am Freitag den Wirtschaftsminister Mirko Sarovic.

Kinder schießen mit deutschen Gewehren | 13 February 2017 | Süddeutsche.de

Das Bündnis Kindersoldaten stellte eine Studie vor, die den Zusammenhang zwischen deutschen Waffenexporten und dem Einsatz von Kindersoldaten untersucht.

UK Ministry of Defence – Is New Procurement System Running Into Trouble? | 16 February 2017 | publicspendforumeurope.com

There appears to be trouble brewing over a new procurement systems implementation at the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD). Last year, the MOD announced that it was “changing and improving its procurement systems, to provide a more, effective and efficient way of interacting with its supply base”.

Eurofighter: Republik fordert bis zu 1,1 Milliarden zurück | 16 February 2017 | Kurier

Verlangen auf Einsetzung eines Untersuchungsausschusses (pdf) | 16 February 2017 | Die Presse

Dringliche Anfrage “Vorgehen der Republik Österreich gegen Airbus Konzern” (pdf) | Die Grünen

Austria accuses Airbus and Eurofighter consortium of fraud | 16 February 2017 | Financial Times

Austria to sue Airbus over Eurofighter deal | 20 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Die Republik brachte Strafanzeige gegen Airbus ein und schloss sich einer Privatklage an. Man sei beim Kauf getäuscht und betrogen worden. Airbus weist Vorwürfe zurück.

Bulgaria’s interim government finds many irregular defence contracts | 17 February 2017 | euractiv.com

Военният министър даде на прокурор доклад за нередности в над 100 обществени поръчки | 14 February 2017 | dnevnik.bg

Военното и регионалното министерство са с най-много нередности в обществените поръчки (обновена) | 17 February 2017 | dnevnik.bg

Проверките в Министерството на отбраната продължават, обяви Стефан Янев | 17 February 2017 | dnevnik.bg

Bulgaria’s new interim government has found that over half the defence procurement contracts signed last year were irregular and is examining nine of them on suspicion of fraud, its prime minister said today.

Phantom sighted | 19 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

SpetsTechnoExport (Stand 12-C25) is presenting the latest version of its Phantom tactical unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

Milosh motors in IDEX 2017 | 19 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Serbia’s Yugoimport-SDPR is unveiling its new Milosh (4×4) multi-purpose armoured vehicle for the first time.

La Chine vend-elle vraiment plus d’armes que la France? | 21 February 2017 | Challenges.fr

Selon le think-tank suédois SIPRI, Pékin est dans le trio de tête des vendeurs d’armes mondiaux, derrière les Etats-Unis et la Russie mais devant la France et l’Allemagne. Un classement étrange, qui ne correspond pas à celui des autres organismes.

Amphibious APC | 21 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

The Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau of Ukraine is displaying, for the first time, a BTR-4E (8×8) amphibious armoured personnel carrier (APC) fitted with the BM2-30 Combat Module (CM).

Finland buys K9 howitzers from South Korea | 21 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

Finland will purchase K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from South Korea, the country’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on 17 February.

La Suisse vend toujours moins d’armes à l’étranger | 21 February 2017 | Tribune de Genève

Le recul est dû à un «environnement difficile» et à l’introduction de l’ordonnance sur le matériel de guerre.

Waffenexporte gehen stark zurück | 21 February 2017 | Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Trotz Aufhebung eines Ausfuhrstopps durch den Bundesrat sind die Schweizer Rüstungsexporte 2016 im Vergleich zum Vorjahr deutlich geschrumpft.

Umstritten: Saudi-Arabien erhält wieder Schweizer Rüstungsgüter | 22 February 2017 | Luzerner Zeitung

Seit April 2016 sind Rüstungsexporte aus der Schweiz ins saudische Königreich wieder möglich. Die Grünen sehen darin eine Verletzung der gesetzlichen Bestimmungen.

Yugoimport unveils ‘giant Grad’ rocket | 22 February 2017 | IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly

The Yugoimport SDPR stand at the 2017 IDEX show in Abu Dhabi was dominated by the 400 mm Sumadija correctable rocket.

Den svenska exporten av krigsmateriel 2016 (pdf) | 22 February 2017 | Inspektionen for Strategiska Produkter

Den svenska exporten av krigsmateriel uppgick till ca 11 miljarder kronor under år 2016. Detta är en ökning med 45 procent jämfört med föregående år. EU och andra samarbetsländer svarar för ca 88 procent av det samlade exportvärdet.

Lazar eyes exports | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Now that it is in service with Serbia, Yugoimport is ramping up export marketing of its latest Lazar III (8×8) MultiRole Armoured Combat Vehicle (MRACV).

VBCI enhanced | 23 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Nexter Systems has completed production of 630 Vehicule Blindé de Combat d’Infanterie (VBCI) (8×8) for the French Army, with 520 in the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) configuration and 110 command posts (CP).

L’entreprise belge CMI va-t-elle racheter Renault Truck Defense ? | 23 February 2017 | Le Vif

Bernard Serin, l’administrateur-délégué de Cockerill Maintenance et Ingénierie (CMI), a déclaré mercredi être intéressé par le rachat de Renault Truck Defense (RTD), une branche de Volvo, qui représente 1,5% du chiffre d’affaires de l’entreprise, et dont Volvo souhaite se défaire.

BAE Systems place de grands espoirs en Trump | 24 February 2017 | Les Échos

Le groupe mise sur une hausse des dépenses d’armement, en Moyen-Orient, aux Etats-Unis et en Europe.

Ukraine on arms market: reality and myths | 27 February 2017 | LB

Misinformation campaigns defaming Ukrainian arms pursue specific goals. First, they are used to show European partners that “while Europe subjects Russian companies to sanctions, Ukraine continues to sell its output to the Russian Federation”. Second, to show Ukrainians that their “state, instead of sending arms to the front line, sells it to the aggressor state”. Third, to undermine Ukraine’s position on the international arms market because, as the SIPRI report, among all, shows, Ukraine is clearly putting up competition to Russia here. Fourth, this way the Russian authorities are trying to cover up their crimes in Donbas.

Airbus verkauft Rüstungselektronik an US-Investor | 28 February 2017 | DIE WELT

Ausgerechnet in der Phase weltweit steigender Militärausgaben trennt sich Airbus von seiner Rüstungselektronik. Mit der milliardenschweren Sparte haben amerikanische Investoren jetzt Großes vor.

Berlin will umstrittenes U-Boot-Geschäft mit Israel bezuschussen | 28 February 2017 | Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Drei U-Boote im Wert von 1,5 Milliarden Euro will Israel von ThyssenKrupp kaufen, doch die israelische Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt wegen Korruptionsverdacht. Deutschland will das Geschäft trotzdem mit einer halben Milliarde bezuschussen.

Oceania

Australia seeks a bigger slice of the destructive global arms trade | 13 January 2017 | Green Left Weekly

More people are being displaced by war and persecution than ever before, according to the United Nations. War is bad news for human beings. But it is good news for the arms trade. The Australian government wants to help arms companies cash in on the boom.

Hawkei soars Down Under | 21 February 2017 | IDEX 2017 | Janes

Following trials with prototype vehicles, Thales Australia was awarded a production contract for the supply of 1,100 Hawkei (4×4) Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light (PMV-L) plus 1,058 trailers to meet the Australian Army Land 121 Phase 4 requirement.