Africa and the Arms Trade, 2022

Arms Trade Bulletin October – December 2022

The past year has seen many geopolitical shifts from the war in Ukraine, anti-French sentiments in the Sahel and Xi’s increasing influence on China and the world stage. These geopolitical shifts cannot be separated from the international arms trade. For instance, the world’s second-largest exporter of major conventional arms, Russia, is heading for an estimated 26% revenue loss, totalling $10.8 billion compared to $14.6 billion in the previous year. Russian arms, ammunition and spare parts flow increasingly to their war efforts in Ukraine which cannot be used for export. In addition, Western sanctions, export controls and their strife for energy independence cause declining state revenues which possibly hampers future investments in Russia’s defence sector. This combination of factors could complicate Russia’s arms deliveries to other regions in the world. One region that will possibly be most affected is Africa, as Russia was the region’s largest arms exporter (44%) for the period 2017-2021. Although a recent phenomenon, this may present opportunities for African countries as well as Chinese, European or American arms exporters to increase their influence on the African arms market.

In 2022 Africa’s largest arms importer, Algeria ordered six CH-5 UAV drones from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The CH-5 features electronic intelligence collection, radar and communication interceptors and can carry twenty-four missiles. This purchase will bring the army’s total amount of drones to sixty. In addition, the Algerian National People’s Army has commissioned a new 120mm self-propelled mortar. The hitherto unnamed mortar is said to have been produced by Linchuan Industry, China’s largest mortar manufacturer. Meanwhile, Algeria’s rival Morocco has expanded its helicopter fleet by ordering H135 helicopters from Airbus. Furthermore, Morocco has aligned itself with the US and EU against Russia’s aggression. It will be the first African country to deliver spare parts of the Soviet T-72 tanks to Ukraine.

Sub-Saharan Africa plays a much smaller role in the international arms trade with only 2% of global major arms imports. Angola, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Uganda are among the largest regional arms importers. Having already expressed its intention to buy C295 aircrafts from Airbus in 2018, Angola submitted three bids earlier this year. Two aircraft are supposed to serve as Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, equipped with a Fully Integrated Tactical System. This should improve maritime and border patrols and contribute to search and rescue missions. The third aircraft is purchased as a transport vehicle to conduct tactical cargo flights for both military and humanitarian purposes. Besides Angola, Mali also acquired a C295, in addition to a Su-25 jet, four L-39 jets, a Mi-24P attack helicopter and a Mi-8 transport helicopter. The purchases of former Soviet equipment exemplify the tightened relations between Russia and Mali after France’s withdrawal earlier this year.

After leaving Mali, France regrouped in Burkina Faso. Initially, they wanted to strengthen ties with junta leader Paul-Henri Damiba. However, since Ibrahim Traore rose to power, he remains sceptical of France and looks increasingly towards Russia. Despite these political developments, the Burkinabe army commissioned five Bayraktar TB2 combat drones. After a deal was negotiated in 2021 in Istanbul, two IL-76 cargo planes from Belarusian Rubystar Airlines transported the drones to Bobo-Dioulasso this year. Burkina Faso is the third Sahel country, after Togo and Niger, which now owns the popular Bayraktar drones. Neighbouring Nigeria purchased four rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The boats were delivered by ASIS Boats a company from the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the country bought ten Songar UAVs from Turkey’s Asiguard. The UAVs are slated to assist the Nigerian police in fighting gang violence in urban cities. The Nigerian police already bought ALTI Transition UAVs from South Africa, the French Elistair Orion fixed-wing aircraft and four Chinese AR-500B airborne unmanned helicopters.

Although African countries remain net arms importers, there are some indications that this too is changing.  For instance, Nigeria’s ProForce exported twenty Ara MRAP vehicles to the army in Chad. The Ara’s will reportedly perform various tasks from medical evacuation to patrolling and surveillance. Apart from its own region, ProForce has signed a contract with Belarus to sell the ProForce PF Viper. This Infantry Assault Vehicle will make Belarus the first European country to buy arms from Nigeria. Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) is another example of how African countries are taking steps towards arms self-sufficiency. Following Uganda’s recent purchase of Mi-28 combat helicopters, the NEC has set up a joint venture with Pro-Heli International to build a helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at Nakosongola Air Base. In addition, Museveni commissioned a factory for armoured vehicles, a joint venture between the NEC and the Streit Group. The facility should span the entire manufacturing process, not just assembly.

Cover photo by Tim Hanson, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command

In the news

IHL/IHRL

Effective Arms-Control Measures Needed to Block Diversion of Ukraine Weapons, Senior United Nations Disarmament Official Tells Security Council | 10 December 2022 | Reliefweb

States must apply effective arms-control measures to prevent the diversion of weapons supplied to Ukraine, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as some Council members defended their decision to continue providing military support to Kyiv while others detailed the danger of doing so.

Nations flooded with illicit small arms ‘cannot keep mopping up the damage’ without decisive action by exporting states, first committee told. | 20 October 2022 | Reliefweb

“We cannot keep mopping up the damage while the pipeline keeps leaking”, without serious action by weapons-producing States to prevent unauthorized use, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) was told today in its debate on conventional weapons.

Report of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (A/HRC/51/46) | 19 September 2022 | UN Human Rights Council 

The report concludes that there are reasonable grounds to believe that violations, such as extrajudicial killings, rape, sexual violence, and starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare have been committed in Ethiopia since 3 November 2020. The Commission finds reasonable grounds to believe that, in several instances, these violations amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Report on good practices, lessons learned and challenges faced by States in preventing, mitigating and addressing the diversion of arms and unregulated or illicit arms transfers (A/HRC/51/15) | 16 September 2022 | Office of the High Commissioner

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report on good practices, lessons learned, and challenges faced by States in preventing, mitigating and addressing the diversion of arms and unregulated or illicit arms transfers outlined the particular impact of arms transfers on the enjoyment of human rights by children and youth.  The report identified good practices, lessons learned, and challenges faced by States in preventing, mitigating and addressing the diversion of arms and unregulated or illicit arms transfers that had a particular impact on the enjoyment of human rights by children and youth.

Human Rights Due Diligence: A Defense Industry Business Necessity | 13 September 2022 | Just Security

While Congress stands poised to authorize the largest Pentagon budget in history, there are signs within the draft legislation that U.S. lawmakers are taking arms control more seriously than ever. The version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that the House passed in July places new limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires the President to notify Congress as a matter of course 30 days before any initial and final arms shipments.

Arms Trade Treaty

Fool’s Errand: Input on the South African conventional arms control system | 14 December 2022 | defenceWeb

This opinion piece may be a fool’s errand, because it focuses on the small group which wants to see a viable South African defence industry (SADI) that has access to the international market within the same constraints of international competitors.

ATT Meeting Focuses on Post-Transfer Arms Controls | October 2022 | Arms  Control Association

Improving control over weapons after they have been delivered was the theme of the annual conference of states-parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which took place during a time of massive weapons transfers by treaty members responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ad misleads on treaty regulating global arms trade | 21 September 2022 | Associated Press

CLAIM: President Joe Biden just announced that he is adding the U.S. as a signatory to the United Nations “Small Arms Treaty,” which would “establish an international gun control registry” in which other countries can “track the ‘end user’ of every rifle, shotgun, and handgun sold in the world.”

ATT Meeting Confirms Worst Fears for International Gun Control | 6 September 2022 | NRA

UN Arms Trade Treaty’s Difficult First Decade | 23 August 2022 | 360Info

Amidst ongoing wars in Ukraine and Yemen, China posturing in the Taiwan Strait, and increasing instability in the Horn of Africa, the 111 States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) met last month for their 8th Conference of States Parties to the ATT in Geneva, Switzerland.

Africa

Liberia: we are worried | 12 December 2022 | Daily Observer | Advocates for war crimes court express disappointment over notorious arms smuggler’s release; say his freedom is a threat to Liberians and others

Algeria in defence talks with Italy as it seeks new military alliance | 6 December 2022 | Middle East Eye | Algeria and Italian military officials agreed to deepen ties between their respective defence industries in a bilateral meeting on Monday.

Nigerian Police gets Elistair Orion UAVs against terrorist groups | 29 November 2022 | Army Recognition | Following the delivery of the UAVs and the training of the police forces in Abuja at the beginning of 2022, the tethered drones are now deployed on a daily basis for homeland security, anti-crime and anti-terrorism missions.

Cameroon struggling to rein in arms smuggling from Chad | 22 November 2022 | Voices of America | Cameroon has blamed arms smuggling from its neighbors for fueling Boko Haram terrorism, anglophone separatists, and crime.

Mozambique acquires transport aircraft from Paramount group | 17 November 2022 | defenceWeb | Mozambiqu’s armed forces have taken delivery of two second hand transport aircraft acquired from Paramount group.

Arms transfer and SALW controls in the Middle East and North Africa: challenges and state of play |1 November 2022 | SIPRI | The year 2019 saw the first-ever instance of an arms industrial conglomerate from an Arab state—EDGE from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—entering SIPRI’s list of the top 25 largest arms-producing and military services companies.

South Africa and Saudi Arabia sign defence MoU | 31 October 2022 | DefenceWeb

Defence was high on the agenda during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia, where he was accompanied by defence minister Thandi Modise and an Armscor delegation.

Egypt to produce locally fire control system for Egyptian K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers | 23 October 2022 | ArmyRecognition

The Egyptian defense company Arab International Optronics Company has signed an agreement with Hanwha Defense Group to produce locally the Automatic Fire Control System (FCS) and other electronic components for the K9A1 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer that will be produced in Egypt.

New self-propelled mortar enters Algerian service | 6 October 2022 | Janes

A new type 120 mm self-propelled mortar has entered service with the Algerian National People’s Army (ANP), a photograph released by the country’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) on 4 October confirmed.

Nigeria acquires Songar armed drones from Turkey as UAV fleet grows | 6 October 2022 | DefenceWeb

The Nigerian Police Force has taken delivery of a small batch of Songar armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkey’s Asisguard, while larger UAVs are entering Nigerian military service.

Sudan markets long range 122 mm rockets | 29 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC) is offering its 122 mm artillery rocket system to potential customers amongst a wide range of land and air capabilities.

Nigeria acquiring Bayraktar TB2 drone and not Akinci | 26 September 2022 | Military Africa

Baykar trains Nigerian drone pilots ahead of delivery of Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs | 27 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

A few months ago, a high-ranking civilian official confirmed that Nigeria was acquiring armed military drones from Turkey and that personnel from the West African country were in Turkey for drone training.

Cote d’Ivoire receives refurbished P400 patrol vessel | 26 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

France’s Piriou has delivered an ex-French Navy P400 patrol vessel to Cote d’Ivoire following modernisation and upgrades.

Somalia to receive electronic countermeasure equipment  | 22 September 2022 | Janes

Allen-Vanguard will deliver electronic countermeasure (ECM) equipment to Somalia in a multimillion Canadian dollar deal, the company announced on 21 September.

Paramount Group secures Mwari order from undisclosed customer | 22 September 2022 | Defence-blog

Paramount Aerospace Industries, the subsidiary of the Paramount Group, today announced that it has secured customers and orders from multiple Air Forces for its revolutionary ‘Mwari’, the advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike aircraft.

Otokar aims to increase military vehicle exports to Africa | 20 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

Otokar, Turkey’s global land systems manufacturer, participates in Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) on September21-25, in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. During the exhibition, Otokar is promoting its broad land systems product range, including 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 tactical wheeled armored vehicles, tracked armored vehicles and weapon systems.

Liberia to destroy 255,000 weapons | 16 September 2022 | The New Dawn

Liberia’s Small Arms Commission Chief Atty. Maxwell Grigsby says the entity will destroy 255,000 weapons and ammunition on 27 October 2022.

US approves majority of conditional military aid to Egypt, claiming progress on abuses | 14 September 2022 | Middle East Eye

Hold on Egypt Funding Doesn’t Go Far Enough | 15 September 2022 | HRW

The Biden administration said on Wednesday that it will give the majority of a $300m tranche of annual military aid conditioned on human rights improvements to Egypt, saying Cairo had made “clear and consistent progress in releasing political prisoners and providing detainees with due process of law”.

Rwanda military contingent in Mozambique operating with Turkish made Otokar Cobra II APCs | 14 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

On September 13, Hammer of War tweeted pictures of the Rwandan military contingent in northern Mozambique operating with Turkish-made Otokar Cobra II APCs. The men also use Serbian-made 40 mm PPT Namenska M07 grenade launchers during the visit of the commander of the Mozambican Police at Macomia, on 13th May 2022.

Egypt and France explore co-production of military trucks | 13 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

The Egyptian Ministry of State for Military Production has had discussions with Renault on future cooperation, including the co-production of military vehicles in Egypt.

Nigeria imports weapons, ammunitions worth N15.8 billion in H1 2022 | 13 September 2022 | Nairametrics

Nigeria imported arms and ammunition worth N15.8 billion in the first half of 2022, representing a 60.3% decline compared to N39.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2021.

US military donates equipment to help fight poaching in Namibia  | 9 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

Coinciding with the visit of the US Navy vessel Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams, US Africa Command through the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) programme, has donated vehicles and other equipment to assist Namibia with their counter-poaching and anti-smuggling efforts.

Turkey’s armed drones make third Sahel conquest | 8 September 2022 | Africa Intelligence

After Niger and Togo, Burkina Faso has become the third purchaser in West Africa of Bayraktar TB2 attack drones (AI, 08/07/22). The country’s armed forces have in recent weeks begun operating the five units delivered by Turkish manufacturer Baykar Makina.

South African arms and ammunition worth R1.4 billion plus exported in first half of 2022 | 8 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

NCACC Quarterly Reports: Update on IT system & litigation matter, with Minister  | 1 September 2022 | Parliamentary Monitoring Group

A Parliamentary oversight committee heard the South African defence industry (SADI) exported military hardware and munitions to 70 plus countries with a monetary value in excess of R1.4 billion in the first six months of this year.

Malawi receives two MA600 aircraft from China | 7 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

The Malawi Defence Force has taken delivery of two MA600 transport aircraft from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).

KAI continues to support Senegal’s KA-1S fleet | 2 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

After supplying four KA-1 turboprops to Senegal’s Air Force, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) continues to provide support to the fleet two years later.

Nigerian Navy receives ASIS boats | 1 September 2022 | DefenceWeb

The Nigerian Navy recently received several rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) from the United Arab Emirates’ ASIS Boats, and is using them from Nigerian Navy ships.

Americas

US to deploy HIMARS platoon and infantry company in Estonia | 9 December 2022 | Army Technology | The US is set to deploy additional rotational forces in Estonia to strengthen NATO’s forward defences in the eastern flank.

US approved sale of anti-drone systems to Qatar during World Cup match | 30 November | C4isrnet | The Biden administration on Tuesday approved a $1 billion arms sale to Qatar in a transaction unveiled during halftime of the key World Cup 2022 match in Doha between Iran and the U.S.

Canadian-owned armoured vehicle producer sparks concerns with new Uganda deal | 21 November 2022 | The Globe and Mail | Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, a long-ruling autocrat with a history of using deadly force to crush political protests, is telling his security forces to start buying their riot-control vehicles from a new source: a Canadian-owned armoured car factory.

New plan to secure US weapons in Ukraine leaves gaps: experts | 1 November 2022 | Responsible Statecraft | Following months of pressure from arms control groups, the State Department released its first detailed plan on how it intends to stop U.S.

U.S. judge dismisses Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit against gun makers, Mexico to appeal | 1 October 2022 | Reuters

A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit seeking to hold U.S. gun manufacturers responsible for facilitating the trafficking of a deadly flood of weapons across the U.S.-Mexico border to drug cartels.

Europe

Bulgaria’s Parliament approves classified list of weaponry to be sent to Ukraine | 9 December 2022 | The Sofia Globe | Bulgaria’s National Assembly voted on December 9 with 148 votes in favour, 46 against, and with one abstention, to approve the first reading of a classified list prepared by the caretaker government of weaponry to be supplied to Ukraine.

Report: Ukraine war ups arms sales but challenges lie ahead | 5 December 2022 | CP 24 Global | arms sales increased by nearly 2% in 2021, the seventh consecutive year of increases, an international arms sales watchdog noted Monday

Azerbaijani forces violate the ceasefire in Artsakh | 30 November 2022 | Public Radio of Armenia | On November 29, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the eastern and northeastern directions of the line of contact, using small arms, the Artsakh Ministry of Defense reports.           

Russian mines in Ukraine ‘greatest challenge’ to landmark ban treaty | 17 November 2022 | France 24 | Russia’s use of newly produced landmines in Ukraine poses the greatest challenge to a landmark global ban treaty forged 25 years ago, a monitor said Thursday.

Developments in UK Strategic Export Controls | 28 October 2022 | Committees on Arms Export Controls | House of Commons

The export of military and dual-use items inevitably raises major questions of ethics, national security, and international law and often causes controversy. It is not just the items being exported or their destination that can cause concern, but also the criteria for permitting such exports, the policing of such activities and the quality and transparency of the data available on these exports.

Will guns from Ukraine end up on the streets of Britain? | 8 October 2022 | The Spectator

While visiting a Ukrainian militia this summer, I nearly trod on an anti-tank mine which was being used as a doorstop at the entrance to their HQ. ‘Don’t worry, it’s a broken Russian one that we found,’ said my breezy host, Eduard Leonov. ‘We’re trying to fix it so we can use it.’

Pakistan, Ukraine, And The Race For Third-Party Ammunition | 6 October 2022 | The WarZone

In a plea for assistance in June of this year, Ukraine’s Deputy Head of Military Intelligence, Vadym Skibitsky, told reporters that the conflict with Russia “is now an artillery war that we are losing, [as] Ukraine has one artillery piece to 10-15 Russian artillery pieces and we have almost used up all of our ammunition.” Although the United States and allies in Europe were already delivering shells to Ukraine, they themselves found their stocks also decreasing at an alarming rate. In a surprising development, Pakistan emerged as an important source and an air bridge was established to bring much-needed ammunition to Ukraine.

War in Ukraine unlocked Czech arms industry potential, defence minister | 6 October 2022 | Euractiv

Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová (ODS, ECR) met with representatives of the Czech arms industry on Wednesday and told journalists that the Czech Republic could become an arms superpower because of the war in Ukraine.

US sends more HIMARS and Excalibur precision guided ammunition to Ukraine in USD 625 Mn package | 5 October 2022 | ArmyRecognition

The U.S. Defense Department on October 4 announced an additional $625 million in security assistance headed to Ukraine as part of the 22nd round of presidential drawdown authority, C. Todd Lopez reports. The equipment in the new package is specifically tailored to what Ukraine needs in the short term, and Ukraine continues to use what has been provided by the United States to great effect, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia said.

Czech Republic delivers T-72 Avenger tanks to Ukraine thanks to crowdfunding campaign | 5 October 2022 | ArmyRecognition

According to information published on the “Darek pro Putina / A Gift for Putin”, thanks to a crowdfunding campaign launched in the Czech Republic that collected an amount of $1.3 million, Ukraine will receive new upgraded T-72M main battle tanks called T-72 Avenger.

FN Herstal will create new production lines for ammunition | 5 October 2022 | ArmyRecognition

The Belgian government has released an envelope of 1.8 billion euros by 2030 to allow Belgian companies to take the train of new technological and industrial developments in this field, Antoine Clevers reports in La Libre Belgique. This envelope is part of the DIRS (Defence, Industry and Research Strategy) presented on October 5 by the Ministers of Defense and the Economy, Ludivine Dedonder and Pierre-Yves Dermagne, in front of an audience of entrepreneurs.

Russia uses T-90S tanks originally bound for export customers | 4 October 2022 | Defence-blog

In the last few days, photos and videos that have appeared on social media show an export version of the T-90 tank in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Soldiers seize Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone | 4 October 2022 | Defence-blog

Ukrainian Soldiers have showcased an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 unmanned aerial vehicle that they claimed had been captured from the Russian Army.

Germany, Norway, and Denmark to buy and deliver Slovakian howitzers to Ukraine | 2 October 2022 | Defence-blog

Slovakian Defense Minister Jaro Nad has reported that Germany, Norway and Denmark have made the decision to buy and deliver Slovakian-made 155mm Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.

Germany to provide Ukraine with four IRIS-T air defense missile systems | 29 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

During an interview published on September 28, 2022, by the eurointegration.com.ua website, German Ambassador to Ukraine Anka Feldhusen announced that Germany will provide Ukraine with four batteries of IRIS-T air defense missile systems. These systems are still in production and the first IRIS-T and first air defense system will be completed at the end of October 2022.

German government approves arms exports to Saudi Arabia | 29 September 2022 | DW

Ampel genehmigt Waffenexporte nach Saudi-Arabien | 29 September 2022 | Spiegel

The decision defies a 2018 ban over Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen war. Deals were reportedly approved before Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to the region last weekend.

United States offers USD 1.1 Billion in additional security assistance to Ukraine including 18 HIMARS  | 29 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

On September 28, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced approximately $1.1 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This USAI package underscores the U.S. commitment to continuing to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory in the face of Russian aggression.

Finnish-made armored vehicles spotted in Ukraine | 28 September 2022 | Defence-blog

Finnish-made six-wheeled armoured personnel carriers were seen in Ukraine, in footage that began circulating on social media late last week.

Weapons firms install 50 staff inside the Ministry of Defence | 27 September 2022 | Open Democracy

More than 50 paid employees of global arms companies are working inside the UK’s Ministry of Defence, openDemocracy can reveal, sparking questions about conflicts of interest and national security.

Ukraine army receives last 50 M113 APCs from Lithuania | 27 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

In a tweet dated September 26, Lithuanian Minister of Defense Arvydas Anusauskas announced that the last 50 M113 APCs intended for the Ukrainian army had been delivered.

Ukraine receives two NASAMS missile air defense systems from US  | 26 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview broadcast on Sunday, September 25, that Ukraine had received sophisticated air defense systems from the United States, Reuters reports. It was the first acknowledgment that Ukraine had received the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), long sought by Kyiv and whose shipment was approved by Washington late last month.

Sweden evaluates the possibility to provide Ukraine with Archer 6×6 155mm howitzers | 25 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

On its Twitter account, the Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Ann Lind announced that Sweden evaluates the possibility to provide Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers, RBS70 man-portable air defense missile systems, and other military equipment to Ukraine.

Ukraine is close to receive US Switchblade 600 anti-armor loitering munitions | 25 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

According to information published by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), the United States awarded a contract to the American company AeroVironment for the acquisition of Switchblade 600 anti-armor loitering munitions that can be delivered to Ukraine.

France agrees the supply to Ukraine for a new batch of CAESAR 155mm howitzers | 24 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

According to information published on the Twitter account of “Dmytro Kuleba” from the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs on September 22, 2022,, Ukraine and France agree on the delivery of a new batch of CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer to the Ukrainian army.

Russian forces launch Iranian ‘kamikaze drones’ at Ukrainian targets | 24 September 2022 | Defence-blog

Russian troops carried out serious strikes on the Ukrainian targets in the Southenr region, on September 23, Ukrainian officials said.

Undercover with Russia’s fake arms dealers | 24 September 2022 | BBC

Russian state TV claims Ukrainians are selling US-donated weapons on the dark web. The BBC investigated one such marketplace, spoke undercover to those apparently selling weapons, and gathered evidence that suggests the adverts for weapons are fake.

Fact check: have Ukrainian Stingers been found on the German black market? | 24 September 2022 | Aerotime

On September 17, 2022, a worrying claim circulated on social media: FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) were reportedly available for sale online in Germany. 

Slovenia to arm Ukrainian forces with 28 M-55S tanks | 20 September 2022 | Army-Technology

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have agreed on a ring exchange to equip Ukrainian troops.

Belgian international arms broker arrested | 18 September 2022 | The Brussels Times

On 13 September, a Belgian national was arrested in connection with an attempt to facilitate the transport of weapons to countries in Africa and the Middle East. The suspect, owner of Belgian humanitarian heavy-lift helicopter company Skytech, is accused of facilitating the delivery of weapons and equipment to countries under international embargo, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

Belgium to give heavy machine guns munitions and more to Ukraine | 16 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

The Belgian Ministry of Defense already delivered equipment worth 45 million euros to Ukraine. Belgium will now send heavy machine guns and ammunition, among others, from FN Herstal, for an amount of 12 million euros.

Greece Sends 40 Tanks to Ukraine, Gets German Hardware in Return  | 16 September 2022 | Greek Reporter

Greece will send 40 of its Soviet-built BMP-1 IFVs to Ukraine after it reached a deal with Germany on Friday according to which it will receive from Berlin the same number of the more modern 40 Marder IFVs.

Germany approves the supply to Ukraine of two additional MARS II rocket launcher vehicles | 16 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

On Thursday, September 15, 2022, Defence Minister of Germany, Christine Lambrecht announced that Germany would supply two additional MARS II MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) to Ukraine. The MARS II is a German-made version of the American M270 MLRS.

Germany confirms the sending of 50 Dingo 2 4×4 armored vehicles to Ukraine | 16 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

On September 15, 2022, German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht confirmed the sending of 50 Dingo 2, 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier vehicles to Ukraine.

EU and UNDP support the Moldovan Ministry of Internal Affairs to optimise weapons electronic registry | 14 September 2022 | UNDP

The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme through its regional project SEESAC (South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons) supported the Ministry of Internal Affairs with IT equipment worth around 170,000 EUR for the operationalisation of the electronic weapons registry at the national level.

Ukraine army getting Israeli anti-drone systems via Poland | 13 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

An undisclosed Israeli defense contractor is supplying anti-drone systems to Ukraine’s military by way of Poland, The Times of Israel’s Hebrew sister site Zman Yisrael reported on September 12 echoed by Tani Goldstein reports in The Times of Israel. A source in the firm told Zman that the equipment was being sold to Poland to circumvent Israel’s refusal to sell advanced arms to Ukraine.

Enabling Victory: Canadian Military Support To Ukraine | 12 September 2022 | Oryx

Like so many NATO member countries Canada has contributed significantly to Ukraine’s defensive capabilities after the Russian invasion of the country in February 2022.

Going Dutch Revisited: Dutch Military Aid To Ukraine | 9 September 2022 | Oryx

The Netherlands was one of the first countries in Europe to pledge meaningful military aid to Ukraine as Russia began the build-up of its military forces along the border with Ukraine.

Ukraine army uses former French Army TRF1 155mm howitzers | 9 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

As reported by Laurent Lagneau on opex360.com, the main activity of the French company S2M-Equipment, established in Montlouis-sur-Loire, is to restore, even modernize, equipment that has previously been used by the French forces in order to put them on the second-hand market. Its catalog offers VAB armored vehicles and ERC-90 Sagaie combat vehicles having found a second youth, as well as Peugeot P4s, ACMAT VLRAs and 155 mm TRF1 towed guns.

Ukraine army receives Estonian EFP PK-14 anti-tank mines | 9 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

According to a tweet from Ukrainian Weapons Tracker posted on September 9, the Ukrainian army has received Estonian K-14 anti-armor (EFP) directional mines. The mine can penetrate about 50mm of steel armor at a distance of 50 meters. These PK-14 mines are already actively used on the front lines.

Aid From Asia: Japan’s Military Support To Ukraine | 8 September 2022 | Oryx

Japan has traditionally maintained one of the strictest armament export policies in the world, which has for the most part prevented Japanese defence companies and government agencies from exporting or even donating military equipment to other countries.

Norway donates Hellfire missiles and night vision equipment to Ukraine | 8 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

The Norwegian government on September 8 announced it donates AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles to Ukraine. The donation includes approximately 160 missiles, launching pads and guidance units. Ukraine will also receive night-vision equipment drawn from Armed Forces inventories.

Give Ukraine the “right artillery ammo:” DPICM | 8 September 2022 | Small Wars Journal

This war in Ukraine is the most critical conflict in generations. It is the first major combat action on the European continent in 70 years. And the most important decision facing the west right now is not being debated in public.

Ukrainian army receives Cypriot Poseidon H6 and H10 VTOL drones | 6 September 2022 | ArmyRecognition

According to VK Russian social network, Ukrainian sources report that the 26th Artillery Brigade and the 120th Reconnaissance Battalion of the Ukrainian army took delivery of Poseidon H10 and larger Poseidon H6 UAVs manufactured by the Cypriot company Swarmly Ltd and purchased by the charitable foundation of Serhiy Prytula. The purchase price was EUR 700,000.

Joining NATO, Joining The Cause: Finnish Aid To Ukraine | 5 September 2022 | Oryx

Finland is renowned for being the happiest country in the world, having the world’s best education system, coolest Prime Minister (Sanna Marin), and not feeling the need to brag about help given to other countries.

The Involuntary Ally: Iranian Arms In Ukraine | 3 September 2022 | Oryx

As many observers of the Russo-Ukrainian War are awaiting the possible debut of Iranian drones with the Russian Armed Forces, relatively few know that Iranian-made and Iranian-procured armament is already in active use on the battlefields of Ukraine since at least April 2022.

An International Export Success: Global Demand For Bayraktar Drones Reaches All Time High | 2 September 2022 | Oryx

It is not often that a weapon system is proving so popular that countries are waiting in line to buy it. Ironically, this appears to be the current situation with the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Already in service with or on order by 24 countries other than Türkiye, the TB2’s commercial success currently looks to be without bounds.

Sweden sends artillery ammunition worth $46.86m to Ukraine | 1 September 2022 | Army-Technology

The Swedish Government has provided additional artillery ammunition worth $46.86m (Skr500m) to strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian troops.

Fact Sheet On German Military Aid To Ukraine | 1 September 2022 | Oryx

Contrary to popular perception, Germany has delivered significant amounts of arms and equipment to Ukraine to aid the country in its fight against the Russian military. In fact, the volume of arms deliveries by Berlin exceeds that of every other country safe for the United States and the United Kingdom.

Rüstungsexportbericht für das Vorjahr 2021 verabschiedet – vorläufige Genehmigungszahlen im Jahr 2022 | 31 August 2022 | Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz

Die Bundesregierung hat heute im Kabinett den Rüstungsexportbericht 2021 verabschiedet. Der Bericht bezieht sich auf die Genehmigungsentscheidungen für Rüstungsexporte im vergangenen Jahr und unterrichtet damit im Wesentlichen über Entscheidungen, die vor der Amtsübernahme der jetzigen Bundesregierung getroffen wurden.