ARMS TRANSFERS TO MYANMAR

International Peace Information Service vzw & Omega Research Foundation

On Saturday March 27^th 2021 more than 100 pro-democracy protesters were killed by the Myanmar security forces. Myanmar’s armed forces staged a coup d’état against the country’s democratically elected government on February 1, 2021. Mass protests across the country were unleashed following the coup.

For decades Myanmar’s border regions have been ravaged by ethnic conflict between the Myanmar security forces and ethnic armed groups. The Myanmar security forces are engaged in armed conflict with minorities in Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine and Shan States. Some 20 armed ethnic groups are identified, and hundreds of armed (ethnic) militia, linked to the Myanmar military.

On March 11 the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar said “that there is growing evidence that [the] Myanmar military… is now likely engaging in crimes against humanity, including the acts of murder, enforced disappearance, persecution, torture, and imprisonment in violation of fundamental rules of international law” (A/75/335). In their 2018 and 2019 reports, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar documented, since 2011, consistent patterns of serious human rights violations and abuses in Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine and Shan States, in addition to serious violations of international humanitarian law, predominantly by the Myanmar security forces (See A/HRC/42/CRP.3; A/HRC/42/CRP.5).

The Myanmar government currently stands accused of the charge of genocide of the Rohingya before the International Court of Justice.

The Special Rapporteur has been calling for targeted sanctions against the junta’s business enterprises and the imposition of an arms embargo. The European Union had imposed restrictive measures, including an arms embargo, on Myanmar in 1990. The measures were lifted in April 2013, except for the arms embargo and the embargo on equipment which might be used for internal repression. The EU re-imposed restrictive measures in 2018.

The armed violence in the border regions includes air strikes, shelling with (heavy) artillery, and small arms and light weapons fire (A/HRC/42/CRP.3). Russian made BRDM-2MS and Ukrainian made BTR-3 armoured personnel carriers were used by the military in the February 1 coup.

According to the United Nations International Trade Statistics Database (COMTRADE) and the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) the main suppliers of arms and ammunition to Myanmar, between 2001 and 2019, have been China, India, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. The transfers included, more specifically: tanks, armoured personnel carriers, artillery systems, rocket launchers, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, parts and accessories, and ammunition.

In 2019 news media reported that Ukrspetsexport, Ukraine’s arms export agency, was planning to establish a plant for the production of armoured personnel carriers in Myanmar. It is not known if the plant has become operational.

Since the 1950s small arms and light weapons manufacturing technology has been provided to the Directorate of Defence Industries by various states. In the 1950s the German government owned company Fritz-Werner provided the means to manufacture an Italian sub-machine gun under licence. This was quickly followed by the supply of ammunition factories. The German government provided export licences for the transfer of ammunition production technology as late as 1988. In the 1960s Fritz-Werner provided the factories to manufacture Heckler and Koch, and Rheinmetall small arms under licence. Starting from the late 1990s Singapore and Israel provided technology and expertise to manufacture small arms and light weapons (1).

A March 2021 article in the New York Times reported on the possibility that dual-use surveillance technology made by Israeli, American and European companies has found its way to Myanmar (2).

In addition, the Omega Research Foundation has identified, from images of weapons used mainly by Myanmar law enforcement, the following:

• the 38mm SJ-102 single launcher and/or the 40mm SJ-104 launcher manufactured by Sip Ja Technology Co. Ltd (South Korea) (3);

• Chinese unidentified model water cannon, with the logo of Sino Truk CNHTC, China (4);

• Much of the small arms ammunition (e.g. 9mm, 5.56mm, 12 gauge shotgun) carries the headstamp marking of the Directorate of Defence Industries, indicating local manufacture (5).

World Without War, a South Korean NGO, obtained information from the Korean National Police Agency that in 2014 and 2015 export licences for tear gas and stun grenades (matching munitions used by security forces), were granted to South Korean company Dae Kwang (6).

Late 2020 the Indian Ordnance Factory Board announced the export of (unspecified) fuzes to Myanmar (7).

Late 2019 the Myanmar armed forces found an arms cache, with Chinese made weapons, hidden by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army in northern Shan State. “Sources close to the rebels claimed the group bought the arms from the Wa and Kachin armies, who allegedly have their own arms manufacturing factories purchased from China. Chinese technicians have been hired to run these facilities” (8).

In April 2019 The Irrawaddy reported that “we managed to observe during our visit that the Wa have been purchasing more weapons from China and are also producing heavy weapons in their own factories. Chinese technicians are invited to provide advanced training in the production of artillery and other weapons. Informed sources said the Wa produce 122-mm howitzers in their own factories. They have also hired Chinese military drone specialists” (9).

The Asia Times reported that the Chinese weaponry purchased since 2011 by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) was channelled through neighbouring Laos. “Official end-user certificates (EUCs) issued to cover exports by state-run manufacturers such as North China Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) and China National Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (responsible for FN-6 foreign sales) have listed the Lao Defense Ministry as the recipient, the same sources say” (10). The FN-6 is a Chinese surface-to-air missile.

It has been alleged that China has supplied weapons to the Northern Alliance. This has been denied by China and the Myanmar military. According to the Asia Times the United Wa State Army “has reportedly sold a variety of munitions to allies of the so-called Northern Alliance comprised of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)”. According to the Asia Times transfers have also included Wa manufactured Chinese-designed Type-81 assault rifles, Chinese-manufactured 107mm rockets, Type-69 rocket propelled grenade launchers and 12.7 millimeter M-99 sniper rifles (10).

In early May 200 civil society organizations called on the U.N. Security Council to impose an arms embargo on Myanmar to help protect civilians peacefully protesting. This was followed by a call from the United Nations independent human rights expert on Myanmar to countries that have not yet done so, to impose an arms embargo (including dual-use technology) on Myanmar.

(1) Burma Making Small Arms, August 1998 (https://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=1173); “Strong and Fast”: German Arms in Burma, November 2007 (http://www.bits.de/public/articles/kleinwaffen-nl11-07eng.htm); Trade update 2019: transfers, transparency, and south-east Asia spotlight, Small Arms Survey, 2019;

(2) Myanmar’s Military Deploys Digital Arsenal of Repression in Crackdown, 1 March 2021, New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/world/asia/myanmar-coup-military-surveillance.html)

(3) https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/police-drag-a-protester-on-the-ground-as-they-arrest-her-news-photo/1231057611?adppopup=true; Both 38mm (https://twitter.com/milkteamm_mtam/status/1368099203067482117) and 40mm cartridge cases have been seen (https://twitter.com/jaelymonnn/status/1361620492768092171).

(4) https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/riot-police-stand-guard-on-a-road-during-a-demonstration-against-the-picture-id1231059351?s=2048×2048.

(5) https://twitter.com/FrontierMM/status/1365232874341949442; https://twitter.com/KhaingEiKhaing/status/1365992808704839687; http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/Myanmar-Photo-Gallery/5b6f9570f7364b64a357bf94f200121e/85/0; https://twitter.com/kzy_linn/status/1368526039031439364 )

(6) As reported to Omega Research Foundation by World Without War.

(7) https://twitter.com/OFB_India/status/1344228244413796353

(8) Myanmar’s Generals Make a Show of Displeasure at China’s Arming of Rebels, 26 November 2019, The Irrawaddy (https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/commentary/myanmars-generals-make-show-displeasure-chinas-arming-rebels.html)

(9) The Wa Flex Their Muscles on The Hill, 24 April 2019, The Irrawaddy (https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/commentary/the-wa-flex-their-muscles-on-the-hill.html)

(10) China’s loose arms still fuel Myanmar’s civil wars, 28 January 2020, Asia Times (https://asiatimes.com/2020/01/chinas-loose-arms-still-fuel-myanmars-civil-wars/)

Photo Sky News (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmt_5db7_F4)

Further Reading

11/03/2021, Myanmar: Vast arsenal and notorious troops deployed during nationwide ‘killing spree’ protest crackdown – new research(https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/03/myanmar-arsenal-troops-deployed-crackdown/)

01/03/2021, Myanmar’s Military Deploys Digital Arsenal of Repression in Crackdown (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/world/asia/myanmar-coup-military-surveillance.html)

The documents indicate that dual-use surveillance technology made by Israeli, American and European companies made its way to Myanmar, despite many of their home governments banning such exports after the military’s brutal expulsion of Rohingya Muslims in 2017…. One particularly large section of the budget allocations covers the latest ware for phone-cracking and computer-hacking. Those systems are usually designed for use by militaries and police forces, and many international export bans include such technology. The 2020-2021 Ministry of Home Affairs budget allocations include units from MSAB, a Swedish company that supplies forensic data tools for militaries around the world. These MSAB field units can download the contents of mobile devices and recover deleted items, according to notations in the budget. Henrik Tjernberg, the chairman of MSAB, said that some of the company’s “legacy technology” had ended up in Myanmar a few years ago, but it no longer sold equipment there because of a European Union export ban on dual-use products that can be used for domestic repression. Mr. Tjernberg did not answer questions about how his products ended up in the latest budget…. In Myanmar, the latest budget also included MacQuisition forensic software designed to extract and collect data from Apple computers. The software is made by BlackBag Technologies, an American company that was bought last year by Cellebrite of Israel. Both companies also make other sophisticated tools to infiltrate locked or encrypted devices and suck out their data, including location-tracking information. A spokeswoman for the company said that Cellebrite stopped selling to Myanmar in 2018 and that BlackBag had not sold to the country since it was acquired last year. The company, she said, does not sell to countries sanctioned by the United States, European Union, Britain or Israel…. In many instances, governments do not buy military-grade technology directly from the companies that make them but instead go through middlemen. The intermediaries often cloak their intentions behind business registrations for education, construction or technology companies, even as they post photographs on social media of foreign weaponry or signing ceremonies with generals. Middlemen can give Western companies distance from dealing face-to-face with dictators. But international embargoes and dual-use bans still hold tech firms liable for the end users of their products, even if resellers make the deals. One of the most prominent surveillance technology middlemen in Myanmar is Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Htun, a Myanmar national who studied at a Russian university and Myanmar’s Defense Services Technological Academy, the military’s elite training ground. Many of the top employees at MySpace International and other firms he founded share the same educational pedigree. His connections were extensive. At defense procurement fairs, Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Htun showed off Western spyware to crowds of men in uniform, and he boasted on social media about hosting an American defense manufacturer in Myanmar. MySpace International is listed on the website of a Czech defense and laboratory equipment maker as a “partner.” Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Htun’s wife is the daughter of a high-ranking Tatmadaw officer who served as ambassador to Russia. She is named as the Myanmar agent for a Russian stun gun maker. The two people with knowledge of police procurements said that Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Htun’s companies supply most of the imported Western surveillance technology for the Myanmar police. A list of successful recent tenders from the Ministry of Home Affairs includes MySpace International, and the company’s website had the Ministry of Defense among its clients. The website also had a section on digital forensic technology that cited MSAB, BlackBag and Cellebrite among its “main suppliers,” with extensive descriptions of each firm’s offerings. On Feb. 1, the day of the coup, military experts were surprised to see armored vehicles made by Gaia Automotive Industries, an Israeli manufacturer, rolling through Naypyidaw, the capital.

18/02/2021, Chinese Companies Supplying Arms, Military Equipment to Myanmar (https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/supplying-02182021091648.html)

Chinese state-owned enterprises are among the biggest suppliers of arms and military equipment to the Myanmar military, according to an advocacy group Justice For Myanmar and public domain information.

25/01/2021, Myanmar to acquire Pantsir-S1 SHORAD systems, radar stations, and Orlan-10E UASs from Russia https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/myanmar-to-acquire-pantsir-s1-shorad-systems-radar-stations-and-orlan-10e-uass-from-russia)

23/01/2021, Myanmar orders troubled Pantsir-S1 air defense system (https://defence-blog.com/news/army/myanmar-orders-troubled-pantsir-s1-air-defense-system.html)

22/01/2021, Россия поставит Мьянме зенитные ракетно-пушечные комплексы “Панцирь-С1” (Russia to supply Pantsir-C1 anti-aircraft missile and cannon systems to Myanmar) (https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/10521931)

Russia supplied Myanmar with 30 MiG-29 aircraft, 12 combat training Yak-130, 10 Mi-24 and Mi-35P helicopters, eight Pechora-2M anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as radars, armored vehicles and artillery systems. In addition, a contract was signed for the supply of six Su-30SME, which has already begun.

22/10/2019, Nigerian military targeted journalists’ phones, computers with “forensic search” for sources (https://cpj.org/2019/10/nigerian-military-target-journalists-phones-forensic-search/)

Separately, Cellebrite’s UFED was used in Myanmar to “pull documents” from the phones of then jailed Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, The Washington Post reported in May 2019. Cellebrite said it required clients to “uphold the standards of international human rights law” or it may terminate their agreements, according to the Post’s report. Cellebrite’s terms and conditions state that products, software, and services are to be used “in a manner that does not violate the rights of any third party.”

4/05/2019, Security-tech companies once flocked to Myanmar. One firm’s tools were used against two journalists (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/security-tech-companies-once-flocked-to-myanmar-one-firms-tools-were-used-against-two-journalists-/2019/05/04/d4e9f7f0-5b5d-11e9-b8e3-b03311fbbbfe_story.html)

12/03/2019, Ukrainian state companies ready to produce BTR-4s (https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukrainian-state-companies-ready-to-produce-btr-4s)

This news follows reports that Ukraine’s military export agency, Ukrspecexport, started work last year to establish a plant for the production of BTR-4s in Myanmar.

06/03/2019, Ukraine to build armoured vehicle assembly plant in Myanmar (https://defence-blog.com/news/army/ukraine-to-build-armoured-vehicle-assembly-plant-in-myanmar.html)

Ukraine’s partner delivery to Myanmar includes a production line to assemble the BTR-4U wheeled 8×8 armored personnel carrier, 2S1U self-propelled howitzer based on the MT-LBu multi-purpose chassis, according to people familiar with the talks. The new plant is due to start production in the two half of 2020.

18/10/2018, Chinese-made wheeled armored personnel carrier catches fire in Myanmar (https://defence-blog.com/news/army/chinese-made-wheeled-armored-personnel-carrier-catches-fire-in-myanmar.html)

Chinese-made Type 92 wheeled armored personnel carrier catches fire in eastern Myanmar. Type 92 is an armoured personnel carrier designed and built by the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco). The hull of the vehicle protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. The vehicle offers all-round protection against 12.7mm calibre weapon systems. Type 92 is powered by a Deutz BF8L 413FC diesel engine coupled to a fully automatic transmission with five forward gears and one reverse. The engine delivers maximum power of 320hp.

6/02/2018, Россия поставит Мьянме шесть истребителей Су-30 в варианте Су-30СМЭ (Russia will supply six Su-30 fighters in the Su-30SME variant to Myanmar), (https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4932476)

22/01/2018, Myanmar orders six Su-30 fighter aircraft from Russia (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-orders-six-su-30-fighter-aircraft-russia.html)

5/05/2017, Myanmar looks to buy Chinese SY-400 ballistic missile systems (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-looks-to-buy-chinese-sy-400-ballistic-missile-systems.html)

27/03/2017, Myanmar’s Armed forces display military might at parade in Naypyidaw (https://defence-blog.com/news/army/myanmars-armed-forces-display-military-might-at-parade-in-naypyidaw.html)

27/02/2017, Мьянма планирует организовать лицензионное производство новейших украинских бронетранспортёров БТР-4 (Myanmar plans to organize licensed production of the latest Ukrainian armored personnel carriers BTR-4), (https://military-informant.com/army/myanma-planiruet-organizovat-litsenzionnoe-proizvodstvo-noveyshih-ukrainskih-bronetransportyorov-btr-4.html)

Russian military expert Diana Mikhailova writes about this. According to her, the state-owned company Ukrspetsexport is supplying to Myanmar a set of equipment for the production of welded hulls for light armored vehicles such as BTR-4U and 2S1U. Apparently, it is planned to organize the production of armored personnel carriers BTR-4 in Myanmar. The designation 2S1U previously had the option of modernizing the 122-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S1, however, in this case, perhaps, it means organizing the assembly in Myanmar of tracked vehicles based on the chassis and the 2S1 armored hull.

28/11/2016, Myanmar to buy new Chinese Y-9E transport aircraft (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-to-buy-new-chinese-y-9e-transport-aircraft.html)

17/11/2016, First Yak-130 jet trainer for Myanmar makes maiden flight (https://defence-blog.com/news/first-yak-130-jet-trainer-for-myanmar-makes-maiden-flight.html)

7/11/2016, Myanmar Air Force confirms purchase of JF-17 «Thunder» fighter jets (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-air-force-confirms-purchase-of-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets.html)

25/08/2016, Myanmar Air Force receives new Y8F200W tactical transport aircraft (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-air-force-receives-new-y-8f-200-tactical-transport-aircraft.html)

12/07/2016, Myanmar Air Force may buy new Russian Mi-17V-5 helicopters (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-air-force-may-buy-new-russian-mi-17v-5-helicopters.html)

31/05/2016, China’s armed CH-3 drone spotted in Myanmar (https://defence-blog.com/news/chinas-armed-ch-3-drone-spotted-in-myanmar.html)

30/05/2016, Myanmar wants to buy more Ukrainian BTR-3U wheeled armored personnel carriers (https://defence-blog.com/news/army/myanmar-wants-to-buy-more-ukrainian-btr-3u-wheeled-armored-personnel-carriers.html)

The BTR-3U is armed with Shkval armament module. It is fitted with a 30-mm dual-fed cannon, 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, 30-mm automatic grenade launcher and Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles. Weapons on the Shkval module can be replaced, fitting it with different anti-tank missiles and so on. Armor of the BTR-3U provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Myanmar manufacturing of Ukrainian-made 8×8 armoured vehicle personnel carrier BTR-3U with spare parts supplied by Ukraine. Since 2003, the country has purchased 10 BTR-3U from Ukraine and now to manufacture locally Ukrainian-made BTR-3U 8×8 armoured vehicle personnel carrier with spare parts supplied by Ukraine.

24/03/2016, Myanmar to showcase modernized «Kvadrat-M» Air Defence System (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-to-showcase-modernized-kvadrat-m-air-defence-system.html)

22/02/2016, Myanmar Air Force Signs For JF-17 Squadron (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-air-force-signs-for-jf-17-squadron.html)

10/01/2016, Myanmar expands defence industrial production capabilities (http://www.janes.com/article/57093/myanmar-expands-defence-industrial-production-capabilities)

Myanmar’s defence industrial capabilities are expected to be boosted by the acquisition of five heavy manufacturing facilities owned by the country’s Ministry of Industry, local media has reported.

9/01/2016, Myanmar to buy Russian Yak-130 training aircraft (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-to-buy-russian-yak-130-training-aircraft.html)

4/10/2015, Myanmar Navy ordered six Super Dvora Mk 3 FAC from Israel (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-navy-ordered-six-super-dvora-mk-3-fac-from-israel.html)

14/07/2015, Myanmar to Buy Chinese-Pakistani FJ-17 Fighter Jets (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-to-buy-chinese-pakistani-fj-17-fighter-jets.html)

16/06/2015, Myanmar Receive First Batch SAM missiles HQ-12 / KS-1A (https://defence-blog.com/news/myanmar-receive-first-batch-sam-missiles-hq-12-ks-1a.html)

GENERAL

Violent deaths due to small arms show small decrease | 4 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

Independent research organisation Surveys Security Assessment bemoans the lack of official data available from northern African countries and those in the G5 Sahel making it difficult to assess the true extent of violent deaths in these regions.

Israel’s autonomous ‘robo-snipers’ and suicide drones raise ethical dilemma | 27 February 2021 | TRT World

With its considerable line-up of ‘robo-snipers’, ‘suicide drones’ and ‘robattle’ battlefield robots, Israel’s defence industry is pushing the envelop of autonomous machines with only token human involvement.

ARMS TRADE TREATY

Working Group Meetings and CSP7 Informal Preparatory Meeting 26 – 30 April | April 2021 | ATT Secretariat

Preparations for CSP7 involve a series of meetings of the ATT Working Groups as well as an informal preparatory meeting. The meetings will take place as follows: Working Group on Effective Treaty Implementation (WGETI): 26-28 April 2021; Working Group on Treaty Universalization (WGTU): 27 April 2021; Working Group on Transparency and Reporting (WGTR): 28-29 April 2021; CSP7 Informal Preparatory Meeting: 30 April 2021.

The Arms Trade Treaty’s Gender-Based Violence Risk Assessment: A Questionnaire for Information Sources| 24 March 2021 | Stimson Center | ReliefWeb

Assist licensing officers in obtaining the best information relevant to the gender-based violence (GBV) risk assessment and enable them to make well-informed decisions on export applications compliant with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

Arms Trade Treaty: EU steps up support in fight against illicit arms trade | 16 April 2021 | Council of the EU

The EU will provide new funding for the effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The Council today adopted a decision allowing the EU to support three projects of the ATT Secretariat in Geneva with a contribution of EUR 1.37 million. The aim is to help states parties to the treaty to strengthen their national arms export control systems. Export control systems are key instruments for preventing the diversion of, and illicit trade in arms, and contribute to more responsible trade in military equipment and technology.

INTERNATIONAL (HUMANITARIAN) LAW / HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic(A/HRC/46/55) | 2 March 2021 | OHCHR

Over the past decade, no warring party in Syria has respected the rights of detained persons in line with international legal obligations. The use of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, including through sexual violence, involuntary or enforced disappearance and summary executions have been hallmarks of this conflict.

Human rights are not Western or Asian, they are universal | 2 March 2021 | Arab News

In his speech before the Munich Security Forum last month, US President Joe Biden sought to reassure European allies about the strength of the transatlantic alliance. Many times in his speech, he asserted “shared values” and “shared democratic values” between the US and Europe. The president made no mention of universal values and unwittingly undermined his call for a universally accepted rules-based international system.

AFRICA

RSA: National Conventional Arms Control Committee 2020 annual report | 28 April 2021 | NCACC | DefenceWeb

An annual report on all controlled items transfers conducted during the preceding calendar.

Des armes fabriquées à Sebta et Melilla écoulées au Maroc | 22 April 2021 | Bladi.net

En Espagne, plusieurs ateliers clandestins de fabrication d’armes exportées vers Sebta et Melilla et livrées à des trafiquants de drogue marocains ont été démantelés. La police ibérique a procédé à l’arrestation de plusieurs ouvriers.

Fabrications Militaires: Livraison de (727) véhicules multifonctions de marque Mercedes-Benz | 21 April 2021 | Ministère de la défense nationale algérienne

Dans le cadre du développement des diverses filières de fabrications militaires, notamment celle de la construction mécanique, et dans la perspective de satisfaire les besoins exprimés par les différentes structures de l’Armée Nationale Populaire, et les différentes entreprises nationales, publiques et privées, la Direction des Fabrications Militaires du Ministère de la Défense Nationale a procédé, ce, mercredi 21 avril 2021 à Tiaret en 2e Région Militaire, à la livraison de (727) véhicules multifonctions et véhicules utilitaires de marque Mercedes-Benz destinés au transport de personnels, ambulances, et au transport de marchandises, fabriqués par la Société Algérienne de Fabrication des Véhicules de marque Mercedes-Benz «SAFAV-MB», et ce, au profit de la Direction Centrale du Matériel du Ministère de la Défense Nationale, du Ministère de l’Intérieur, des Collectivités Locales et de l’Aménagement du Territoire, de la Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale ainsi que des entreprises économiques civiles, publiques et privées.

Morocco set to acquire Turkish made Bayraktar drones | 19 April 2021 | TRT World

The deal worth millions is set to bring the two countries closer and marks another step in the growing international market for Turkish drones.

Illegal Arms Threaten Nigeria Survival, Ex-Generals Warn | 18 April 2021 | ThisDay

Nigeria under Siege, Says Senate | 19 April 2021 | ThisDay

Four retired generals of the Nigerian Army yesterday warned the federal government that Nigeria might cease to exist with over 6.145 million small arms and light weapons (SALW) illegally in circulation nationwide.

Kenya opens rifle factory | 14 April 2021 | Janes

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta formally inaugurated the new Small Arms Factory at the National Security Industries in Ruiru, north of Nairobi, on 8 April, in what he described as the beginning of the country’s plans to become a significant weapons manufacturer.

Why did Turkey transfer U.S.-made M60 battle tanks to Libya? | 14 April 2021 | Ahval News

Recently released images confirmed what has been known for some time, that Turkey has transferred a small number of its M60 Patton main battle tanks (MBTs) to Libya.

Nigerian Army punishes journalist for asking questions on arms procurement | 3 April 2021 | ICIR

The Nigerian Army has punished a senior journalist Amadin Uyi for asking questions on how it spent allocations on armaments and other logistics for the prosecution of war against insurgency and related security threats facing the nation between 2015 and 2019.

M60 tanks transferred to Libya | 31 March 2021 | Janes

Photographs released by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence (MSB) appear to show it has supplied US-made M60 tanks to the forces that were loyal to Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), which has now been superseded by the Government of National Unity that was endorsed on 10 March in key milestone for the country’s peace process.

Nigerian military receives tanks, artillery from China | 25 March 2021 | Vanguard (Nigeria)

Nigeria’s military has taken delivery of VT-4 main battle tanks, SH-5 self-propelled howitzers and other equipment from China in an effort to strengthen its land forces in the battle against Boko Haram militants.

First of 3 Pakistani JF-17 Jets Arrive in Nigeria | 24 March 2021 | DefenseWorld

An Il-76 transport plane belonging to the Pakistan Air Force arrived at the Nigerian Air Force’s 21st Makurdi Air Base loaded with a JF-17 fighter jet.

Morocco secretly received weapons from Israel years before normalisation | 20 March 2021 | Middle East Monitor

Les accords d’armement que le Maroc et Israël ne veulent pas que vous connaissiez | 20 March 2021 | Haaretz | Maghreb Online

A Hebrew newspaper shed light on “secret military relations” between Morocco and Israel, which started many years before signing the normalisation agreement in December 2020.

Algeria has ordered 300 Russian-made BMPT-72 Terminator 2 fire support armored vehicles | 20 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to information published by the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute ) arms trade database 2020, Algeria has ordered 300 BMPT-72 Terminator 2 tracked armored fire support vehicles from Russia.

ARQUUS from France to deliver 300 VLRA 4×4 light tactical vehicles to Morocco | 19 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to information announced by the French Company ARQUUS during a press conference on March 10, 2021, ARQUUS will deliver 300 latest generations of VLRA (Véhicule de Liaison de Reconnaissance et d’Appui / Liaison, Reconnaissance and Support Vehicle), also called VLRA 2, 4×4 all-terrain multirole tactical to the Moroccan armed forces.

Sudanese military company to give up its civilian operations | 18 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

One of Sudan’s biggest military firms has agreed to gradually hand over its civilian operations to the finance ministry, with the goal of eventually converting it to a public shareholding company, the information minister said on Wednesday.

UN Report Documents Mass Violations of Libya Arms Embargo | 18 March 2021 | Associated Press

Letter dated 8 March 2021 from the Panel of Experts on Libya established pursuant to resolution 1973 (2011) addressed to the President of the Security Council (pdf) | 8 March 2021 | UN Security Council

A U.N. report has sketched a grim picture of conflict-wrecked Libya, accusing several foreign governments of turning the oil-rich country into a stage to play out rivalries and ignoring U.N. sanctions and a decade-long arms embargo.

Unnamed African country orders 100 DongFeng vehicles | 18 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

An undisclosed African country in 2020 ordered 100 DongFeng Warrior armoured vehicles from China.

NDIC updates Parliament on initiatives to support the defence industry | 16 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

The National Defence Industry Council (NDIC) has updated Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) on its initiatives, from small arms manufacturing to alternative funding models, that will help the struggling South African defence industry.

Series of explosions hits military barracks in Equatorial Guinea | 7 March 2021 | France24

At least 20 people were killed and hundreds injured after four accidental explosions ripped through a military camp in Equatorial Guinea and obliterated neighbouring residential areas.

Gazelles delivered to Mozambican Air Force | 5 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

Two Gazelle helicopters, apparently supplied by Paramount Group, have been observed to have joined the Mozambican Air Force as efforts to fight the Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado continue. It is understood that the Gazelles form part of a larger number of helicopter platforms provided by Paramount to the Mozambican government.

Jied Aouij, un marchand d’armes tunisien | 5 March 2021 | Realites

Jied Aouij, analyste militaire et conseiller en sécurité et défense des Etats et directeur général de Femco ltd (Fournitures équipements militaires company) est un marchand d’armes agréé par l’Etat tunisien.

Kenyan AW139s delivered | 5 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

The Kenya Air Force has taken delivery of three new AW139 helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters after a 2018 order.

EU trains military, police, others on border security | 4 March 2021 | Punch (Nigeria)

The European Union through its ECOWAS commission partners and the leadership Initiative for Trañsformation and Empowerment has organised capacity training for Nigeria military, police and paramilitary agencies.

Russia’s Wagner Group’s presence in Africa goes beyond Libya | 4 March 2021 | Daily Sabah

Known for its heavy presence in war-torn Libya, the Russian security company Wagner Group is reportedly expanding throughout the African continent, meddling in conflicts and working in favor of the Kremlin’s interests.

Tanzanian army parades with Russian-made 9K32 Strela-2 man-portable air-defense systems | 4 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

On March 9, 2009 the land force command of the Tanzanian army was officially created by then president Jakaya Kikwete. The Land force command was separated from the Army and an official commander was appointed to run the operations of the Land Forces.

South Africa’s role in Yemeni civil conflict’s humanitarian crisis | 3 March 2021 | Daily Maverick

Weapons produced in South Africa are awash in Yemen and being used by numerous parties in that war, says a report by Open Secrets.

Erik Prince and the Failed Plot to Arm a CIA Asset-Turned-Warlord in Libya | 26 February 2021 | The Intercept

In 2019, Erik Prince, the founder of the notorious mercenary firm Blackwater and a prominent Donald Trump supporter, aided a plot to move U.S.-made attack helicopters, weapons, and other military equipment from Jordan to a renegade commander fighting for control of war-torn Libya.

AMERICAS

US DOE awards $19m to fund projects to boost rare earth minerals production | 30 April 2021 | Mining Technology

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $19m to fund the development of 13 projects to produce rare earth elements and critical minerals essential in the manufacture of batteries and magnets.

Blinken says Turkey, others, should refrain from new purchases of Russian weapons | 28 April 2021 | Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Turkey and all U.S. allies on Wednesday should refrain from making further purchases of Russian weaponry, threatening the possibility of more sanctions.

Lockheed Martin awarded modification contract to supply M270A2 MLRS to US Army | 28 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The U.S. Department of Defense on April 27 announced that Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $214,708,838 modification to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0077 for the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Iveco Defence Vehicles delivers first LMV-BR armored vehicle to Brazilian army | 28 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

On April 27, in accordance with the contract signed in 2019, the first of 32 LMV-BR armored vehicles has been delivered to the Brazilian Army during a ceremony held at Iveco Defence Vehicles’ plant in Sete Lagoas (MG). The event was attended by representatives of the company and of the Brazilian Army. The remaining 31 units of this lot will be delivered by 2022 as part of the Army modernization process.

I Grew Up on Guns. Now I’ve Learned to Love Firearm Control | 25 April 2021 | Bloomberg

One evening in 2008, I attended a Republican rally in Kansas, with an address by vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Because I am very tall and somehow visibly un-American, I was quizzed by neighbors in the crowd. One of them asked me defiantly, though not offensively: “What do people like you not like about people like us? Is it that we’re Christians? Is it that we’re White? Is it that we do guns?”

Selling Arms To The UAE Is Not In U.S. Security Interests | 23 April 2021 | Forbes

The Biden administration’s decision to approve a $23 billion package of F-35 combat aircraft, MQ-9 armed drones, and $10 billion in bombs and missiles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) contradicts its pledge to make human rights and long-term U.S. interests the central factors in deciding which nations to supply with U.S. arms. The UAE is an unreliable partner that has fueled conflict, transferred U.S.-supplied weapons to extremist groups, and inflicted severe human rights abuses on its own population.

Boeing Secures Saudi’s $437M Apache Helicopter Deal | 21 April 2021 | DefenseWorld

The U.S. Army today awarded Boeing a contract worth approximately $437 million for full-rate production of AH-64E Apache helicopters for Saudi Arabia.

Senators Menendez, Feinstein Introduce Secure F-35 Exports Act | 16 April 2021 | US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced the Secure F-35 Exports Act of 2021, legislation to reassert Congressional oversight over the sale of sophisticated and mission-critical American military systems. The legislation comes on the heels of the Biden administration’s reported decision to proceed with the sale of $23 billion in weapon sales including the F-35 aircraft to the United Arab Emirates, a deal that was originally rushed through by the Trump administration.

Northrop Grumman shareholders to vote on human rights proposal | 15 April 2021 | Corporate Secretary

Northrop Grumman shareholders will vote next month on a proposal seeking information about the aerospace and defense company’s human rights impact. The measure is brought by Sisters of St Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey and the School Sisters of Notre Dame Cooperative Investment Fund. It will be offered for approval at the May 19 AGM and requests that the company publish a report ‘with the results of human rights impact assessments examining the actual and potential human rights impacts associated with high-risk products and services, including those in conflict-affected areas.’

U.S. lawmakers to ‘review’ UAE arms sale after Biden opts to go ahead | 15 April 2021 | Reuters

The Democratic chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Wednesday he and other lawmakers were concerned about the Biden administration’s decision to go ahead with a weapons sale to the United Arab Emirates and would review the transactions.

US Resuming Arms Sales to UAE is Disastrous | 15 April 2021 | HRW

United States President Joe Biden called in early February for “ending all American support for offensive operations in Yemen, including relevant arms sales.” At the time, I, like many human rights advocates who have been documenting abuses committed during the armed conflict in Yemen, thought we were finally moving in the right direction after years of work. But now, after a review of arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Biden administration has backed out of its pledge, announcing it will resume the proposed arms deal with the UAE, a party to the conflict in Yemen.

U.S. sanctions do not promote human rights, they violate them | 15 April 2021 | WhitmanWire

For many, United States sanctions are falsely considered to be forms of nonviolent diplomacy used in the name of protecting human rights. They are posited and instituted as purely economic solutions and “diplomatic support” instead of the use of violent military intervention, making them increasingly popular to the public and politicians on both sides of the aisle.

Bell begins AH-1Z build for Bahrain | 14 April 2021 | Janes

Bell has begun assembly of the first of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Bahrain ahead of the commencement of customer deliveries later this year.

Lockheed Martin to supply 12 MH-60R helicopters to South Korean navy | 13 April 2021 | Janes

Lockheed Martin has secured a USD447.2 million contract for the production of 12 MH-60R Seahawk multirole naval helicopters for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).

Ottawa cancels 29 military export permits for Turkey after finding Canadian-made gear diverted to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict | 12 April 2021 | The Globe & Mail

The federal government is cancelling 29 permits for exports of military goods to Turkey, saying an investigation revealed that made-in-Canada airstrike-targeting gear shipped to the Eurasian country was illegally diverted to the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Biden administration slaps export controls on Chinese firms for aiding PLA weapons development | 9 April 2021 | Washington Post

The Biden administration placed seven Chinese firms and government labs under U.S. export controls Thursday for their involvement in China’s effort to build supercomputers that help develop nuclear and other advanced military weapons.

What are ‘ghost guns’ and why is Biden targeting them? | 8 April 2021 | Washington Examiner

President Joe Biden took executive action Thursday against a new type of firearm that both its proponents and critics say completely transforms the Second Amendment.

A Primer on Canadian Sanctions Legislation – April 2021 | 8 April 2021 | Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP | JD Supra

Canada, like other major jurisdictions, has a broad range of economic and financial sanctions targeting foreign states and their nationals, as well as various terrorist organizations.

A Primer on U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls | 5 April 2021 | Braumiller Law Group, PLLC

The regulatory landscape for U.S. sanctions and export controls is complex and ever shifting. Because we are constantly keeping an eye on this moving target, it can be easy to overlook certain fundamental considerations with respect to these restrictions.

BIS Rule on Military Intelligence End User Restrictions Becomes Effective Despite White House Regulatory Review | 2 April 2021 | Crowell & Moring LLP

On January 15, 2021, in the final days of the Trump Administration, BIS published an Interim Final Rule, Expansion of Certain End-Use and End-User Controls and Controls on Specific Activities of U.S. Persons, also referred to as the Military Intelligence End User rule (“MIEU Rule”). It was set to be effective March 16, 2021 but there were public indications from BIS that the rule might not go into effect as originally planned due to the 60-day “regulatory freeze,” which is common when there is an administration transition. However, on March 17 BIS announced a correction to the MIEU Rule, including that it became effective on March 16, 2021.

US Army issues major GMLRS contract | 25 March 2021 | Shephard Media

The US Army has placed a major order with sole bidder Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket pods. Work on the $2.77 billion contract from US Army Contracting Command should be completed by 31 October 2024.

Treasury Sanctions Military Holding Companies in Burma | 25 March 2021 | U.S. Department of the Treasury

Burma Sanctions Reach the Military-Industrial Complex (pdf) | 30 March 2021 | Jenner & Block

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two military holding companies, Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation Limited (MEC). The Burmese military controls significant segments of the country’s economy through these holding firms, which enjoy a privileged position in the Burmese economy. The companies dominate certain sectors of the economy, including trading, natural resources, alcohol, cigarettes, and consumer goods. These sanctions specifically target the economic resources of Burma’s military regime, which is responsible for the overthrow of Burma’s democratically elected government and the ongoing repression of the Burmese people. These sanctions are not directed at the people of Burma.

Sleeper Trump Rule on ‘Military-Intelligence End Uses or Users’ Goes Into Effect | 17 March 2021 | Arent Fox | JD Supra

In an interim rule published on, January 15, 2020, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), introduced expansive changes to General Prohibition 7 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by including new controls on military-intelligence end uses and users, making the already tricky process of conducting business with foreign entities that much more complicated.

OFAC Issues Clarifying Guidance on Communist Chinese Military Companies Sanctions | 11 March 2021 | customsandinternationaltradelaw.com

On November 12, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13959 (“EO 13959”), Addressing the Threat from Securities Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies. EO 13959 prohibits U.S. investors from purchasing or investing in securities of companies identified by the U.S. government as Communist Chinese military companies (“CCMCs”), a designation determined by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The Pentagon Wants To Arm Drones With Non-Lethal Lasers And Microwave Cannon | 8 March 2021 | Forbes

The U.S. military wants to arm small drones and manned vehicles with non-lethal weapons. These devices would include exotic non-lethal gear, including directed energy weapons such as low-powered lasers and microwave beams, as well as more familiar weapons such as stun grenades and stink bombs.

This Is How the Biggest Arms Manufacturers Steer Millions to Influence US Policy | 7 March 2021 | Military.com

Five of the nation’s biggest defense contractors — Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies and General Dynamics — spent a combined $60 million in 2020 to influence policy, according to a new report from the Center for Responsive Politics.

U.S. Imposes New ITAR/EAR Export Control Restrictions and OFAC Sanctions on Russia | 5 March 2021 | IceMiller LLP

On March 2, 2021, the U.S. announced new sanctions on Russia over the 2020 poisoning and imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The U.S. government’s primary export regulators—the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) at the State Department, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the Commerce Department, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the Treasury Department—imposed the new restrictions, which U.S. persons doing business connected with Russia should incorporate into their compliance and business planning going forward. The sanctions and export restrictions are focused particularly on individuals and entities associated with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Tie US Arms Exports to Values, Pentagon Policy Chief Nominee Says | 4 March 2021 | DefenseOne

A foreign government’s values should figure into any U.S. decision to send it weapons, President Joe Biden’s pick to oversee defense policy issues at the Pentagon told lawmakers Thursday.

Edmond Man Convicted of Smuggling Firearms to The Middle East is Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison | 4 March 2021 | U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Oklahoma

Today, Randy Lew Williams, 58, of Edmond, was sentenced to serve more than three years in federal prison for illegally shipping firearms to the Middle East, in addition to two other firearms violations, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

Free Trade Zones are havens for illicit trade | 2 March 2021 | Trinidad Express

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) Illicit Trade Desk views this country’s Free Trade Zones as a double-edged sword acknowledging that while it supports a myriad of trade activities, it can have devastating effects when these zones are used for criminal purposes.

US announces $125 million in military aid for Ukraine | 1 March 2021 | DefenseNews

The Pentagon announced Monday a $125 million military aid package for Ukraine, the first of its kind under the Biden administration.

U.S. Arms Sales Under Review | March 2021 | Arms Control Today

In a significant reversal from the Trump administration, President Joe Biden said that the United States would end its support for “offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arms sales.” His announcement came a week after Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that the administration was pausing recent arms sales in order to review them, putting in question the fate of billions of dollars of Trump-era deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ASIA

Bahrain quietly launches offset policy | 29 April 2021 | Janes

Bahrain is the latest country in the Gulf region to launch a defence offset policy. Known as the BDF Economic Programme, the new policy aims to support economic development in the Kingdom via the procurements of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF).

Italian-made Centauro 105mm fire support 8×8 armored vehicle officially enters into service with Jordan army | 26 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to pictures released on the Facebook account of the Jordanian armed forces, the Italian-made Centauro 8×8 105mm anti-tank armored vehicle is now fully operational with the Jordanian army. In November 2018, the Spanish company SDLE (Star Defence Logistics & Engineering) has won a multi-million Euros contract for the reactivation, maintenance and modernization of 80 first-generation Centauro Cavalry Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Royal Jordanian Army.

China’s surprising drone sales in the Middle East | 23 April 2021 | Defense News

The Biden administration plans to move forward with $23 billion in weapons sales to the United Arab Emirates, according to press reports published last week. The sales include F-35 aircraft, MQ-9B armed drones, and other equipment.

Myanmar Junta Imported $15M Worth of Russian Radar Equipment in February | 21 April 2021 | The Moscow Times

The Myanmar military regime imported $14.7 million in radar equipment in February, Russian customs data seen by The Moscow Times.

Aselsan delivers new modernized 35mm air defense gun systems to Turkish army | 21 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to a Tweet published by the Turkish Defense Association (SSB), the Turkish armed forces continue to take delivery of the modernized version of 35mm towed air defense system mounted on a four wheels trailer.

Military exports to Indonesia strain NZ’s human rights record | 16 April 2021 | Radio New Zealand

As further details emerge about New Zealand’s military exports, questions are growing about the country’s role as a defender of human rights. After a recent spotlight on military goods sent to Saudi Arabia, information is coming to light about New Zealand’s exports to Indonesia’s military forces which are engaged in a long-running conflict in West Papua.

Indian Army seeks active protection systems for its T-90S/SK MBTs | 16 April 2021 | Janes

The Indian Army (IA) has invited responses from local vendors by 12 May regarding the supply of 818 modular active protection systems (APSs) to enhance the survivability of its T-90S/SK ‘Bhishma’ main battle tanks (MBTs).

UAE-based company Streit Group unveils four new tracked and wheeled armored vehicles | 16 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

During IDEX 2021, land defense exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, the UAE-based company Streit unveils new tracked and wheeled combat vehicles including the Storm electrically powered amphibious tracked vehicle and three 4×4 MRAP Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, Dhabi, Condor, and NISR.

KDB agrees sale of Hanjin Heavy Industries | 16 April 2021 | Janes

The Korea Development Bank (KDB) has reached a deal to sell off its controlling stake in Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC), one of the country’s most prominent naval shipbuilders.

EU agrees to sanction two companies close to Myanmar military, diplomats say | 15 April 2021 | Reuters

The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on another 10 individuals linked to the Feb. 1 coup in Myanmar and to target two businesses run by the armed forces for the first time in protest at the military takeover, two diplomats said.

Russian AK-12 assault rifles in service with Qatar armed forces | 14 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Qatar’s acquisition of the Russian-made AK-12 assault rifle remains largely unreported, and imagery indicating their presence outside military parades so far appears to be nonexistent, Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans report on Oryx.

Indonesia receives first batch of Chinese-made AR-2 missiles for its CH-4 UAVs | 13 April 2021 | Janes

The Indonesian military has received its first batch of Chinese-made AR-2 air-to-surface, precision-guided missiles.

South Korea signs for MH-60R helos | 13 April 2021 | Janes

South Korea has signed for 12 MH-60R Seahawk ASW helicopters, having selected the type for its MOH Batch II requirement in December 2020. (US Navy) Announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on 12 April, the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract is for the second phase of South Korea’s maritime ASW helicopter procurement programme.

Adani Ports to be removed from S&P index due to business links with Myanmar military | 13 April 2021 | Reuters

S&P Dow Jones Indices said it is removing India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd from its sustainability index due to the firm’s business ties with Myanmar’s military which is accused of human rights abuses after a coup this year.

New Zealand military export control review to be led by former MBIE head David Smol | 12 April 2021 | Radio New Zealand

Export Controls Framework Review – Terms of Reference | 12 April 2021 | New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade

A former government official has been tasked with reviewing New Zealand’s military exports controls regime. The review was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) after TVNZ reported an Air New Zealand unit was carrying out repair work on planes for the Royal Saudi Navy.

Human rights advocates concerned after MFAT gave green light to military exports to countries on UN blacklist | 12 April 2021 | 1 News | TV New Zealand

New Zealand companies have been allowed to export military equipment to countries blacklisted by the United Nations for killing children.

Turkey calls on Canada to review defence industry restrictions | 12 April 2021 | Reuters

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged NATO ally Canada on Monday to review defence industry restrictions which it imposed on Ankara last year.

The Rise and Rise of Turkish Drone Technology | 11 April 2021 | BESA

As recently as the early 2000s, Turkey was dependent on Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) in its asymmetric warfare with Kurdish rebels fighting for autonomy or independence in parts of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. When the country set out to design, develop, and produce its first indigenous drone, the Anka, technological snags beset the program.

NZ companies exporting military equipment to countries accused of human rights violations | 9 April 2021 | 1News

1 NEWS has obtained a list of export control permits for weapons and military technology, approved by our Foreign Affairs Ministry. Among the 41 countries and territories on the list are: China, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Indonesia, UAE, Turkey, Philippines and Jordan.

South-Korean Chunmoo K239 MLRS rockets/missile launcher to enter in service with UAE | 8 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to a contract released at the Day 3 of IDEX, International Land Defense Exhibition that was held in Abu Dhabi, on February 2021, UAE (United Arab Emirates) will acquire an undisclosed number of Chunmoo multi-caliber MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) manufactured by South Korean company Hanwha Defense as well as guided, unguided rockets and missiles.

Illegal firearms manufacturing factory busted in Firozabad | 6 April 2021 | Times of India

Ahead of the Panchayat elections, two people were arrested for allegedly running an illegal firearms factory at a dilapidated building under Sirsaganj police station of Firozabad district.

Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system enters in service with Myanmar army | 6 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Arms Trade Database, in 2020, Russia has delivered Pantsir-S1 missile/gun mobile air defense systems to Myanmar. There is no information about the number of systems that have been delivered.

Tata Advanced Systems acquires Tata Motors’ defence business | 6 April 2021 | Janes

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has concluded its acquisition of Tata Motors’ defence business, the latter firm has announced on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Royal Thai Army receives three more Mi-17V-5 helicopters from Russia | 6 April 2021 | Janes

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has received three more Russian-made Mil Mi-17V-5 ‘Hip-H’ medium transport helicopters, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand announced via social media on 1 April.

Tawazun approves a major offset program, Strata to supply aircraft components to Pilatus Aircraft | 5 April 2021 | AJOT

Tawazun Economic Council and Swiss-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd have entered into an offset agreement under which, Strata Manufacturing (Strata), the advanced composite aero structures manufacturing company wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, will add a further three composite work packages for the PC-24 aircraft models by the beginning of 2021.

China graft watchdog probes Norinco Group ex-chairman Yin Jiaxu | 4 April 2021 | DevDiscourse

Corruption in China: ex-boss of arms company Norinco placed under investigation | 4 April 2021 | South China Morning Post

China’s top anti-graft watchdog said on Sunday a former chairman and head of the Communist Party at state defense giant China North Industries Group Co (Norinco Group) is under investigation for suspected, undisclosed disciplinary violations.

Russian BRDM-2MS 4×4 modernized armored vehicles in service with Myanmar army | 4 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The Russian-made BRDM-2MS was showcased for the first time on March 27, 2021, during a military parade celebrating Myanmar Armed Forces Day. According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Arms Trade Database, Myanmar has purchase from Russia an undisclosed number of modernized BRDM-2, 4×4 reconnaissance armored vehicles in BRDM-2MS configuration that were delivered in 2019.

Elbit Systems acquires guidance systems-focused firm in $31M deal | 2 April 2021 | Defence-blog

Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems said it has acquired the high-end GPS receivers and guidance systems business of BAE Systems Rokar International Ltd.

China’s Expanding Economic Sanctions Regime | 31 March 2021 | DLA Piper

On March 22, 2021, the European Union (EU) and the governments of the US, Canada, and the UK concurrently imposed sanctions on individual Chinese officials and a Chinese entity based on findings of human rights violations in Xinjiang.

Indian billionaire funding Myanmar military-owned firm sanctioned by US | 31 March 2021 | Associated Press of Pakistan

In a shocking revelations, two human rights groups alleged that Indian business magnate Gautam Adani paid around $52 million to Myanmar Economic Corporation – a Myanmar-military owned company, sanctioned by the United States and other western powers for human rights abuses.

Ukrainians held hostage by PKK militants in Iraqi Kurdistan over arms trafficking scam | 30 March 2021 | al-Monitor

Al-Monitor sheds light on how two Ukrainian men were taken hostage by a Kurdish militant group that was scammed by Ukrainian crooks in a million dollar plus arms trafficking deal.

MFAT approved military equipment export permits to UAE Land Forces | 30 March 2021 | Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) approved export permits for military equipment that was sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key partner in Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in Yemen, in 2018 and 2019.

Tokyo urged to increasingly focus on high-power microwave- and laser-based weapons | 29 March 2021 | Janes

The Japan Ministry of Defense’s (MoD’s) National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) has urged Tokyo to increasingly focus on the development of advanced military technologies such as high-power microwave- and laser-based weapon systems to help counter the growing missile threat posed by neighbouring countries.

Republic of Singapore Air Force receives its first H225M helicopter | 29 March 2021 | Janes

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has taken delivery of its first Airbus Helicopters H225M medium-lift rotorcraft.

First public appearance of Chinese VT4 tank during military parade in Pakistan | 29 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The first public appearance of the Chinese VT4 main battle tank during the annual military parade in Pakistan that was held in Karachi on March 25, 2021. In 2019, Pakistan has selected the VT4 in the framework of the acquisition program of at least 100 new MBTs.

NIMR Ajban Mk 2 new generation of UAE-made 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle | 26 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The UAE-based company NIMR, a subdivision of EDGE, a cluster of Defense and Security industries from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), unveils the second generation of its UAE-made Ajban 4×4 protected patrol vehicle under the name of Ajban Mk 2.

Sikorsky to Build 25 Black Hawk Helicopters for Saudi Arabia | 26 March 2021 | DefenseWorld.net

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has won a $100 million contract to build 25 Black Hawk helicopters for Saudi Arabia.

Indian Defence orders 1300 Mahindra LSV Light Specialist Vehicles | 23 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Indian Defence orders 1,300 light specialist vehicles (LSVs) from Mahindra Defence in a contract worth RS1056 crore. While Mahindra and Mahindra is a renowned passenger car manufacturer that offers well-sorted SUVs and MPVs, the company also builds products for use by India’s defence forces.

Indian army to get Kalyani M4 multi-purpose armored vehicles | 22 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Kalyani M4 is a multi-purpose armored vehicle, built for transporting troops in high altitude regions and harsh terrains, Kshitij Rawat reports on WaadiGaadi.com. In February, the Indian Army had placed emergency orders for M4s. The vehicles will be built by Pune-based Bharat Forge (of the Kalyani Group), in partnership with Paramount Group (South Africa) whose Mbombe 4 has been adapted to Indian requirements.

Indian army to get 4,960 additional MILAN-2T anti-tank guided missiles | 22 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The Indian Defence Ministry on March 19 signed a RS1,188 crore deal with state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of 4,960 MILAN-2T Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) for the Indian Army. This order is a repeat of the one signed with BDL in March 2016.

Israel said to have accounted for 69% of Azerbaijan’s arms imports in 2020 | 21 March 2021 | IsraelDefense.co.il

Israel’s arms exports made up 3.0% of the overall arms sales worldwide in the years 2016-2020 and were 59% higher compared to those in the years 2011-2015. Israel accounted for 69% of the arms imports of Azerbaijan. Israeli companies are currently considering arms sales to Middle Eastern countries that until now had been closed to them, according to Sweden’s Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) whose annual report was published this week.

FNSS starts production of Pars Izci armored personnel carrier | 19 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Turkey has begun production of the new Pars İzci amphibious armored personnel carrier, with the first vehicles entering the army in 2022, Anadolu news agency reports. The contract for the development and production of armored vehicles was concluded between the Turkish Defense Industry Authority and FNSS as part of the 14th International Defense Industry Exhibition IDEF-2019. The first stage of the project involved the development of five different vehicle configurations and the production of a total of 100 vehicles.

Thailand, China progress plan to establish joint MRO facility | 18 March 2021 | Janes

Thailand and China are progressing plans to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility that would support the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ expanding inventories of Chinese-produced military equipment.

Can European arms companies be held liable for war crimes in Yemen? | 18 March 2021 | The New Arab

On the night of 8 October, 2016, four bombs hit the rural village of Deir Al-Hajari in northwest Yemen. The first and third struck the home of a father, his pregnant wife and their four children, killing them all as they lay sleeping. Relatives found their bodies in surrounding trees, expelled by the force of the explosion.

Royal Thai Army inducts NORINCO VN-1 IFV with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment | 15 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

According to a Bangkok Post newspaper of June 2017, the government of Thailand planned to purchase 34 wheeled armored vehicles VN-1 from China for an amount of 2.3 billion baht ($2.57 million). The plan included also the purchase of S26T Yuan-class submarine from China worth 13.5 billion baht (around $15 million) which would be included in the army’s fiscal budget for 2017-2021. The purchase request for Chinese-made VN-1 armored vehicles was submitted to the Defence Ministry, which forwarded it to the cabinet for approval.

Myanmar army still uses BRDM-2MS armored reconnaissance vehicles | 15 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

A picture published on ipbhost.com on February 2, 2021, shows that Tatmadaw (name of the Myanmar army) still uses Soviet-era BRDM-2MS. The BRDM-2 (literally “Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicle”) is an amphibious armored patrol vehicle used by Russia and the former Soviet Union. It was also known under the designations BTR-40PB, BTR-40P-2 and GAZ 41-08.

U.S. Imposes Sanctions Measures Targeting Myanmar Military Government | 11 March 2021 | Global Trade Law Blog | Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the country’s democratically elected government and installed an army general as head of state, with a cadre of military officials and their allies running the government.

India confirms 44 defence joint ventures | 11 March 2021 | Janes

Foreign companies in India have formed more than 40 defence joint ventures (JVs) with local firms, India’s Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik has confirmed in parliament.

India Exporting Defence Equipment To More Than 84 Countries | 10 March 2021 | NDTV

Shripad Naik informed that at present defence items from India are being exported to more than 84 countries but the “names of the countries cannot be divulged due to strategic reasons”.

Turkey secures engine for home-built battle tank | 9 March 2021 | Ahval

Top Turkish defence company BMC has signed deals with two South Korean companies for the manufacture of key parts for Turkey’s indigenous Altay tank that is in the development phase, Burak Bekdil, an analyst and journalist, said in an article for news website Defense News on Tuesday.

Italian Ammunition Used in Myanmar Police Assault on Ambulance Raises Questions | 9 March 2021 | The Irrawaddy

On March 3, in North Okkalapa, Yangon, a CCTV camera caught the Myanmar police forcing the staff from a civil ambulance, after which they fired a shotgun through the windshield of the ambulance and severely beat the ambulance staff. An alert citizen journalist found the spent shotgun shell ejected from the police rifle after the event and held it up to a camera.

China clears HQ-17AE air-defence system for export | 8 March 2021 | Janes

China has cleared for export a variant of the HQ-17A road-mobile, short-range air-defence (SHORAD) system known as the HQ-17AE, according to a 7 March report by the state-owned Global Times newspaper.

With AK-203, Indian Military’s Quest for a New Assault Rifle to Replace INSAS is Almost Over | 5 March 2021 | News18

The AK-203 deal is a noticeable improvement in India’s slow and inefficient defence procurement history. Shunning unrealistic requirements and indecisiveness, India’s defence establishment has finally swung into action and seems determined to efficiently modernise the armed forces.

Malaysia prepares new defence industry policy | 4 March 2021 | Janes

Malaysia is preparing to launch a national defence industry policy to boost efforts towards self-reliance, the country’s defence minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has stated.

Indian Army troops to get Israeli LMGs! More Carbines, Light Machine Guns, and Rifles to be imported | 4 March 2021 | Financial Express

To modernize its infantry and Special Forces, the India Army which is the world’s largest importer of small arms is expected to import Carbines, Light Machine Guns, and Rifles. It is expected to cost around Rs 3500 crore.

Philippines, India line up BrahMos deal | 3 March 2021 | Janes.com

The Philippines and India have signed an agreement to support Manila’s planned acquisition of the Indian-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.

Turkey wants to produce fighter jets and missiles with Pakistan | 2 March 2021 | Geo News

Turkey is looking to co-manufacture missiles and warplanes with Pakistan, with the collaboration likely to pave the way for the country to access Chinese war technology as well.

Myanmar’s Military Deploys Digital Arsenal of Repression in Crackdown | 1 March 2021 | NYT

The generals who staged a coup last month use surveillance drones, iPhone cracking devices and hacking software, some of it from Western countries that bar sales of such technology to Myanmar.

Israel to sell advanced tank defense system to German military | 27 February 2021 | Sofrep

The German and Israeli defense ministries have signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement for the purchase of the Rafael-made Trophy active protection system for the Bundeswehr’s Leopard 2 tanks, the two governments announced via a social media post on Tuesday.

Turkish army to add new indigenous heavy machine gun to inventory | 27 February 2021 | Daily Sabah

A new domestically-produced heavy machine gun has successfully passed all test stages and is now ready for mass production, a defense industry expert said Saturday.

China Enacted the Export Control Law | 25 February 2021 | PerkinsCole LLP

The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China started the multiyear process of enacting a new comprehensive Export Control Law by releasing an initial draft for comment in 2017. Subsequently, following input from stakeholders and the public, two further drafts were released in December 2019 and June 2020, respectively. Ultimately, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress approved the new Export Control Law in final form on October 17, 2020, and it became effective on December 1, 2020.

Milkor UAE unveils automatic grenade launcher at IDEX 2021 | 25 February 2021 | DefenceWeb

Milkor UAE has officially unveiled its automatic grenade launcher (AGL) at IDEX 2021, alongside other products like a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

The Illegal Arms Trade and Israel | 24 February 2021 | World Beyond War

An Israeli documentary film called The Lab was made in 2013. It was shown in Pretoria and Cape Town, Europe, Australia and the US and won numerous awards, even including at the Tel Aviv International Documentary Film Festival.

EUROPE

MoD signs ammunition contracts for mortar cannon, rocket launcher | 29 April 2021 | The First News

Poland’s defence minister penned contracts for the delivery of ammunition for the RAK self-propelled mortar cannon and missiles for the Langusta self-propelled multiple rocket launcher.

Vernietiging 60 ton vuurwapens door ArcelorMittal Belgium (video) | 28 April 2021 | Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen | Youtube

Secret police operation leads to destruction of 20,000 firearms | 29 April 2021 | The Brussels Times

Dankzij een samenwerking tussen de federale en lokale politie, Defensie, de federale dienst van de gouverneur van Oost-Vlaanderen en ArcelorMittal Belgium verdwenen maar liefst 22.457 vuurwapens, goed voor 60 ton, definitief uit onze samenleving. Ze werden nationaal ingezameld en deze week definitief vernietigd en gerecycleerd tot afgewerkte staalproducten. De helft ervan werd verzameld door lokale politiekorpsen uit het hele land. Het zijn voornamelijk wapens die door particulieren vrijwillig werden afgestaan omwille van verschillende redenen, bijvoorbeeld omdat iemand een wapen erft en het niet wenst te houden. De andere helft zijn voormalige dienstwapens van de politie, die ondertussen werden vervangen.

Hensoldt Optronics to provide sight systems for Dutch army Fennek armored vehicles | 28 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Sensor solutions provider Hensoldt has received an order from Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann (KMW) worth nearly 75 million euros to equip the Royal Netherlands Army’s “Fennek” armored reconnaissance vehicles with visual systems. The scope of the order includes 188 BAA II NL observation and reconnaissance systems as well as a number of spare parts.

Neuausrichtung bei Rüstungskonzern Rheinmetall | 27 April 2021 | Bundeswehr-Journal

Die Düsseldorfer Rheinmetall AG treibt die Transformation zum integrierten Technologiekonzern konsequent voran. Eine neue Struktur mit künftig fünf direkt vom Vorstand geführten Divisionen soll dabei die strategische Neuausrichtung des Konzerns unterstützen. Die bisherige organisatorische Trennung in die beiden Rheinmetall-Unternehmensbereich „Automotive“ und „Defence“ soll entfallen sowie die Zwischenholding der Rheinmetall Automotive AG in Neckarsulm aufgelöst und in die Konzernstruktur integriert werden. Vor dem Hintergrund dieser Entwicklung ist offenbar auch der Abschied von Jörg Grotendorst, dem bisherigen Vorstand „Automotive“ der Rheinmetall AG, zu sehen.

Administrative Court rejects RWM Italia’s appeal: licenses for Italian bombs to Yemeni conflict still revoked| 27 April 2021 | Rete Italiano Pace e Disarmo

Judges in Rome recognise the risk of using the devices against civilians and that safeguarding the population is more important than economic returns.

Bundeswehr: US-Firma schaltet sich in Vergabeverfahren für Sturmgewehr ein | 26 April 2021 | RND

Die Bundeswehr stößt bei der Auswahl eines neuen Sturmgewehrs für die Truppe auf weitere juristische Schwierigkeiten. In die wegen Auseinandersetzungen um mögliche Patentverletzungen verzögerte Vergabe hat sich nun auch der US-Hersteller Magpul eingeschaltet. Der Magazinhersteller habe sich mit einem Rechtsanwaltsschreiben an das Bundeswehrbeschaffungsamt BAAINBw gewandt, sagte eine Sprecherin des Verteidigungsministeriums am Montag auf Anfrage.

Switzerland contributes to global arms trade boom | 26 April 2021 | SwissInfo

Global military expenditure hit record levels last year, with governments shelling out nearly $2 trillion (CHF1.8 trillion). Switzerland was the 14th biggest exporter of weapons, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The billions invested by big business in nuclear arms | 25 April 2021 | The National

Three major Scottish financial institutions – NatWest Group, Lloyds Banking Group and Standard Life Aberdeen – invested a total of £7 billion in nuclear weapons over a two-year period.

High court to hear legal battle over UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia | 22 April 2021 | The Guardian

Anti-arms trade campaigners have been given permission to challenge in the high court the UK government’s decision to resume the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia that could be used in the war in Yemen.

Lithuanian army receives massive gift of M72 LAW antitank weapons from US | 21 April 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced on April 14 that the U.S. donated to Lithuania M72 LAWs (Light Antitank Weapon) which will be used to arm the National Defence Volunteer Force of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. This is not the first time the United States boosts the Lithuanian defence by investing several tens of millions of dollars in its weaponry.

UK export licence value for military customers decreases in 2020 | 20 April 2021 | Janes

The United Kingdom has revealed its overall licensing statistics for 2020, with the total value of Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) for permanent export to military users declining during the year.

UK set to buy 14 new Chinooks for £1.4bn | 20 April 2021 | Army Technology

The UK is close to closing a purchase of 14 new extended-range CH-47 Chinooks from Boeing in a deal worth around £1.4bn.

France orders H225M Caracal helicopters to support Airbus | 19 April 2021 | Janes

French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly announced on 15 April an order for eight H225M Caracal helicopters to support France’s aeronautics industry during a visit to Airbus Helicopters’ plant in Marignane.

Rheinmetall and Northrop to offer future artillery ammunition technology | 19 April 2021 | Army-Technology

Rheinmetall Denel Munition has formalised a ten-year agreement with Northrop Grumman to develop ammunition technology for future artillery operations.

Contrôle des ventes d’armes : l’opacité, une spécificité française | 17 April 2021 | l’Humanité

Contrôle des ventes d’armes : quel rôle pour les parlementaires ? | 14 March 2021 | l’Observatoire des armements

Chargé d’études à l’Observatoire des armements et auteur d’un rapport sur le contrôle des ventes de matériel militaire, Tony Fortin décrypte le retard institutionnel français et montre comment chez nos voisins le travail démocratique progresse.

EXPAL expands 155 mm ammunition family | 16 April 2021 | Janes

Following final firing trials, by mid-2021, Spain’s EXPAL and the Spanish Ministry of Defence (MoD) are expected to have qualified the latest two 155 mm artillery projectiles for the Spanish Army, enabling EXPAL to offer for export a suite of 155 mm artillery projectiles plus the associated fuzes and modular charge systems (MCS).

BAE Systems sold weaponry worth £17.6bn to Saudis during Yemen war | 15 April 2021 | Daily Maverick

The scale of British arms sales to Riyadh rises again amid secrecy over a meeting between BAE and trade minister Liam Fox after the Khashoggi killing. Documents show both the UK trade ministry and BAE sought to keep arming Saudi Arabia in the immediate wake of the dissident’s murder.

Ukrainian Motor Sich to Sell 50% Stake to Turkish Firm | 15 April 2021 | DefenseWorld

Ukrainian jet engine maker Motor Sich wants to sell half of its stakes to a Turkish company. Motor Sich’s engines power Antonov planes, besides “Mi” and “Ka” series of military helicopters used by nearly fifteen countries.

Latvian corruption watchdog terminates ABLV Bank criminal procedure | 14 April 2021 | BNN

Latvian Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has found no proof to the claims from US Department of the Treasury Office Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the top management of ABLV Bank being involved in bribery.

Iveco opens new factory in Romania for high mobility trucks | 14 April 2021 | Defence-blog

Italian industrial and military vehicle manufacturer Iveco announced that it has launched a new final assembly plant in Petresti (Dambovita), Romania.

Strategic export controls: licensing statistics 1 October to 31 December 2020 | 13 April 2021 | UK Department for International Trade

Export control licensing data for 1 October to 31 December 2020.

Belgian companies producing F-35 planes to receive 135 million euros in aid funding | 3 April 2021 | Brussels Times

Belgium’s federal government has decided to set aside 135 million euros in defense credits to finance businesses that will produce horizontal tail planes for US F-35 fighter planes, 34 of which were ordered in 2018, according to multiple sources.

Bundeswehr orders more Spike missiles | 1 April 2021 | Janes

The Bundeswehr has ordered more Mehrrollenfähige, leichte Lenkflugkörper-Systeme (Multirole-capable Light Missile Systems, MELLS), its designation for Spike, from Rafael-Rheinmetall-Diehl joint venture Eurospike, Rheinmetall announced on 29 March. The company said the order was for 666 more missiles and 82 Integrated Command and Launch Units (ICLUs) worth about EUR88 million (USD103 million) for delivery to German infantry and panzergrenadiers (armoured infantry) in 2022–24.

Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnow from Poland to deliver 100 ZU-23-2CP 23m anti-aircraft weapons to foreign customer | 31 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The Polish company Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów SA has announced a new contract signed on March 19, 2021, for the delivery of 100 ZU-23-2CP 23mm anti-aircraft gun for an undisclosed foreign customer. The entire contract is to be concluded by the end of this year.

EU approves 5 billion euro facility to train and equip foreign militaries, with Africa a priority | 31 March 2021 | DefenceWeb

The European Union Council has adopted a decision establishing the European Peace Facility (EPF), an off-budget fund worth approximately €5 billion for the period 2021-2027, to be financed through contributions from EU member states.

German army to replace MG3 with MG5 machine gun | 31 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The MG5 will replace the MG3 as a medium machine gun. The fully automatic weapon enables short and long bursts of fire with a range of up to 1,000 meters.

BGH bestätigt Urteil gegen Heckler & Koch | 30 March 2021 | Der Spiegel

Unwirksame Exportkontrolle | 30 March 2021 | Neues Deutschland

Das Urteil wegen Waffenexporten von Heckler & Koch nach Mexiko ist nach einer Entscheidung des Bundesgerichtshofs nun weitgehend rechtskräftig. Die Rüstungsfirma muss mehr als drei Millionen Euro an den Staat zahlen.

Slovakia to acquire Israeli-made 3D Air Defense Radar Systems | 30 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

On March 25, 2021, the Slovak Minister of Defense has signed an agreement for the purchase of Israeli 3D Air Defense (AD) Radar Systems for the Slovak Armed Forces, for a total amount of €148.2 million.

Bundeswehr contracts Rheinmetall for MELLS antitank guided missiles | 30 March 2021 | ArmyTechnology

Rheinmetall has announced a $103.7m (€88m) contract from Bundeswehr, the unified German Armed Forces, to supply MELLS antitank guided missile system.

Parliament agrees to new EU export rules on dual use items | 25 March 2021 | European Parliament

EP legislative resolution of 25 March 2021 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items | 25 March 2021 | European Parliament

New EU dual use export control rules finally adopted, but leave a lot of room for improvement | 25 March 2021 | AccessNow

Parliament backed the new set of rules for exporting dual use products and technologies, including cyber-surveillance tools.

Elbit Systems Deutschland selected by German Federal Police to supply XACT nv33 Night Vision Goggles | 25 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Elbit Systems Deutschland was selected by the Procurement Office of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, after a competitive tender procedure, to supply XACT nv33 Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for the German Federal Police.

Serbia signs contract to acquire more Yugoimport Lazar 3 8×8 armored vehicles | 23 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

On March 20, 2021, the Serbian Ministry of Defense has announced the signature of a contract with the Serbian defense company Yugoimport for the acquisition of Lazar 3 8×8 armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle).

Arquus proposes Sherpa to replace VBRG armored vehicle of French Gendarmerie | 22 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

For many months already, the French Gendarmerie needs to replace its aging fleet of Berliet VBX-170 VBRG. Arquus proposes its Sherpa fitted with a dozer blade for obstacle clearing.

Arquus comments on 2020 and 2021 deliveries in Africa and Middle East | 18 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

During his March 10 press conference, Emmanuel Levacher, CEO of Arquus, reported that various contracts with African and Middle-Eastern countries were successfully completed in 2020 while other ones will be in 2021.

Guidance – Exporting military or dual-use technology: definitions and scope | 18 March 2021 | UK Department for International Trade

This advice sets out (a) how we define technology, and (b) the scope of the regulations around transferring military or dual-use technology.

Ukraine to buy up to 75 BTR-4 armoured vehicles | 18 March 2021 | Defence-blog

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has signed a new contract with state-owned Kharkiv Morozov Design Bureau (KMDB), part of the UkrOboronProm, for the serial production of an indigenous BTR-4 8×8 armoured fighting vehicle.

Swedish police gets Arquus Fortress Mk2 tactical armored vehicles | 17 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Arquus has sold an undisclosed number of Fortress Mk2 tactical armored vehicles to the Swedish police. No detail about this contract is currently available.

Macedonian army to get various Strykers variants and weaponry from US Government | 17 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on March 16 that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of North Macedonia of Stryker Vehicles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $210 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 16.

Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry suspends procedure to buy armoured combat vehicles | 16 March 2021 | The Sofia Globe

Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry has sent letters to Patria and General Dynamics giving notice that it was terminating the procedure for acquiring armoured combat vehicles for the army, the ministry said in a media statement on March 16.

French Army to receive 90 additional Arquus VBL Ultima armored vehicles in 2021 | 15 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The Ground Force of the French Army is expected to receive 90 VBL Ultima 4×4 light armored tactical reconnaissance vehicles in 2021. Arquus, its manufacturer, will progressively modernize 800 VBLs to the new Ultima standard, which means half of the current fleet.

Contrôle des ventes d’armes : quel rôle pour les parlementaires ? | 14 March 2021 | l’Observatoire des armements

À l’occasion de la sortie du communiqué du Sipri sur les exportations d’armement ce 15 mars, nous publions en partenariat avec la fondation Rosa Luxemburg une nouvelle étude comparative sur le contrôle parlementaire des exportations d’armes en Europe qui tente de répondre à cette question : instaurer davantage de transparence et de démocratie dans le domaine du contrôle des exportations d’armes a-t-il un impact sur les décisions de ventes d’armes ?

Belarus receives first batch of Russian Ataka antitank guided missiles | 12 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

The Belarussian armed forces have received the first batch of 9M120 Ataka antitank guided missiles, the Belarussian Defense Ministry said : “The first batch of Ataka missiles was delivered in the framework of military-technical cooperation with the Russian Federation”. It was earlier reported that Belarus planned to procure antitank Ataka missiles in 2020-2021.

Defenture grows and develops new modular tactical vehicles | 10 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Defenture, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of high-end tactical vehicles for both special forces and light infantry units, welcomes investment company Azur Investment Group as a shareholder. This financial injection enables Defenture to further develop three new modular tactical vehicles.

Northern Ireland: Gun “believed to have been smuggled with the help of British intelligence” implicated in up to 12 murders | 9 March 2021 | Statewatch

An assault rifle linked to a series of murders carried out by loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland between 1988 and 1991 is believed to have been smuggled into the country with the help of British intelligence operatives, according to a recent media report.

Schweizer Waffenexporte um ein Viertel gestiegen | 9 March 2021 | BlueNews

Mit Bewilligung des Bundes wurde im leztzten Jahr Kriegsmaterial im Wert von 901,2 Millionen Franken in 62 Länder ausgeführt; 2019 waren es noch 728 Millionen Franken gewesen. Das Plus von 173,2 Millionen Franken ist insbesondere auf grössere Geschäfte mit Dänemark, Indonesien, Botswana und Rumänien zurückzuführen, wie das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (Seco) am Dienstag mitteilte.

Estonian army to receive Carl-Gustaf M4 anti-tank recoilless rifles | 8 March 2021 | Defence-blog

Sweden’s aerospace and defense concern Saab announced on Monday that it has received an order for deliveries of Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition to the Estonian Armed Forces.

Licences d’armes wallonnes pour l’Arabie saoudite suspendues: la CNAPD pour une interdiction définitive | 6 March 2021 | RTBF

Licences d’exportation d’armes et de matériel lié à la défense vers l’Arabie saoudite (pdf) | 5 March 2021 | Conseil d’état

La Coordination Nationale d’Action pour la Paix et la Démocratie (CNAPD), la Ligue des Droits Humains (LDH) et Vredesactie, soutenues par la section belge francophone d’Amnesty International (AIBF), “se réjouissent” de la nouvelle suspension par le Conseil d’État de quatre licences d’exportation d’armes délivrées par la Région wallonne à destination de la Garde nationale saoudienne.

Le Conseil fédéral veut durcir les règles pour les exportations d’armes | 5 March 2021 | SwissInfo

Les critères pour exporter du matériel de guerre devraient être durcis. Le Conseil fédéral recommande de rejeter l’initiative “contre les exportations d’armes dans des pays en proie à la guerre civile”, mais lui oppose un contre-projet indirect.

Bulgaria to cancel $1.74 billion armoured vehicle tender, defence minister says | 5 March 2021 | Reuters

Bulgaria’s defence minister said on Friday he has asked the government to cancel a 1.46 billion euro ($1.74 billion) tender to buy 150 armoured vehicles as offers by the two short-listed bidders far exceeded the estimated budget for the order.

Italian judge extends inquiry into Yemen deaths | 3 March 2021 | The Guardian

A judge in Rome has ordered a six-month extension of an investigation into the alleged involvement of Italian-made weapons in a bombardment that killed a family of six in Yemen.

„System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr“ – die Rolle rückwärts | 2 March 2021 | Bundeswehr-Journal

Als die kleine Thüringer Firma C.G. Haenel im September vergangenen Jahres den Auftrag für ein neues Bundeswehr-Sturmgewehr erhielt, glich diese rüstungspolitische Entscheidung einem Paukenschlag. Denn fest gerechnet worden war damit, dass nach langem Auswahlverfahren schließlich der Bundeswehr-Traditionslieferant Heckler & Koch aus Oberndorf am Neckar den Zuschlag erhalten würde.

FN Herstal announces 5.7x28mm new NATO caliber for pistols and submachine guns | 1 March 2021 | ArmyRecognition

Belgium-based FN Herstal, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of small caliber weapons and ammunition, and integrated weapon systems, announces that the FN-designed 5.7x28mm caliber was recently recognized as a NATO caliber with the NATO STANAG 4509 (standardization agreement).

Greek-Israeli defense ties on path to expansion | 1 March 2021 | Ekathimerini

Ran Kril, executive vice president of Elbit Systems, sees promise in partnership, is confident Kalamata training center will be ‘first class’.

UK slashes aid to Yemen while approving arms sales to Saudi Arabia | 1 March 2021 | Middle East Eye

The UK will halve its foreign aid to Yemen in 2021, in a move that has been widely condemned by politicians and non-governmental organisations.

Classified intelligence information cannot be used against an exporter without granting the right to be heard| March 2021 | MME

In June 2020, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (“SECO”) suspected the Zurich-based company Galika Ltd. of concealing exports that would serve Russia’s armaments. The Swiss authorities committed several procedural errors in the process. The decision of the Federal Administrative Court (“FAC”) of January 11, 2021 (B-4161/2020) is summarised below.

UkrOboronProm starts assembly of new ‘Iroquois’ utility helicopter | 28 February 2021 | Defence-blog

On Friday, the director-general of the Ukraine-based defense company Yuri Gusev said that at the “Odessa Aviation Plant”, which is part of the UkrOboronProm, it is planned to launch licensed production of Bell UH-1 Iroquois class helicopters.

Deutschland braucht endlich ein Rüstungsexportkontrollgesetz! | 26 February 2021 | Pax Christi Deutschland | Presseportal.de

Friedensaktivist*innen der “Aktion Aufschrei – Stoppt den Waffenhandel!” protestierten heute vor dem Deutschen Bundestag in Berlin mit der Kunstaktion “Rüstungsexporte können tödlich sein!” für die Schaffung eines Rüstungsexportkontrollgesetzes.

COVERT OPERATIONS

Reuters, BBC, and Bellingcat participated in covert UK Foreign Office-funded programs to “weaken Russia,” leaked docs reveal | 20 February 2021 | The Grayzone

New leaked documents show Reuters’ and the BBC’s involvement in covert UK FCO programs to effect “attitudinal change” and “weaken the Russian state’s influence,” alongside intel contractors and Bellingcat.

Leaked docs expose massive Syria propaganda operation waged by Western govt contractors and media | 3 September 2020 | The Grayzone

Western government-funded intelligence cutouts trained Syrian opposition leaders, planted stories in media outlets from BBC to Al Jazeera, and ran a cadre of journalists. A trove of leaked documents exposes the propaganda network.