LES TRANSFERTS D’ARMES À L’ÉPREUVE DE LA JUSTICE ET DU COVID-19

La première partie de l’année 2020 a été édifiante en France tant sur le plan des décisions de justice sur les autorisations d’exportations d’armes, que sur le principe de lier la puissance d’un État à la force militaire – à la fois son budget militaire, son potentiel technologique militaire et sa capacité de produire et vendre des armes.

Action Sécurité Éthique Républicaines (ASER), rejoint par six autres ONG, a déposé le 6 février 2020 une requête et mémoire en référé liberté devant le tribunal administratif de Paris afin d’annuler « les autorisations de transit de matériel de guerre (ATMG) et les autorisations de sortie douanières de matériel de guerre vers le cargo «BAHRI YANBU» à partir du port de CHERBOURG à destination de l’Arabie saoudite. Si notre demande a été rejetée et les 18 véhicules blindés légers ARQUUS malheureusement chargés dans le cargo, la juge des référés nous reconnait le droit à agir en justice et note « qu’un lien existe entre de telles autorisations et les souffrances de la population yéménite». Cette référence aux buts du traité sur le commerce des armes (TCA) des Nations Unies, précisés dans son article premier, est une première pour la justice française. Cette rédaction laisse entendre que le gouvernement français, en autorisant des exportations d’armes en direction de la coalition, viole les buts du TCA. Ce point est d’autant plus important que l’ordonnance est envoyée à tous les ministères présents au sein de la Commission interministérielle pour l’étude des exportations de matériels de guerre en charge des décisions d’exportations d’armes. En d’autres termes, tous les fonctionnaires ont maintenant connaissance du risque d’illégalité de leurs décisions d’exportations vers les pays de la coalition dirigée par l’Arabie saoudite et les Émirats arabes unis dans la guerre au Yémen.

Le coronavirus aura quant à lui eu raison des transferts d’armes de la France, à l’arrêt d’après nos informations durant la crise en raison principalement du manque de main d’œuvre, les douanier·es en l’occurence. Plus surprenant encore, le gouvernement français n’a pas jugé bon de réquisitionner la douane pour assurer ces transferts qu’il disait vitaux pour le partenariat stratégique de la France. Les exportations d’armes peuvent donc bien être ralenties et même bloquées sans que cela ne bouleverse ou n’aggrave les conflits à travers la planète prouvant ainsi qu’une mise en œuvre rigoureuse du TCA est non seulement possible mais réaliste.

La crise du Coronavirus presque planétaire n’a pas épargné les pays dont la puissance se confondait avec la force militaire (1). La liste des premiers pays en termes de dépenses militaires (2) ainsi que celle des principaux producteurs d’armes est presque similaire à celle des pays les plus touchés par la pandémie : l’Afrique du sud, l’Algérie, l’Arabie saoudite, la Belgique, le Brésil, la Chine, l’Allemagne, l’Espagne, les États-Unis, la France, la Grande Bretagne, l’Inde, Israël (3), l’Italie, le Japon, la Russie, la Suède, la Turquie (4)…

Un bilan sans appel et riche d’enseignements.

La crise du coronavirus pourrait marquer la fin d’un fourvoiement : la puissance d’un pays ne se mesure pas à sa capacité militaire mais plutôt à son aptitude à mettre en œuvre des droits de l’Homme, dont les droits économiques sociaux et culturels. L’un des indicateurs majeurs de la force d’un pays est la facilité d’accès pour chacun·e de ces citoyen·nes aux soins élémentaires, aux médicaments, aux tests, aux masques… Il est plus important pour la survie de l’humanité d’investir dans la recherche sur les virus, la construction d’hôpitaux et la formation de soignants plutôt que dans des avions de chasse (5).

Pour ASER
Jean Claude Alt, administrateur
Benoît Muracciole, Président

(1) https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budgets_de_la_défense_dans_le_monde une classification du SIPRI qui sous-estime largement le budget de la défense étasunien évalué à plus de 1000 milliards$ par une étude sérieuse de William D Hartung : https://billmoyers.com/story/hidden-costs-defense-budget/
(2) https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budgets_de_la_défense_dans_le_monde une classification du SIPRI qui sous-estime largement le budget de la défense étasunien évalué à plus de 1000 milliards$ par une étude sérieuse de William D Hartung : https://billmoyers.com/story/hidden-costs-defense-budget/
(3) https://www.lemonde.fr/blog/filiu/2020/05/17/coronavirus-soixante-fois-plus-de-morts-en-israel-quen-palestine/
(4) https://fr.statista.com/infographie/20622/carte-des-cas-covid-19-confirmes-par-pays-dans-le-monde/
(5) https://france.attac.org/nos-publications/les-possibles/numero-24-ete-2020/dossier-la-transformation-du-systeme-productif/article/la-centralite-du-militaire-en-france-et-ses-effets-sur-le-systeme-productif-et

GENERAL

Less-Lethal Weapons: Humane Crowd Control Or Tools Of Police Brutality? | 12 June 2020 | WESA
Recent protests of police brutality and systemic oppression have prompted calls to end the use of “less-lethal weapons” to control crowds. On Tuesday, in fact, Allegheny County Council took up a bill that would ban the munitions altogether. But while critics of the weaponry view it as a form of police brutality itself, and point to instances where the tools have caused severe injuries and even death, proponents insist it is humane and necessary.

The Long Arm of American Enforcement: How Companies Without U.S. Operations Can Still Find Themselves Facing U.S. Law and Regulatory Enforcement | 2 June 2020 | Foley & Lardner LLP | JDSupra
Think your company and its employees are beyond the reach of U.S. authorities? Maybe you don’t have U.S. operations there, or your company isn’t publicly traded on a U.S. stock exchange. Perhaps you don’t directly sell or market your products to the U.S. If you think this lack of apparent connection to the U.S will protect you from the long arm of U.S. enforcement authorities, think again.

The Need for and Elements of a New Treaty on Fully Autonomous Weapons | 1 June 2020 | HRW
The rapid evolution of autonomous technology threatens to strip humans of their traditional role in the use of force. Fully autonomous weapons, in particular, would select and engage targets without meaningful human control. Due in large part to their lack of human control, these systems, also known as lethal autonomous weapons systems or “killer robots,” raise a host of legal and ethical concerns.

How the U.N. Can Help Prevent the Spread of Proxy Conflicts | 27 May 2020 | Justsecurity.org
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres presents his annual report to the Security Council today on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. In his report, he cites the work of various ad hoc mechanisms established by the U.N. to investigate violations of the laws of armed conflict. These bodies have informed the work of the Security Council by not only identifying perpetrators of atrocities but also the source of the weapons used in such violations. As the body charged with upholding international peace and security, the Security Council has a responsibility not only to sanction those directly responsible for unlawful conduct in hostilities, but also to cut off support to perpetrators from supplier states, with measures such as arms embargoes.

Trump administration prepares to leave Open Skies Treaty | 21 May 2020 | Defense News
The Trump administration has made a final decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, sources confirmed to Defense News on Thursday.

How States Supporting Armed Proxies Can Reduce Civilian Casualties and Protracted Hostilities | 20 May 2020 | Justsecurity.org
The U.S. Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, was supposed to report to Congress by March 19 on civilian casualties in the armed conflict in Yemen by members of the Saudi-led coalition, which have received weapons and other assistance from the United States. As of May 19, no report has been issued. In fact, the Saudi-led coalition has killed thousands of civilians, in many instances using weapons and other support provided by the United States, in airstrikes that a U.N. Panel of Experts found were “almost certain[ly]” illegal.

U.S. Guidance to Address Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion Practices | 14 May 2020 | Treasury Department
The U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the U.S. Coast Guard are issuing this advisory to provide those engaged or involved in trade in the maritime industry and energy and metals sectors with further information and tools to counter current and emerging trends related to illicit shipping and sanctions evasion. This advisory reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to work with the private sector to prevent sanctions evasion, smuggling, criminal activity, facilitation of terrorist activities, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), with a focus on Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Combined with Annexes A and B, this advisory updates and expands on the North Korea-related shipping advisories OFAC issued on February 23, 2018, and March 21, 2019; the Iran-related shipping advisory OFAC issued on September 4, 2019; and the Syria-related shipping advisories OFAC issued on November 20, 2018, and March 25, 2019. At a later date, OFAC may issue further updates to this advisory, including with respect to the vessel lists that have appeared in previous shipping advisories.

Why No One Ever Really Wins a Proxy War | 11 May 2020 | justsecurity.org
As the world struggles to marshal the resources needed to contain the coronavirus, the need to resolve long-simmering conflicts around the world has become all the more pressing, if for no other reason than the need to re-direct resources to the health crisis and to rebuilding devastated economies.

World Customs Organization Receives Access to INTERPOL’s Firearms Database | 5 May 2020 | Homeland Security Today
INTERPOL has signed an agreement with the World Customs Organization (WCO) granting the global body access to its database on illicit firearms.

INTERNATIONAL LAW / HUMAN RIGHTS

Yemen Heritage at Risk: GIDHR Documents Saudi-led Attacks on Cultural Sites | 6 June 2020 | Al Manar

War Crimes in Yemen: Targeting Cultural and Historical Objects | 3 June 2020 | GIDHR
Yemen’s rich cultural and historical heritage has been exposed to increasing risks with the ongoing strikes by Saudi-led coalition which has been since March 2015 launching a military campaign against the Arab impoverished country.

Tools to Violate International Law: Armed Drones in Germany and the Government’s Legal Position | 22 May 2020 | Opinio Juris
The current German coalition agreement says that the German government “categorically rejects extrajudicial killings, also by drones”. Nevertheless, the German armed forces leased drones that can be armed – yet without the respective weapons. The German government declared that it will employ these drones only in accordance to the law. At the same time, German courts and many German academics have assessed the government’s views on international law in the context in which armed drones are deployed as being unlawful.

ICC latest report to UN Security Council on Libya: Military commanders responsible for crimes committed by their forces | 7 May 2020 | Libya Herald
In her 5 May report on the situation in Libya to the UN Security Council, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, as stipulated by UNSCR 1970 of 2011, Bensouda said that military commanders can be held responsible for crimes committed by their forces and have a duty to prevent such crimes.

AFRICA

Vente d’armes russes en Afrique : la stratégie du long terme | 30 June 2020 | DW
Le vendeur d’armes d’Etat russe Rosoboronexport a annoncé en avril dernier son premier contrat pour approvisionner des bateaux d’assaut dans un pays en Afrique subsaharienne. Le nom du destinataire a été dissimulé. Une certitude : cela marque le premier contrat d’exportation de produits navals finaux de fabrication russe vers cette région depuis les vingt dernières années.

South Africa authorised R500 million in arms exports for first quarter of 2020 | 26 June 2020 | DefenceWeb
The SA National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) approved 137 export permits valued at over R500 million in the first quarter of 2020 and approved the supply of weapons to neighbouring Mozambique.

Mega arms deal with Egyptian regime exposes Italy’s ‘hypocrisy’ on rights abuses, destabilisation of Libya | 23 June 2020 | The New Arab
Italy’s insistence on going ahead with a controversial and potentially illegal mega arms deal with Egypt’s regime is exposing what critics say is Rome’s amoral, racist, and even short-sighted realpolitik. On June 12, despite parliamentary and popular opposition, the Italian government green-lighted the sale of two warships to Egypt for a total of $1.2 billion, one of Italy’s largest arms sales since the second world war.

Arms dealer, sanctions buster John Bredenkamp dies aged 79 | 18 June 2020 | The Zimbabwe Mail
John Bredenkamp, a controversial millionaire businessman who captained the national rugby side before independence has died, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) announced on Thursday. He was 79.

Ukrainian-made BTR-4E 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier vehicle in service with Nigeria army | 13 June 2020 | Army Recognition
The Ukrainian-made BTR-4E 8×8 wheeled armored APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) vehicles in service with the Nigerian army, several pictures were released on the Internet showing Nigerian soldiers using BTR-4E during combat operations. According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Arms Transfers Database, Ukraine has delivered 10 BTR-4 to Nigeria in 2014.

Teddy Bear Bomb in Libya Linked to Serbian Arms Violations | 10 June 2020 | BalkanInsight
An improvised bomb found last week strapped to a teddy bear in the Libyan capital featured a mortar shell produced last year in Serbia. Despite an arms embargo, Serbian weapons are still finding their way to the North African country.

Libya: UN report reveals Haftar’s botched mercenary plan | 10 June 2020 | The Africa Report
A UN report reveals the background operation used by Haftar to recruit mercenaries in his quest to emerge victorious in Libya’s never ending war. The report also highlights the obscure financing channels.

Breaking terrorism supply chains in West Africa | 8 June 2020 | DefenceWeb
Last month Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire jointly conducted Operation Comoé along their borders. They captured 38 suspected terrorists, killed eight, and dismantled training camps. The operation reflects growing concern in these and other West African coastal states about a spillover of violent extremism and the need to prevent attacks from being staged in their territories.

Air, Land Bridge to Transport Syrian Fighters from Turkey to Libya | 6 June 2020 | Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed for the first time in February that Ankara has sent allied Syrian fighters to Libya alongside its own training teams to bolster the militias backing the Government of National Accord in Tripoli.

Le Maroc n’est plus un client fidèle de l’industrie militaire française | 6 June 2020 | yabiladi.com
Le Maroc n’est plus classé parmi les clients fidèles de l’industrie militaire française. Il est même dépassé par l’Algérie, ces trois dernières années. En témoigne le tout récent rapport des exportations françaises d’armement, remis au Parlement.

Mali’s armed forces receiving 53 vehicles from Algeria | 4 June 2020 | DefenceWeb
Mali’s armed forces (FAMA) have received the first batch of 53 vehicles donated by Algeria to bolster Mali’s efforts in fighting Islamists in the Sahel.

US donates vehicles to Kenya to combat corruption, drug trafficking | 3 June 2020 | DefenceWeb
The United States has donated ten Toyota Hilux pickups to Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for use by their investigators to combat corruption and drug trafficking.

Libya calls on UN to investigate countries denying supporting Haftar | 3 June 2020 | Daily Sabah
The Libyan government called on the United Nations to investigate claims of countries denying having supported putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar.

US donates trucks to Niger’s military | 2 June 2020 | DefenceWeb
The United States has donated ten trucks to the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) in support of the G5 Sahel Joint Force combatting terrorism in the region.

La France vend “illégalement” des drones au Maroc | 2 June 2020 | El Watan
L’acquisition par le Maroc, le 26 janvier dernier, de trois drones militaires de type Harfang (Heron), commandés dans le cadre “d’un contrat de 48 millions de dollars auprès du constructeur aéronautique français Dassault Aviation”, a fait l’objet d’une interpellation adressée en mars dernier à la Commission européenne par le député européen Pernando Barrena Arza, qui a dénoncé l’utilisation de ces drones au Sahara occidental occupé.

Human rights group slams use of Syrian mercenaries | 2 June 2020 | NHK
A human rights organization is condemning the use of Syrian mercenaries, including children and teenagers, in Libya’s civil war.

South Sudan: UN Security Council Extends Arms Embargo to May 2021 | 31 May 2020 | The East African | AllAfrica.com
The UN Security Council on Friday approved a resolution extending an arms embargo and sanctions against South Sudan for one year. The resolution extends the arms embargo and the targeted sanctions to May 31, 2021, but authorises a mid-term review of the measures by December 15, 2020.

UAE has provided Haftar with aircraft from Denmark, report says | 30 May 2020 | The Libya Observer
Danish media reported photos circulating on social media showing, according to a UN panel of experts report, UAE aircraft (IOMAX) used in Libya, with one person’s ID clearly showing the Libyan flag. A report by Danwatch news investigation agency said that there is fear that Danish military equipment sold by Tirma Firm in the UAE could get to the hands of dubious actors.

5 UK mercenaries offered $150,000 each to support Haftar in Libya, UN sources say | 29 May 2020 | Daily Sabah
Five British mercenaries involved in an operation to fly assault helicopters for putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar in Libya were offered bounties of up to $150,000 each for their role in the plot that went awry, British The Telegraph said Thursday, citing a secret U.N. report prepared by the Libya sanctions committee.

Russian arms exports to Africa: Moscow’s long-term strategy | 29 May 2020 | DW
Along with natural resources, arms exports are a key component of Russia’s economy. In the last two decades, Moscow has managed to deepen its connection with Africa and became the biggest arms supplier on the continent.

Why African governments still hire mercenaries | 28 May 2020 | The Economist | reddit.com
When President Filipe Nyusi wanted help last year to tackle a jihadist insurgency in northern Mozambique, various private military firms were keen to oblige. Mr Nyusi chose Russia’s Wagner Group, which vowed to make short work of the rebels. But after a bunch of its men were killed, it pulled out, humiliated.

Le Sénégal achète des fusils et des mitraillettes à une société brésilienne | 28 May 2020 | senego.com
Le Sénégal a acheté 1 000 fusils T4 et 200 mitraillettes à Forjas Taurus, une entreprise brésilienne. C’est une information de forte.jor.br. Selon les confrères, les armements font partie de la gamme T Séries, spécialement développés pour le marché militaire et policier.

Le Maroc va se procurer des systèmes de défense aérienne auprès du français MBDA pour 192 millions d’euros | 28 May 2020 | Agence Ecofin
Le gouvernement marocain a approuvé récemment un accord de prêt à l’exportation avec la banque française BNP Paribas pour l’acquisition d’un nouveau système de défense sol-air, ont rapporté plusieurs médias.

Niger lost $120 mln in arms deals over three years | 27 May 2020 | Reuters
Almost 40% of the $312 million Niger spent on defence procurement contracts over the last three years was lost through inflated costs or materiel that was not delivered, according to a government audit of military contracts seen by Reuters.

Angolan K-8 deliveries underway | 25 May 2020 | DefenceWeb
Angola has taken delivery of six K-8W trainer and light attack jets, and will receive another six during the course of this year.

Al-Watiya defeat derailed UAE’s Libya plans | 21 May 2020 | Anadolu Agency
The legitimate and UN-recognized Libyan forces (of the Government of National Accord) captured Al-Watiya military airbase on May 18, after long-standing operations. Al-Watiya military airbase, southwest of the capital Tripoli – controlled by the putschist general Khalifa Haftar’s forces in the Eastern part of Libya since August 2014, his second-most strategic base overall – was selected as a priority target by the Libyan government, while also being one of the priority targets of the Operation Peace Storm which started on all fronts on the morning of March 25 to break the blockade of Tripoli, due to its function as a military supply center for the so-called Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Haftar in the Western wing of Tarhunah and Tripoli.
Thales — how to buy a country | 20 May 2020 | Daily Maverick
This week Open Secrets publishes the second in a series of profiles on the corporations and middlemen implicated in the multibillion-dollar Arms Deal of the late 1990s. This week we focus on the company at the heart of Zuma’s Arms Deal corruption scandal and the co-accused in their corruption trial, the South African subsidiary of French arms company Thales.
Botswana Defence Force hardware delivered via Namibia | 19 May 2020 | DefenceWeb
Images that have emerged on social media allegedly showing Chinese military vehicles arriving in Cape Town are in fact of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) equipment delivered overland via Namibia.
Sudan delivered weapons to South Sudanese security service: Un report | 19 May 2020 | Sudan Tribune
Sudan’s intelligence and security services, in violation of the arms embargo on South Sudan, delivered weapons and ammunition to the National Security Service during the year 2019, said a UN panel.
Su-35 Production for Egypt Begins | 18 May 2020 | Defense & Security Monitor
Production of the first Su-35 for the Egyptian Air Force has begun. A military diplomatic source said the following to state-owned media outlet TASS Russian News Agency over the weekend: “The Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur has launched the production of Su-35, intended to be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force under the contract signed in 2018. The timeframe for [the] first batch’s delivery to the Egyptian side has not been set yet, due to restrictions imposed by the novel coronavirus outbreak.”
Dubai-based firms sent mercenaries to Libya – UN report | 17 May 2020 | TRT World
A report by a UN Panel of Experts said the foreign mercenaries were affiliated with Lancaster 6 DMCC and Opus Capital Asset Limited FZE, both registered at free zones in the UAE, Bloomberg reported.
Libya’s GNA up against warlord, militias and mercenaries | 15 May 2020 | Daily Sabah
Recently, the conflict in Libya has entered a new phase due to Turkey’s presence. Since Ankara and Libya’s U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) signed a military cooperation deal along with a maritime boundary agreement late last year, there has been a shift in the conflict. Turkey’s technological and tactical backing has helped the GNA make significant gains, even though the Libyan putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar’s forces are more equipped and supported by more states. The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia and France continue to back Haftar, a war criminal, despite the international community’s recognition of the GNA.
South Africa amends arms export document after inspection row | 13 May 2020 | Reuters
South Africa has made a subtle change to arms export rules that could unlock more than a billion dollars of weapons sales to countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
US delivers vehicles to Moroccan Special Forces | 11 May 2020 | DefenceWeb
The United States has delivered 21 vehicles, worth more than $1 million, to Morocco’s Special Forces.
Egypt seeking to upgrade Apache helicopters in $2.3 billion deal | 8 May 2020 | DefenceWeb
Egypt is looking to upgrade and refurbish 43 of its AH-64D Apache attack helicopters to AH-64E standard under a deal that could be worth $2.3 billion.
Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting in Libya, UN Diplomats Confirm | 7 May 2020 | The Moscow Times
Mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization seen as being close to President Vladimir Putin, are fighting in Libya, UN diplomats said Wednesday, citing an experts’ report on the country’s arms embargo.
Zuma’s arms deal trial postponed to June | 6 May 2020 | DefenceWeb
Former president Jacob Zuma’s trial relating to alleged arms deal corruption has been postponed to June due to the coronavirus lockdown.
South Africa’s arms shipments to Turkey cast shadow on possible peace in Syria, Libya | 6 May 2020 | Ahval News
South Africa’s recent arms shipments to Turkey have cast a shadow on the United Nation’s call for a ceasefire in Syria and Libya during the COVID-19 pandemic, Daily Maverick said on Tuesday.
Decade-long largely ignored weapons embargo on South Sudan lapses in May | 5 May 2020 | The East African
The South Sudan arms embargo ends on May 31 but investigations on the ongoing disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation reveal that it has been violated by arms companies since it was imposed in July 2018.
Questions persist as South Africa allows the sale of munitions to Turkey | 5 May 2020 | Daily Maverick
Altogether six A400M military transport planes have been travelling from Turkey to Cape Town in pairs, two days apart, to pick up the order from Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM). Each plane can carry up to 37 tonnes of cargo. The last batch left on Monday.
Des armes et munitions de guerre saisies à Gbadolite | 3 May 2020 | Radio Okapi
Un réseau des présumés trafiquants d’armes et de munitions de guerre a été démantelé à Gbadolite, capitale provinciale du Nord-Ubangui. Les personnes arrêtées, avec un lot important d’arsenal militaire, ont été présentées samedi 2 mai avec leurs effets au gouverneur de province, Izato nzenge.
South Sudan: fresh evidence of arms embargo violations and illicit concealment of weapons | 30 April 2020 | Amnesty International
The UN Security Council must renew and strengthen enforcement of an arms embargo on South Sudan, Amnesty International said today (30 April), as it revealed evidence of multiple breaches of the embargo and of weapons being concealed in a country already “awash” with small arms.
Poly Technologies building military barracks in Benin | 30 April 2020 | DefenceWeb
China’s Poly Technologies is constructing military barracks in Allada, Benin, and is due to complete them in September 2021.
Belarus to produce UAVs in Egypt | 30 April 2020 | DefenceWeb
Belarus will manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Egypt under an agreement signed earlier this year.
KBR gets more Camp Lemonnier work | 30 April 2020 | DefenceWeb
Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) has received $110 million in contracts to support the US military at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti.

AMERICAS

New Export Control Restrictions on China, Russia, and Venezuela Take Effect | 2 July 2020 | JD Supra
Our International Trade & Regulatory Group investigates the connection between the Department of Commerce’s tightening of export control restrictions and the Department of Defense’s public release (for the first time) of 20 Chinese military-linked companies operating in the U.S.
BIS Issues New FAQs Regarding the Expansion of the Military End Use / Military End User Rule | 2 July 2020 | Steptoe International compliance blog
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) has issued new FAQs on its website addressing the new military end use / military end user rule (“MEU Rule”) and the expansion of the MEU controls for China, Russia, and Venezuela. For a summary of the MEU rule changes, please see our prior blog post detailing the changes to Section 744.21 and other related provisions in the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”).
Colombia’s military investigated over arms trafficking for illegal armed groups | 19 June 2020 | Colombia Reports
Top officials of Colombia’s security forces are suspected of arms trafficking for organized crime groups, weekly Semana reported on Thursday. A network within the 4th Brigade in Medellin, the Arms Trade Control Department (DCCA) and apparently the Colombian Military Industry (Indumil) allegedly trafficked arms and illegally granted firearm licenses, the weekly reported.
US State Dept. clears $600M deal with Ukraine for patrol boats, guns and sensors | 17 June 2020 | Defense News
The U.S. State Department has cleared a potential sale to Ukraine of 16 Mark VI patrol boats and other gear worth $600 million, it was announced Wednesday.
Le Canada arrête ses exportations militaires vers l’Azerbaïdjan et interdit les ventes d’armes à la Turquie | 5 June 2020 | armenews.com
Le 29 mai 2020, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) a publié son rapport annuel sur les exportations militaires du Canada, où il avait mentionné qu’aucun permis d’exportation militaires ont été délivrés à l’ Azerbaïdjan au cours de 2019, a rapporté le Comité National Arménien du Canada (ANCC).
Fired US State Department watchdog confirms probe of Saudi arms | 4 June 2020 | The Straits Times
A US State Department inspector general abruptly fired by President Donald Trump last month confirmed on Wednesday (June 3) that he was investigating the declaration of a “national emergency” to justify arms sales to Saudi Arabia when he was dismissed, members of the US Congress said.
Fabrication d’armes et de munitions en Haïti – le pouvoir Tèt Kale reconnaît son erreur et annule l’autorisation accordée à ses proches | 2 June 2020 | rezonodwes.com
A environ 8 mois de la fin de son mandat constitutionnel et à la tête d’un régime autoritaire depuis le 13 janvier, suite à la « caducité » constatée du Sénat, le président Jovenel Moise et son gouvernement de facto se donnent les pleins pouvoirs pour prendre des décrets, arrêtés et accorder des autorisations à des sympathisants du régime comme bon leur semble, tout en continuant de recevoir un fort appui d’une certaine frange de la communauté internationale, en dépit de leurs dérives.
Trudeau government exploits pandemic to renew $14 billion arms deal with despotic Saudi regime | 2 June 2020 | World Socialist Website
Whilst workers, health professionals and the general population have been absorbed by the coronavirus pandemic and the ruling elite’s reckless push to “reopen” the economy, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has moved to patch up its relations with the despotic Saudi regime—including as a leading arms supplier.
U.S. Seeks to Sell More Arms to Saudi Arabia | 30 May 2020 | The Wall Street Journal | MSN
The Trump administration is planning to sell nearly $500 million in precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, drawing renewed objections from senior Democratic lawmakers who question the timing and justification for the deal.
US rescinds ban on British defense firm implicated in Saudi weapons fraud | 20 May 2020 | al-Monitor
The US State Department is rescinding a 9-year-old policy that barred it from doing business with the Saudi subsidiary of a British defense firm, which pled guilty to fraud in a multibillion-dollar arms deal in 2010.
The US cleared the way for a new arms sale to the UAE, despite evidence it violated the last one | 22 May 2020 | CNN
The Trump administration has cleared the United Arab Emirates of wrongdoing and approved a possible sale of thousands of armored vehicles to the Gulf state, US government officials told CNN, despite evidence that the country made unauthorized transfers of American military hardware to armed groups in Yemen.
Caution: Armaments Not Intended for Use | 15 May 2020 | Defense & Security Monitor
When a weapon system is purchased by or gifted to a state, it will then generally enter into service with that state’s military and be put to use either in drills or, if the military is actively engaged in operations, in the field. This would be the “classic” rationale for the sale, that the buyer needs a new capability or aims to preserve an existing one, while the seller hopes to bolster the buyer’s defenses, perhaps against a shared threat. In practice, there are often much more complicated reasons behind what drives customers to purchase and suppliers to sell arms, and nowhere is this clearer than in several recent arms deals wherein supplier countries have transferred military equipment that come with a key string attached – that they are not to actually be used.
Amendments To Canada’s Export Control List Take Effect May 1, 2020 | 8 May 2020 | Bennett Jones LLP | Mondaq
On April 1, 2020, Global Affairs Canada published an Order Amending the Export Control List, SOR/2020-48. The Order updated the Export Control List, SOR/89-202 (ECL) to incorporate by reference an updated version of A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List. The Order adds, removes, or clarifies items listed on the ECL, and came into legal effect on May 1, 2020.
New Controls Target Tech Exports to China, Russia and Venezuela | 7 May 2020 | Shearman & Sterling LLP | JD Supra
On April 28, 2020, the Trump Administration significantly expanded the reach of U.S. export controls over certain items and certain countries, changes that will have a particularly limiting impact on particular exports to China, Russia and Venezuela. The stated purpose of these changes is to support U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by broadening the U.S. Government’s visibility into and ability to deny or condition exports, re-exports and in-country transfers of certain items to certain countries.
FBI conducted 2.9 million gun background checks in April as sales remain high | 6 May 2020 | CBS News
The FBI conducted nearly 3 million gun background checks last month, an indication that gun sales remain high during the coronavirus pandemic. April was the fourth-highest month for background checks since the FBI began keeping statistics in 1998, according to newly released data from the bureau.
U.S. Department of Commerce imposes significant new export control restrictions on China, Russia, and Venezuela | 4 May 2020 | Hogan Lovells LLP | JD Supra
On 28 April the U.S. Commerce Department, Bureau of Industry and Security published two final rules and a proposed rule amending the Export Administration Regulations that will further restrict and regulate transactions involving a number of countries, impacting China, Russia, and Venezuela in particular.
Khartoum violating South Sudan arms embargo | 4 May 2020 | Jane’s Defence Weekly
Sudan’s General Intelligence Service (GIS) has violated the UN arms embargo on neighbouring South Sudan by supplying weapons, according to the panel of experts that monitors the embargo.
Amendments to Canada’s Export Control List Take Effect May 1, 2020 | 1 May 2020 | Bennett Jones LLP
On April 1, 2020, Global Affairs Canada published an Order Amending the Export Control List, SOR/2020-48. The Order updated the Export Control List, SOR/89-202 (ECL) to incorporate by reference an updated version of A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List. The Order adds, removes, or clarifies items listed on the ECL, and came into legal effect on May 1, 2020.
FN Awarded $383M Foreign Military Sales Contract for M16A4 Carbines | 1 May 2020 | Ammoland
FN proves that reports of the M16’s death have been greatly exaggerated. Sure, the full-size intermediate caliber rifle may have been phased out of US military service years ago, but other countries are seeing the value of the rifle.
Canadian PM Trudeau Bans All Assault-Style Firearms | 1 May 2020 | NPR
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on all assault-style firearms Friday. The ban includes “1,500 models and variants,” including the popular AR-15 rifle. It will prohibit those firearms, as well as some components, from being used, sold or imported.
Department of Commerce Regulatory Changes: Eliminating Export Exemptions and Increasing Compliance Obligations to Gain Insight into Trade Transactions | 30 April 2020 | Dechert LLP
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”), is tightening its export controls with respect to China, Russia, and Venezuela, with the goal of preventing U.S. products from being used for military purposes. Impacted industries include chemicals, semiconductors, sensors and aviation, among others. While many countries are impacted, the rules primarily target exports to China, Russia and Venezuela.
New Export Control Rules Confront Integration of Civilian and Military Technology Development in China, Russia, and Venezuela | 29 April 2020 | Pillsbury’s Global Trade and Sanctions Blog
On April 28, 2020, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published two final rules that will eliminate the license exception for civil end users (CIV) in the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and Venezuela and expand military end use and end user restrictions on these countries. These rules confront the national security risks presented by the increasing integration of civilian and military technology development, particularly in China, by requiring U.S. Government review of a broader range of exports including electronics and telecommunications items only controlled for antiterrorism (AT) reasons (with licenses subject to a presumption of denial) when shipped for military end uses or to military end users. These final rules will go into effect on June 29, 2020.
New Commerce Department Rules Restrict US Exports to China and Other Countries | 29 April 2020 | Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Yesterday, the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) promulgated two new rules and issued a new proposed rule.

ASIA

Hundreds of Saudi and Gulf military personnel trained in Britain as Yemen war continues | 3 July 2020 | Daily Maverick
New data shows Britain’s Royal Air Force trained Saudi personnel in 2019 on fighter jets used to bomb civilians in Yemen – a country on the brink of famine – while UK soldiers coached other forces in the Saudi-led coalition at nearly a dozen army bases in Britain.
Spanish Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia Increased Under Sánchez | 26 June 2020 | EuroWeekly News
The Control Arms Campaign has warned that between 2018 and 2019 arms sales are on the rise and found that the Sanchez government granted more than 20 licenses to export arms to Saudi Arabia in 2019 and that the Spanish prime minister might be “complicit in committing crimes under international law”.
Turkey biggest receiver of German arms exports | 24 June 2020 | Ahval
Turkey is the biggest recipient of German arms exports for the second year running, Greek Reporter reported on Tuesday.
China votes to join Arms Trade Treaty | 22 June 2020 | Janes
China’s top legislative body has voted in favour of the country’s bid to join the UN-sponsored Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which seeks to regulate international trade in conventional military equipment. The decision by lawmakers at the legislative session of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee was announced on 20 June.
UN links items in arms shipments and missile attacks to Iran | 12 June 2020 | Houston Chronicle
The United Nations says it has determined that Iran was the source for several items in two arms shipments seized by the United States and for debris left by attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil installations and an international airport, according to a new report.
Lifting the UN arms embargo on Iran: Insights into Turkey’s options | 9 June 2020 | Atlantic Council
Turkey has yet to formulate a policy on the expiration of the UN arms embargo on Iran in October. If a crisis ensues as a result of US attempts to extend the embargo, Ankara will most probably fall back to its default of avoiding taking a clear stance on US-Iran disputes. As it manages the tensions exerted by such a crisis, its reaction is likely to be based on a number of considerations, rather than the substantive issue of arms procurement dynamics per se, such as: the reverberation of a potential crisis for international and regional geopolitics; the evolution of US policy on Iran, particularly in view of the November US presidential elections; and the trajectory of US-Turkey relations, which is itself beset with several lingering crises.
Will China become a major arms supplier to Iran? | 9 June 2020 | Atlantic Council
With the UN arms embargo on Iran set to end in October, US attempts to extend it have been met with widespread international criticism. This is taking place during the lowest point in US-China relations in decades, giving Beijing’s views on the situation with Iran an added weight. So far, Beijing has been clear about its intentions, with a spokesperson for the Chinese UN mission tweeting: “US failed to meet its obligations under Resolution 2231 by withdrawing from #JCPOA. It has no right to extend an arms embargo on Iran, let alone to trigger snapback. Maintaining JCPOA is the only right way moving forward.”
Post-embargo, Iran arms purchases would be limited and selective | 9 June 2020 | Atlantic Council
Since Iran accepted the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it has been looking forward to the scheduled lifting in October 2020 of a UN embargo on arms transfers. This would help modernize elements of Iran’s conventional military equipment, some of which dates to before the 1979 revolution.
Canadian military exports to Saudi Arabia hit record high in 2019 | 9 June 2020 | The Globe & Mail
Canadian shipments of military goods to Saudi Arabia hit a record high in 2019 despite a moratorium on approvals of new arms export permits announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government after the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi agents.
Naxal ammunition supply racket | 8 June 2020 | Outlook India
An assistant sub-inspector and a head constable were arrested on Monday in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district for alleged involvement in a Naxal ammunition supply racket for which four people were held over the past week, police said.
No Restriction in Arms Trade After UN Sanctions Expiration | 5 June 2020 | Financial Tribune
A top Iranian diplomat said Iran will freely trade weaponry with any country it sees fit once the United Nations arms embargo expires in October. The UN sanctions are set to expire in October as per Security Council Resolution 2231 that endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers.
Syria Seizes Stock of Terrorist Weapons, Including US-Made TOW and LAW Missiles | 19 May 2020 | Sputnik News
Over the past three years, authorities in Syria have seized enough terrorist weapons, ammunition, communications equipment and medical supplies to field a small army. Many of the arms were covertly delivered to the country from abroad, and paid for by powers seeking the illegal armed overthrow of Syria’s government.
Kazakhstan orders more Arlan vehicles | 18 May 2020 | DefenceWeb
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence has ordered another batch of Arlan armoured vehicles from Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), which will deliver them in 2021.
Why Bombs Made in America Have Been Killing Civilians in Yemen | 16 May 2020 | The New York Times
President Trump sees arms deals as jobs generators for firms like Raytheon, which has made billions in sales to the Saudi coalition. The Obama administration initially backed the Saudis too, but later regretted it as thousands died.
Turkey’s Growing Military Expeditionary Posture | 15 May 2020 | Terrorism Monitor | The Jamestown Foundation
A glance at the Turkish Armed Forces’ recent combat record demonstrates that Turkey’s defense policy now extends well beyond its borders. Drones loitering in the Syrian airspace, navy frigates along the Libyan coast, Turkish military advisors in Tripoli alongside Government of National Accord (GNA) formations, mountain commando units operating in northern Iraq, and high-ranking Turkish officers in Qatar and Somalia are all pretty common to see now. Overall, the Turkish military is fast becoming an expeditionary actor in league with Ankara’s geopolitical worldview.
Iran’s Type 72Z Tank Is Waging War All Over the Middle East and Africa | 13 May 2020 | National Interest
Although Iran struggles to design and build more modern weapon systems, it excels in upgrading older Soviet and American designs, especially tanks. The Type 72Z is no exception—and has been exported to Iranian allies and client groups in the Middle East and Africa.
UAE Approved for MRAP Buy | 7 May 2020 | Defense & Security Monitor
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicles to the United Arab Emirates .
Golubović: Arms trade, pandemic combine to reveal the human costs of war in Yemen | 4 May 2020 | Ottawa Citizen
On April 9, with the world focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada quietly lifted its ban on military exports to Saudi Arabia. The next day, Yemen reported its first case of COVID-19. These two events are not unrelated. While Canada insists its exports to Saudi Arabia will not be used to enable human rights abuses, the arrival of COVID-19 to Yemen exposes the indirect human costs of war, as the country confronts the pandemic with a devastated health care system.
Indian-DPRK Illicit Connection: The Axis Of Anxiety | 1 May 2020 | Eurasia Review
Among the current problems that reside in the international forums, serious questions arise regarding India’s connection with North Korea. Eyes have been glued to great power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. India’s relationship with North Korea has done, and continues to do, real harm to U.S. interests.
Final report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen (S/2020/326) | 28 April 2020 | UN Security Council
https://undocs.org/en/S/2020/326
British Arms In Yemen: Lack Of Accountability Leads To The Deaths Of Children | 27 April 2020 | The Organization for World Peace
A month ago, a grim milestone was reached, 5 years of conflict in Yemen, fueled by a Saudi Arabian-led coalition. The war has devastated Yemen, which “has topped an annual watchlist of countries most likely to face humanitarian catastrophe in 2020, for the second year running…about 80% of the population…will be in need of humanitarian assistance this year” the Guardian reports. This brutal conflict is fueled by British arms, those that produce these weapons of war profit off the deaths of children.

EUROPE

Comment la France viole le Traité sur le commerce des armes | 2 July 2020 | Amnesty International France
La France est le troisième exportateur mondial d’armes et n’a jamais cessé de fournir les forces armées saoudienne et émiratie engagées dans le conflit au Yémen. En prévoyant de former des soldats saoudiens sur notre sol, la France viole plus encore ses engagements au regard du Traité sur le commerce des armes (TCA). Analyse.
UK accused of selling arms to Saudi Arabia a year after court ban | 21 June 2020 | The Guardian
The government stands accused of ignoring a landmark court ruling restricting UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia. In a judgment handed down a year ago, the court of appeal ruled it was “unlawful” for the government to have allowed the sale of arms to the kingdom for use in Yemen, where independent estimates suggest a Saudi-led coalition has been responsible for the deaths of more than 8,000 civilians since 2015.
UK supplies human rights abusers with tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear | 21 June 2020 | The Independent
Britain is supplying tens of millions of pounds worth in tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear to countries found to be breaching human rights, government records show.
Export of arms from Balkans out of control | 18 June 2020 | Cyprus Mail
Exports of arms from the Balkans are out of control, according to a report released on Monday by the London-based Tactics Institute for Security and Counter Terrorism.
Ukraine receives a batch of American Javelin missiles | 18 June 2020 | UAWire
The first batch of missiles for Javelin anti-tank missile systems purchased by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense under the Pentagon’s “International Military Sales” program has arrived in Ukraine, announced the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States on Facebook.
Fünf Jahre, neun Kontrollen | 17 June 2020 | TAZ
Wo landen Waffen, die aus Deutschland exportiert wurden? Das prüft die Bundesregierung nur selten, die Union ist gegen mehr Kontrollen. Der jüngste Fall wurde im Mai publik: Mit Verweis auf Fotos aus Tripolis berichtete damals der Stern, dass libysche Rebellen Militärlastwagen des deutschen Herstellers MAN nutzen. Offenbar hatten die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate die Trucks in das Bürgerkriegsland geliefert – trotz eines UN-Waffenembargos.
The new M-20 MRAP 6×6 armoured fighting vehicle presented | 17 June 2020 | Serbian Ministry of Defence
The Minister of Defence, Aleksandar Vulin, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilović, attended today the presentation of the characteristics and capabilities of the new M-20 MRAP 6×6 armoured fighting vehicle in the plant of the “Zastava TERVO” company from Kragujevac.
Family of Giulio Regeni ‘betrayed’ by Italian PM over arms sale to Egypt | 16 June 2020 | The Guardian
Rights groups and the family of the murdered Italian student Giulio Regeni have heavily criticised an arms deal between Italy and Egypt worth an estimated $1.2bn (£960m). Regeni’s mutilated body was found by the side of a major road on the outskirts of Cairo in early 2016. His murder remains unsolved, but there are widespread suspicions that he was abducted, tortured and killed by Egyptian security forces.
Czech-Hungarian joint venture buys military jet maker Aero Vodochody | 11 June 2020 | Reuters
Czech defence and security group Omnipol said on Thursday it had acquired domestic aircraft maker Aero Vodochody Aerospace in a joint venture with Hungarian businessman and former chief security adviser Andras Tombor.
Spain Blocks Sales of Handcuffs, Equipment to Israel Over Human Rights Concerns, Report Says | 10 June 2020 | Haaretz
The Spanish government has vetoed three sales of equipment to Israel over concerns that they might be used for human rights abuses or military purposes, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on Wednesday.
France Should Halt Arms Exports to Saudi Arabia, Egypt | 10 June 2020 | HRW
Last week, the French government published its latest report on arms exports, documenting sales and transfers throughout 2019. After Qatar, the governments of Saudi Arabia and Egypt received the greatest amounts, accounting for €1.4 billion and €1.0 billion in arms, respectively. But providing arms to countries repeatedly implicated in serious abuses, including possible war crimes, contradicts its goal to be seen as a global leader for human rights values.
EU: Strengthen Rules on Surveillance Tech Exports | 9 June 2020 | HRW
The European Union should adopt stronger regulations to prevent cyber surveillance technology developed in Europe from being sold to repressive governments, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the European Union together with seven other human rights groups. EU member states that have hindered the progress of more robust legislation should drop their opposition.
UK revealed to have trained, offered ‘support’ to Hong Kong police accused of abusing protesters | 3 June 2020 | Daily Sabah
Britain has given training and “support” to the police in Hong Kong widely condemned for shooting, beating and teargassing protesters, the Independent daily reported in an exclusive find.
George Floyd protest: halt UK riot gear sales to US police, says Labour | 3 June 2020 | The Guardian
Labour has called on the UK to suspend the sale of riot control equipment to the United States and review whether any British-made teargas or crowd control guns were being used against demonstrators across the United States.
Transparance sur les ventes d’armes de la France | 3 June 2020 | Amnesty International France
La France a rendu public mardi 2 juin 2020 son rapport annuel au Parlement sur les exportations d’armement de la France pour l’année écoulée. Si les autorités françaises semblent faire un timide pas vers plus de transparence en incluant de nouvelles informations dans ce rapport, Amnesty International rappelle que de nombreuses évolutions sont indispensables pour une véritable transparence et un contrôle efficient par le Parlement.
La France vend de plus en plus d’armes en Europe | 2 June 2020 | La Croix
Le ministère des armées a rendu public mardi 2 juin le rapport au Parlement sur les exportations d’armement de la France. En 2019, les prises de commande, en baisse de 8,6 %, atteignent 8,3 milliards d’euros, les pays européens représentant 45 % du total.
La tragédie du Yemen : actualités et batailles judiciaires (mp3) | 2 June 2020 | Pas de Quartiers | Groupe Louise-Michel
Pas de quartiers reçoit Benoit Muracciole, le président de l’ASER pour évoquer la tragédie au Yemen, qui est la plus grande catastrophe humanitaire au monde selon l’ONU. Benoit Muracciole fera le point sur les enjeux des batailles judiciaires de plusieurs ONG dans le monde contre la vente d’armes à la coalition emmenée par l’Arabie Saoudite.
Observatoire des armes wallonnes – Walloon arms monitor | 26 May 2020 | Amnesty International francophone
L’Observatoire des armes wallonnes est une initiative de la société civile qui vise à ce que la Région wallonne rende des comptes par rapport à ses obligations en matière de commerce des armes. L’Observatoire des armes wallonnes accorde une attention toute particulière aux exportations d’armes wallonnes à destination des pays impliqués dans la guerre au Yémen, ainsi qu’à d’autres pays qui commettent de graves violations du droit international humanitaire et des droits humains. Ceci est principalement fait en collectant, en analysant et en diffusant des informations publiques. L’Observatoire des armes wallonnes propose des informations sur les politiques en matière de commerce des armes, les rapports, les exportations et les violations alléguées du droit. Il ne s’agit ni d’un système de vérification technique ni d’un régime d’inspection formelle.
Denmark sold arms to UAE despite ban over Yemen concerns | 20 May 2020 | Middle East Monitor
A series of Danish investigations published on Danwatch on Sunday accused the country’s largest arms manufacturer of war crimes in Yemen. The report, which is based on information gathered from intelligence reports, public access requests, satellite imagery, television and interviews, found that Danish arms manufacturer Terma had continued to supply radar and missile defence systems to the UAE which were later used in the civil war in Yemen.
Scandal-ridden Ukroboronprom seeks fresh start in ties with Western arms makers | 20 May 2020 | Defense News
If Ukroboronprom is to continue as anything more than a local defense firm, the Ukrainian conglomerate will need to find industrial partners abroad, according to director general Aivaras Abromavicius.
Bund bewilligt Waffenexport in Millionenhöhe | 17 May 2020 | NTV
Ägypten, den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten und der Türkei wird vorgeworfen, das Waffenembargo für Libyen zu brechen. Dennoch genehmigt die Bundesregierung Rüstungsexporte für 331 Millionen Euro an diese Staaten. Linken-Politikerin Dagdelen hält dies für “mindestens widersprüchlich”.
Mercenaries backing Haftar used RHIBs supplied by Malta arms dealer, UN report says | 15 May 2020 | Malta Today
United Nations report says James Fenech’s RHIBs were used by Western mercenaries linked with Lancaster 6, which has Malta subsidiary, and Opus Capital to back Khalifa Haftar in Libya
Revealed: UK government broke inspection rules at arms factory supplying Saudis in Yemen war | 14 May 2020 | Daily Maverick
A fighter jet factory in England providing essential parts for the Saudi air force has not been checked for over three years, missing the government’s own deadlines. Without supplies from this factory, it is likely Saudi Arabia would be unable to continue bombing Yemen during the coronavirus pandemic.
Leonardo’s M-345 jet trainer certified, ready for global market | 11 May 2020 | Wings
Leonardo has received the Initial Certification for its new M-345 training aircraft from the Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness, which is the Italian Ministry of Defence’s Certification Authority. Leonardo states the M-345 is capable of providing jet trainer aircraft-like performance and efficiency at the cost of a turboprop.
UK Government Silent on Whether it Helped Train Chile’s Security Forces Amid Mounting Allegations of Abuse | 8 May 2020 | Byline Times
In the months before the world went into lockdown to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of Chile were rising up in their thousands to demand an end to neoliberal polices that have created a society rife with inequality.
Court order reveals names of those charged with busting Libya sanctions | 4 May 2020 | The Shift
The four men charged with arms dealer James Fenech were kept hidden from the public, but a freezing order on their assets fits the personal details of those charged.
From arms to riches: the rise of James Fenech | 28 April 2020 | The Shift
From a shop in Mellieha’s Parish Square, which neighbours say is known for providing shooting gear to local hunters, James Fenech went on to become one of the EU’s key arms dealers.
Britain boosts arms sales to repressive regimes by £1bn | 25 April 2020 | The Guardian
UK arms sales to repressive regimes increased by £1bn last year compared with 2018. The increase, of more than 300%, has been condemned by arms control campaigners, who accuse the government of putting profits before human rights.
Five men charged with breaching EU sanctions on Libya | 25 April 2020 | Malta Police Force
Five Maltese men aged between 41 and 63 years, were arraigned under arrested by the Police Anti-Terrorism Unit accused with breaching sanctions imposed on Libya by the European Union (Regulation of the Council of the European Union 2016/44).