Showing posts with label arms export. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arms export. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Japan loosens arms exports rules in major shift

Good news! Bravo! More signs that Japan is giving up it's strict pacifism since 1945 under the new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi!

Margaret Thatcher is smiling!

"... “In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and partner countries that support each other in terms of defense equipment are necessary,” Takaichi wrote on her X account today. “Meeting such needs and carrying out transfers of defense equipment will contribute to enhancing the defense capabilities of these countries and, ultimately, to preventing the outbreak of conflicts, thereby contributing to Japan’s security.”

Today’s announcement by the Cabinet Secretariat means Japan will now be able to export lethal equipment to 17 countries that it has signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with, including the US, United Kingdom, Australia, and India. ..."

Japan loosens arms exports rules in major shift "Tokyo's shift clears the way for arms exports to partners and allies."

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Self defense, pacifist Japan begins its biggest arms export opening since WW II

Good news! Bravo! Coming out of the shadows of WW II!

"Japan’s imminent easing of arms export rules has sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, Reuters reporting found, as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies and the wars in Iran and Ukraine strain U.S. weapons supplies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling party approved the changes this week as she tries to invigorate the pacifist country’s military industrial base. Her government will formally adopt the new rules as soon as this month, three Japanese government officials told Reuters. ..."

Rattled by Trump, US allies eye Japan’s biggest arms opening since WWII

Germany gets a front-row seat to German weapons’ performance in Ukraine

Good news!

"Germany is formalizing a system under which its defense industry will receive unprecedented access to combat performance data from its own weapons fighting in Ukraine, as part of a sweeping €4 billion ($4.72 billion) defense package signed in Berlin on Tuesday.

The battlefield data memorandum, described by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as the first agreement of its kind for Ukraine, covers performance data from the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, the RCH 155 wheeled artillery system and the IRIS-T air defense launcher. Ukraine also provides Germany access to its real-time DELTA battlefield management system and other digital platforms for developing AI models and analytical tools. ..."

Berlin gets a front-row seat to German weapons’ performance in Ukraine


A Ukrainian serviceman of the 43rd Artillery Brigade sits inside a 155mm self-propelled howitzer Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000), towards Russian positions at a front line near Bakhmut, Donetsk region on June 15, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Taiwan and Europe's Expanding Defense Technology Collaboration

Good news, but EU member countries were cowards in the past!

"In stark contrast to the discourse in the United States, there have been very few open conversations between Europe and Taiwan regarding defense spending or arms acquisitions. While the United States is actively exerting pressure on Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan ... to pass a national defense budget that will incorporate a USD 11.1 billion arms package, European countries have retained a cautious, low-profile stance on the matter. This is likely due to the diplomatic and economic pressure that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has historically exerted on Europe’s middle powers.
For example, in the 1980s, the PRC downgraded diplomatic relations with the Netherlands in response to the latter’s decision to sell two submarines to Taiwan. Reluctant to disrupt relations with such a large trading partner, the Dutch government solemnly agreed that it would refrain from further arms sales to Taiwan in the future.
In 1991 and 1992, France sold six naval frigates and 60 Mirage jets to Taiwan. In retaliation, Beijing closed the French Consulate-General in Guangzhou and publicly urged France to withdraw from the sale. France has not sold Taipei any other major weapons systems since.

As a result of Beijing’s coercion, three decades have passed since Europe supplied Taipei with any big-ticket defense items." (Source [I can not reach this Taiwanese web page from within China. Presumably, blocked by the Chinese Great Firewall.])

Monday, February 16, 2026

Dutch Defence Minister: Can Jaibreak F-35 Software Like An iPhone

Some highly unusual news! If confirmed, then this is quite serious!

(191) Dutch Defence Minister: Can Jaibreak F-35 Software Like An iPhone | WION - YouTube



India agrees arms deals with Israel worth $8.6b - report

Good news! Two of the countries with some of the most diverse societies in the world!

"... India has been Israel's biggest defense customer for years, with 34% of total sales between 2020 and 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Figures from the Ministry of Defense International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) show that total arms sales by Israel to India during this period amounted to about $20.5 billion. But now it seems that Israeli arms sales to India are only increasing. ..."

India agrees arms deals with Israel worth $8.6b - report - Globes "The deals include SPICE 1000 precision guidance bombs, Rampage air-to-surface missiles, Air Lora air-launched ballistic missiles, and the Ice Breaker missile system, “Forbes India” reports."

Estonians in Saudi Arabia for 'first steps' in potential defense procurement team-up

Good news!

Estonians in Saudi Arabia for 'first steps' in potential defense procurement team-up: Official - Breaking Defense "The two nations are exploring closer cooperation, Siim Sukles told Breaking Defense, "because when it comes to procurement, it's a global market.""




Sunday, January 18, 2026

Morocco completes deployment of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) air defense system

Good news! One wishes there were more Arab countries like Morocco and Egypt!

"Morocco has completed deployment of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Barak MX air defense system, "Military Africa" and "MilitarNYI" report, based on satellite images published by independent researchers.

Barak MX is one of the most sought-after Israeli systems that is not fully utilized by the IDF. It is an air defense system that supports a variety of radars and launchers to protect against fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and surface-to-surface missiles. Satellite images indicate that the Barak MX is deployed at the Sidi Yahya air defense base, 60 kilometers northeast of the capital Rabat. ..."

Morocco completes deployment of IAI air defense system - report - Globes "Morocco has deployed the Barak MX system, according to media reports based on satellite images published by independent researchers."


Barak MX


Saturday, January 17, 2026

Lockheed delivered record 191 F-35s in 2025

Serious stuff!

"Lockheed Martin delivered 191 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters last year, according to the company, the highest yearly amount in the program’s history, as the major defense contractor worked to clear out a backlog of previously undelivered jets.

The total far surpassed the previous record of 142 F-35s for 2021. It follows two slower years for F-35 deliveries — 98 in 2023 and 110 in 2024 — that were due to the Defense Department decision to stop accepting new F-35s because of problems with Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3, updates. Over that three-year span, Lockheed delivered an average of 133 F-35s each year. ..."

Lockheed delivered record 191 F-35s as it cleared out TR-3 backlog




Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Morocco completes deployment of Israeli IAI air defense system - report

Good news! Not all Arab/Muslim countries consider Israel to be an enemy!

"... Barak MX is one of the most sought-after Israeli systems that is not fully utilized by the IDF. It is an air defense system that supports a variety of radars and launchers to protect against fighter jets, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and surface-to-surface missiles. Satellite images indicate that the Barak MX is deployed at the Sidi Yahya air defense base, 60 kilometers northeast of the capital Rabat. ..."

Morocco completes deployment of IAI air defense system - report - Globes "Morocco has deployed the Barak MX system, according to media reports based on satellite images published by independent researchers."




Saturday, January 10, 2026

Saturday, January 03, 2026

Germany to host small-drones production line for Ukrainian forces in the first quarter of 2026 to reach 10,000 units per year

Good news!

When will the lethargic, apathetic Russian Slav(e)s/Serfs finally get rid of their last tsar, the megalomaniac, warmonger and war criminal Putin the Terrible! He is an ugly remnant of the Cold War and a former KGB agent. He is a wannabe Stalin. Please Russian people make the world a better, more peaceful place again! How many more young Russian men will be killed or maimed before you act!


"German drone maker Quantum Systems and Ukraine-based Frontline Robotics have announced the creation of a new mass-production line for small drones in Germany to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The new joint venture, dubbed Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), will manufacture the Zoom and Linza drone variants developed by the Ukrainian company.

Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and is envisioned in the longer term to reach 10,000 units per year, according to a Frontline Robotics spokesperson. ..."

Germany to host small-drones production line for Ukrainian forces





Wednesday, December 31, 2025

France finalizes $1.3B contract for 2 Saab GlobalEye radar planes

Good news!

According to Google: "The Saab GlobalEye is a more modern, multi-domain AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) system on a business jet platform (Global 6000), featuring a powerful Erieye ER AESA radar for air, land, and sea surveillance, offering long endurance and efficiency; traditional AWACS (like the E-3 Sentry) use larger Boeing 707/767 frames with rotating rotodome radars (like the MESA or older systems) for broad air surveillance but are less agile, bigger, and require more crew, with GlobalEye often seen as a lighter, more flexible, but potentially shorter-range alternative to larger, established systems."

"... Saab has also pushed the plane for NATO after the alliance recently canceled its order for Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail. ..."

France finalizes $1.3B USD contract for 2 Saab GlobalEye radar planes - Breaking Defense "Initially announced at the Paris Air Show in June, the deal makes France the second customer for the Swedish Airborne Early Warning and Control planes after the UAE."




Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Friday, December 19, 2025

Expanded $6.5B Arrow agreement with Germany now largest Israeli defense export deal

Good news! From Holocaust to buying and relying on Jewish weapons. What a twist of history! Miracles happen!

David's slingshot once more!

Expanded $6.5B Arrow agreement with Germany now largest Israeli defense export deal - Breaking Defense "“IAI’s pivotal role in Germany’s air defense array and the trust established with the German government were recently demonstrated during the delivery of the Arrow 3 system, just two years from contract signing,” CEO of IAI Boaz Levy said."

Thursday, December 18, 2025

US announces $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, largest ever

Good news! 
When China becomes more like Taiwan and the Communist Party of China has to compete in fair and square democratic elections with other political parties then the Taiwanese people might decide in a referendum to be reunified with mainland China.