NY judge rules on admissibility of Bout history for upcoming trial

NPR, August 17, Alleged Arms Dealer’s Past Debated Before Trial

Federal prosecutors asked a U.S. District Court judge to allow information on Victor Bout’s history as an arms smuggler to be used as part of the prosecution’s case in Bout’s upcoming trial. Bout is accused of agreeing to provide a large number of small arms and surface-to-air missiles to Drug Enforcement Administration agents in a sting operation that lead to his 2008 arrest. Prosecutors seek to use his past activities to show he was capable of following through with his promise. Bout’s lawyer says that his client’s past crimes are only “purported events”. Judge Shira A. Scheindlin agreed with prosecutors and will also admit the testimony of witnesses to Bout’s involvement with arms shipments to Angola and the Congo in the 1990s.

Venezuela receives patrol vessel from Spanish shipyard Navantia

LaVozDigital.es, August 2, Navantia entrega el quinto barco a Venezuela sin más encargos de Chávez

The Cádiz based ship-builder Navantia agreed to provide the Venezuelan navy with four offshore patrol boats (BVLs) and four exclusive economic zone patrol boats (PVLs) in 2005. The ‘Warao’, a PVL, is the fifth ship of that 1.2 billion euro contract to be delivered to date. Separately, Venezuela received 25 tanks from Russia on August 17. The T-72 main battle tanks are part of a 2010 $2.2 billion deal also involving S-300 anti-aircraft missiles.

Mexico border ammunition smuggler was U.S. citizen

CNN, August 4, Mexico: Alleged ammo smuggler is U.S. citizen

At a Mexican military checkpoint, officials apprehended a female U.S. citizen on suspicion of trying to move 3,500 rounds of ammunition from El Paso, Texas to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Boxes of rounds of ammunition were hidden in cans of food and clothes that the woman brought with her on a passenger bus. Another woman was sentenced by a court in Austin, Texas on August 23 to thirty years in prison for conspiracy to smuggle firearms to Mexico.

Boeing sets up F/A-18E/F simulator in Brazilian Congress building

Boeing, via UPI.com, August 16, Boeing shows flight simulator

The simulator, located in the National Congress Building in Brasilia, is intended to educate lawmakers and the public about the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft. A Brazilian Senate committee is holding hearings this week on the Hornet’s capabilities and the needs of the Brazilian air force, which seeks to acquire new aircraft through a tender competition.

Australia will make decision on acquiring new aircraft by next year

The Associated Press, via the Washington Post, August 17, Defense minister says Australia may opt for Super Hornets over Joint Strike Fighters next year

Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith announced that his government would make a final decision on whether to continue with purchases of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in 2012. The alternative open to the Royal Australian Air Force would be to continue buying F/A-18E/F Super Hornets; they have already paid for 24 of them. The original plan to purchase up to 100 F-35 aircraft at a cost of $17 billion is under scrutiny due to the program’s rising costs.

Middle East and North Africa

Turkish officials confirm detainment of Iranian weapons parts shipment

Today’s Zaman, August 5, Turkey confirms seizure of Iranian arms shipment to Syria

Another shipment of arms (gun parts) that passed through Turkey was seized by law enforcement agents on suspicion of violating a UN arms embargo. The seizure took place two months ago, but was only recently confirmed by diplomatic sources. The shipment was properly labeled as “spare parts for guns”, and as no violation of Turkish law had been committed both the driver and the truck used to transport the arms were released, or are about to be released. The sources said that the shipment was headed for Syria.

UK Export agency helping Iran-sanctions violators escape U.S. punishment

Bloomberg, August 4, Companies Trading With Iran Hidden by U.K. to Avert U.S. Law

UK Export Control Organization officials have continued to fight a Bloomberg freedom of information request regarding the names of firms that have applied for licenses to ship controlled goods to Iran. Citing U.S. efforts to put pressure on banks to cease providing services to these firms, the British-Iranian Chamber of Commerce, which supports the government’s position, said that releasing names would aid a U.S. “witch-hunt”. The Department of Business, Innovation, and Skills, which is the government arm under which the Export Control Organization operates, has declined to comment on the request.

Germany becoming leading Mideast supplier of arms

UPI.com, August 15, Germany boosts arms sales to Mideast

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany is now the third world’s largest exporter to states in the Middle East after the United States and Russia. In addition to the deal for 200 Leopard tanks to be shipped to Saudi Arabia, Germany is co-operating with Israel to produce air-to-ground missiles for use with Eurofighter combat jets. Other sales include nuclear-cruise missile capable submarines to Israel and previous shipments of jamming systems, tank transporters, and anti-tank missiles to the Libyan government.

Russia promises to fulfill arms contracts with Syrian government

Agence France-Presse, August 17, Russia to keep up Syria arms sales

The director of Russia’s state-owned arms exports company, Rosoboronexport, told attendees of the MAKS airshow outside Moscow that as long as the UN failed to reach agreement on an arms embargo, Russia would honor its outstanding contracts with Syria. Anatoly Isaikin said that Russia was providing Yak-130 planes and “military hardware”.  Although not mentioned, Russia still plans to send Syria anti-ship cruise missiles. The Kommersant newspaper estimates that Russia could lose $3.8 billion worth of exports if an arms embargo is put in place. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Russia to cease arms shipments to Syria while protests and a government crackdown continue.

Mideast arms embargoes porous, but arms exporters still losing money

Defence Management, August 16, Are the Middle East arms embargoes working?

The Libyan arms embargo has been partially undermined by differing interpretations of appropriate implementation and the lack of measures to punish embargo-breachers. On August 22, the Polish News Agency PAP reported that the Polish government had approved the transfer of anti-tank rocket launchers and military vehicles to Libyan rebels. One expert notes that using a legalistic reading of the embargo resolution to justify arms shipments to Libyan rebels would alienate Russia and China and lead them to oppose arms embargoes in the future. Meanwhile, the possibility of a protracted civil war is likely to have an effect on companies that previously held contracts to supply arms to the country.

ICBL condemns Israeli mining of Golan Heights

ICBL, August 15, Nobel Peace Prize-winning global campaign strongly condemns Israel’s new use of landmines

Activists with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines have spoken out against allegations that the Israeli military is laying mines in the Golan Heights to prevent Syrian protestors from crossing the border into Israel. Previous protest crossings have been attempted in solidarity with Palestinian political aspirations. The ICBL claims that Israel may be in violation of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which bans the deliberate use of landmines against civilians.

Europe/Russia

Bulgarian arms sales to Yemen, Cambodia, and Uganda scrutinized

Novinite, August 9, Yemen was Bulgaria’s Biggest Arms Export Partner in 2010 – UN

Data submitted by Bulgaria to the UN Registry of Conventional Arms show that Yemen was the largest importer of weaponry from Bulgaria during 2010. The Arab nation bought 40,700 assault rifles, 1,000 light machine guns, 900 grenade launchers, and 170 small-calibre mortars. Bulgaria also helped facilitate the transfer of 50 T-55 tanks from Serbia to Cambodia, and also sold 44 armored personnel carriers to the latter.

Ukraine sold arms to both Azerbaijan and Armenia during 2010

News.az, August 12, Ukraine sells 71 armored vehicles, 1 helicopter to Azerbaijan

According to the UN Registry of Conventional Arms, Ukraine sold 71 armored vehicles and other weapons systems to Azerbaijan during 2010, and also sold 16,500 submachineguns to Armenia during the same time period. The two countries are at odds over the Armenian-backed Azeri territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagorno-Karabakh commander boasts of arms build-up

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, August 15, Karabakh Armenian Commander Reports Military Buildup

Lieutenant General Movses Hakobian claims that new military equipment and weaponry have increased the combat readiness of his 5,000 troops in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The largely unrecognized state’s defense minister said that Armenia, the region’s main arms supplier, had obtained “unprecedented” amounts of military material in 2010. At the same time, Azerbaijani military spending has continued to increase, to $3.3 billion this year. Pro-Azerbaijani lobbyists have continued to lobby the United States to allow arms sales to the country and to reverse its policy of barring all arms sales to states engaged in the Caucasus conflict.

RBS, Lloyds TSB, HSBC, and Barclays accused of funding cluster munitions

The Independent, August 16, UK banks fund deadly cluster-bomb industry

British retail banks are being pressured by campaigners to stop investing in companies that produce cluster munitions, including Lockheed Martin and Textron. The world’s sixth-largest insurance company, Aviva, has recently moved to divest itself from 12 arms manufacturers that it has blacklisted for failing to provide assurances that they do not produce cluster munitions. A loophole in British law allows investors to lend money to arms manufacturers that produce cluster munitions as long as they do not invest in the bombs directly. The British government has so far given little indication that it intends to introduce legislation to close the loophole and has asked banks to police themselves.

Russia ceases production of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems

RT, August 15, Russia stops producing famous S-300 anti-missile systems

The anti-aircraft system was a prime export for Russia, and it has been purchased by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Venezuela, and Syria.  China produces them under license. Authorities cited declining sales as a reason for ending production; the Russia state has not purchased an S-300 battery since 1994. The potential sale of an S-300 system to Iran was cancelled due to the imposition of a UN embargo.

U.K. to spend $1.6 billion on new transport helicopters

Reuters, August 22, UK to buy 14 Boeing Chinook helicopters

A Defence Ministry statement has unveiled British plans to acquire 14 more Chinook transport helicopters from the U.S. defense contractor Boeing. The total cost of the sale would approach $1.6 billion; last year the British government announced an 8 percent decrease in the defense budget. The United Kingdom already operates 46 Chinook helicopters and has used them in operations in Afghanistan.

Swedish minister ignored expert advice in 2001 helicopter acquisition

Radio Sweden, August 18, Minister ignored expert advice on helicopters

Radio Sweden has obtained documents that claim the former Swedish Defense Minister Björn von Sydow ignored the recommendations of an expert panel during deliberations over a helicopter acquisition that was finalized in 2001. The contract was awarded to the French company NHIndustries and involved the transfer of 18 NH90 helicopters at a price of $935 million to be delivered by 2009. The panel warned that delivery delays could necessitate additional stopgap acquisitions; of the 18 NH90s, only 2 have been delivered as of August 2011. In 2010, Sweden purchased 15 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters at a cost of $732 million as a temporary measure. Radio Sweden reports that von Sydow was swayed by a desire to follow Norway and Sweden in purchasing the NH90, thereby establishing a common ‘Nordic’ helicopter.

Africa

Senegal ratifies Convention on Cluster Munitions

Cluster Munition Coalition, August 5, Senegal ratifies cluster bomb ban

The August 3 ratification makes Senegal the 60^th state party to the treaty and the 17^th in Africa. Twenty-two other states on the continent have signed the treaty but not yet ratified it, while 15 have done neither. Senegal claims that it is entirely free of cluster munitions.

Bribery scandal at German firm Ferrostaal linked to SA submarine deal

defenceWeb, August 8, SCOPA asks Hawk to probe Ferrostaal claims

Allegations that 300 million South African rand ($42 million) were paid by Ferrostaal to smooth the negotiation of an 8.2 billion rand ($1.2 billion) submarine deal in 1999 are to be investigated by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that an internal audit of Ferrostaal by the U.S. law firm Debevoise and Plimpton had revealed accounting inconsistencies that prompted the bribery investigation.

Two Israeli pilots suspected of arms parts smuggling released in Eritrea

Haaretz, August 23, Two Israeli pilots freed after being held in Eritrea for arms smuggling

Diplomatic pressure has won the release of two Israeli citizens arrested a month ago by Eritrean customs officials on suspicions of arms parts smuggling. The two pilots worked for an Israeli air transport company named Gesher Aviri. Eritrean officials claim they failed to properly report the contents of an envelope which contained weapons parts. Israeli officials said that the two had been negligent, but did not conspire to smuggle the items into the country.

Asia

Taiwanese official: F-16 sale blocked again

DefenseNews, August 14, U.S. To Deny Taiwan New F-16 Fighters

A Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense official told DefenseNews that the United States had again rejected a request to purchase 66 F-16C/D combat aircraft. According to the official, a U.S. delegation has offered to upgrade Taiwan’s older F-16A/B aircraft instead, including with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The upgrade would likely raise Taiwan’s F-16s to a level similar to those operated by the United Arab Emirates. U.S. officials continue to deny that a decision on the sale has been made.

Thailand finalizes $140 million APC deal with Ukraine

Army Recognition, August 7, Thailand will buy 121 additional BTR-3E1 armoured vehicles personnel carrier from Ukraine

A deal to provide Thailand with 121 BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers (APC) has been finalized, said the Ukrainian state arms exporter Ukrspetsexport. Thailand has already ordered 96 of the same APC from Ukraine, which has struggled to fulfill the contract. According to Ukraine, Germany’s refusal to supply key parts has held up delivery, although 24 have arrived in Thailand so far.

MiG deliveries to Myanmar close to finalization

Democratic Voice of Burma, August 4, Russia closing deal over 20 fighter jets

Twenty MiG-29 combat aircraft are likely to be sold to Myanmar by Russia at a cost of $570 million and will arrive before the end of 2012. The deal was first negotiated in 2009, but faced competition from a Chinese offer to provide J-10 and J-11 fighters. The purchase is part of a recent expansion of Myanmar military capabilities.

Vietnamese submarine purchase confirmed

Brahmand, August 4, Vietnam to receive submarine fleet in six years

Vietnamese Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh has confirmed that Vietnam is purchasing six Kilo 636-class submarines to be delivered within six years. Russian media sources had previously reported the sale as early as December 2009. India has offered to help Vietnam train its new Kilo crews, claiming extensive experience with operating similar submarines.

Indian Air Force attack helicopter tender competition nears completion

The Telegraph (Calcutta), August 14, Copter hunt gets hotter

A tender competition to find an attack helicopter for the Indian military is nearing completion and a decision will soon be made, according to Defence Ministry sources. The two helicopters under consideration are the Boeing AH-64D Longbow and the Mil Mi-28 Havoc. The purchase could cost more than $550 million for up to 40 units. A second tender competition for the purchase of 197 to 310 light utility helicopters is also nearing completion. Separately, in response to a parliamentary request, the Defense Ministry stated that it had purchased 372 billion rupees ($8.2 billion) worth of U.S.-produced military equipment between 2004 and 2011.

Danish court’s extradition decision angers India

China Daily, August 17, India freezes up bilateral co-op with Denmark

A Danish court’s decision not to allow the extradition of Niels Holck, a Danish citizen suspected by India of smuggling arms to rebels in West Bengal in 1995, has upset New Delhi. The decision, upheld by the High Court, stated that Holck could possibly be subjected to torture if turned over to Indian officials. India accuses Holck of providing grenade and rocket launchers, hundreds of assault rifles, and ammunition to rebels in an air dropped weapons cache.

Malaysian military gets more money to run scandal-hit submarines

The Malaysian Insider, August 2, Mindef says RM493.3m additional budget necessary to ‘maintain’ Scorpene subs

The Malaysian government has been hit by accusations that 500 million Malaysian ringgit ($168 million) worth of bribes were paid to ensure the 2002 purchase of two Scorpene submarines from French ship-maker DCNS. Opposition lawmakers have accused the government of covering up the details of the purchase, and a French lawyer who spoke out in Penang about the scandal was deported by Malaysian officials recently.

BAE takes initiative in probing Malaysian combat aircraft tender

Bernama, August 23, BAE Systems Seeks Feedback On MIG-29N Replacement Programme

BAE Systems, part of the Eurofighter Consortium that produces the Eurofighter Typhoon, has approached the Malaysian government and local companies in an effort to learn more about the requirements of a likely forthcoming tender competition to replace Malaysia’s fleet of aging Mig-29Ns. Other aircraft likely to be considered by the Malaysian government include the Boeing F/A-18E/F, the Dassault Rafale, and the Saab Gripen.

Sri Lanka should accede to the Mine Ban and Cluster Munitions Treaties

Frontline, Aug. 27-Sep. 9, Vicious killer

Around 1.3 million landmines left over after the resolution of Sri Lanka’s war with the Tamil Tigers pose a grave risk for civilians in the country. According to Vidya Abhayagunawardena, Sri Lanka could improve its mine action program and speed up demining by acceding to the Mine Ban Treaty and drawing on outside expertise and help.

China to lend Cambodia $195 million for purchase of new helicopters

Reuters, August 22, China to lend Cambodia $195 mln to buy its helicopters

According to documents seen by Reuters, China has agreed to help finance the acquisition of an undisclosed number of Zhi-9 utility helicopters for the Cambodian government. The $195 million loan was not confirmed by the Cambodian defense ministry.

Upcoming events

Convention on Cluster Munitions second meeting of states-parties

September 12-16, Beirut

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Court case details link between Honduran arms and Colombian drugs

InSight, July 21, Honduran Weapons for Colombian Cocaine: The Paramilitary Trafficking Routes

The trial of Juan Carlos Sierra Ramirez, an accused drug smuggler for a Colombian paramilitary force, has exposed details of the Honduran arms trade. Sierra allegedly engaged with Honduran criminal groups in trading Colombian cocaine for small arms, possibly stolen from arms depots in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador, all countries which have experienced civil wars in the past decades. One AK-47 rifle would be swapped for three to eight kilos of cocaine, according to the indictment.

Boeing and Bell plan exports of V-22 to supplement domestic sales

FlightGlobal, July 20, Textron: V-22 may sell to 10-12 foreign countries

Israel is among multiple countries that have expressed an interest in purchasing the tilt-rotor transport aircraft. Textron (Bell Helicopter’s parent company) CEO Scott Donnelly stated that 10-12 countries were likely export targets for the V-22 and that room to manufacture more of the aircraft would emerge by 2016 when U.S. military demand had been largely met.

Israeli company bars sale of Brazilian UAVs to Venezuela, Bolivia

InfoDefensa, July 21, Israel prohíbe a Brasil vender sus vehículos aéreos no tripulados a Bolivia y Venezuela

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles produced under a joint venture between Brazilian firm Synergy and Israel Aerospace Industries may not be exported to Venezuela or Bolivia, according to conditions set by the Israeli party. Although Israeli contractors had been modernizing Venezuelan F-16s as recently as 2005, President Hugo Chavez’ alleged anti-Israeli policies have soured defense relations between the two countries significantly. Brazilian firm Embraer was previously blocked by the United States from exporting Super Tucano combat aircraft to the two countries as well.

Norwegian shooter purchased magazines (il)legally from U.S. vendor

Politico, July 28, Norway shooter: Ammo clips were from U.S.

According to the political manifesto of Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian man charged with the deaths of 68 people purchased large-capacity magazines for his .223 caliber rifle from a U.S. vendor. While gun-control advocates have latched onto the claim as evidence of a glaring export loophole, some export lawyers are questioning whether the sale was legal at all in the first place. Breivik’s claim that he “[h]ad to buy through a smaller US supplier (who again ordered from other suppliers) as most suppliers have export limitations”, may suggest that the vendor was exporting goods illegally.

KPMG survey shows U.S. arms manufacturers hoping to profit abroad

KPMG, via PRNewswire, July 21, U.S. Aerospace & Defense Executives Eye M&A, Foreign Markets to Fuel Growth: KPMG Survey

Audit and consulting firm KPMG has released the results of a survey of aerospace and defense firms in the United States. According to the report, half of all U.S. firms believe that within three years foreign sales will comprise at least a quarter of their revenues; currently only 37% of firms reach that benchmark. Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will likely be the primary export targets, according to executives.

Middle East and North Africa

Iraqi air force revives F-16 acquisition program

Jerusalem Post, August 1, Iraq dusts off F-16s order

The planned purchase of 18 F-16 Block 52 combat aircraft at a cost of $4.3 billion was postponed in February after the Iraqi government determined that funding a food aid program was more important than advanced weapons systems acquisitions. The project has since been revived and the planned number of fighter jets involved has also doubled. Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki claimed that the planes would be primarily used to guard Iraq’s sovereignty.

French Minister: Libya strikes helping Rafale negotiations with UAE

Reuters, July 20, UAE most likely buyer for French Rafale jet-minister

French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet told reporters that daily operations over Libya were reassuring potential buyers of the Dassault Rafale that the aircraft’s engine capacity was sufficient and did not require an upgrade demanded by UAE negotiators. Longuet stated that he believed the UAE remained the most likely export customer for the Rafale, after setbacks in Brazil and India.

Jordan receives further nine F-16s from Belgium

HLN.be, July 19, België levert 9 bijkomende F-16′s aan Jordanië

Belgium has handed over nine F-16 aircraft to the Jordanian Air Force. The Jordanian government allegedly paid 32 million euros for the fighters and had already paid another 70 million euros for sixteen similar jets in the last few years.

U.S. cites Syrian arms transfers to Hezbollah as justification for sanctions

Courthouse News Service, August 1, Obama Extends Measures to Stabilize Lebanon

The Obama administration has renewed blocks on the assets within U.S. jurisdiction of entities undermining the sovereignty of Lebanon. The sanctions are justified, according to Obama, by continued attempts on the part of Syria to exert pressure on Lebanon through the arming of Hezbollah’s armed faction.

Afghanistan receives sixty howitzers from Bosnia and Herzegovina

NATO Press Release, July 25, Donations of Howitzers good statement on NATO BiH Partnership

The 122mm artillery pieces were transferred to the Afghan National Army at a handover ceremony in Sarajevo. They were refurbished by a team of Bosnia and Herzegovinan and U.S. contractors.  A U.S. General present at the ceremony applauded the step towards eliminating excess war material leftover from the Bosnian war.

Four indicted for arms smuggling, aiding Taliban, Hezbollah (pdf)

Department of Justice, July 26, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrests In DEA Narco-terrorism Undercover Operations

The U.S. Attorney’s office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the Department of Justice have unveiled charges against four men caught up in two separate undercover operations. Heroin and weapons, including shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, were traded between the suspects and confidential DEA sources.

Europe/Russia

Russian arms exports overpriced, unreliable

Eurasia Daily Monitor, July 21, Russian Arms: Bad Quality and Overpriced

While Russian arms exports have increased in value from $3 billion in annual sales a decade ago to $10 billion in 2010, export quantities have stayed steady while prices soared and quality dropped, according to a Russian official. In addition, the official claimed that profits from exports are not being reinvested in armaments manufacturers, but being paid out in dividends to Putin-appointed private boards. As a consequence, the reliability of Russian goods has come into question and reclamation of faulty products has risen.

Caspian neighbors boost naval forces

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, July 27, Caspian Sea States On Course For Naval Arms Race

Russia recently announced the deployment of 16 new ships with its Caspian Sea Flotilla, while Iran plans to add 75 missile ships to its fleet. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan are all also planning naval build ups, although on a smaller scale. The tensions leading to this localized naval race are generated by differing interpretations of the international laws dividing up the inland sea and its offshore oil resources. The nascent Iranian-Russian rivalry threatens to undermine the “strategic relationship” espoused by the two countries’ leaders if a resource-sharing deal is not negotiated to end a dispute that has festered since the end of the Cold War.

Bulgarian arms sales in 2010 amounted to 259 million euros

novinite, July 20, Bulgaria’s 2010 Arms Exports Amounted to EUR 260 M

A report produced by an inter-ministerial export control commission shows that the prime recipients for Bulgarian arms in 2010 were India, the United States, Egypt, and the Czech Republic. Three hundred and thirty-nine export permits were issued during 2010 and only two permits were refused. The report will be published by the Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism after it is presented to Parliament. The figure of 259 million euros represents a large decline in exports from the 1980s, when a peak of $1 billion in annual sales was recorded.

Belarussian arms exports limited but increasingly risky

Belarus Digest, August 1, Belarus As a New Yugoslavia on the Global Arms Market?

Belarus’ contribution to the international arms trade will continue to remain limited, in part due to a lack of self-sufficiency in manufacturing top export products. As old stocks of Russian- and Ukrainian-made military equipment have been sold off, authorities have not invested in new manufacturing capacity. While the Belarussian state is unlikely to profit from an increase in risky arms sales in violation of international sanctions, covert sales by members of the ruling regime and their associates will likely remain lucrative.

German Green party asks Constitutional Court to clarify notification rules

DefenseNews, August 1, German Party Sues Government on Saudi Tank Deal

Members of the opposition Green party have filed a suit with the Constitutional Court of Germany seeking a judgment on whether the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is allowed to approve major arms sales licenses without first informing parliament. The move follows reports that Germany has approved the sale to Saudi Arabia of 200 Leopard tanks in a reversal of previous policy regarding arms sales to that country.

Swiss ammunition found in Libya sparks debate at home

Swissinfo.ch, July 27, Swiss war materiel exports spark debate

Following the discovery of ammunition manufactured by state-owned technology corporation Ruag in the hands of Libyan rebels, left-wing politicians have called for a total ban on arms sales to the Middle East and North Africa. Although Swiss law bars the sale of armaments to states currently in conflict, state export control authorities signed off on the sale of Ruag ammunition to Qatar. Qatar has previously been suspected of transferring arms to Libyan rebels.  If the Ruag ammunition was involved in such a shipment, Qatar would have been in violation of Swiss conditions on re-transfer of military goods.

Africa

Opposition criticizes priorities after Uganda Sukhoi purchase

Uganda Daily Monitor, July 26, You don’t wait for war to buy fighter jets, says Gen. Museveni

Ugandan leader General Yoweri Museveni has attracted criticism from opposition figures for the recent purchase of six Sukhoi Su-30MK fighter aircraft from Russia at a cost of an estimated $744 million. Museveni was forced to admit that defense acquisitions should be a secondary priority to infrastructure and healthcare improvements, but insisted that the country could not wait for war before purchasing military equipment.

South Africa launches corruption investigation of Gripen sale

DefenseNews, July 31, S. Africa Reopens Probe Into Gripen Bribes: Report

Following admissions by Saab officials that bribes were paid by its former British partner BAE Systems to secure a 1.6 billion euro fighter jet deal, South African police have formally launched an investigation into the affair. An advisor to a former South African Defense Minister has been named by Sweden’s TV4 television channel as a likely recipient of bribes, in the form of millions of euros in bonuses.

Asia

Activists protest Indian arms sales to Myanmar (Burma)

Democratic Voice of Burma, July 25, Anger at Indian arms sales to Burma

Burmese protestors in New Delhi have attacked the Indian government for continuing to supply the military junta with arms while fighting rages in Kachin and Shan provinces. China, Israel, Russia, Serbia, and Singapore also continue to sell weapons to the government of Burma. According to a revised budget released by the Burmese government this year, more than a quarter of total annual spending will go towards the army.

MMRCA decision to be made in 5-6 weeks, according to IAF official

Deccan Herald, July 26, IAF pushes for opening of aircraft bid process

The head of the Indian air force has outlined an expected timeline for a final decision on the winner of a tender competition to purchase 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). The Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon are the two remaining aircraft under consideration. If other air force modernization projects, such as a light-combat aircraft acquisition program and a joint venture with Russia to create a fifth-generation fighter, fall through, the MMRCA purchase may increase to 189 jets at a cost of $20 billion Indian officials suggested. India has also recently finalized and signed a contract to modernize its Mirage 2000 combat aircraft.

Russia enters T-50 in South Korean tender competition

RIA Novosti, July 25, Russia enters S. Korean tender with 5th-generation fighter

Sukhoi’s fifth-generation combat aircraft has been entered in a South Korean tender competition for 60 new fighters with an advanced stealth capability. The estimated budget for the procurement program is $7.9 billion and the winner of the tender will likely be decided in 2012. The F-15SE from Boeing, Lockheed Martin’s F-35, and the Eurofighter Typhoon will also be considered by the South Korean government.

U.S. announces Taiwan aircraft sale decision by October

DefenseNews, July 22, U.S. To Decide on Taiwan F-16s Oct. 1

The Obama administration will decide whether to sell Taiwan 66 F-16C/D fighter jets by October of this year, according to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The announcement comes after months of pressure from the Taiwanese government and U.S. congressmen. A new sale would likely upset mainland China, which protested strongly objected to an arms transfer in early 2010. Another option that the U.S. might consider is a mid-life upgrade package for Taiwan’s F-16A/B fighters.

Indonesia close to picking South Korea for submarines

The ChosunIlbo, July 21, Korea Poised to Win Submarine Export Deal from Indonesia

Despite conflicting reports that Indonesia had secured a deal with Turkish negotiators, Korean sources claim that Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine engineering is close to concluding a deal with the Indonesian government to supply three 209-class submarines worth approximately $1.08 billion. If finalized, the sale would represent Korea’s largest arms export deal to date.

Arms smuggling into Fergana Valley aided by Russian agents

The Journal of Turkish Weekly, August 2, British Expert: Smuggling in Central Asia is Endemic

In a region with a long history of smuggling and loose borders, recent ethnic tensions between Kyrgyzs and Uzbeks has led to an increase in the movement of small arms from Afghanistan and abroad. British intelligence analyst and journalist Richard M. Bennett suspects that the Russian government, either through its security services or criminal proxies, is responsible for enabling the flow of weapons into the area. The poorly guarded borders of the Central Asian republics are also conducive to drug smuggling, often paired with weapons transfers after the model of South American networks.

Global Issues

Post-conflict disarmament schemes improve as buy-backs fall out of favor

IRIN, July 28, Analysis: How best to remove guns from post-conflict zones?

While cash for weapons buy-back programs have failed in the past, alternate incentive schemes have not necessarily won over former soldiers in post-conflict zones. Experts caution against blanket opposition to cash buy-backs and highlight the need to curb the supply and circulation of small arms in conjunction with disarmament initiatives. They also emphasize that buy-backs can generate the impression that former fighters are being rewarded for their wartime crimes and that allowing former military commanders to dictate buy-back policies for their demobilized troops can contribute to crime and gun smuggling.

Convention on Cluster Munitions passes one-year mark

Cluster Munition Coalition, August 1, CMC Press Release: Treaty banning cluster bombs marks one year anniversary

August 1 marked the one-year anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. One hundred and nine states have signed the treaty, and there are currently 59 states parties. According to the Cluster Munition Coalition, 589,000 cluster bombs containing 64 million submunitions have been destroyed so far.

U.S. State Department publishes new MANPADS report

U.S. State Department, July 27, MANPADS: Combating the Threat to Global Aviation from Man-Portable Air Defense Systems

To better pursue what is considered a “top U.S. national security priority”, the State Department has published a short report on MANPADS, their types, uses, and owners, as well as U.S. efforts to stop their proliferation.

About the Arms Transfers Working Group
The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

Commerce unveils proposed rules for moving USML items to CCL (pdf)
Department of Commerce, July 14, Proposed Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Control of Items the President Determines No Longer Warrant Control under the United States Munitions List(USML)

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, this rule proposes a new regulatory construct for the transfer of items on the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Munitions List (USML) to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commerce Control List (CCL) once the congressional notification requirements and corresponding amendments to regulations are completed. The proposed rules also include details for the transfer of a tranche of items from Category VII of the USML (Tanks and Military Vehicles) and proposes amending the EAR to establish a process to make certain items eligible for a License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA).  Finally, the rule proposes new definitions related to “specially designed,” “end items,” “parts,” and “components,” which may impact U.S. discussions on the Arms Trade Treaty.

Brazil will not reconsider air force upgrade until 2012
Reuters, July 9, Brazil to look again at fighter jet deal early 2012

Defense Minister Nelson Jobim said that no decision was to be made on three likely rival bids to provide new fighter jets for the Brazilian air force before early 2012, but also stressed that technology transfer considerations would play a large role. Brazilian press sources have estimated a potential deal to be worth between $4 and $6 billion dollars. The Rafale, a fighter aircraft that saw combat over Libya, is being offered by French manufacturer Dassault and was favored by former President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva. The U.S. company Boeing is offering a version of the F/A-18, which was touted by President Obama during a March visit. The Swedish Gripen from Saab is also under consideration. Up to 100 jets could eventually be purchased as part of the acquisition initiative that has already seen several reversals in recent years.

Brazil’s unsecured ports a boon for gun smugglers
Christian Science Monitor, July 18, Brazil’s new arms-trafficking frontier? The sea

Brazilian police have identified the ports of Paranagua and Santos as major entry points for illegal weapons smuggled into the country. According to a recent report, maritime smuggling has become an increasing problem due to minimal oversight of the mass volume of containers that pass through Brazilian ports every day. This trend will create additional headaches for Brazilian police already having difficulty monitoring a 17,000 km porous border with 10 neighboring countries.

Grenada becomes first country to accede to the CCM
Cluster Munition Coalition, June 30, Grenada: first state to accede to cluster bomb ban

Grenada has become the 59th state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and the first to join through accession. According to the Cluster Munition Coalition, U.S. forces used MK-20 Rockeye cluster munitions in Grenada during the 1983 invasion of the country. The provisions of the CCM will enter into force in Grenada on December 1, 2011.

Canada sold arms to 7o countries from 2007-2009, is 12th largest exporter
Postmedia News, July 11, Canada is world’s 12th-largest exporter of arms

Customers for arms exports in recent years have included Zimbabwe and Libya according to the Canadian government, but more than half of reported sales were to NATO allies. A total of $1.4 billion Canadian dollars’ worth of arms were sold between 2006 and 2009, according to a government report. Canada does not report arms exports to the U.S. due to high industry integration; according to one expert, these unreported exports account for around three-fourths of the actual total.

Chinese technicians help Bolivia assemble new aircraft
Agence France-Presse, July 11, Bolivia forces assemble 6 Chinese warplanes

The Chinese government provided the six K-8 aircraft to Bolivia to help train their pilots for missions against targets related to anti-narcotics operations. Twenty-eight Chinese engineers are assisting Bolivian staff assemble the aircraft in a hangar in the department of Cochabamba.

Mexico to spend $200 million on Italian transport planes
Shephard, July 6, Alenia Aeronautica receives Mexican C-27J order

The Mexican government has signed a contract worth approximately $200 million with Alenia Aeronautica to purchase four C-27J tactical transport aircraft. The aircraft will be delivered between this fall and the end of 2012.

Middle East and North Africa

France airdrops arms to Libyan rebels
BBC, June 29, French arming of Libya’s rebels strategic

The French military announced that it had conducted an airdrop of small arms and light weapons to a group of Libyan Berber rebels in the Nafusa Mountains in the Western part of the country. According to a spokesman, Libyan government forces had encircled this group of rebels. The action may be in violation of Security Council Resolution 1970 that establishes an arms embargo of Libya. Russia and the African Union were quick to officially condemn the airdrop.

German Leopard sale to Saudi Arabia causes uproar
Der Speigel, July 4, Germany Wants to Supply Battle Tanks to Saudi Arabia

The magazine Der Spiegel reported that the Federal Security Council, a committee chaired by Chancellor Angela Merkel, has approved the sale to Saudi Arabia of 200 Leopard 2A7+ tanks, potentially worth around 2 billion euros. The deal represents an about face; for the last 30 years Israeli opposition has made such a large transfer of tanks to the Middle Eastern country untenable. The opposition Social Democratic and Green parties have objected vocally to the deal and a parliamentary debate on the subject was held on July 6. Some members of Merkel’s ruling Christian Democrat Party have also objected. According to one constitutional scholar interviewed by Der Spiegel, parliamentarians may have some success forcing the government to share the proceedings of the “secret” Federal Security Council through an appeal to the Federal Constitutional Court. If the deal were to go through, it would supplant a similar deal that Saudi negotiators were exploring with Spanish manufacturers.

Saudi Arabia to spend additional $30 billion on U.S. goods to upgrade navy
Reuters, July 6, Saudi plans to lift arms purchases from US to $90 bln

Following the massive $60 billion planned arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia announced last year, Saudi Arabia intends to spend an additional $30 billion to upgrade its navy. Sources tell Reuters that the deal would include maintenance and training, and that the chances that the deal would fall through are “very remote”. One analyst told the news agency that Saudi Arabia was responding to increasing regional threats such as the protests in Yemen and piracy in its waters.

Germany approves 10 billion euros in defense sales to Algeria
Handelsblatt, July 3, Deutschland gibt Rüstung für Algerien frei

Companies such as Rheinmetall, ThyssenKrupp, MAN, and Daimler will benefit from projects in Algeria worth $10 billion euros that were recently approved by the Federal Security Council of Germany. One project involves the creation of an effective border control system that will assist Algeria in preventing an outflow of North African refugees to Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel offered her country’s assistance in constructing such a system during a December meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Berlin. Rheinmetall and MAN are planning to manufacture armored vehicles in Algeria through a joint venture, while ThyssenKrupp intends to supply the navy with new frigates.

Algerian Navy purchases two corvettes from Russia
DefenceWeb, July 1, Algerian Navy purchases two Tiger corvettes from Russia

The two ‘missile frigates’ will be constructed by United Shipbuilding Corporation of Russia and are export models of Russia’s new Steregushchy corvette design. A contract for the deal was signed on June 30 and is the culmination of a tender process that began in 2007.

Human Rights Watch identifies more minefields in Libya
Human Rights Watch, July 8, Libya: Government Lays More Mines in Western Mountains

Following on from a previous June 21 report of mine laying in the Nafusa mountains, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has confirmed the presence of another three minefields near the town of al-Qawalish. Brazilian-produced T-AB-1 antipersonnel mines and Chinese Type-72SP antivehicle mines were unearthed by rebel mine clearers. Brazilian Minister of External Relations Antonio Patriota has condemned the mine laying and his country is currently investigating how the mines were exported to Libya. According to HRW, Brazil is a member of the Mine Ban Treaty and has not exported or produced antipersonnel mines since 1989.

Top Israeli officials divided over missile sales to Turkey
The Jerusalem Post, July 5, FM thwarting sale of defense equipment to Turkey

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is blocking the sale of anti-tank and air-defense missiles to Turkey that are being pushed by the Defense Ministry as part of an initiative to repair relations. Previous to its military operations in Gaza during 2009, Israel had been a leading supplier of military goods to Turkey. A growing rift between the two countries has led to a near-complete halt in defense exports from Israel.

Germany will continue to subsidize Israeli submarine costs
The Associated Press, July 18, Germany to finance submarine for Israel

A deal that will reduce the cost to the Israeli government by a third for the construction of a sixth Dolphin-class submarine has been reached. Three of the vessels are already in service and two are currently under construction. The Dolphin-class is believed to have a nuclear-armed cruise missile capability, and is assigned to patrol off the coast of Iran.

Arms smuggling by the Revolutionary Guards prompts U.S. condemnation
The New York Times, July 10, Panetta Says Iranian Arms in Iraq Are a ‘Concern’

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has joined other officials in highlighting the increase in the smuggling of Iranian weapons into Iraq. In particular, high-powered rockets and parts for bombs have aided Shiite militias in targeting U.S. personnel, according to U.S. officials. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James F. Jeffrey previously claimed that his government has “forensic evidence” that proves the Iranian origin of weapons retrieved in Iraq. The Iranian Defense Minister has denied these and similar claims regarding weapons in Afghanistan.

UAE shies away from Rafale deal, explores further purchase of F-16s
DefenseNews, July 6, UAE May Buy More F-16s

The high cost of the joint development of upgrades for the French Dassault Rafale has convinced the United Arab Emirates to consider purchasing more F-16s. The potential $10 billion Rafale deal was discussed recently at the Paris Air Show but French insistence on pricing was firm. Both Lockheed Martin, the producer of the F-16, and Dassault may soon be reliant on foreign sales in order to keep production lines open.

U.S. planning co-production of 125 Abrams tanks with Egypt
DefenceWeb, July 11, Egypt getting ready to purchase M1A1 tanks

On July 1, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified (pdf) Congress of a potential co-production project of 125 M1A1 Abrams tanks worth $1.3 billion. Egypt has participated in the co-production of Abrams tanks since 1988 and presently has 973 units already in service.

Europe/Russia

Cyprus explosion linked to 2009 illegal Iranian shipment
The Telegraph, July 11, Iran explosives at centre of Cypriot intrigue  

The explosion at a Cypriot military facility, which killed the head of the Cypriot navy, was centered on a confiscated shipment of an estimated 2,000 tons of artillery explosives that were hauled off an Iranian-hired vessel in 2009. The shipment from Bandar Abbas was headed for the Syrian port of Latakia; it was flagged by the United States and detained at the Cypriot port of Limassol. Documents released by Wikileaks claim the shipment also included shell casings and primers.

UK reveals arms exports figures for 2010
DefenseNews, July 18, U.K. Exports Slip, But Market Share Increases

Arms exports for 2010 totalled roughly 8 billion pounds ($12.9 billion), according to the Defence and Security Organisation. The figures show a rise in global market share, but also a decline in military exports. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also published its annual report on strategic exports that provides data on violations prosecutions, seizures, and compliance visits.

Ukraine releases arms exports figures showing nearly $1 billion in sales
defenceWeb, July 19, Ukraine exported nearly US$1 billion of weapons last year, mainly to Africa

Figures from the State Service for Export Control show arms exports for 2010 totaling $956.7 million, up from $799.5 million in 2009. A large part of these earnings were generated by the sale of T-55 and T-72 Soviet-era tanks to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Southern Sudan. The latter also purchased howitzers, mortars and small arms from Ukraine. It remains unclear, however, whether these weapons have yet been delivered; a former director of Ukraine’s state-run exports company Ukrspetsexport expressed doubts that the figures were realistic.

Italian government blocking inquiry into arms cache movement
The Guardian, July 19, Italian government blocks investigation into missing arms cache

A shipment of weapons seized in the 1990s containing 30,000 assault rifles and various light weapons has been moved from its holding site in northern Sardinia to an unknown location by the Italian military, a source tells The Guardian. A prosecutor in Sardinia was blocked from investigating the transfer by the Prime Minister’s office on grounds of official secrecy.

Azerbaijan begins licensed production of Russian rifles
APA, July 7, Azerbaijan starts serial production of AK-74M assault rifles basing on Russian license

The Ijmash company will produce 5,000 AK-74M rifles for the Ministry of Defense this year, based on a Russian license. The Azerbaijani version of the AK-74 will be known as the “Khazri” and has a slightly modified design.

Africa

Amnesty International ties Sudan arms imports to need for an ATT
Amnesty International UK, July 8, Sudan: China, Russia and USA provided weapons or military training for bloody conflict

Based on analyses of weapons and armaments used in fighting in Southern Kordofan, Amnesty International has called on states to exercise restraint and better judgment in transferring arms to the Southern People’s Liberation Army (the armed forces of South Sudan) and the Sudanese armed forces. Amnesty points out, in particular, the transfer of Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets to the Sudanese Air Force in 2008 and 2009 from Belarus, and significant U.S. military assistance to South Sudan.

Africom: US Navy assists in training Mozambique mine clearing troops
Africom Press Release, June 30, Soldiers take first step in combating Mozambique’s landmines

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians have trained 38 Mozambican soldiers in a de-mining course sponsored by a partnership between the U.S. Africa Command and the Mozambique government. According to Africa Command, Mozambique is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world and landmines kill or injure 20 people a month.

Asia

India gives final approval to $2.4 billion Mirage upgrade
Agence France-Presse, July 14, French defence contractors secure $2.4 billion Mirage jets deal

The 51 Mirage 2000 jets will mostly be upgraded on Indian soil and will acquire new navigation systems, mission computers, electronic warfare systems, and radars. French companies Dasssault and Thales and European company MBDA will assist Hindustan Aeronautics in upgrading the aircraft at the latter’s Bangalore base. The project will likely last nine years, and will run parallel to a major fighter aircraft acquisition plan that is likely to cost the Indian government $12 billion.

Local tensions prompt Philippines to consider new fighter fleet
Agence France-Presse, July 4, Philippines seeks modern US military hardware

The Philippines will ask the United States to provide it with modern maritime patrol aircraft and other hardware in order to defend its territorial claims in the South China Sea, the Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told reporters. Gazmin noted that the Philippines is also interested in purchasing a new fleet of fighter aircraft. Its last F-5 fighter jet was decommissioned six years ago.

China purchases 123 Russian jet fighter engines
Russian Aviation, July 4, China has acquired Russian engines to the amount of $500 million

The order for 123 AL-31FN engines are intended for use with China’s J-10 and J-11 aircraft, both of which are versions of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27. China manufactures indigenous engines for the two fighter jets, but these do not match the quality and reliability of the Russian imports. The purchase is worth approximately $500 million and the engines will be delivered by the end of 2013.

Russian Kilo-class submarines to be delivered to Vietnam by 2014
MaritimeSecurityAsia, July 6, Russia to supply Vietnam Six Submarines in 2014

Vietnam signed a contract to purchase six Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines according to a Russian state export company official. The deliveries will be made by 2014 and will enable Vietnam to better patrol its water in the South China Sea. According to RIA-Novosti, 29 Kilo-class submarines have so far been exported to China, India, Iran, Poland, Romania and Algeria.

British Minister of Defence in India selling the Eurofighter
The Times of India, July 10, India needs defence partners not suppliers: Liam Fox

UK Minister of Defence Liam Fox tells the Times of India in an interview that he has stressed the importance of buying a strategic partnership in his talks with Indian officials. The United Kingdom is part of the Eurofighter consortium that is attempting to convince the Indian government to purchase Eurofighter Typhoons for its medium multi-role combat aircraft tender. Fox noted that the French defense industry was relatively closed; the Typhoon’s lone competitor for the contract is the Dassault Rafale.

Turkey close to signing submarine deal with Indonesia
Today’s Zaman, June 30, Turkey, Indonesia close to sealing key submarine deal

A deal for a Turkish-German joint production project to provide two diesel-electric submarines for the Indonesia navy is nearing completion, according to a Turkish defense official. The German firm Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) will work with a Turkish company to build the Type 209 submarines at the Gölcük shipyard. The defense official also noted that Turkey is hoping to expand its arms exports and that it is opening new export offices in Belgium and Qatar, and one in either Azerbaijan or Turkmenistan.

Global Issues

Corruption must be taken seriously as part of an Arms Trade Treaty
Transparency International, July 11, Corruption risks may undermine UN Arms Trade Treaty

Tobias Bock from Transparency International emphasizes the need for anti-corruption mechanisms in an arms trade treaty. He asserts that the arms industry is highly supportive of the inclusion of anti-corruption measures that are in the draft paper prepared by the Chair of the negotiation process, Ambassador Roberto García Moritán of Argentina. Without these measures, the treaty will likely fail to be effective in its mission.

SIPRI publishes three papers on the Arms Trade Treaty
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, July

The first paper makes the case for stronger arms imports controls in the Arms Trade Treaty, arguing, for example, that for an exporting state, import authorizations issued by the recipient country would provide reassurance that arms shipments were legitimate and would not be diverted. The second addresses transshipment controls and documentation while the third discusses options for reporting and implementation, based, in part, on a survey of state reporting to the UN Register of Conventional Arms conducted by SIPRI.

About the Arms Transfers Working Group
The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

For more information, visit ATWG’s website: http://armstransfersworkinggroup.org

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

U.S. lists recent regional counter-trafficking initiatives

U.S. State Department, June 21, U.S. Actions To Combat Trafficking in Arms in the Western Hemisphere

The U.S. State Department has issued a fact sheet detailing its recent initiatives to combat arms trafficking in the Western hemisphere. The fact sheet provides no data on weapons destroyed or captured, but does highlight U.S. efforts to provide assistance in marking, tracing, stockpile management, and weapons destruction to regional states. The document also describes limited funding for national initiatives, but does not detail where or how money was spent.

Peruvian military officials prohibited from shopping abroad

LaRepublica, June 23, Comisión de Transferencia cuestiona al Ejército por apresurar compra de armas

Incoming Ministry of Defense officials have barred top uniformed military staff from visiting foreign countries in order to shop for new armaments. The head of the Peruvian army, General Paul da Silva, was invited to visit the Israeli firm in Tel Aviv that had proposed a deal to upgrade Peruvian armored vehicles, but was stopped from going abroad by a directive on June 21. A separate visit by a technical commission has been conducted. Officials overseeing the transition in the Ministry have questioned the rationale behind acquisitions-related trips abroad in the waning days of the administration of President Alan García.

Middle East and North Africa

Israel exported a record $7.2 billion of arms in 2010

UPI, June 17, Israel hits $7.2 billion in arms exports

The total comes in slightly above the 2009 figure of $6.9 billion, but is expected to decline in coming years as the effects of the global economic downturn hit the arms industry. Israeli exports to Latin America and Asia have continued to grow as oil price increases have caused defense budgets to balloon. Newly-developed missile-defense systems developed with the aid of U.S. expertise and funding have also attracted interest from potential buyers such as India.

Spain confirms cluster munitions sale to Libya

New York Times blog, June 22, Down the Rabbit Hole: Arms Exports and Qaddafi’s Cluster Bombs

A Spanish defense official has confirmed to New York Times blogger C.J. Chivers that two licenses for the export of cluster munitions to Libya were approved in 2006 and 2007. He also confirmed that the actual transfers took place and that the manufacturer of the MAT-120 mortars was Instalaza SA, but noted that all of these activities preceded the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions on December 3, 2008.

Libyan government laying down landmines in mountain area, says HRW

Human Rights Watch, June 21, Libya: Government Using Landmines in Nafusa Mountains

Personnel from the non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch have confirmed the presence of Brazilian-manufactured T-AB-1 anti-personnel landmines in the Nafusa mountains region of western Libya. The mines were discovered around June 1 and a number of them have since been removed by rebel forces. Libyan government forces have also planted identical mines in the city of Misrata. A suburb of Misrata was recently discovered to contain the largest minefield yet identified in Libya, containing around 550 anti-personnel mines planted to impede access to a set of rocket launchers.

Misrata rebels want arms, claim Algerian border allows Gaddafi to re-arm

The Scotsman, June 20, Eyewitness: ‘Lift embargo on arms and we’ll finish it’

Libyan rebels have accused the Gaddafi regime of bringing in more weaponry through Algeria, specifically long-range rockets. At the same time, the rebels see a growing equipment gap as the arms embargo put in place by the UN Security Council prevents them from acquiring arms while loyalist troops continue to resupply themselves with ease and impunity.

UAE sentences six arms smugglers in Yemen case

Agence France-Presse, June 28, UAE jails six over arms smuggling to Yemen

A court in the UAE has sentenced five individuals to jail terms ranging from 3 to 5 years for attempting to smuggle 16,000 pistols from Turkey to Yemen. The shipment was seized in March by police in Dubai and represented the largest arms seizure in UAE history. The imprisoned smugglers were two Omanis and three Egyptians.

Europe/Russia

EU adopts arms embargo on Belarus

UPI, June 21, Minsk hit with more sanctions

The new sanctions came in response to a crackdown on dissent after an election earlier this year. This latest round of sanctions also includes targeted asset freezes and travel bans, bringing the total number of sanctioned officials in Belarus to 160. The new EU Council regulations are also intended to stifle businesses associated with President Alexander Lukashenko that are involved in Belarus’ lucrative arms exports industry, which is valued at more than 1.14 billion British Pounds ($1.82 billion) annually.

Wikileaks: U.S. embassy suggested rules to help Czech ammunition exports

CzechPosition, June 20, Wikileaks: US tried to smooth Czech ammo sales

A newly released Wikileaks document states that U.S. embassy officials in the Czech Republic actively sought to aid the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in exporting surplus ammunition to Iraq and Afghanistan. The author of the cable, then-Ambassador William J. Cabaniss, noted that the Ministry tended to have a negative attitude towards arms transfers to either of the two destinations, and proposed extending an ad hoc arrangement by which United States would establish contacts and verify information in Kabul or Baghdad for the Ministry. The Czech Republic was eager to rid itself of surplus Soviet-era ammunition that was largely unneeded after the Czech army was drawn down from 130,000 to 30,000 soldiers.

Mistral deal raises concerns in U.S., Baltic states

RIA Novosti, June 18, U.S. congresswoman says Russian-French Mistral deal threatens U.S. security

Following the final signature of the much delayed Mistral amphibious assault ship sale between France and Russia on June 17, the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has described the deal as a threat to U.S. security and “deeply troubling”. Ros-Lehtinen is not the only one disturbed by the $1.7 billion initial contract for two French-built ships; on June 22 the Defense Minister of Latvia said that the deployment of the Mistral-class helicopter carriers in the Baltic would tip the regional balance of power, necessitating a NATO response.

Norwegian parliament clears initial F-35 sale

Reuters, June 18, Norway to buy four F-35 “training” fighters

The decision to purchase four F-35 aircraft for training purposes is a victory for the ruling Labour government which claims a further purchase of 52 units can still be cancelled if cost overruns worsen. The total fleet could cost the Norwegian government as much as 72 billion Norwegian crowns ($13.3 billion). Critics of the trainer deal were concerned that the initial purchase would commit Norway to a product which has seen substantial cost increases throughout development.

Africa

Disarming South Sudanese forces daunting task for new government

Daily Nation, via AllAfrica, June 28, South Grappling With Disarmament Challenge

More than 150,000 armed soldiers and militia will be disarmed and integrated into society, according to a plan formulated by the Southern Sudan Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (DDR). The chairman of the DDR voiced concerns recently that if small arms diversions could not be controlled once the demobilization begins, the entire region’s security situation could be negatively affected. The UN estimates that there are 2.4 million guns in the hands of civilians in Southern Sudan.

U.S. to supply Burundi and Uganda with drones as part of package

BBC News, June 28, Uganda and Burundi to get US drones to fight Islamists

As part of a $45 million aid package to the two African nations, the U.S. is providing four drones along with body armor, communications and surveillance gear, and night-vision equipment as part of an effort to fight Islamist militants in Somalia. Uganda and Burundi currently provide 9,000 peace keepers as part of the African Union force currently in Somalia.

Saab accuses BAE of corruption in South Africa arms deal

BBC News, June 17, Call for new South African arms deal investigation

Saab has accused employees of the British firm BAE Systems of making irregular payments to a South African consultancy as part of a jet aircraft acquisition deal that is close to totaling $11 billion in value. Saab alleges that BAE transferred $3.5 million to a Saab subsidiary in South Africa, and then covertly transferred again by BAE to the consultancy with no entries placed in Saab financial records. BAE claims that it has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office.

Asia

Taiwan request again blocked by U.S. National Security Council

DefenseNews, June 27, U.S. Blocks Taiwan’s F-16 Request Again

The de-facto Taiwanese embassy in the United States has had its most recent letter of request for the purchase of new F-16 fighter aircraft rejected by the U.S. State department, on orders from the National Security Council. The Taiwanese are seeking to take advantage of new momentum in the United States to support the sale, which has been held up for almost a decade. Political commentators in Taiwan have noted that a successful F-16 deal would boost President Ma Ying-jeou’s prospects in the January 2012 elections, and Beijing desperately wants to see Ma re-elected. The degree to which this factor would blunt Chinese opposition to the deal remains unclear.

Bangladesh signs tank deal with China

Asia News Network, June 27, Record purchase of 44 tanks, 2 helicopters for Bangladesh army

Bangladeshi military officials have announced the purchase of 44 main battle tanks and three armored recovery vehicles from a Chinese arms manufacturer. The sale will also include training and an initial supply of spare parts. Also announced was the purchase of two helicopters from Eurocopter. No cost figures were revealed by the officials.

India to purchase 80 Mi-17 helicopters from Russian exporter

RIA Novosti (translated from Russian), June 23, Russia will sell India 80 Mi-17 helicopters

The deal was agreed upon at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget this past week. The 80 highly modified Mi-17 helicopters will be delivered beginning in a few months. No cost figures for the sale have been disclosed.

Indian Mirage upgrade deal could be a waste of money

Indo-Asian News Service, June 19, Defense Brass Split Over French Mirage Upgrade Deal

Indian defense officials are divided over the merits of the proposed $2.4 billion upgrade of the nuclear delivery-capable Mirage-2000 strike aircraft, which has led to constant delays in the tender. As the deal, to benefit French defense firms Thales and MBDA, heads to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval, opposition has become more vocal. One particular point of concern is that the total cost per plane for the upgrade is around $7.9 million, which is the same amount India expects to spend on each brand new unit delivered under the medium multi-role combat aircraft tender.

Global Issues

Mine ban treaty intersessional meeting discusses mixed developments

International Campaign to Ban Landmines, June 24, One more country declared mine free, but new use of antipersonnel mines condemned at Mine Ban Treaty meeting

While Nigeria declared that it was officially landmine free and the island nation of Tuvalu has stated its intent to accede to the treaty, a number of states also reported setbacks in the global campaign to eliminate landmines. Algeria, Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eritrea all requested extensions on their deadlines to clear mined areas.

Amnesty International on the need for transparency in the ATT (pdf)

Amnesty International, June 2011, Our Right to Know

This new short paper describes the need for transparency measures to be included in the arms trade treaty currently under preliminary negotiations and calls on states to incorporate public reporting on their exports and imports of conventional arms in their negotiating positions.

About the Arms Transfers Working Group

The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

For more information, visit ATWG’s website: http://armstransfersworkinggroup.org

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

Official: U.S. to streamline FMS program, 2011 Exports of $46.1B Expected

Department of Defense, June 13, DOD Aims to Streamline Foreign Military Sales Program

Navy Vice Adm. William E. Landay III, head of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, has outlined some of the reforms under consideration within his organization, including pre-approval of certain high-demand technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles. Landay provided figures for U.S. arms sales through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, saying that $96 billion of transfers had been delivered between 2005-2010,  and that the U.S. expected to export $46.1 billion of arms in 2011, double the 2010 figure. Landay also said that the U.S. currently has a backlog of orders worth $327 billion. While fending off general questions about arms sales to the Middle East, Landay did state that there is “no change” in what the U.S. is doing with Egypt.

ATF: 70% of guns retrieved by police in Mexico are from the U.S.

Wall Street Journal, June 10, Mexican Guns Tied to U.S.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has released new statistics showing that 70% of all weapons seized by the Mexican government and transferred to the ATF for tracing originated or passed through the United States. The new figures add fire to a debate already highly inflamed by the U.S. retraction of a previous claim that 90% of guns recovered in Mexico came from north of the border.

NGO releases data on U.S. defense manufacturers’ lobbyist spending

Sunlight Foundation, June 6, The Pentagon’s Big Contractors Lobby Big and Get in Big Trouble

Large defense industry firms such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Raytheon each spent tens of millions of dollars on lobbyists during the 2009-2010 period. They were also cited for scores of contractor misconduct cases, according to the Sunlight Foundation, a pro-transparency non-governmental organization.

2005 Chilean frigate deal center of bribery investigation

The Santiago Times, June 9, Chilean Navy’s Purchase Of Dutch Frigates Raises Questions

Chilean prosecutors are investigating the possibility that bribes were paid by an intermediary involved in a 2005 deal to transfer four second-hand frigates from the Netherlands. The intermediary, the firm Eurotechnology, and its owner Guillermo Ibieta, are already under scrutiny for their role in a 2009 transfer of Leopard tanks, also from the Netherlands.

Brazil gifts Uruguay with 25 M41C tanks

Defensa.com, June 2, Brasil donará 25 tanques M-41C al Ejército uruguayo

Brazil has announced the transfer of 25 M41C tanks to the Uraguayan army. The tanks have served previously in the Brazilian armed forces and have been upgraded indigenously with a new main gun and engine since they were acquired from Belgium.

Middle East and North Africa

U.S. Congress Notified of Potential ~$1Billion Sales of Cluster Munitions, Armored Vehicles to Saudi Arabia (pdf)

Department of Defense, June 13, News Release

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has submitted to Congress a request from Saudi Arabia for the sale of $355 million worth of CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons. The CBU-105 munitions are the only type of cluster munitions that the United States currently sells to foreign customers, according to Department of Defense policy. On the same day, the DSCA also notified Congress of two separate requests (here, and here) from Saudi Arabia for the sale of light armored vehicles worth a total of $613 million.

Spanish government lifts Middle East arms embargo

Infodefensa.com, June 13, España levanta la suspensión de exportación de material de defensa a países árabes

The Spanish government has ended its prohibition on arms sales to countries in the Middle East. The ban had been in place since February of this year, following the outbreak of protests and revolts in the region. The decision does not include Libya, which remains subject to an arms embargo put in place by a February U.N. Security Council resolution.

U.S. allocates funding for MANPADS removal in Libya

Associated Press, June 17, US funds hunt for Libyan missiles  

Two groups, the U.K. based Mine Action Group and the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, are being paid a total of $1 million by the U.S. State Department to find and destroy MANPADS in Libya. An estimated 20,000 of the ground-to-air weapons were amassed by the Gaddafhi regime. An official with the Swiss group expressed doubts that many MANPADS were likely to be found, given their high value and the extensive looting that has already occurred.

Turkey moves closer to finalizing Chinook deal

Hürriyet Daily News, June 6, Turkey nears deal for US heavy lift helicopters

A senior Turkish defense acquisitions official told Hürriyet that negotiations on the price of the six Chinook heavy-lift helicopters were nearing completion. The Chinook is manufactured by Boeing and will cost Turkey around $300 million in total. The U.S. Congress approved the sale of the helicopters in December 2009, but budget constraints in Turkey led to the subsequent reduction of the sale from 14 to 6 units.

Iran and the Taliban received scopes via former royal marine in the U.K.

The Daily Telegraph, June 8, Royal Marine linked to Iranian arms smuggling ring

A former Royal marine turned security consultant has been arrested and jailed for the planned sale of precision marksmen scopes to Tehran, via Dubai. He has been charged with attempting to ship military goods without a license. Two of the scopes were later found in Afghanistan by German soldiers.

655 report show rise in defense sales to Bahrain in 2010

Associated Press, June 11, US defense sales to Bahrain rose before crackdown

The report, released last week, shows a rise in approved licenses for sales of controlled military items to the government of Bahrain. The total dollar value of approved licenses for 2010 was around $200 million, the majority of that figure covering aircraft and military electronics. The figure for sales during the previous year was $88 million.

Europe/Russia

French government and Thales agree to pay Taiwan frigate fine

China News Agency, via defense-aerospace.com, June 10, France to Pay Taiwan Penalty Over Warship Deal

The fine, amounting to 630 million euros ($913 million), was imposed by a court of arbitration as compensation for bribes paid by Thales as part of a $2.8 billion frigate sale in the mid-90s. The bribes were a violation of Thales’ contract with the Taiwanese government. The French government, having guaranteed the contract, will shoulder much of the burden of the fine. Previously, it had held up the court case by classifying relevant documents as state secrets.

Russian official: Armenia interested in rocket system

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, June 9, Armenian Military ‘Interested’ In Acquiring Russian Rocket Artillery

The multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS)  that has interested the Armenian government will cost approximately $12 million each and have a range of 90 kilometers. A Russian senior defence industry executive said that Armenian officials had “interesting negotiations” with his organization in Minsk at a recent arms exhibition. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the arms acquisition would represent another step in the arms race between Armenia and its neighboring rival Azerbaijan, which posseses similar systems.

Swiss cabinet approves CCM, parliament will take up treaty soon

Swissinifo.ch, June 6, Cabinet ratifies ban on cluster bombs

Ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions will be taken up by parliament soon, along with a measure to bar investment in firms that produce cluster munitions. Two large Swiss banks, CreditSuisse and UBS, have been accused by ban campaigners of having invested in such firms previously. According to the article, the Swiss army will have to destory artillery ammunition, presumably containing cluster submunitions, within eight years of ratification.

Africa

Ethiopia signs contract to purchase 200 tanks from Ukraine

KyivPost, June 9, Ukraine sells 200 tanks to Ethiopia for $100 million

The $100 million deal was announced by Ukrainian state-run arms exporter Ukrspecexport to Interfax-Ukraine, which speculates that the tanks will likely be upgraded T-72s. Neither the Ethiopian Defense Ministry nor Ukrainian officials provided further details on the contract.

South African armored vehicles turn up in Yemen

BusinessDay, June 9, SA Ratels turn up in Yemen conflict

Opposition politicians have called on the government to investigate how the Ratels, an armored vehicle produced by a South African manufacturer, ended up in Yemen. South African disclosures of arms sales to Yemen do not specify the exact type of goods transferred, but it is known that Ratels had been previously sold to Jordan.

Algeria proposes plan to purchase Mi28NE helicopters

ROSTOV-NA-DONU, via UPI.com, June 9, Algeria wants Russian Mi-28NE helicopters

Rostvertol, the Russian state-run arms export firm that manages attack helicopter sales, has entered into talks with the Algerian government to sell advanced Mi-28NE helicopters to the North African nation. The night mission-capable helicopter has only previously been purchased by Venezuela and Russia itself. A Rostvertol executive expected the Algerian helicopters to be delivered between 2012 and 2017.

Asia and Australia

India C-17 purchase finalized, sets record for largest U.S. deal

The Hindu, June 6, CCS clears proposal for buying 10 heavy lift planes from U.S.

The deal, worth some $4.1 billion, won final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security and thus becomes the largest U.S.-India arms sale ever. Indian officials are examining the possibility of purchasing an additional six aircraft in addition to the 10 units already cleared. According to the approved contract, Boeing will have to invest 30% of the value of the sale in production facilities in India.

India to spend $2B to upgrade Jaguar strike aircraft

Deccan Herald, June 13, India to do $2 bn deal for Jaguar engines from single vendor

The contract to upgrade the engines of the nuclear-strike-capable aircraft will likely go to Honeywell, after Rolls Royce withdrew its competing proposal. The Ministry of Defence had at first decided to cancel the tender proposal after the Rolls Royce withdrawal on account of the deal now only involving one bid, but the Indian Air Force’s Chief of Air Staff told a defense magazine recently that the government would go ahead with the upgrade after all.

Suspected North Korean arms shipment to Myanmar turned back

Agence France-Presse, June 13, U.S. Stops North Korean Ship Over Arms Fears

A senior U.S. official has confirmed that the U.S. Navy forced a North Korean cargo ship suspected of transporting arms to Myanmar to turn back off the coast of China in May. The New York Times had previously reported that the incident took place on May 26th. The official told South Korean media that the ship may have contained small arms and missile components. North Korea is barred from exporting arms due to a UN Security Council resolution disapproving of its nuclear weapons program. The right to board North Korean ships suspected of carrying arms is also granted by Security Council resolutions.

Taiwan to be first foreign Block III Apache customer

Shephard, June 10, Taiwan goes ahead with Apache Block III buy

A U.S. official confirmed that the Taiwanese government had signed a contract for 30 Apache AH-64 Block III attack helicopters, three years after the U.S. government first approved the transfer. The Block III helicopters are an upgraded version of the venerable AH-64 design, and this sale represents its first export contract. Members of the U.S. Congress have recently urged the Obama administration to approve additional arms sales to Taiwan in the face of Chinese opposition.

Philippines arms acquisitions risk arms race, says former President

Inquirer News, June 5, Philippines shops for US military gear

While the Philippine Ambassador to the United States has asked his government for a shopping list of military goods, former President Fidel Ramos has expressed concerns about an emergent arms race among the countries disputing the Spratly Islands. The Philippines recently acquired a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter that will be used to patrol its territorial waters. Ramos called on the Philippines to support a “common defense” solution to the Spratly issue and to avoid a confrontational military posture in the region.

Thailand plans to acquire 121 more Ukrainian BTR-3E1s

Observer, June 7, Thailand willing to buy 121 armored personnel carriers from Ukraine

In 2006, Thailand signed a contract with a Ukrainian arms exporter to purchase 112 BTR-3E1 armored vehicles in a $130 million deal. Last week, senior Thai defense officials said that they were to purchase an additional 121 identical vehicles from Ukraine, at a cost of $170 million more. The purchases are part of a recent trend in increasing Thai arms purchases that have included tanks, submarines, and fighter aircraft.

Malaysia finalizes armored vehicle contract with BAE/Nurol joint venture

Defence Talk, June 7, Turkey’s FNSS Wins $559M Malaysian Armored Vehicle Order

FNSS, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nurol Holding Company of Turkey, has signed a contract with Malaysian defense firm DEFTECH that allows for the local production of 257 armored vehicles for the Malaysia armed forces. The $559 million deal will, in the words of a BAE executive, “further develop the indigenous capability in Malaysia” to produce defense items.

U.S. consortium wins Australian Naval Helicopter Competition

DefenseNews, June 16, MH-60R Wins Australian Helicopter Competition

The deal, potentially worth $3 billion, has been awarded to a Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky consortium that has proposed providing 24 MH-60R helicopters to serve on Australian naval vessels. The single losing competing proposal was presented by a Eurocopter subsidiary. The helicopters will be delivered from 2014 and will be capable of performing anti-submarine warfare tasks.

Global Issues

Global Week of Action on Gun Violence

IANSA.org, June 13, Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence 2011: UNODA statement

Speaking at the beginning of the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Sergio Duarte urged states to cooperate with civil society to work on reducing gun violence in order to improve the security of their citizens.

Upcoming Events

Mine Ban Treaty Standing Committee Intersessional Meeting                                June 20-24

Convention on Cluster Munitions Intersessional Meetings                                       June 27-30

Third Preparatory Committee Meeting for an Arms Trade Treaty                       July 11-15

About the Arms Transfers Working Group

The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

For more information, visit ATWG’s website: http://armstransfersworkinggroup.org

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

U.S. Senators push for F-16 sales to Taiwan

Foreign Policy blog, May 26, Should the U.S. Sell More F-16s to Taiwan?

45 U.S. senators, led by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and James Inhofe (R-Okl.), have presented a letter to the Obama administration urging the latter to make a long-delayed package of 66 F-16C/D aircraft for the Taiwanese Air Force a priority. In their letter, the senators reference not only the security interests of Taiwan, but also the need to keep the F-16 production line running.

U.S. export reform bill introduced

Foreign Policy blog, May 27, Ros-Lehtinen has an export reform bill too

U.S. House of Represenatatives Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Howard Berman released a bill to reform U.S. controls of dual-use export items last week, and a draft version of a competing bill authored by Committee Chairman Ros Ileana-Lehtinen is also in circulation. The two bills would replace the Export Administration Act that expired in 2001; the Act has been maintained as law through Executive Orders for a decade.

Peru to purchase Chinese MLRS systems

Defensa.com, May 27, Sistemas de artillería chinos para el Ejército de Perú

The Peruvian army plans to spend $340 million to acquire two groups of MLRS rocket artillery systems and one group of mobile howitzers. The total number of acquired units may amount to several dozen, depending on the specifics of the transfer. The acquisition is part of an ongoing military modernization program.Two Chinese national plead guilty to conspiracy to export controlled items

The Wall Street Journal, June 1, DOJ: Two Chinese Exporters Plead Guilty To Smuggling Conspiracy

Hong Wei Xian and Li Li admitted to conspiring to ship radiation-hardened programmeable read-only memory chips to a company that supplies the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., a state-controlled firm. The memory chips are controlled items under the Arms Export Control Act and are subject to the U.S. embargo on defense articles to China that has been in place since 1990.

Middle East and North Africa

U.S. general aware of Libya proliferation risks

Reuters, June 1, U.S. concerned over Libya weapons reaching Al Qaeda

Speaking at a press conference in Algiers, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, General Carter F. Ham,  told reporters that the U.S. was concerned about the risks of the proliferation of weapons from Libya to terrorists and non-state actors in the region. The Algerian delegate for Africa and Maghreb affairs, Abdelkader Messahel, said that his government had knowledge that “sophisticated weapons have been transferred from Libya to northern Mali”.

Spanish police stop Iran helicopter sale

BBC News, May 26, Iran helicopters: Spain holds eight over ‘illegal sale’

Spanish police have detained five Spanish nationals and three Iranians in connection with an attempt to sell nine military transport helicopters to the Iranian government. The sale would have been in breach of UN sanctions put in place last year. The Bell-212 transport helicopters had a total value of $100 million, according to Spanish authorities.

Opening of Rafah border crossing to complicate smuggling interdiction

The Associated Press, May 26, Israel struggles to stop weapons smuggling at sea

Israeli officials contend that the recently announced reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will further complicate attempts to interdict weapons shipments into the latter territory. Current methods for stopping weapons shipments are primarily centered on stopping vessels at sea before they arrive in the Sinai Peninsula. This approach reflects the difficulty in stopping smuggling across the Gaza border once weapons have already reached that point.

Saudi Arabia revives negotiations for 250 Leopard tanks from Spain

La Voz de Galicia, May 29, España negocia la venta de 250 tanques Leopardo a Arabia Saudí

According to La Voz de Galicia, the deal may be the largest Spanish defense export contract ever. The tanks are produced by Santa Barbara Systems of Madrid, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, under license from the German companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall AG. The deal may be worth as much as 3 billion euros, and is now more likely to go ahead after Santa Barbara agreed to certain requirements insisted upon by the Saudi government, including the installation of air conditioning units.

Europe/Russia

Sweden to buy 15 helicopters from Sikorsky

Sikorsky press release, May 18, Sweden Becomes 1st European Nation to Procure UH-60M Helicopters

According to the manufacturer, the sale has been approved by U.S. authorities, and would be the first purchase of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicoptr by an European state. Sweden will begin receiving the helicopters over the next two years.

Netherlands retires last Leopard tanks

Dutch Ministry of Defense, translation via Defense-aerospace.com, May 19, Dutch Tank History Ends with A Bang

In retiring its last 60 German-designed Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, the Dutch armed forces becomes the first in Western Europe to give up its armored tanks in entirety. The decision to retire the tanks came in the face of tight fiscal conditions and was not greeted with enthusiasm by former crewmen.

France and Russia agree to finalized Mistral deal

RIA Novosti, May 26, Russia, France agree to sign Mistral contract in 15 days

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and French President Nicolas Sarkozy took up the issue of the Mistral amphibious assault ship contract negotiations at the G-8 meeting at Deauville, France. The two came away from their talks with a finalized deal despite the recent delays between the primary negotiating teams that stemmed from disagreements on technology transfer arrangements. The contract calls for the construction of two of the warships in Saint-Nazaire, France and two in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Africa

Uganda purchases Sukhoi fighters to protect border with Congo

defenceWeb.co.za, May 24, Uganda buys fighter jets

According to reports in the Wall Street Journal and multiple African newspapers, the Ugandan air force is in the process of acquiring between six and eight Russian Su-30 fighter aircraft. The cost of the purchase is believed to be around $740 million. A Ugandan spokesperson stated that the purchase was intended to assist in securing the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where oil production is set to begin.

Sierra Leone receives SALW from China

defenceWEb.co.za, May 23, Sierra Leone receives arms from China

The Chinese ambassador to Sierra Leone presented the government with a $4 million arms package in a ceremony in Freetown. The arms included rocket launchers, assault rifles, mortars and anti-aircraft artillery. A possible separate deal to purchase six 122mm howitzers from China may also be in the making, according to local press sources.

Asia

Opinion: Controlling Asia’s Arms race

DefenseNews, May 30, Controlling Asia’s Arms Race

The article explores the interlocked arms buildups occuring in Asia and the security concerns that drive increased expenditures and capabilities. In particular, the author, a researcher with the International Institute for Strategic Studies-Asia in Singapore, highlights how the ‘hedging’ strategies of states fuels the arms race. Acting on worst assumptions, states act to ‘hedge’ their defense acquisitions against the intentions of their neighbors.

Chinese submarine fleet prompts ASW arms buildup in East Asia

AviationWeek, May 20, Asians Look To Counter Chinese Submarines

While the Chinese submarine fleet continues to expand, neighbors in Asia have sought to counter this emerging threat by acquiring anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the form of naval helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. The article highlights examples of recent acquisitions by the Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.

China gifts Pakistan with 50 improved JF-17 fighter aircraft

The New York Times, May 19, China Gives Pakistan 50 Fighter Jets

Following a visit by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to Beijing, Pakistan announced that China had agreed to provide a further 50 JF-17 fighter aircraft with upgraded avionics at no cost. The JF-17 is a joint Sino-Pakistani development project that has moved into the production phase. The announcement came against the backdrop of a souring in Pakistani relations with the United States following the killing of Osama bin Laden last month.

India asks France to upgrade Mirage 2000 fighters at $2.1 B cost

DefenseNews, May 19, India OKs $2.1B Upgrade for 51 Mirage Aircraft

A proposal to equip India’s 51 Dassault Mirage 2000 fighters with French missiles and improved electronic systems comes after the dismissal of a plan to hand the contract to an Israeli party. Four of the aircraft will be upgraded by the French companies Thales and Dassault, while the remaining 47 will be done by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., a state-owned firm.

Dassault’s Indian head blacklisted

The Times of India, Mar 23, Arms dealer for French firm barred

PV Rao, Dassault Aviation’s top representative in India, has been barred from participating in future acquisitions meetings and from entering the air force headquarters, following a decision from the Indian Air Force. The Times of India reports that the Air Force was upset with the way Rao exposed a bribery scandal involving a military official who offered Dassault a prime parking space for the Rafale aircraft at a recent arms exhibition. The Dassault Rafale is one of the two remaining contenders in a $10.4 billion tender competition that the Indian government now hopes to complete by December, according to the Times of India.

Indonesia proposes rifle sales to Myanmar

The Jakarta Post, May 20, Myanmar to get RI rifles

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro stated that Myanmar has expressed interest in purchasing Indonesian SS-2 assault rifles. Yusgiantoro dismissed the possibility that the Myanmar government might use the weapons against its own citizens and stated that a strong defense relationship might help ease the government into democracy.

Indonesia agrees to purchase Korean trainer jets in exchange deal

DefenseNews, May 26, Indonesia To Buy 16 S. Korean T-50 Trainers

The $400 million deal is the first foreign sale of the supersonic trainer jet co-developed by Korean Aerospace Industries and Lockheed Martin. The contract obligates South Korea to purchase CN-235 transport aircraft that are manufactured by Indonesia. The deal is a mirror of a 2001 agreement whereby Indonesia purchased a previous generation of Korean training aircraft and South Korea purchased eight CN-235s.

Philippines committed to acquiring first submarine

ABS-CBN News, May 12, Philippine Navy bent on buying submarine

A Navy spokesperson told reporters that studies had been commissioned to determine where a submarine could be purchased and how it would be financed. The spokesperson said that a submarine would greatly aid in patrolling the Philippines maritime territories and that the President, Benigno Aquino III, was determined to improve the naval capabilities of the Philippines.

Global Issues

Program of Action meeting review and next steps to an Arms Trade Treaty

World Politics Review, May 24, Small Arms Trade: Disarmament vs. Regulation

A look at the progress made at the recently concluded Meeting of Governmental Experts  for the Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and how issues discussed can inform the preparatory meeting for an arms trade treaty that will take place next month in New York.

About the Arms Transfers Working Group

The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

For more information, visit ATWG’s website: http://armstransfersworkinggroup.org

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

Al-Qaeda offshoot poised to acquire, exploit Gaddafi stockpiles

Reuters, May 11, Analysis: Stray Libyan small arms may threaten region

Officials in Mali, Chad, and Algeria have expressed concerns that weapons from Libya might flow into their countries, fueling terrorist or rebel activity in the Sahara. While experts note that the potential for arms smuggling is real, they emphasize that more sophisticated light weapons such as MANPADS pose less of a threat than simple rifles. An additional concern has been an outflow of experienced fighters from Libya that will strengthen the capabilities of groups elsewhere.

Demand in Syria sends Lebanese arms market prices soaring

The Daily Star, May 9, Black market arms sales up on Syria demand

Protests, a government backlash, and fears of coming sectarian violence have sent demand for small arms in Syria soaring, and black market weapons dealers in Lebanon are benefitting from the price surge. According to the article, the average price for a popular AK-47 variant has increased by a third in a single month, and more than tripled since 2006. Large arms shipments from Iraq have also been confiscated.

UN panel report: Syria is main destination for illegal Iranian arms

Reuters, May 11, Syria top destination for illegal Iran arms: U.N.

In breaching U.N. sanctions put in place to enforce compliance with resolutions regarding its nuclear program, Iran has sent numerous concealed shipments of arms to Syria. Out of nine cases of conventional arms transfers reported to the UN panel responsible, six involved shipments to Syria. In addition, the report says that African nations are increasingly customers for Iranian arms. A leaked copy of the report (of unverified authenticity) is available here.

U.S. army providing Russian helicopters for Afghan forces

Army News Service, May 10, Army equipping Afghans, Iraqis on Mi-17s

The U.S. army is currently purchasing and maintaining 21 Mi-17 troop and supply transport helicopters for Afghanistan and 22 for Iraq, in a bid to improve the two nations’ capabilities in order to pave the way for withdrawal of U.S. forces. This model of helicopter was used previously by Afghan forces and was requested for reasons of familiarity.

U.S. training helicopters to go to Egypt

United Press International, May 18, AgustaWestland supplies Egypt with helos

The U.S. army has approved a $37.8 million transfer under the Foreign Military Sales program to Egypt of two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters, according to the company. The units are intended for search-and-rescue missions and training with U.S. aircrews.

Lebanon will host Second Meeting of States Parties to the CCM

Cluster Munition Coalition, May 16, Convention on Cluster Munitions takes effect in Lebanon

Foreign Minister Dr. Al Chami announced that Lebanon will host the second meeting of states parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) during the period September 12-16. He made the announcement at an event May 6 marking the entry into force of the CCM for Lebanon, which occurred on May 1. Lebanon now has 10 years to clear areas contaminated by cluster munitions. Previous conflicts in 1978, 1982, and 2006 have left regions of Southern Lebanon littered with unexploded ordnance.

Tunisia receives four frigates from Italy

Associated Press, via the Washington Post, May 13, Italy sends 4 frigates to Tunisia to help in efforts to fight illegal immigration to Europe

Tunisian Interior Minister Habib Essid told reporters that Italy had transferred four frigates to Tunisian armed forces in order to stop the flow of illegal immigrants to Europe. The announcement came at the end of the minister’s two-day visit to Italy.

U.S./Americas

U.S. taking fresh look at Middle East arms transfers policy

DefenseNews, May 12, U.S. Rethinks Mideast Arms Sales

Recent remarks by Departments of State and Defense officials confirm that the United States is reviewing its arms sales policy to Middle Eastern states. Some approved transfers have been recently frozen, while future sales will be considered on a country-by-country basis. Members of the House of Representatives questioned the wisdom of arms sales to the volatile region at a recent hearing on the Obama administration’s export control reform initiative. In a separate speech, a State Department official reminded industry representatives that arms trade policy was a function of foreign policy in general and would be subject to review if required.

U.S. Department of Defense official: preserve military industrial base

U.S. Department of Defense, May 12, Lynn: U.S. Must Preserve Its Defense Industrial Base

Deputy Secretary William J. Lynn III told a conference audience that the U.S. must adapt to a more competitive global arms market and reduced government acquisitions while preserving its military industrial base. Describing this base as “the taxpayers’ investment”, Lynn said that foreign sales would have to compensate for reductions in U.S. government outlay.

BAE agrees to pay $79 million fine for AECA and ITAR violations

U.S. State Department, May 17, BAE Systems plc Enters Civil Settlement of Alleged Violations of the AECA and ITAR and Agrees to Civil Penalty of $79 Million

BAE Systems plc, based in the United Kingdom, agreed to pay a fine of $79 million in a civil settlement with the U.S. State Department. In March 2010, BAE was convicted on criminal charges of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The fine is the largest in State Department history.

Brazilian police find 7.62 mm ammunition manufactured in Bolivia

El Deber, May 9, Narcos brasileños tenían proyectiles de uso militar

Ammunition captured during a raid on a narcotics trafficking operation was stamped with markings indicating that it was produced by the sole government-approved ammunition manufacturer in Bolivia. The 7.62 mm rounds found are largely used in automatic assault rifles that are banned in Brazil.

WikiLeaks: Israeli security firm in Latin America pushed weapons deals

McClatchy Newspapers, via Miami Herald, May 9, US saw Israeli firm’s rise in Latin America as a threat, cables show

A recently released WikiLeaks document details U.S. officials’ concerns about the disruptive influence of Israeli security firm Global CST in Latin America. The firm sought contracts with the governments of Colombia, Peru, and Panama, offering services similar to those provided by the U.S., but with fewer strings attached. A Global CST interpreter was also caught selling classified Colombian military documents to Marxist guerillas.

Europe/Russia

Russian Mistral deal held up by French tech transfer reluctance

Eurasia Daily Monitor, May 10, Mist Hangs Over Franco-Russian Mistral Deal

The much-publicized deal to provide Russia with Mistral helicopter carriers has hit another snag. Russian negotiators have stated that they will only agree to the deal if it includes the French command information system named Zenith-9. French negotiators say that the system is classified and would require NATO approval to transfer, but Russian officials claim that it is not a “game changer” in military terms. Further background tensions are emerging as Russian ship-building interests voice opposition to the deal and a political rift over Libya has distanced Paris and Moscow somewhat.

Seeking foreign markets, Russian industry turns to Latin America

Eurasia Daily Monitor, May 9, Moscow Rediscovers the South American Arms Market

Recently announced arms deals with Venezuela and Brazil have helped offset Russian arms manufacturers’ losses in the Middle East. Russia says that Venezuela has purchased $11 billion worth of arms in the last few years and that it plans to provide the S-300V surface-to-air missile system in the near future. Exports have gained in importance as Russian domestic spending on arms has failed to materialize. President Medvedev sharply criticized industry and government acquisitions officials for mishandling rearmament programs recently, asking “If high-level decisions are made, if funding is released, why are the weapons not delivered?”

Azerbaijan steps up defense cooperation with S African,Czech Firms

News.Az, May 16, Azerbaijan to up production of armoured vehicles

Apa, May 17, Azerbaijan and Czech Republic hold negotiations on joint assembly and sale of “Aero L-159 ALCA”

Production of South African armored vehicles in Azerbaijan is expected to increase as additional work to arm units begins. A total of 70 units will be produced at the Electronic Calculating Machines plant under license from the Paramount Group. The Defense Industry Minister of Azerbaijan Yavar Jamaalov told media sources that the country is also seeking to enter into an agreement with the Czech company Aero Vodochody to jointly produce L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft for sale to buyers in the Caucasus region.

German ship builder pulls out of Greek submarine deal

Agence France-Presse, via DefenseNews, May 16, German Group Pulls Out of Greek Submarine Order: Minister

The long-running Greek submarine acquisition program has been hit by another setback after the Greek shipbuilding firm HDW decided not to continue subcontract work at Hellenic Shipyards near Athens, according to the Greek defense minister. Disagreements over broader cooperation in Germany between HDW’s parent firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and the new owners of Hellenic Shipyards, Abu Dhabi Mar, caused the breakup. The Defense Minister said that the recent events put in doubt two billion euros already spent by Greece on the submarines with little to show for the investment.

Proposed Swedish export reform bill does not require democracy

The Local, May 11, Sweden set to toughen arms export laws

The Social Democrats in opposition have joined the ruling coalition, led by the Liberal and Christian Democrat parties, in approving draft legislation that overhauls Sweden’s export control in order to raise barriers for sales to dictatorships. The Left and Green parties, however, have called for an absolute requirement that arms recipients by democracies and thus do not support the current draft. Radio Sweden has reported that stronger language mandating democracy does not have a place in the bill yet.

Saab to investigate bribery allegations connected to agent in South Africa

The Local, May 18, Saab to examine new JAS Gripen bribe report

Swedish TV channel TV4 has aired accusations that Saab paid bribes amounting to 50 million kronor ($8 million USD) to an agent in order to secure a deal to sell Gripen fighter aircraft to the South African air force. The accusations are not new, according to The Local, but for the first time Saab has announced an internal investigation.

Portugal ratifies Firearms Protocol

International Action Network on Small Arms, May 10, Portugal ratifies the UN Firearms Protocol

On May 6, Portugal ratified the UN Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition. The Protocol requires the regulation of the manufacture, export, import and transit of firearms, but does not regulate state-to-state transfers.

Africa

Defector tells Mozambique press that rebels have weapons “as new”

AllAfrica, May 12, Mozambique: Defector Claims Renamo Has New Weapons

19 years after a peace agreement was reached, members of the rebel group Renamo continue to be armed with heavy weapons, some of which are “as new”, according to interviews with a rebel defector. Major Albertino Nelo Bhola claims that Renamo remnants also have anti-aircraft batteries, mortars, and bazookas, but did not say how or from where they were acquired.

Nigeria receives donation of U.S. warship

Daily Times Nigeria, May 14, Nigeria spends $8m to refurbish US warship

The former U.S. Coast Guard cutter USGC Chase will be provided free of cost to the Nigerian government, but will cost $8 million to refurbish. A second similar ship will likely be transferred to Nigeria in the next two years. According to local reporting, the Chase was first commissioned in 1968 and was only recently de-commissioned.

Asia

India seeks to assuage U.S. by increasing C-17 order

Times of India, May 18, India’s consolation prize to US

The Times of India reports that India is moving to avoid a downturn in the U.S.-Indian military relationship following the decision not to purchase U.S. fighter jets for the medium multi-role combat aircraft tender by increasing the number of C-17s to be ordered from Boeing by another five or six. Currently, 10 C-17s are set to be purchased at a cost of around $4 billion, but the total value of the package could increase to $7 billion if the latest decision is finalized.

Afghan arms smuggling into Pakistan driven by economic forces

The National, May 11, Poverty, not ideology, fuels Afghan gun-running routes

A smuggler interviewed by the National said that they moved guns along with hashish and opium, and were not responsible for how end-users put the weapons to use. The weapons are obtained from Russian and NATO stockpiles in Afghanistan, and then moved across the border to be sold to Taliban-affiliated militants, Balochi nationalists, ethnic militias, and private owners in Pakistan. Small arms make up the vast majority of smuggled weapons as simple weapons are easier to learn how to use and therefore higher in demand.

Brazilian manufacturer confirms 2008 missile sale to Pakistan

Defensa.com, May 11, Brasil vendió misiles Anti Radiación MAR-1 a Pakistán

Brazilian firm Mectron has confirmed that it sold a hundred anti-radiation missiles (ARMs) to Pakistan in 2008 for 85 million euros ($121 million USD). According to the article, the sale has the potential to embarrass Brazil at a time that it is seeking to establish a cordial relationship with India, Pakistan’s neighbor and rival.

Informal shipping service played role in Phillippines gun transfer sting

ExportLawBlog, May 8, Maybe the Hawaiian Vacation Wasn’t Such a Good Idea

A Philippine-born Canadian citizen has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to transport M-4 assault rifle parts to the Philippines without a license. The plot involved sending parts through an informal freight system used by Filipino expatriates to send gift packages home. According to the defendant, freight companies that handled ‘balikbayan boxes’ rarely ask for identification when taking on packages.

Phillipines receives U.S. Coast Guard vessel

Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, May 14, Philippine Navy acquires cutter from US Coast Guard

The former USCGC Hamilton will be the largest vessel in the Philippines Navy and will perform patrol missions in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. No cost has been specified, but the Hamilton is an older cutter that was decommissioned by the Coast Guard, of the same class as the vessel recently gifted to the Nigerian Navy at no cost (see above).

Global Issues

Small Arms Survey on the UN Programme of Action and Unplanned Munitions Explosions

The Small Arms Survey has released two new publications: an analysis of implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (commonly referred to as the PoA or Programme of Action), and a research note on unplanned explosions at munitions sites.

SIPRI: Reporting to UN Registry declining

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, May 19, Reporting to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms

A new SIPRI fact sheet details a trend in declining reports submitted to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, after a period of peak reporting in the early 2000s. In addition, the report finds that several states that reported consistently from 1992, the Register’s first year, until 2007 have recently stopped reporting.

About the Arms Transfers Working Group

The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

Drone proliferation prompts calls for regional code of conduct

Christian Science Monitor, April 20, Spread of drone programs in Latin America sparks calls for code of conduct

Admissions of U.S. predator patrols in Mexico, wider regional interest in drones for crime-fighting, and a recently signed “strategic agreement” between Embraer of Brazil and drone-manufacturer Elbit Systems of Israel are all signals that there is a need for a code of conduct for the use of drones in Latin America, according to quoted experts. So far, Brazil, Mexico, and Ecuador already operate drones, while Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela have programs to develop such a capability. While most drone missions have been focused on surveillance as part of investigations of organized crime, Venezuela accused Colombia in 2009 of using drones for spying.

Mexican government may be intending to sue U.S. arms manufacturers

CBS News, April 21, Mexico wants to sue U.S. gun makers

The Mexican government has retained a New York based law firm to explore filing civil charges against manufacturers and distributors of weapons in the United States. CBS News reports that a contract was signed in November of last year in Washington, and that investigators will attempt to trace serial numbers of guns acquired in Mexico back across the border.

Updated report on U.S.-Mexico arms trafficking

Wilson Center Mexico Institute, April 2011, Update on U.S. Firearms Trafficking to Mexico Report

This update presents recent developments in trafficking of arms along the U.S.-Mexico border and key areas in which progress needs to be made. In particular, the author highlights the considerable weaknesses in current Mexican tracing and gun registry systems, communication and cooperation issues between US agents in Mexico and their local counterparts, and the need for further regulations and practical measures on the U.S. side of the border.

Comment period for proposed border gun sales regulation extended

Main Justice, April 29, Obama Administration Extends Comment Period on Controversial Gun Sales Rules

The proposed measure, requiring gun retailers in states bordering Mexico to report sales of multiple rifles, is intended to halt the flow of weapons legally purchased in the U.S. from falling into the hands of Mexican cartels. According to the article, the proposal has so far received 13,000 responses so far, 70% of which are supportive. The rule has been opposed by the National Rifle Association, which believes the border states will be used as a testing ground before the rule is extended nation-wide.

Northrop CEO calls for lower export barriers

Reuters, May 3, U.S. should relax defense export rules – Northrop

The CEO of Northrop Grumman has accused the strict export control regulations imposed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) of disadvantaging U.S. manufacturers in the global arms market. Wes Bush called for lower barriers on most items and higher barriers on a select few during a speech in London. Similar proposals have been aired by other defense industry representatives in recent days after the failure of the U.S. bids in the Indian combat jet tender competition (see below).

US official expects growth in arms trade despite global downturn

U.S. Department of State, May 3, Defense Trade Advisory Group Plenary

Assistant Secretary Andrew J. Shapiro, of the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, told the Defense Trade Advisory Group, a committee of defense industry representatives, that he expected U.S. arms exports to continue increasing despite the global recession. Shapiro listed several factors that would support this trend: the quality of U.S. goods; expanding defense trade relations with developing countries; continuing maintenance and expansion of partners’ capabilities; the longevity of alliances with traditional partners. However, he emphasized that arms trade policy can and should change along with U.S. foreign policy priorities and hinted that an overhaul may be needed soon.

Two alleged arms smugglers extradited from Romania to the U.S.

Bloomberg, April 29, U.S. Citizens Extradited to Face Taliban-Conspiracy Charges

Alwar Pouryan and Oded Orbach were arrested in February in Bucharest after a Drug Enforcement Administration operation where sources posed as Taliban buyers and requested weapons including surface-to-air missiles. According to Bloomberg, if convicted of conspiracy to acquire and transfer anti-aircraft missiles, the two could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. Pouryan, Orbacha, and other conspirators also offered to transfer rifles, anti-tank weapons, and grenade launchers.

Colombian Minister of Defense to explain acquisition irregularities

Defensa.com, April 29, El Ministro de Defensa de Colombia deberá dar explicaciones por la contratación de blindados

Irregularities in acquisition programs to upgrade Colombian armored vehicles are drawing the scrutiny of a Colombian Senate panel. The Defense Minister Rodrigo Rivera has been summoned to explain why newly upgraded EE-9 vehicles have been installed with substandard engines and parts, resulting in breakdowns. In addition, questions exist regarding how the company which was contracted to carry out that upgrade has again been selected to upgrade TPM-113 vehicles, and how other corporations which are not fully compliant with regulations have been awarded similar defense contracts.

Wikileaks: Arms to Honduras diverted to Mexico and Colombia

Inside Costa Rica, April 28, Wikileaks Reveals Arms Smuggling in Honduras

A leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report accuses the Honduran military of losing arms transferred from the United States and allowing for them to be illegally smuggled to criminals in Mexico and Colombia. The article reports that grenades and light anti-tank weapons of the type diverted were provided by the U.S. to Honduras in 1992. Reporters Without Borders, a non-governmental organization, later reported that a Honduran radio executive narrowly evaded an attack shortly after speaking on air about the alleged diversions. Arnulfo Aguilar, the director of the opposition-aligned Radio Uno believes the masked men waiting at his home were part of an assassination attempt.

Costa Rica becomes 57th state to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions

Cluster Munition Coalition, May 4, Costa Rica Ratifies Cluster Bomb Ban

Costa Rica was a participant in the Oslo negotiations and hosted a regional summit in 2007. During an annual regional summit, the Tuxtla Mechanism, which it hosted in 2009, Costa Rica also supported a declaration encouraging states in Latin America and the Caribbean to ratify the Convention. Costa Rica is not listed by the Cluster Munition Coalition as stockpiling or producing cluster munitions.

Chilean army initiates mine clearing program in South

MercoPress, April 22, Chilean Army clearing antitank and antipersonnel mine fields in Tierra del Fuego

113 minefields in the four provinces of Ultima Esparanza, Magallanes, Tierra del Fuego, and Chilean Antarctica will be cleared of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Part of the mission will involve marking and cordoning off areas contaminated with mines. According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, an advocacy NGO, Chile has a deadline of March 1, 2012 to clear all of its minefields.

Middle East and North Africa

Libyan rebels ask for advanced weaponry

The Telegraph, April 28, Libya: Col Gaddafi still has quarter of chemical weapons stockpile

A top rebel military leader has called for access to advanced weaponry, including heavy weapons, anti-tank missiles, torpedo-armed patrol boats, and even attack helicopters. This renewed plea for aid comes after the White House green-lit a State Department proposal to send $25 million in non-lethal equipment and aid to Libyan rebels. The package may include vehicles, radios, medical equipment, and protective vests, among other items.

After accusations, Libyan rebels pledge not to use mines

International Campaign to Ban Landmines, April 30, Nobel Peace Laureate Campaign Welcomes Libyan Rebel Pledge Not to Use Landmines, Urging the Government for Similar Action

The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch has received an official communiqué from the National Transitional Council, a Libyan rebel organization, that it will not use landmines and will proceed to destroy all mines in its stockpile. The communiqué also said that a future Libyan government should accede to the 1997 Landmine Treaty. The pledge comes after rebel forces near Ajdabiya were filmed by the BBC planting anti-vehicle mines earlier in the month.

EU preparing Syrian arms embargo

The Independent, April 30, EU set to impose arms embargo but calls continue for more robust sanctions

The embargo is the first step in a coordinated response to deadly government repression of protests. The next steps, currently under discussion, may include wider sanctions although it is unclear what practical effect this will have on the target country. At least one diplomat (see first article) has admitted that “[n]o one is under any illusions Syria will be harmed massively”, given the limited trade between the EU and Syria.

Turkey to purchase 109 Sikorsky helicopters

Defense News, April 21, Turkey Picks Sikorsky Helo in $3.5B Deal

The $3.5 billion contract will involve the joint production of an initial 109 units, but cited industry analysts predict up to 600 more could eventually be produced. The Turkish military, Security Directorate (police force), and firefighters are all likely to receive units of the T-70.

Spain: Exports to Morocco will be monitored, licenses can be suspended

Expansión.com via Defensa.com, May 2, El Ejecutivo amaga con retirar licencias de armas a Marruecos

In response to accusations made by non-governmental organizations in November and reiterated by a parliament member recently that Spanish arms exports were being used in violation of human rights in the Western Sahara, the Spanish government has stated that it is ready to suspend or revoke licenses if it can confirm such violations have occurred. The government reassured critics that there existed “very strict” agreements on how arms exports could be used. Spain’s primary export to Morocco has been armored vehicles, some 30 million euros of which were sold in 2009.

Europe/Russia

Russia expecting $9.5 billion in 2011 sales, growth in Latin America

United Press International, May 3, Russia aims for $9.5 billion arms sales

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described Russian interests in Latin America as “purely commercial” while noting increased sales and interest in Russian arms exports in the region. Russian exporters put aircraft, helicopters, and anti-air systems on show at the 2011 Aero and Defense exposition in Rio de Janeiro last month, hoping to push further into this “expansive and promising” market, as described by another state marketing official. According to the state export company Rosoboronexport, Russia has defense trade ties with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Uruguay.

Dutch vote to buy second test F-35 becomes pawn of domestic politics

Dutch News via defense-aerospace.com, April 21, The Netherlands to Buy Second Test Joint Strike Fighter Jet

After a narrow vote in parliament, the Netherlands has decided to purchase a second test F-35, but will leave the bigger question of whether to go ahead and replace all older F-16s to the next government. The deciding vote was cast by the right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV), which stated it would not approve of a larger acquisition program, but voted affirmatively to acquire a second F-35 in exchange for concessions on “immigration restrictions, more police, better laws against Muslims, etc.”

Africa

Security Council renews Ivory Coast embargo

Deutsche Presse-Agentur via Monsters and Critics, April 28, UN Security Council maintains arms embargo on Ivory Coast

With the support of President Alassane Ouatarra, the UN Security Council has decided to extend for a year an arms embargo first put in place in 2004. Fighting has largely subsided after Ouatarra’s rival and predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, surrendered on April 10. The Security Council also reaffirmed the need to disarm combatants, collect small arms, and fight illegal smuggling as prerequisites for stability.

Asia

India eliminates U.S. bids from MMRCA tender competition

The Economic Times, April 28, India shortlists Dassault’s Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon for $12 bn jet deal

The contract for 126 fighter jets will now go to either Dassault’s Rafale or the Eurofighter Typhoon. Lockheed Martin’s F-16IN and Boeing’s F/A-18E/F were eliminated, along with offerings from Saab of Sweden and MiG of Russia. U.S., French, and Russian officials all lobbied for their nation’s manufacturers in what is the largest Indian defense competition in recent decades.

Indian C-17 deal closer to completion after Finance Ministry approval

The Financial Express, April 27, Decks cleared for $5.8-bn C-17 Globemaster deal

After initial opposition to the deal, the Finance Ministry has made a U-turn and approved the deal for 10 C-17 Globemaster-III transport aircraft, manufactured by Boeing. The proposal now must obtain Cabinet security committee clearance, after which a contract can be signed. The Indian air force may opt to buy six more aircraft later on. According to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake, the deal would create up to 30,000 jobs in the United States.

U.S. to supply Pakistan with non-lethal drones

Reuters, April 21, U.S. to supply Pakistan with 85 mini-drones

The Raven, an unarmed surveillance drone, is one of the most common unmanned aerial vehicles in service worldwide, according to its manufacturer, AeroVironment Inc. The 85 units to be transferred to Pakistan are a response to requests for access to drone technology; the U.S. has also separately previously proposed providing Islamabad with larger, longer-range surveillance drones.

Thailand opts for six older German submarines at $260 million cost

Bangkok Post, April 26, Navy wins big battle for U-boats

A navy plan to spend 8 billion baht (around $260 million) on six older German submarines has been approved by the Defence Council of Thailand, and supersedes a previous plan to buy just two new South Korean made submarines for 40 billion baht (around $1.3 billion). The deal will now proceed to the cabinet, and if approval is forthcoming, deliveries could commence by September 2013.

Australian sovereign wealth fund dumps cluster, mine manufacturers

Bloomberg, May 2, Australia’s Wealth Fund Dumps Cluster Bomb, Mine Makers on Treaty

In preparation for ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the wealth fund divested itself from arms manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon, and Alliant Techsystems. The move is in compliance with forthcoming legislation implementing the treaty which bars persons and businesses from financing companies that produce or develop cluster munitions. Recent revelations that the administration of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd worked with the U.S. to weaken the CCM have drawn the ire of campaigners. The ratification legislation will be voted on in the Australian Senate soon, with certain articles deemed loopholes by critics still intact.

Global Issues

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon submits report on small arms

UN News Centre, April 25, Tracing small arms key to preventing their diversion for illicit use – UN

In his report, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged states to disclose marking regulations in order to assist tracing efforts, called for attention to diversion from small arms stockpiles, and noted that small arms played a critical role in undermining peacekeeping and post-conflict operations. The report was produced in line with the requirements of the UN Program of Action on to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.

Upcoming Events

UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons                                                                                   May 9-13
Open-ended meeting of Governmental Experts
Side events:
“Draft International Standards on Marking, Record-keeping and Tracing of Small Arms and Light Weapons”, organized by the International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS)
“Applying the Mark: A meeting on the practicalities of marking firearms and ammunition”, co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations and Small Arms Survey
“The Programme of Action and Opportunities”, organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
“Why Traces Fail – Case studies in the challenges involved in issuing and responding to tracing requests” , co-organized by the Permanent Missions of the United States and New Zealand to the United Nations and Interpol
“Tracing conflict ammunition: viability and challenges”, co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Norway and Germany to the United Nations and the Geneva Forum
“Implementing firearm marking and recordkeeping in Southern Africa: a partnership between police, civil society and the private sector”, organized by Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
“Survivors of Gun Violence: Strengthening the UN Programme of Action”, co-organized by International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) and the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations
“Establishment and maintenance of effective national record-keeping systems for small arms and light weapons”, organized by the Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
“Measurability and Implementation – Country-by-country comparisons of marking, tracing, record-keeping and other norms”, co-organized by Gun Policy and the Permanent Missions of Australia and New Zealand to the United Nations

About the Arms Transfers Working Group

The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

Disclaimer: Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please contact xiaodon@armscontrol.org

Brazil agrees to 2008 deal to purchase French submarines

Senado Federal website, April 8, Brazil-France agreement for submarine production is approved

The Brazilian Senate approved a deal to collaborate with France on the production of Scorpène submarines for use by the Brazilian navy. Two variants, powered by conventional and nuclear propulsion systems respectively, will be produced. Four of these units are included in the deal, as well as technology transfer arrangements and French assistance for the construction of a submarine dockyard and naval base.

DSCA: “case-by-case” review, $46 billion projection for 2011 is low

Reuters,  April 11, U.S. reviewing Mideast arms sales; strong demand

Richard Genaille, deputy director of the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency, told a meeting of the Navy League that the U.S. was reviewing arms sales to Middle Eastern countries on a “case-by-case basis”, but that some large deals intended for Saudi Arabia and the UAE have already been cleared. Genaille also predicts that the total amount of foreign military sales might exceed the expected $46 billion mark, compared with $37.9 billion in fiscal year 2010. (Note: it is unclear whether this refers to deliveries or contracts signed.)

NGOs present letter on improving CIFTA to annual OAS meeting

Arms Control Association, April 15, ACA Deputy Director Addresses CIFTA Consultative Committee

Fourteen organizations and coalitions throughout the Western Hemisphere delivered a letter to the annual consultative committee meeting on the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Material (CIFTA). Recommendations included that OAS members states make a strong positive statement in support of global Arms Trade Treaty negotiations, that states carry out initiatives to increase understanding and measure the problem of gun violence in the region, and that mechanisms be created for official participation of civil society within the OAS and CIFTA committee.

Middle East

U.K., France, Italy to send advisers to Libya

BBC, April 20, Libya: France and Italy to send officers to aid rebels

The three states have pledged to send small teams of advisers to aid in administrative roles, but have reaffirmed that they will not assist in training or supplying weapons to the rebels. The U.K. has also confirmed shipping 1,000 sets of body armor and 100 satellite phones to the Libyan National Transitional Council, but pledged not to send lethal items.

Qatar providing anti-tank systems to Libyan rebels

The Guardian, April 14, Libyan rebels receiving anti-tank weapons from Qatar

Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister has interpreted the U.N. Security Council resolution of March 17 as allowing for the transfer of “defensive weapons” to opposition forces. The anti-tank weapons being shipped from Doha to Benghazi are French-made MILAN missiles. An expert cited in the Guardian article notes that the missiles may have been bought from the French specifically for passing on to the Libyan rebels. In correspondence with Nic Marsh of the Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers, SIPRI researcher Pieter Wezeman has offered the alternate possibility that these are missiles produced in the 1980s, similar to the units exported from Qatar to Mexico in 2006.

Gaddafi forces lob cluster mortars, Libyan rebels use anti-tank mines

BBC, April 19, Libya conflict: Rebels accused of reneging on mines vow and Human Rights Watch, April 15, Libya: Cluster Munitions Strike Misrata

Human Rights Watch and the New York Times have accused the Libyan army of lobbing cluster munitions into civilian-populated areas of Misrata. Markings on mortar fragments show that the munitions were manufactured in Spain by Instalaza Z.A. On April 19, video captured by the BBC was made public, showing anti-Gaddafi rebels planting anti-tank mines captured from the Libyan army. BBC sources suggest that the rebels are neither marking nor mapping the location of the mines, increasing the likelihood they will become a post-conflict hazard.

WikiLeaks: IDF complained about Tantawi’s attitude towards smuggling

Haaretz, April 8, IDF in 2009: Egypt’s Tantawi hindering anti-smuggling efforts

Gen. Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, now head of the Egyptian ruling military council, was the target of criticisms from Israeli Defense Forces official in November 2009. In strategic dialogue talks with U.S. counterparts, Israeli officials noted that Tantawi was an “obstacle” to cooperation on efforts to stop arms smuggling along the Gaza border.

Spain, France, and the United States pursue new Saudi tank contract

Cinco Días, April 8, Guerra comercial por los tanques de Arabia Saudí (Spanish source)

A Saudi proposal to acquire additional tanks to replace aging French AMX-30s has caught the attention of Spanish, French, and U.S. manufacturers. The Spanish government came close to signing a $3 billion contract with the visiting Deputy Minsister of Defense, Khaled bin Sultan, last November, but now the contract is viewed as still very much open. The proposed deal would include 250 units, and is intended to increase the number of active Saudi tanks. Spanish defense sources suggest that the crises in the Middle East created a moment of uncertainty for manufacturers, but now talks are again in the works.

Europe/Russia

Bulgaria ratifies Cluster Munitions Treaty

Cluster Munition Campaign, April 7, Bulgaria ratifies Cluster Bomb Treaty    

Bulgaria signed the Oslo convention in 2008 and hosted a regional summit in the same year to build support for the negotiations. It is the 56^th state party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and both the 15^th state party from the European Union and from NATO. While it adopted a unilateral moratorium on the use of cluster munitions in February 2008, Bulgaria still has a stockpile of the weapons that it must now destroy.

Former Greek Defense Minister named in German submarine deal probe

Defense News, April 16, Germany Targets Greek Ex-Minister for Corruption: Report

Der Speigel, the German weekly magazine, claims (article behind paywall, in German) that prosecutors are investigating Akis Tsohatzopolous as part of charges against two Ferrostaal executives accused of bribing Greek officials to smooth through contracts for the construction of four submarines. In total, Ferrostaal paid hundreds of millions of euros worth of bribes in order to secure contracts with foreign governments.

NGOs criticize proposed changes to French arms exports law (pdf link)

International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), April 14, Statement on French draft law on Import and Export of Conventional Arms

Amnesty International, Oxfam France, and CCFD-Terre Solidaire have issued a public critique (in French) of the overhaul proposals for regulations on arms exports currently being approved by parliament. The new legislation is supposed to modify current regulations to better fit the common position adopted by EU member states in summer 2009. The three NGOs take issue with the rushed consultations in the National Assembly and Senate, and consider the new law to not go far enough in mandating transparency measures in line with commitments made at the European level.

Former Yugoslav states to cooperate on export deal

Forecast International, via defense-aerospace.com, April 11, Former Yugoslav Nations Seek to Partner on Kuwaiti M-84 Upgrade Contract

Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia each have complimentary facilities for the construction of M-84 combat tanks, the Yugoslav version of the Soviet T-72. Kuwait ordered 155 such tanks from Yugoslavia in 1989, and now wishes to upgrade its aging forces. Serbia has proposed a collaborative bid that has received positive responses from its neighbors.

Africa

South Africa publishes annual defense exports report (pdf link)

Copy hosted by SIPRI, April 11, National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) Annual Report for 2010

After complaints from vocal members of the parliamentary opposition, the South African government has released its annual defense exports report for the previous year. Criticism has been generated by arms licenses approvals for transfers of military goods to authoritarian states in the Middle East. The report shows that the NCACC approved 374 million South African rand worth of arms shipments to Yemen ($54 million), 70 million rand ($10 million) worth of transfers to Libya, and 578 million rand ($85 million) worth of transfers to the UAE. Many of the largest licenses by value, however, were approved for transfers to Europe and the United States.

Asia

Thai ambassador rectifies cluster bomb admission

The Nation, April 11, Editorial: Cluster bomb issue needs to be confronted

After the Cluster Munition Campaign claimed that the Thai ambassador to the UN in Geneva had confirmed in a private meeting that cluster munitions had indeed been used in clashes with Cambodian forces in early February, the Thai government issued a correction April 8. The statement says that the UN ambassador had confirmed that “Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM)” had been employed, but had at no point referred to these as cluster munitions. The discrepancy between the NGO’s and the official Thai account of the clashes around the Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border now boils down to a matter of terminology.

Chinese arms smugglers finding buyers among Indian Maoists

Outlook Magazine, April 11, Chinese Arms Agents Smuggle Weapons Into India: HS

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs’ top civil servant, Gopal Krishna Pillai, told reporters that Chinese arms smugglers arrived through Myanmar and Thailand in order to supply Indian insurgent groups. Pillai stated that most of these groups had obtained their Chinese arms through these dealers.

Japan narrows search for F-X fighter program

Defense News, April 14, Boeing, Lockheed, BAE To Vie for Japan’s F-X

Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced April 13 a shortlist of candidates for its F-X fighter procurement program which includes variants of the F-18, F-35, and Eurofighter Typhoon. A Japanese industry representative stated that licensed production is a high priority and that this factor may have a decisive influence on the tender competition, bids for which are to be submitted by August 31.

Indian Navy to refit German subs, acquire Russian carrier next year

Defense News,  April 15, India Eyes German Help on Sub Upgrade and Russia to Deliver Carrier to India in 2012

The cost of refitting the four submarines is estimated at $500 million, and is likely to be carried out by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) of Kiel, a company previously blacklisted by Indian investigators during a review of the original 1980s contract to build the naval ships. The decision to turn to HDW comes after continual delays to the French Scorpène submarine project. At the same time, Indian sailors have arrived in Russia to prepare for manning the Admiral Gorshkov, sold for a total cost of $2.33 billion and due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2012.

Taiwan pushes for F-16 C/D deal, U.S. affirms it does not consult with China

Voice of America, April 13, US: Arms Sales to Taiwan Not Influenced by Sino-American Relations

Senior Defense and State department officials reiterated in an April 13 congressional hearing that arms transfers to Taiwan would not be blocked by Chinese objections. Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou has pressed the U.S. to approve the sale of newer configurations of the F-16 fighter jet, and to help Taiwan upgrade its existing fleet of combat aircraft. Taiwanese officials also have the backing of a bill currently under consideration in the House of Representatives that urges President Obama to approve a new arms deal.

Korean T-50 wins Indonesian training jet tender competition

The Korea Times, April 12, Indonesia picks T-50 for trainer jet program

Korea Aerospace Industries CEO Kim Hong-Kyung claimed that the deal established South Korea as only the sixth exporter of supersonic aircraft, after the United States, Russia, Britain, France, and Sweden. The aircraft is part of a push to increase Korean arms exports and production to $4 billion and $10 billion dollars per year respectively by 2020. Korea and Indonesia have also signed a separate memorandum of understanding regarding the joint development of a fighter jet.

Global Issues

SIPRI military expenditure database update for 2011 released

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, April 11, World military spending reached $1.6 trillion in 2010, biggest increase in South America, fall in Europe according to new SIPRI data

The database shows a 1.3% annual increase in total global military expenditure, the lowest such figures since a surge in expenditure in 2001. The fall in spending is interpreted by SIPRI as a delayed response to general economic trends. Regional patterns show increasing expenditures in South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Humanitarian groups form new campaign to curb explosives use

Voice of America, April 11, Group Aims to Curb use of Explosive Weapons

The new International Network on Explosive Weapons aims to halt government and non-state actor use of explosive weapons in populated areas. As an immediate goal, they seek to promote transparency in official use of explosives and, in particular, want more details to be published on how casualty assessments and predictions are made in military planning. Participant organizations include Handicap International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam.

Upcoming Events

UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons                  May9-13

Open-ended meeting of Governmental Experts

Coordinating Global Priorities Amidst the Financial Crisis                              April 28

Stimson Center event on bridging the gap between security, development, and public health. Guest speaker Simon Limage, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Nonproliferation Program. Followed by a panel discussion.

About the Arms Transfers Working Group

The Arms Transfers Working Group (ATWG) is an alliance of arms control, development, human rights and academic organizations and affiliated individuals. ATWG serves as an information clearinghouse, forum and point of contact for strengthening efforts to address the economic, humanitarian and security implications of legal, illicit, and illegal arms transfers. ATWG participants focus on a wide range of concerns related to small arms and light weapons, major conventional weapons systems, and relevant dual-use technologies.

Disclaimer: Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

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Middle East

North Korean small arms, rockets, and anti-aircraft guns identified in Libya

Wall Street Journal/Korea Realtime, March 30, Spotted: NK Arms in Libya

Libyan rebels discovered arms produced in North Korea after taking government positions. In some cases, arms were hidden in crates marked “bulldozer parts”. UN Security Resolution 1874 from 2009 bars the export from North Korea of all arms and calls on member states not to procure items from the isolated state.

Libya operations a showcase for military goods

Reuters, April 4, Special Report: How Libya is a showcase in the new arms race

At least three aircraft operated by NATO forces over Libya are gaining valuable marketing credibility, having now being “battle-tested”.  The Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen are set to benefit from their participation in the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya, and are potential sales items to states looking to modernize their air forces such as India, Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait. French Horizon-class frigates and air-to-ground missiles are also being used for the first time.

SIPRI’s Wezeman suggests lessons from Libya reversal

SIPRI, March, Libya: lessons in controlling the arms trade

SIPRI Senior Researcher Pieter D. Wezeman catalogues the sales push by European and other states following Libya’s reintegration into the international community and suggests that arms sales carry the wrong message for authoritarian regimes. Referencing Iraq twenty years ago, legitimacy derived from commercial dealings negotiated despite security or human rights concerns can entrench and even embolden a state, he argues.

Dubai claims it foiled small arms smuggling attempt into Yemen

Reuters, March 24, Dubai police say foil arms smuggling to Yemen

It is unknown where or to whom the shipment, consisting of 16,000 items of weaponry worth roughly $4.35 million, was headed when it was seized in Dubai. Six people, five Arabs and one Turkish national, were arrested. Subsequent reports have described the shipment as largely containing pistols of poor craftsmanship, likely intended for use as gifts or status symbols, not actual combat.

Yemeni ammunition factory explosion kills 110

Reuters, March 28, Blasts at Yemen bullet factory kill at least 110

The looting of an ammunition factory in the town of Jaar led to a massive explosion that killed at least 110. Militants had previously been in control of the factory, but left before the explosion occurred. Reports have indicated that the factory was manned by Chinese workers who also left before fighting broke out.

U.S. aid and arms for Lebanon frozen after fall of government

Wall Street Journal, via YaLibnan, April 4, U.S. quietly halts arms delivery to Lebanon

After the fall of Saad Hariri’s pro-Western government in January, the United States has frozen aid and arms deliveries to Lebanon, prompted by fear that the next government may be dominated by Hezbollah-aligned politicians. Despite the freeze, U.S. officials still believe the Lebanese army is the most likely force for stability within the country and wishes to improve ties with that institution.

Turkey puts purchase of F-35s on hold over source code transfer block

Today’sZaman, March 24, Turkey puts F-35 order on hold over US refusal to share technology

Turkey’s plans to purchase 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft has been put on hold after disagreements emerged over whether the United States would supply software source code as part of the deal. The potential value of the deal is $16 billion, and Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül indicated that his country would be unwilling to go through with the order unless satisfactory compromise on this technology issue is reached.

Turkey stops arms shipment from Iran possibly intended for Syria

Reuters, March 31, Exclusive: Turkey says seizes illegal Iran arms shipment

An Iranian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo aircraft was found to be carrying assault rifles, machine guns, ammunition, and mortar shells when it was inspected during a stop-over at Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey. The crew of the aircraft, operated by YasAir Cargo Airlines, was released and allowed to return to Iran. UN Security Council Sanctions Committee personnel praised Turkey for cooperating with the Iran sanctions regime currently in place.

Turkish utility helicopter deal worth potentially $10 billion to be announced

DefenseNews, March 29, Turkey Will Choose utility Copter Within 6 Weeks

A contract for a first batch of 109 helicopters will eventually be awarded to either Sikorsky Aircraft of the United States or AgustaWestland of Italy. The initial deal will be worth $4 billion, but follow-on orders have the potential to increase this figure to $10 billion. Turkish Aerospace Industries and other local manufacturers are set to benefit from joint production programs for the helicopters.

U.S./Americas

Venezuela signs deal to purchase eight transport aircraft from China

Infodefensa.com, March 30, Venezuela adquiere ocho aviones de transporte military de fabricación china Shannxi Y-8

The Shaanxi Y-8 aircraft are produced under a license issued by Russian manufacturer Antonov and are based on the 1960s-era model An-12 transport. The acquisition will complement Venezuela’s U.S.-provided C-130H Hercules transports that are suffering from a lack of spare parts as a result of U.S. export restrictions. The purchase is part of a pattern of increased military sales from China to Venezuela which may also include the future transfer of J-10 fighter aircraft.

Brazil providing Bolivia with unmanned aircraft for drug operations

AFP, via eldeber.com.bo, March 28, Brasil facilitará aviones no tripulados para lucha antidrogas en Bolivia

Felipe Caceres, Bolivia’s Vice Minister for Social Defense, told reporters in La Paz that Brazil and Bolivia had signed an agreement to co-operate in anti-drug operations that would involve the transfer of helicopters and unmanned drones. This marks the first time that Bolivia has operated the latter category of aircraft.  Brazil fills a role that was left empty when Bolivia ended co-operation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2008.

Chile receives first Airbus Military C295 anti-submarine patrol aircraft

Defensa.com, April 4, La Marina de Chile recibe su primer C295 antisubmarino

The new Airbus machines are meant to replace aging Bréguet Atlantic and Lockheed P-3 Orion models. The C295 AWS is the first anti-submarine aircraft wholly produced and certified in Europe since the 1960s. In all, Chile intends to purchase three C295 variants from the Spain-based Airbus Military.

Mil Mi-35P helicopters arrive in Peru, part of $108 million package

Defensa.com, April 4, Llegan a Perú los Mi-35P

Rosoboronexport has sent technical staff to help assemble the two Mi-35P assault helicopters that have arrived in Peru. The arms deal signed between Russia and Peru also includes the future delivery in May of six Mi-171Sh multi-role helicopters. Peru intends to use these new acquisitions against the remnants of the Shining Path insurgency in the Valley of the Apurimac and Ene Rivers.

Europe/Russia

Russian exports to stay constant at around $10 billion through 2014

The Moscow Times, March 29, Arms Sales Portfolio Remains Healthy

Driven by an Asian market wary of Chinese strengths and continued African purchases, Russia is expected to maintain arms exports at around $10 billion annually through 2014. While sales to traditional buyer China will continue to diminish, India’s military modernization plans will make up for these losses. Other key customers include Uganda and Algeria.

Serbia to get $3 billion in Russian loans for rearmament

Blic Online, March 28, Russians offer USD 3 billion credit for purchase of their jets

During a visit by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to Serbia last month, an offer to provide $10 billion in loans was made to the Serbian government, with $3 billion going towards modernization of Serbian jets and anti-air systems. According to Blic Online, a Serbian news source, the Balkan country has previously considered purchasing military aircraft from the United States, France, the European countries involved in the Eurofighter project, and Sweden.

Africa

President of Chad: Al Qaeda acquired Libyan SAMs

Now Lebanon, March 25, Al Qaeda snatched missiles in Libya, Chad president says

President Idriss Déby Itno stated he was “100 percent sure” that the regional off-shoot of the terrorist group had stolen missiles from a Libyan stockpile during the recent uprising, in an interview with Jeune Afrique. In addition, Déby claimed that Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) had played an active role in instigating the uprising against the government of Moammar Gaddafi.

South African arms-maker Denel pushed for R6 billion ($900 billion) deal to Libya

Mail and Guardian Online, April 1, SA govt’s R6bn Libya arms push

Denel, a wholly state-owned corporation, was prepared to sell artillery systems, missiles, grenade launchers and anti-material rifles to the Libyan state before the recent uprising derailed the potential deal. An internal memo describes a Denel sales mission to Libya in April 2010 that resulted in “close to a done-deal” according to the Mail and Guardian, although it appears only one contract was actually signed. The Department of Defence, however, continues to deny that it approved a sales deal to Libya.

Asia

Rafael in bid to sell India anti-tank missiles

Defense News, via Globes, March 24, Rafael in $1b Indian anti-tank missile deal

India has agreed to purchase 321 ‘Spike’ anti-tank missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel. The contract stipulates that some missiles will be put together in India while others will be received in completed form. Other potential suppliers including General Dynamics, Raytheon, Rosoboronexport, and Pan-European MBDA balked at the technology transfer requirements.

Indian Ministry presses for higher limit to FDI in defense

Defense News, March 28, Move Would Let Foreign Firms Invest More in India

The Commerce Ministry has again pressed Defence Minister A.K. Anthony to consider raising the Foreign Direct Investment cap on foreign firms investing in Indian defense companies. The current cap is set at 26 percent; the Commerce Ministry failed to garner enough support to raise this to 74 percent last year. The Ministry argued that raising the FDI cap would effectively balance out the $8 billion India spent on foreign arms purchases each year.

MMRCA tender delays could cost India additional $1 billion

Financial Express, April 2, IAF’s mega buy delay to cost $1 bn

As a winner of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender competition has yet to be announced, India will have to extend the validity of the commercial bids for a second time. The potential cost of such a move may reach an additional $1 billion on top of the expected $10.4 billion cost of the 126 plane tender.

Azerbaijan to produce licensed Israeli drones

Eurasianet.org, March 29, Azerbaijan: Baku Aims to Become Regional Arms Dealer

Azerbaijan is planning to produce two models of Israeli-designed unmanned drones, the Orbiter-2M and the Aerostar, at the AZAD Systems Company plant near Baku. The goal is to become less reliant on outside sources for weapons systems and to be able to arm itself even without political approval from the United States, Europe, or Russia of its role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Thailand to purchase 200 Ukrainian tanks

Bangkok Post, March 26, New Ukraine tanks leave soldiers riled

Plans to purchase 200 T-92 Oplot tanks from Ukraine at a cost of 7 billion baht ($232 million) have left Thai soldiers upset. They prefer the Korean K1 alternative as a replacement for aging U.S.-made M41A3 tanks, first introduced to the Thai army in 1962. The tanks are part of a 10-year rearmament package that the Thai government recently approved. Also under consideration are two decommissioned German attack submarines.

Thailand admits to cluster munitions use in February skirmish

Cluster Munition Coalition, April 5, CMC Condemns Thai Use of Cluster Munitions in Cambodia

Two on-site inspections conducted by the Cluster Munition Coalition and the Norwegian People’s Aid had come to the conclusion that the Thai military used cluster munitions on Cambodian soil during a February skirmish over the Preah Vihear temple border dispute issue. 5000 people living in the nearby village of Sen Chey have been put at risk by unexploded bomblets from Thai “self-defence” strikes. On April 5, Thailand’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva confirmed the findings of the two reports.

Global Issues

Cluster Munitions Coalition examines CCW process weaknesses

Cluster Munition Coalition, March 29, A CCW Protocol on Cluster Munitions: Weaker Protections for Civilians

The Coalition argues against the current draft protocol to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) that has being submitted for consideration recently. The draft protocol has more loopholes and looser definitions than the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and would lead to less protections for civilians, argue the campaigners. In addition, under the draft protocol states would be allowed transition periods which are unnecessarily lengthy.

Disclaimer

Short explanations are provided to assist recipients of this letter and do not represent the news source nor have they been fact-checked for accuracy.

Please feel free to circulate. If you would like to sign up to receive these updates, please email xiaodon@armscontrol.org