All articles tagged with #arms exports
The EU aims to deepen security and economic ties with South Korea by launching a new competitiveness partnership, finalizing a digital trade agreement, and expanding defense cooperation as Korean weapons suppliers become a fast-delivery option for European militaries (e.g., Poland and Romania), with discussions on a European Defense Union and potential SAFE fund participation.
Japan’s decision to lift its ban on exporting lethal weapons is welcomed by India as a boost to defense cooperation under their partnership and its Indo-Pacific strategy, but a Chinese expert warns the move breaks the postwar order and could destabilize the Asia-Pacific, while Japanese media express concern that the shift undermines pacifist principles and sparks domestic security-policy debate.
Japan announced its biggest overhaul of defense export rules in decades, scrapping most restrictions on overseas arms sales and clearing the way to export warships, missiles, and other weapons. Ministers will assess each proposed sale on its merits while retaining strict screening, transfers-to-third-countries limits, and a ban on sales to nations in conflict. The move aims to bolster Japan's defense-industrial base, lower per-unit costs, and diversify global supply as Ukraine and Middle East conflicts strain US weapons production and allies seek new sources, with early opportunities including possible used warships to the Philippines and joint development with allies like the UK and Italy.
Germany is planning to authorize the military to shoot down drones domestically, amidst broader military and security developments including a halt on arms exports to Israel and ongoing tensions in European airspace.
Germany is suspending arms exports to Israel amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marking a significant shift in its traditionally pro-Israel stance driven by public opinion and humanitarian concerns, despite its historical guilt linked to the Nazi Holocaust.
Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, marking a shift from its previous support, amid Israel's plans to take over Gaza City and international concerns over the conflict and hostage situation.
Germany has halted Gaza-related arms exports to Israel in response to Israel's expanded offensive in Gaza.
Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed Berlin’s strong commitment to Israel, emphasizing Germany's historic responsibility and support, including arms supplies, amidst recent tensions and internal debates within Germany's government.
Russia's SVR accuses Serbia of supplying weapons to Ukraine through fake end-user certificates, despite Serbia's official neutrality, highlighting ongoing tensions and Serbia's close ties with Russia amidst the Ukraine conflict.
German finance minister disagrees with Merz over Ukraine weapons policy, with debates on supplying long-range missiles and arms exports, amid NATO's focus on increasing defense spending and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
NATO's Rutte supports the goal of increasing defense spending to 5%, amid ongoing debates in Germany over military aid and arms exports to Ukraine and Israel, with disagreements among German officials on policies and strategies.
Rights groups Al-Haq and the Global Legal Action Network are pressuring the UK government to halt arms exports to Israel after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The groups argue that UK-made components for F-35 fighter jets are being used in alleged war crimes against Palestinians, including the intentional starvation of civilians in Gaza. They have given the UK government until Friday to suspend these exports or face a court order for an emergency injunction.
Russian forces have started using North Korean Type 73 machine guns in Ukraine, marking the first known use of North Korean small arms by Russian troops. This development, reported by Ukrainian defense publication Militarnyi, suggests a strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, possibly facilitated through Iran. Despite Russia's own production capabilities and stockpiles, the use of these weapons highlights Moscow's reliance on new alliances and non-traditional sources for military supplies.
The deaths of three British aid workers in Gaza have sparked calls for the U.K. to halt arms exports to Israel, with concerns that British-made weapons may have been used in actions violating international law. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces growing pressure to suspend arms sales, as legal experts and politicians urge the government to reconsider its alliance with Israel. The U.K.'s defense exports to Israel, though relatively small, have come under scrutiny, and public opinion is increasingly in favor of halting these exports.
Japan's Cabinet approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets to other countries, marking a significant shift away from its pacifist principles. The decision is part of a move to bolster Japan's arms industry and global role, and is expected to help secure its involvement in a joint project to develop a new fighter jet with Italy and the U.K. The change is controversial due to Japan's historical ban on exporting lethal weapons, but the government insists it has no plans to export other co-developed lethal weapons under the new guidelines. The decision reflects Japan's concerns about regional tensions, particularly China's military buildup, and aims to boost its defense industry.