The Trump administration asked Congress on Wednesday to approve an arms package for Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion, in what would be a huge injection of military aid to the self-governing democratic island bracing for a long-feared invasion by China.


US State Department Approves $11 Billion Arms Package 

The United States has approved a $92.8 million arms sale to India, supplying advanced precision weapons to strengthen the India–US strategic and defense partnership.

India–US Defense Deal: $92.8M Precision Weapons Sale Cleared by Washington

In 2022, a small U.S. company won a $1 billion weapons contract for Ukraine — but never delivered.
At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, a modest Arizona-based firm called Firearms received an order to supply a massive amount of ammunition: 10 million 23mm anti-aircraft shells, 56,000 Grad rockets, 24,000 mortars, and a huge stock of other Soviet-type munitions.

Reports: Ukraine Paid 17 MN Euros For Ammunition, Got None

As per reports, Taiwan is seeking to purchase billions of dollars worth of arms from the United States to secure support from the new Trump administration as China increases military pressure on the island.

Taiwan in talks for multi-billion-dollar US arms deal: Report

Seen as a mega boost for the Indian Navy and surveillance capabilities of the defence forces, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the major deals for building two nuclear submarines indigenously and buying 31 Predator drones from the US.<o:p></o:p>

According to a detailed report by ANI, the Indian Navy will get two nuclear-powered attack submarines which will help boost its capabilities manifold in the Indian Ocean Region.

The report elaborated further, that the deal for building the two submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam will be around Rs 45,000 crores and will see a major involvement of private sector firms like Larsen and Toubro. The Indian Navy was keen for the deal as it was a critical requirement for cushioning&nbsp;the underwater capability gaps.

Long term objectives<o:p></o:p>

India has plans of having six such boats in the long run as part of its submarine induction plans.

These boats which are going to be built under the ambitious Project Advanced Technology Vessel project, are separate from the five nuclear submarines being built under the Arihant class at the same location.

The other major deal cleared today by the Cabinet Committee on Security is for the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from American General Atomics under a Foreign Military Sales contract between the governments of the two nations.

The deal had to be cleared before October 31 as the validity of the American proposal was till that time and now it is expected to be signed in the next few days only.&nbsp; As per the contract, the defence forces will start getting the drones over four years after signing the deal. 

The Indian Navy will get 15 of the 31 drones while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each and also deploy them together at two bases in Uttar Pradesh. Indian equipment made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector firm Solar Industries may be used as the Make in India element on the 31 drones which are expected to be game changers in peacetime surveillance.

Seen as a mega boost for the Indian Navy and surveillance capabilities of the defence forces, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the major deals for building two nuclear submarines indigenously and buying 31 Predator drones from the US.

Seen as a mega boost for the Indian Navy and surveillance capabilities of the defence forces, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the major deals for building two nuclear submarines indigenously and buying 31 Predator drones from the US. According to a detailed report by ANI, the Indian Navy will get two nuclear-powered attack submarines which will help boost its capabilities manifold in the Indian Ocean Region. The report elaborated further, that the deal for building the two submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam will be around Rs 45,000 crores and will see a major involvement of private sector firms like Larsen and Toubro. The Indian Navy was keen for the deal as it was a critical requirement for cushioning the underwater capability gaps. Long term objectives India has plans of having six such boats in the long run as part of its submarine induction plans. These boats which are going to be built under the ambitious Project Advanced Technology Vessel project, are separate from the five nuclear submarines being built under the Arihant class at the same location. The other major deal cleared today by the Cabinet Committee on Security is for the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from American General Atomics under a Foreign Military Sales contract between the governments of the two nations. The deal had to be cleared before October 31 as the validity of the American proposal was till that time and now it is expected to be signed in the next few days only. As per the contract, the defence forces will start getting the drones over four years after signing the deal. The Indian Navy will get 15 of the 31 drones while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each and also deploy them together at two bases in Uttar Pradesh. Indian equipment made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector firm Solar Industries may be used as the Make in India element on the 31 drones which are expected to be game changers in peacetime surveillance.

India approves mega defence deals worth Rs 80,000 crore for nuclear submarines and predator drones

The United States announced new sanctions. This time sanctions are announced over North Korea-Russia arms transfers. Two Russian individuals and three Russian companies are sanctioned. Reportedly, these companies were facilitating arms transfers between Russia and North Korea.

US announces new sanctions over North Korea-Russia arms transfers

The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest arms transfer in history between the ex-Cold War adversaries, according to two people familiar with a deal that could irk China and sideline Russia.

A package, which could come together within the next year, could consummate the newly upgraded partnership between Washington and Hanoi with the sale of a fleet of American F-16 fighter jets as the Southeast Asian nation faces tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea, one of the people said.

The deal is still in its early stages, with exact terms yet to be worked out, and may not come together. But it was a key topic of Vietnamese-U.S. official talks in Hanoi, New York and Washington over the past month.

Washington is considering structuring special financing terms for the pricey equipment that could help cash-strapped Hanoi steer away from its traditional reliance on lower-cost, Russian-made arms, according to the other source, who declined to be named.

Spokespersons for the White House and Vietnamese foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

"We have a very productive and promising security relationship with the Vietnamese and we do see interesting movement from them in some U.S. systems, in particular anything that can help them better monitor their maritime domain, perhaps transport aircraft and some other platforms," said a U.S. official.

"Part of what we're working on internally as the U.S. government is being creative about how we could try to provide better financing options to Vietnam to get them things that might be really useful to them."

A major U.S.-Vietnam arms deal could aggravate China, Vietnam's larger neighbour, which is wary of Western efforts to box in Beijing. A long-simmering territorial dispute between Vietnam and China is heating up in the South China Sea and explains why Vietnam is looking to build up maritime defences.

"They are developing asymmetric defensive capabilities, but (want) to do so without triggering a response from China," said Jeffrey Ordaniel, associate professor of international security studies at Tokyo International University and director for maritime security at Pacific Forum International, a think tank. "It is a delicate balancing act."

Ordaniel said Washington should shift funds set aside for financing militaries in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific region "so partners like Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan can afford the weapons they need to resist Beijing."

The Biden administration has said it is trying to balance geopolitical competition with China, including in the Pacific, and responsibly managing the two superpowers' relationship.

Earlier this month, Vietnam upgraded Washington to Hanoi's highest diplomatic status, alongside China and Russia, when U.S. President Joe Biden visited the country.

The diplomatic turnaround marks a sharp pivot nearly a half-century after the end of the Vietnam War.

Since an arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defence exports to Vietnam have been limited to coast guard ships and trainer aircraft, while Russia has supplied about 80% of the country's arsenal.

Vietnam spends an estimated $2 billion annually in arms imports, and Washington is optimistic that they can shift a share of that budget over the long term to weapons from the United States or its allies and partners, especially South Korea and India.

The cost of U.S. weaponry is a major obstacle, as is training on the equipment, and is among the reasons the country has taken in less than $400 million of American arms over the past decade.

"Vietnamese officials are well aware that they need to spread the wealth," the U.S. official said. "We need to lead the charge in helping Vietnam get what it needs."

Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has complicated Hanoi's longstanding relationship with Moscow, making supplies and spare parts for Russian-made arms harder to acquire. Nonetheless, Vietnam is also actively in talks with Moscow over a new arms supply deal that could trigger U.S. sanctions, Reuters has reported.

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The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest arms transfer in history between the ex-Cold War adversaries, according to two people familiar with a deal that could irk China and sideline Russia.

The Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest arms transfer in history between the ex-Cold War adversaries, according to two people familiar with a deal that could irk China and sideline Russia. A package, which could come together within the next year, could consummate the newly upgraded partnership between Washington and Hanoi with the sale of a fleet of American F-16 fighter jets as the Southeast Asian nation faces tensions with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea, one of the people said. The deal is still in its early stages, with exact terms yet to be worked out, and may not come together. But it was a key topic of Vietnamese-U.S. official talks in Hanoi, New York and Washington over the past month. Washington is considering structuring special financing terms for the pricey equipment that could help cash-strapped Hanoi steer away from its traditional reliance on lower-cost, Russian-made arms, according to the other source, who declined to be named. Spokespersons for the White House and Vietnamese foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. "We have a very productive and promising security relationship with the Vietnamese and we do see interesting movement from them in some U.S. systems, in particular anything that can help them better monitor their maritime domain, perhaps transport aircraft and some other platforms," said a U.S. official. "Part of what we're working on internally as the U.S. government is being creative about how we could try to provide better financing options to Vietnam to get them things that might be really useful to them." A major U.S.-Vietnam arms deal could aggravate China, Vietnam's larger neighbour, which is wary of Western efforts to box in Beijing. A long-simmering territorial dispute between Vietnam and China is heating up in the South China Sea and explains why Vietnam is looking to build up maritime defences. "They are developing asymmetric defensive capabilities, but (want) to do so without triggering a response from China," said Jeffrey Ordaniel, associate professor of international security studies at Tokyo International University and director for maritime security at Pacific Forum International, a think tank. "It is a delicate balancing act." Ordaniel said Washington should shift funds set aside for financing militaries in the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific region "so partners like Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan can afford the weapons they need to resist Beijing." The Biden administration has said it is trying to balance geopolitical competition with China, including in the Pacific, and responsibly managing the two superpowers' relationship. Earlier this month, Vietnam upgraded Washington to Hanoi's highest diplomatic status, alongside China and Russia, when U.S. President Joe Biden visited the country. The diplomatic turnaround marks a sharp pivot nearly a half-century after the end of the Vietnam War. Since an arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defence exports to Vietnam have been limited to coast guard ships and trainer aircraft, while Russia has supplied about 80% of the country's arsenal. Vietnam spends an estimated $2 billion annually in arms imports, and Washington is optimistic that they can shift a share of that budget over the long term to weapons from the United States or its allies and partners, especially South Korea and India. The cost of U.S. weaponry is a major obstacle, as is training on the equipment, and is among the reasons the country has taken in less than $400 million of American arms over the past decade. "Vietnamese officials are well aware that they need to spread the wealth," the U.S. official said. "We need to lead the charge in helping Vietnam get what it needs." Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has complicated Hanoi's longstanding relationship with Moscow, making supplies and spare parts for Russian-made arms harder to acquire. Nonetheless, Vietnam is also actively in talks with Moscow over a new arms supply deal that could trigger U.S. sanctions, Reuters has reported. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Joe Biden aides in talks with Vietnam for arms deal that could irk China

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Military collaboration between North Korea and Russia has been denounced as a grave violation of UN sanctions by senior diplomats and defense officials from South Korea and the United States. They have pledged to make sure that this transgression has repercussions.

South Korea, US condemn Pyongyang-Moscow arms cooperation

As per a newly released United States intelligence, Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing” potential arms deal negotiations that would provide significant ammunition for various types of weapons systems, including artillery. 
 
On Wednesday (August 30), the government of Joe Biden said that they have been concerned about the two pariah states which are in the middle of arms negotiations and that after the trip of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to North Korea last month, Russia's second delegation of officials visited Pyongyang to further discuss a potential deal. 
 
Along with the second delegation, letters were exchanged between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong, in which the two leaders are “pledging to increase their bilateral cooperation,” as reported by National Security Council strategic communications co-ordinator John Kirby.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-amid-joint-us-south-korea-drills-630662">&nbsp;North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles amid joint US-South Korea drills</a>

“We remain concerned that the DPRK continues to consider providing military support to Russia’s military forces in Ukraine and we have new information which we are able to share today that arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing,” Kirby stated. “Following these negotiations, high-level discussion may continue in coming months,” he added. 
 
“Under these potential deals, Russia would receive significant quantities and multiple types of munitions from the DPRK, which the Russian military plans to use in Ukraine. These potential deals could also include the provision of raw materials that would assist Russia’s defence industrial base,” Kirby stated, further promising that the US will take direct action for sanctioning any entities that are involved in a potential deal and appealed Pyongyang to cease the negotiations.

<h2>Letters exchanged were more at the surface level</h2>

He stated that the letters were “more at the surface level” but that North Korean and Russian weapons sales were advancing. The letters were exchanged by the leaders following the visit of Shoigu, he stated.

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korean state media: Four-year period of sealed borders end

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“Following Shoigu’s visit another group of Russian officials travelled to Pyongyang for follow-on discussions about potential arms deals between the DPRK and Russia,” said Kirby. 
 
Earlier this month, a sanctions evasion network was sanctioned by the US Treasury which is aimed at supporting arms deals between Russia and North Korea. Kirby added that attempts were being made by Russia to source weapons from countries like North Korea and Iran which clearly showed the distress of Moscow. 
 
“There is no other way to look at that than desperation and weakness, quite frankly,” Kirby stated.

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As per a newly released United States intelligence, Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing” potential arms deal negotiations that would provide significant ammunition for various types of weapons systems, including artillery.

As per a newly released United States intelligence, Russia and North Korea are “actively advancing” potential arms deal negotiations that would provide significant ammunition for various types of weapons systems, including artillery. On Wednesday (August 30), the government of Joe Biden said that they have been concerned about the two pariah states which are in the middle of arms negotiations and that after the trip of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to North Korea last month, Russia's second delegation of officials visited Pyongyang to further discuss a potential deal. Along with the second delegation, letters were exchanged between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong, in which the two leaders are “pledging to increase their bilateral cooperation,” as reported by National Security Council strategic communications co-ordinator John Kirby. ALSO READ | North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles amid joint US-South Korea drills “We remain concerned that the DPRK continues to consider providing military support to Russia’s military forces in Ukraine and we have new information which we are able to share today that arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing,” Kirby stated. “Following these negotiations, high-level discussion may continue in coming months,” he added. “Under these potential deals, Russia would receive significant quantities and multiple types of munitions from the DPRK, which the Russian military plans to use in Ukraine. These potential deals could also include the provision of raw materials that would assist Russia’s defence industrial base,” Kirby stated, further promising that the US will take direct action for sanctioning any entities that are involved in a potential deal and appealed Pyongyang to cease the negotiations. Letters exchanged were more at the surface level He stated that the letters were “more at the surface level” but that North Korean and Russian weapons sales were advancing. The letters were exchanged by the leaders following the visit of Shoigu, he stated. WATCH | North Korean state media: Four-year period of sealed borders end “Following Shoigu’s visit another group of Russian officials travelled to Pyongyang for follow-on discussions about potential arms deals between the DPRK and Russia,” said Kirby. Earlier this month, a sanctions evasion network was sanctioned by the US Treasury which is aimed at supporting arms deals between Russia and North Korea. Kirby added that attempts were being made by Russia to source weapons from countries like North Korea and Iran which clearly showed the distress of Moscow. “There is no other way to look at that than desperation and weakness, quite frankly,” Kirby stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US claims Russia, North Korea ‘actively advancing’ in negotiations over arms deal

South Korea is using a $13.7 billion arms deal with Poland, Seoul's biggest ever - to lay the groundwork for a military-industrial juggernaut that the two nations' defence companies hope will feed Europe's hunger for weapons far into the future.

South Korea signs $13.7 billion arms deal with Poland

China is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia and Egypt for major arms deals as the countries seek to diversify their weapons supplies to become less reliant on the United States and Russia for their defence needs.

China negotiates arms deal with Saudi Arabia and Egypt

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mulling to suspend discussions over the procurement of 50 F-35 fighter jets that are part of the $23 billion arms deal with the US, according to media reports.

An unnamed official from UAE told Reuters that the US has been apprised of the middle eastern country’s concern over technical issues such as cost-benefit analysis and restrictive end-user agreement.

“Technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis led to the re-assessment,” the UAE official said.

The UAE had signed an agreement to purchase 50 5th generation fighter jets and up to 18 armed drones, and other advanced munitions.

“The US remains the UAE’s preferred provider for advanced defence requirements and discussions for the F-35 may be re-opened in the future,” the official said, adding there were discussions to “address mutual defence security conditions for the acquisition.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-in-a-tough-neighbourhood-will-help-secure-its-borders-says-bidens-envoy-pick-garcetti-436992">&nbsp;India in a tough neighbourhood, will help secure its borders, says Biden’s envoy pick Garcetti</a>

However, US State secretary Anthony Blinken on Wednesday said that America is prepared to move forward with the sale of the fighter jets and drones to the its ally.

Speaking at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Blinken said Washington had to conduct some reviews.

"We've wanted to make sure, for example, that our commitment to Israel`s qualitative military edge is assured, so we wanted to make sure that we could do a thorough review of any technologies that are sold or transferred to other partners in the region, including the UAE," Blinken said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-women-urge-supreme-court-to-repeal-topless-sunbathing-ban-as-it-permits-discrimination-436984">US women urge Supreme Court to repeal topless sunbathing ban as it permits discrimination</a>

"But I think we continue to be prepared to move forward if the UAE continues to want to pursue both of these," he said.

The sale of 50 F-35 jets comes as a part of a $23 billion arms deal that the US and the UAE reached in the last days of Trump’s administration. The agreement also involves a sale of 18 MQ-9B Reaper attack drones, as well as other high-tech munitions.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mulling to suspend discussions over the procurement of 50 F-35 fighter jets that are part of the $23 billion arms deal with the US, according to media reports.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mulling to suspend discussions over the procurement of 50 F-35 fighter jets that are part of the $23 billion arms deal with the US, according to media reports. An unnamed official from UAE told Reuters that the US has been apprised of the middle eastern country’s concern over technical issues such as cost-benefit analysis and restrictive end-user agreement. “Technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis led to the re-assessment,” the UAE official said. The UAE had signed an agreement to purchase 50 5th generation fighter jets and up to 18 armed drones, and other advanced munitions. “The US remains the UAE’s preferred provider for advanced defence requirements and discussions for the F-35 may be re-opened in the future,” the official said, adding there were discussions to “address mutual defence security conditions for the acquisition.” Also read | India in a tough neighbourhood, will help secure its borders, says Biden’s envoy pick Garcetti However, US State secretary Anthony Blinken on Wednesday said that America is prepared to move forward with the sale of the fighter jets and drones to the its ally. Speaking at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Blinken said Washington had to conduct some reviews. "We've wanted to make sure, for example, that our commitment to Israel`s qualitative military edge is assured, so we wanted to make sure that we could do a thorough review of any technologies that are sold or transferred to other partners in the region, including the UAE," Blinken said. Also read | US women urge Supreme Court to repeal topless sunbathing ban as it permits discrimination "But I think we continue to be prepared to move forward if the UAE continues to want to pursue both of these," he said. The sale of 50 F-35 jets comes as a part of a $23 billion arms deal that the US and the UAE reached in the last days of Trump’s administration. The agreement also involves a sale of 18 MQ-9B Reaper attack drones, as well as other high-tech munitions. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE mulling to scrap talks on 50 F-35 fighter jets deal with US: Report

Arms deal in 2021: How major powers realigned the military landscape

A top military commander from North Korea has spoke out about the most secretive nation under Kim Jong-un's rule, from killings to illegal drug labs.

Kim Kuk-song told the BBC in an exclusive interview that he spent 30 years working his way through the ranks of North Korea's formidable espionage organisations, which were the "eyes, ears, and brains of the Supreme Leader."

Kuk-song said he guarded the administration's secrets, dispatched assassins to assassinate its enemies, and even set up an illicit narcotics lab to assist earn "revolutionary finances."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-obsessed-with-missiles-412858">Also read | Why is North Korea obsessed with missiles? &nbsp;</a>

Kuk-song left North Korea in 2014, and he has been residing in Seoul and cooperating with South Korean intelligence since then.

In an interview with a British news channel, he stated that North Korea's leadership is eager for money in any way imaginable. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: After raising hopes for peace, North Korea tests another missile

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He even disclosed the plan behind Pyongyang's decision and the regime's strike on South Korea.

He stated that North Korea's espionage and cyber networks can extend all the way across the world.&nbsp;

He paints a picture of a North Korean government starving for money, from drug dealings to weapons sales in the Middle East and Africa. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-may-have-staged-night-time-military-parade-report-411747" hreflang="en">North Korea may have staged night-time military parade: Report</a>

He discussed Pyongyang's decision-making method, the regime's attacks on South Korea, and accusations that the secretive country's espionage and cyber networks may extend all the way around the world.&nbsp;

North Korea's suspected illicit operations include the manufacturing and sale of illegal narcotics, the manufacture and sale of counterfeit consumer products, people trafficking, weapons trafficking, wildlife trafficking, currency counterfeiting, terrorism, and other sectors.

Many of these activities are alleged to be directed and controlled by the North Korean government and the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, with the proceeds going towards advancing the country's nuclear and conventional arms production, funding the lifestyles of the country's elite, and bolstering the North Korean economy.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has recently begun a crackdown on South Korean pop culture, including movies, K-dramas, and K-pop videos.

North Korean officials have also made 'non-socialist' hairstyles such as the spike and mullet, as well as coloured hair, illegal.

As part of the new regulations, men and women can only wear one of the 215 authorised haircuts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A top military commander from North Korea has spoke out about the most secretive nation under Kim Jong-un's rule, from killings to illegal drug labs. Kim Kuk-song told the BBC in an exclusive interview that he spent 30 years working his way through the ranks of North Korea's formidable espionage organisations, which were the "eyes, ears, and brains of the Supreme Leader.

A top military commander from North Korea has spoke out about the most secretive nation under Kim Jong-un's rule, from killings to illegal drug labs. Kim Kuk-song told the BBC in an exclusive interview that he spent 30 years working his way through the ranks of North Korea's formidable espionage organisations, which were the "eyes, ears, and brains of the Supreme Leader." Kuk-song said he guarded the administration's secrets, dispatched assassins to assassinate its enemies, and even set up an illicit narcotics lab to assist earn "revolutionary finances." Also read | Why is North Korea obsessed with missiles? Kuk-song left North Korea in 2014, and he has been residing in Seoul and cooperating with South Korean intelligence since then. In an interview with a British news channel, he stated that North Korea's leadership is eager for money in any way imaginable. Watch | Gravitas: After raising hopes for peace, North Korea tests another missile He even disclosed the plan behind Pyongyang's decision and the regime's strike on South Korea. He stated that North Korea's espionage and cyber networks can extend all the way across the world. He paints a picture of a North Korean government starving for money, from drug dealings to weapons sales in the Middle East and Africa. Also Read | North Korea may have staged night-time military parade: Report He discussed Pyongyang's decision-making method, the regime's attacks on South Korea, and accusations that the secretive country's espionage and cyber networks may extend all the way around the world. North Korea's suspected illicit operations include the manufacturing and sale of illegal narcotics, the manufacture and sale of counterfeit consumer products, people trafficking, weapons trafficking, wildlife trafficking, currency counterfeiting, terrorism, and other sectors. Many of these activities are alleged to be directed and controlled by the North Korean government and the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, with the proceeds going towards advancing the country's nuclear and conventional arms production, funding the lifestyles of the country's elite, and bolstering the North Korean economy. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has recently begun a crackdown on South Korean pop culture, including movies, K-dramas, and K-pop videos. North Korean officials have also made 'non-socialist' hairstyles such as the spike and mullet, as well as coloured hair, illegal. As part of the new regulations, men and women can only wear one of the 215 authorised haircuts. (With inputs from agencies)

Drug deals to weapons sales: Kim Jong-un wants money by any means, says defector

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-cia-officer-arrested-for-giving-classified-information-to-china-321365">Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China</a>

The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China.&nbsp;

The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales.

The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan.

Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences.

The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992.

Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence.

The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan.

The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.&nbsp;

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years.

Taiwan has finalized the purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets from American aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the biggest arms sale to the island country in years. Also read: Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China The $62 billion deal was finalised on Friday and is said to have angered China. The United States Defense Department announced the details of the deal on its website on Friday saying that the US Air Force was given a contract to Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-16, for 90 of the planes as part of US foreign military sales. The Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, got a green signal from the US last year for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defences. The island country already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. Beijing has warned Taiwan that it remains part of the country and will use force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. The arms deal comes as China portrayed its political muscle in Hong Kong and imposed the controversial security law on the international business hub. The move against Hong Kong has caused concern in Taiwan. The humongous deal comes days after the highest level of talks between the US and Taiwan took place. The talks were the biggest since 1979 which provoked China.

Taiwan finalizes purchase of 66 F-16 fighter jets in biggest arms deal with US

The US special representative for Iran on Sunday sought to rally Gulf allies as Washington tried to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, warning failure would "intensify" regional conflicts.

"I've spoken with leaders here in the Gulf and around the world -- no one believes that Iran should be able to freely buy and sell conventional weapons such as fighter jets... and various kinds of missiles," Brian Hook told journalists in an online briefing while on a visit to Qatar.

The United States has urged the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran that expires in October.

The extension is opposed by veto-wielding Russia and China, which stand to gain major arms contracts from Iran.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-judiciary-says-passengers-on-harassed-airliner-can-sue-terrorist-us-military-in-iran-courts-315930">Also read:&nbsp;Iranian judiciary says passengers on 'harassed' airliner can sue 'terrorist' US military in Iran courts</a>

"If the Security Council fails to extend the arms embargo by October 18, Iran will be able to freely buy and sell these weapons," Hook said.

"Imagine what the region will look like if this happens, conflicts in places like Syria and Yemen will certainly intensify."

US arch-foe Iran is a key player on the side of the Syrian government in the country's conflict and is aligned with Huthi rebels in Yemen fighting the government, supported by a coalition led by US ally Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Washington has warned it could employ a disputed legal move to restore wide UN sanctions on Iran if the Security Council does not prolong a ban on conventional arms sales to the Islamic republic.

Iran is also at the heart of a dispute between Qatar and a Saudi-led quartet of regional countries that cut diplomatic, economic and travel ties with Doha in 2017.

Hook reiterated Washington's call for a resolution to the feud that saw Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain break with Qatar over accusations Doha was too close to Iran and backing radical Islamists. Qatar denies the allegations.

"The dispute has continued for too long and it ultimately harms our shared regional interests in stability prosperity and security," Hook said.

Kuwait has long led mediation efforts between Qatar and the quartet, but the country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, travelled to the US on Thursday for medical treatment.

"I know that Kuwait has also invested a lot of time in this I should also add that we very much hope for the improved health of the emir of Kuwait," Hook said.&nbsp;

The US envoy will visit Kuwait on the next leg of his trip, having already visited Tunisia, a current member of the Security Council.

The US special representative for Iran on Sunday sought to rally Gulf allies as Washington tried to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, warning failure would "intensify" regional conflicts.

The US special representative for Iran on Sunday sought to rally Gulf allies as Washington tried to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, warning failure would "intensify" regional conflicts. "I've spoken with leaders here in the Gulf and around the world -- no one believes that Iran should be able to freely buy and sell conventional weapons such as fighter jets... and various kinds of missiles," Brian Hook told journalists in an online briefing while on a visit to Qatar. The United States has urged the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran that expires in October. The extension is opposed by veto-wielding Russia and China, which stand to gain major arms contracts from Iran. Also read: Iranian judiciary says passengers on 'harassed' airliner can sue 'terrorist' US military in Iran courts "If the Security Council fails to extend the arms embargo by October 18, Iran will be able to freely buy and sell these weapons," Hook said. "Imagine what the region will look like if this happens, conflicts in places like Syria and Yemen will certainly intensify." US arch-foe Iran is a key player on the side of the Syrian government in the country's conflict and is aligned with Huthi rebels in Yemen fighting the government, supported by a coalition led by US ally Saudi Arabia. Washington has warned it could employ a disputed legal move to restore wide UN sanctions on Iran if the Security Council does not prolong a ban on conventional arms sales to the Islamic republic. Iran is also at the heart of a dispute between Qatar and a Saudi-led quartet of regional countries that cut diplomatic, economic and travel ties with Doha in 2017. Hook reiterated Washington's call for a resolution to the feud that saw Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain break with Qatar over accusations Doha was too close to Iran and backing radical Islamists. Qatar denies the allegations. "The dispute has continued for too long and it ultimately harms our shared regional interests in stability prosperity and security," Hook said. Kuwait has long led mediation efforts between Qatar and the quartet, but the country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, travelled to the US on Thursday for medical treatment. "I know that Kuwait has also invested a lot of time in this I should also add that we very much hope for the improved health of the emir of Kuwait," Hook said. The US envoy will visit Kuwait on the next leg of his trip, having already visited Tunisia, a current member of the Security Council.

Iran arms embargo lapse would 'intensify' regional violence: US envoy

China is arming India's neighbours and turning the region&nbsp;into a very dangerous place. First, Beijing buried India's neighbourhood under debt. Now it is supplying weapons.

The string of pearls is being militarized and&nbsp;converted into a noose.

China will supply four-armed drones to Pakistan. It's not so much for Pakistan as for protecting Chinese assets in the country more specifically&nbsp;China’s Belt and Road projects. The drones will guard two investments - the China-Pakistan economic project (CPEC) and the People’s Liberation Army’s base at the Gwadar port. China likes to describe the BRI as an economic project, a development project with peaceful intent but the fact is China's projects are all strategic.

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The infrastructure deals always have a military dimension and that is what poses a bigger worry for India. Last year, China had gifted a warship to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;A frigate called “P-625” something that was commissioned into the PLA&nbsp;Navy in 1994. It is now in Sri Lanka's hands.

Then comes Bangladesh, it heavily depends on China for weapons. Bangladesh between 2008 and 2018&nbsp;bought nearly $ 2 billion worth of weapons from China&nbsp;which&nbsp;was almost 72 per cent of Bangladesh’s military acquisitions in that period.

India's other neighbour Myanmar is the third-largest arms export market for China. Since 2013, Myanmar has imported $720 million worth of conventional weapons from&nbsp;China.&nbsp; It&nbsp;includes big-ticket deals like combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, frigates and armoured vehicles.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar - they get weapons and billions of dollars in loans from China. They are all part of China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Pakistan has become a testing ground for the militarization of China's BRI. Two years ago, details of a confidential plan had leaked to the press. It was the blueprint of the Pakistan-China military alliance under the garb of CPEC.

According to the proposal, a special economic zone&nbsp;will be used to build fighter jets. It&nbsp;will be a joint project between China and Pakistan. The navigation systems and other military hardware will be built in Pakistan&nbsp;factories.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is again&nbsp;under the military alliance between Islamabad and Beijing.

Sri Lanka is the other ally in the mix. A&nbsp;press release&nbsp;from the website of the Chinese military&nbsp;declares: China, Sri Lanka vow to strengthen defence ties.

The&nbsp;story was filed two years ago. It is an announcement of China's intent. A&nbsp;&nbsp;senior colonel from China&nbsp;said: "China wishes to boost the development of the Belt&nbsp;and Road initiative to strengthen the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and the two militaries."

The BRI&nbsp;is a military expansion plan under the pretext of economic development&nbsp;since the inception of the Hambantota project there have been fears that China could end up using the port for military purposes.

Those suspicions were confirmed in 2014 when a Chinese submarine and a warship docked in Colombo. Since then, India has kept a tight watch on Hambantota. The Chinese military has kept&nbsp;its distance from Hambantota for now.

But, it has deep links with the Sri Lankan military. Chinese officers have undertaken high-level visits to Sri Lanka. China has also provided military training to Sri Lankan officers.&nbsp;

All of this points to one thing, China's silk&nbsp;road is just a means to an end. It will not just put China in the centre of world trade. But, will also be a way for China to boost its military presence. It is a colonisation project. The 21-century version of the East India company.

China is arming India's neighbours and turning the region into a very dangerous place. First, Beijing buried India's neighbourhood under debt. Now it is supplying weapons.

China is arming India's neighbours and turning the region into a very dangerous place. First, Beijing buried India's neighbourhood under debt. Now it is supplying weapons. The string of pearls is being militarized and converted into a noose. China will supply four-armed drones to Pakistan. It's not so much for Pakistan as for protecting Chinese assets in the country more specifically China’s Belt and Road projects. The drones will guard two investments - the China-Pakistan economic project (CPEC) and the People’s Liberation Army’s base at the Gwadar port. China likes to describe the BRI as an economic project, a development project with peaceful intent but the fact is China's projects are all strategic. The infrastructure deals always have a military dimension and that is what poses a bigger worry for India. Last year, China had gifted a warship to Sri Lanka. A frigate called “P-625” something that was commissioned into the PLA Navy in 1994. It is now in Sri Lanka's hands. Then comes Bangladesh, it heavily depends on China for weapons. Bangladesh between 2008 and 2018 bought nearly $ 2 billion worth of weapons from China which was almost 72 per cent of Bangladesh’s military acquisitions in that period. India's other neighbour Myanmar is the third-largest arms export market for China. Since 2013, Myanmar has imported $720 million worth of conventional weapons from China. It includes big-ticket deals like combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, frigates and armoured vehicles. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar - they get weapons and billions of dollars in loans from China. They are all part of China’s Belt and Road initiative. Pakistan has become a testing ground for the militarization of China's BRI. Two years ago, details of a confidential plan had leaked to the press. It was the blueprint of the Pakistan-China military alliance under the garb of CPEC. According to the proposal, a special economic zone will be used to build fighter jets. It will be a joint project between China and Pakistan. The navigation systems and other military hardware will be built in Pakistan factories. It is again under the military alliance between Islamabad and Beijing. Sri Lanka is the other ally in the mix. A press release from the website of the Chinese military declares: China, Sri Lanka vow to strengthen defence ties. The story was filed two years ago. It is an announcement of China's intent. A senior colonel from China said: "China wishes to boost the development of the Belt and Road initiative to strengthen the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and the two militaries." The BRI is a military expansion plan under the pretext of economic development since the inception of the Hambantota project there have been fears that China could end up using the port for military purposes. Those suspicions were confirmed in 2014 when a Chinese submarine and a warship docked in Colombo. Since then, India has kept a tight watch on Hambantota. The Chinese military has kept its distance from Hambantota for now. But, it has deep links with the Sri Lankan military. Chinese officers have undertaken high-level visits to Sri Lanka. China has also provided military training to Sri Lankan officers. All of this points to one thing, China's silk road is just a means to an end. It will not just put China in the centre of world trade. But, will also be a way for China to boost its military presence. It is a colonisation project. The 21-century version of the East India company.

Is China colonising India's neighbours with arms deal and hefty debts?

A United States&nbsp;official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US&nbsp;sanctions.

Serbia's military depends heavily on Russian and former Soviet weapons technology, but Russia's arms sales have been hit by US&nbsp;sanctions over its role in the conflict in east Ukraine.

Serbian news agency Beta said Thomas Zarzecki, an envoy for the US&nbsp;State Department's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, would discuss compliance with the sanctions during a visit that has not been announced by the US&nbsp;embassy.

Embassy officials could not be reached for comment and the US&nbsp;State Department did not reply to emailed questions.

Serbia has recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia and deliveries are expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also bought Russian MiG-29 jets, helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

US&nbsp;concerns grew last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defence system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for a military drill. The move underlined Moscow's wish to keep a traditional Slavic ally on the side as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and tries to join the European Union.

Matthew Palmer, a US&nbsp;envoy for the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could risk sanctions over its arms deals with Russia. Under the sanctions, Serbia could face punishments ranging from visa bans to denial of export licences.

Late on Thursday, President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear broad sanctions would be imposed on Serbia similar to those of the 1990s during the Balkan wars.

"When the US&nbsp;is deciding about such sanctions ... they are imposing it against a company or an individual, not against an entire nation," he said.

Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006 and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2015, though it is not seeking full membership of the US-led alliance.

Serbia has also relied on Russia for support in its refusal to recognise the independence of its former southern province of Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising. NATO peacekeepers remain in Kosovo.

A United States official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US sanctions.

A United States official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US sanctions. Serbia's military depends heavily on Russian and former Soviet weapons technology, but Russia's arms sales have been hit by US sanctions over its role in the conflict in east Ukraine. Serbian news agency Beta said Thomas Zarzecki, an envoy for the US State Department's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, would discuss compliance with the sanctions during a visit that has not been announced by the US embassy. Embassy officials could not be reached for comment and the US State Department did not reply to emailed questions. Serbia has recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia and deliveries are expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also bought Russian MiG-29 jets, helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers. US concerns grew last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defence system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for a military drill. The move underlined Moscow's wish to keep a traditional Slavic ally on the side as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and tries to join the European Union. Matthew Palmer, a US envoy for the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could risk sanctions over its arms deals with Russia. Under the sanctions, Serbia could face punishments ranging from visa bans to denial of export licences. Late on Thursday, President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear broad sanctions would be imposed on Serbia similar to those of the 1990s during the Balkan wars. "When the US is deciding about such sanctions ... they are imposing it against a company or an individual, not against an entire nation," he said. Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006 and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2015, though it is not seeking full membership of the US-led alliance. Serbia has also relied on Russia for support in its refusal to recognise the independence of its former southern province of Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising. NATO peacekeepers remain in Kosovo.

Serbia faces risk of United States sanctions over Russian arms deal

How China, Pak arms deal is changing military dynamics in South Asia

China Issues An Ultimatum To The U.S. To Cancel The Arms Deal With Taiwan

Gravitas: China responds to U.S.-Taiwan arms deal

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would forge ahead with the purchase of an air-defense system from Russia despite U.S. warnings that using the equipment would jeopardize Ankara’s role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Turkey vows to buy Russian Missiles despite US warnings

Canadian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-arrest-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-defends-detaining-meng-wanzhou-182040">Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a>, speaking in an interview that aired on Sunday, said for the first time that his Liberal government was looking for a way out of a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

The comments represented a notable hardening in tone from Trudeau, who previously said there would be huge penalties for scrapping the $13 billion agreement for armoured vehicles made by the Canadian unit of General Dynamics Corp.

Last month, Trudeau said Canada could freeze the relevant export permits if it concluded the weapons had been misused.

"We are engaged with the export permits to try and see if there is a way of no longer exporting these vehicles to Saudi Arabia," Trudeau told CTV. He did not give further details.

Political opponents, citing the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Yemen war, insist Trudeau should end the General Dynamics deal, which was negotiated by the previous Conservative government.

Relations between Ottawa and Riyadh have been tense since a diplomatic dispute over human rights earlier this year. Ottawa says it has been consulting allies on what steps to take after Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

"The murder of a journalist is absolutely unacceptable and that's why Canada from the very beginning had been demanding answers and solutions on that," said Trudeau.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking in an interview that aired on Sunday, said for the first time that his Liberal government was looking for a way out of a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking in an interview that aired on Sunday, said for the first time that his Liberal government was looking for a way out of a multibillion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia. The comments represented a notable hardening in tone from Trudeau, who previously said there would be huge penalties for scrapping the $13 billion agreement for armoured vehicles made by the Canadian unit of General Dynamics Corp. Last month, Trudeau said Canada could freeze the relevant export permits if it concluded the weapons had been misused. "We are engaged with the export permits to try and see if there is a way of no longer exporting these vehicles to Saudi Arabia," Trudeau told CTV. He did not give further details. Political opponents, citing the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Yemen war, insist Trudeau should end the General Dynamics deal, which was negotiated by the previous Conservative government. Relations between Ottawa and Riyadh have been tense since a diplomatic dispute over human rights earlier this year. Ottawa says it has been consulting allies on what steps to take after Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "The murder of a journalist is absolutely unacceptable and that's why Canada from the very beginning had been demanding answers and solutions on that," said Trudeau.

Canada looking for way out of big Saudi Arabia arms deal: PM Trudeau

Washington has agreed arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth almost $110 billion, a White House official said Saturday, the first day of President Donald Trump&#39;s visit to the traditional US ally.

&quot;This package of defence equipment and services support the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian threats,&quot; the official said.

It will also bolster the kingdom&#39;s &quot;ability to contribute to counter-terrorism operations across the region, reducing the burden on the US military to conduct those operations,&quot; the official added.

Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson &quot;will attend a signing ceremony&quot; for the deals, the official said.

The official described the agreements as &quot;a significant expansion of the over seven-decade-long security relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&quot;

The official did not provide details of the agreements with Riyadh, which is one of the world&#39;s biggest defence spenders.

A preliminary deal worth $6 billion to assemble 150 Lockheed Martin Blackhawk helicopters in Saudi Arabia was separately announced at the Saudi-US CEO Forum held in Riyadh during Trump&#39;s visit.&nbsp;

The programme to &quot;support the final assembly and completion of an estimated 150 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters&quot; will support around 450 jobs in the kingdom, said a forum statement.

US defence contractors are major suppliers of weapons to Saudi Arabia, which for more than two years has led a coalition conducting air strikes and other operations against rebels in Yemen.

The new deals come despite mounting pressure on Washington from rights groups to stop arms sales to Riyadh, which has come under repeated criticism over civilian casualties in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced the creation of a new military industries firm as part of the kingdom&#39;s efforts to boost defence production.

The kingdom&#39;s Public Investment Fund said the new government-owned company, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), &quot;aims to become one of the world&#39;s top 25 defence companies by 2030.&quot;

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in an April report that Saudi Arabia last year was the world&#39;s fourth-largest military spender, spending $63.7 billion.

(AFP)

The agreement further fortifies security partnership between the two countries, especially at a time when it faces threats from Iran

Washington has agreed arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth almost $110 billion, a White House official said Saturday, the first day of President Donald Trump's visit to the traditional US ally. "This package of defence equipment and services support the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian threats," the official said. It will also bolster the kingdom's "ability to contribute to counter-terrorism operations across the region, reducing the burden on the US military to conduct those operations," the official added. Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "will attend a signing ceremony" for the deals, the official said. The official described the agreements as "a significant expansion of the over seven-decade-long security relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." The official did not provide details of the agreements with Riyadh, which is one of the world's biggest defence spenders. A preliminary deal worth $6 billion to assemble 150 Lockheed Martin Blackhawk helicopters in Saudi Arabia was separately announced at the Saudi-US CEO Forum held in Riyadh during Trump's visit. The programme to "support the final assembly and completion of an estimated 150 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters" will support around 450 jobs in the kingdom, said a forum statement. US defence contractors are major suppliers of weapons to Saudi Arabia, which for more than two years has led a coalition conducting air strikes and other operations against rebels in Yemen. The new deals come despite mounting pressure on Washington from rights groups to stop arms sales to Riyadh, which has come under repeated criticism over civilian casualties in Yemen. Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced the creation of a new military industries firm as part of the kingdom's efforts to boost defence production. The kingdom's Public Investment Fund said the new government-owned company, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), "aims to become one of the world's top 25 defence companies by 2030." The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in an April report that Saudi Arabia last year was the world's fourth-largest military spender, spending $63.7 billion. (AFP)

US, Saudi Arabia agree arms deal worth $110 billion

The less-than-supersonic sale of French Rafale fighter jets to India has highlighted the obstacles facing foreign arms firms seeking to do business with the world&#39;s biggest weapons importer. 
 
India has signed a series of key defence deals under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a $100 billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware, making it an attractive proposition for arms exporters. 
 
But a series of corruption scandals have made India a challenging environment, with huge delays and a tough negotiation process. 
 
After nearly a decade of discussions and setbacks, India signed a deal Friday to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for 7.9 billion Euros ($8.8 billion) as it seeks to bolster its military against an increasingly assertive China. 
 
Defence experts say the aircraft, manufactured by France&#39;s Dassault, will provide a much-needed boost to India&#39;s air force. 
 
But the final windfall was much less than had been hoped for by the French. 
 
&quot;The Indians always conduct very tough negotiations. They are known for it,&quot; said Isabelle Saint-Mezard, a specialist in South Asian strategic issues at the University of Paris. 
 
&quot;They have all the major weapons suppliers knocking at their door, so they are well positioned to do so.&quot; 
 
Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, has gained experience of India&#39;s bargaining tactics in recent years. 
 
&quot;India is a school of patience,&quot; he said. 
 
The country ranks 130 out of 189 on the World Bank&#39;s Ease of Doing Business index -- the worst of all G20 countries -- and regulations vary capriciously across its 29 states, where even the same law can be interpreted in bafflingly different ways. 
 
&nbsp;Fear of corruption&nbsp; 
 
Allegations of corruption have scuppered Indian defence deals as far back as 1987, when then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s government collapsed over charges of kickbacks paid to Indian officials by the Swedish group Bofors to clinch a $1.3-billion artillery deal. 
 
Fears of further corruption meant that &quot;the modernisation of the armed forces stalled,&quot; said Gulshan Luthra of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. 
 
To erect safeguards against graft India ramped up its army of bureaucrats dealing with weapons sales, with contracts becoming trapped in a paper maze. 
 
The smallest comment on an arms deal required from a government department can delay a case for several months. 
 
&quot;In recent years, the authorities have tried to clamp down on graft. As a result, officials in charge of issuing contracts fear exposing themselves to suspicion of corruption and are reluctant to engage,&quot; said St. Mezard. 
 
For a contract to succeed, &quot;it usually takes strong political will at the highest level of the state,&quot; she added. 
 
But all these precautions do not prevent old demons resurfacing. 
 
In 2013 the government scrapped a $748 million contract with AgustaWestland helicopters following allegations it was won through kickbacks. 
 
 
Technology transfer&nbsp; 
 
Deals are also complicated because India is determined to achieve its goal of being less dependent on foreign trade for its military equipment. Its tenders are accompanied by significant technology transfer requests. 
 
For example, one mooted deal was to have seen Dassault assemble 108 out of 126 fighter jets on Indian soil. 
 
But the French refused to assume responsibility for all the planes that were to be built in India. 
 
&quot;The Indians insist on such deals, but without always having the means or the expertise to carry them out. As a result, suppliers are reluctant to embark on this sort of agreement,&quot; said St. Mezard. 
 
Faced with an urgent need to modernise its military, Modi&rsquo;s government finally opted for the direct sale of 36 ready-to-fly Rafale jets, which will be manufactured in France. 
 
But Dassault will be contractually bound to reinvest nearly half of the value of the deal in India, an obligation known as the offset clause. 
 
&quot;The offset rules are very complicated and opaque,&quot; said Rahul Bedi, a Jane&#39;s Defence Weekly analyst. &quot;We are talking high-tech and the Indian industry does not have the sophistication to absorb such offsets.&quot; 
 
India has signed several big-ticket deals since Hindu nationalist Modi took power in 2014. 
 
The increasing assertiveness of its giant neighbour China as well as its simmering rivalry with Pakistan has increased its need to upgrade its military. 
 
That signals many potential contracts for foreign arms suppliers -- despite the obstacles. 
 
(AFP)

A series of corruption scandals involving arms deals have made India a challenging environment, with tough negotiations and long delays

The less-than-supersonic sale of French Rafale fighter jets to India has highlighted the obstacles facing foreign arms firms seeking to do business with the world's biggest weapons importer. India has signed a series of key defence deals under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a $100 billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware, making it an attractive proposition for arms exporters. But a series of corruption scandals have made India a challenging environment, with huge delays and a tough negotiation process. After nearly a decade of discussions and setbacks, India signed a deal Friday to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for 7.9 billion Euros ($8.8 billion) as it seeks to bolster its military against an increasingly assertive China. Defence experts say the aircraft, manufactured by France's Dassault, will provide a much-needed boost to India's air force. But the final windfall was much less than had been hoped for by the French. "The Indians always conduct very tough negotiations. They are known for it," said Isabelle Saint-Mezard, a specialist in South Asian strategic issues at the University of Paris. "They have all the major weapons suppliers knocking at their door, so they are well positioned to do so." Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, has gained experience of India's bargaining tactics in recent years. "India is a school of patience," he said. The country ranks 130 out of 189 on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index -- the worst of all G20 countries -- and regulations vary capriciously across its 29 states, where even the same law can be interpreted in bafflingly different ways. Fear of corruption Allegations of corruption have scuppered Indian defence deals as far back as 1987, when then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government collapsed over charges of kickbacks paid to Indian officials by the Swedish group Bofors to clinch a $1.3-billion artillery deal. Fears of further corruption meant that "the modernisation of the armed forces stalled," said Gulshan Luthra of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. To erect safeguards against graft India ramped up its army of bureaucrats dealing with weapons sales, with contracts becoming trapped in a paper maze. The smallest comment on an arms deal required from a government department can delay a case for several months. "In recent years, the authorities have tried to clamp down on graft. As a result, officials in charge of issuing contracts fear exposing themselves to suspicion of corruption and are reluctant to engage," said St. Mezard. For a contract to succeed, "it usually takes strong political will at the highest level of the state," she added. But all these precautions do not prevent old demons resurfacing. In 2013 the government scrapped a $748 million contract with AgustaWestland helicopters following allegations it was won through kickbacks. Technology transfer Deals are also complicated because India is determined to achieve its goal of being less dependent on foreign trade for its military equipment. Its tenders are accompanied by significant technology transfer requests. For example, one mooted deal was to have seen Dassault assemble 108 out of 126 fighter jets on Indian soil. But the French refused to assume responsibility for all the planes that were to be built in India. "The Indians insist on such deals, but without always having the means or the expertise to carry them out. As a result, suppliers are reluctant to embark on this sort of agreement," said St. Mezard. Faced with an urgent need to modernise its military, Modi’s government finally opted for the direct sale of 36 ready-to-fly Rafale jets, which will be manufactured in France. But Dassault will be contractually bound to reinvest nearly half of the value of the deal in India, an obligation known as the offset clause. "The offset rules are very complicated and opaque," said Rahul Bedi, a Jane's Defence Weekly analyst. "We are talking high-tech and the Indian industry does not have the sophistication to absorb such offsets." India has signed several big-ticket deals since Hindu nationalist Modi took power in 2014. The increasing assertiveness of its giant neighbour China as well as its simmering rivalry with Pakistan has increased its need to upgrade its military. That signals many potential contracts for foreign arms suppliers -- despite the obstacles. (AFP)

The Rafale saga: Obstacles foreign arms firms face in sealing deals with India

India is set to deliver more arms to Afghanistan to help it fight Islamist militants, Kabul&#39;s envoy to New Delhi said, even if Pakistan is wary of closer military cooperation between countries lying to its east and west. 
 
India has provided a little over $2 billion in economic assistance to Afghanistan in the last 15 years, but has been more measured in providing weapons in order to avoid a backlash from Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as its area of influence. 
 
Last December, after years of dragging its feet, New Delhi announced the supply of four attack helicopters in India&#39;s first transfer of lethal equipment to the government in Kabul since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement was toppled. 
 
Kabul immediately deployed three of the Russian Mi-25 attack helicopters to go after insurgents, and the fourth will be inducted in the next few weeks. 
 
Shaida Mohammad Abdali, the Afghan ambassador to India, said regional security was deteriorating and Afghan national forces were in dire need of military supplies to tackle the Taliban, Islamic State and other militant groups. 
 
&quot;We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India,&quot; he told Reuters in an interview. 
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<h5>We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India,&quot; - Afghan ambassador to India</h5>
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On August 29, the head of the Afghan army, General Qadam Shah Shahim, is expected in New Delhi to submit a list of military equipment drawn up in consultation with the US military, Indian defence officials said. 
 
It is not yet clear how much would be paid for and how much would be handed over for free. 
 
The equipment includes more Mi-25s, smaller helicopters used for transporting troops and medical emergencies, and spares for existing Russian-origin aircraft in the Afghan air force fleet. 
 
&quot;The agenda for the army chief&#39;s visit is clear. We will be finalising the enhancement of defence ties,&quot; Abdali said. India, he added, had told the Afghans that it would do whatever it could to meet the security forces&#39; requirements. 
 
Indian leader rankles Pakistan 
 
The fact that much of the proposed equipment originates from Russia need not be a stumbling block to an agreement, the United States has said, despite Western sanctions against Moscow. 
 
Russia and the United States share a common goal in stabilising Afghanistan, and India can act as a go-between to help re-equip Afghan forces which fall well short of the capacity required despite billions of Dollars in US spending. 
 
The Afghan government lost control or influence of nearly 5 per cent of its territory between January and May, the US government&#39;s top watchdog on Afghanistan said in a report, highlighting the challenges its forces are facing. 
 
But the move to increase cooperation with Afghanistan is likely to aggravate fears in Pakistan of being wedged between two hostile neighbours. 
 
Relations with both countries have cooled lately. 
 
Afghanistan says Pakistan must do more to stop militants operating on its territory, while India has blamed Pakistan for unrest in the disputed region of Kashmir. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned up the dial a notch by making a rare reference to Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province in a recent speech. 
 
Asked about the prospect of closer military ties between Afghanistan and India, a Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said the government did not comment on bilateral ties between two countries. 
 
But he warned against attempts to destabilise Pakistan, which, like its arch-rival India, has a nuclear arsenal. 
 
&quot;Our expectation is that India should not be allowed to use Afghan soil to create instability in Pakistan.&quot; 
 
According to an Indian defence ministry official, discussions with Kabul included the possibility of increasing the number of Afghan officers being trained in Indian military institutions each year from around 800 now. 
 
US support 
 
The United States, which has allocated more than $68 billion to train and equip the Afghan security forces since 2002, has welcomed greater Indian military assistance to fill shortfalls in hardware and personnel. 
 
Earlier this month, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, held talks with Indian officials to find ways in which New Delhi could help the Afghan air force, which is struggling to maintain ageing Russian aircraft because of sanctions on Moscow. 
 
Nicholson said donor nations had contributed $4.5 billion to Afghanistan, but those funds could not be used to buy Russian aircraft or spare parts because of the restrictions triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. 
 
India is not constrained by such considerations and can export Russian-made equipment it already owns or source hardware and spares from Russia to send on to Afghanistan. 
 
&quot;Any additional aircraft or spare parts that India can provide Afghanistan would be greatly appreciated and welcomed by them to help build and maintain the Afghan Air Force,&quot; Nicholson said at the end of his trip. 
 
A Russian diplomat said Moscow supported efforts to strengthen Afghan forces, even if it cannot directly equip it. 
 
&quot;Our policy is simple; we would not like to be involved directly, but we would support any initiative that strengthens the ability of the Afghan authorities to fight against terrorist groups and stabilise the situation in the country,&quot; the diplomat said. 
 
(Reuters)

India has been measured in providing weapons in order to avoid conflict with Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as its area of influence

India is set to deliver more arms to Afghanistan to help it fight Islamist militants, Kabul's envoy to New Delhi said, even if Pakistan is wary of closer military cooperation between countries lying to its east and west. India has provided a little over $2 billion in economic assistance to Afghanistan in the last 15 years, but has been more measured in providing weapons in order to avoid a backlash from Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as its area of influence. Last December, after years of dragging its feet, New Delhi announced the supply of four attack helicopters in India's first transfer of lethal equipment to the government in Kabul since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement was toppled. Kabul immediately deployed three of the Russian Mi-25 attack helicopters to go after insurgents, and the fourth will be inducted in the next few weeks. Shaida Mohammad Abdali, the Afghan ambassador to India, said regional security was deteriorating and Afghan national forces were in dire need of military supplies to tackle the Taliban, Islamic State and other militant groups. "We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India," he told Reuters in an interview. We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India," - Afghan ambassador to India On August 29, the head of the Afghan army, General Qadam Shah Shahim, is expected in New Delhi to submit a list of military equipment drawn up in consultation with the US military, Indian defence officials said. It is not yet clear how much would be paid for and how much would be handed over for free. The equipment includes more Mi-25s, smaller helicopters used for transporting troops and medical emergencies, and spares for existing Russian-origin aircraft in the Afghan air force fleet. "The agenda for the army chief's visit is clear. We will be finalising the enhancement of defence ties," Abdali said. India, he added, had told the Afghans that it would do whatever it could to meet the security forces' requirements. Indian leader rankles Pakistan The fact that much of the proposed equipment originates from Russia need not be a stumbling block to an agreement, the United States has said, despite Western sanctions against Moscow. Russia and the United States share a common goal in stabilising Afghanistan, and India can act as a go-between to help re-equip Afghan forces which fall well short of the capacity required despite billions of Dollars in US spending. The Afghan government lost control or influence of nearly 5 per cent of its territory between January and May, the US government's top watchdog on Afghanistan said in a report, highlighting the challenges its forces are facing. But the move to increase cooperation with Afghanistan is likely to aggravate fears in Pakistan of being wedged between two hostile neighbours. Relations with both countries have cooled lately. Afghanistan says Pakistan must do more to stop militants operating on its territory, while India has blamed Pakistan for unrest in the disputed region of Kashmir. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned up the dial a notch by making a rare reference to Pakistan's restive Balochistan province in a recent speech. Asked about the prospect of closer military ties between Afghanistan and India, a Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said the government did not comment on bilateral ties between two countries. But he warned against attempts to destabilise Pakistan, which, like its arch-rival India, has a nuclear arsenal. "Our expectation is that India should not be allowed to use Afghan soil to create instability in Pakistan." According to an Indian defence ministry official, discussions with Kabul included the possibility of increasing the number of Afghan officers being trained in Indian military institutions each year from around 800 now. US support The United States, which has allocated more than $68 billion to train and equip the Afghan security forces since 2002, has welcomed greater Indian military assistance to fill shortfalls in hardware and personnel. Earlier this month, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, held talks with Indian officials to find ways in which New Delhi could help the Afghan air force, which is struggling to maintain ageing Russian aircraft because of sanctions on Moscow. Nicholson said donor nations had contributed $4.5 billion to Afghanistan, but those funds could not be used to buy Russian aircraft or spare parts because of the restrictions triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. India is not constrained by such considerations and can export Russian-made equipment it already owns or source hardware and spares from Russia to send on to Afghanistan. "Any additional aircraft or spare parts that India can provide Afghanistan would be greatly appreciated and welcomed by them to help build and maintain the Afghan Air Force," Nicholson said at the end of his trip. A Russian diplomat said Moscow supported efforts to strengthen Afghan forces, even if it cannot directly equip it. "Our policy is simple; we would not like to be involved directly, but we would support any initiative that strengthens the ability of the Afghan authorities to fight against terrorist groups and stabilise the situation in the country," the diplomat said. (Reuters)

India set to supply arms to Afghanistan to fight Islamist militants

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