Norway suspends arms exports to UAE over Yemen war
Norway has suspended arms and ammunition exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of the nation's involvement in the Yemen war, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry announced on 3 January.
The UAE is part of a Saudi Arabia-led coalition that has been fighting in Yemen since March 2015.
The conflict has killed more than 8,750 people, including many civilians, according to the World Health Organization.
The Norwegian Foreign Ministry said: ‘The development of the armed conflict in Yemen in the autumn of 2017 has been serious and there are severe concerns for the humanitarian situation.’
The suspension of arms exports, adopted on 19 December 2017, is a precautionary move and does not indicate that Norwegian weapons have been used in Yemen, the foreign ministry said.
Norwegian arms sales in the UAE had almost doubled in 2016 compared to the previous year, reaching $9.7 million.
More from Defence Notes
-
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.