Brussels meeting signals renewed EU engagement with Syria
After years of limited engagement, relations between Syria and the European Union are drawing renewed diplomatic a...
Global arms sales surged 4.2% in 2023, reaching $632 billion, driven by conflicts, rearmament, and geopolitical tensions, a SIPRI report reveals.
Global arms sales by the top 100 manufacturers rose by 4.2% year-on-year to $632 billion in 2023, according to a SIPRI report.
Companies in Russia and the Middle East recorded the sharpest revenue increases, driven by heightened demand linked to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, East Asian tensions, and global rearmament efforts.
Nearly three-quarters of the top arms producers reported growth, with revenues recovering after a dip in 2022. However, firms like Lockheed Martin and RTX faced declines due to supply chain issues affecting aeronautics and missile production.
US-based companies, accounting for 50% of global arms revenues, reached $317 billion, while European producers saw marginal growth, focusing on older contracts. In contrast, Germany, Sweden, and Eastern European manufacturers experienced significant gains due to the Ukraine war’s demand for munitions and defence systems.
Russian companies saw a 40% increase in revenue to $25.5 billion, with Rostec leading the surge through increased production and modernisation of military equipment. Asian arms makers reported a 5.7% revenue hike to $136 billion, driven by South Korea and Japan’s military build-ups.
Middle Eastern firms grew by 18% to $19.6 billion, with Israeli arms producers setting revenue records amid the Gaza conflict. Türkiye's Baykar, known for UAV exports, saw its revenues rise by 25% to $1.9 billion, with exports constituting 90% of sales.
SIPRI anticipates continued growth in 2024 as demand intensifies across regions.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal as a “stupid proposal,” saying Tehran failed to commit to abandoning its pursuit of a nuclear weapon, while warning the fragile ceasefire was on “massive life support”.
President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to a US war proposal “totally unacceptable” after Tehran sent its reply through mediator Pakistan, according to IRNA. Qatar’s al-Thani also warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as “a pressure tool”.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
A Turkish Airlines plane caught fire in its landing gear tyres after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday (11 May) morning, temporarily disrupting airport operations, officials said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.
China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.
Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.
Stocks around the world climbed to fresh record highs on Wednesday (6 May), while oil prices fell sharply, after reports suggested the United States and Iran were nearing an agreement to end conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, up from the 15% level agreed last year, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with its trade commitments.
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