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vipinmishra · 6 months

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Small Arms and Light Weapons Market 2029 is Anticipated to Register Robust Growth

Military modernization initiatives worldwide drive demand for advanced and modular SALW, emphasizing technological innovation are the factors driving market in the forecast period 2025-2029.

According to TechSci Research report, “Small Arms and Light Weapons Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2029”, The Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market stood at USD 13.75 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.59% in the forecast period, 2025-2029. The Global Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) market is characterized by its multifaceted nature, catering to the diverse needs of military, law enforcement, and civilian end-users. SALW encompass a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and light machine guns, as well as associated accessories and ammunition. This market is influenced by various factors, including geopolitical tensions, military modernization efforts, and evolving regulations.

Military Modernization and Innovation: One of the primary drivers of the SALW market is the continuous modernization efforts undertaken by armed forces globally. Nations invest in advanced SALW to equip their military with cutting-edge technologies, modular designs, and lightweight materials, enhancing operational capabilities. The emphasis on precision, accuracy, and adaptability in modern warfare propels the development and adoption of state-of-the-art small arms.

Law Enforcement Needs: Law enforcement agencies worldwide contribute significantly to the SALW market, requiring firearms tailored to urban policing, tactical operations, and special units. The market responds with compact, maneuverable firearms equipped with electronic sights, non-lethal options, and advanced ergonomics. The demand for SALW in law enforcement underscores the importance of addressing public safety and maintaining order in dynamic and challenging environments.

Civilian Market Dynamics: The civilian market is a key component of the SALW landscape, with variations in regulations and preferences influencing the market's diversity. In regions where civilian firearm ownership is legal, the market caters to individuals seeking personal defense, sport shooting, and recreational purposes. Handguns, shotguns, and sporting rifles are among the popular choices, and manufacturers often introduce innovations, such as personalized user recognition systems and modular designs, to meet the evolving demands of civilian firearm enthusiasts.

Geopolitical Tensions and Security Concerns: Global geopolitical tensions and security concerns contribute to the sustained demand for SALW. Countries facing security threats and conflicts seek to bolster their defense capabilities, driving procurement of advanced small arms. The market's dynamics are influenced by the changing nature of warfare, counter-terrorism efforts, and the need for reliable and efficient SALW to address evolving security challenges.

The SALW market faces challenges related to the illicit arms trade, posing risks of diversion to non-state actors and contributing to armed violence. Efforts to curb illegal trafficking involve international cooperation, regulatory measures, and initiatives to secure stockpiles. The challenges associated with controlling the flow of SALW in conflict zones and regions experiencing political instability underscore the importance of addressing the humanitarian impact of these weapons.

Technological Advancements: Technological innovations play a pivotal role in shaping the SALW market. The integration of smart technologies, such as electronic optics, biometric locks, and connectivity features, reflects a trend toward enhancing weapon effectiveness, improving safety, and providing users with advanced capabilities. This continual advancement aligns with the broader trajectory of the defense industry toward modernization and efficiency.

Browse over market data Figures spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on " Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market.” https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/small-arms-and-light-weapons-market/22461.html

North America, particularly the United States, plays a central role in shaping the global small arms and light weapons (SALW) market. The U.S. exhibits a robust civilian firearms culture, driving substantial demand for handguns, sporting rifles, and shotguns. The country's technologically advanced military and law enforcement sectors contribute significantly to the market's dynamics, with a focus on innovation and modular designs. Stringent regulatory frameworks, including background checks and licensing, influence the market's structure, balancing individual rights with public safety considerations.

Europe is characterized by a diverse SALW market influenced by varying national regulations and the region's history. Countries such as Germany and France have well-established defense industries contributing to military and law enforcement needs. The civilian market is present but often subject to strict regulations, emphasizing safety and preventing misuse. European nations actively participate in international efforts to control the illicit arms trade, and the region's SALW market trends reflect a blend of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing dynamic growth in the SALW market, driven by military modernization efforts, geopolitical tensions, and evolving civilian demands. Countries like China, India, and Australia have substantial military and law enforcement sectors, contributing to diverse SALW requirements. The civilian market is expanding in response to a growing interest in sport shooting and personal defense. Geopolitical factors, including territorial disputes and security challenges, influence the market's trajectory, fostering the adoption of advanced SALW technologies.

The Middle East and Africa exhibit unique dynamics in the SALW market, shaped by regional conflicts, security concerns, and diverse regulatory landscapes. Nations in the Middle East, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, invest significantly in advanced SALW for military and defense purposes. The region experiences a complex geopolitical situation, leading to a substantial demand for SALW with cutting-edge technologies. Africa faces challenges related to illegal arms trade, armed violence, and the need for regulatory frameworks to manage SALW effectively.

Major companies operating in Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market are:

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc

General Dynamics Corporation

SIG Sauer, Inc

Heckler & Koch GmbH

FN Herstal S.A.

Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Download Free Sample Report https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=22461

Customers can also request 10% free customization in this report.

“In the realm of small arms and light weapons, emphasize the critical need for a balanced approach, considering both individual rights and societal safety. They stress the importance of robust international cooperation to address the challenges posed by the illicit arms trade and the humanitarian impact of armed violence. Furthermore, experts advocate for continuous advancements in smart technologies, emphasizing responsible innovation to enhance the effectiveness and safety of small arms while navigating the evolving landscape of global security,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

“Small Arms and Light Weapons Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Small Arms And Light Weapons), By End-User Sector (Law Enforcement, Military & Defense, Civil & Commercial), By Caliber (14.5 Mm, 9 Mm, 12.7 Mm, 5.56 Mm, 14.9 Mm, 7.62 Mm), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure, and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market.

Browse Related Reports:

North America Aircraft Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) Market

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#Small Arms and Light Weapons Market #Small Arms and Light Weapons Market Size #Small Arms and Light Weapons Market Share #Small Arms and Light Weapons Market Trends #Small Arms and Light Weapons Market Growth

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44gamez · 6 months

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Company of Heroes 3 preps for first big post-Sega update

Having parted methods with Sega after a serious restructuring in Sega Europe, Firm of Heroes 3 developer Relic is releasing its first main patch for the WWII technique recreation tomorrow, a number of weeks forward of schedule. Which means we get a more in-depth take a look at the 2 new battlegroups the replace is including, the British Forces’ Australian Protection and the Deutsche Afrikakorps’ Battlefield Espionage. As we reported final week, Relic Leisure is now an impartial video games studio, following Sega’s sale of its shares within the studio to a London-based funding agency, Emona Capital. The transfer clearly got here as a shock to Relic, and the Firm of Heroes 3 overview movies under nonetheless present Sega’s emblem within the title playing cards. Relic plans to proceed supporting the RTS recreation, and has even accelerated the schedule for 1.6.0 replace, which is now launching April 2 as a substitute of on April 23, as initially deliberate. The Australian Protection battlegroup was modeled on the Australian ninth Division, which noticed service in World Conflict II in North Africa, notably at Tobruk and El Alamein. The battlegroup consists of gentle infantry squads, which carry Lee-Enfield rifles that may be upgraded with scopes. They'll additionally construct a number of defensive constructions, together with sangars, barbed wire, and machine gun emplacements. Whereas the soldiers don’t carry grenades or have any anti-tank weapons, the battlegroup can deploy two-pounder gentle anti-tank gun groups, which have quick firing charges, low reload instances, and huge arcs. The Aussies can even use defensive techniques to construct greater gun emplacements for the large seventeen-pounder gun and Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun, which will also be used to take out enemy infantry and light-weight armor.

On the German aspect, the Battlefield Espionage group is split into two halves: infiltration and disruption. The concept is to allow a sneakier playstyle, placing the place the enemy doesn’t anticipate and siphoning assets away from their financial system. The brand new Funkpanzerwagon can both be known as in, or used as an improve for an present 250 halftrack. It’s a non-combat automobile, however it may possibly grant the camouflage potential to close by troops – though crucially, it can't use this potential on itself. Camouflaged troopers can use the primary strike bonus, which grants extra injury and accuracy for a short while. The Battlefield Espionage group additionally will get a traditional Firm of Heroes merchandise, the remote-controlled Goliath. That is successfully an early drone, loaded with 110 kilos of explosive. You'll be able to deploy these out of the again of a Funkpanzerwagon, camouflage it, after which roll it as much as enemy formations to do severe quantities of harm. The catch is that it’s sluggish, weak to small arms fireplace, and will be noticed by minesweeper models – so it’ll be vital to make use of it fastidiously.

The Battlefield espionage group additionally has a pair of deployable beacons that may spot enemy models, grant camouflage to pleasant infantry, steal assets from enemy management factors, or make your individual management factors tougher to seize. These beacons are camouflaged themselves, however scouts will be capable to spot them. The patch additionally introduces some new options, like a vote to give up choice in automatch video games. Failure to make use of this – and easily quitting as a substitute – will activate the brand new automatch cooldown, which will get longer every time a participant quits with out first surrendering. You’ll additionally be capable to choose missions from the single-player Italian marketing campaign and North African Operation with the intention to replay key occasions. The Italian marketing campaign particularly is usually a little bit of a slog, however the setpiece missions are a few of the finest ones within the collection, so that is positively a welcome addition. You'll be able to try our Firm of Heroes 3 assessment, or take a look at our Firm of Heroes 3 newbie ideas and methods if you happen to’re simply getting acquainted with the WW2 technique recreation. You can too comply with us on Google News for every day PC video games information, critiques, and guides, or seize our PCGN deals tracker to internet your self some bargains. Source link Read the full article

#big #Company #Heroes #postSega #preps #Update

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jcmarchi · 9 months

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New Batch of Mitsubishi Type 73 Off-Roaders Reached Ukraine - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/new-batch-of-mitsubishi-type-73-off-roaders-reached-ukraine-technology-org/

New Batch of Mitsubishi Type 73 Off-Roaders Reached Ukraine - Technology Org

Japan has a very strict defense doctrine, which does not permit the country to support any country at war with lethal weapons or partake in an armed conflict unless it itself is being attacked. And so Japan does not export weapons. Even its Type 10 tanks are not on the export markets. Japan cannot even help Ukraine with any kind of lethal aid. But Japan is sending some light military trucks to Ukraine.

Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck Shin. Image credit: z tanuki via Wikimedia (CC BY 3.0)

Japan has a strict self-defense policy. It will only use its military power for self-defense purposes and will not partake in other conflicts in other ways. This includes the supply of weapons. Japan does not even export its weapons to countries that are not currently at war, unless it is a re-export of technology (for example, Japan can transfer American missiles back to the US).

And there are plenty of countries that are interested in Japanese weapons. For example, the main battle tank Type 10 is very advanced and would be in high demand if Japan decided to sell some of them. But because it is not exported, its price remains very high and Japan is the only one to cover it.

It doesn’t mean that Japan is not supporting Ukraine in other ways. Non-lethal aid is permitted. For example, since May 2023 Japan has been sending Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Trucks (known as Shin) to Ukraine. A batch of them just made it to Ukraine, as reported by the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine.

21 грудня, декілька автомобілів від Міністерства оборони Японії прибули до Сил оборони України. Надання підтримки Японією продовжуватиметься наступного року. Разом з Україною. Слава Україні! 🇺🇦🤝🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/OpuDh7ebZd

— Посольство Японії в Україні (@JPEmbUA) December 26, 2023

There have been two generations of the Mitsubishi Type 73. The first one, which was in service from 1973 to 1997, was developed from the Jeep CJ-3B. In fact, it even looked a lot like the WW2-era Jeep. The second generation of the Mitsubishi Type 73, known as Shin, entered service in 1996 and is based on the frame of the Mitsubishi Pajero. It weighs around 2 tonnes, can carry 4-6 soldiers and serves as a basis for a machine gun.

The Shin is just over 4.1 metres in length and 1.77 metres in width. It is quite small. Having in mind that an average Ukrainian man is probably significantly larger than an average Japanese soldier, it is probably a good thing that the Shin features an open-body design.

Under the bonnet, the Shin has a simple 4-cylinder engine pushing 125 HP. It powers all four wheels through an automatic 4-speed transmission. For extra capabilities off-road, the Shin has a locking differential.

Although Shin trucks were bulletproofed when they were deployed in Iraq, normally these off-roaders are not armoured at all. In fact, they have nothing to do at the frontlines and will probably be used further away from the battlefield itself.

They will be useful anyway – the Armed Forces of Ukraine are growing and light vehicles are desperately needed. And because they are coming from all over the world, Shin being right-hand drive is not even a concern.

Written by Povilas M.

Sources: Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, Wikipedia

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

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defencereport78 · 10 months

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Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market

Handguns, pistols, rifles, submachine guns, mortars, grenades, and light missiles are examples of small armaments. Light weapons include things like heavy machine guns, mounted grenade launchers, and portable anti-aircraft, anti-tank, and anti-tank missile launchers. It’s critical to keep in mind the interdependence of ammunition and small arms and light weapons (SALW); without the latter, the former is useless. SALW ammunition is available in a variety of formats, but it mostly employs cartridges. Small arms are typically kinetic projectile weapons that are intended for use by lone infantrymen.

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vishhhhhh10 · 1 year

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Global Military Robots Market Insights

Military Robots Market size was valued at USD 19.08 billion in 2021 and is

poised to grow from USD 20.63 billion in 2022 to USD 38.79 billion by 2030,

growing at a CAGR of 8.2% in the forecast period (2023-2030).

Military robots are self-driving or remotely controlled robots that are used for

military purposes ranging from transportation to search and rescue to attack.

Some of these systems are already in use, and many more are being

developed. The evolving nature of combat, as well as the monetary value

placed on war losses, have bolstered the use of robots in recent wars. Because

of the high number of casualties in previous wars, most governments have

invested in new unmanned systems to keep a fleet of UAVs, UUVs, and UGVs on

hand for critical missions. Countries are collaborating to develop new vehicles

capable of overcoming obstacles and assisting ground troops in future

warfare using advanced robotics technology.

Furthermore, the industry's major players are supported by government

agencies that make significant investments, allowing them to spend more on

R&D, allowing corporations to consistently develop and create more efficient

and advanced technology. The growing trend of combining humans and

robots on the battlefield is expected to hasten the development of unmanned

military weapons. Robots can perform tasks more quickly and precisely,

reducing the number of casualties during combat. The incorporation of

technology in military robots such as artificial intelligence, real-time data

monitoring, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly changed the

dynamics of modern combat. Soldiers' unpredictable threat can be easily

identified and tracked by AI-integrated robots on air, ground, and sea

platforms.

Get more info about Military Robots- https://www.skyquestt.com/report/military-robots-market

Analysis:

Global Military Robots Market Segmental

Analysis

Military Robots Market is segmented based on type, platform, system,

deployment method, range, end user, mode of operations, propulsion. Based

on type, Military Robots Market is segmented as Land, Marine, and Airborne.

Based on platform market is segmented as Land Robots (Wheeled, Tracked,

Legged, Wearable), Marine Robots (Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV),

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)),

Airborne Robots (Small UAV, Tactical UAV, Strategic UAV, Unmanned Combat

Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)), Land (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

(ISR), Search and rescue, Combat support, Transportation, Explosive ordnance

disposal (EOD), Mine clearance, Firefighting, Others), Marine (Intelligence,

Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Search and Rescue, Combat Support,

Mine Clearance, Firefighting, Others), Airborne (Intelligence, Surveillance and

Reconnaissance (ISR), Search and Rescue, Combat Support). Based on system

market is segmented as Land (Payloads (Sensors, Radars, Lasers, Cameras,

Manipulator Arms, Land Combat systems), Controller Systems, Navigation

Systems, Power Systems, Others) Marine (Cameras, Sensors and Radars,

Lighting Systems, Navigation Systems, Power Systems, Naval Combat Systems,

Others), Airborne (Payloads (UAV Cameras, UAV CBRN Sensors, UAV Electronics

Intelligence Payloads, UAV Radar, UAV Combat Systems), Sensors, Navigation

Systems, Communication Systems, Propulsion Systems, Power Systems,

Others). Based on deployment method Military Robots Market is segmented as

Land (Hand-Tossed, Ground Launched, Air dropped), Marine (Tube Launched,

Surface Deployed, Air Dropped), Airborne (Catapult Launched, Hand Launched,

Air Launched, Runway Launched). Based on range Military Robots Market is

segmented as Land (< 1 KM, 1–5 KM, > 5 KM), Airborne (Visual Line of Sight (VLOS),

Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS), Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)), Marine (< 5

KM, 5–10 KM, > 10 KM). based on end use Military Robots Market is segmented

as Intelligence, Surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), Search and rescue, Combat

support, Transportation, Explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), Mine clearance,

Firefighting. Based on mode of operations market is segmented as Human

Operated (Tethered, Untethered), Autonomous (Fully Autonomous, Semi-

Autonomous). Based on propulsion Military Robots Market is segmented as

electric, mechanical, hybrid. Based on region Military Robots Market is

segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Middle

East Africa.

Military Robots Market Analysis by End Use:

ISR activities to dominate the global market. Based on end use, the market is

divided into intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue,

combat support, transportation, and others.

The intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance market segment is

expected to be the largest in 2019. During the forecast period, the segment is

also expected to be the fastest-growing. The increase is attributed to an

increase in ISR activities in North America and Asia. For aerial and ground

operations, the major countries' defence forces in these regions rely heavily on

unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVS).

Similarly, for naval operations, unmanned surface vehicles (USVS),

autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and remotely operated vehicles

(ROVS) are used.

Top Players in the Global Military Robots Market

• Lockheed Martin Corporation

• General Dynamics Corporation

• BAE Systems plc

• Northrop Grumman Corporation

• Boeing Company

• iRobot Corporation

• QinetiQ Group plc

• AeroVironment, Inc.

• SAAB AB

• Elbit Systems Ltd.

• Boston Dynamics, Inc.

• FLIR Systems, Inc.

• Raytheon Company

• Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.

• Leonardo S.p.A.

• Rheinmetall AG

• Thales Group

• Textron Inc.

• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

• Roboteam Ltd

About Us:

SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization

and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally.

Address:

1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741

Email: [email protected]

#Tags #Global Military Robots Market Size #Global Military Robots Market Share #Global Military Robots Market Forecast #Global Military Robots Market Analysis

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stevecarell600 · 1 year

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Automatic Weapons Market Global Beverage Packaging Industry Analysis, Outlook and Forecast Report by 2028

The automatic weapons, also known as fully automatic firearms, are firearms that are designed to continue firing as long as the trigger is held down and ammunition is available. They are capable of firing multiple rounds in rapid succession, which makes them an effective tool for military and law enforcement purposes. The most common types of automatic weapons include machine guns, submachine guns, and assault rifles.

Information Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/automatic-weapons-market-103524

Automatic weapons work by using the energy from the firing of a round to automatically cycle the gun's action and load a new round into the chamber. This allows the weapon to fire a continuous stream of bullets as long as the trigger is held down. However, automatic weapons are heavily regulated in many countries due to the potential for misuse and the danger they pose to public safety.

The global automatic weapons market size was USD 8.44 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 15.04 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.85% during the forecast period.This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled, “Automatic Weapons Market, 2023-2027.”

Report Coverage:

The report offers valuable insights obtained by thorough study done by our researchers. An extensive research was conducted to provide the estimated size of the automatic weapons market. The data used to project the shares for multiple segments at the country, regional, and global levels is obtained from in-depth interviews with numerous stakeholders. Furthermore, we have gained access to several global and regional paid databases to deliver precise information to make business investment decisions easy for you.

List of Key Players Mentioned in the Report:

BAE Systems (U.K.)

Denel Land Systems (South Africa)

FN Herstal (U.K.)

General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)

Kalashnikov Concern (Russia)

KBP Instrument Design Bureau (Russia)

Northrop Grumman Corporation. (U.S.)

Rheinmetall AG (Germany)

ST Engineering (Singapore)

Segmentation:

Great Demand for Automatic Rifles from Numerous Armed Forces to Spur Market Growth

On the basis of product, the market includes automatic rifles, machine guns, automatic launchers, automatic cannons, and gatling guns.

The automatic rifles segment held a leading share of the market in 2019.

Growing Demand of Semi-Automatic Weapons from India, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Syria to Thrive Market Growth

On the basis of type, the market is classified as fully automatic and semi-automatic.

The fully automatic segment is estimated to record a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Rising Use of Medium Caliber in Assaults Rifles to Drive Market Growth

Based on caliber, the market is segmented into small caliber, medium caliber, and large caliber.

The small caliber segment is anticipated to have a leading automatic weapons market share during the forecast period.

Substitute of Conventional Systems with Progressive Combat Systems in Fighter Aircraft to Stimulate Growth of Airborne Segment

In terms of end use, the market is classified into land, naval, airborne, and handheld & stationary.

The land segment is classified as battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), and light protected vehicles (LPVs).

Geographically, the market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World.

Drivers and Restraints:

Increasing Occasions of Cross-Border Conflicts to Impel Automatic Weapons Market Growth

The nations across the world have observed a severe upsurge in border conflicts for the last few years. The struggles between China and India border disagreement, India and Pakistan border differences, Venezuela and Colombia border dispute, North Korea and South Korea border crisis, as well as Iraq and Syria border disagreements are the prime cross-border battles in the last sixty years.

The surging occurrences of cross-border conflicts across the world are thrusting the demand for these weapons to enhance the battlefield capacity of the army.

Regional Insights:

North America to Lead Backed by Presence of Major Players

The market size in North America stood at USD 3.06 billion in 2019. The market in North America is predicted to be the largest market during the forecast period owing to the existence of important players in the U.S.

The market in Europe is predicted to display substantial growth during the forecast period owing to the occurrence of vital players.

Asia Pacific is expected to demonstrate healthy growth owing to the extending arms and ammunition industry in countries such as China and India.

Competitive Landscape:

Important Players Sign Vital Contracts to Make Notable Changes in Market

The players operating in the market often employ numerous tactics that will aid the market growth and product demand. Among the pool of strategies, one such notable strategy to expand the business prospect is signing multimillion contracts with government bodies and securing a profitable revenue for their own company.

Key Industry Developments:

March 2020: Rheinmetall and Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defense engaged in an agreement to supply rifle-mounted laser targeting components to Swiss army. In this agreement, Rheinmetall is further predicted to supply accessories, spare fragments, and training support for the Swiss Army.

#Automatic Weapons Market

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sanemyamen · 1 year

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Firearms and Ammunition Market Look a Witness of Excellent Long-Term Growth – Worldwide Survey by 2028

The Latest Released market study on Global Firearms And Ammunition market provides information and useful stats on market structure, size and trends. The report is intended to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and strategic insights to help decision makers take sound investment decisions and identify potential gaps and growth opportunities. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses changing dynamics, emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, opportunities and restraints in Firearms And Ammunition market. What’s keeping Smith & Wesson,Remington Outdoor Company,Beretta,Winchester Repeating Arms,Northrop Grumman Corporation,FN Herstal,General Dynamics Corporation,Sturm, Ruger & Co,Glock Ges.m.b.H.,Taurus,Kontsern Kalashnikov,SIG Sauer,Colt Defense,Heckler and Koch,Springfield Armory, Inc.,Barret Firearms,Browning Arms Company,MossbergSturm, Ruger & Co.,Savage Arms,Weatherby,Walther Arms,Cadex Defence Keep Growing in the Market? Benchmark yourself with the strategic moves and latest Market Share and Sizing of Global Firearms And Ammunition market recently published by AMA Firearms is a gun that is designed to be used by an individual. Whereas ammunition is the material fired from firearms. It is expandable and a part of another weapon. Both of them are dependent on each other. Over the 5 years, the manufacturing of guns and ammunition has increased. Due to the increasing asymmetric warfare, the demand for arms and ammunition is growing. According to American gun facts, the gun ownership rate per 100 residents is 88.8 in the USA, 54.8 in Yemen, and 45.7 in Switzerland. The global firearms and ammunition market was estimated to be around USD 31,078 million in 2019, according to the AMA study.

The Firearms And Ammunition Market segments and Market Data Break Down by Type (Firearms {Rifles, Machine Guns, Pistols, Shotguns, Others}, Ammunition), Application (Civil & Commercial, Defense, Others), Raw material (Polymer cased bullet, Brass bullet), Caliber (Small Caliber, Medium Caliber, Large Caliber)

On the geographical front, the market has been segregated into North America (the United States and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia and others), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and others), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and others), and Middle East and Africa.

What’s Trending in Market: Development of Lead Free Bullets by Key Players

Technological Developments are Being Done for Light Weight and High Range Bullets

Market Challenges: Defense Budget of Various Developed And Developing Countries Negatively Affects the Market

Market Opportunities: Increase in Defense Expenditure by Various Countries

Rising Terrorist Activities around the Globe Is Creating an Opportunities for Arms and Ammunition

Highlights of Influencing Drivers: Development of Interests in Hunting and Shooting

Rising Concern for Personal Defense

Presented By

AMA Research & Media LLP

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don-lichterman · 2 years

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Insights Into The Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market 2022-2031 Forecast Period

Small Arms And Light Weapons Global Market Report 2022 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026 Small Arms And Light Weapons Global Market Report 2022 : Market Size, Trends, And Forecast To 2026 LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UK, October 13, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — As per The Business Research Company’s “Small Arms and Light Weapons Global Market Report 2022”, the small arms and light…

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aviationd · 2 years

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The small arms and light weapons market report covers current market size and 10 year SALW market forecast. It is segmented by region, type and end user

#small arms and light weapons market #small arms and light weapons market report #small arms and light weapons market size #small arms and light weapons market growth #small arms and light weapons market forecast #small arms and light weapons market trends #small arms and light weapons market analysis

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chazukekani · 4 years

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SPOILER ALERT

Here is the quick summary of the first 60 pages of Stormbringer that just revealed today.

Special thanks to Nika, Amir, and my discord server members for proof-reading!

— That is, the 169th possibility

— ‘You are late, my brother.’

Content

Prologue

Code:01 A programme with 2383 lines, just an idea from a group of researchers

Code 02: Dead people do not possess any form of emotion

Code 03: I want to observe Chuuya’s suffer as a human

Code 04: Grantors of disgrace, you need not wake me again

Epilogue

Afterthought

Harukawa Sango ‘Stormbringer’ Character Setting Gallery

Pre-prologue

Fate whispers to warriors,

‘You cannot go against the storm.’

Warriors whisper back

‘I am the storm.’

— Cao Zhi ‘Luo Shen Fu’

Prologue

It began in a forest at midnight. It was supposed to be a peaceful night, but suddenly a beam appeared in the forest. It’s a huge fire. The forest was on fire. People who lived in the village nearby ran to the forest to see what happened. It was a wrecked airplane that just fell from the sky. People used hammers to dig the airplane to see whether there are any survivors.

Suddenly, a man walked out from the airplane. He seemed fine, but the crowd was shocked.

‘Apologies for my courtesy. In accordance with civil society, I should introduce myself,’ said the man. He pulled out a badge on his chest. The badge was black and words on it were engraved with silver. One of the teenagers from the village read off the words on it

‘I am a detective from Europole (Europe Detective and Police Organisation), which I am an office equipment. Category number 98F78195, made by ability technician Dr. Wollstonecraft. The first ever humanoid computer that serves for worldwide police facilities. Code name is Adam, Adam Frankenstein. It is my pleasure to meet you. I should carry out my mission now, see you.’

Before Adam left, he asked ‘Do you know a person called Nakahara Chuuya?’

Code:01 A programme with 2383 lines, just an idea from a group of researchers

Chuuya couldn't see his dream. Everytime he woke up, he felt like he was in a swamp of mud. Today, Chuuya woke up in his apartment. Just like other’s morning routine, Chuuya took a shower, cleaned himself and left his home.

Chuuya was 16 years old. Since a year he had joined the mafia, Chuuya excelled in his job with the most outstanding performance, and was well recognised in the organisation.

However with all the money and status he got, Chuuya was not satisfied. The thing that he wanted the most was to know his past. Chuuya knew nothing about it. The earliest memory he had was being kidnapped to a military facility 8 years ago.

There was already a branded black car waiting for Chuuya outside his apartment with a group of men in suits and sunglasses. ‘Please go to the regular store,’ said Chuuya.

Chuuya was in charge of supervising the jewel/gemstone transaction within the Mafia and black market, which had been an important source of income for the mafia.

He arrived at the store. Before entering it, a gun was pointed on Chuuya’s head, while there was another gun pointed onto his chest. Bang! What a big sound. Yet there was no blood, but a bunch of colourful ribbons came off.

‘Congratulations to your 1st year since joining the mafia!’, said those men.

Today was the first anniversary for Chuuya joining the mafia, and his friends held a party for him. People who joined the party all belonged to the ‘young club’ of the mafia, which were all 25 years old or younger.

The party-planner was called ‘Piano Man’. He was called Piano Man not because of his black and white outfit, but his way of killing. He liked using the strings of piano keyboards and strangled people to death. Piano Man was very tall, his fingers were long and thin, and always put a smile on his face. He was by far the man who was closest to the position of the Port Mafia executive.

The second man who came to congratulate Chuuya was called Albatross, a man with golden hair. He was a teen that loved smiling and was very talkative. Albatross was in charge of the transportation aspect of the mafia, and was complimented as very efficient and speedy in completing the missions, and was currently living in the same neighbourhood as Chuuya in a high-ended area. He previously belonged to an organisation called ‘Wheelman’.

Albatross proposed a toasting, but Chuuya was not in a good mood. “Did you have a nightmare?” Albatross joked, but Chuuya turned furious after hearing the word ‘nightmare’. Everyone was horrified. ‘No I wasn’t!’ Chuuya shouted. When Chuuya was about to leave the shop, yet another man came in. He was holding a champagne glass, and on his other hand, he was holding a medical drip stand that had a drip injected into his arm. His name was Doc.

Different from other doctors in the gangster industry, Doc graduated in a Northern American university and was awarded with a Doctorate formally. Doctors were highly demanded within the mafia because members could not simply walk into regular hospitals with injuries that were caused by gunshots. Doctors in the PM were treated nicely and respected, thanks to the boss, Mori-san, who was also a former doctor. The reason why Doc became a doctor was because he wanted to get closer to God. ‘The more lives you save, the closer you get to God’ is the motto of Doc. The Bible once wrote that God saved two million lives, so Doc’s goal was to save a similar number of people, which was why he joined the Mafia.

Chuuya still wanted to leave.

“The first year was the toughest, so we need to celebrate that you got through it,’ a gentle voice said. It was a man who had an extraordinarily beautiful appearance. The first year of joining the Mafia was the so-called ‘Deadman Curve’, so a celebration is needed,” said Lippmann, the guy with a pretty face. The work of Lippmann was probably the most unique one out of all of them. He was in charge of the public relations of the Mafia, such as negotiating deals with enterprises, or having meetings with the government. It is more difficult to kill him than killing the Boss of the Mafia because Lippmann was also a famous actor, thus every single action he made would be reported by the media. Hence it was really difficult to get him.

Another man came in, and his name was Ice Man. Unlike Chuuya’s other friends, he was quiet, and wore a simple outfit. Ice Man did not show much emotion, and was low profile. His job was simple, to kill. He did not use an ability, guns or knives to kill. Instead, he used objects that were nearby to kill. Anything, regardless if it’s a pen, wine bottle or the wire of light bulbs could become a murdering tool, hence Ice Man could kill anywhere.

The gathering continued. Chuuya was gradually having a better mood, until Ice Man asked Chuuya ‘where were you born?’ Chuuya immediately grabbed Ice Man’s shirt, and there was such a tension among the guys. Piano Man then revealed that he knew why Chuuya was mad, because Mori told him about Chuuya’s past that he was just an artificial ability experiment that was created by the military. Hence Mori asked Piano Man to invite Chuuya into the younger’s club, in order to have a surveillance on Chuuya. Piano Man pointed out the reason why Chuuya was mad today because he was actually not able to dream. Suddenly, the tension was back. Everyone had their weapons already, but Piano Man took out a present for the 1st anniversary from his coat, and gave it to Chuuya.

It was a photograph, a picture of two people, and one of them was five year old Chuuya.

The picture was taken in an old village in the Western region, Piano Man said. The area was abandoned afterwards but Doc found this picture inside the medical record of the village. Lippmann then added that he had asked a woman to check all the military-related databases, in which she found out that the military once held a recruitment experiment in the Western region. Still, Chuuya’s friends were able to find the family tree of Chuuya, his school, his report card and his birth record. However, such an investigation must not be known to Mori because Mori thought that if Chuuya’s background remained a secret, Chuuya would not betray the Mafia.

Chuuya did not understand why his friends did this for him. Lippmann said because they were companions. He then proposed why not they name the younger’s club as ‘Flags’.

The Flags then went to a billiards bar. All of a sudden, apart from the six people playing the billiards, there was the seventh person who joined the game. He had long arms and legs, and of course very tall. Black hair with brown eyes, and was standing by the table seriously.

All of a sudden, Albatross used his Kulric knife and sliced on the seventh person's head, which produced an uncomfortable noise. Yet, that person escaped from the attack. A fight then broke out because the Flags thought this seventh person was an ability user, and suspected his intention for coming to the Mafia’s facility. However, Ice Man pointed out that this person was not an ability user, but the fight continued.

During the fight, Adam grabbed the legs of the table, and something grew from his hand. It was a small-scale dinosaur, that grew from Adam’s hands as if it were a plant. The battle was intense. Someone shouted Chuuya’s name out of nowhere, and Adam noticed something.

‘Chuuya-san’, Adam greeted Chuuya politely.

‘I am here to protect you,’ Adam replied. Adam introduced himself, and explained his mission. Adam was sent here to arrest an assassin called Paul Verlaine.

When Chuuya heard the name Verlaine, his facial expression changed.

‘Why do you know this name?’ asked Chuuya

‘Chuuya-san, you cannot defeat Verlaine on your own. That’s why I am here. Verlaine was not only an assassin. He is the king of assassins. He is your brother.’ said Adam.

The misconception was relieved, and the Flags, together with Adam, played billiards happily afterwards.

The story continues on 27th Feb

#bungo stray dogs #bungou stray dogs #bsd #bungo stray dogs storm bringer #bungou stray dogs storm bringer #bsd storm bringer #bsd nakahara chuuya #nakahara chuuya

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andraaste · 3 years

Text

I am not your enemy - Lance fanfiction part 9

So, here's the last chapter for now. I hope I can introduce you to the next one fairly quickly, but it's still being written. Hoping you liked those already released and see you soon for chapter 10 🐉

(Link for Chapter 10 here)

Chapter 9 : I've always been used to only showing my human form

My footsteps echoed in the silent of the Guards' Corridor. I had just left Lance's room and it was with a much lighter heart than when I entered that I walked away. The distant rumor of the happy conversations had finally died down, leaving me wondering how long I had been able to spend with the dragon.

Finally, I didn’t regret my impromptu visit. Even if our understanding remained fragile and our points of convergence continued to darken the picture, his presence had nevertheless proved, in many respects, more beneficial than harmful. So, to my surprise, I never believed that one day I would come to beg for his patience to relieve my ailments.

Unlike the last time, it was with a feeling of euphoria that I could feel the magic continue to flow through me. Not as vigorously as when I awakened my powers, but undoubtedly, its power had slowly returned to pulsating in my veins. When I wiggled my fingers, I could still feel bits of heat run through my muscles. And the strangest thing about it was that instead of wearing me out, this power rush seemed to invigorate me.

For the first time in weeks, I felt good.

Looking up, I noticed that a small figure was wandering right in front of me. In the half-light of the corridor, I narrowed my eyes to try to make out her more clearly. When she passed in front of one of the windows, the moonlight let me see the face of a little girl with long, light hair. Not seeming to notice my presence, she continued to wander until she reached the entrance to the Crystal Room, right next to me. When the girl finally reached my height, I was surprised to find myself overcome by a familiar feeling.

Did I know this child ?

The young girl finally entered the room without a glance in my direction. Intrigued and attracted by her aura, I decided to follow suit.

I entered in my turn cautiously and almost immediately, a feeling of serenity had seized my heart when my gaze rested on the immense Crystal enthroned religiously in the center of the large room. On the doorstep, I was dumbfounded for a moment.

Strangely enough, I had not been back here since waking up. Truth be told, I had even avoided that room in which I had spent far too much of my life.

However, I didn’t know for what reason.

Bathed in a soft light, the Crystal seemed so imposing to me that I could not look away for several seconds. Without realizing it, my steps slowly led me to it, my hand timidly extended in front of me. As my fingers approached the smooth surface of its barrier, I felt the warm energy of my powers unleashed down my arm to the palm of my palm. Kinds of tingling covered me almost entirely and it’s the shortness of breath that I felt one of my fingers cross the protection which surrounded the luminescent crystals.

- Andraste ?

I jumped even more at the hearing of the voice that echoed behind my back. As if caught in the act, I quickly withdrew my hand and turned to my interlocutor.

It was his long blonde hair that I noticed first.

- Leiftan, what are you doing here ?

How had I managed not to realize his presence ? Since the big battle, aengel and I were connected. Whenever he stood next to me, I got to feel his emotions as if they were mine, and probably the other way around.

- I'll turn the question back to you, he said to me, his face marked by a certain curiosity. I couldn't get to sleep. When I left my room, I saw you come out of one of them and lead you here.

He marked a silence full of innuendo before adding, in a much colder tone :

- From Lance's, it seems to me.

I tensed at hearing his last sentence. A dull anger seized for a short moment in my heart and it took me a few seconds to realize that it was not mine.

- Yes, I just needed to clear some things up with him.

- At this time of night ?

I had the impression of undergoing the interrogation of a jealous lover, except that it did not concern him.

- I have no further explanation for you, Leiftan.

The latter didn't answer anything and just probed my face.

I had seen him very little lately. The aengel seemed to do his utmost to flee any presence and to keep away from all responsibility. I had already tried to ask him to train me, especially about my powers because until now, he had been the only one who could help me, but he had each time declined my requests.

- Good. But I reiterate, what are you doing here in the middle of the night ?

His anger had subsided, I only felt a great calm accompanied by a touch of curiosity. But his question brought me back to reality.

Where had the little girl gone ?

I realized that I had not seen her since I entered the room.

- I saw a child come in here, I said, hesitating to continue. There was something strange about her.

- Can you explain to me ?

I was a little confused on how to phrase it. How do I tell him that his aura attracted me ?

- She reminded me of... the Oracle, I finally let go.

His eyes widened slightly at what I was advancing, but he quickly regained his composure.

- I think I know who you're talking about.

- Really ? I exclaimed, in my turn surprised.

- Yes, Huang Hua reported to me the presence of a child in the HQ that nobody knows anything about. She does not speak, but some people have speculated that there is a connection between her and the Oracle.

I couldn't believe my ears. This little one has something to do with the Oracle ?

- I have for my part never crossed, I can tell you nothing more.

- Do you know how long she's been at HQ ?

He knew very well where I was going with this.

- It seems to me that she was noticed for the first time shortly before our return, he announced to me, his face serious.

Leiftan and I pondered his words. Our awakening was clearly not trivial, something strange was manifesting itself on Eldarya and I wasn't sure I wanted to find out.

- I'll leave you, it's getting late and I think you might be better off doing the same.

He walked towards the hallway door and added quietly :

- Good night, Andraste.

Giving me one last look filled with infinite sadness, he finally left the room.

- Good night, Leiftan, I answered weakly.

Two days passed following these two unexpected interviews and the guard finally charged me with a few simple missions which occupied my days. My visit to the dragon chamber had really been fruitful, because since our discovery on the possible communion of our powers, I had the impression that mine had never really left me. I had thus discovered that I was again able to send a faint light from my hands, even in the absence of Lance, which gave me incredible surges of energy. I was finally starting not to tire myself at the slightest effort, even if I continued to perceive anomalies in my physical state, which did not prevent my mood from being markedly improved.

Having joined the Obsidian Guard, I had therefore started to perform the few requests that I was able to do as long as there was no specific mission to perform. I walked through the forge when I heard a voice that I recognized immediately.

My heart was racing against my will.

- We're going to need enough materials to consolidate these weapons. It will also be necessary to train new recruits and see their level in combat. I don't have time to train everyone, but I trust you to give me your feedback.

Without being noticed, I walked over to a shelf and put down what I had just bought at the market. Trying to concentrate on my task, I couldn't help but strain my ears.

- No worries boss, you know you can count on me. I already have some reports for you.

- Very good. Thanks Falco, it's a great job.

The young man by the name of Falco put a solemn fist on his heart and bowed slightly before stepping out of the forge. I was speechless. It was the first time that I had seen Lance as the leader of the guard and I had to admit that he seemed made for it. His naturally bossy tone commanded respect, and I was troubled to see the trust and admiration his subordinates seemed to have in him.

Pretending not to have noticed it, I bustled about my task and listed the effects I had just bought before putting them away in each compartment. After that, I gathered the things I needed to be able to complete my missions for the day and get out of here. But to my chagrin, one of the items on the list was at the top of one of the shelves. Huffing in annoyance, I reached out as far as I could but only managed to touch the end of the object. I was about to give up the idea when an arm appeared in my sight and effortlessly grabbed the mesh I needed. Standing behind me, I didn't have to see him to know who he was, though.

The tanned hand of the leader of the Obsidian patiently handed the object to me.

Turning my head, I fell on a bluish gaze plunged into mine. I grabbed the object not avoiding the trouble, I was going to succeed in catching it.

- Thank you, but it was not worth it, I was going to manage to catch it.

A carnivorous smile stretched his features.

- Yet I thought I understood the reverse.

- It must be because of your chivalrous soul, you can't help but rescue a young girl in distress.

Lance gave a deep laugh that echoed close to my ear. He then pretended to look for a parchment in front of me and very quickly, I found myself stuck in the space of his arms. The rest of his words echoed even closer.

- It's true, but I think it's only in your presence, that.

He wasn't looking at me as he said those words, focused on a point straight in front of him. I remained frozen in place, I was far too aware of his proximity all around me to dare a movement.

- And so, you felt compelled to help me? It's funny, I knew you rather inclined to serve me more than anything else.

I felt the dragon smile behind my back.

- You're not wrong. But didn't you already tell you that I had changed ?

- Yes. And far too many times for my taste, if you want to know.

His laughter echoed between us once again and I couldn't help but smile too. He eventually found the parchment he was looking for and finally withdrew his arms, allowing me to finally resume my normal breathing.

- You are free tonight ? he asked me as if nothing had happened.

In response, I gave him a dumbfounded look that amused him once again. He was definitely in a good mood today.

- It seems to me that you asked me for help with a certain thing and that I suggest you do that tonight.

With a lump in my stomach, I found myself knocking on Lance's bedroom door again at a late hour, preferring to avoid the busy times in the hallway so as not to be surprised. This time, the dragon opened me much faster and moreover, he had taken care to keep some of his armor while still being more comfortable. Without a word, he let me in as if the gesture had already become a habit, and closed behind my back just as eloquently. He moved away from the clapper and briskly walked around me to remove his gloves and place them on his desk.

He seemed to ignore me completely. I waited several seconds but he definitely showed no sign of starting a conversation.

- So like that, you invite a girl to your room and you play the distant guy? I gave him bluntly.

Taken aback, the dragon looked at me with a strange eye, looking amused but also ...

An amused smile was born on his lips.

- You would have more interest in remaining a nice girl and not looking too much for me on this ground, you know. I will not hold back indefinitely, he said, planting his gaze on mine, in which I thought I read some undisguised envy.

Did I understand what he meant ?

My god, I was very hot all of a sudden.

- Lance ...

Seeing that he had managed to confuse me, the dragon seemed to revel in having cornered me. Because if I answered, the slope could become too slippery and we both knew it.

He laughed under his breath before finally changing the subject.

- Do you have any news about your powers ? he asked me.

Relieved, I smiled slightly before rolling up my sleeve and letting the beams of light travel up my arm. I thought I saw an imperceptible admiration appear on his face.

- Their feeling hasn't left me since the other night. It's still very weak, I can barely use it, but they're there, I finished with a hint of pride.

Lance tilted his head, suddenly looking thoughtful.

- It's a very good start. We will already start by focusing on this element before tackling a more complicated one.

- More complicated ?

- Well in my memories, you had a huge pair of wings on your back, he said with a thin smile.

My wings ... it is true that with Leiftan, he was the one who had seen my powers the most at work, in the end. Even though it was clearly not in the best of conditions. Thoughtful, I passed an absent hand between my shoulder blades but unsurprisingly, no trace of wings marked my back.

- It's true, I would love to find them, I said softly.

A memory suddenly came back to me.

- Tell me, the other night when I left your room, something rather strange happened.

- What ? he asked me, suddenly really intrigued.

- Going out into the hallway, I passed a child walking alone. She didn't seem to have noticed my presence. She went to the Crystal Room and when I followed her, she sort of ... disappeared.

Lance seemed to think for a moment.

- It is probably Ophéliai where it comes from, even if some hypothesize...

- That she would have a connection with the Oracle, I continued in his place.

Like every time something intrigued him, he raised one of his eyebrows.

- Indeed. But why are you telling me about it ?

I pursed my lips. I hadn't told anyone what had happened before Leiftan arrived in the room.

- When I entered, I felt a kind of connection between the Crystal and me. My powers absolutely seemed to want to manifest, and I don't know how that protective barrier works, but when my finger went through it...

- Wait, he stopped me, you crossed the barrier ?

I hesitated for a moment. Was it a good idea to confide in him ?

- Yes, at least, I had started to cross it. But the closer I got, the more I felt that my aengel strength was taking over. It was ... powerful.

Lance was silent for a long time, seeming to analyze my words. I clearly didn't like his silence.

- I think it's not for nothing if you saw her that night precisely, he began. You had just reactivated your powers, and if Ophelia really has a connection to the Oracle, it wouldn't be surprising if she sought to get in touch with you. The barrier is an enchanted protective field, normally no one is supposed to be able to cross it, but I guess that last point is not for you.

He paused again before concluding :

- I don't know if it's a good thing or not, but the Oracle seems to try to push you to use them, or at least to find them.

The words of the leader of the Obsidian echoed what I had feared. The Oracle seemed to want to get in touch with me, but for what reason exactly ?

I wondered if Leiftan's presence that evening was really harmless...

- Hopefully I can find them entirely, then. I don't feel that all of these events are heralding anything good.

- Me neither, if you want to know everything, he said in a serious tone. In any event, this proves that the process will have to be speeded up. I also thought about what happened between our respective magics, and I would like to try something else.

Playfully, Lance slowly approached the center of the room. When he reached my height, I was amazed to see ice blue scales appear along his skin. Escaping from the collar of his top, they went up to the bottom of his face, much like when he had marked me with his streaks two days before. His arms and hands also covered, more sparsely, and soon I could see a dragon tail wagging calmly behind his back.

I was totally fascinated by his appearance. I had seen him in his draconian form before, but never that way. Seeing him half transformed in this way reminded me of Tia, his mother, whom I had seen by his side in the memories of his ancestors in Memoria.

As if drawn in spite of myself, I raised a hand and let it slide along the scales that covered the base of his jaw. Rigid and cold, I felt them vibrate slightly under my fingers as his gaze never left me. Lance looked surprised at first, straining under my fingers, but finally let me.

- Do you feel better like that ? I asked him, watching the play of lights reflecting off the blue of his now hardened skin. Tia seemed more comfortable in this form, did you too ?

The dragon did not move a millimeter, but hearing his mother's first name, I saw him swallow his saliva with difficulty.

- I've always been used to showing only my human form, so it's very easy for me to stay that way. But yes, the most comfortable appearance is this, he told me in a deep and low voice, almost ashamed.

I gently pulled my hand away and watched his scales move slightly, as if a shiver ran through him just where my fingers left him.

- They are beautiful, I said, looking up to his.

I saw him swallow again and thought for a moment that he was going to make a move in my direction, but he finally restrained himself and just said :

- I avoid showing myself like that, in general. Normal people don't really feel confident when they learn they are in the presence of a dragon, he argued, his jaws clenched. Moreover for most, this form can seem repulsive.

I was shocked to hear those words. Faeries must be used to seeing creatures of all kinds, so why should the appearance turn them off ?

- I find it anything but repulsive, I felt compelled to tell him. And yet, I have lived much longer on Earth than here.

His features relaxed under my words.

- Dragons are believed to be a long extinct race, and their stories are largely unknown to the people of the lands of Eel. It is therefore not surprising to see them react in a virulent way to something that they thought was gone.

- Maybe, but it's still silly, I said, quite annoyed. Dragons are certainly very large, but certainly not repulsive.

Lance looked at me for a long time before laughing. His gaze suddenly softened.

- I hope I can count on your bravery to kick their buttocks for me, in this case.

I returned his smile sincerely, rocked by this revelation that saddened me for injustice. Because in a way I could understand what he was feeling. How would people react if they saw me walking around with aengel wings on my back ? They would probably be scared too, even if my form was softer than his.

I realized that humans and faeries looked more alike than I thought, the same fear of the unknown marking them indelibly.

- Well, what did you want to try, suddenly ?

His gaze suddenly became serious again, but the weak smile never left him.

- Do you know if you trust me, or still not ?

I hadn't really expected this question. But if I was here now, it had to be a bit like that, right ?

- Let's say I trust you a little more than before, I tell him cautiously.

He nodded in approval.

- I've been doing quite a bit of research on the powers of aengels and dragons since the other night, and there is something I would like to try. But for that, you have to trust me a minimum.

- All right, tell me what to do.

(Chapter 10)

#eldarya fanfic #eldarya new era #eldarya #eldarya lance #eldarya writing #fanfiction #ashkore #lance #i am not your enemy

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starr-fall-knight-rise · 4 years

Text

HASO, “Take Me to Your Leader.”

I hope you guys are all having a great week, and I hope you enjoy the read.

Captain Kell sat in his room's boots up on the small desk space as he watched the news report filtering in from over the feed.

“Early this morning the chairwoman of the UN has announced a state of emergency and launched a formal investigation into the attempted assassination of the GA’s Admiral Vir. This all comes in response to the announcement by UN president late last night that they were unable to identify connections to any internal terrorist organizations after a woman was caught attempting to assassinate the Admiral during one of his speeches two months ago. The failed assassination was thanks to 25 year old marine Angle Ramirez who dove in front of the bullet for his commanding officer, and is now (as his family claims) fully healed and back to work. Since the incident, GA and UNSC leaders alike have encouraged Admiral Vir to stay away from earth as much as possible and remain on his ship until further notice. At a request from one of our journalists yesterday morning, he agreed to a statement from his ship the Omen.”

There was a flickering on the screen as a face appeared on the news feed. It was, somewhat from a distance, and the lens seems grainy from radiation interference, but the man seen was tall and blond and had one green eye though he was wearing an eyepatch. Captain kell thought he looked a little more lean than the admiral, but it was hard to tell with all the distortion.

When the man began to speak there was something missing in the voice as well, but it would hardly be noticeable.

There was a knock at his door and he quickly threw his feet down from the desk walking over to throw the door open and step outside into the hall. Angelo was waiting for him there and without saying a word the two of them walked down the long hallway and to the planning room.

Mace was still discussing with some of the other men and women there., and Geea and Beatrice were still loitering at the back.

Captain Kell couldn’t keep the distaste from his thoughts as he looked at the two of them. There was a prime example of toxic love if he had ever seen it. The two were clearly partnered or, at the very least, dating, but he had never seen two people who enjoyed pissing each other off as much as they did. WIth them there was plenty of jealousy and mistrust to go around. And as for Geea’s views on Drev religion, well they were backwards to say the least.

He had seem the same sort of fanaticism in certain shamed drev generals after the war, radical, and suicidal almost in nature.

She had no real idea what the meaning of the new law was.

As soon as he walked in the two women turned to look up at him, their arms crossed over their chests. Beatrice was playing with some big ass knives like that was likely to impress anyone, but really all he saw was some crazy asshole whose parents probably didn’t give her enough attention when she was a kid.

He sad down at the table.

Geea leaned forward expectantly.

“Setting course/”

He turned his head to look up at her, “Yes, setting course to whatever cesspit of corruption spawned you.”

Geea pulled back, “Excuse me, but we hired you for a job, not for insults.” One of her hands reached for the weapons on her belt, but Noble stepped forward spear at the ready. He was a good foot taller than she was, and he knew for a fact he was probably a better warrior. He had a natural talent for it.

He leaned back in his seat, “You hired me for a job and now expect me to fling my dead corpse at the Omen like my ship is going to be able to handle that.” he shook his head, “You hired me which means we are going to do this MY way, which means we are going to do it quiet, and we are going to do it proper. That means NONE of this comes back on me. If we show up at the omen right now and bust down their doors, we are going to get atomized by two platoons of marines and an entire clan of Drev. LEts not also forget that the Admiral Isn’t exactly going to be easy to just kill.” Captain Kell waved a hand wildly, “He has a fucking Drev SAINT on his crew, that is hardly something I think I want to deal with.” he shook his head, “No no, this is going to take me a lot longer to plan, and it is going to require a lot more material that I don’t already have.”

Geea bristled in impatience and indignation.

“I am not going to throw my life away for this mission, and if you want to push that, than I will throw you out of the airlock faster than you can say, “please captain, please I was just being a whiny little bitch.” The room was silent around Geaa’s seething, but he paid her no mind. She didn’t exactly scare him.

She was a minor player in the black market at best, and the way she moved told him she was no great shakes as a warrior either. Probably used to fighting humans so developed a habit of using brute force to overcome them with her height. As for Beatrice, he had a feeling that she made up for skill mostly in unpredictability and sheer fury.

Anyone can look scary if they scream real loud and flail their knives at you.

The way their crew behaved was enough to tell him as much. No one on the ship really respected them, and Geea ruled mostly out of ear, her men were not as loyal to her as she thought they might be, and he had a feeling that, for the right price, he could buy them off if he wanted.

He rested his palms flat against the table before him, “You understand if I am going to do this I am going to need all the right equipment. You want the man gone but I want it to look like some freak disappearance The last thing my crew needs is the long arm of the GA down on our heads.” he shook his head, “No we need to do this strategically, and we need to do this quietly, and we are going to start by getting the tech we need to pull this off without being seen.”

He turned to look at the two of them, “I am assuming that you two know where I can get those sorts of things…. Under the radar.”

Geea crossed her arms over her chest, “And YOU don’t. You are a pirate after all.”

“Yeah, I generally tend to STEAL from other people and sell it to middle men. I don’t generally tend to buy any of the goods.”

Geea stood, waiting for a long moment before finally uncurling her hands in annoyance, “Fine, Fine, but we make this quick.”

He nodded his head once and motioned her to continue on following her up and to the bridge where he watched her set a course.

He tried to make it look like he wasn’t watching her, but in the back of his mind he was quickly memorizing the coordinates that he saw appearing on screen. Granted he did have a bot installed that should copy it for him, but you can never trust technology to do exactly what you expect it to do.

When she was done, he moved forward and slid into the Captain’s chair, familiar with the machine as he prepared it for a warp sequence.

Despite him being very familiar with this ship, more than one time he found himself accidentally reaching for controls that weren’t there. He cursed his muscle memory, though he forced the ship into doing what he wanted, alerting the crew to the imminent warp before he could accidentally kill one of them by sheer freak accident.

Geea watched him from behind.

He knew she didn’t much like him.

That was fine by him. She wasn’t exactly the kind of person that he would want to be liked by.

They came out of warp a few moments later with a hard lurch through the internal dampeners were doing their job to avoid smearing him across the front windscreen like window pizza.

She walked up to stand beside him and rested her hand of the chair, the gesture reminded him of someone else, and it felt wrong to have her do it, though he tried not to show his discomfort.

“Just beyond that asteroid.”

Captain Kell raised an eyebrow. This was all very interesting. Here he was thinking they would end up back on Noctopolis, for he had been sure that that was the hub of all pirate activity in the universe, but he guessed not. As they came around another asteroid, his eyes fell on a large chunk of rock that must have been over ten miles wide in his shi[s estimation, and from here he could already see the hive of docking ports and extending protrusions built into the rock.

He blinked in awe at the glittering blue lights and the hive of activity surrounding the massive asteroid.

Ships flew in and out through open docking bays landing here and there on extending arms. Good were moved by silent crane arms through space as add ons were constantly being made by men in space suits scurrying over the rock. The palace was…. Amazing at the same time it was an absolute disaster of engineering. You would never see something like tat made by the GA or UNSC, but from here he could see plenty of influence from all parties.

As they flew closer, they were absolutely dwarfed by the massive rock, and it’s protruding arms. All around him he saw human building techniques, and Tesraki logos stamped on almost everything as they moved forward. Massive viewing screens were all around them doing advertisements on things would would never have seen on a location run by UNSC or GA interference.

The one to his right was some sort of bootleg pill for weightloss, while, on the other side, someone was advertising some kind of flamethrower. The screen above that was giving the specs for the newest design in railgun technology.

His eyes were wide as he stared at all of it, and his heart began to race fast inside his chest.

Now THIS was awesome.

Being a space pirate sure did have its perks.

Over the radio feed static rolled in and out as the broadcasts from the different advertisements tried to pick up his frequency.

But one voice came in clear and crisp above all others, “Unknown aircraft. Identify yourself.”

“This is the Infinity requesting docking.”

There was a momentary pause over the other end of the line, as their ship was likely scanned before, “Docking permission granted, please proceed to hanger E docking space 6.”

He did as ordered, flying his ship down to the entrance of the docking bay, where he was ordered to slow, and then a large mechanical hand grabbed them around the hull and pulled them further into the asteroid.

They were dragged inside a ways, though he could definitely have flown in himself, and eventually sat down on E6.

There was a sharp jolt as they made connection with the airlock, and he stood rom his spot, turning and walking past Geea and towards the cargo bay where his men were waiting. He looked at them each in turn, making slow eye contact with them.

“You know what to do?”

There was a nod as they recognized the true words behind his eye contact, and they quickly moved into pairs of two discussing which piece of “equipment” they were looking for. It likely wouldn’t take them long, but he didn’t expect that part of their mission to take that long anyway.

Following after them, he was accompanied by Geea, Beatrice and Noble as they walked out into the tube and finally, into the absolutely massive atrium of the hidden Pirate city.

He had to stop, he just couldn’t help it, it was like nothing he had ever seen before, and his mind just couldn’t wrap itself around the massive room full of people and billboards and holograms. There were railed transports on the floor, and there were vendors selling strange food at every turn. It might have been any normal metropolitan area if it weren’t for the sort of advertisements for weapons, and strange illegal creams.

There was one place that was advertising body modifications….. With a ten percent discount if you got the limb removed with them as well.

On another wall someone was advertising a new mechanical eye. The technology hadn’t been released to the public yet, but the features…. Well the features were amazing. He found himself dragged in and rendered mostly stunned. They had him hooked by the first demonstration.

He wanted a cool new mechanical eye.

But Geea grabbed him by the shoulder and shook him, “Aren’t we supposed to be doing something.”

Angrily he frowned and held up a hand turning on her with his eyes narrowed.

He prodded her in the chest in a show of dominance towards her. Letting her know that he wasn’t afraid of being insulted or intimidated by someone like her. To him she was nothing.

“Look, I’m not stupid. I know that this genius little assasination attempt wasn’t your idea, so right here and right now, you better take me to the asshole who set you up for this is you can color me gone. I don’t work through third parties.” He prodded her in the chest again with one finer, “I don’t trust them.”

The Drev stared down at him with absolute rage and consternation.

“Don’t touch me.” She hissed.

He prodded her again, “Just try and stop me.”

She reached for his hand, but he caught her by the wrist and twisted it. He knew the way Drev joints worked, so he knew exactly what NOT to do. She howled in pain and Beatrice moved forward to help, but a spear to her throat by Noble was enough to stop her in her tracks.

“Show me your boss, or your girlfriend becomes a kabob, your choice.”

There was a sharp growl and finally Geea agreed, taking her hand back with some measure of pain and annoyance, “Fine, fine…. Follow me.”

She stalked away grumpily and Noble kept an eye on beatrice as the were led further into the station.

The captain kept his head turning this way and that distracted by the bright and colorful ads, advertising things that he wanted, and some things that he didn’t.

To his surprise, more than once he saw advertisements for Iron eye Knockoffs. He would have dared get a procedure done on this back alley asteroid, but it was still quite shocking. This air of shock continued along with him as he was led down through the darkness and into the tight passages and tunnels of the Asteroid.

Eventually Geea stopped in front of a door and knocked once.

The camera above the door whirred and looked down at them. Geea waved to it and with a hiss it finally opened.

They were led into a small waiting room with pristine little couches as if he was expecting to see a doctor at any moment, but after a few minutes of sitting another door opened and they were allowed through into the next room.

Geea told him to stay put as she was led behind yet another door.

Not to be left Behind, Beatrice followed after, giving him the opportunity to slip over to the door and quickly deploy a small circular camera which used technology unknown to him to see through the door.

It streamed directly into his fake eye as he closed the real one, and glanced around the room.

He could hear voices, and enhanced the sound of his implants.

“Did you get the assassin.”

“Yes, but there have been some, hiccups.”

“What might that be?”

“He is insisting on meeting his employers.”

The voice seemed almost bored with the idiot pirates, “Then let him meet someone, he doesn’t have to know. Jerah over there will do just fine.”

He turned his fake eye towards the source of the voice falling on some sort of hologram. He quickly looked up just as Geea was turning back towards the door.

He managed to make it up to the person’s face, a Rundi, how str-

Then he froze in shock and disbelief.

Geea reached towards the door, and it was only with a swift movement he was able to pull his camera away in time an leap from the door as she stepped from the room.

He tried to keep the horror and shock on his face in check as he was led into the room to meet his “employer.”

He didn’t care though.

He knew the truth.

There was plenty of evidence on that camera. Evidence that the chairwoman of the GA had ordered his assassination.

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ultrajaphunter · 2 years

Photo

(via Weak States and Loose Arms: Lessons and Warnings, from Afghanistan to Ukraine - War on the Rocks)

WEAK STATES AND LOOSE ARMS: LESSONS AND WARNINGS, FROM AFGHANISTAN TO UKRAINE

KERRY CHÁVEZ

AND

ORI SWED

JULY 12, 2022

COMMENTARY

As the United States withdrew from Afghanistan last August, images of Taliban soldiers decked out in American kit frequently recurred on global media. Social and news media fretted that the Taliban had become the only terrorist group with an air force. Much of the ado might be about nothing. The complex and exquisite platforms that provoked the most concern (i.e., Black Hawks and light attack airplanes outfitted with Hellfire missiles), require capacity to train, field, and maintain that is probably beyond the Taliban.

The large volume of small arms and light weapons the United States left behind is more mundane yet more meaningful. Based on the 2017 Government Accountability Office and 2020 Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction reports, the cache exceeds 650,000 pieces ranging from rifles to rocket-propelled weapons. Unlike Black Hawks, they require little training and no expertise to use. Even fresh Taliban foot soldiers know how to fire an AK-47. Beyond that, their qualities, combined with state weakness, have led to weapons diffusion into the surrounding region, sparking and inflaming more violence. In short, the enormous stockpiles left behind have generated a “regional arms bazaar” for terrorists, criminal elements, and insurgents.

This has happened elsewhere before and will again. The risk that weapons deployed in the Russo-Ukrainian War, whenever and however it ends, will disperse across Eastern Europe and Central Asia is particularly disquieting.

BECOME A MEMBER

Weakly governed states — whether weakened by corruption, conflict, or collapse — have looser arsenal integrity, making them more subject to opportunistic substate groups. Their weakness allows apertures into the black market, the size and reach of each being a function of how well-armed the state and how weak its stockpile security. On the smaller end, corrupt nations control a more trickling leakage of arms into the black market to a shortlist of proxies and clients, usually with conditionality. Depending on the scale, actors, and victors, post-conflict scenarios can range from a few loose arms to largescale diffusion.

On the extreme end of the state weakness spectrum, collapse generates the most pointed proliferation events, especially if the nation was well-armed. We focus on these moments as sudden, immense shifts in black market volumes and movement. Following collapse, stockpile security folds along with the government’s legitimacy, institutions, and services. In addition to the usual black-market tradesmen ready to plunder national arms depots, many regular citizens join out of desperation as a new anarchy takes hold. In fact, weak governance becomes a simultaneous cause and consequence of weapons looting since the state can neither provide security for citizens nor secure stockpiles from citizens. These reinforcing conditions — elevated demand, vulnerable supply — intensify the siphon of weapons from the state to the local black market.

The larger the stockpile and the more suddenly it devolves to nonstate actors, the more intensely it tends to diffuse into the surrounding region. Local actors arm themselves and warlords offer provincial security, but weapons are also a lucrative commodity. In insecure environments, sales might purchase safety, basic goods and services, or escape. They might buy loyalty and solidify substate alliances. With a sated national market, would-be customers having plundered their own caches to surplus, illicit entrepreneurs look abroad for markets of higher profit and demand.

And there is demand. Considering the case of Libya in 2011, for example, demand might come from rebels (Darfur fighters), insurgents (Seleka in Central African Republic), militias (Azawad factions), terrorists (al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), criminals (Tibesti gold rushers), gangs (Nigerian “bandits”), or even civilians seeking self-defense. Although not sufficient for violence without motive, arms are a necessary precondition for violent campaigns of any kind.

We point specifically to small arms and light weapons. They are distinctly suitable for sale, in contrast to heavier systems (recall the missile-laden light attack planes in Afghanistan, for instance). The capacity requisites for complex weapons render that market significantly smaller and more specialized. Many ragtag looters lack access or would not risk exposure to such in-groups. Selling nations also maintain end-use monitoring on conventional platforms, making it even riskier. Small arms and light weapons, however, are financially and technically approachable even for foot soldiers. Existing monitoring mechanisms for the latter are also fragmented and ineffective, dramatically reducing the risk of being caught.

The qualities of small arms and light weapons also make them distinctly amenable for trafficking. Also unlike heavy weapons, they are small and modular enough to be hidden at checkpoints and among “ant-trade” transports. (Ant-trade is a term of art for the most common form of illicit weapons trafficking: Imagine ants following their routes, spaced out with one load at a time. Traffickers mimic this to avoid riskier, costlier interceptions.) They are more durable, needing minimal upkeep and maintaining value across exchanges and time. They are also more serviceable, requiring minimal cost for replaceable parts and ammunition.

The combination of weak governance, local incentives, and the attributes of small arms and light weapons ejects them into the surrounding region following collapse. This influx of weapons — larger and more diverse than the usual sources that illicit actors tap — augments substate forces and their fighting capacity. Since more than 90 percent of contemporary armed conflicts are now internal, and since small arms and light weapons are the currency of substate violence and its spread, these massive proliferation moments are grim.

Depending on the destination, dispersion could mean a number of things. We return to the Afghanistan case to demonstrate a few of them. Dispersion might simply exacerbate instability in weak zones, like it has in Afghanistan itself and certainly pockets around it in Pakistan, Iran, and India. Weapons diffusion might revitalize insurgent efforts, such as that of the separatists in Baluchistan, or strengthen existing terrorist organizations, like the Islamic State affiliate in the region and al-Qaeda. It might create political space, full of arms and anarchy, for new terrorist groups and rebellions to arise. For instance, Afghan tribal groups are coalescing in opposition to the Taliban. Perhaps worst, it can incite or bolster civil war. Factions within the Taliban are vying for dominance, and it is unclear how far the internecine struggle will escalate. We also find it feasible that Western arms abandoned in Afghanistan could be trafficked to existing conflict zones in Iraq, Syria, or Yemen, especially with Iran’s support. The upshot is that the supply of small arms and light weapons interacts with the demand dynamics at trafficking terminuses, yielding a spectrum of potential outcomes.

To summarize, weak governance exposes military stockpiles to eager nonstate actors who sell the surplus of what they can (small arms and light weapons) where they can (often elsewhere) to whom they can (violent nonstate actors of all stripes). On average, the surge of diffusion correlates with a swell in violence at trafficking terminuses. Of course, this is one process among others that can take place amid state weakness, and only one means of weapons dispersion among others. Nonetheless, it is a likely and consequential one on the heels of dire conflict or collapse. It is also an empirically precedented one, playing out in the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union and the 2011 crumbling of Libya.

The collapse of the Soviet Union is a prime example of the dispersion consequences from a state armed to the teeth. The dismantling of Soviet arsenals sourced many illicit weapon bazaars and sprawling proliferation. Scholars emphasize that disaffected and desperate nonstate actors ransacked, trafficked, and sold billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of tons of small arms and light weapons across the region — Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Chechnya, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkey, Yugoslavia, and Ukraine. Kaliningrad in particular, geographically and politically distanced from the Soviet Union, became an immense illicit arms marketplace. Many of these locations became seedbeds of instability.

Commensurate with stockpile sizes, the breakdown of Libya followed a similar trajectory on a smaller (though still alarming) scale. In a recent study, we plot the illicit small arms and light weapons trafficking routes after Libya’s 2011 collapse. Libya had one of the largest arsenals in Africa, and its looting led to a profound episode of proliferation. Like the Soviet case, small arms and light weapons quickly crossed borders and fueled conflicts in the region.

Figure 1. Conflict events, scaled by lethality, after Libya’s collapse overlaid with illicit small arms and light weapons trafficking routes, from Oct. 20, 2011 – 2017. (Graphic by the authors)

We traced four major overland routes across 11 countries in the surrounding Sahara-Sahel and one air and maritime route into the Middle East. Violence clustered and significantly intensified at their terminuses, visible in Figure 1. In particular, newly armed Malian rebels seized several major cities and declared the Azawad independent within eight months of Libya’s collapse. Boko Haram became a key consumer of Libyan weaponry. The struggle over South Sudan escalated with the influx of weapons. Violence in the Sinai surged including the appearance of new armed groups. Libyan arms also ended up in Syria, the site of a vicious civil war.

These cases show the importance and implications of loose stockpiles. The same processes are afoot in Afghanistan and will persist. Turning to speculation, we see potential for a similar danger down the line in Ukraine, which bears some features of a weak state (especially its eastern regions). Defined as a diminished ability to exercise sovereignty in a territory, the sustained presence of Russian forces in the country and the failure to provide basic services and rule of law in areas that Ukraine still holds indicate some degree of weakness. A 2021 Small Arms Survey report determined that there were already large quantities of loose weapons and ammunition in Ukraine. Since the war began, nations have rapidly poured more basic and advanced small arms and light weapons and other weapon systems into Ukraine to reinforce fighters. Intentionally — Ukrainian resistance is a patchwork of diverse fighters — many systems are high-end yet simple to use. For example, the Javelin anti-tank missile and the Switchblade anti-tank portable drone both require less than an hour of training to use.

What will happen to all the dispensed armaments when the fighting stops? The Russo-Ukrainian War remains hot, so imagining its aftermath is more uncertain, but many might be illicitly dispersed. Whether Ukraine collapses, attains a decisive victory, or negotiates a settlement, the future of its arsenal is still worth consideration. The saturation of small arms as a national defense strategy will be difficult to undo, especially for a relatively weak state. Officials will attempt to monitor and secure the increasingly massive military arsenals. The states that sold the arms and domestic Russian and Ukrainian authorities will devote initial and primary efforts toward conventional, sophisticated platforms: aircraft, tanks, and heavy weapons, for example. In the meantime, the largest risks of proliferation lie with small arms and light weapons on hand to civilians, foreign fighters, and soldiers who might behave opportunistically as the smoke clears.

On humanitarian, geopolitical, and financial fronts, this is and should be of grave concern to states, practitioners, and scholars. As one conflict ends, the last thing stakeholders and communities need is for more to emerge in the same unstable vicinity. Thus, understanding this hydra model of war is critical to head off the diffusion of violence. This is especially true in the wake of state collapse, a rare but immense phenomenon that spills over borders more powerfully.

We offer three prescriptions to structure efforts to stem the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons during peak proliferation events. First, remember that illicit markets are regionalized. The neighboring nations that will receive the brunt of repercussions have incentives to step up to secure loose stockpiles. Other weak states have urgent reasons but weaker capacity to contain spillover, while strong states less likely to see direct negative effects ideally will contribute stockpile-security efforts in order to uphold norms and regional stability. If capacity is short or efforts are fragmented, neighbors should activate their alliance and institutional networks to help curb potential spillover. Finally, major powers with strategic or economic interests in the region might be motivated to help arrest these bursts of weapons dispersion that can have long legacies.

Second, these periods of explosive trafficking appear to be short-lived. Eventually, even vast stockpiles dry up. National dynamics shift. In Libya, local groups consolidated by 2014, leading to an increase in internal demand and consequent decrease in illicit arms outflows as territorial clashes escalated. In the loose interim, though, small arms and light weapons enabled footholds and forward movement for manifold nonstate actors. This temporal trait implies that mitigation programs should be implemented as soon as possible as stockpile insecurity mounts (insofar as shards of sovereignty allow) and certainly in the immediate aftermath of collapse or war. A boon to the domestic politics of participants, leaders can pronounce short-term commitments to high-value intervention.

Third, mediating factors determine the severity of small arms and light weapons spillover. To use an epidemiology analogy, some have greater resistance to a spreading phenomenon whether by genetics, exposure, or baseline health. Pockets of regional demand, rebel group (dis)unity, foreign fighter movements, regional capacity and coordination, the strength of interdiction techniques, the presence of external peacekeeping forces — each of these scale and structure the regional impact. These spatial traits imply that mitigation programs should be targeted based on knowledge of native inoculations along likely trafficking routes. For instance, paths to and terminuses rife with instability should be reinforced while well-governed zones can be deemphasized. Long, porous borders present a particular challenge of coverage and coordination while manageable, impassable, or intelligence-rich ones can stand alone. Stakeholders can use preexisting trafficking routes as a template, tribal travel routes and folkways as further clues, and the distribution and dynamics of regional militants as hinge points.

Altogether, given the high impact of small arms and light weapons set against scarce security resources following conflict or collapse, regional powers and their partners should amplify stockpile security in the immediate short-term in gaps of greatest weakness. This might entail targeted contingents of boots on the ground to fortify stockpiles or bombing campaigns to eradicate them. It will cost regional and global powers to safeguard insecure arsenals, but in the end it will cost far less than letting them loose to ignite violence anew.

BECOME A MEMBER

Kerry Chávez, Ph.D., is an instructor in the political science department at Texas Tech University. Her research focusing on the domestic politics, strategies, and technologies of conflict and security has been published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution, Foreign Policy Analysis, and Defence Studies, among others. With practitioner and law enforcement experience as well as working group collaborations, she produces rigorous, engaged scholarship.

Ori Swed, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the sociology department and director of the Peace, War, & Social Conflict Laboratory at Texas Tech University. His scholarship on nonstate actors in conflict settings and technology and society has been featured in multiple peer-reviewed journals and his own edited volume. He also gained 12 years of field experience with the Israel Defense Force as a special forces operative and reserve captain, and as a private security contractor.

Image: U.S. Navy

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imwhumpee · 3 years

Text

Don’t Show Weakness

Kakashi x gender neutral reader whump

TW: blood, stabbing, impaling

During a mission you suffer a wound and Kakashi is there to save you.

You and Kakashi are on a mission together, a straightforward one yes, but a ninja’s duties were never one to be dismissed. You two are supposed to explore one of the nearby forests and scout for any clues of possible thieves after a string of night robberies took place. They specifically were targeting ninja tool shops, obviously either stockpiling for some sort of attack or were selling them on the black market. An eyewitness saw them heading west towards the Hidden Rain Village...any connection to Orochimaru needed to be investigated despite there being little evidence he was involved. Thus, the Hokage had asked you, a freshly appointed ANBU member, and Kakashi to investigate quietly. Your thoughts trail off as you jump through the trees, wind and drizzling rain rushing past your ears--your eyes kept sharp for anything out of the ordinary.

“Y/n, wait,” Kakashi calls calmly, coming to a halt on one of the moss-covered branches. You dash over to his position and adjust your wooden mask slightly. He crouches and gets a closer look. “Here, a set of footprints.”

“Whoever did it must have done so recently, the rain would have washed it away,” you reply, “I suspect they may be nearby. Don’t let your guard down,”

“Oi, oi, I should be the one telling you that,” Kakashi says, “But yes. The footprint is headed towards that rocky area. They could be hiding in a cave or cliffside. We should check it out but not get too close. We know they have weapons and we don’t have a great idea of what kind of justu they may use.”

A solid nod is shared between the two of you before you both turn and once more are on the move towards the suspected location, now slower and more careful to stick to shadowed areas to avoid being seen.

As you two get closer, the mist that surrounded the area no longer hides the fact that campfire smoke rose out of the mouth of a cave and hurried muddy footprints led straight for it. Stopping on the edge of the forest clearing, the two of you exchange glances. Kakashi signals for the two of you to split on either side of the opening while drawing out a kunai with his other hand. You do the same, exhaling a slow and silent breath as you do so to center yourself before going ahead and put on your cloak and hood.

You and Kakashi turn your backs against the wall and laughter can be heard. You count three men’s voices as their conversation drifts and echoes. “Man I still can’t believe we got away with it...we’ll be set for life after one more hit..” A pause. “...Of course we weren’t followed...”

There was more silence not long after. Your heart thuds in your chest. One voice speaks quietly, “Stash it all in the back, I think we have company.”

In a flash, the sounds of fast shuffling and a whizzing of kunai flew from within the cave. The two of you threw return fire and backed up away from the entrance. “Damn it,” you mutter under your breath, drawing your katana and hold it with both hands. Kakashi readies his stance and reveals his sharingan as three ninja run out, dressed in black cloaks. “Get them!” One cries as two of them rush you, throwing stars and kunai, all to be blocked with your blade. You thrust towards them, swinging and slashing as one grabs their own sword. Dodging your attacks, they split up and and the mist begins to thicken... hidden mist justu.

Out of the corner of your eye you see vague outlines Kakashi throwing punches and kicks with who seems like the smaller of the three, dodging and dashing in and out of direct combat when with a loud “Chidori!” the sound of birds and lighting is muffled and then loud again as his attacker is struck through the chest before the mist and rain completely whitens out your vision.

You feel your way to to turn your back to the cave wall once more to guard it. You gather your chakra and swing your katana forward, “Shinkūken!” A gust of wind flows from your sword and disturbs the fog around you in an attempt to gain any insight of your enemies, scanning the area directly around you. Nothing. Best thing now would be height, perhaps you could get on a ledge and get out of the fog. You prepare to jump when you hear, “Didn’t anyone teach you not to turn your back to an enemy?”

One arm melds through the cave wall and wraps around your neck and chokes you before you feel the piercing of a sword through your back and out the front of your stomach. The tip dripping with your blood. “Ack-!” You manage to yell before you feel it pull out again, blood staining the front of your grey jacket. The pain is searing through your core as you struggle to breathe. In an attempt to at least return air to your lungs, you quickly pick up a kunai from your leg strap and stab the enemy’s arm. He cries out and releases you.

You fall to your knees and grab at your bleeding wound, hunched over in pain as the ninja reveals himself and comes out of the wall, yanking out your kunai from his own arm. He holds the bloody tool and his own sword and grins. “You ANBU aren’t anything to be scared of,” He chuckles and raises his blade.

The other of the enemy ninja screams somewhere beyond the mist and is then silent, making the last one in front of you turn his head towards the direction of the yell. Now! You think and take advantage of his distraction. You muster your strength and quickly up and cut him down across the chest, his body crumpling at your feet. Breathing heavily, you clean your blade and return it to its sheath on your back. Rain soaks through your clothes and sends a chill through you. The mist lifts with the death of its caster and you see Kakashi making his way towards you.

“You alright?” he says through his own pants, placing a gloved hand on your shoulder.

You nod despite the intense pain coming from your core and back. You hide your bloodied vest with your cloak and and are thankful for your mask to hide your intense grimace. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

He pats your shoulder before performing mud wall technique to seal the cave. He pulls his headband back to hide his sharingan once more. “We can report back to the Hokage now and they can dispatch people to come pick up all the merchandise. There’s too much for just us to carry back.”

You manage a “Yeah, let’s go,” and with that, the two of you dash back up into the trees and head back towards the village. Let’s just get back as soon as possible. I gotta get this taken care of. Not now, not in front of him, you think. Kakashi had always been someone you looked up to, and to look weak in front of him was not an option. Especially not as an ANBU. Weakness is not tolerated.

As you jump from tree to tree back to Konohoa your pain grows as you trail behind Kakashi. Every jump and landing on a branch is felt through you. Hidden under your cloak you hold your hand to it in an attempt to help stop the bleeding and reduce the impact but it was intense and only getting worse. In your thoughts, you fall further behind and your vision begins to blur. “Shit...Kakashi....”

While quiet, your call is heard and Kakashi stops and turns to see you lose your balance and fall to the forest floor in a heap. “Y/n!” He cries out and jumps down to your side, your wound revealed. “Dammit, y/n why didn’t you say something?”

The frustration in his voice is also tinged with worry, his hands then covering you and uses his body weight to apply better pressure. Through your mask your vision worsens and the edges of the eyeholes of your mask seem to get smaller as your consciousness begins to fade and your breathing gets more labored. “I didn’t want...some faceless ANBU...to let down...the great copy ninja...” Then there was nothing but black.

His eyebrows furrow and he checks to see the bleeding has stopped as well as checking your pulse and breathing. Alive, but unconscious, he picks you up in his arms and once more makes his way to the village, heading straight to the hospital. “Faceless, maybe,” he murmurs, “but precious life none the less.”

***

You wake up in the hospital, the feeling of tight bandages around your middle. Throbbing pain radiates from your stomach but it’s no where near as bad as before. Opening your eyes to the bright lights, a tired Kakashi is sitting at your bedside, reading Make Out Paradise. You feel the blood rush to your face as you realize its him and turn away to hide it.

“Hey, seems like someone’s awake,” the masked ninja says casually, putting his book away and sitting back in his chair.

“Y-yeah,” you reply, turning your head to once again face him while fiddling with the white bedsheet between your fingers.

He lets the silence hang in the air for a second. “What, so a big bad ANBU ninja can kill a man no problem, but they can’t say, ‘Ow?’” He jokes giving a small laugh. You can’t help but let out your own laugh and crack a smile.

“I suppose so. I’m sorry, but thank you.”

“No problem, y/n,” He assures you before leaning forward again grabbing your hand. “Just please don’t be afraid to ask for help. A ninja can’t do their job properly if they don’t trust their teammates to lend aid. It doesn’t make you weak, it makes you smart.”

You nod and look down. It’s true, teammates and teamwork is key and hiding from them sabotages the mission and puts you all in danger. Kakashi squeezes your hand before letting it go. “Luckily this time you got me as your teammate, and I never let my teammates die,” he says confidently.

Once again your blood rushes to your face. With that, he stands to leave when he adds, “No worries, y/n. I know you’re a strong ninja and this is just a step towards being even stronger.”

#whump #naruto #kakashi x reader #naruto whump #gender neutral insert #reader insert #fanfic #naruto fanfic #tw blood #tw impaling #tw stabbing #kakashi hatake #imwhumpee

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