Farnborough International Airshow held it bi-annual arms fair which was open to the public this weekend. All of the big players were there; lockheed Martin, the Marvin Group, Raytheon...etc. Amazingly this fun day out was targeted at children. Courtesy of Rolls Royce (who make parts for fighter bombers) KIDS GO FREE. (see disturbing image below).

The entire event seemed to take place in another world, a world away from Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq where missiles are advertised as ‘combat proven’ (apparently being dropped on a Baghdad marketplace counts as combat to these people). The reality that the wars fought by the axis of evil (US, UK, Israel) are fought in densely populated urban areas, and the smarter the weapons, the higher the civilian death toll (see Iraq Body Count).

As I was stumbling around this horror-show I came across a display by the EDO Corpration: the parent company of my local Brightonian arms manufacturers EDO/MBM. On display through all the glitz and glamour were their brand new Advanced Capability Pods (AcaPs) used on F15s. They are made by EDO under license from Israel Aircraft Industries- ELTA Electronics (Haifa, Israel). I read in one of their glossy brochures that “The ACaP contract marks a successful marketing arrangement between ELTA and EDO Corp … the deal represents a major step forward for Israeli companies seeking access to the US Electronic Warfare market” Journal of Electronic Defense, july 2006, p.17(J.Knowles). Do they have to make it so easy? Thus the link between EDO and the Israeli military is proved.

EDO Corp have also expressed an interest in developing Warlock anti-IED (AKA roadside bomb) devices which are currently being used by US Occupation Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Journal of Electronic Defense, july 2006,

It has long been known that EDO/MBM make bomb accessories they then sell to other arms dealers, such as Raytheon for example. Note below the picture of the stylish 'ESTER' bomb rack made by EDO/MBM which fits snugly around the JDAM bomb featured below it.

The Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) held a demonstration outside the arms fair on Monday 17th July. On this day it was closed to the public. Did they hope to influence the arms dealers on their way to shop for the next war? The public need help making links in their minds between what they see at Farnborough and what is unfolding on their television screens in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan etc. What happened at the demonstration? I cannot find any reports on their website or independent news sources.

We need to concentrate our energies where they can be most effective and relevant. Direct action as well as broader campaigning is needed against these arms dealers in our own communities. More people need to just organise your own action! Join a local campaign or start your your own one. For tips on how to set up a local campaign see www.smashedo.org.uk