EDO Corporation were there with their new Israeli-designed weapons systems, but a distinct lack of protest on the public days of the fair.
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
Comments
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Links between EDO and Israeli military
25.07.2006 10:09
It is no secret that EDO Corp. in the US make parts for the Israeli military including the radar search and destroy equipment for the Israeli navy Saar 5 Corvette,and various other stuff.
What the Brighton based subsidiary EDO MBM have denied in letters to the Brighton PSC and in court-under oath-is that they themselves make equipment in Brighton for the Israeli military or they have any knowledge or control over where the technology is going.
This denial was shown to be a lie when the then managing director David Jones admitted under cross examination that EDO MBM did make the Zero Retention Force Arming Unit which their own publicity states (and David Jones confirmed) is used on the IAF VER-2, which is the main bomb rack for the Israeli F16 fighter bomber. The exposure of the deception by EDO MBM was another contributing factor behind the dropping of the high court injunction against protesters.
There is also some evidence that EDO MBM in Brighton have been or are involved in the production of printed flexible circuits for Lockheed Martin Hellfire missiles.This is less direct-but the missile is used
as a targeted killing/assassination weapon by Israel in the Occupied Territories.
88
how wrong can you be voyeur
25.07.2006 15:30
It disables terrorist road side bombs.
If you must go to print, atleast make some effort to be factual.
noddy
Give muslim extremist a chance
26.07.2006 10:28
You deserve a fair chance.
Steven
noddy- read before you critisise
26.07.2006 20:33
noddy, the article does not say that Warlock is a bomb. I guess the point Voyeur is trying to make is that EDO Corp are fully emeshed within the military-industrial complex, and are now profiting from violence caused by ground forces as well as from missiles and bombs.
durkah durkah