Elbit Systems
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Elbit Systems Ltd is an Israel-based international defence electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems (drones), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, electronic warfare suites, signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems, data links and communications systems and radios. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defence, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems. In 2016, Elbit Systems had approximately 13,895 employees, the majority of whom are engaged in engineering, mechanics, research and development, and other computing and technical areas. Elbit Systems' shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.[1]
United Kingdom
Elbit Systems UK Ltd was incorporated on 24 September 2004, as a holding company for Elbit's activities in the United Kingdom. As of 2021, it had six subsidiary companies, located across ten sites in the country, employing over 500 people.
The company was incorporated after Elbit and Thales Group of France, won a tender (code named "Watchkeeper program") to supply the British Army with unmanned aerial vehicles. The tender condition included a requirement to set up a local manufacturing facility for the program, therefore, at the end of 2005 a joint venture company was established, with the Thales Group, named "UAV Tactical Systems Ltd (U-TacS)", based in Leicester to manufacture the Watchkeeper WK450. Additionally a flight testing facility was set up at a former RAF station Aberporth in West Wales.[2]
In 2007, Elbit paid £15 million to acquire Ferranti Technologies, based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, a company that was part of the historic Ferranti group and provides engineering, manufacturing and product support to the aerospace and defence markets.[3] Starting in 2014, following the Gaza War, activists from Palestine Action and other groups started protesting outside the factory in Oldham. Eventually, in January 2022 Elbit sold the facility at a significant loss to TT Group plc (formerly Tyzack Turner Group plc) which is headquartered in Woking, England.[4]
In February 2016, Affinity Flying Services Limited, a joint venture between Elbit and Kellog, Brown and Root was awarded a £500 million contract to manage the "UK Military Flight Training System" (UKMFTS) program for the Ministry of Defence, to deliver aircrew training for over an 18-year period.[5]
Factories occupied
On 19 May 2021, during the 2021 Israeli–Palestinian conflict, four members of the Palestine Action group dressed in red boiler suits climbed onto the roof of an Elbit Systems-owned drone factory in Meridian Business Park, Leicester. The occupation lasted six days, and a total of 10 arrests were made for conspiracy to commit criminal damage and aggravated trespass.[6] The group have staged similar occupations of Elbit Systems sites in Bristol, Oldham in collaboration with Extinction Rebellion and Tamworth in collaboration with Animal Rebellion.
In July 2022, five Palestine Action group activists were arrested after they chained themselves to the gates of UAV Tactical Systems' base in Shenstone, Staffordshire.[7] Known as the Shenstone Five, the Palestine Action group activists have been warned by Judge Michael Chambers that they can expect lengthy prison sentences.[8]
On 13 November 2023, the six-week trial of the Elbit Eight began at London's Snaresbrook Crown Court.[9] The Elbit Eight say their aim in court is to prove that Elbit Systems is guilty, and convince the jury to find them (the activists) not guilty.[10]
Activists acquitted
On 10 January 2024, Huda Ammori reported:
- "In total, we were acquitted on 13 counts against us.
- "Richard Barnard was convicted on one count of criminal damage against Elbit’s Oldham factory after he said he didn’t believe Elbit, who owned that factory, would consent.
- "Shortly after delivering the guilty verdict, the jury asked if it could be changed – it could not. The jury could not come to a majority decision on the rest of the counts against us, leaving the prosecution to decide on whether they will retrial us on those charges.
- "Ultimately, we walked in facing varying amounts of prison time and received none. I was told if convicted on all the charges facing me I would be looking at a 4-5 year prison sentence.
- "Yet we all walked out as free people, and two of the eight were acquitted of all charges. An incredible result when facing the British state’s wrath for having stood on the right side of history."[11]
References
- ↑ "Israeli company denies 'security rumours' as Defence removes multi-billion-dollar technology and quarantines Army IT systems"
- ↑ "Elbit Systems to provide UAVs for UK Watchkeeper program"
- ↑ "Elbit Systems Acquires the UK Company Ferranti Technologies for GBP15 Million (US$31 Million)"
- ↑ "After Years of Campaigning Against an Israeli Weapons Factory, It Was Direct Action That Shut It Down"
- ↑ "Elbit JV wins $713m UK flight training deal"
- ↑ "Elbit protest: Pro-Palestine activists ‘shut down’ drone factory"
- ↑ "Five arrested as Palestine Action activists chain themselves to gates of Staffordshire drone factory"
- ↑ Document:Lawyers For Israel Oppose Conscience
- ↑ "Eight activists go on trial for disrupting Israel’s weapons trade"
- ↑ Document:Activism on trial: The Elbit Eight and Palestine solidarity
- ↑ "Why I risked prison to shut Elbit down"