Protesters gathered outside Twickenham Rugby Football Union (RFU) Stadium in Twickenham, London, to protest against the International Military Helicopters 2024 arms fair. The arms fair, sponsored by arms companies Leonardo, Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky), and Boeing, among others, is expected to have hundreds of delegates. Activists from the Richmond and Kingston Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and local Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) joined forces to demonstrate against the fair, highlighting the use of equipment from these companies by Israeli forces in Gaza. The protest took place on 27 February from 1:30-4:00 pm outside the RFU Stadium [cd7ed365].
The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the arms companies' involvement in supplying weapons used in conflicts with dubious human rights records. The equipment provided by Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing, including targeting systems and warplanes, has been used by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza. The protest also highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding the arms industry and the need for accountability in the production and sale of weapons [cd7ed365].
This protest at Twickenham RFU Stadium adds to the ongoing conversation about war profiteering and the role of corporations in perpetuating conflicts. It raises questions about the ethics of the defense industry and the need for transparency in arms sales. The collaboration between the Richmond and Kingston Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and the Campaign Against Arms Trade demonstrates the collective effort to hold arms companies accountable for their actions and to advocate for peace and justice [cd7ed365].
The Farnborough Airshow is taking place this week in Farnborough, United Kingdom, with a focus on the political change and conflict that is impacting the aviation industry [491cba56]. Many countries are reevaluating their armed forces due to conflicts and potential flashpoints around the world. The show is expected to see military plane makers playing a more central role than they have since the end of the Cold War. The US Air Force will have its biggest presence at the show in decades. The industry is also highlighting efforts to make flying more sustainable. The show has sold out for the first time in two decades, with exhibitors from 40 different countries. The British aviation industry is pitching itself to the new government as an engine for economic growth. The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, representing British firms in the sector, is ready to contribute to the government's economic growth ambitions. Defence spending and budgets are a key concern for the industry. Denmark is displaying an F16 fighter, similar to those gifted to Ukraine. Russian aircraft are no longer welcome at the show since the invasion of Ukraine. Boeing will not be bringing any airliners to the show, instead displaying two F15 fighters. The military presence represents about 40% of the flying display. Sustainability is a major focus, with efforts to find alternatives to fossil-based jet fuels. However, other externalities have also become important issues. The show is a global market, with exhibitors from 40 different countries [491cba56].