Indonesia: Ground-attack-capable Hawk jets have been used to intimidate in Indonesia's offensive in Aceh. 3,000 lives were lost in the first year following the May 2003 attack.

India: BAE Systems has persuaded the Indian government to spend £1 billion on 66 Hawk jets. After chasing the contract for the best part of two decades, a massive lobbying offensive by Labour ministers sealed the contract. The lobbying did not relent even when India was on the verge of war with Pakistan over Kashmir.

Israel: Despite extreme Israeli military violence since the outbreak of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000, BAE Systems has provided head-up displays for US-built F16s destined for Israel. Its subsidiary, Rokar International, has been the sole-source supplier of counter-measure dispensing systems to the Israeli Air Force.

Embargoed countries: BAE Systems has been looking to sell civil aerospace equipment to countries under arms embargoes in the hope of being first in line to sell military equipment once these embargoes are lifted. Iran and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been targeted, though Libya is likely to be most productive in the near-term. BAE Systems is reported to be in advanced negotiations over Libyan civil aviation infrastructure and the UK government is already pressing the EU to end its arms embargo.

Posted on 20/09/04 by admin