British and US-led NATO plans for Ireland “Defence manufacturing hub” Arms Industry Flourishing...?

Does NATO and Britain intend on using Ireland as a "hub" for their "Defence and Security" industry? Or is it already well underway?

What is the British Defence & Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS)? And what does it mean for the North of Ireland?

A short list of names of some of the companies operating as weapons manufacturers or component manufacturers for weapons systems in the north can be found at the bottom of the post👇

Conversation on Ireland both North & South & its place in the Geopolitical landscape, can Ireland retain its Neutrality in the face of the pressure being exerted both at home and internationally?

Possible envisaged plan for the Island of Ireland: the situation on the global stage with the continued rise in tensions and the pressure being exerted on Ireland. Can Ireland retain its neutrality?

The reality on the ground points towards a continued sway into the arms of the NATO bloc as the first Irish Chief of Staff takes his seat as head of the EU Military Committee for the first time in history, the bolstering of military expenditure by the Irish government, the largest boost in the 'Free States' history, and the British government's idea to turn the North into a "Defense and Security hub" within its "Defense and Security Strategy" with the growth of arms and defense industry companies here and the continued interest of multinational corporations. Both Ireland and Britain have held longstanding secret agreements with each other surrounding Ireland's security and the defense of the island…

Are we seeing this transformation before our eyes?

As some will already know, the north of Ireland has been a place that has provided a green pasture to major multinational corporations and businesses. This spans from telecommunications all the way to biometrics and scientific research; however, it also includes weapons and weapons system manufacturers.

Some uncovering of the amounts of money invested into these manufacturers producing parts for the F-35 Lightning II built by Lockheed Martin was highlighted; this is the tip of an iceberg when it comes to the extent to which they see the expansion of this industry here.

The British government, along with the Stormont executive, plans on turning the north of Ireland into a "defense and security hub," as laid out in the British government's ‘Defence and Industrial Strategy’ and the MOD’s ‘Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Action Plan,’ the MOD’s Strategy for the coming years, and the current investments made by Invest Northern Ireland yearly into these companies.

A strategy jointly written up by the ex-minister and former Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom at the time was laid out in the British government's industrial strategy for a “post-COVID” society. All of this has not been happening in a vacuum.

In conjunction with Britain and the US, the EU developed their own strategies to complement the strategies of their allies. A vision for Europe's industry and security up to 2035. This includes Ireland's role in the supply and procurement chain for NATO.

The European strategy was announced in 2023 by the EU Commission President von der Leyen during her State of the Union address. Where she also said it was time Europe went into "war economy mode".

• Strengthen the EDTIB through increased, more collaborative, and European investment from Member States;

• Improve the responsiveness of the European defense industry under any circumstances and time horizon;

• Mainstream a defense readiness culture, including across EU policies;

• Team up with our strategic, like-minded, and international partners.

Both north and south, Ireland is seen as the perfect place for these companies to set up shop by both the Stormont and Irish governments with their backers in Whitehall and Brussels; the island as a whole is being envisaged as a strategic outpost of industry and “defense” against what they say is an “aggression from Russia.”. The more we see the ramping up of fear-driven media around “threats” such as Russia or Iran, the more we must be asking what it is they are looking to achieve here with this.

The more the line of Russia being a threat, the more NATO pushes its underhanded campaign in Europe, the closer we get to a self-fulfilling prophecy. The facts remain that in Europe a CIA-backed and funded coup was enacted during Maidan, a situation that for at least a decade prior Russia and others warned NATO’s covert and even overt activities could pose a serious threat to the peace of the continent.

The Minsk Accords were used by Ukraine at the direction of the US and NATO to develop its defences and capabilities on a run-up “to war with Russia.”. Volodymyr Zelensky was partially voted in on a ticket of bringing peace to Ukraine and resolving the dispute in the Donbass. But he was quickly assimilated into the fold of the vanguard far-right stooges who overthrew the Yanukovych government and took key positions in the power structure including the military and secret services.

The people in the Donbass at the time were still willing to remain part of Ukraine only under a federal system with more autonomy in the People's Republics. Something that soon turned into “anti-terror” operations that saw Ukrainian troops bear down on the Donbass, and other places including in Mariupol, not including the pogroms that seen people lynched and murdered in the trade union buildings in Odessa in a Far right neo nazi rampage, where innocent men, women, and children were being indiscriminately targeted by Ukraine's NATO-trained forces including these far right militias.

Convenience at its best It’s convenient to label Russia as a threat, or Iran for that matter; it allows for this transformation of the island and wider geopolitical landscape to usher in change with the consent of the people under the guise of “security”.

Plans to turn Ireland into a hub of the arms and defence industry while simultaneously furthering other goals as more people fall for the lies of the establishment media in the west especially Ireland In time, Ireland could find itself in NATO.

There is a fully fledged propaganda campaign in the age of information attempting to sway people in favour of a coming conflict and in favour of more draconian measures domestically due to “terror,” the latest of which manifests against Palestine Solidarity activists and journalists who are coming under increasing fire from the states including in the UK and Ireland; we must see past it and understand they seek what is good for them, not the Irish working class or the working class of Europe.

In future these laws will expand out to many others, don’t think that because you aren’t an activist or journalist that these developments won’t affect you in the future, to the contrary history shows us exactly how this goes.

“Russian bombers and battleships regularly threaten Dublin’s sea lines and air corridors. The Irish, too, must recognize the fundamental changes in European security. To secure Europe’s western flank, Ireland must join NATO”. - Joint-force-quarterly Celtic Security in the Atlantic: How Does Ireland Secure Europe's Western Flank?

Not only is this to do with the ever-changing dynamics of the geopolitical stage with the declining state of the Empire of the United States and the “Western Rules Based Order” with the rise of the BRICS alliance the UK, US and NATO are clamouring to find their footing to attempt the “defense” of Empire, the changing dynamics of the world clearly shows the influence of the once dominant nations is on the downturn it can be seen through the expulsion of the old colonial powers from Africa and the Pacific Islands, it can be seen through the impotency of the “world's institutions” in the face of such injustice.

The manifestations of working class anti-imperialist movements solidarity movements across the globe, the de dollarization initiatives and steering away from the status quo of the global economy in search of alternatives, such as BRICS.

We live in truly historic times, but we are in uncharted territory as we continue into the 4th industrial revolution.

Northern Ireland’s dynamic defense sector is primed to deliver and safeguard the UK’s sovereign industrial capabilities over the long term, and defense spending is an important part of this. Defense spending plays a key role in supporting regional economies by promoting employment and the development of specialist knowledge, skills, and expertise. However, stark regional inequities continue to be most felt in Northern Ireland. - ADS

This is an overarching plan by the foremost imperialist powers, and the changes are coming fast for the future of the arms industry here, a vision of turning the Island into a base for the research and development and manufacturing production “hub” for this industry on behalf of Britain and NATO to shore up supply chains and production capacity.

It is the gate to Europe from the Atlantic; it sits primed on the flanks of the continent, a strategically important place but it also has foundations upon which these industries can build and thrive, including the R&D base, which is continuing to expand within the educational sector and beyond. To be utilized on behalf of the “defense and security” industry, an industry that is covered in blood.

A lot of these companies work on commercial products and services, on civil aerospace that we hear so much about, but this too is part of the wider British “Security and Defense Industrial Strategy.”.

A vision that incorporates the whole island, in conjunction with the British and Europe's industrial strategy, and its forecast for the future of NATO procurement of weapons and ammunition and their ideas around Ireland's place in it. If you thought BREXIT would have stopped this type of tight-knit cooperation, you’re in for a shock. The ruling class has the ruling class's interests in mind; what the masses get to see is just theatre.

Cyber innovations, innovation in aerospace technology, and the commercial and military manufacturing of weapons and weapons systems for the foremost imperialist powers. As the communities in Ireland remain fractured and broken, non of this so called benefit is really reaching the working class communities.

Not an Ireland James Connolly had envisaged all those years ago.

Ireland and the push for it to join NATO?

With the chat about Ireland “joining NATO” and the constant talking up of the potential for the North to become a weapons manufacturing hub hypothetically, and in practice, it’s lining up to become a prime location for this machination.

In 1999, Ireland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program (PfP). This agreement secured Ireland's place as a peacekeeping force for the coming years but also drew Ireland closer in cooperation and coordination with the NATO alliance.

Recently, in 2024, Ireland pushed to join the Individually Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP) that the Irish government and NATO officials at the time claimed “did not bring Ireland” closer to NATO, but in reality, it does.

Allowing the Irish government to closely work to aid in the procurement process for NATO and others. This comes after pressure had been exerted on the Irish government from all sides, including the US.

The now Taoiseach Micheal Martin, when in the office of Tainste and minister of defense, oversaw the largest hike in spending for the military budget the ‘Free State’ has seen. Under consecutive Irish governments the US had used Irish airspace and territory in breach of Irelands neutrality to transit weapons and munitions to Israel.

In the Irish Defence Strategy statement, the Irish Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, green-stamped this; he too is about to take his seat as NATO’s first Irish Chair of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) in 2025.

High Priority Goals of ‘The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2023–2026’

• Provision of timely and relevant policy and military advice

• Complete the Strategic Defence Review.

• Contribute to national and international security and defense policy.

• Enhance cross-cutting policy collaboration.

• Implement the Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, which includes the government decisions arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the implementation of the government-approved recommendations of the IRG report, and the remaining projects from the White Paper on Defence.

• Climate Action

• Innovation

• Digital Agenda

• Development and maintenance of capabilities

• Develop our people and enhance planning for future HR requirements.

• Efficient and innovative management of resources

• Deliver operations successfully

“Advance Ireland’s strategic interests and values in international fora—in the context of enhancing security, work proactively to advance national interests, and continue to contribute actively to the development of international defense and security policy in international fora, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, notably in relation to the UN, EU Common Security and Defence Policy, and NATO/Partnership for Peace (PfP).”

A discussion that is not openly spoken of, at least within the political class, is that Ireland is on and has been on a slippery slope, and with the campaign of pressure being exerted on the island not only from outside forces but also from within, it seems that it's set to not only become a vision but a reality.

One of the appendages of the British establishment exerting these pressures was the British think tank the ‘Policy Exchange’ with its report that stated “Ireland was a backdoor security risk” to the United Kingdom. One of many reports used to prompt the ruling class in Ireland to do as they are told in roundabout ways.

This report was backed by two former British defense ministers, Michael Fallon and George Robertson. This, of course, along with open calls from Grant Shapps and others while in office, “urging” Ireland to join NATO.

How this fully pans out is yet to be seen, but it should be taken seriously as more and more the EU and US, through their countless appendages, exert pressure on Ireland to drop its stance on neutrality, and with those at home, some within the political class and within halls of academia and other sectors continue to push for Ireland's ascendance to the NATO alliance and to take a more hawkish approach to Russia and other perceived enemies of the US-led Empire, including against dissenting voices in the domestic arena, be they journalists, activists, or people voicing their opinion on social media.

“Development and maintenance of capabilities in fulfillment of assigned roles at home and overseas—Development of a top-down capability development planning process through the work of the new civilian/military Capability Development Unit with the objective of delivering an initial Capability Development Programme that identifies short-, medium-, and longer-term capability needs.

– Increase focus on Research, Technology, and Innovation (RTI) together with engagement with external institutes, enterprise, and evaluation through initiatives such as the further implementation of the RTI Unit’s work program, Defense Enterprise, and the Public Service Innovation Strategy, in accordance with the objectives of the White Paper and the White Paper Update.

– Implement the 2021-26 Equipment Development Plan (including exploring potential for Joint Procurement projects at an EU level) and the 2022-27 Infrastructure Plan in line with the 2022-2025 National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040 Plan”. - ‘The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2023–2026’

Not only that, but after all of Ireland's struggles with British colonial exploitation, the island now enters a new era under the thumb of the imperialist powers, including the US, manifesting as we see today in an ever-globalized world.

In a “post-conflict” north, the revitalization of Belfast and the wider north was something promised, something that would naturally come with peace; little could we have known how it would be used to bolster the arms industry to the tunes of millions with the workforce utilized for the war machines of the west.

Still our communities remain on their knees, and these companies continue to thrive, especially on the misery of people across the globe. With the contributions to the global military-industrial complex.

People slowly but surely are awakening to the disparity on a global scale and the disparity in the equality and inequality on a national and international level. The continuing hardships of the working class and the overcoming of adversity are making people look at those who truly have questions to answer for their actions with this class consciousness bubbling to the top, making us question our material reality, and rightly so!

Many within the Irish government over the years, including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said, “Ireland won’t join NATO, but we need to boost our defense capability.” These politicians only have a certain shelf life and will say what they feel the Irish people want to hear at any time, but again, a very slippery slope.

Because with each year, that not joining NATO is becoming “we might not join NATO” too soon, “we will join NATO,” NO to NATO, NO to WAR!

For years, each Dublin government that came to power enacted “secret” negotiations with the British in regard to the defense of the island.

One of these negotiations had to do with the “protection of Irish airspace,” which allows for the use of Irish airspace when deemed necessary, part of the Anglo-Irish agreement, but some military officials and politicians hint at it being a long-standing agreement that "goes back over 70 years to the early days of the Cold War.".

A plan that has clearly been formulated over years, the push to bring Ireland firmly into the fold of NATO continues; the pressure to throw away Ireland's neutrality is one we must take seriously as a people, both north and south. Ireland is slowly becoming an outpost in every sense of the word for western imperialists and their networks and is slowly becoming a “hub” for their arms and surveillance industry. Only to be utilized on behalf of the imperialist powers.

Britain’s Plan for The North of Ireland?

It’s introduced and will be introduced as a positive for the economy, for local communities. It will be labelled as a “boon” for Belfast and the North; it will be an “innovative boost” to local industry with talk of the usual tech companies or cybersecurity or aerospace companies in their “civil ventures” with local media only ever really alluding to the wider “defense industry.”.

Sure they haven’t been afraid of telling us about Harland & Wolff to build British naval vessels. They will do everything to not say "we are building weapons and weapons systems" that may or may not be used in genocide or wars of aggression across the globe. Of course not. But they also won’t ever get round to telling you this is all part of a far wider picture, a strategy being formulated among the US led NATO alliance and executed as we see.

Even if a United Ireland were to come tomorrow, Ireland would be beholden to British industry, NATO, and the US. James Connolly's quote can be extrapolated and applied to the situation today, removing the British and replacing them with the US, EU, or NATO, and it would be the same thing. Tentacles of empire are many.

Rising geopolitical tensions require the UK to adapt rapidly to an ever-evolving threat environment. Both NATO and the EU have recognized the importance of working in partnership to build the defense industrial base, with NATO’s Defense Production Action Plan providing an essential framework. UK industry must work with NATO allies to create a more resilient defense supply chain with an increased production capacity. - ADS Group

That's how it's done. That mixed with the constant pushing of fear in the media about the “Russian threat” or the “threat of terrorism” and then providing ideas as a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, anything that would be convenient for the narrative at the time.

Much like other parts of the world, Ireland is now a fully-fledged vassal of empire and is indeed being used and abused by those supporting genocide on the world stage. The empty words of support and empty promises of solidarity from those in the political class—all of it is a front. The ruling class on this island could care less about Palestine, Ukraine, the Donbass, or anywhere else for that matter; they care for themselves and the interests of their masters in Washington alone.

Some of these groups and corporations have already stated themselves that they seek to make “Northern Ireland a Defense” manufacturing “hub” for British industry in line with the British government's strategy. But not only this: the British government and the Northern Ireland executive are investing millions in these companies yearly.

This Defense and Security Industrial Strategy will see industry, government, and academia working ever closer together to drive research, enhance investment, and promote innovation. We will do so while fundamentally reforming the regulations that govern the Defense and Security Industrial Strategy. -MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy

‘Think NATO’ is a long-term initiative focused on shaping the UK’s strategic approach to research, capability, and industrial initiatives in NATO. It seeks to raise awareness across government and unlock the potential of future opportunities through NATO for the UK, such as the development of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities. This will involve tapping into the wealth of expertise across government, industry, and academia, demonstrating commitment and the value of the UK’s contribution to NATO. - MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy

In 2024 the ‘Northern Ireland Executive’ in a private member's bill signed off on the motion to “Strengthening Northern Ireland’s Defence Industries,” showing that the executive and its parties are fully on board with these plans for the north.

“That this Assembly is committed to realising the untapped potential of the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors in Northern Ireland; notes that these growing industries employed 9,000 people across Northern Ireland in 2022 and provided over 500 apprenticeships; further notes that technology produced in Northern Ireland has been a significant pillar of the UK’s support for the defence of Ukraine; regrets the current low levels of Ministry of Defence spending in Northern Ireland, including in respect of small and medium sized enterprises; believes a concerted effort to incorporate Northern Ireland into the UK defence network will generate significant and lasting economic opportunities, as well as promote Northern Ireland as a global leader in innovative aerospace and security technology; welcomes commitments to strengthening Northern Ireland’s defence industries in the UK Government’s Safeguarding the Union Command Paper; calls on the Minister for the Economy to develop an ambitious programme to showcase opportunities for investment in local defence industries and shipbuilding; and further calls on the Minister to work with industry, the Ministry of Defence and Executive colleagues to ensure our workforce has the skills required to scale up the defence and security industries in Northern Ireland.” - Motion ‘Strengthening Northern Ireland’s Defence Industries’

If it wasn’t clear that some of the so-called “revolutionaries” in power in Stormont are all too happy to have tea and biscuits with genocide Joe and his cohorts in Washington. They are all the same! There has been silence in regards to the monopolization of British and US “defense companies” here; in fact, they are welcomed with open arms.

As we proceed, more of our civil rights and liberties are eroded away over extended periods of time or in the space of a few months or years, as we have seen after 2001 with the introduction of the Patriot Act in the US leading to the NSA’s massive global surveillance program or the introduction of consistent policies eroding privacy rights and civil rights in the UK. These things are all intertwined and are part of the manifestations of the latter stage of capitalism.

The politicians and those within private capital don’t like to talk about arms all too often, especially in the open, especially in an environment such as we see today with the genocide in Palestine. The continued stoking of the war in Ukraine has led to the sacrifice of generations to a fight that had been set up by NATO and the US from the start, so it's presented to the local populace as an opportunity for industry and innovation to build the city up, a “net positive” for the communities. And possibly in the future, “a need for the security of Europe.”

At what cost?

In the MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy report, it coincidentally urges the British MOD to boost its footprint in the north, including bolstering “defense and security.”. Calling for the British MOD to step up its air and naval presence on the island, which we have been seeing.

With clear priorities for our international cooperation, we will make better use of our bilateral and multilateral links with NATO and others to create capability. And we will develop new commercial mechanisms to sell our great defense and security exports to our friends and allies around the world. - MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy

We are told it's great for us to have these massive multinational corporations and tech companies, security firms, and cyber tech companies coming and using the North; it will be great for people here, but the fact is these companies never have and never will have the best interests of the working classes in mind when deciding where to go.

“If you remove the English Army tomorrow and hoist the green flag over Dublin Castle., unless you set about the organization of the Socialist Republic, your efforts will be in vain. England will still rule you. She would rule you through her capitalists, through her landlords, through her financiers, through the whole array of commercial and individualist institutions she has planted in this country and watered with the tears of our mothers and the blood of our martyrs.”

― James Connolly

Before we even touch on the expansion of the military-industrial complex that truly is taking on a global form with its increasing use of international production “hubs” and R&D centres like Ireland. They seek the best place for their bottom line, and with the incentives from local government and both the British and Irish governments, they jump at the opportunity. When it suits them, they will leave.

Do we, as an Irish people, really want to allow our island to become a hub for the imperialist powers in the world? After everything the Irish have struggled for after every sacrifice, is this the Ireland we will settle for?

But we will continue to welcome overseas-based companies and investment into the onshore industrial base and will continue to work with international partners to co-develop and collaborate on new capability where our needs align; indeed, one of the changes inside the MOD will be to ensure that international collaborative opportunities are considered earlier and more systematically. - British MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy

A Look at Some of The Companies In The North

As it stands, there are a number of manufacturing facilities in the North that are manufacturing weapons, parts for weapons systems, and the assortment of bits and pieces needed to produce the finished products for weapons platforms, including fighter jets used around the world, including by Israel in its genocide.

One of these groups is the Thales Group, based in Belfast, part of the NATO procurement initiative by the British. It was reported in 2022 that a £223m contract to build anti-tank munitions

.

Not only do these companies specialize in the manufacturing and design of weapons systems and platforms, but they also specialize in “internet identity,” “data management,” and “biometrics & payment systems” incorporated by banks and other institutions and state-of-the-art “cybersecurity,” but much more.

Some of these companies do indeed have links to companies such as Elbit Systems and others such as Israel Aerospace Industries, who are notorious for their tech that has been involved in the destruction, fragmentation, and genocide of the Palestinian people. But others are involved in roundabout ways that aren’t so clear. This may need to be done over several articles.

I will touch on some of the weapon systems that include the likes of the STAR Streak High Velocity Missile (HVM), part of the British SHORAD Anti-Air defense systems (Short Range Air Defense), one of the most advanced munitions in its class.

These missiles exceed speeds of Mach 3 with “laser beam riding guidance.” This is but one of many munitions and systems that are being worked on in the north of Ireland. This also includes multiple platform designs being built specifically for these munitions.

The Thales group also specializes in UAV systems with their latest joint venture with Flyby Technology and Turkish partners FlyBVLOS Technology and Maxwell Innovations, with the successful flight and testing of the fire and control platform of the Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) integrated with the JACKAL (UAV) platform.

A venture that was subsidized by Invest NI as well as sponsored by the Rapid Capabilities Office of the Royal Air Force (RAF).

This company and others have questions to answer for their part in the genocide in Palestine as well, without a doubt. Thales announced it had acquired Israeli company GET Sat, saying that it would allow “Thales’s existing global SATCOM business and enhance our secure satellite communications offering and leading position in communications integration.”

When a delegation from the Green Party and activists made their way to offices belonging to Thales Australia linked to Thales in Ireland, the staff blocked the doors.

During this, those taking part made clear why they were there.

“What you have to understand about weapons in the occupied territories is they’re used to control an entire people,” said Dr. Sarmad Akkach. “Freedom of movement is completely controlled through technology that companies like Thales make.”

“These companies are coming to feed on the error our government is making in buying into America’s plans for a war with China.”

Another of these is the ADS Audrey Group; their manifesto is below. This group is part of the AUKUS focus and part of the AUKUS Pillar Two initiative, part of the “Defense and Security” industry. All of this is in tandem with NATO and the EU’s ‘European Defense Industrial Strategy’ for the coming years. This group also has clients across the globe that it provides parts and services for, including in Israel.

In 2024, the UK stands at a crossroads. Growing global competition, proliferating international security challenges, the rapid pace of technological development, and the pressing need to develop a more resilient and sustainable economy are challenges that must be addressed if the next government is to secure strategic advantage for the UK. - ADS

Spirit AeroSystems is an American company working closely with the British government in the development and production of parts for jets and the production of UAV platforms for the British Ministry of Defense. They own facilities in Belfast for their manufacturing of these platforms and parts.

This is an ambitious plan to re-energize our defense and security sectors. A plan to treat this great industrial powerhouse as a strategic capability in its own right. A plan to spread opportunity across the nation. In a post-Covid world, we’re sending out a powerful signal of Britain’s determination to build back better and stronger. - British MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy

Moyola Precision Engineering is a company that specializes in a variety of parts for “defense” applications. This includes working on the manufacturing of the F-35 airframe parts. They also specialize in ‘launch and guidance’ platforms. They are contracted to build and develop designs for prototypes to be manufactured.

“Moyola is fully approved to machine and assemble aerospace components for Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed, and Saab aircraft.”.

RLC (UK) this group manufactures aerospace components for both military and civil aviation from fan blades and panels to the cranks and ducts and all of the other key components needed to assemble aircraft. With two manufacturing sites in the north. This group too was funded by the executive and EU “Project part financed by the Investment for Growth and Jobs Program for Northern Ireland co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.”.

(From CAAT tracker)

”RFD Beaufort Limited, F-35 producer, makes industrial rubber goods, rubberized fabrics, and miscellaneous rubber specialties for marine and aviation safety and survival equipment.”

We recognize that the next government will face significant economic challenges and must carefully allocate resources accordingly, but a strong strategic partnership with industry is essential for addressing them successfully. The UK’s aerospace, defense, security, and space sectors will be vital in effectively delivering the technology, skills, and growth that we need to secure our domestic, global, and future advantage in the face of these constraints. - MOD Defense & Security Industrial Strategy