Activists in Belfast Stage Protest Action Against Arms Manufacturer. New Order for 5000 Missiles in £1.6 Billion Sale to Ukraine…
Around a week after protests at the Belfast Thales weapons production facility, new orders, this time for Ukraine, come in at £1.6 billion... What peace?
The weapons manufacturer in question is one of a number tackled in a recent article on the ASN Substack; that manufacturer is Thales. A company that has profited from the misery of those on the receiving end of these weapons and weapons systems, the mass targeting, and the destruction enacted on the Palestinian people is but one example of their use.
Part of the article tackled a vision laid out not just by the British government in its ‘military-industrial strategy’ but also by the Stormont executive in its investment strategy to “rejuvenate” the north of Ireland, though not under the headings of “military” but “investment,” “jobs,” and “opportunity.”
“Increasing our investment in defence is not only bolstering our national security, it is an opportunity to put more money into working people’s pockets and boost economic growth” British Prime Minister Starmer
The fact is that working-class communities rarely feel the so-called net positives with trickle-down economics. The myth that we are better off with these large corporations is just that—a myth.
These companies are participating in the manufacturing of weaponry that more times than not ends up in foreign lands killing foreign people, usually for foreign imperialist interests.
Last week around 30 - 40 Palestine solidarity activists took to the Thales weapons manufacturing facility in East Belfast waving Palestine flags and unfurling banners highlighting Thale’s continued contribution to the genocide of Palestinians.
Throughout the Israeli campaign of genocide from October 2023 to today, these companies have made significant contributions, helping to make sure parts and munitions were readily available when needed to carry out the crimes in Palestine.
Thales provides parts for weapons platforms and different munitions to states around the globe; however, the most recent bump in manufacturing comes from the £1.6 billion order for multi-role munitions, specifically the 5,000 lightweight multi-role missiles (LMM) destined for Ukraine. Thales also develop and manufacture the NLAW shoulder-fired anti-tank missile.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and this will become more apparent as we proceed towards 2030, the north of Ireland is being co-opted by British and American multinational corporations for imperialist interests through their subsidiary companies with the full support of the British government and Stormont executive. Although some within these institutions may voice their discontent at the fact it’s happening, the overseeing of all this is on their watch.
It’s absurd, and it’s not something many would have thought possible here, but the weapons industry is here. The British government's plans for the coming years will most likely mean an expansion of operations of these manufacturers both in the production and research and development phases.
Keir Starmer has already announced that he will be setting up a dedicated weapons procurement unit. Whether or not they will be able to put this all into practice is yet to be seen.
How long before more calls for conscription come from the hawks in Parliament?
A new initiative launched by the British government will ensure small to medium-sized businesses part of the security industry are to be subsidized partially and amalgamated into the British supply chain network.
All of this comes after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutter called on the alliance to enter a “wartime” mindset.
The increasing distance between Trump and Europe has pushed the NATO alliance to drive this vision to the fore of discussion in recent days.
"We need to change the paradigm and move into war economy mode. This also means that the European defence industry must take more risks, with our support,"
"In the current geopolitical context, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, regardless of the outcome of our allies’ elections every four years,” Thierry Breton, the European industry commissioner
Be under no illusions: these people are playing theatrics and that’s not to say that major change is not underway it is but they will for the most part remain staunch allies, and that will be shown through continued cooperation and collaboration on the world stage.
The US has also green-lit a military aid package of £4 Billion to Israel courtesy of Marco Rubio the Israel lobby stooge. Common ground in the days of the theatrics, but again a reality that these people will continue to have interests aligned the empire may be retracting but the Imperialist tendencies remain, don’t be fooled.
The British PM made it clear that the US remains an integral part of the EU’s security strategy, even with a smaller role within it.
All of this aligns with the strategy of the collective EU and EU nations and the British individual strategy in which Thales, alongside other companies elsewhere, would play a key role in the backbone of weapons development and production.
“Give our industries the big orders and long-term contracts they need to rapidly produce more and better capabilities.
Buying only big-ticket items that are delivered too late will not keep us safe.
We also need modern capabilities that use the most advanced technologies. And we need them now” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
Whether that’s for NATO or not will be seen as Keir Starmer calls for a possible ‘Europe plus’ alliance or an “alliance of the willing” Spain has already ruled this out so far.
The vultures flock as the spoils of war are to be divided. The UK, France, and others continue to jostle for leadership roles in the newly forming coalition. With questions surrounding the UK’s actual capabilities in regards to its nuclear deterrence, France is at the front of the pack.
Without the US guarantees, the EU will struggle to find the necessary resources to fill the hole left by the US; however, they will work to find a middle ground at least for the time being.
Al-Jazeera Graphic on US troops in Europe
How the far-right neo-Nazi elements take this deal well, people hoping for peace may not get it as soon as believed, at least not how they had envisioned. If the past is anything to go by.
Especially if the European powers get what they want by funneling weaponry into Ukraine as soon as possible before a deal is reached, etc. This only stands to exacerbate the situation.
Some of these nations made it clear, including the British, that they are preparing for the coming years 2027-30, a statement made by military analysts of the establishment kind, including heads of the military themselves.
“A bold ambition”
“to double our fighting power in three years and triple by the end of the decade” General Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff
The Republic of Ireland does not escape these events, with its neutrality seemingly becoming more irrelevant with each day that passes as the Dublin government pushes on ahead with the Commission of the Defence Force’s recommendations in a process to “modernize” land, air, and sea force capabilities and anti-air defense systems with upgraded radar systems.
Both the UK and Ireland recently held “High Level” talks the contents of which they did not disclose.
“The Secretary of State for Defence wrote to the new Tánaiste following his appointment in January 2025, congratulating him on his appointment, and the Chief of Defence Staff visited Ireland on 12 and 13 February, where he met the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and Secretary General of the Department of Defence.” MP Andrew Rosindell.