Activists to protest Australian arms company supplying 'Israel'
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In response to ongoing aggression against Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria and in solidarity with resistance in Palestine, the Belmore community announced plans to disrupt operations at SEC Plating on April 16, continuing the A15 call to action.
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A Palestinian child injured in an Israeli airstrike receives treatment at the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, on April 12, 2025. (AP)
In response to the ongoing aggression by the Zionist entity against Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, and in solidarity with those resisting in Palestine, the Belmore community announced plans on Monday to disrupt operations at SEC Plating, continuing the A15 call to action.
Scheduled for April 16, the protest aims to halt the company's involvement in the global arms production chain, which is believed to contribute to the ongoing genocide and Zionist occupation in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Weapons out of the West Spokesperson Abboud Shaweesh explained, “Australian companies play a major role in the global arms production chain that maintains genocide and Zionist occupation. More than 30 companies across this continent produce parts for the F-35 jet fighter, and SEC Plating provides surface coating for key parts of this aircraft. Many of its customers are weapons manufacturers like Ferra, Levett, L3Micreo, and TAE.”
The statement indicates that the protest is a response to increasing concerns about the government's expanding involvement in weapons production, especially in Western Sydney.
Defense Minister Richard Marles recently announced the establishment of a new missile factory for Lockheed Martin in Orchard Hill. That said, Shaweesh added, "These companies profit from death and displacement, exploiting local workers, including migrants and refugees, who are forced to move here because of the same imperialist wars and devastation."
The statement highlighted that the protest is inspired by recent disruptions to the arms trade, such as Peace Action Ōtautahi's actions against NIOA in Aotearoa, along with efforts by Pal Action UK and Unity of Fields in the US.
Shaweesh emphasized that SEC Plating's collaboration with weapons manufacturers is not vital to their core business, but rather a strategic decision to maximize profits, adding, "The owner claimed that the jets they help produce are meant to protect Australia, but even if that’s true, we refuse to make our community a home for the weapons trade."
Weapons out of the West has vowed to continue picketing and escalate actions in solidarity with those resisting occupation and imperialism around the world.
Read next: Australia recognizes Palestinian permanent sovereignty in policy shift
It is worth mentioning that last year in October, Australia conducted a review of all 66 defense-related export permits for "Israel" that were granted before the outbreak of the war on Gaza.
Also last year, Albanese said his government does not provide weapons to "Israel" after intense pressure from local communities over Australia's role in the Israeli war on Gaza.
The review mirrored the recent reassessment of arms licenses to "Israel" by the UK government, with results expected to be announced "in the coming months," as per Guardian Australia.
Moreover, pro-Palestine protesters in Australia have repeatedly urged Albanese's government to impose sanctions on "Israel" for its war on the enclave.
Israeli military tested Australian-designed weapon system ahead of potential purchase: Report
Amid this call, it is worth mentioning that the Israeli military has tested an Australian-designed weapon system ahead of a potential purchase despite Canberra’s repeated denial that it is sending weapons to "Israel", local media reported Friday.
Israel has completed trials of a remote weapon system designed by Canberra-based defense supplier Electro Optic Systems (EOS), according to ABC News.
Australia-made components were first sent to an EOS entity in the US for assembly and then sent to "Israel" without an Australian export approval, it said.
The remote weapon system was one of dozens of counter-drone technologies tested by the Israeli army earlier this year, according to the report,
However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claimed on Friday that his country would not sell arms to "Israel".
"I am aware of this report that you refer to. We looked into this matter, and the company has confirmed with the Department of Defense that the particular system was not exported from Australia," he told ABC.
