Lufthansa Technik to work with 'Israel's' Elbit on military drones
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Elbit Systems is known for supplying the Israeli occupation forces with drones, munitions, combat vehicles, missiles, and various other types of weaponry.
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Lufthansa aircraft stands on the apron at Hamburg airport on February 7, 2024. (AP)
Lufthansa will collaborate with Israeli firm Elbit Systems on military drones through its maintenance business Lufthansa Technik as it looks to grow its "defense business", a representative for the subsidiary announced Monday.
The deal involves an agreement to deliver and service up to eight Israeli Hermes 900 Starliner drones for the German navy. Lufthansa Technik will handle maintenance and crew training, while Elbit will manufacture the drones.
The project is the first of its kind for Lufthansa Technik.
Its defense business comprises the repair and maintenance of NATO's standard aircraft, such as the F-35 fighter jets, Chinook transport helicopters, and Poseidon surveillance planes.
Following the war in Ukraine, Germany established a 100 billion euro ($107.68 billion) special defense fund in 2022, describing it as a "Zeitenwende" or turning moment in increasing its military spending.
In March, the unwavering effort by Palestine Action compelled Elbit Systems, "Israel’s" largest arms company, to permanently close yet another weapons factory in the UK, despite facing arrests, raids, and imprisonment.
It is worth noting that Elbit Systems is known for supplying the Israeli occupation forces with drones, munitions, combat vehicles, missiles, and various other types of weaponry. According to the British newspaper Morning Star, "The majority of their arms are marketed as 'battle-tested', meaning that they have been deployed in bombardments against the Palestinian people."
37 human rights groups urge Germany to halt arms sales to 'Israel'
Earlier this month, over 30 human rights groups called on Germany to halt all arms supplies to the Israeli occupation and put more effort into effectuating a ceasefire in Gaza.
An open letter addressed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed by international groups, including Amnesty, Oxfam Germany, and Pax Christi, urged Germany to adhere to international law and pressure "Israel" for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“Stop the export of war weapons and other military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza or the occupied West Bank,” the letter read, emphasizing that the occupation has been violating human rights using these weapons.
It also urged Germany to fulfill its duty as per international law, act accordingly to push "Israel" toward adhering to the demands of the International Court of Justice and opening humanitarian corridors to allow aid deliveries to Gaza, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in the Strip.
37 human rights groups signed the letter, including Doctors of the World, Medico International, CARE Germany, and the Munich-based Palestinian-Jewish Dialogue Group.
On Tuesday, the International Court of Justice judges decided not to issue urgent orders halting German arms exports to "Israel", noting that they remain deeply concerned about the conditions in Gaza.
However, the court did not honor Germany's plea to dismiss the case, allowing it to proceed.
