Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/667/11904
From The Socialist newspaper, 20 April 2011
War - what is it good for? Arms sales!
Rob Bishop
Arms manufacturers are excited by the Libyan conflict as it will lead to increased sales and profits. The Nato-led 'no-fly zone' has become a prime shop window for potential weapons customers, underlining the power of western fighter jets and smart bombs.
One of the ironies in the West's enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya is that Western powers such as France and Italy are using the very aircraft and weapons that only months ago they were trying to sell to the Libyan leader, Colonel Gaddafi.
"This is turning into the best shop window for competing aircraft for years. More even than in Iraq in 2003," says Francis Tusa, editor of UK-based Defence Analysis.
"You are seeing for the first time on an operation the Typhoon and the Rafale (fighter jets) up against each other, and both countries want to place an emphasis on exports.
"France is particularly desperate to sell the Rafale."
While a defence executive commented: "Sarkozy has done a great job in getting the Rafale out there and hitting a convoy early on.
"He will go to export markets and say this is what our planes can do."
And the rewards are enormous. India, Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Kuwait are among a growing list of countries shopping for one or more of the fighters flying sorties over Libya.
India is currently doing a deal for 126 fighter planes worth £10 billion, while in the pipeline is a £60 billion arms package deal between the USA and Saudi Arabia.
Referring to Libya, a former Nato defence export official recently said: "As soon as an aircraft or weapon is used on operational deployment, that instantly becomes a major marketing ploy; it becomes 'proven in combat'.
To convince potential buyers, defence equipment needs to be tested and survive what weapon marketers call a 'hot war'. A hot war gives arms buyers a chance to see if the arms seller's marketing claims are justified.
"Everyone is looking at Libya. It is definitely a showcase," one western defence company official told Reuters.
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In The Socialist 20 April 2011:
Anti-cuts campaigning
How can the Con-Dem coalition be most effectively punished?
Kick big business out of health care
Fighting anti-cuts programme needed in Scottish elections
Coventry: support for socialists increases
Enthusiasm for ten TUSC candidates across Kent
Vote Against Cuts alliance launched in Leicester
"Lambeth council know the cost of everything and the value of nothing"
Socialist Students
International socialist news and analysis
Sarkozy instigates ban on veil to boost his political ratings
Libya: Is humanitarian aid providing mission creep for western powers?
War - what is it good for? Arms sales!
Socialist Party workplace news
"Staggering scale" of London Ambulance service cuts
Enthusiastic support for PCS call centres strike
Socialist Party features
Anniversary: Black Friday 15 April 1921
The Alternative Vote referendum - 5 May
Socialist Party news and analysis
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Newcastle: Socialists won't be intimidated by racists
Gay protest and discrimination
Angry protest at death of Smiley Culture
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