Australia selling military equipment to Saudi Arabia

Australia selling military equipment to Saudi Arabia during brutal Yemen conflict

Australian firms have secured contracts to supply military equipment to Saudi Arabia, an autocracy accused of ongoing war crimes in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 civilians.

Defence has approved four military exports to the kingdom in the past year and the Australian government has led the push for more.

But the government is refusing to release details of the approved military sales, citing commercial-in-confidence rules.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne visited Riyadh in December to promote Australian materiel to senior government figures including Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, the head of the National Guard.

8 comments

Just amazed and appalled that we are selling military equipment to Saudi Arabia who not only have caused mass starvation in the Yemen but also are considered to support AlQaeda and IS.


http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-selling-military-equipment-to-saudi-arabia-during-brutal-yemen-conflict-20170324-gv5k7o.html

 

 

Viv,

Not a surprise.

Australia has a very long history of manufacturing and selling military equipment.

SD

Yep, 

Australian firms have secured contracts to supply military equipment to Saudi Arabia.  Defence has approved four military exports to the kingdom in the past year and the Australian government has led the push for more.

Somehow I was unaware SD that Australia supplied military equipment obviously don't mix in the right circles, all those small children starving in the Yemen and we are aiding and abetting it to occur. I find that very upsetting I thought OZ was better than that. 

News to me too Viv. We are as hypocritical as the US.

What sort of military equipment do we make and sell? Anyone know?

"But the government is refusing to release details of the approved military sales, citing commercial-in-confidence rules."

Perhaps it is high time that the Public was aware of commercial-in confidence rules .. and just who is making the profit from this venture ???

Abby the government don't think we have a right to know about aspects of Border Control or Arms deals either we are being treated like mushrooms.

 

Robi,

It goes back a long way and the military equipment I am aware of has included weaponry for various purposes. These activities were in part for our own use but for export as well. 

I am well out of touch with such things but I have no doubt these activities have continued over time. Way back I was employed by an organisation involved in this area for a while.

SD

Thanks Shaggy but what sort of weapons?

A spokesperson for Minister Pyne said the export of controlled goods such as military equipment is subject to strict controls, which reflect Australia's international obligations as a responsible global citizen. Defence Connect.

Sales to Saudi Arabia strictly adhere to all of these obligations.

Consideration of export applications includes an assessment against the following five criteria:
• International obligations;
• National security;
• Human rights;
• Regional security; and
• Foreign policy.

Of course!! Don't they always.

Ok, but what sort of weapons do we sell to Saudi Arabia that meets with those obligations, especially human rights???

Better Australia make money from the Saudi's then Russia or China

If we dont sell, there's plenty of others who will.

 

 

Raph,

I think it is a bit more complex than straight out money making, that is part of it for sure but I suspect a lot more goes on behind the scenes that simple folk like us will never know.

I think Winston C said "The truth must be protected by a bodyguard of lies." Probably applies today as much as it ever did.

SD

I thought we even imported our uniforms - 

..... from China?  Yes?

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