https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/mbda-labours-arms-manufacturer-knee-deep-gazan-blood

MBDA’s Alabama factory makes components for Boeing’s GBU-39 bombs used to kill civilians in Gaza. Its profits flow through Stevenage to Paris — and it is one of the British government’s favourite firms, reveals SOLOMON HUGHES

LAST MONTH, a Guardian report revealed that pan-European missile maker MBDA manufactures a key component for one of the bombs the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are raining on Gaza.

The report, based on a thorough joint work between the Guardian, French investigative group Disclose and Dutch journalism organisation called Follow The Money, showed how this top European weapons maker is deeply implicated in the widespread killing of civilians.

One extra point I want to add to their investigation is that MBDA is one of the British government’s favourite firms, with multiple links to Team Starmer. This shows how Labour’s close embrace of the arms industry compromises its stance on Gaza.

The July Guardian investigation showed MBDA makes the “wings” for Boeing’s GBU-39 bomb, which unfold after launch so the bomb can be guided to target. Since 2023 the US has actively promoted the IDF’s use of GBU-39’s, arguing this smaller 250-pound munition causes less “collateral damage” than bigger bombs. But by dropping many of these smaller bombs exported from the US, often on “soft” targets, the IDF have killed many civilians.

The distinctive GBU-39 “wings” are often found in the wreckage of these deadly attacks. The investigation pointed out that while this is a smaller bomb, it is very deadly when used against people as “in an enclosed space, it creates a lethal fireball.”

For example, a GBU-39 was used in the attack on the Fahmi al-Jarjawi school in Gaza City in May. This killed 36 people, half of them children, and is memorable because of much-watched footage of one of the children, five-year-old Hanin al-Wadie, stumbling around in the flames. Wadie survived, although with extremely serious burns.

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/mbda-labours-arms-manufacturer-knee-deep-gazan-blood

Article continues with a discussion of Health Secretary Wes Streeting inviting  US General Stanley McChrystal and a former 22 SAS Squadron Commander to give advice on NHS reform.