Australian Armed Forces to Cease Use of Israel Defense System
There has has been ongoing tension between Elbit Systems and the Australian Department of Defence, reportedly due to the price of the BMS.
Beginning in June, the armed forces of Australia will stop using the Battle Management System (BMS) manufactured by Israel’s largest private arms firm, Elbit Systems.
A report by Australian Defence states that the Australian government has already informed the company of the decision, but no further explanation was provided.
“The news was given to the company with no explanation as to the reasoning behind the decision, with Defence confirming that they have no interim solution to replace the capability,” the news website said.
Last week, national broadcaster ABC reported that there has been ongoing tension between Elbit Systems and the Australian Department of Defence, reportedly due to the price of the BMS.
“People are getting fed up with Elbit exploiting their monopoly to impose huge premiums,” an army officer told the ABC. “And there are definite concerns that the Israelis are backdooring the system for information.”
Issues Surrounding Elbit Systems
The Israeli arms manufacturer has been the target of human rights accusations, reportedly supplying 85 percent of the drones used in the war on Gaza in 2014, which killed 2,200 Palestinians.
Elbit Systems has also been accused of producing surveillance technology for the Separation Wall that cuts into the occupied West Bank.
In February, the East Sussex Pension Fund revealed that it had divested funds from Elbit Systems following months of pressure by members and supporters of Palestinian human rights.
