Source: Shut Down G&H

The Gooch and Housego group manufacture precision optical coatings and equipment for high-tech military and communications systems. Their fibre optic telecoms products are an important part of laser-based space communication between satellites. Their ‘photonics’ and optical products are extensively used in UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and this technology is essential for infrared imaging as well as general intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance work.

They boast that their “battlefield-proven” technologies, such as sighting systems and soldier laser protection filters, help to shield personnel and equipment from laser weapons. The phrase “battlefield-proven” is reminiscent of Elbit Systems’ similar selling point – deadly weapons tested against Palestinian civilians.

Source: Shut Down G&H

Gooch and Housego’s technology isn’t limited to defensive use. They design and manufacture periscopes, sights, driver vision aids and related vision systems for armoured fighting vehicles, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers. Their optical systems group is also engaged in the development of laser-directed energy weapons – an “emerging ‘low-cost’ weaponry system”.

Death and destruction appears to be a lucrative market. The company’s operating profit for the last financial year was more than ten million pounds, and their two executive directors took home more than three quarters of a million pounds between them.

Their recent acquisition of Welsh optics company Phoenix Optical Technologies is what has brought them to the attention of arms-trade researchers at Campaign Against The Arms Trade (CAAT). A Freedom of Information request revealed that between October 2021 and May 2023, the newly expanded G&H became the largest recipient of single-issue arms licences to Israel.

So earlier today campaigners across the south west of the UK stopped business at Gooch and Housego’s Artemis site in Plymouth, marking the start of a new campaign which is committed to shutting down a company that’s deeply complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

A spokesperson said:

“For too long G&H has got away with slipping under the radar. It should be a household name. Everyone should know this company is complicit and profiting from Israel’s genocide.”

Source: Shut Down G&H

The UK government is still continuing to prioritise arms dealers’ profits over Palestinian lives and international law, by only calling for a partial arms suspension. So ordinary people across the country are taking action and shutting down the companies on their doorsteps that are actively enabling the genocide in Israel.

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Also last night, Palestine Action damaged and sprayed symbolic red paint over the premises of military parts manufacturer Parker Hannifin in Glasgow. They say the company is a major supplier to arms companies such as Leonardo, and has been active in design and production of parts for Apache helicopters and F-35 fighter jets.

Source: Palestine Action