Government must follow UK lead and suspend Rakon bomb-component exports to the US

With today’s news that the UK government has finally begun to suspend arms shipments to Israel for its war on Gaza, PSNA is renewing our call for the New Zealand government to suspend exports of Rakon bomb components to the US for the bombs it sends to Gaza.

The UK government is suspending export of parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones saying there is a clear risk the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.

Even the US government has come to the same conclusion namely

“…given Israel’s significant reliance on U.S.-made defense articles, it is reasonable to assess that defense articles covered under NSM-20 have been used by Israeli security forces since October 7 in instances inconsistent with its IHL obligations or with established best practices for mitigating civilian harm”

The “US-made defense articles” the US government refers to almost certainly include smart bombs with Rakon components.

Auckland-based Rakon Limited has a long history of making crystal oscillators used in the guidance systems of smart bombs. Their 2005 business plan said the company’s objective was to dominate “the lucrative and expanding guided munitions and military positioning market” within five years.

The New Zealand government is trying to turn a blind eye to Rakon’s export of bomb components to the US which are today being sent to Gaza for the wholesale slaughter of Palestinians.

Already the United Nations Human Rights Council has passed a resolution calling for a halt to all arms sales to Israel which New Zealand has ignored.

Christopher Luxon must act immediately and suspend export of Rakon components for Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa