Arms makers push their products in UK schools

Both British and foreign arms companies are promoting their brands in U.K. schools spending millions of pounds according to new research. The promotion involves both U.K.-based firms and foreign companies.

Multinationals BAE system and Raytheon are both involved

Raytheon is a major U.S.-based contractor. Its core manufacturing concentrations are in weapons plus military and commercial electronics. It is the world's largest producers of guided missiles. It also manufactures the Patriot missile defense system as shown in the appended photo.

BAE Systems is a U.K.-based multinational defense, security and aerospace company. Its headquarters are in London in the United Kingdom and it has operations worldwide. In 2015 it was ranked third in the world in terms of revenues. Its largest operations are in the U.K. and the U.S. It is one of the largest suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Other manufacturers such as MBDA, Leonardo and Rolls-Royce all also have regular contact with schools. Rolls-Royce, whose military aircraft engines service “160 customers in 103 countries”, sponsors a Cub scientist activity badge for the Scout Association.

Study was done by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT)

One manufacturer developed a missile simulator for children to play with. Another gave classroom workshops that encouraged children to think how camouflage would provide advantages on the battlefield. Activities targeted children as young as four.

Manufacturers claim they are helping develop next generation of engineers

The companies say their materials are designed to excite youngsters by the possibilities of the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths. However, critics claim the funding is also an attempt to normalize weapons manufacturing and also war.

Andrew Smith of CAAT called on schools to sever their links with arms companies. “The fact that companies that arm and support human-rights-abusing regimes are targeting such young children is extremely concerning. “Companies aren’t targeting schools because they care about education. They are doing it because they want to improve their reputations and normalise their appalling business.”

BAE and Raytheon visit schools

BAE Systems produces fighter jets used by Saudi Arabia in the current conflict in Yemen. There have been repeated strikes on civilians. BAE visited 420 schools across the UK in 2017. A spokesperson defended the BAE policy saying: “As a world leader in advanced engineering and technology, our education and skills activities inspire the next generation of engineers to help address the critical skills gap. We invest in a diverse portfolio of programmes aimed at encouraging more young people to study STEM subjects, which is vital for the UK economy.”

Raytheon, which has sold bombs and missiles to Israel and Saudi Arabia (which has used the company's weapons in Yemen), finances an annual competition across the U.K. for pupils to build model drones. The U.S. company’s website claims it supports science and technology programs.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS, the trade body which represents defence contractors, said it was important for arms manufacturers to engage with schools. He said that U.K. defense companies play a vital role in their communities. They provide high-value long-term jobs. The U.K. has a shortage of engineers. The events sponsored by industry in partnership with schools are helping to inspire a new generation of engineers. Defence companies encourage students to study maths and sciences.

Previously published in Digital Journal