USyd Partners with Thales Amid Controversy Over Explosives Supply to Israel
An investigation reveals that Australian explosives manufactured by Thales are used in bombs dropped on Gaza, raising concerns about the University of Sydney's ongoing partnership with the company. The university's management faces pressure to sever ties due to ethical implications linked to the conflict in Gaza.
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An investigation has identified Thales-operated factories in Mulwala, NSW, and Benalla, Victoria, as sources of explosives for Israeli munitions. These facilities, under a $1.2 billion contract with the Australian government, supply raw materials that are shipped to the U.S. and Singapore for incorporation into weapons.
The University of Sydney (USyd) has maintained a research partnership with Thales since 2017, extending their Memorandum of Understanding in December 2022. Despite protests from staff and students, USyd management continues to defend this association, emphasizing its focus on engineering and robotics research.
Calls to end the partnership have intensified since the escalation of violence in Gaza in October 2023, coinciding with increased staffing and production at Thales facilities. The ongoing collaboration raises ethical questions regarding the university's role in the arms supply chain and its implications for reputation and research integrity.
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