One of Elbit Systems UK’s Bristol facilities has been abruptly closed, following years of protests by the Palestine Action group, which has now been declared a banned organisation under the Terrorism Act. The factory, located in Aztec West Business Park, was the subject of dozens of direct actions, including blockades, roof invasions, window smashing and red paint spraying. Elbit had leased the facility in 2019, with a lease expiring in 2029.
Recent visits by The Guardian journalists showed the property empty except for a security guard, while fences and barriers had been put up after repeated protests by activists. A subsidiary of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems UK last year recorded an operating loss of £4.7m, compared with a profit of £3.8m in 2023. Experts linked this to high security costs and ongoing pressure from activists.
This is not the first time; the company has also sold other facilities in the West Midlands and Oldham following long-running protests by Palestine Action and other peace groups. With annual revenues of $6.8 billion, Elbit Systems is described as the “backbone” of the Israeli Armed Forces’ (IDF) drone fleet, used extensively in the Gaza war. Its portfolio also includes systems for military aircraft, land vehicles and remotely controlled armed naval vessels.
Global arms trade expert Andrew Feinstein described the closure of the Bristol factory as “extremely significant”, highlighting Elbit’s strategic role as one of the two main companies in the Israeli military industry.
Although the closure in Bristol is seen as a victory for activists, Elbit Systems UK remains part of a consortium competing for a £2 billion contract with the British Ministry of Defence. Former Labour minister Peter Hain has urged the government not to sign the deal, citing the devastation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestine Action won a court hearing in November to challenge the decision to ban it. At the same time, the Home Office is seeking to overturn the decision at the Appeal Court on 25 September.
