Full Story Are Australian weapons destined to be used in Sudan atrocities?
Nov 18, 2025
Henry Belot and Ben Doherty, senior reporters at Guardian Australia, dive into Australia's significant arms exports to the UAE, amidst concerns of their potential use in Sudan atrocities. They discuss the recent Dubai airshow, where Australia's defense industry showcased its wares, and highlight the ethical dilemmas surrounding arms sales. The pair explore the murky supply chains leading to conflict zones, the role of gold in facilitating arms exchanges, and Australia's legal responsibilities, questioning whether these exports align with national values.
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Australia's Big Push At Dubai Airshow
- The Dubai Airshow is a major global arms marketplace where Australia coordinates government-backed sales to the UAE.
- About 35 Australian companies attend under a central Australia pavilion to aggressively pursue regional defence contracts.
Deliberate Growth Of Australia's Arms Trade
- Australia has deliberately developed into a significant arms exporter and seeks lucrative defence markets.
- Journalists argue this growth lacks public discussion about where exported weapons ultimately end up.
Inside Versus Outside The Sydney Arms Expo
- Ben described the stark split between violent protests outside and the celebratory trade inside a Sydney arms expo.
- He named exhibitors like Elbit Systems and linked their products to real-world casualties, including an aid worker's death.