Understanding Boeing's Role in the Navy's Next-Generation Drone Warfare

Navy tests X-47B in 2013 Al Jazeera photo.

Within days of antiwar protesters making a lot of noise at the 2014 Chicago Air and Water Show -- with a strong emphasis on the role of Boeing in the killing in Gaza and in next-generation killer drone technology -- the U.S. Navy quietly conducted tests that may change the way the Navy goes to war.

"Navy conducts first series of drone and manned fighter jet operations" by W.J. Hennigan (LA Times, August 18, 2014) describes the first tests of carrier-launched killer drones working in tandem with fighter jets. The experimental drone being flown that day was a Northrup Grumman version (X-47B) of the next generation killer drone; the fighter was the F/A-18 - the Boeing fighter being used for renewed bombing in Iraq.

W.J. Hennigan has done consistent reporting on the move towards drones in the Navy. In "Navy plan for carrier-based drones takes flak from lawmakers," he explains the role of multiple defense contractors -- including Boeing -- in developing next-generation designs for the killer drone.

Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Atomics are all
developing next-generation carrier-based killer drones for the Navy.
(Source: LA Times, "Navy plan for carrier-based drones takes flak from lawmakers")

Hennigan says the dronificaition of the Navy will be tough for a lot of people in the aviation part of the Navy to swallow.  Apparently Navy people think in terms of manned aircraft, and want drones to stick to reconnaissance; the people in Congress who are pushing the appropriations see massive spending (and employment) from the unmanned drones, and want those drones to do have the fullest possible range of bombing capabilities.

The stakes are high -- including impacting other major defense programs. "A deep-penetrating stealthy drone that could fly farther and longer could be seen as a potential challenger to the nearly $400-billion F-35 program," Hennigan reports.

For more background, see the Wikipedia article on the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program.


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Just as it did in 2001, the U.S. has had another close dangerous encounter between one of its surveillance planes and a Chinese fighter in the air near the coast of China.

Like the 2001 event, it's making a lot of people ask what the hell the U.S. is doing provoking China where they live.

(See Boeing: Where There's Trouble . . . )



  No Drones Illinois has endorsed the following call by Anti-War Committee – Chicago, Jews for Justice in Palestine, U.S. Palestinian Community Network and 8th Day Center for Justice: Protest Boeing Death Machines in Gaza: Demand Chicago Drop Boeing from Air and Water Show!

(See No Drones Illinois Endorses Call to Drop Boeing from Chicago Air and Water Show)



"The U.S.'s use of drone warfare has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children, many of whom live in countries where we have not declared war, yet Boeing has decided to pursue a Navy contract for the prototype for the next combat drone. This is unacceptable", said Kait McIntyre of the Chicago Anti-War Committee (AWC), at the annual stockholders' meeting of the Boeing Corporation.

 (See Activists Challenge Boeing to Disinvest from Drone Research)


People in Chicago like to walk down the street and look the other way, saying, "This doesn't have anything to do with me." When you ask them to take a flyer, or to learn more about this problem, they wave it away with a bland, "I'm good . . . ."

(See This is YOUR War, Chicago! (Boeing F/A-18's Begin Strikes in Iraq) )

No Drones Illinois Endorses Call to Drop Boeing from Chicago Air and Water Show

No Drones Illinois has endorsed the following call by Anti-War Committee – Chicago, Jews for Justice in Palestine, U.S. Palestinian Community Network and 8th Day Center for Justice:

Protest Boeing Death Machines in Gaza:

Demand Chicago Drop Boeing from Air and Water Show!

Press Conference & Die-in

Wednesday, July 30, 10:00 a.m.

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., 2nd Floor


4-traders Financial Website Reports:
"Boeing : protested by pro-Palestinian humanitarians in Chicago";
Boeing stock closes down 1.5% on July 31

Additional coverage:
UPI coverage
Progress Illinois video
NBC Chicago coverage

READ: statement by Father Bob Bossie representing
Chicago Coalition to Shut Down Guantanamo.

More links and discussion on the Facebook event page.

Event photos by Matt McLoughlin:

Joe Iosbaker of the Anti-War Committee details the reasons Boeing should be
dropped by the City of Chicago as a sponsor of its annual Air and Water Show.

Hatem Abudayyah spoke on behalf of U.S. Palestinian Community Network.
Palestinian-Americans in Chicago -- the largest population of
Palestinian-Americans in the country -- have called for Boeing to be
dropped from the Air and Water Show based on its role supplying weapons
used to kill Palestinians in Gaza.

Ashley Bohrer from Jews for Justice in Palestine stressed the determination
of many Jews to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

A die-in dramatized the killings by Israel of 1300+ civilians in Gaza, using
the fighter jets and attack helicopters of Boeing.

Press conference attendees say Boeing is enabling the genocide in Gaza.

Boeing Company is a major sponsor of Chicago’s annual Air and Water Show this summer. Many people come to the lake shore every year to see displays of jets and other aircraft.

Boeing weaponry are responsible for many of the over 1000 dead and over 6000 seriously wounded Palestinians in Gaza in the past three weeks. The dead are mostly civilians, including over 200 children. Israel’s fighter jets – the F15s and F16s – as well as Apache helicopters are all made by Boeing.

Boeing has made billions from the sale of weapons for use in Israel's attacks, as part of its eight year old siege of Gaza.

The City of Chicago should drop Boeing from the sponsors of the Air and Water Show. No company that makes profit from the slaughter of civilians should be included.

Protest initiated by: Anti-War Committee – Chicago, Jews for Justice in Palestine, U.S. Palestinian Community Network and 8th Day Center for Justice. Endorsed by: Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Chicago Coalition to Shut Down Guantanamo, Chicago Committee to Defend the Bill of Rights, Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy, Illinois Coalition Against Torture, American Friends Service Committee, Jewish Voice for Peace


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Coming off our experience this past weekend once again protesting against drone killing, drone surveillance, and related acts of militarism at the Chicago Air and Water Show, I am more confirmed than ever in my view that air shows are a very effective place to get our message out to the public.

(See Why Air Shows Are a Very Effective Place to Protest Drone Killing and Drone Surveillance )


When Chicagoans fully succeed in fully connecting the dots -- especially to the crimes being committed in their name with their tax dollars and the weapons produced by their favored corporate citizen, Boeing -- I think there will be some new and different phone calls taking place . . .

(See What's New in Chicago: Connecting the Dots - US Aid, Boeing Weapons, Gaza Massacre, Chicago Complicity )

Now that the Israeli government's killings in Gaza are front-page news -- particularly the way military aircraft is being used to mow down innocent men, women, and children -- Boeing's involvement is in everyone's face.

(See Boeing Has an Israel Problem . . . and Chicago Has a Boeing Problem)

Year after year, hundreds of thousands of people from Chicago and the surrounding area gather on the lakeshore to watch aerial displays by an array of planes. Most don't suspect that they are being subjected to an intense propaganda effort by multiple branches of the U.S. military.  The Chicago Coalition to Shut Down Guantanamo views this as a perfect opportunity to engage with the public and enlist them in the growing movement against U.S. war, torture, surveillance, and other crimes.  We will join activists from many other peace and justice groups who have had a growing presence at this event in recent years.

(See August 16-17: Protest U.S. Kidnapping, Torture, and Drone Assassinations at the 2014 Chicago Air and Water Show Protest )


As reported on local TV news, at Fight Back News, and by Progress Illinois, Dozens of activists came to the Field Museum in Chicago last Monday (4/28) to speak out against Boeing's involvement in developing the next generation of killer drone.

(See Activists Challenge Boeing to Disinvest from Drone Research )

Protest Drones Killing and Surveillance at the 2014 Chicago Air and Water Show

Supporters of No Drones Illinois will join with other opponents of U.S. military aggression and surveillance to protest at the 2014 Chicago Air and Water Show on August 16 and 17.

Please 
 join the Facebook event page for the
protest at the 2014 Chicago Air and Water Show 
and share widely!

For the third year in a row, No Drones Illinois supporters will do public outreach at this event.  Full information on 2014 plans is on the website of the Chicago Coalition to Shut Down Guantanamo.

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Now that the Israeli government's killings in Gaza are front-page news -- particularly the way military aircraft is being used to mow down innocent men, women, and children -- Boeing's involvement is in everyone's face.

(See Boeing Has an Israel Problem . . . and Chicago Has a Boeing Problem)

A large contingent participated in creative resistance activities at the 2012 Air and Water Show.

(See Taking the NO DRONES! Message to the Masses at Chicago's Air & Water Show for full details.)








August 19, 2013 -- We had an outstanding day on Saturday at the Air and Water Show! There was an antiwar presence in at least three distinct locations:  east of the North Avenue Bridge with the Free Bradley Manning Contingent, representatives of the Anti-war Committee of Chicago, World Can't Wait, and allies from the north and west suburbs on the west side of the North Avenue Bridge, and members of Occupy Chicago on the bridge itself, as well at various places along the beach.

(See We're Pushing the Chicago Air & Water Show to be "War-Free"!)







"Overall, a great success," said David Soumis. "We had a lot of people riding by in cars, buses, trucks, and golf carts. A lot of thumbs up, a few one finger salutes, a lot of questioning glares, and tons of people that could only see the hood of their car."

(See Welcome to Oshkosh! (got drones?) )

Activists Challenge Boeing to Disinvest from Drone Research

As reported on local TV news, at Fight Back News, and by Progress Illinois, Dozens of activists came to the Field Museum in Chicago last Monday (4/28) to speak out against Boeing's involvement in developing the next generation of killer drone.  

You're looking at the next incarnation of
 drone terror: Boeing's Phantom Ray.

They braved cold and rain to stand on the steps of the Museum and hold a press conference admonishing Boeing for its involvement in drone terror. 

"The U.S.'s use of drone warfare has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children, many of whom live in countries where we have not declared war, yet Boeing has decided to pursue a Navy contract for the prototype for the next combat drone. This is unacceptable", said Kait McIntyre of the Chicago Anti-War Committee (AWC). 

McIntyre had applied for a spot on Boeing's board of directors but was pronounced ineligible due to a paperwork technicality. Several who had purchased Boeing stock then entered the meeting to address shareholders directly.

 Newland Smith proclaimed: “Drone strikes as conducted by our government, according to the Geneva conventions, are illegal and immoral and inflict terror on civilian populations.”  

Kait Mcintyre and Richard Berg also spoke out at the meeting. Also present were members of the 8th Day Center for Justice, veterans of the Vietnam-era Students for a Democratic Society, and members of Voices for Creative Nonviolence.

The death of innocent people is a viable investment
 strategy for Boeing CEO James Mcnerney.

 CEO James Mcnerney reportedly responded to the statements of stockholders with the expression of a belief that there is some common ground between their views and the current goals of the company. While patently absurd, this statement showed Mcnerney to have felt himself in a defensive posture when confronted with the unavoidable consequences of his company's investments.

While several took the opportunity to speak truth directly
 to the rich and powerful gathered inside, others
 addressed the public, bearing witness to the consequences of
 Boeing's policy of killer drone R&D.

To see video regarding the Boeing campaign, and to purchase t-shirts in support of the actions against it, visit the Chicago AWC here.

The Spring Days of Drone Action are in full swing!
 CLICK HERE to learn more about actions nationwide.

Demonstrators make a resounding appearance at Boeing's annual stockholder meeting

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, protestors from Veterans for Peace and other Chicago organizations made sure that Boeing stockholders understood where their funds are going: to the development of new technologies for illegal drone killing overseas.

The "Phantom Ray," Boeing's new technology for illegal killing

Speakers also drew attention to a more than 60 million dollar tax
 break Boeing received to relocate to Chicago: this means that
Chicago taxpayer money is indirectly funding the development
 of drone technology. 

"U.S. Drone Pilots Suicide Rate-DOUBLE other U.S. Military."
 A side effect of drone use hidden by whitewashed media accounts
 that depict it as a "surgical" method for killing known terrorists.

By drawing attention to tax breaks Boeing has received, demonstrators
 revealed that we are all stakeholders in the perpetuation of U.S. imperialism.

"STOP DRONE TERROR"

Media were out in force to transmit the message:
"BOEING KILLING CHILDREN."

"MURDER FROM A DISTANCE IS STILL MURDER"

"BOEING: STOP MAKING WAR MACHINES"

See video of the demonstration here!

Check out more information on Fight Back News!

Chicago demonstrators joined protests across the country to complete the April Days of Action Against Drones. GET INVOLVED IN THE BURGEONING MOVEMENT!

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Now that the Israeli government's killings in Gaza are front-page news -- particularly the way military aircraft is being used to mow down innocent men, women, and children -- Boeing's involvement is in everyone's face.

(See Boeing Has an Israel Problem . . . and Chicago Has a Boeing Problem)

"The U.S.'s use of drone warfare has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children, many of whom live in countries where we have not declared war, yet Boeing has decided to pursue a Navy contract for the prototype for the next combat drone. This is unacceptable", said Kait McIntyre of the Chicago Anti-War Committee (AWC), at the annual stockholders' meeting of the Boeing Corporation.

 (See Activists Challenge Boeing to Disinvest from Drone Research)

A large contingent participated in creative resistance activities at the 2012 Air and Water Show.

(See Taking the NO DRONES! Message to the Masses at Chicago's Air & Water Show for full details.)

April 29: Protest Boeing Drones at Annual Stockholder Meeting

Join the Anti-War Committee (AWC) of Chicago to oppose Boeing CEO James McNerney’s plan to make the next combat drone for the US military.

Protest at Boeing Stockholders Meeting
No Killer Drone for Boeing
Monday, April 29th, 9:30 am
Field Museum, South Entrance

Boeing is competing with the other top arms manufacturers for the growing budget for unmanned aircraft for the military. This year, the Navy is asking for designs for a new combat drone. Boeing is expected to propose its “Phantom Ray.”

Boeing’s stockholders meeting will take place at the Field Museum on Monday, April 29th. Members of the AWC, including Sarah Simmons and Newland Smith, have purchased Boeing stock and will hold a press conference at the Field Museum to condemn the plans for the new killer drone.

After years of denial by the Obama administration, Senator Lindsey Graham of the Armed Services Committee recently admitted the number of casualties from killer drones. “We've killed 4700,” he told a pro-drone crowd. This is the estimated number of casualties in Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, but including drone strikes in Afghanistan and Iraq would result in a much higher number.

There is growing controversy around the US drone wars. Earlier this month, McClatchy News Service released a top secret paper from the White House which proves that the administration statements about who is targeted by the drones are lies. Most of the drone strikes are not Al Qaeda leaders. In Pakistan, as many as 881 deaths in the past decade were civilians, including 176 children. Almost all the rest are “alleged combatants.”

AWC has taken a number of measures to oppose the drone wars, including submitting a statement to Senator Richard Durbin’s hearing this week on the topic. Our main campaign is to target Boeing, headquartered in Chicago, for their role. (See April 6 Chicago protest against Boeing.) Boeing, the number two arms manufacturer, wants to keep the profits they make from producing arms. While the budget for manned aircraft will decline in the Pentagon strategy, the budget for drone warfare is only going to increase. The key element in Boeing’s plans for capturing war spending is to build the Phantom Ray.

Money for Schools, Not for War

In addition to the deaths caused by their products, Boeing received over $60 million in tax breaks to move to Chicago. It’s not acceptable that our public schools and city streets are crumbling, while tax breaks are given to a company which has $25 billion in defense contracts.

We also recognize that drone pilots are victims of drone warfare, as they experience a rate of PTSD and suicide higher than combat veterans.

Join us to say: It’s time to end the drone wars, not prepare to build another generation of more deadly weapons.

Join the Facebook event for the Boeing Stockholder's Meeting Protest and invite friends!

Sign the petition on the Anti-War Committee Chicago website.

Campaign Against the Boeing Killer Drone Program

April, 2013, saw the intensification of a major campaign against the expansion of Chicago-based military contractor Boeing into drone production:

April Days of Action Against Drones: Protest Against the Boeing Killer Drone Program on Saturday April 6th

Demonstrators make a resounding appearance at Boeing's annual stockholder meeting

This followed demonstrations in May and December, 2012.

Boeing will be the focus of the Midwest Action Against Drones (MAAD) September 28-29, 2013, in Chicago.


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What If Illinois Became a "War-Profiteer-Free Zone" ?

April Days of Action Against Drones: Protest in downtown Seattle

April Days of Action Against Drones 2013: Protest Against the Boeing Killer Drone Program on Saturday April 6th

Local news reported Saturday on the demonstration by Chicagoans from all walks of life against the next generation of drone warfare: Boeing's new Phantom Ray, which is expected to be unveiled later this year. This event was a part of the national April Days of Action Against Drones.



Joe Iosbaker of Antiwar Committee Chicago talked to local radio ahead of the event, noting that although drones are nominally cheaper, they will ultimately be much more damaging to the national budget, as more enemies will be created via rampant civilian casualties. The result: perpetual war. "The United States war-making machine has to be stopped," thundered Joe.

"Money For Schools, Not War!": highlighting the perversity of pouring
 federal money into the perpetuation of war in a time of crippling debt.

Passersby were regaled with Star Wars-themed street theatre,
 in which Boeing was represented by Darth Vader.

"I’ll call it the Phantom Ray!
We’ll arm them with missiles made of depleted uranium, 

which will cause instant and long term damage.

And what the people of Chicago don’t know is that the money 

we, Boeing, make from tax breaks could be used to fund jobs, 

education, and health care.

You don’t know the power of the empire! Of the dark side!"

"I felt a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of voices suddenly
 cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced."

"The drone strikes on my planet have killed at least 178 children!
Please join us in our fight to stop the next phantom ray!"

Person X:  "I can't get involved. I've got work to do. It's not that

 I like the empire,I hate it, but there's nothing I can do about it right now.
It's such a long way from here."

"When schools are floundering, public intergalactic transportation
 has become less accessible, and jobs are becoming scarce,
we are told there is no money for people’s needs. But where do you
think that money goes?"
"For killing those in other star systems so the empire
maintains galatic domination?"

Yes. So you see, fighting to improve your planet means showing
 solidarity with those whose planets are being destroyed by the empire.
 Together can we defeat it."

Picketing continued at the Chicago Lyric Opera

"Drones make killing Quick and Easy.
That doesn't make killing Legal or Right"  

A show of solidarity from veterans of the United States' most recent war.

The bottom line: "DRONES KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE."

The groups then marched across the river to Boeing HQ 

Kids came out in solidarity with children across the
world who are threatened by U.S. drone warfare

Speakers affiliated with Antiwar Committee Chicago came out to
inflame the crowd once it reached Boeing's headquarters.

Boeing heard the message loud and clear.

"Hands off Syria!" Repudiating the use of drones
to expand the sphere of American influence

The demonstration ended with a die-in, representing those
doomed to death by Boeing's Phantom Ray.

More information and pictures can be found at fightbacknews.org

THE APRIL DAYS OF ACTION AGAINST DRONES CONTINUE! GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CITY!

All photos courtesy FJJ.