Raytheon admits production of military material

The local Derry plant of US missile manufacturer Raytheon, which has been the focus of anti-war demonstrators in recent months, has now admitted that it is involved in producing military applications.

Following a meeting between Derry City Council and Raytheon this week, Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn has said that the party will raise the matter in the next full meeting of Derry City Council.

Gerry MacLochlainn said that following the recent disclosure in the Belfast Telegraph, gained under the Freedom of Information Act, that Raytheon was producing the JETTS SYSTEM in its Derry plant, he has requested that Derry City Council investigate the veracity of the revelation.Speaking on Tuesday, MacLochlainn said: "Derry City Council arranged a meeting with Raytheon, which took place yesterday, in which Raytheon confirmed that the Derry plant is involved in producing military applications - e.g. the JETTS programme.

"This use of the Derry plant in the production of military applications is in breach of assurances given by Raytheon to Derry City Council. Predicated on those assurances of non-military applications, Derry City Council welcomed Raytheon.

"However, in light of the revelations that Raytheon has been involved in manufacturing military applications in Derry, then Sinn Féin will be calling at the next meeting of Derry City Council for Council to reaffirm and implement its adopted position - that Raytheon confine itself to 'civil' development work."