A SCOTTISH council is facing backlash after announcing that an Israel-linked arms firm will sponsor its annual airshow.
South Ayrshire Council announced on Tuesday that Thales will be a “key sponsor” for the 2026 edition of the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight.
The French defence giant employs more than 7000 staff in the UK, including at a factory in Govan.
But it has also been subject to numerous protests over its arms sales to Israel, including a joint venture with Elbit Systems – Israel’s largest weapons firm – to produce the Watchkeeper drone, which ended earlier this year.
More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's genocide in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry.
The council’s leader, independent councillor Brian Connolly, hailed the airshow sponsorship news.
“We're delighted to welcome Thales back as a major sponsor,” he said.
“Their continued support over the past four years demonstrates a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation and showcasing the exciting opportunities available within STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] industries.”
But the announcement has also led to backlash.
The Scottish Greens have urged the council to reconsider the sponsorship with this in mind, branding the decision as “shameful”.
“Thales is not some neutral benefactor. It is an arms giant with a long and deeply troubling record of arming and supporting regimes with terrible human rights records,” the party’s North East MSP Maggie Chapman told The National.
“It has worked with companies complicit in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza while profiting from racist and dehumanising anti-migrant policies."
She added: “Councils do not operate in a moral vacuum. The organisations they choose to partner with, promote and accept sponsorship from send a clear message about what they are prepared to tolerate.
“If a company like Thales is not beyond the pale, then who is? South Ayrshire should end this sponsorship and make clear that there are some moral red lines and companies whose money they will not take.”
The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr’s shorefront on September 4 and September 5 and will feature aerial displays from military jets and historic planes, family entertainment and a festival village.
A South Ayrshire council spokesperson said: “Sponsors for the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight are assessed on their ability to support activities and deliver benefits for South Ayrshire's communities.
"Thales has been a sponsor of the airshow since our first event in 2023 and they are a strong supporter of our STEM activity, providing opportunities for young people to understand the world of STEM. We do not comment on every aspect of a sponsor's wider corporate activities. We will continue to consider sponsorship matters in line with our responsibilities as a public body."
Thales have been approached for comment.
