The UK government’s continuing support for the F-35 fighter jet program has come under increasing scrutiny. Despite this, it continues to provide key elements to the world-wide supply chain, including parts that are going to be used in Israel. Officials admit to violations of their own arms export control statutes. They have consciously chosen to protect their supply chain rather than protect adherence to their international legal obligations during the current and continuing hostilities in Gaza.
The UK’s role in the F-35 jet is central, making up the second highest contributing nation at 15% of the total value. British Aerospace, the BOEING/BAE SYSTEMS partner, adds ejection seats, rear fuselage, active interceptor system, targeting laser and weapons release cables. As the second-largest supplier of spare parts for the F-35—behind the US—the UK’s role is considered vital to the program’s overall integrity.
Recently, revelations emerged that the UK government is aware that its supply of F-35 components for potential use by Israel contradicts its arms export control laws. Federal officials argue that establishing conditions on how these components are used is infeasible. They say it’s unreasonable to expect Lockheed Martin to stop selling arms to Israel, even for a limited period.
As UK Ministry of Defense legal representatives put it, “the global supply chain for the F-35 is the supreme consideration.” And they contend that any disruption to this successful program could undermine NATO’s longstanding peace and security. This sad episode illustrates the importance of the UK’s strategic interests across the global defense posture.
In September, the UK suspended some arms export licenses just 90 minutes before it was due to appear in court to defend its continued arms exports to Israel. Despite this, the government allowed the ongoing supply of parts for the F-35 program, even as reports indicated significant civilian casualties in Gaza. According to Palestinian authorities, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since hostilities dramatically escalated in early October, including an estimated 15,000 children. Furthermore, nearly 1.9 million others have been forced to flee their homes.
The F-35 jets are central to the Israeli military’s ongoing assaults against Palestinians. In the ten days since October 7, Israeli fighter pilots have accumulated 15,000 flight hours, flying 8,000 sorties or missions. The current campaign that began on October 7 has led to more than 52,000 deaths and widespread devastation across Gaza.
Not long after this truce was agreed upon, Israel broke it by carrying out a barrage of airstrikes. These attacks have caused the tragic deaths of more than 400 people — including 183 children and 94 women, according to Gaza’s health ministry. British continued support for the F-35 supply chain is of especially great concern. These issues are compounded by war crime allegations already under scrutiny.
Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq has launched a legal action against the UK government’s arms exports. As such, they have garnered overwhelming support from distinguished NGOs, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam, and the Global Legal Action Network (Glan). Advocates for human rights have described the UK’s hardline approach as an erosion of international law.
“The government has concluded the Geneva conventions have no domestic application unless and until an international court has ruled conclusively on the commission of genocide, which the government admits is likely to be years from now. If the court accepts these arguments it would completely gut the meaning of the duty to prevent genocide under international law.” – Yasmine Ahmed
Critics now say the UK government just needs to stop supplying British-made parts for F-35s to Israel. They don’t think that this step will endanger the whole global program. They claim that these actions will have a discernable impact on the maintenance of international peace and security. Rather, they argue that violations of the law result in increased disorder.
“Of course it is possible for the government to stop British made parts for F-35s being supplied to Israel without the whole global programme being affected.” – Jennine Walker
Opposition voices have called attention to the humanitarian impact of the military support the Biden Administration continues to flow to Israel. These aircraft directly and immediately kill and maim thousands. They compound the already atrocious state of civilians in Gaza.
“These war planes cause deaths and life-changing injuries. They also support ground troops that are intentionally starving an already decimated population.” – [Unnamed Advocate]
As the legal proceedings unfold, they will further illuminate the complexities surrounding arms export controls and international law compliance. The UK government’s position remains clear: it views its role within the F-35 program as critical to maintaining military readiness and alliances.