Skip to main content

Campaign Against Arms Trade releases map detailing British sites producing weapons for Israel

ARMS trade campaigners have produced a map showing locations across Britain where components are made for F-35 warplanes being used by Israel to attack Gaza.

Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) says the map is intended to identify the sites as targets for protests.

The group says 15 per cent of the components used to build F-35s are made in Britain in deals worth hundreds of millions of pounds for arms manufacturers.

CAAT said: “The map will enable campaigners across the country to find out where the components are produced and to protest [against] the companies who are profiting from the genocide Israel is committing in Gaza on their doorsteps.

“Foreign Secretary David Cameron recommended continuing arms sales to Israel on December 12 2023, despite previous Foreign Office assessments stating there were ‘serious concerns’ about breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL) and Israel’s commitment and ability to comply with IHL.

“Cameron further accepted that Israel has a different interpretation of its IHL obligations.”

On January 26 the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that there was a “plausible” case that Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Since then calls for Britain to end arms sales to Israel have mounted.

CAAT media co-ordinator Emily Apple said: “This is a great resource for campaigners across the country.

“People do not want genocide profiteers on their doorstep and this map will enable communities to take action against the companies that are complicit in war crimes in their local area.

“However, this isn’t something we should have to do. The legal position is clear. Israel is committing war crimes, including bombing hospitals and refugee camps and deliberately targeting medical workers.

“This government should immediately suspend arms exports to Israel.

“Instead it is prioritising the profits of arms dealers over Palestinian lives, and it is down to ordinary people to hold these companies to account for their murderous deals.”

CAAT said British Aerospace is the main British supplier of components for F-35s.

The company’s British HQ is at Warwick House, PO BOX 87, Farnborough Aerospace Centre, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 6YU.

The map identifies 141 locations of UK arms manufacturers.

The rear fuselage of every F-35 fighter is made by BAE Systems at Samlesbury Aerodrome, Lancashire. 

The “active interceptor system” is made by BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent. There is a steady stream of components for F35s and Israel’s F16s from this site. 

“Durability testing” for the F35 is undertaken at the BAE structural testing facility in East Yorkshire. 

Martin-Baker makes the ejector seat in Britain; its headquarters is in Higher Denham, Buckinghamshire. 

Cobham Mission Systems made the refuelling probe for the F35; Cobham Mission Systems was sold to Eaton in 2021 and is hosted at Mission Systems Wimborne Ltd. 

Leonardo makes the laser targeting system for the F35 in Edinburgh. 

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres makes the aircraft tyres in Birmingham.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 11,501
We need:£ 6,499
6 Days remaining
Donate today