What's happened
MBDA, a major European missile manufacturer, supplies the GBU-39 bombs used in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, including attacks on schools and refugee camps. The US subsidiary, operating under US law, has sold thousands of these bombs to Israel since October 2024, raising concerns over civilian casualties and compliance with international law.
What's behind the headline?
The supply chain of MBDA reveals a complex web that complicates accountability. Despite European restrictions, the US subsidiary's operations are governed by US law, allowing continued sales to Israel. This raises questions about the effectiveness of international arms control, especially when profits flow back to European shareholders like BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo. The use of these bombs in attacks on civilian sites, such as schools and refugee camps, underscores the devastating impact of arms exports during conflict. Campaigners argue that MBDA should divest from its US operations to align with international human rights standards, but the company has declined to do so. The broader geopolitical context suggests that European and US arms industries benefit financially from ongoing conflicts, complicating efforts to impose stricter controls. The international community faces a dilemma: balancing economic interests with human rights obligations, especially as the Gaza crisis deepens and war crimes are investigated. This situation will likely intensify calls for legal reforms and greater transparency in arms trade practices, with potential consequences for global diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the direct use of MBDA-produced bombs in Gaza, emphasizing the civilian toll and the company's role in supplying weapons used in deadly airstrikes. Juliette Garside notes that these bombs have been shipped in the thousands, with research indicating their use in attacks that killed children and civilians. The Guardian also discusses the supply chain, revealing that MBDA's US subsidiary operates under US law, which exempts it from UK export restrictions, despite the company's European ownership. The New Arab provides additional context, detailing the financial flows back to MBDA's European shareholders and the company's refusal to halt sales or divest, despite international pressure and ethical concerns. Both sources underscore the tension between economic interests and human rights, with campaigners calling for stricter controls and accountability.
How we got here
MBDA, Europe's largest missile maker, supplies components for the GBU-39 bomb, which has been widely used in Gaza since October 2024. The bombs are manufactured in Europe but sold through a US subsidiary, which operates under US export laws. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, and has prompted calls for stricter regulation and accountability.
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Common question
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What is MBDA’s role in Gaza conflicts?
MBDA, Europe's leading missile manufacturer, has become a key player in the ongoing Gaza conflict through its supply of bombs used in airstrikes. The company’s involvement raises questions about the impact of international arms sales on civilian safety and the ethical responsibilities of weapon manufacturers. Many are asking: How exactly does MBDA contribute to the conflict, and what are the broader implications for international law and human rights? Below, we explore these critical questions and more.
More on these topics
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MBDA is a European multinational developer and manufacturer of missiles. It was formed as a joint venture by a merger of the guided missile divisions of EADS, Finmeccanica, and BAE Systems in December 2001.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.