Committee publication · Correspondence · 12 November 2025
Letter from the Ministers for Trade, for Defence Readiness and Industry and for Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan relating to Arms Export Licenses, 5 November 2025
From: Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls
Inquiry: Arms exports to Israel
Summary
On 5 November 2025, three government ministers responded to the Business and Trade Sub-Committee's September inquiry about arms exports to Israel. The ministers detail suspension of wide-ranging exports to the Israeli Defence Force since September 2024—including F-15/F-16 components, Apache helicopters, and combat drones—while defending continued F-35 global programme participation and explaining end-user verification procedures. The government maintains Israel is not committed to complying with international humanitarian law in Gaza.
Key findings
- Since 2 September 2024, the UK has suspended exports of components for F-15/F-16 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, combat drones, naval vessels, IDF ground equipment, tanks, and troop transport aircraft to Israel.
- Government assessment concludes the Israeli government is not committed to complying with international humanitarian law in Gaza, based on analysis of military incidents, humanitarian situation, and detainee treatment—not individual incident determinations.
- Of 55 extant military licences for Israeli Defence Force/Government as of 31 July 2025, 33 are for trainer aircraft (non-combat), 9 relate to F-35 global programme, 5 for Dolphin Class submarines, 5 for training goods, and 3 for air defence systems.
- The UK stopped direct F-35 exports to Israel but continues exporting F-35 components to the global programme, arguing unilateral suspension would undermine NATO defence and international peace; no F-35 Partner Nations have stopped such exports.
- RAF reconnaissance flights over Gaza and Eastern Mediterranean ceased on 10 October 2025 following the Gaza ceasefire agreement; flights from December 2023 were conducted solely for hostage rescue purposes.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Sir Chris Bryant MP, Luke Pollard MP, Hamish Falconer MP, Liam Byrne MP, Israeli Defence Force, United States, F-35 Joint Program Office
Notable line
“We are not aware of any comparable country taking more action than the UK to stop exports which the IDF might use in Gaza.”
Key Quotes
“… since 2 September 2024, we have stopped a wide range of controlled exports to the IDF, including components and equipment for: • F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. • Apache attack helicopters. • Combat and targeting drones.”
“Our assessments continue to support the conclusion that the Israeli government is not committed to complying with IHL in the Gaza conflict.”
“… we have stopped direct exports of F-35 components for use by Israel. For the global programme, F-35 parts are procured through contracts placed under US law by the F-35 Joint Program Office via its two prime contractors, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney.”
“Undermining the F-35 global programme would significantly disrupt international peace and security, NATO deterrence and European defence.”
“Following the agreement of the Gaza peace plan between Israel and Hamas, and the release of remaining hostages, the Ministry of Defence has ceased surveillance flights over Gaza. The last flight took place on the 10 October”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗