UK’s biggest weapons firm BAE grounds ‘lifeline’ aircraft delivering food aid

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 5 min read 100% complete by Mark TownsendOctober 24, 2025 at 09:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

BAE Systems, the UK's largest weapons manufacturer, has ended support for its fleet of aircraft providing humanitarian aid to countries facing severe crises, including South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision was made to pursue projects related to NATO members' 5% increase in spending on arms. Several major humanitarian contracts have been cancelled, including a contract with the UN's World Food Programme to deliver aid to Somalia. BAE Systems voluntarily surrendered the type certificate for its Advanced Turbo-Prop aircraft model, revoking the airworthiness of its last commercial aircraft model. The move has grounded the fleet and cut off vital supplies to those in need. The decision was made without consultation with EnComm Aviation, which operated the aircraft, and has left the people of east Africa facing an increasingly perilous situation.

Key Topics & Entities

Israel-Gaza conflict 50% Russia's war in Ukraine 50% Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 60% Somalia ×270% South Sudan ×370% United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) 80% BAE Systems ×790%

Keywords

humanitarian aid 80% bae systems 70% aircraft delivery 60% defence spending 50% nato members 50% atp aircraft 40% world food programme 40% humanitarian crises 40%