Complicity into genocide: Marles meets BAE Systems chief

Photo: Protests outside Bae Systems in the UK.

During his recent overseas trip, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles met with the UK Defence chief and was asked whether he had any other meetings. He replied that he had also met with Charles Woodburn, the CEO of BAE Systems, a company whose technology is integrated into Israel’s weapons systems, including fighter jets, drones, and warships.

Richard Marles, in between Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The trio were subject of an ICC referral in March 2024 for complicity in genocide.

Marles highlighted the importance of BAE Systems’ role in Australia’s defence strategy to a packed press conference in London, noting:

“I met with Charles Woodburn, the CEO of BAE. And again, BAE is the strategic partner in relation to—well lots of matters, in relation to our defense force—but particularly in respect of AUKUS and the building of our future nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. BAE is also the prime contractor in respect of the Hunter-class brigades. So, there are many equities that we have with BAE in terms of our defense force. And it was a really good opportunity to catch up with Charles.”

While Marles stressed Australia’s long-standing military relationships with BAE Systems, critics have pointed out that BAE’s ongoing role in arming Israel. BAE’s technology is instrumental in Israel’s deadly airstrikes on Gaza, which have led to the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children.

Marles meets John Healey, UK Defence chief and UK PM Keir Starmer at NATO.

In 2024, UN experts called for countries to sever ties with BAE Systems due to its role in facilitating war crimes by Israel.

The UK Government now faces legal action domestically for supplying Israel with parts made by BAE systems.

The company said it does not directly export any equipment to Israel, but the group is a tier-one supplier on the United States-made F-35 fighter jets which are flown by Israel.

Under the Albanese government, BAE continues to receive lucrative defence contracts, including at least $4 billion in public defence deals.