General Dynamics Corporation
Fifth-largest weapons manufacturer in the world, holding a monopoly on MK-80 bomb body production. General Dynamics MK-84 bombs documented by the UN and Al Jazeera in strikes on civilian areas in Gaza.
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Munitions documented in strikes the ICJ found face a 'plausible' genocide case. UN experts in June 2024 called on arms manufacturers including General Dynamics to end transfers to Israel or 'risk responsibility for human rights violations'. 2015 UN Commission warned MK-84 use in populated areas 'would likely constitute a violation of the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks'.
Excluded from Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund (GPFG) in 2024, resulting in approximately €705 million divestment. Multiple university divestment resolutions passed including UCLA (2014), University of Michigan-Dearborn (2010), and Oglethorpe University (2015).
MK-84 bombs documented by Al Jazeera in al-Mawasi 'safe zone' strike (September 2024). UN reports MK-84s caused 'unprecedented' destruction in Gaza. CANSEC 2025 protests in Ottawa targeted company with 13 arrests. Video evidence of unexploded bombs with General Dynamics markings found in Gaza.
Reliance on TNT supply from Polish company Nitro-Chem now under investigation. Supply chain transparency increasing due to Polish parliament inquiry into explosives used in Gaza.
Strategic Analysis
In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.
High severity, lower vulnerability — requires long-term divestment pressure
Learn about our methodology — companies are categorised based on severity (harm potential) vs strategic vulnerability (campaign leverage).
Why do these scores change?
Unlike static boycott lists, our targeting model is dynamic. This company's position on the matrix is re-evaluated continually as we verify new contracts, divestments, or policy changes. Your reporting directly impacts this score.
General Dynamics Corporation represents a critical G2B target due to its monopoly on MK-80 bomb body production for the US military. These munitions have been documented by the UN, Al Jazeera, and human rights organisations in strikes on civilian areas, refugee camps, schools, and designated 'safe zones' in Gaza. The company's position as the fifth-largest weapons manufacturer globally and its extensive Israel contracts make it a high-priority target for divestment campaigns.
Key Leverage Points
- Monopoly Supplier: General Dynamics is the only US manufacturer of MK-80 bomb bodies, meaning every American-made bomb of this type dropped on Gaza was produced by this company. This concentration of responsibility creates clear accountability.
- Documented Civilian Harm: MK-84 bombs have been forensically linked to strikes on schools, hospitals, and designated safe zones. Al Jazeera's Sanad verification agency confirmed General Dynamics bombs in the al-Mawasi camp attack. Video evidence shows unexploded ordnance with company markings in residential areas.
- Existing Divestment Precedent: Norway's sovereign wealth fund excluded the company (€705M divestment), and multiple universities have passed divestment resolutions since 2005. These provide replicable models for other institutional investors.
- UN Expert Demands: June 2024 UN statement explicitly named General Dynamics among companies that must end Israel arms transfers or 'risk responsibility for human rights violations' - providing authoritative legitimacy for pressure campaigns.
Evidence Summary
The scale of General Dynamics' involvement is substantial. Between October 2023 and August 2024, MK-84 bombs made up two-thirds of the approximately 50,000 munitions Israel dropped on Gaza - described by analysts as 'unprecedented in modern warfare'. The company has been named prime contractor in Foreign Military Sales totalling over $4 billion, most recently a $2.04 billion February 2025 sale for 35,529 additional bomb bodies.
Beyond bombs, General Dynamics supplies GD 883 diesel engines for Merkava IV tanks documented at Gaza border operations, 20mm/25mm/30mm guns for Israeli fighter jets, and Gulfstream surveillance aircraft. The company also manufactured components for 386 Namer armoured personnel carriers under a $310 million contract. This breadth of supply creates multiple complicity vectors.
Engagement Strategy
Focus on institutional divestment campaigns replicating the Norway sovereign wealth fund model. Target pension funds, university endowments, and socially responsible investment portfolios using the documented civilian harm evidence. The company's dual exclusion rationale (nuclear weapons AND conventional arms to Israel) provides multiple ethical grounds for divestment. Coordinate with Canadian allies targeting the company's UK/European operations and CANSEC presence. Engage with shareholders on human rights disclosure requirements and demand supply chain transparency regarding end-use monitoring of munitions. Frame messaging around the company's monopoly position and the documented consequences of its products in operations the ICJ found face a 'plausible' genocide case.
Evidence & Sources
Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.
General Dynamics exhibits ammunition at Canadian defence expo while Ottawa Police arrest 13 protesters demonstrating against arms sales to Israel.
Open sourceUS State Department approves Foreign Military Sale to Israel of 35,529 MK-84/BLU-117 bomb bodies and 4,000 penetrator warheads. General Dynamics named as prime contractor.
Open sourceComprehensive documentation of munitions supply to Israel including bombs, tank components, fighter jet systems, and Gulfstream surveillance aircraft.
Open sourceInternational Criminal Court charges crimes against humanity including extermination and starvation as a method of warfare - operations supported by General Dynamics munitions.
Open sourceAl Jazeera's Sanad verification agency concludes US-made MK-84 bombs manufactured by General Dynamics were used in strike on displaced families at al-Mawasi camp.
Open sourceInvestigation documents use of MK-84 2,000lb bomb manufactured by General Dynamics in strike on Gaza school shelter, killing approximately 100 displaced civilians.
Open sourceUN human rights experts call on arms manufacturers including General Dynamics to end weapons transfers to Israel or 'risk responsibility for human rights violations'.
Open sourceNorway's Government Pension Fund Global excludes General Dynamics, divesting approximately €705 million, based on company's production of nuclear weapons components.
Open sourceUN Commission of Inquiry on 2014 Gaza conflict warns that use of MK-84 bombs in highly populated areas 'would likely constitute a violation of the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks'.
Open sourceUpdates & Milestones
- CANSEC protests and arrests
Ottawa Police arrest 13 protesters at CANSEC defence expo targeting General Dynamics over arms sales to Israel.
- $2.04B munitions sale approved
US State Department approves Foreign Military Sale to Israel of 35,529 bomb bodies and 4,000 penetrator warheads with General Dynamics as prime contractor.
- ICC issues arrest warrants
International Criminal Court charges crimes against humanity including extermination and starvation - operations supplied with General Dynamics munitions.
- Norway sovereign wealth fund excludes company
World's largest investment fund (approximately $2 trillion) excludes General Dynamics, divesting €705 million due to nuclear weapons component production.
- MK-84 bombs used in al-Mawasi 'safe zone'
Al Jazeera's Sanad verification agency documents MK-84 bombs manufactured by General Dynamics used in strike on displaced families in designated safe zone.
- MK-84 bombs documented in school strike
Investigation documents General Dynamics MK-84 bombs used in strike on Gaza school shelter, killing approximately 100 displaced civilians.
- UN experts demand arms transfer halt
UN human rights experts call on General Dynamics and other arms manufacturers to end transfers to Israel or 'risk responsibility for human rights violations'.
- $310M Namer APC contract signed
Israel signs $310 million contract with General Dynamics for armoured personnel carrier component production.
- $1.8B bunker buster sale to Israel
US supplies Israel with 50 BLU-113 and 700 BLU-109 'hardened penetration' bombs via Foreign Military Sale with General Dynamics as contractor.
- UN warns on MK-84 use in populated areas
UN Commission of Inquiry investigating 2014 Gaza conflict warns MK-84 bombs in populated areas would likely violate prohibition on indiscriminate attacks.
- $647M Foreign Military Sale to Israel
General Dynamics named prime contractor for proposed sale including 1,725 BLU-109 bombs, 1,725 MK-82 bombs, and 3,450 MK-84 bombs.
- University of Michigan-Dearborn divestment
Student council passes resolution calling General Dynamics a 'corporation that sell[s] weapons, goods, and services to Israel [and] in turn uses the weapons inhumanely'.
- US approves 3,500 MK-84 bombs to Israel
United States approves sale of 3,500 MK-84 2,000lb bombs to Israel, manufactured by General Dynamics.
- First SEMA aircraft delivered to Israel
General Dynamics subsidiary Gulfstream delivers first G550 special electronic mission aircraft for 'electronic intelligence, communications intelligence and ground movement detection'.