Chemical Leak at GKN Aerospace Garden Grove Plant Highlights F-35 Supply Chain Ties to Israel

A 7,000-gallon methyl methacrylate tank ruptured at GKN Aerospace Transparency Inc.’s Garden Grove, California plant, releasing a flammable chemical. Up to 50,000 residents were evacuated; the order was lifted after authorities confirmed containment.

Firm behind California chemical leak was producing F-35 parts for Israel: Report

The plant makes the acrylic canopy that encloses the F-35 cockpit. Since 2017 it has earned >$13 million in Lockheed Martin subcontracts and holds >$255 million in total contracts, plus $4.5 million in Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter subcontracts for Israel. Analysts say the canopies likely end up in F-35 jets exported to Israel, where they have been used in combat.

Firm behind California chemical leak was producing F-35 parts for Israel: Report

The leak forced school closures and disrupted livelihoods, hitting low-income, immigrant families hardest. Activists argue the community bears environmental costs while the same components may be used in Israeli airstrikes that have caused civilian casualties in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

The Intercept

Garden Grove officials confirmed the evacuation and later lifted it, citing containment. The city defended the 34,000-sq-ft expansion permit as a response to rising demand for F-35 parts. GKN Aerospace declined comment. The Center for Civilians in Conflict warned that the plant’s output likely reaches Israeli aircraft engaged in operations that violate international humanitarian law.

Firm behind California chemical leak was producing F-35 parts for Israel: Report

The Palestinian Youth Movement, VietRise, the Harbor Institute, OC Justice for Palestine and council member Donald Torres demanded immediate plant closure, a moratorium on military-manufacturing contracts, and a half-mile buffer zone between such facilities and homes. They cited prior environmental violations for which GKN paid nearly $1 million in settlements.

The Intercept

Residents received sudden evacuation notices, experienced school shutdowns, and lost income. Organizer Dwight Hua said many neighbors were unaware of the plant’s presence until the leak revealed it.

The Intercept

• “While GKN chases contracts and profits, our community pays the price with school closures and disrupted livelihoods.” — Sofia Awaida, organizer, Palestinian Youth Movement

The Intercept

• “Due to the nature of the F-35’s global supply chain, it is likely that the F-35 components produced at the Garden Grove facility are incorporated into aircraft exported to Israel,” — John Ramming Chappell, advocacy and legal advisor, Center for Civilians in Conflict

Firm behind California chemical leak was producing F-35 parts for Israel: Report

• “It is the result of a company and an industry that prioritizes war profiteering over people.” — Layal Bata, organizer, Palestinian Youth Movement

The Intercept

• “Now the mask is off … this is not a mistake, this is a deliberate result of an industry and company that treats our communities as disposable.” — Dwight Hua, organizer, VietRise

The Intercept

The city council will vote on the proposed moratorium and buffer-zone ordinance in the coming weeks. Activist groups plan continued protests and legal challenges. Federal regulators have been urged to review GKN’s compliance with environmental and safety standards.

The Intercept