Spain’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday suspended an Israeli missile manufacturing license, successfully scrapping a €285 million ($310 million) deal for 168 Spike LR2 anti-tank methods supposed for the Spanish Army and Marine Corps, amid Israel’s ongoing violence within the Gaza Strip.
The choice, confirmed by Defense Ministry sources to Spanish news company EFE, is a part of Madrid’s broader effort to “reduce to zero” its technological dependency on Israel over its army operations in Gaza.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles’ workplace additionally revoked the contract initially awarded in October 2023 to Pap Tecnos, the Spanish subsidiary of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The buy included 168 launch models, 1,680 Spike LR2 missiles, and full logistical assist. The different system into consideration is the US-made FGM-148F Javelin, developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
Although the ministry had beforehand justified the contract as a result of “obsolescence” of Spain’s present missile methods and the technical capability of Rafael as the only certified supplier, it has now shifted its stance. The Spike LR2 missile, praised as one of many world’s greatest for destroying tanks, is claimed to have been utilized by Israel in its Gaza offensive, sparking contemporary controversy.
The newest transfer comes simply six weeks after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ordered the Interior Ministry to unilaterally cancel a separate deal for greater than 15 million Israeli-made bullets.
Last week, Secretary of State for Defense Amparo Valcarce stated Spain was creating “disconnection plans” to make sure no future reliance on Israeli expertise.
Emphasizing that no energetic arms gross sales with Israel existed, Valcarce acknowledged that some ongoing applications nonetheless relied on Israeli firms, prompting exit methods.
Source: www.dailysabah.com