Spain Cancels €287M Missile Deal with Israel Amid Gaza Backlash

Spain has officially canceled a €287.5 million contract for the acquisition of 168 Spike LR2 anti-tank missile systems from Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, marking a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy. 

The deal, initially signed in October 2023 with Pap Tecnos, Rafael’s Spanish subsidiary, was intended to bolster the Spanish Army and Marine Corps with 1,680 missiles and associated launchers. However, amid growing political pressure and criticism over Israel's military actions in Gaza, the Spanish government has opted to terminate the agreement 

"A deliberate process is in place to phase out Israeli technology gradually," a Spanish Defense Ministry sources source told El Mundo.

This move aligns with Spain's broader initiative to reduce reliance on Israeli defense technology. El Pais reports that the Ministry of Defense has also announced plans to redesign the €576 million SILAM multiple rocket launcher system to eliminate Israeli components, that should have been provided by Elbit Systems . These decisions are part of a legislative push in the Spanish Congress to embargo arms trade with nations accused of human rights violations, including Israel. 

Spanish radio network Cadensa SER reported on its website that the cancellation has prompted Spain to explore alternative missile systems, with the U.S.-made FGM-148F Javelin emerging as a potential replacement. The Spike LR2, known for its advanced targeting capabilities and combat effectiveness, was previously favored for its compatibility with Spain's defense needs. However, the government's commitment to severing military ties with Israel has taken precedence 

Last year,  Spain denied docking permission to the Danish-flagged cargo ship Danica Violet, which was transporting components for the Spike missiles from Israel to the port of Cartagena. This action underscores the government's intent to disconnect from Israeli military collaborations 

Spain's stance has elicited strong reactions from Israel, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry condemning the cancellation of a separate €6.6 million ammunition deal, accusing Spain of prioritizing political considerations over security needs.

Last week, following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for Israel's exclusion from international cultural events, notably the Eurovision Song Contest, due to its ongoing offensive in Gaza – comparing it to barring Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. "We cannot allow double standards, he said during a conference in Madrid. Last week, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Jose Manuel Albares, said that the international community should take consider sanctions against Israel to stop the war. 

Israel is under intense international pressure to end the war in Gaza, including from its greatest ally, the US, with the Trump administration repeatedly expressing the need for Hamas to free the 58 Israel hostages, held captive for over 600 days now, in exchange for a prolonged cease-fire. The European Union has also announced it will review its Association Agreement, which governs its political and economic ties with Israel.