Spain Cancels $310M Israeli Missile Contract

Spain's Defense Ministry has canceled a €285 million ($310–325 million) missile contract with Pap Tecnos, the Spanish subsidiary of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. The contract, initially signed in October 2023, was intended to supply 168 Spike LR2 anti-tank systems to the Spanish Army and Marine Corps. Spain's decision to cancel the deal is part of a broader initiative to end its defense ties and technological reliance on Israel. This move follows the cancellation of a 15 million-bullet order from Israel in April and Spain's official recognition of Palestinian statehood in May 2024. Spanish officials are developing disengagement plans to prevent future dependence on Israeli defense technology and have called for EU sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel. The Spanish government is now considering alternatives such as the US-made Javelin missile system.