Spain’s Defense Ministry has suspended the production license for the Spike LR2 anti-tank missile system made by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, effectively canceling a €285 million ($310 million) contract for the Spanish Army and Marine Corps, Spanish media reported Tuesday.
According to the newspaper El País, the move is part of a broader government effort to reduce Spain’s reliance on Israeli defense technology in light of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has also annulled an October 2023 contract with Pap Tecnos, Rafael’s Spanish subsidiary.
The canceled agreement included the supply of 168 missile launchers, 1,680 Spike LR2 missiles and comprehensive logistical support. The Spanish government is now reportedly evaluating a switch to the U.S.-made Javelin missile system, produced by Lockheed Martin.
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While Spain’s Defense Ministry had previously defended the deal with Rafael—citing the obsolescence of current systems and Rafael’s unique compliance with required standards—it now appears to be reversing course. The Spike missile, praised internationally, has reportedly been used by Israeli forces in Gaza, drawing increased scrutiny in Madrid.
This is not the first time Spain has canceled an arms deal with Israel. In April, the Spanish government scrapped a $15 million ammunition purchase. Last week, Secretary of State for Defense Amparo Valcarce declared that Spain is working on “disengagement plans” to ensure it is no longer dependent on Israeli military technology in the future.
Valcarce said that while there are no current weapons deals between Spain and Israel, several ongoing projects still rely on Israeli technology. The government is now crafting strategies to phase out those dependencies.