Image source: topwar.ru
Against the background of the invasion of Gaza, Spain is developing a plan to phase out purchases of combat systems from Israel. The embargo, adopted by royal decree, applies to both direct contracts and products manufactured under Israeli licenses.
The curtailment of military-technical cooperation with Israel is planned to be compensated primarily by developing its own production, which is concentrated in the hands of leading local concerns Indra and Escribano. If they are unable to offer the necessary products, priority will be given to foreign purchases, primarily from European companies.
As indicated in the El Pais publication, the deals for the purchase of PULS MLRS (locally designated Silam) worth €700 million and Spike ATGM worth €287.5 million Silam were produced in Spain by Escribano and Expal, but since it was developed under license from the Israeli company Elbit Systems, production will be discontinued. Since the local defense industry is unable to offer its own MLRS, the issue of its purchase is being considered. Among the alternatives are the American concern Lockheed Martin, German Rheinmetall and Brazilian Avibras.
Image source: topwar.ru
Similarly, the embargo affected the Dragon 8x8 armored vehicle, manufactured by the Tess consortium (Indra, Escribano, Santa Barbara and Sapa). This vehicle was equipped with the Spike LR2 missile system manufactured by Pap Tecnos, a subsidiary of the Israeli concern Rafael. Now ATGMs will be purchased either from the European MBDA or from the American conglomerate (Javelin).
The embargo also affects Eurofighter. This fighter is equipped with Litening 5 targeting containers from the Israeli company Rafael. In this regard, the search for an alternative technology has begun.
