Spain Halts Major Deal for Spike LR 2 Anti-Tank Missiles from Rafael
The Spanish Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the suspension of a significant contract to purchase Spike LR 2 anti-tank missiles from Israeli defense contractor Rafael. The deal, valued at approximately €285 million (around $310 million), was intended for the Spanish Army and the local Navy. This decision, reported by the Spanish news agency EFE, is part of Spain’s efforts to “reduce to zero” its technological dependence on Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Rafael stated, “We are not aware of any cancellation of the deal.”
Background of the Deal
The agreement concerning the Spike LR 2 missiles was finalized in October 2023 with Pap Techno, a subsidiary of Rafael operating in Spain. The contract included 168 launch units, 1,680 missiles, and complete logistical support. Analysts suggest that the suspension may benefit U.S. defense giants Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, as Spain considers purchasing Javelin missiles instead.
Political Considerations
This suspension represents an escalation in Spain’s stance against Israeli defense industries. Initially, Madrid tried to justify the Spike LR 2 deal since it was signed well before the current conflict. However, earlier in April, Spain terminated a €6.6 million ($7.53 million) contract with the Israeli company Tavor Defense Industries (TAD) due to political pressure within Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.
The events unfolded after a report by Spanish radio station Cadena SER indicated that the Ministry of the Interior aimed to complete the purchase of 15.3 million 9mm rounds from TAD. This acquisition, although primarily technical, drew scrutiny following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state last year and subsequent commitments not to buy or sell arms to Israel during the conflict.
Broader Implications
Following the government’s decision in late October, Spain also announced the cancellation of a deal conducted through Guardian Defense & Homeland Security SA, a company owned by Guardian Holdings Ltd, registered in Israel. The government has emphasized that various options were reviewed before deciding not to proceed with the TAD contract due to cost and operational concerns impacting the Guardia Civil, who would be left without essential equipment.
The political backlash is palpable, particularly from the leftist “Sumar” party, led by Minister of Labor and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz. Sumar, holding 27 of the 350 seats in the lower Congress and three of the 266 seats in the Senate, demanded the cancellation of the contract, labeling it a “flagrant violation” of their efforts to act against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza.
Strategic Military Spending
Tensions between the Socialist-led government of Sánchez and Díaz have intensified over military spending, particularly in light of NATO’s requirement for member nations to invest at least 2% of their GDP in defense. Currently, Spain stands at just 1.28%. In response, Sánchez is seeking to allocate an additional €10.5 billion for military purposes, a move Díaz calls “utterly reckless.” In an attempt to quell unrest and prevent Sumar from abandoning the coalition, both Sánchez’s and Díaz’s offstarts have indicated a unilateral cancellation of the TAD contract would occur.
Recent Actions Against Israeli Arms
The cancellation of the Spike LR 2 deal is not Spain’s first action against Israeli defense systems during the conflict. On May 16, Spain refused a request from a ship carrying explosives from India to dock at its ports. According to Transport Minister Oscar Puente, the cargo ship “Marianne Danica,” flagged by Denmark, had requested to dock in Cartagena on May 21 but was denied.
Similarly, another vessel, “Borkum,” flagged in Antigua and Barbuda, was also stopped shortly before entering Cartagena. Pro-Palestinian activists protested in the port, prompting European Parliament members to send a letter to the Spanish Prime Minister urging a halt to the vessel’s entry due to suspicions of carrying arms for Israel.
The shifting dynamics in Spain’s defense policies reflect broader global tensions and the ongoing debate over military contracts with Israel amid humanitarian concerns arising from the Gaza conflict