The debate over the replacement of military technology of Israeli origin involves doubts about the feasibility of finding alternative suppliers capable of covering the strategic needs of the Spanish Armed Forces with guarantees. As detailed in Europa Press, the Ministry of Defense has recognized the difficulty of maintaining operations in critical areas, due to the importance of contracts in place with Israeli companies and the continuation of components, equipment and systems that remain dependent on suppliers from that country. This context imposes on the authorities the task of determining in detail the timetable and procedures for implementing the replacement, in a scenario where transparency and planning are among the demands determined by the parliamentary level.
In the Congressional Defense Committee, the Somar parliamentary group promoted a proposal asking the government to immediately publish a plan detailing deadlines for the separation of military programs linked to Israeli technology, goods or patents, Europe Press reported. This request comes under the protection of the ban approved by the Spanish executive authority, which has banned the import of Israeli defense materials and military equipment since October and received the support of the Legislative Council. As Europe Press reported, President Pedro Sánchez placed the measure within his veto that de facto limits military trade with Israel as of October 7, 2023, in response to Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip.
The blockade had direct effects on the industrial and contractual relationship between Spain and Israel. Europe Press indicated that the government based its decision on its condemnation of what it described as “genocide” in the Palestinian territories, and this trade embargo was accompanied by an announcement of a “separation plan” from the Israeli military industry. Although Minister Margarita Robles, head of the ministry, stated in September that defense industrial relations with Israel had already been closed, the ministry itself acknowledged the existence of dependencies in key areas, the replacement of which entails technological, logistical and economic challenges.
Parliamentary discussions also focused on defense spending policy. According to information issued by Europe Press, Somar proposed allocating 80% of the military budget to Spanish companies, and in the case of suppliers belonging to European Union countries, this percentage reaches 90%. This approach seeks to reduce exposure to external instability and favor strategic independence and national industrial development, objectives that were clearly articulated in the proposal submitted to the Defense Committee.
Among the contracts identified for review are acquisitions with a significant impact on the military budget and operations. Europa Press specified that the list includes, among other things, the purchase of 168 Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles, with an agreed value of 237 million euros with the PAP company Tecnos Innovación SAU, as well as the SILAM missile launch system, with an investment of 576 million euros and the participation of the Israeli company Elbit Systems. In addition, Rafael is supplying air combat systems for €207 million, all of which are items identified in the movement as priorities in the replacement process.
The demand for transparency proved to be the central focus of the discussion, according to Europa Press. The political forces supporting the proposal insist that the management of contract replacement and technology must be characterized by democratic controls and information clarity to avoid shortages in defense capabilities or failure to supply advanced systems. The media also noted that the Defense Committee is assuming the role of overseeing the replacement schedule, in a context where uncertainty about materials and systems awaiting replacement is putting pressure on the administration.
With the precedent of the ban, the government promoted the strengthening of the national defense industry. In April, a €10,471 million defense industrial plan was approved, which seeks to increase investment in the sector to represent 2% of GDP, Europa Press reported. This roadmap is consistent with commitments made at European level and responds to the goal of moving towards greater autonomy and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, especially in situations involving military operations or international conflicts.
The political and legislative context places at the heart of deliberations the need to combine the protection of military capacity with efficiency in the application of public spending and to adapt defense contracting standards to new political and ethical requirements. Europe Press highlighted that Soumar’s proposal emphasizes that any transition must avoid the risk of creating areas of vulnerability in national defense and ensure that the new awards respond to a sustainable and controlled scheme.
The timing of this review coincides with increasing pressure from the political and social sectors to enhance technological sovereignty and reduce trade relations with countries involved in armed conflicts. As Europe Press reported, this process opens a different phase in the country’s defense policy, where not only compatibility with international standards and obligations are discussed, but also the role of national industry, cooperation with European partners and the limits of non-EU trade relations.
Parliamentary deliberations highlight the risks associated with a rapid or poorly planned transition, as well as the need to ensure continuity of supplies and operational stability of the armed forces. Europe Press reported that the Defense Committee is emerging as the body responsible for overseeing compliance with deadlines and implementing changes, while voices are growing demanding greater clarity about the scope of materials still subject to replacement and about the ability of European and Spanish industry to meet those demands.
The debate on replacing defense technology of Israeli origin thus turns into a broader debate on technological sovereignty, industrial independence and the commitments undertaken by Spain in the international sphere. Europe Press concluded that the direction of the current process represents a relevant change, prioritizing the need to reduce dependence on third countries, promote national capacity development and balance independence and cooperation within society.