Spain is working with Indra and Escribano on a plan to replace Israeli-licensed military systems after an embargo, combining domestic alternatives with interim foreign purchases.
Spain’s government is consulting major defence firms on disconnecting equipment tied to Israel, with the veto covering direct contracts and Israeli-licensed products. Existing agreements have been cancelled or are being cancelled. The defence and industry ministries want Spanish-made replacements, but developing new technology could take years, so one-off buys abroad are being studied to avoid losing operational capabilities.
The plan is being organised mainly around Indra and Escribano. Indra could supply replacement technology, while Escribano may cover artillery and munitions. First, officials will test whether Spanish products match current capabilities; if not, purchases will follow, preferably from European suppliers, according to sources familiar with the talks.
The Silam rocket launcher is the most affected programme: its 700 million contract was annulled last week on the public procurement platform. Built in Spain by EM&E (Escribano) and Expal under Elbit Systems’ licence, it will cease production. Temporary alternatives include systems by Lockheed Martin, Rheinmettal and Avibras. The 8×8 Dragon from the Tess consortium (Indra, Escribano, Santa Bárbara and Sapa) also faces change after the Spyke LR2 launcher from Pap Tecnos, part of Rafael, was cancelled; options include MBDA or the Javelin (Raytheon and Lockheed Martin).
Radios for tanks and the 8×8 Dragon, a 1,500 million award to Telefónica, Icox and Elbit, need a new supplier; Indra cites its agreement with Finland’s Bittium on software-defined radios. Tecnobit (Grupo Oesía) says its 4.8 million Spyke photonics contract should not proceed. Eurofighter targeting pods “Lightening 5” from Rafael and Army vehicle jammers from Netline require substitutes. A General Dynamics–Elbit turret deal for Latvia’s Ascod, assembled in the Baltic state, might not be affected.
Spain’s defence ministry, via the Subdirectorate-General for Programmes within the Directorate General of Armament and Material, is planning the shift. Minister Margarita Robles said ongoing programmes would not be delayed. Firms urge the government to spread fast-track awards. Indra’s Ángel Escribano and José Vicente de los Mozos said the company has contingency plans and alternative suppliers. Indra’s merger with Escribano could be influenced, as Escribano relies more on Israeli licences.
Source: La Vanguardia