The Spanish Ministry of Defense has unveiled a plan for a 'technological disengagement' from the Israeli military industry, as announced by the Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce, during a breakfast meeting organized by Nueva Economía Fórum.

Since October 7, 2023, in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack that led to the ongoing destruction in Gaza, the Spanish government has ceased all arms purchases and sales with Israel.

Valcarce acknowledged that certain programs within the Defense Ministry remain technologically dependent on Israeli firms.

The Spanish government has approved a defense industrial and technological plan, which includes an additional funding allocation of €10.471 billion, aimed at achieving a military expenditure of 2% of GDP this year.

This initiative is intended to advance strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty, ultimately seeking to eliminate dependence on other nations, including Israel.

Valcarce indicated that plans for disengagement are already underway, asserting the ambition to achieve 'zero technological dependence' through the implementation of the disengagement plan.

Although specific programs were not detailed, the Ministry of Defense currently has three significant contracts involving Israeli technology, including laser designators for combat aircraft (€207 million), Spike anti-aircraft missiles (€237.5 million), and the SILAM multiple rocket launch system (€576 million).

A strategic program for a new joint tactical radio system for the Army (SCRT), valued at €738 million, is also pending award, with a current preferred offer from Telefónica and Aicox, incorporating technology from the Israeli company Elbit.

Valcarce expressed respect for a proposed legislative initiative by the Sumar party, currently advancing in Congress, which would impose an automatic embargo on arms purchases and sales with any state indicted in international courts for crimes against humanity, including Israel.

Valcarce referred to the legislation as 'very necessary,' condemning the 'invasion of Gaza' and the 'massacres of Palestinian civilians.'

The Spanish government's previous limitations on military purchases from Israel were restricted to ammunition and weaponry, leading to the cancellation of a contract for 15 million bullets from Israel, valued at €6.6 million for the Civil Guard.

Sources within the defense sector have noted challenges in completely replacing Israeli technology due to its unique role in certain programs and the complexities of implementing such a ban in a globalized market where third-party components may be involved.

The worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel's continued military operations without ceasefire or humanitarian aid distribution from international agencies have prompted the Ministry of Defense to accelerate efforts to eliminate reliance on Israeli technology in its programs.

Experts have warned that this approach could prove particularly sensitive and challenging in areas where Israeli industry is highly advanced, such as cybersecurity, to which the government plans to allocate 20% of the funding from its defense strategy.