Spain's Defense Exports Surge in First Half of 2024
Spain reports a 13% increase in defense exports amidst strategic international partnerships.
Spain's defense exports reached €1.976 billion in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Secretary of State for Commerce, María Amparo López Senovilla, presented these figures to a parliamentary committee, emphasizing Spain's commitment to maintaining stringent controls over defense products.
Of the total exports, 61% were directed to European Union countries, amounting to €1.212 billion.
Notably, aircraft exports were significant, totaling €1.339 billion, which accounted for nearly 70% of overall defense exports.
In comparison, the full year 2023 saw defense exports valued at €3.764 billion, with 45% going to EU countries, particularly France and Germany.
During that year, 56% of the exports were directed to NATO member states, totaling €2.113 billion.
The predominant category of defense exports remained aircraft, making up 60% of the total, valued at €2.203 billion, including recent deliveries to various countries such as France, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Kazakhstan, India, Gabon, and the Philippines.
The Secretary of State highlighted Spain's proactive measures to prevent the illicit trade and proliferation of defense materials, requiring a 'final destination' certificate to ensure exported items are not misused.
This regulatory framework aligns with practices in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, positioning Spain at the forefront of arms control initiatives.
In 2023, exports of dual-use products—those applicable for both civilian and military purposes—rose by 36%, amounting to €394 million.
However, these exports represented only 12% of the total authorized operations, which reached €3.263 billion.
Main recipients of these dual-use products included Norway, China, and the United States, with 66% of exports distributed among 95 nations.
The report indicated that 26 operations were denied, including ones for unmanned aerial vehicles, software, laboratory materials, and chemicals, largely due to risks of diversion to Russia or potential military proliferation.
One notable denial involved a license for exporting autopilot systems to Israel, attributed to insufficient information and concerns over diversion to conflict zones.
In the first half of 2024, Spain denied 14 export operations, all earmarked for Cuba, a country under embargo, which involved the export of various calibers of firearms and ammunition.
Additionally, while no specific figures were provided in the latest report, Spain continues to support Ukraine within the framework of EU and NATO cooperation, supplying military equipment including Leopard 2A4 tanks, air defense systems, artillery ammunition, and protective gear.
These developments underscore Spain's strategic focus on bolstering its defense sector while adhering to rigorous security and transparency standards in its international dealings.
Of the total exports, 61% were directed to European Union countries, amounting to €1.212 billion.
Notably, aircraft exports were significant, totaling €1.339 billion, which accounted for nearly 70% of overall defense exports.
In comparison, the full year 2023 saw defense exports valued at €3.764 billion, with 45% going to EU countries, particularly France and Germany.
During that year, 56% of the exports were directed to NATO member states, totaling €2.113 billion.
The predominant category of defense exports remained aircraft, making up 60% of the total, valued at €2.203 billion, including recent deliveries to various countries such as France, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Kazakhstan, India, Gabon, and the Philippines.
The Secretary of State highlighted Spain's proactive measures to prevent the illicit trade and proliferation of defense materials, requiring a 'final destination' certificate to ensure exported items are not misused.
This regulatory framework aligns with practices in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, positioning Spain at the forefront of arms control initiatives.
In 2023, exports of dual-use products—those applicable for both civilian and military purposes—rose by 36%, amounting to €394 million.
However, these exports represented only 12% of the total authorized operations, which reached €3.263 billion.
Main recipients of these dual-use products included Norway, China, and the United States, with 66% of exports distributed among 95 nations.
The report indicated that 26 operations were denied, including ones for unmanned aerial vehicles, software, laboratory materials, and chemicals, largely due to risks of diversion to Russia or potential military proliferation.
One notable denial involved a license for exporting autopilot systems to Israel, attributed to insufficient information and concerns over diversion to conflict zones.
In the first half of 2024, Spain denied 14 export operations, all earmarked for Cuba, a country under embargo, which involved the export of various calibers of firearms and ammunition.
Additionally, while no specific figures were provided in the latest report, Spain continues to support Ukraine within the framework of EU and NATO cooperation, supplying military equipment including Leopard 2A4 tanks, air defense systems, artillery ammunition, and protective gear.
These developments underscore Spain's strategic focus on bolstering its defense sector while adhering to rigorous security and transparency standards in its international dealings.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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