In 2025, Spain took an unprecedented step: the country officially imposed a complete ban on the export of weapons and dual-use technologies to Israel. This decision marks the first such case in the history of Spanish foreign defense policy. Now, any shipments related to military products are blocked at the legislative level, rather than being considered on a case-by-case basis as before.
The new rules cover a wide range of products—from conventional weapons systems to advanced electronic components, software, and encryption technologies. Key projects have also come under the restrictions, including those related to the modernization of the armed forces, such as long-range artillery systems, Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles produced under Israeli license, and the upgrade of Eurofighter jets, for which equipment had previously been planned for procurement from the Israeli company Rafael.
The introduction of the ban has created uncertainty for contracts already in place. Companies that had counted on long-term cooperation are now forced to revise their plans, seek alternative partners, or even prepare for possible legal action regarding compensation. The law provides for exceptions, but their application requires separate approval at the highest level and coordination with an interdepartmental commission.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the new regulatory act must be approved by parliament within a month. If deputies do not support the initiative, a legal vacuum may arise, threatening not only existing agreements but also Spain’s reputation as a reliable partner on the international arms market. Furthermore, the law itself notes that this form of national embargo has not previously been explicitly provided for in Spanish legislation, raising questions about the admissibility of such radical measures without a separate parliamentary mandate.
A period of change is beginning for the country’s defense industry. Companies are being forced to urgently adapt to new conditions, seek out alternative markets, and revise their technological chains. It is possible that this move will mark the beginning of a new era in arms export regulation in Spain, with consequences that will affect not only market participants but also government bodies responsible for security and foreign policy.
