Latvia to receive Spanish-built IFVs fitted with Israeli turrets despite Spain's embargo

Latvia signed a deal worth around €800 million for 84 Mednieks infantry fighting vehicles, to be supplied by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Barbara Sistemas and delivered by 2029. Each vehicle will be fitted with the UT30 MK2 unmanned turret produced by Israel's Elbit Systems, linking the Spanish-built platform to Israeli weapons technology. Latvia’s defence minister Raivis Melnis highlighted the purchase as a major step in strengthening the country's defence and enhancing cooperation with NATO allies.

The contract includes a requirement that at least 30 % of the production involve Latvian industry. The arrangement has drawn attention because Spain introduced a broad arms embargo on Israel last year, banning the trade of military equipment, yet the Spanish-based subsidiary proceeded with the Israeli component under existing contracts. Spanish officials have pledged to reduce technological dependence on Israel, but the deal illustrates the complexities of the embargo’s implementation.