Spain’s defence chief admits Israeli tech ban hampers weapons projects, notes Morocco’s rearmament
Spain’s defence innovation chief said the 2025 ban on Israeli military technology is delaying key weapons programmes and confirmed that Morocco is actively rearming with US and Israeli equipment.
At a Nueva Economía Forum briefing, Lieutenant General Miguel Ivorra, the top official for strategy and innovation in Spain’s Ministry of Defence, confirmed that the government’s 2025 prohibition on Israeli military technology has created notable delays in several major programmes, including the high-mobility rocket launcher (SILAM) and laser designators for Eurofighter jets, after contracts for Spike LR2 missiles and other systems were cancelled.
He explained that Spain had been overly dependent on Israeli suppliers and now must invest in domestic development, a process he described as costly and time-consuming, while also highlighting a large technological gap with the United States that Europe must collectively address. Ivorra noted that Morocco is “a reality” in terms of rearming, receiving substantial weaponry from the US and Israel, but cautioned that mere acquisition does not equate to strategic independence.
He urged greater European coordination to build a sustainable defence industry. The comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Spain’s defence procurement after the veto led to the termination of 19 contracts.
Why it matters
It shows Spain’s defence delays and the challenge of cutting foreign arms dependence amid regional security changes.
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