Spanish-built combat vehicles for Latvia to carry Israeli turrets despite arms embargo
Spanish-built combat vehicles for Latvia to carry Israeli turrets despite arms embargo Submitted by Nadav Rapaport on Fri, 10/16/2026 - 09:53 General Dynamics subsidiary is delivering fighting vehicles fitted with Elbit-made turret systems, a year after the Sanchez government halted weapons trade over the Gaza genocide Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo…
Spanish arms company General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Barbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS) is delivering infantry fighting vehicles equipped with Israeli-made turret systems to Latvia, despite an arms embargo imposed by Spain last year in response to the ongoing Gaza genocide. The vehicles, called Mednieks, are part of a €800m ($929m) deal between GDELS-SBS and Latvia, with delivery set to complete by 2029.
Latvia's Defence Minister Raivis Melnis stated that the delivery strengthens the country's defense capabilities and promotes cooperation between Latvia's armed forces and NATO allies. GDELS-SBS, formerly a government-owned company, was privatized and sold to General Dynamics in the early 2000s. The embargo, which includes a ban on military equipment, products, and technology trade with Israel, was passed in Spain's parliament last year.
However, Spain has previously engaged in arms trade with Israel, including a €697m deal for the SILAM rocket launcher system and a €287m contract for Spike anti-tank missiles awarded to Israeli companies in 2024.
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