Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Spain Exempts Airbus from Israeli Tech Ban
Spain has a rule that stops buying and selling certain things from Israel because of the war in Gaza.
But they made a special exception for a big company called Airbus.
Airbus makes airplanes and drones in Spain using technology from Israel.
The government said this is okay because it helps keep a lot of jobs and is good for the country's economy.
The rule against Israeli products was made in September, but Airbus was allowed to keep using Israeli technology because it's important for their business.
The government is also working with Airbus to find a way to stop using Israeli technology in the future.
Spain granted Airbus an exemption to use Israeli technology for aircraft and drones despite a ban on Israeli military and dual-use products.
The exemption was approved to preserve thousands of highly skilled jobs and maintain industrial and export potential.
Spain's ban on Israeli products was implemented in September 2023 to protest the war in Gaza.
Airbus employs 14,000 people in Spain and accounts for 60% of the country's air and defence exports.
The Spanish government is working with Airbus on a plan to disconnect from Israeli technology.
- Who
- Spain's government and Airbus
- What
- Exemption of Airbus from the ban on Israeli technology
- When
- December 30, 2023
- Where
- Spain
- Why
- To preserve thousands of highly skilled jobs and maintain industrial and export potential
- Date of Exemption
- December 30, 2023
- Company Affected
- Airbus
- Products Involved
- Aircraft and drones
- Technology Source
- Israel
- Spanish Ban Date
- September 2023
- Spanish Ban Scope
- Military and dual-use products from Israel
- Airbus Employment in Spain
- 14,000 employees
- Airbus Export Contribution
- 60% of Spain's air and defence exports