Spain delivered arms to Libya – WikiLeaks

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero disclosed information on Spanish arms exports which made $1.6 bln in 2010. Thanks to WikiLeaks, it got out what Zapatero concealed. In 2007 he agreed with Gaddafi on arms delivery to the amount of $1.5 bln. Hasty growth of Spanish arms export began after Zapatero assumed the office; this conflicts with pacifist ideology declared by the head of Spanish government, supposes Spanish El Economista. 

Sharply changed political situation in Libya forced the Spanish premier to make radical decision and re-direct Spanish arms against the profitable customer. In one night Muammar Gaddafi who had been treated as a special partner in Madrid turned into a rogue leader doomed to be overthrown by military force. Special relationship with Libya established after Gaddafi's visit to Madrid in 2007 made Spain the world's sixth arms exporter in 2008, reports El Economista. 

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Spanish navy captures 11 suspected Somali pirates

The Spanish navy has captured and arrested 11 Somalis suspected of piracy after they chased a Seychelles-flagged fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean earlier this week, says the Spanish defence ministry.

Early on Monday the fishing vessel, with several Spanish crewmembers on board, was pursued by pirates aboard two boats whilst travelling around 260 nautical miles north west of the Seychelles. Apparently automatic weapons and rocket propelled grandes were clearly visible. The crew fired warning shots at the pirates and alerted the Spanish naval operations centre (COVAM). Spain participates in the European Union’s Atalanta anti-piracy operation in the Indian Ocean.

Navantia launches fourth maritime action ship for Spanish Navy

MADRID (BNS): Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has launched the fourth maritime action ship Tornado P-44 for the Spanish Navy last week.

The new offshore patrol vessel was launched on March 21 in the presence of Spanish Defence Minister Carmen Chacón and other officials.

The ship is the fourth of an initial series of four Buque de Acción Maritima (BAM) class multi-mission vessels Navantia is building for the Spanish Navy under a 2006 contract.