Las cifras de FEINDEF 2025 han superado todas las previsiones en un contexto de un dinamismo sin precedentes de la defensa en Europa, ¿qué papel cree está llamado a jugar España en esa nueva estrategia de la UE?
The FEINDEF 2025 figures have exceeded all expectations in a context of unprecedented dynamism in European defense. What role do you think Spain is called to play in this new EU strategy?
Spain is determined to play a leading role in the new European defense strategy. As a nation committed to the values of the European Union and a staunch defender of a more resilient and autonomous Europe, we are actively working to strengthen our contribution to collective security through industrial, technological, and operational capabilities. Defense has ceased to be a peripheral issue and has become a strategic axis of European sovereignty, and Spain, with its industry, its innovation, and its Armed Forces, is fully aligned with this vision. FEINDEF 2025 is the best reflection of this ambition.
How will the recently presented Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, which undoubtedly marks a milestone, strengthen Spain's strategic sovereignty, consolidate the sector's industry, and promote territorial cohesion?
The Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense is an essential tool for the future of the sector in Spain. It strengthens our strategic sovereignty by identifying and protecting critical capabilities that must be developed and maintained at the national level. Furthermore, it promotes the consolidation of our Defense Technological and Industrial Base, ensuring a more balanced participation of companies, large and small, in key programs. And it does so from a perspective of territorial cohesion, promoting technology hubs throughout the country, linked to university centres, technology parks, and local capabilities. It is, in short, a transformative roadmap.
FEINDEF 25 hosts a large presence of foreign industry. We are expected to attend important multinational agreements in the coming days within the framework of the show. Under what premises do you think the alliance between national and foreign industry should be based?
Alliances with foreign industry must be built on principles of balance, reciprocity, technology transfer, and strengthening of national capabilities. Spain advocates a cooperation model that enables the growth of our SMEs, real participation in European value chains, and access to key technologies. We want to be reliable partners, yes, but we also want our companies to be strengthened in the process. FEINDEF is a great platform for generating these types of sustainable and strategic agreements.
With the budgetary aspect underway, perhaps now, more than ever, we must make progress in establishing a Defense Culture in Spain. How is the Ministry working in this regard? Do you believe that society today is more aware of the need for Defense, the value of its Armed Forces, and the duty to adequately equip them?
A Culture of Defense is more necessary than ever. At the Ministry, we have been working on it across the board, through educational programs, collaborations with universities, institutional campaigns, and closer contact with citizens. Spanish society is increasingly aware of the crucial role our Armed Forces play in stability, peace, and the response to global crises. But we must continue to explain that investing in Defense means investing in security, employment, innovation, and sovereignty. FEINDEF contributes powerfully to this pedagogy.
What steps do you think the national industry, made up primarily of SMEs, s to answer as expected to the current investment landscape?
Our industry, especially SMEs, has made very important strides in recent years, but we must continue advancing in their internationalization, digitalization, scalability, and specialization. The Ministry is working to support them on this path with financing instruments, training, certification, and participation in large programs. But it is also essential that they integrate into innovation ecosystems, collaborate with each other and with technology centres, and invest in talent. The current investment landscape is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
The Defense sector must benefit from the talent of women. How will we see this necessary momentum reflected in this edition of FEINDEF?
At FEINDEF 2025, we will see how female leadership in defense is now an unstoppable reality. From the incorporation of women into positions of responsibility in the Armed Forces to their growing presence in industry, female talent is gaining ground and visibility. FEINDEF has created spaces to highlight this transformation, such as dedicated panels, networking, and activities focused on promoting STEAM vocations among young women. At the Ministry, we are firmly committed to real equality, because effective defense is one that leverages all of its human capital.
