Industry and Defense
The defense sector in Spain has doubled its business base in two years to 748 companies, 80% of which are SMEs, as revealed by the Director General of DIGEID, Miguel Ivorra Ruiz, at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. This ecosystem is emerging as an engine of development and innovation in the current international context.
The defense industry in España It has established itself as a rapidly expanding strategic ecosystem, nearly doubling the number of registered companies in the last two years. This was confirmed by the lieutenant general. Miguel Ivorra Ruiz, Director General of Strategy and Innovation for the Defense Industry (DIGEID), during his speech in the Industry Committee of the Cámara de España.
A rapidly evolving ecosystem with SMEs as the main players
The business sector linked to defense has experienced exponential growth, going from 400 companies registered in the Defense Industry Register (RID) of Ministerio de Defensa de España in 2024 to the current 748. This figure not only reflects the strength of the sector, but also its reach, as detailed Ivorra Ruiz, "80% of the companies in the sector are SMEs"This ecosystem already generates 36.000 highly skilled direct jobs, positioning itself as an engine of economic development and technological innovation for the country.
The director of the DIGEID He stressed that the current cycle, marked by a geopolitical context of "breakdown of the international order," demands a new approach. To capitalize on this opportunity, it is essential to have a long-term strategic vision, guarantee budgetary stability, and, above all, foster the public-private partnershipFurthermore, he pointed to the need to increase the scalability of companies so that they can compete in an increasingly integrated market.
Spain's position in the global defense market
Export data confirms the importance of Spanish industry internationally. Currently, España stands as the fourth largest European exporter of the sector and ninth worldwide. For the lieutenant general, defense is one of the strategic sectors with the greatest potential in the European arena, not only for its direct impact on security, but also for its ability to drive other industrial sectors.
| Key Indicator of the Defense Sector in Spain (2026) | Figure/Data |
|---|---|
| Registered companies (current) | 748 |
| Registered companies (2024) | 400 |
| Percentage of SMEs in the sector | 80 % |
| Skilled direct jobs | 36.000 |
| European exporter ranking | 4 º |
| World export ranking | 9 º |
The challenge of European integration and collaboration
Ivorra Ruiz He also addressed the strategy at the continental level, asserting that the European objective is to move from the current fragmentation towards greater industrial integration. However, he issued a key warning to managers and administrators: "Large, poorly designed investments can have the opposite effect"In this regard, he argued that national and European investments should reinforce each other, pointing to the coherence between both levels as one of the main strengths of the Spanish model.
The person in charge of DIGEID He concluded his analysis by noting that the sector faces a paradigm shift that simultaneously represents "an opportunity and a strategic responsibility for future generations." This new scenario directly challenges companies to innovate and adapt in order to consolidate the industrial and technological base of defense in Europa.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the defense sector in Spain
What real opportunities exist for a Spanish SME in the defense sector?
For SMEs, opportunities lie in the supply chains of large contractors and in high-tech niches. Given that SMEs make up 80% of the business sector, there are support programs and a growing demand for innovative solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, drones, new materials, and specialized software. The key is to identify specific needs and provide added value through specialization.
What are the main challenges for companies wanting to enter this market?
The main challenges are the high barriers to entry, which include complex certifications and very strict security requirements. Furthermore, the need for investment in R&D is constant, and scalability, as Lieutenant General Ivorra mentioned, is crucial for competitiveness. Therefore, public-private collaboration and the formation of consortia are fundamental ways to overcome these obstacles.
How does the new geopolitical context affect the Spanish defense industry?
International instability and the need to strengthen European strategic autonomy have led to an increase in defense budgets across the globe. Unión EuropeaFor Spanish companies, this translates into increased domestic demand and greater export opportunities to allied countries. The new paradigm compels industry to be more agile, innovative, and to integrate into European multinational projects.
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