Hereu emphasizes the defense industry as a pillar of the Spanish economy and highlights the Government's support for internationalization

 

Minister Hereu has highlighted the security and defense sector as a first-rate contribution to the Spanish economyhighlighting its importance not only at the sectoral level but also in the overall objective of increase the weight of industry in GDP the country.

 

Hereu stated that "we are living through a very special moment, resulting from the significant investments committed for the major programs and the role the EU will play in supporting the consolidation of the European defense industry." In this regard, he highlighted the adaptation and drive in this sector as levers of competitiveness and sustainability.

 

The Ministry of Industry, as Hereu recalled, is committed to the support and assistance to Spanish companies in its growth and modernization. As an example, he mentioned the company SAPA, which has been awarded the contract more than 90 million euros in various programs managed by the Ministry, such as PERTE VEC (Electric and Connected Vehicle) or the Fund to Support Productive Industrial Investment.

 

Additionally, the minister praised the investment of 12 millones de euros which SAPA, specializing in mobility technologies, will carry out in the province of Jaen to establish a new production center. This investment is expected to generate more than 60 highly skilled jobsDuring his visit, Hereu was also able to see firsthand the international expansion plan of SAPA in Europe and the United States.

 

Finally, the minister insisted that the Ministry of Industry and Tourism will continue to support this sector. The goal is mobilize resources necessary to advance the strategic autonomy Spanish, to ensure the coverage of the material needs and technological capabilities of national security and defense, and to contribute to that of our European partners and allies.

 

The Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense

 

This support falls within the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense which the Government launched in April. This plan is a direct response to the current international geopolitical context, the appearance of new hybrid threats and the rethinking of the Atlantic alliance.

 

The Plan includes a wide range of measures and an allocation of 10.471 millones de euros which will be allocated during the year 2025. The objectives of this investment are diverse, covering everything from the improvement of military equipment and the acquisition of technologies telecommunications and cybersecurity, up to the manufacture of defense and deterrence instruments, the strengthening of the Armed Forces in the face of emergencies, and the improvement of security in peacekeeping missions abroad.

 

One of the key measures included in the document is the launch of new Special Modernization ProgramsCurrently, the Government has approved 31 Special Weapons Modernization Programs with a total value of 14.422 millones de euros, to be executed in the period between 2025 and 2032.