On July 16, 2026, the Andalusian regional government highlighted the defence sector’s potential to support economic growth, innovation and employment in the region. Vice-President and Economy, Finance and European Funds Minister Carolina España and University, Industry, Energy and Innovation Minister Jorge Paradela made the remarks at the presentation in Seville of the Andalusian Defence Industry Alliance, promoted by the region’s main business clusters with government backing.
The event was held with Andalucía Aerospace, Andalucía Logistics, the Cádiz Maritime and Naval Cluster, and Railway Innovation Hub. The officials said Andalusia had a leading position in a sector of particular importance in the current international context. According to the Spanish Association of Defence, Security, Aeronautics and Space Technology Companies (TEDAE), Andalusia is Spain’s second-largest region in defence, security, aeronautics and space, behind Madrid. España attributed this to an industrial ecosystem that includes major companies, specialised small and medium-sized businesses, universities, technology centres and strategic projects across the region.
Paradela said the alliance and regional government support would strengthen Andalusia’s ability to compete for industrial opportunities in European, national and NATO programmes. He cited support measures including €540 million in incentives and repayable financing through Andalucía TRADE, to be made available through calls this year; €150 million to attract major industrial projects; €47 million from the Just Transition Fund for logistics, naval and sustainable aviation industries; and €31 million in incentives for developing satellite systems and drones made entirely in Andalusia.
España said activities linked to defence, security, aeronautics and space generate more than €3.02 billion in economic impact in Andalusia, equivalent to 1.4% of regional GDP, and support about 35,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs. Exports from Andalusia related to defence, aeronautics and associated industries reached €2.512 billion in 2025. Nearly one in four Spanish exports of these products originated in Andalusia, which recorded a €1.393 billion trade surplus in these activities.
España said the alliance was being formed as Europe strengthens its industrial and technological security and defence capabilities and mobilises new resources for the sector. She reiterated the regional government’s commitment to supporting its development. Paradela said the government aimed to make Andalusia a European reference point in the industry.
España also noted that the regional government had committed €100 million to the Army’s logistics base in Córdoba. Other industrial assets she cited included Seville’s aerospace hub, the naval industry in the Bay of Cádiz, and companies including Airbus, Navantia and Santa Bárbara, as well as CETEDEX in Jaén, CEUS in Huelva and the Andalusia Cybersecurity Centre in Málaga. The government said it expected the alliance to encourage business projects, help regional companies take part in strategic contracts, attract investment and consolidate Andalusia’s industrial position.