Spain approves defence budget shift, advances NASAMS upgrade

The Spanish Council of Ministers approved an amendment to the General Budgetary Law allowing the Ministry of Defence to reprogramme the financing of several Special Modernisation Programs (PEM). The change adjusts future spending limits and payment schedules without increasing the overall cost, notably for the NASAMS air‑defence system valued at around €500 million.

The move is presented as a way to keep modernisation projects on track, sustain the industrial and technological base of Spain’s defence sector and preserve qualified jobs across the country. The NASAMS upgrade will equip the Air and Space Force with an enhanced medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile capability.

The Ministry, led by Defence Minister Margarita Robles, also outlined a broader roadmap of 35 new PEMs for 2025, covering new artillery, transport aircraft, helicopters, drones and naval vessels, all aligned with NATO and EU objectives.