Spain advances AI sovereignty with Guardianes defence network and gigafactory bid

Spain has launched the GUARDIANES network, a €5.99 million, three‑year (2026‑2028) initiative funded by the CDTI to develop artificial‑intelligence technologies for security and defence. The consortium, coordinated by ITI and including CARTIF, CIRCE, CTIC, FIDESOL, IBV and ITG, brings together more than 1,700 researchers. Its work focuses on high‑quality data management, new computing paradigms, advanced algorithms and ethical AI governance, with validation scenarios covering a tactical rescue operation and intelligent border surveillance. The project aims to add 33 new PhDs, boost international collaborations by 62 % and increase participation of Spanish companies in defence projects by 31 %.

In parallel, a public‑private consortium led by the Sociedad Española para la Transformación Tecnológica (SETT), the Generalitat de Catalunya, Telefónic­a, ACS, Banco Santander and the startup Multiverse Computing has submitted a bid to the European Commission to host one of the EU’s AI gigafactories. The proposed facility in Móra la Nova, Tarragona, could attract €3‑5 billion of total investment, with an initial €1.5 billion contribution from the Spanish state (including €720 million from SETT). The plan envisions additional centres in San Fernando de Henares and Portugal and aims to provide advanced compute capacity to reduce Europe’s technological dependence. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López have highlighted the bid as a cornerstone of Spain’s drive for AI self‑sufficiency.