Spanish defense industry seeks strategic autonomy amid Indo-Pacific shifts

The Spanish defense industry and the Spanish Navy are focusing on strategic autonomy and the geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific to maintain competitiveness. Industry leaders have emphasized the need for a pragmatic middle ground between protectionism and collaboration to compete with the United States and China.

Experts suggest that while replacing American technology is not immediately possible, Europe must prioritize essential capabilities to ensure technological sovereignty and focus on niche markets to create cross-dependencies. Innovation and talent are also cited as critical factors for overcoming the fear of failure in industrial development.

The upcoming Naval Days 2026 (AINDEF) will specifically address the impact of the Indo-Pacific region on Spanish defense. The forum will examine how the rivalry between major powers, Chinese industrial advancements, and pressures on global supply chains affect maritime security, access to raw materials, and the availability of electronic components.