# Spanish military and defense industry modernization

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-military-and-defense-industry-modernization
> Updated: 2026-10-11T04:10:33.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The Spanish military is moving toward the integration of autonomous systems and robotic warfare. Following observations of modern combat trends, such as the use of quadrupeds and drones in Ukraine, the Spanish Army is planning a massive incorporation of robotic machines to reinforce its troops. General Fernando Luis Morón has described these developments as ‘the dawn of robotic maneuver.’

Parallel to these military shifts, the Spanish defense industry is experiencing significant technological and economic growth. In 2025, the national defense, security, aeronautics, and space industry reached record figures, reporting a turnover of 18,034 million euros—an 11.6% increase from the previous year. This sector supported nearly 290,000 jobs and contributed 24,425 million euros to the national GDP, driven by major companies such as Airbus, Indra, Navantia, and Santa Bárbara Sistemas.

Regional industrial hubs are central to this expansion. While Galicia saw a 39% increase in sector turnover, Madrid has become a focal point for developing advanced drones, radars, and cybersecurity solutions to support the defense of Ukraine and Poland. Additionally, the upcoming Defense CyL Forum in Castilla y León aims to position that region within the national rearmament process, focusing on ammunition, software, and aeronautics. This evolution emphasizes a shift toward machine-led operations and the increasing importance of dual-use technologies that serve both military and civilian purposes.

## Claims

- Burgos will host the first Defense Forum CyL on the 15th. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Rheinmetall-Expal manufactures artillery ammunition in Burgos. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sonaca España produces components for fighter jets and missiles. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- CSA develops cybersecurity software for the National Security System. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Madrid-based companies are developing technology to support the defense of Ukraine and Poland. (single source)
- The technology focus includes infrastructure protection, secure communications, and data analysis. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Spain's defense industry hits record revenue amid technological expansion

Spain's defense industry hit record revenues of over 18 billion euros in 2025, fueled by rearmament efforts and technological contributions to Ukraine's defense and European security.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-defense-industry-sees-growth-and-technological-shifts

### 2026-10-02: Spanish Army plans massive incorporation of robotic warfare machines

The Spanish Army is planning a massive integration of robotic systems as the U.S. and Ukraine advance autonomous warfare technologies and dedicated robotic military divisions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-army-plans-massive-incorporation-of-robotic-warfare-machines

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Cite as: Spanish military and defense industry modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-military-and-defense-industry-modernization
