The government has approved the launch of a new strategic project for economic recovery and transformation (PERTE), in this case linked to the aerospace industry. 4.533 billion euros have been earmarked from 2021 to 2025, between public investment of approximately 2.193 billion euros and private investment expected to amount to 2.340 billion euros.

The promotion of research, development and innovation (RD&I) aims to strengthen the capabilities of the aerospace sector in Spain, while at the same time boosting its ecological and digital transition. It will in this way seek to respond to the challenges presented by climate change, global security and digital transformation, with a prominent role for the development of zero-emission aircraft.

Spanish Space Agency
The implementation of the Aerospace PERTE will bring together public authorities, companies and RD&I centres to promote the development and implementation of innovative technologies. In addition to the aeronautics sector, the plan aims to strengthen Spain's position in the space industry. , Initiatives addressed to achieve this will include the creation of the Spanish Space Agency, with the dual mission of coordinating national space activities and Spanish participation in international programmes..

The Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, will chair the inter-ministerial working group in which eleven ministries and the Alliance for the Aerospace PERTE will be represented. As she explained after its approval by the Council of Ministers, "Spain will position itself in the international race to conquer space and will accelerate the necessary transformations to become a more competitive, equitable, cohesive, prosperous and resilient country in the face of future threats".

International funding
The PERTE will be  international in this case and will even include funding from other countries. Collaboration with Portugal stands out in this respect, and will promote initiatives such as the Atlantic Constellation, a satellite programme for observing and monitoring phenomena such as climate change.

As Morant pointed out, "Advances in aerospace will have a direct benefit on the quality of people's lives thanks to its applications in areas, such as transport, logistics, security, the environment, agriculture, communications and defence.

Objectives
The PERTE will organise its objectives around three main areas: aeronautics, space and cross-sectional areas. The aim in the aeronautics field will be to train industry in zero-emission technologies and systems, develop demonstrators in the field of multipurpose aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and make progress in developing aeronautical infrastructure that meets the requirements of the Single European Sky regulations.

The space area will pursue the enhancement of load capabilities related to environmental monitoring, quantum communications and security as part of international cooperation. It will also seek to put Spain on the European map for the commercial use of space.

Training and innovation
The cross-sectional area will promote innovation, sustainability and digitalisation actions in manufacturing centres, foster training and education, unite the innovation ecosystem and provide both public and private funds to strengthen companies in the sector.

The aerospace sector is strategic for the Spanish economy, accounting for around 1.2% of national GDP and 5.4% of industrial GDP. This figure includes Spain's share in the European Space Agency. In addition to large multinationals, the PERTE envisages that emerging companies specialising in aerospace technologies will also get on board.