“Key sectors that promote innovation and techological development and industrial collaboration”

The Spanish Aerospace & Defence industry is an important pillar of the Spanish economy, with a long tradition of excellence in engineering, innovation and international collaboration. The ecosystem consists of three main segments: defence, civil aviation and space technologies, each supported by a solid industrial base, public institutions and research centers.

Aerospace and Defence strategic sectors due to their proven capacity to generate wealth, create high-quality employment and originate advanced technologies that have a transformative effect on other industries in the Spanish economy.

The Spanish aerospace industry is highly developed and ranks 4th in Europe in terms of sales and employment: in 2025 registered 18,03 billion euros in turnover (11,6% increase compared to  2024) and more than 289.938 direct and indirect jobs. 60% of the sales volume recorded by the Defence, Security, Aeronautics and Space sectors in 2025 was generated by exports.

The industry is characterized by its growth over the last decade (24% since 2012) and significant investment in R&D, which accounts for 10% of the industry’s sales. Aeronautics, Defence&Security, and Space companies generated a total R&D&I investment of 2.812 M€ in 2025.

Spanish Space Agency (ESA) has started operating in the first quarter of 2023 and its mission is to promote space research and act as an intermediary between national and international entities.

Spain, the 2nd country in the EU in number of flights, has a highly efficient transport network, and is constantly developing new airport infrastructure. In 2025, Spain handled a record of 2.470.604 flights, representing an increase of 4,7 % over the previous year.

The Spanish aeronautics industry is a world leader in many fields, including composite materials for aircraft structures, low-pressure turbines, air traffic management systems and military transport aircraft. Spain is one of the few countries in the world with a complete value chain for aircraft manufacturing.

Spain occupies a prominent position on the international stage; it is Europe’s fourth-largest defence manufacturer and the world’s eighth-largest exporter in the sector.

The combination of robust growth, strong government support through strategic investment, a consolidated technological base, and full integration into key European defence and space programs positions Spain as a center of excellence and a priority, low-risk destination for Foreign Direct Investment in the Aeronautics, Space, and Defence sectors.

*Source: The report prepared by PwC for TEDAE: ‘Economic and Social Impact of the Defence, Security, Aeronautics and Space Industries’ – October 2026
ENAIRE: DOC_Informe_Gestion_CCAA_Grupo_2025.pdf