“Key sector that promote innovation and techological development”

The Spanish aerospace 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: defense, civil aviation and space technologies, each supported by a solid industrial base, public institutions and research centers.

Aerospace is a strategic sector due to its 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 2024 registered 16.15 billion euros in turnover (16.2% increase compared to 2023) and more than 260,000 direct and indirect jobs. 61% of the sales volume recorded by the Defense, Security, Aeronautics and Space sectors in 2024 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, Defense&Security, and Space companies generated a total R&D&I investment of 2,614 M€ in 2024.

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 2^nd country in the EU in number of flights, has a highly efficient transport network, and is constantly developing new airport infrastructure. In 2024, Spain handled a record of 2,358,988 flights, representing an increase of 7.6% 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.

The combination of robust growth, strong government support through strategic investment, a consolidated technological base, and full integration into key European defense 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 Defense sectors.