Invest in Madrid was there, reflecting a bold industrial ambition.
The Spanish defense, security, aeronautics, and space industry posted €16.15 billion in turnover in 2024, up 16.2% year-on-year. Aeronautics alone accounts for €11.37 billion (+14.5%). In total, the sector represents over 260,000 direct and indirect jobs. With Madrid at the helm, Spain is one of the very few countries worldwide capable of managing the entire lifecycle in this sector, from design to maintenance.
Increased visibility validating Madrid’s weight
ILA Berlin (June 10-14) and Eurosatory Paris (June 15-19): two global events, two complementary industries, two consecutive weeks. For a region aiming to carry increasingly more weight in European aerospace and defense, being present at these two shows is much more than symbolic; it is a show of strength. Invest in Madrid was on-site, alongside several ecosystem players, to open discussions, identify partners, and showcase what the region has to offer.
In the aisles of ILA, GMV stood as a testament to the strength of this ecosystem. Founded in Madrid in 1984 and operating in 14 countries, the company, one of the local ecosystem’s gems, has around 3,000 employees and actively participates in the Galileo program and defense cybersecurity systems. Its presence as a main exhibitor speaks volumes about the industry’s level of maturity.
A structured and fast-growing ecosystem
The Madrid region does not just settle for a simple directory of companies on its territory; it structures a clear and compelling offer for foreign investors. The 2026-2030 industrial plan targets seven priority sectors, of which aerospace and defense are, of course, a part. The region features an ecosystem of 93 accelerators, 122 university spin-offs, and three major universities directly linked to the industry.
Additionally, labor costs are 20 to 30% lower than those in France or Germany. Not to mention an advantageous geographical location that makes the Madrid region a natural springboard to Latin America and North Africa for manufacturers seeking to expand their reach beyond Europe.
A favorable global context
European defense budgets have been structurally increasing since 2022, with several member states crossing or announcing the 2% of GDP threshold. Civil space is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Green aviation – SAF, hydrogen propulsion, new aerial mobility… – is redesigning value chains. Madrid has the players, the infrastructure, and the political will to capture a share of this transformation.