“We are a free government that supports every outstanding project so it can become a reality and deliver prosperity and progress,” said the head of the regional executive in Boadilla del Monte, following a visit to the company Etrair.
In a sector with enormous growth potential, and whose global market is expected to reach $57.8 billion by 2030, Díaz Ayuso has stated that Madrid wants to be part of the “solution” rather than remain a mere consumer of designs developed in other countries. To this end, the regional government will invest €16 million in this innovative initiative, which is part of the new Industrial Plan 2026–2030. In this field, Madrid brings together the entire value chain, from universities—where innovation and research take place—to startups that design prototypes, and on to major manufacturers that produce, market, and export drones.
The Strategy is structured around five main pillars, comprising 14 measures designed in line with the sector’s needs. The first, Regulation and Facilitation, aims to reduce bureaucracy through the creation of a Single Window that will centralize and streamline all regional and municipal procedures into a single access point, while also working to identify flexible flight zones for operators.
The second pillar, Infrastructure, includes the deployment of a strategic network of heliports and vertiports, adapting existing facilities for emergency use. In addition, a drone testing facility (dronodrome) will be created for scientific trials, allowing tests and experiments to be carried out with these aircraft in conditions of full freedom and safety.
In the area of Talent and Employment, Cantueña (Fuenlabrada) will be transformed into a dedicated center that will become the national hub for unmanned aviation training, offering specialized programs based on real business demand in areas such as piloting, mechanics, data analysis, and Artificial Intelligence. In fact, Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency reports that 30% of the organizations authorized to train drone pilots and professionals are based in Madrid.
The fourth pillar focuses on boosting Competitiveness through direct financial support for both the manufacturing and certification of drones, encouraging investment in equipment and the modernization of production lines. A specific plan for entrepreneurship in the sector will also be launched, alongside support for companies seeking access to financing and new projects across Europe.
Finally, the fifth pillar, related to security and emergency response within regional competences, will focus on protecting critical infrastructure in preparation for the security challenges of the future.
The Madrid Region as the first customer
As emphasized by President Díaz Ayuso, the regional government will act as the “first customer” for these companies, incorporating new drones into tasks such as forest fire surveillance, inspection of Canal de Isabel II infrastructure, crop monitoring, and healthcare logistics.
She also referred to the ALE-HOP project, a pioneering initiative that enables the urgent transport of medicines, blood, and specialized medical supplies between hospitals using drones—saving valuable minutes by avoiding traffic congestion, minutes that can ultimately save lives.