On the occasion of International SMEs Day, their growing importance in the Spanish defense industry is highlighted, where they already constitute 80% of the business fabric. This prominence has been bolstered by increased investment, advances in technological innovation, and the strategic need to enhance national industrial capabilities.
The number of companies registered in the Defense Industry Registry has doubled in two years, from 400 in 2024 to 748 currently. Of these, 80% are SMEs, according to recent data from Lieutenant General Miguel Ivorra, Director General of Strategy and Innovation for Defense Industry (DIGEID). This ecosystem generates approximately 36,000 highly qualified direct jobs, acting as a driver for economic development and innovation.
The Instituto de Coordenadas points out that Spanish SMEs have a significant opportunity in the new defense investment cycle, potentially generating between 30% and 40% of the sector's economic value. It is estimated they could attract between 60 and 80 billion euros between 2026 and 2030 if they effectively integrate into national, European value chains, and international markets.
Despite this progress, SMEs face the challenge of translating their growth into effective participation in defense programs and global markets. The Institute highlights the importance of international defense trade fairs like FEINDEF, scheduled for May 2027, as key avenues for growth, visibility, and internationalization, facilitating contact with major companies, institutions, and investors.
