Abu Dhabi: Spain’s defence and aerospace sector has shown remarkable economic prowess, generating an annual turnover of £8 billion, with about 60% of this output being exported, as revealed by C©sar Ramos, Director-General of the Spanish Association of Defence, Aeronautical Security and Space Technology Companies (TEDAE).
According to Emirates News Agency, Ramos made these remarks on the sidelines of IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting how global geopolitical developments have spurred increased demand for defence systems. This surge has led Spanish companies to build stronger partnerships with international allies to address these evolving needs.
Ramos pointed out that while European markets and NATO member countries remain the primary beneficiaries of Spain’s defence exports, there has been a marked rise in cooperation with the Middle East. He elaborated on Spain’s growing footprint in the UAE and the broader region, as demonstrated by the national pavilion at IDEX 2025, featuring 13 Spanish companies engaging in various stages of the defence sector’s product lifecycle.
He further mentioned that Spain has maintained enduring relationships with UAE-based companies, which has facilitated the exchange of technology and expertise. The presence of Spanish companies at IDEX 2025 underscores their commitment to exploring new collaborative ventures with UAE counterparts.
The participating Spanish firms span a broad spectrum of industries, encompassing aviation systems, vehicles, electronics, and naval defence systems. Ramos noted these industries’ representation as a testament to Spain’s diverse capabilities within the defence sector.