Spain Accelerates Defense Spending with Major Investments and Job Creation in Military Technology
Spain boosts defense spending by 43%, with major investments by Indra creating 3,000 new defense technology jobs, while maintaining NATO commitments and supporting Ukraine.
- • Spain's defense budget will increase from €22.693 billion to €33.123 billion in 2025, a 43.11% rise.
- • Indra receives €6.582 billion investment, planning to create 3,000 new defense technology jobs.
- • Spain meets NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target with future increases possible.
- • Defense Minister Robles affirms Spain’s NATO commitment and support for Ukraine.
- • Indra collaborates with domestic SMEs and vocational centers to expand the defense workforce.
Key details
Spain is significantly increasing its defense budget, responding to international pressure, particularly from NATO, and aiming to modernize its armed forces while bolstering national industry and employment. According to Xataka, Spain's military expenditure is set to rise from €22.693 billion to €33.123 billion in 2025, representing a 43.11% increase compared to 2024. This reflects Spain's commitment to meet NATO's spending benchmarks, aiming for 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, having already met the 2% target by 2025.
A pivotal part of this investment is the €6.890 billion in credits allocated to companies developing defense technologies, with Indra receiving €6.582 billion. Indra announced the creation of 3,000 new jobs focused on military technology development, emphasizing opportunities for young professionals in technology, engineering, and cybersecurity. The company's CEO, Ángel Escribano, highlighted their commitment to generating high-value employment and advancing Spain's position in producing exportable defense technologies. Furthermore, Indra's supply chain incorporates over 65% domestic SMEs and startups, supporting Spain's industrial ecosystem. Indra plans to recruit 2,400 qualified technical professionals and has established agreements with 346 vocational training centers to foster talent, aiming to hire 75% of interns by 2025, noting that one-third of its current workforce holds vocational training qualifications.
On the policy front, Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Spain currently invests 2% of its GDP in defense in alignment with NATO commitments, with prospects for future increases. Robles responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's criticisms, who suggested Spain's defense spending was inadequate and even alluded to possible expulsion from NATO—a proposal lacking institutional basis. She underscored Spain's active role in NATO missions, with over 3,000 personnel deployed, and its ongoing support for Ukraine, including potential participation in NATO’s PURL initiative to procure U.S. military stockpile for Ukraine's defense.
This comprehensive approach combining fiscal increases, industrial investment, and international military commitments illustrates Spain's strategic pivot towards defense modernization and robust support of NATO objectives.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.