Army-Enterprise and Research Forum

From October 4th to 5th, the sixth edition of the Army-Enterprise and Research Forum (F2E+I, Foro Ejército-Empresas e investigación) took place in Toledo, Spain, under the theme “Smart Combat”. This event served as a vital platform for discussing the advancements and requirements of future Brigades (BRIEX 2035) within the framework of Force 35, the Spanish Army’s strategic initiative to acquire operational capabilities across diverse environments and adaptability to multinational structures, ensuring not only the protection of the population but also territorial and resource control.

Keynote speeches and technical committees complemented the program of the sixth edition of the Army-Enterprise and Research Forum. This event brought companies, universities, research centers, and the Armed Forces together to foster the exchange of opinions between the commercial and contracting sectors. The primary focus was on advancing the concept of Army 35.

The opening event was chaired by María Amparo Valcarce, Spanish Secretary of State for Defense, and General Amador Enseñat, Spanish Army Chief of Staff. During this initial session, representatives from the Spanish Army provided updates on the Force 35 concept, highlighting advancements in Command and Control (C2), electronic warfare (EW), geopositioning, specific munitions, and artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics (AIAR).

On the second day, industry representatives took the stage, participating in various roundtable discussions focusing on the last three thematic pillars introduced during the previous session. José Luis Delgado, GMV's Head of the Defense and Security Section, contributed to the discussion titled “Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Robotics”. He shared GMV’s insights and experience in Command and Control (C2) for autonomous ground systems. From GMV’s viewpoint, José Luis emphasized how the use of artificial intelligence could pose a tactical advantage, increased autonomy, and enhanced decision-making processes. One example is the use of this technology through unmanned ground and aerial platforms for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks.

This annual event is organized by the Army Museum Foundation in close partnership with the Spanish Army. It is complemented throughout the year by a series of workshops that explore specific operational capabilities, aimed at companies and universities to identify new R&D opportunities.