A conference to discuss the defense industry as a factor in economic and technological development was held on May 12 as part of the Advanced Strategic Studies course for Senior Ibero-American Officers, taught at Spain’s Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN).

The event was attended by around 40 senior officers from 15 Ibero-American countries.

On behalf of GMV, Ricardo Sáenz, GMV’s Programs Manager of Defense and Security sector, took part in the panel discussion together with other representatives from Amper and Navantia. Moderated by the general manager of the Leading Brands of Spain Forum, the panel discussed the current state of the Spanish defense industry, public-private collaboration in this industry, and the challenges facing the sector in the future.

According to a report on the economic and social impact of the defense, security, aeronautics, and space industries, prepared by KPMG at the end of 2021 for TEDAE, the economic impact of these industries is just over €16 billion. This represents 1.5% of GDP and 6.8% of industrial GDP in Spain. The above-mentioned industries are among those topping the industrial leader board, with a direct contribution to industrial GDP above the chemical, textile, and pharmaceutical industries.

They are also key players in technological innovation and generators of skilled employment at national level, generating around 25,000 jobs in Spain.

GMV, as a benchmark company in the defense sector, develops artificial intelligence (AI), command and control, surveillance and reconnaissance, navigation, space, and cyberdefense capabilities.