Spain's Ministry of Defense has announced the construction of two drone factories in León and Valladolid, with a 2 billion euro investment and 400 jobs created, as part of 79 modernization programs to be presented to NATO to justify 2% of GDP in defense spending. The initiative, driven by Indra and Edge, aims to strengthen military capabilities and national industry amid international tensions. State Secretary of Defense Amparo Valcarce highlighted that these drones will be the most advanced in Europe and NATO.
Spain's Ministry of Defense will present a dossier to NATO technicians in the coming days outlining 79 modernization and capability acquisition programs, aiming to certify that the country has reached 2% of GDP in defense investment and meets allied commitments. These programs cover terrestrial, naval, aerospace, space, cyberspace, and information and communications systems domains, aligned with Atlantic Alliance standards. It is part of a rearmament plan approved in April 2025 for over 10 billion euros, which bolsters strategic autonomy, the industrial and technological base, and creates qualified employment.
In this context, the ministry announced on Tuesday a 2 billion euro investment in two drone factories in Castilla y León: one in Villadangos del Páramo (León) for loitering munitions, with 20 million investment and up to 200 jobs, and another in Boecillo (Valladolid) for micromotors, with 200 additional jobs. The project, part of the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense approved in May 2025, involves companies Indra and Edge, which will create a new firm with multi-year contracts to supply technology to the Spanish Armed Forces and European armies.
State Secretary of Defense Amparo Valcarce presented the initiative in the Senate alongside regional PSOE leaders, such as Carlos Martínez, amid the pre-election campaign for March 15 polls in Castilla y León. Valcarce stated it represents a “before and after in the industrial and technological base of security and defense in Spain,” and that the drones will be “the most advanced that can operate in Europe and NATO today.” Martínez emphasized that the project results from “months and years of constant, coordinated, and silent work” to reverse feelings of neglect in the territory.
These efforts add to other projects in Soria and Toro (Zamora), such as the rehabilitation of Monte la Reina barracks, which is progressing well with fencing, shooting fields, and basic connections ready soon. The overall set reflects the national commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces and interoperability, promoting national industry participation to reduce external dependencies and enhance Europe's Defense.
