Indra's commitment to technological innovation in defense takes shape with two initiatives that concentrate some of the most cutting-edge development in our country: the integration of 17 civil projects within the European NGWS/FCAS program for the future air combat system, and the opening of a new Aerospace and Defense Center of Excellence in Vigo. Both actions reinforce the role of Indra as a driver of technological change in the sector and demonstrate the pulling effect on the Spanish innovative fabric.
Promoting collaboration between companies, universities and research centers This has materialized in a series of projects that seek to transform defense and position Spain as a leader in dual-use technologies, those that originate in the civilian environment and are adapted to advanced military applications.
Disruptive projects within the framework of the NGWS/FCAS
In the event Indra NGWS Technology Marketplace, recently held in Madrid, have been presented 17 technological projects developed by 14 Spanish entities, including universities such as the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the Public University of Navarra, and the Carlos III University, research centers such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands, and emerging companies such as Quside, Fyla, IDBotic, and Beamagine.
The program NGWS/FCAS (Next Generation Weapon System/Future Combat Air System), jointly promoted by Spain, France, and Germany, pursues the design of a system of systems centered on a sixth-generation fighter jet accompanied by collaborative drones, all connected via an intelligent combat cloud. This architecture requires the deployment of cutting-edge technologies that will have real-world applications by 2040.
The projects presented fall into two main areas: the development of the combat cloud —driven by entities such as BSC-CNS, Gradiant, Fyla, AG Photonics, IDBotic, Quside and the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands— and the creation of advanced sensors for aerial combat, in which Sensia, the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Anteral and the UPNA, Carlos III and its GOTL group, Beamagine and Gradiant collaborate.
Key technologies include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, edge computing, photonics, advanced cybersecurity, quantum technologies, the Internet of Things, and next-generation communications.The incorporation of civil engineering knowledge into this major European program not only strengthens the industrial base but is also crucial for meeting technological milestones on schedule.
Indra executives such as Miguel GarcÃa Moreno y Jorge San José have underlined the backbone role of the program, whose ability to retain talent and create highly qualified employment This is already evident in various Spanish regions. During the event, the progress was presented to representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Combined Project Team (CPT), the DGAM, and the DIGEID, in a marketplace format with stands for each project.
Creation of the new center of excellence in Vigo
In addition to its role in European projects, Indra has signed an agreement with the Vigo Free Trade Zone to create an Aerospace and Defense Center of Excellence. which will be operational by the end of 2026 at the López Mora ICT Hub. This facility will house more than 200 highly qualified professionals, most of them from Galician universities, and will be dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions in electronic defense, surveillance, strategic command and control, and anti-drone systems.
The presentation ceremony, which was attended by authorities such as Manuel Escalante (CTO of Indra Group), Amparo Valcarce (Secretary of State for Defense), Abel Caballero (Mayor of Vigo), and David Regades (Delegate of the Free Trade Zone), underscored Vigo's strategic importance as a technology hub. The public-private collaboration in this project, along with the active participation of the university ecosystem, reinforces the vocation for open innovation and the commitment to attracting and retaining local talent.
One of the highlights is the synergy between this center and the SPARC photonic semiconductor factory, whose production will begin in 2027 at the Valladares Technology Park and in which Indra holds a majority stake. This alliance places Vigo and Spain at the forefront of critical chip production for the aerospace and defense sectors in Europe.
Economic, technological and social impact
The installation of the Aerospace and Defense Center of Excellence It will generate an estimated added value of more than €30 million annually for Vigo and its surrounding areas, contributing to technological independence from Europe and consolidating the Galician municipality as a magnet for new specialized companies. Furthermore, the creation of quality employment, the attraction of university talent, and the driving force on auxiliary and innovation companies will strengthen the local and national productive fabric.
From an institutional point of view, both the Ministry of Defense and the regional and local administration have highlighted that The defense of the future relies on collaborative ecosystems, capable of anticipating the needs of 21st-century security and aligning research, industry, and operational capabilities.
With this strategy, Indra consolidates its leadership in the integration of complex systems and innovation applied to defense, contributing both to economic revitalization and to strengthening the technological and strategic sovereignty of Spain and Europe.
The focus on disruptive projects at NGWS/FCAS and the creation of the new center in Vigo reflect the importance of technological innovation in transforming our country's defense, employment, and international positioning, highlighting public-private and university collaboration in the design of the security systems of the future.