The Community of Madrid has taken a firm step in its commitment to unmanned aerial technology. President Isabel Díaz Ayuso has presented a package of measures that includes a €1,45 million grant program for the civilian use of drones, as well as the creation of a one-stop shop to streamline municipal procedures for operators.
In addition, a drone launch site will be established in Fuenlabrada, along with a specialized training center, while Telefónica has inaugurated its Drone Center in Aravaca, a pioneering facility in Spain for the remote operation of drones with 5G connectivity. These initiatives aim to position Madrid as a leader in the sector and improve public services such as emergency response and logistics.
Financial aid and new infrastructure
The new call for grant applications, open until July 31, is aimed at SMEs and mid-caps based in the region. The grants cover productive investments of up to €350.000, consulting services up to €150.000, and event attendance up to €100.000. For small businesses, funding ranges from 10% to 35% of the investment, while for mid-caps it ranges from 10% to 15%. The goal is to promote the development of civilian applications and strengthen the business ecosystem.
Telefónica Drone Center, a remote control center
The Telefónica Drone Center, located in Aravaca, is the first center in Spain capable of remotely operating drones using 5G networks and automated stations. The facility incorporates artificial intelligence for real-time image analysis and is already operational for businesses and government agencies. Projects such as the one in Boadilla del Monte for fire detection demonstrate its usefulness. Furthermore, work is underway on critical infrastructure inspections and environmental monitoring.
Madrid, a national leader in the drone sector
The region is home to 30% of the companies dedicated to the manufacture and assembly of drones in Spain, and has some 3.200 registered professional operators. In the training sector, it concentrates 31% of the centers approved by the State Aviation Safety Agency and is a leader in the certification of pilots and technicians. Almost half of the highest-rated startups in the sector choose Madrid for their growth, reinforcing its position as an innovation hub.
With these measures, the Community of Madrid is not only boosting the drone-related economy, but also improving its emergency response capabilities, such as supporting SUMMA 112 with real-time imagery and the urgent transport of medical supplies through the ALE-HOP project. The commitment to training and research, with the La Cantueña drone range, completes a strategy that positions the region at the forefront of advanced aerial mobility.
