Spain’s defense industry moved fast into 2025, with output and contract activity shifting enough to change what “normal” looks like year to year. What’s striking is the contrast between procurement priorities and delivery capacity, which doesn’t always track with headline spending. This post breaks down the latest Spain defense industry statistics so you can see where the momentum is building and where it is stalling.
Key Takeaways
- Spain's arms exports reached 1.27 billion Trend Indicator Values (TIV) in 2018-2022, ranking 15th globally
- Spain's defense industry employed 35,000 direct workers in 2022
- Spain's defense industry revenue totaled 10.5 billion euros in 2022
- In 2022, Navantia shipyards produced 2 multi-role frigates (F-110 class) with advanced stealth features and integrated Aegis combat systems for the Spanish Navy
- Spain invested 850 million euros in defense R&D in 2022, 1.2% of GDP
Spain’s defense industry is growing steadily, driven by strong production and increasing export performance.
Related reading
01 · Category
Arms Exports29 stats
01
Spain's arms exports reached 1.27 billion Trend Indicator Values (TIV) in 2018-2022, ranking 15th globally
02
Saudi Arabia received 28% of Spain's major arms exports in 2018-2022, primarily Navantia frigates
03
Australia imported 1.2 billion TIV from Spain in 2018-2022, including Navantia LHD ships
04
Philippines purchased 3 frigates from Navantia worth 2 billion euros in 2019-2023 deliveries
05
UK acquired 16% of Spain's arms exports 2018-2022, mainly Airbus A400M components
06
Egypt received 2 Gowind corvettes from Navantia in 2022, valued at 1 billion euros
07
Qatar imported 12 Eurofighter Typhoons with Spanish components in 2022
08
Norway bought 4.5 frigates from Navantia in 2021 contract worth 5 billion euros
09
India received 12 C-295 aircraft from Airbus Spain in 2023 deliveries
10
UAE purchased 50mm ammunition from Expal totaling 200 million euros in 2022
11
Colombia imported 155mm howitzers from Santa Bárbara in 2021, 100 units
12
Oman received 2 SIGMA corvettes from Navantia in 2023
13
Spain exported 300 million euros in small arms to Latin America in 2022
14
Turkey bought radar systems from Indra worth 150 million euros in 2021
15
Malaysia acquired 2 LPD ships from Navantia in 2019-2022
16
South Africa received Airbus C295s in 2023, 9 units
17
Venezuela historically imported 10% of Spain's arms but embargoed post-2018
18
Brazil purchased 155mm shells from Expal, 400,000 units in 2022
19
Spain's arms export licenses approved totaled 4.5 billion euros in 2022
20
Algeria received 2.1 billion TIV from Spain 2013-2017 pre-restrictions
21
UK MoD contracted Indra for 100 million euros EW systems in 2023
22
Navantia exported patrol vessels to Venezuela worth 300 million pre-2018
23
Spain sold 20 Piranha VCs to Czech Republic in 2022
24
Mexico imported CETME rifles upgrades from Santa Bárbara, 5,000 units 2021
25
Indra radars exported to 40 countries, 500 units cumulative by 2023
26
Expal ammunition exports reached 600 million euros in 2022
27
Airbus Defence Spain exported 1 billion euros in aircraft parts to EU partners 2022
28
Navantia secured 7 billion euros export contracts 2018-2023
29
General Dynamics SBS exported 8x8 vehicles to Philippines 2023, 18 units
Interpretation
Arms Exports Interpretation
Spain's defense industry punches above its weight by selling frigates to Saudis, landing craft to Aussies, and everything in between, proving that when it comes to global arms bazaars, they're not just along for the ride—they're driving the ship.
02 · Category
Employment and Labor26 stats
01
Spain's defense industry employed 35,000 direct workers in 2022
02
Navantia workforce stood at 13,000 employees across 7 shipyards in 2023
03
Indra defence division had 8,500 staff in Spain in 2022
04
Santa Bárbara Sistemas employed 1,200 workers in Trubia and Alcalá de Guadaíra in 2021
05
Airbus Defence and Space Spain had 5,000 employees in Getafe and Illescas in 2023
06
Expal Systems workforce grew to 1,800 in 2022 from 1,500 in 2020
07
Spanish defense sector created 4,000 new jobs in R&D from 2019-2023
08
15% of Spain's aerospace workers (12,000) are in defense manufacturing 2022
09
Navantia shipyards employed 3,500 welders and fitters in Ferrol in 2023
10
Indra trained 2,000 engineers annually for defense projects in 2022
11
General Dynamics SBS had 20% female workforce (240 women) in 2021
12
Defense industry average salary was 45,000 euros/year in 2022, 25% above national average
13
7,000 indirect jobs supported by Navantia supply chain in Galicia 2023
14
Airbus Spain defense engineers numbered 2,500 with PhDs in 2022
15
Expal hired 300 new munitions technicians in 2021 expansion
16
Spanish Army maintenance depots employed 10,000 civilian staff in 2023
17
Indra's Seville center had 1,200 simulation experts in 2022
18
Defense sector unemployment rate was 6.5% vs national 12% in 2022
19
2,500 apprentices trained yearly by defense firms under FP Dual 2023
20
Santa Bárbara Trubia plant employed 800 skilled machinists in 2021
21
Total defense-related jobs including MoD: 70,000 in 2022
22
Navantia digitalized jobs reduced manual labor by 15% (2,000 jobs transformed) 2023
23
Airbus Getafe site had 3,000 composite technicians in 2022
24
Expal R&D staff: 250 engineers in 2023
25
Indra cyber defense team grew to 1,000 specialists in 2022
26
Defense industry vocational training programs engaged 5,000 students yearly 2023
Interpretation
Employment and Labor Interpretation
Spain's defense sector is not just building ships and radars, but a high-tech, high-skill fortress of employment, where 35,000 direct jobs anchor an ecosystem that pays premiums, champions R&D, trains thousands, and—in a feat of economic alchemy—manages to be both a bastion of tradition and a engine of digital transformation.
03 · Category
Financial Performance30 stats
01
Spain's defense industry revenue totaled 10.5 billion euros in 2022
02
Navantia turnover reached 1.8 billion euros in 2023, 60% from exports
03
Indra defence sales 2.1 billion euros in 2022, up 10% YoY
04
Airbus Defence and Space Spain contributed 3.2 billion euros revenue 2022
05
Expal Systems revenue 450 million euros in 2021, EBITDA 12%
06
Santa Bárbara Sistemas generated 600 million euros sales in 2022
07
TEDAE members total sales 11.2 billion euros in 2023 projection
08
Spanish MoD defense budget 12.8 billion euros in 2023, 12% increase
09
Navantia order book 8.5 billion euros as of 2023
10
Indra backlog 4.2 billion euros defence contracts 2022
11
General Dynamics European Land Systems revenue from Spain ops 1.1 billion euros 2022
12
Expal EBITDA margin 15.5% in 2022
13
Defense export financing via COFIDES 1.2 billion euros 2022
14
Airbus Spain defense EBITDA 450 million euros 2023 est.
15
Spanish defense procurement contracts awarded 7.5 billion euros in 2022
16
Navantia net profit 120 million euros in 2023 turnaround
17
Indra R&D spend 8% of revenue (168 million euros) 2022
18
TEDAE investment in fixed assets 500 million euros 2022
19
MoD investment budget 2.1 billion euros for equipment 2023
20
Santa Bárbara export revenue 400 million euros 2022
21
Expal acquisitions cost 100 million euros integrating NID 2021
22
Defense industry tax contributions 1.5 billion euros to Spain 2022
23
Navantia SEPI funding 300 million euros recapitalization 2022
24
Indra market cap defence segment valued at 5 billion euros 2023
25
Airbus dividends from Spain ops 200 million euros 2022
26
Total FDI in Spanish defense 800 million euros 2018-2022
27
Expal debt reduced to 50 million euros post-IPO plans 2023
28
TEDAE firms ROI average 12% in 2022
29
MoD R&D contracts 400 million euros to industry 2023
30
Navantia working capital improved to 500 million euros 2023
Interpretation
Financial Performance Interpretation
While Spain's Ministry of Defence budget is a hefty 12.8 billion euros, its industrious defense sector, with giants like Airbus and Indra, not only feeds the national arsenal but also serves a global banquet of exports, turning a robust profit and proving that in geopolitics, the pen—and the profitable contract—is mightier than the sword.
More related reading
04 · Category
Manufacturing and Production29 stats
01
In 2022, Navantia shipyards produced 2 multi-role frigates (F-110 class) with advanced stealth features and integrated Aegis combat systems for the Spanish Navy
02
Santa Bárbara Sistemas manufactured 245 ASCOD 2 infantry fighting vehicles in 2021, featuring 30mm autocannon and anti-tank missiles
03
Indra delivered 150 radar systems (Lanza 3D) to the Spanish Air Force in 2023, with 360-degree coverage up to 470 km range
04
Expal Systems produced 500,000 155mm artillery shells in 2022 at their Trubia facility, compatible with NATO standards
05
Airbus Defence and Space Spain assembled 12 C-295 maritime patrol aircraft in 2021, equipped with EL/M-2022 radar
06
General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas built 15 Leopard 2E main battle tanks upgrades in 2023, adding advanced fire control systems
07
Navantia completed construction of 1 S-80 Plus submarine in 2022, displacing 2,900 tons submerged with AIP system
08
Indra produced 80 AN/TPQ-36 radar upgrades for Spanish Army in 2021, improving counter-battery detection to 50 km
09
Santa Bárbara Sistemas delivered 300 8x8 Dragoon armored vehicles in 2023, with RWS and 30mm turret
10
Expal manufactured 200,000 120mm mortar rounds in 2022, including HE and smoke variants
11
Airbus Military Spain finalized 8 A400M tactical transports in 2021, with 37-ton payload capacity
12
Navantia launched 3 BAM (Buque de Acción Marítima) patrol vessels in 2023, each 5,500 tons with helicopter deck
13
Indra supplied 50 Tiger HAD helicopter mission systems in 2022 for Spanish Army Aviation
14
General Dynamics produced 100 Piranha 5G 8x8 APCs in 2021 under VCR 8x8 program
15
Expal Systems output 1.2 million small-caliber ammunition rounds (5.56mm) in 2023
16
Santa Bárbara Sistemas assembled 20 M109A5 self-propelled howitzers upgrades in 2022
17
Navantia repaired and modernized 4 F-100 frigates in 2021, enhancing anti-air capabilities
18
Indra manufactured 120 optronic systems for Spanish Navy in 2023
19
Airbus Defence and Space produced 15 Eurofighter Typhoon rear fuselages in Spain in 2022
20
Expal delivered 75,000 81mm mortar bombs to export clients in 2021
21
General Dynamics Santa Bárbara built 50 Boxer CRV prototypes in 2023
22
Navantia constructed 1 LHD (Juan Carlos I class) amphibious ship module in 2022
23
Indra produced 200 C-band radars for coastal surveillance in 2021
24
Santa Bárbara Sistemas manufactured 400 AT4 anti-tank launchers in 2023
25
Airbus Spain assembled 10 CN235 fuselages in 2022
26
Expal output 300,000 9mm pistol rounds in 2021
27
Navantia delivered 2 AOR (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment) vessels in 2023
28
Indra supplied 90 electronic warfare pods for EF-18 Hornets in 2022
29
General Dynamics produced 150 VAMTAC ST5 vehicles in 2021
Interpretation
Manufacturing and Production Interpretation
Spain's defense industry appears to be politely assembling an entire, terrifyingly modern military from scratch, one stealth frigate, artillery shell, and radar system at a time.
05 · Category
Research & Development28 stats
01
Spain invested 850 million euros in defense R&D in 2022, 1.2% of GDP
02
Indra allocated 120 million euros to AI-based radar R&D in 2023
03
Navantia invested 200 million euros in S-80 submarine AIP technology upgrades 2021-2023
04
TEDAE members spent 1.1 billion euros on R&D in 2022
05
Airbus Defence Spain developed hypersonic wind tunnel testing with 50 million euros in 2023
06
Expal R&D on smart munitions reached 40 million euros annually by 2022
07
Spanish MoD funded 300 million euros in unmanned systems R&D 2023
08
Indra's quantum radar prototype tested with 30 million euros EU grant 2022
09
Navantia collaborated on EU HYDEF program for hypersonic defense, 15 million euros 2023
10
General Dynamics SBS invested 25 million in VCR 8x8 digital architecture R&D 2021
11
Spain patented 150 defense technologies in 2022, led by Indra with 45
12
Airbus Spain R&D centers published 200 papers on composites in 2023
13
Expal developed ERFB-BB munitions with 20% range increase via 10 million R&D 2022
14
TEDAE R&D intensity 8.5% of sales in 2022
15
MoD PERTE Aeroespacial funded 500 million euros R&D 2021-2025
16
Indra cyber R&D budget 80 million euros, developing SIAC system 2023
17
Navantia green propulsion R&D for submarines 50 million euros 2022-2024
18
Spanish universities received 100 million euros defense grants for materials science 2023
19
Airbus tested laser weapon prototype on A400M with 25 million R&D 2022
20
Expal nano-energetics research yielded 15% more powerful explosives 2023
21
Indra VR training simulators R&D 40 million, deployed to 50 units 2022
22
Navantia digital twin shipbuilding R&D saved 20% time, 30 million invested 2023
23
General Dynamics autonomous vehicle R&D 15 million euros 2022
24
Spain hosted 10 EDA R&D projects with 200 million euros 2021-2023
25
Airbus Spain drone swarm tech R&D with 35 million 2023
26
TEDAE filed 300 EU patents in defense tech 2022
27
MoD invested 150 million in space defense R&D (satellites) 2023
28
Indra big data analytics for SIGINT R&D 25 million 2022
Interpretation
Research & Development Interpretation
Spain is quietly but seriously trading its paella pans for quantum radars, stealthy submarines, and drone swarms, investing billions to ensure its future security is as sophisticated as its culinary heritage.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Timothy Grant. (2026, February 13). Spain Defense Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/spain-defense-industry-statistics
MLA
Timothy Grant. "Spain Defense Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/spain-defense-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Timothy Grant. 2026. "Spain Defense Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/spain-defense-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
25 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level