The arms industry in Spain: production, use and export

Abstract

The following article will analyse the transformation of weaponry and the evolution of the military industry since the 1990s, marked by the end of compulsory military service and the professionalisation of the Armed Forces. Spain has gone from having equipment inherited from the Cold War to integrating hightech systems, seeking mobility, protection and precision in new geopolitical scenarios. Modernisation has been driven by participation in major international cooperation programmes, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Key companies in the national defence industry, such as Navantia, Airbus and Indra, have led this process. The text addresses the operational evaluation of weaponry in prominent international missions, where experience in irregular combat and hostile environments has favoured the integration of armoured vehicles and the systematic use of drones. Finally, Spain's role as an arms exporter will be analysed, with sales concentrated in NATO, the EU and strategic customers such as Saudi Arabia. The ethical and legal controversies associated with these exports and Spain's growing role as an importer to modernise capabilities and ensure interoperability with NATO are discussed. In conclusion, the article highlights the achievements in reliability and cooperation, but also the challenges that remain in technological autonomy and electronic warfare.