MADRID --- The Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, today inaugurated the 3rd edition of the International Security and Defense Fair (FEINDEF), the most important event in this area held in Spain, which will have the participation of 500 exhibitors from 25 countries and 100 foreign delegations.
In his opening remarks, Robles stressed that "Spain is a great country, supportive and committed, and a firm ally that is there in difficult times", and he had a "very special memory for Ukraine, because its fight is the fight from all of us".
The minister stressed "the firm and unequivocal commitment" to continue investing in Defense, "because we want peace, we are very clear that investing in security and defense is investing in peace, in progress, in values and in democracy", and for this reason "we are going to reach that objective of 2% of GDP by 2029, and our Defense budget has increased by 26%".
Robles has thanked the participation of so many companies and organizations in a fair that this year is consolidated as one of the most important in the sector (with an increase of more than 150% compared to the 1st edition of 2019), and has referred to the Spanish Armed Forces as an example "in Spain, in Europe and in the world, for their sacrifice, dedication and heroism".
Dual technology
Julián García Vargas, president of the FEINDEF Foundation, organizer of the fair, pointed out in his presentation that "security and defense are fundamental issues for any society" and expressly thanked the "Ministry of Defense for its unconditional support. Without that institutional support this event would not be possible”.
“Technology has disrupted all aspects of our lives, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, from robotics to biotechnology, the innovation landscape presents us with unprecedented challenges and the field of defense is no exception”, Vargas highlighted, explaining that during the three days of the fair there will be the opportunity to "explore the most recent advances in military technology and learn about the most advanced research projects, also applied to the civilian field."
After the opening ceremony, Robles toured the fair stopping at a dozen stands, including Navantia, Palantir, Santa Bárbara, Indra, ITP Aero or Grupo 20. He has also visited the stands of the Jaén and Córdoba town halls , with which the Ministry of Defense has two important projects underway, the Technological Center for Development and Experimentation (CETEDEX) and the Army Logistics Base, respectively; and also in Getafe, where there are industrial development areas that are a benchmark in the aerospace and military sectors.
The Chief of Defense Staff, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón; the Secretary of State director of the CNI, Esperanza Casteleiro; the Government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín Aguirre, among other civil and military authorities, have attended the inauguration of FEINDEF.
Lastly, the minister held a meeting with her Gabonese counterpart, Félicité Ongouori Ngoubili, a country of growing interest in the Gulf of Guinea region, due to her relevance in the field of maritime security. During the meeting, both ministers agreed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of defense between the two countries.
Third edition
The fair, whose motto in this 3rd edition is 'The defense of our security', occupies an exhibition space of some 40,000 m2 and is attended by around 500 exhibitors from 25 countries and 100 international delegations, with a forecast of assistance of more than 25,000 professionals.
The Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce, recalled in her speech that the Defense industry is a sector "with a driving force over other sectors, which generates quality and highly qualified employment, with significant investments in R+D+i around 13% of the national total”. "And for this reason, Spain is an attractive country to invest in," she said.
Among the novelties of this edition is Espacio INNOVA, a forum dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship in dual technologies, which was created with a vocation to support young talent. Likewise, in the plan of activities, conferences and round tables will be held every day on the challenges and innovations of the sector, including one dedicated to women in the Defense sector under the title 'Talent for Everything'.
FElNDEF is the reference forum that encompasses the defense and security sector in Spain, to innovate, cooperate internationally and share knowledge between companies, institutions, universities and other organizations, as a global response to Security.
Valcarce has expressed his gratitude to the Defense industry associations, TEDAE and AESMIDE, together with other public and private institutions, for consolidating a project that celebrated its first and second edition in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
"FEINDEF is an excellent showcase for industrial and technological development, it values the magnificent work carried out by Spanish companies and all the international ones represented here", praised Valcarce, who mentioned the joint and international modernization programs where Spain occupies leading positions (for example, the Eurofighter or the new European combat aircraft, FCAS).
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