Defense challenges

The 3rd Forum of Defense Challenges, organized by El Confidencial, brought together leading figures from the Spanish and European defense ecosystem to discuss the main strategic challenges facing European defense. GMV took part in the event, held under the title “Operational deterrence: the architecture of security in the new era”.

Held in the Spanish city of Córdoba for the third consecutive year, the forum focused on analyzing the adaptive capabilities of Spanish and European defense, as well as the need to strengthen those capabilities in an international context marked by global challenges, hybrid threats, war in Europe, and rapid technological transformation.

In 2025, Spain achieved its goal of investing 2% of its GDP in defense, and its central government also approved the country’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense. This is a strategic roadmap oriented towards modernizing national capabilities, promoting technological innovation, and enhancing industrial autonomy in the areas of security and defense, with the overall aim of anticipating threats and increasing stability. Spanish programs like the Dragón 8×8 wheeled combat vehicle (WCV) and the country’s contributions to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) are a reflection of Spain’s defense capacities and strategic position in Europe’s industrial value chain.

At the forum, GMV’s General Manager of Defense and Security, Manuel Pérez Cortés, participated in the roundtable discussion entitled “Multidomain deterrence: industry strategies, projects, and objectives for major transformation of the continent’s defense”, along with other defense industry experts. Their discussion addressed the strategic and technological challenges that will influence the transformation of defense in the upcoming years. 

During his presentation, Mr. Pérez Cortés emphasized the importance of significant, stable, long-term investment in defense and security as a key element for ensuring ongoing innovation and continuity for the corresponding industrial and technological capabilities.

In this context, the Spanish defense industry also acts as a driver for the country’s technological and economic development, and as a strategic vector for growth based on innovation and skilled employment. Spain’s commitment to R&D and innovation is also leading to advances in dual-use technologies, while enhancing competitiveness and technological sovereignty. In addition, the defense and security ecosystem generates stable jobs over the long term for highly qualified workers, increases industrial capacities, and makes a significant contribution to the economy.

Another notable participant at the forum was Amparo Valcarce, Spain’s State Secretary for Defense, who was joined by political leaders, senior officers from the Spanish armed forces, representatives from European and Transatlantic institutions, industry executives, and defense experts, who addressed issues such as operational deterrence by land, sea, and air, industrial opportunities for rearming Spain and fortifying its industrial base, the European roadmap for operational sovereignty, key technological capabilities in the space industry, the important role of the financial system, and the commitment to security and defense that is shared by Spain, Europe, and their allies.