At the end of 2024, I had the honor of representing GMV in a video produced by Infodefensa broadcasting platform. Filmed at Zaragoza Air Base, it also featured other female professionals from defense companies, as well as Lieutenant Pardos, who pilots an A400M airlifter for Spain’s Air and Space Force.
The goal of this project is to highlight the strength of this industry in Spain and inspire new generations, especially girls, to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.
The piece focuses on Lieutenant Pardos, who pilots an A400M, a state-of-the-art military transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus. The lieutenant discussed her career and experience as a woman flying this impressive aircraft, demonstrating that gender barriers can be broken with determination, passion, and proper training.
In addition, female employees from companies such as Indra, Airbus Defence and Space, ITP Aero, Inetum, Arpa Equipos Móviles de Campaña and GMV shared our vision of the strategic importance of this sector, not only in terms of national security but also as a driver of innovation and development. We must understand that investing in the defense industry not only strengthens our military capabilities, but also boosts the economy, fosters technological innovation, and positions Spain as a relevant player in the global arena.
The importance of STEM careers and including women
One of the highlights of this piece was the opportunity to address young women interested in STEM careers. As a female employee in a defense company, I know how hard it can be to make one’s way in a traditionally male-dominated field. However, I’m also aware that this sector offers many opportunities for an exciting career that’s full of challenges and key to defending our country.
We need more young girls to explore careers in science and tech, not only because their perspective enriches decision-making and solution design, but also because their participation is crucial if we are to meet the technological challenges of the future. Each of the professionals interviewed for the piece talked about what motivated us to choose our careers, as well as our experiences and what we’ve achieved, in the hope of inspiring the next generations.
As for the defense sector, it’s important to be aware that it not only works on national projects, but also plays a key role in international initiatives that require innovation, collaboration, and a high level of technical skill. In the piece, we highlight how Spanish companies are participating in large-scale international programs, from the development of aircraft such as the A400M to advanced defense systems such as the NGWS/FCAS (Next-Generation Weapon System/Future Combat Air System) program that I’m involved in.
Fostering youth talent is a priority when it comes to guaranteeing Spain’s continued competitiveness in this sector. Universities, companies, and governments have a crucial role to play in creating educational programs, scholarships, and training opportunities that enable young people to acquire the skills they need to participate in these projects. Indeed, our goal in this video was to show that there’s a place for them in this industry, where they can make significant contributions and grow professionally.
All in all, representing GMV in this piece was a deeply enriching experience. It allowed me to reflect on the importance of the military and the defense industry in our society, and the role each of us can play in strengthening this sector, as well as the importance of promoting STEM careers and including more women in this field.
I hope this and future pieces will inspire many young women to dream big and consider the endless possibilities in the defense and technology sector. Ultimately, building a safer, more innovative, and inclusive future is everyone’s responsibility.
Author: Jimena Fernández
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