GMV addresses strategic challenges in the defence sector alongside the Spanish Navy

On 29 May, Executive Forum España held its latest breakfast meeting for executives, with GMV participating as a key player in Spain’s defence and security sector. The event, held in Madrid, was led by Vice Admiral Ignacio Paz García, head of the Navy General Staff’s Planning Division.

In his remarks on behalf of the Spanish Navy, Vice Admiral Paz García focused on the importance of investment, preparedness, and the actual response capability of the defence sector in Spain. He highlighted some of the Spanish Navy’s current missions and future capabilities, such as unmanned systems and the protection of undersea infrastructure, among others. He also emphasized the relevance of industry and technological innovation as strategic partners and key elements for achieving a shared goal—a real and sustainable response capacity both in peacetime and during times of conflict or crisis—as well as the need to properly leverage and prioritize requirements within the current budgetary window of opportunity.

Representing GMV, Defence and Security General Manager Ricardo Sáenz opened the discussion with a reflection on the current need to integrate sensors and data, as well as on the importance of multi-domain operations and their impact on decision-making. Sáenz explained that although the Navy has always been a pioneer when it comes to interoperating with other allied forces, it now faces the challenge of doing so not only in a maritime environment, but also in a multi-domain environment, where the integration of manned and unmanned systems poses an additional challenge.

The event was an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the current strategic context and on the capabilities needed to meet the challenges of an increasingly demanding environment in which innovation and collaboration between institutions and companies are essential.