A new agreement between Spain and Ukraine on joint military equipment production gives Spanish industry access to a rapidly growing market, while offering Ukraine cutting-edge technology and expertise. This decision is already impacting the structure of Spain’s defense sector, where companies now have opportunities to expand their capabilities and strengthen their international presence. For Spaniards, this means not only new jobs but also growth in the country’s technological potential.
First steps towards integration
Cooperation between Spanish and Ukrainian companies began long before the official announcement. Following the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine, Spanish manufacturers started looking for ways to enter the Ukrainian market, leading to joint projects and knowledge exchange. A notable example is the work of Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E) and Tecnove with Ukraine’s Practika. In 2025, they agreed to jointly develop armored vehicles adapted to wartime conditions. As part of this project, a production facility was established in Spain capable of manufacturing equipment for Ukraine’s needs. This approach became a prototype for future large-scale initiatives.
A key player in technological exchange is Indra, which actively collaborates with Ukrainian authorities and offers solutions in radar, surveillance, and counter-drone defense. These technologies are particularly in demand amid modern warfare, where defense effectiveness depends directly on the quality of electronic systems. Indra has become a crucial partner for Ukraine in integrating complex systems under combat conditions.
Technology and emerging opportunities
Sener, a company specializing in advanced engineering, is also involved in negotiations and projects related to Ukraine. Its expertise in navigation and missile control could be decisive for the creation of high-precision weaponry. While production volumes are not large here, the added value of such solutions is extremely significant for both sides.
In addition to major players, more specialized companies also operate in the Ukrainian sector. Oesía and GMV are exploring opportunities in electronics and communications, which are vital for the safety and effectiveness of military operations. Ammunition manufacturers such as Rheinmetall Expal, as well as Santa Bárbara Sistemas, which services Leopard tanks, have already contributed to supporting Ukraine. In the tactical mobility segment, Urovesa, which produces military vehicles, stands out, although its involvement so far has been limited to consultations and market research.
Moving towards systemic cooperation
Until recently, cooperation between Spanish and Ukrainian companies was fragmented and lacked a single coordinating center. The new agreement changes this: all initiatives are now unified under state control and receive political support. This will speed up the launch of joint productions, expand the range of products—from drones to guidance systems and missile technologies—and ensure long-term stability of the partnership.
Companies that already have experience working with Ukraine are in a stronger position: they know the market specifics, have built trust, and tested cooperation models. Now, their practices can be scaled up and extended to other sectors of the defense industry. This shift from isolated projects to a structured system opens new opportunities for both countries.
Context and latest developments
In recent years, European countries have increasingly signed agreements for joint production of military equipment to boost independence from external suppliers and accelerate innovation. Germany and Poland recently announced the launch of joint ammunition production lines, while France is investing in drone systems together with partners from Eastern Europe. These trends reflect a broader shift towards cooperation and technology exchange within the EU, strengthening European manufacturers on the global market.
