Hispano Vema has taken a strategic step in its international projection following its active participation in the European Defense Fund Infodays held in Madrid on February 17 and 18. The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Defense, has served as a key platform to strengthen alliances, anticipate strategic priorities and consolidate its presence in the industrial ecosystem linked to European security.
The company was represented by its CEO, José Antonio Navarro, and Eva Tatiana Rodríguez, head of international projects and European strategy, thus reaffirming the company’s commitment to active and competitive participation in the European defense fund.
European defense fund as a strategic axis for Spanish industry
The European defense fund has become one of the most important financial instruments for boosting the European Union’s strategic autonomy. Its objective is clear: to strengthen the defense technological and industrial base and reduce external dependencies in critical areas for European security.
During the conference held in Madrid, Spain’s strategic priorities within the program were presented, with special emphasis on:
- Technological sovereignty.
- National industrial leadership.
- Cross-border cooperation.
- The development of critical strategic capabilities.
Hispano Vema ‘s participation in this forum demonstrates a well-defined strategy: to be present in all areas where the future capabilities that will shape European security in the next decade are being designed.
Work Programme 2026: oportunidades clave en tecnologías CBRN
One of the central points of the meeting was the presentation of the new topics of the Work Programme 2026 of the European Defense Fund, which will mark the next calls for proposals.
CBRN decontamination systems and technologies
Among the most relevant lines, the topic dedicated to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) decontamination systems and technologies, with a budget of 15 million euros, stands out.
This area is particularly strategic in the current European security context, where hybrid risks, CBRN threats and complex emergency management require advanced, interoperable and rapidly deployable technological solutions.
Strategic relevance for Hispano Vema
For Hispano Vema, this topic is directly aligned with its specialization in:
- CBRN Protection.
- Emergency logistics.
- Rapid deployment capabilities.
- Advanced decontamination systems.
The coherence between the priorities of the European defense fund and the company’s industrial capabilities reinforces its position as a high value-added technological partner in the field of European security.
Direct dialogue with the European Commission and key stakeholders
During the first day, Hispano Vema representatives held strategic exchanges with institutional decision-makers and operators in the sector.
Meetings with DG DEFIS and the European Commission
A direct dialogue took place with Francisco Casalduero, from the Directorate General for Defense Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) of the European Commission, focused on the decontamination topic and on the technical and strategic evaluation criteria of the proposals.
A thorough understanding of these criteria is crucial in a program as competitive as the European Defense Fund.
Coordination with national stakeholders
Likewise, contacts were established with representatives of the Aragonese Development Institute and with relevant operators of the Ministry of Defense, in addition to companies with previous experience in EDF projects.
Importance of national alignment
One of the clearest messages from the event was the need for proposals to be aligned with national industrial priorities, thus increasing their strategic coherence within the European framework.
Construction of solid consortiums
In an environment where more than 400 proposals were submitted in 2025 and where success rates are particularly low, the key lies in:
- Form technically complementary consortia.
- Integrate real industrial capabilities.
- Guarantee European impact.
- Demonstrate technological sustainability in the medium and long term.
Hispano Vema is actively working along these lines, strengthening its network of strategic partners in the European defense fund ecosystem.
Highly competitive and technically demanding European defense fund
Increasing competition within the European defense fund is forcing companies to raise the level of technical, strategic and financial preparation of their proposals.
Active participation in Infodays, sectoral forums and innovation hubs -especially in Brussels- is not an accessory element, but a decisive factor to gain visibility and credibility in the eyes of evaluators and potential partners.
For an industrial company with European ambitions, the strategy cannot be limited to submitting proposals; it must be built on constant presence, institutional dialogue and sustained technological positioning.
Pitch selection in Brussels: consolidation of European positioning
A particularly relevant milestone for Hispano Vema has been the recent communication from the European Commission confirming its selection to make a corporate pitch at the European Defense Fund Infodays in Brussels on March 11.
Strategic impact of institutional recognition
This recognition means:
- Direct visibility before European institutions.
- Positioning against industrial competitors.
- Reinforcement of the company’s strategic dimension.
- Projection in the European security ecosystem.
Regardless of the final submission of a proposal in the current call, the opportunity to expose capabilities to key players in the European defense fund is a valuable strategic step.
Long-term European strategy: presence, technology and alliances
Hispano Vema has a clear roadmap: to consolidate a solid European position in the security and defense field.
Priority strategic lines
The company focuses its strategy on:
- Intensification of institutional activity in Europe.
- Active participation in forums related to the European Defense Fund.
- Expansion of its network of industrial partners.
- Technological development aligned with European priorities.
- Strengthening its visibility in Brussels.
In a context where European security requires its own interoperable and technologically advanced capabilities, an active presence in the European defense fund is not a tactical option, but a strategic decision.
