18/12/2025
On December 15, Zaragoza hosted an event organized by AERA within the framework of the Aragón Defense Hub, bringing together representatives from the Armed Forces, institutions, and the industrial and technological ecosystem to analyze Aragón’s strategic positioning in the field of defense and dual-use technologies.
The event began with a presentation of the Zaragoza Air Base, one of the key infrastructures of the Spanish Air and Space Force, during which the Base Commander detailed its missions, operational capabilities, and strategic importance both nationally and internationally.
Next, the geopolitical and strategic context was addressed, analyzing the current international scenario and the growing need to strengthen defense capabilities, strategic autonomy, and industrial resilience. Within this framework, Aragón’s position as a strategic hub was highlighted, supported by its location, the presence of key military units, and the availability of unique infrastructures that facilitate the development of dual-use capabilities.
Subsequently, AERA was presented, highlighting the cluster’s role as a unifying force for Aragon’s aerospace, aviation, and defense ecosystem, as well as its leadership of the R&D&I Working Group within the Aragon Defense Hub.
The event concluded with a focus on the technological sector, centered on the scientific and technological landscape of defense technologies in Aragon. Key trends and priorities were presented in areas such as C4ISR, cybersecurity, unmanned and counter-drone aerial systems, Earth observation, digital MRO, and triple-use capabilities for civil, defense, and emergency applications, highlighting Aragon’s potential as a testing ground and integrator of dual-use technologies.
The meeting served as a space for reflection and connection among the various actors of the Aragon Defense Hub, strengthening collaboration between industry, government, and the Armed Forces, and laying the groundwork for the development of new strategic projects to establish Aragon as a national and European benchmark.
