Trade Mission Spain

Join the Dutch economic mission to Spain: civil aviation, defence & aerospace

Spain’s aviation, defence, and aerospace sectors are growing rapidly, offering unique opportunities for Dutch companies ready to expand internationally. Now is the time to explore one of Europe’s most dynamic industrial landscapes.

The Dutch Embassy in Madrid, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), is organising an economic mission to Madrid and Seville from 19–21 May 2026, as part of the trade mission led by Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma.

Why Spain, why now?

Spain has emerged as a key strategic partner in European defence and aerospace, supported by a robust economy and major investment plans:

• €10.5 billion — Unprecedented investment through the Spanish Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence
• Top 3 — Spain ranks among the top participants in European Defence Fund (EDF) projects, making it a highly strategic consortium partner
• 87% — Share of new Spanish defence procurement earmarked for domestic and European supply chains
• 3.2% GDP growth — Spain’s economy grew above the euro area average in 2024, providing a stable foundation for long-term contracts

Key growth drivers include higher aircraft deliveries, strong performance in defence, space and helicopter sectors, and robust global demand for military equipment.

Spain’s modernisation strategy actively seeks European co-development partners. EU funding instruments require multinational consortia, offering Dutch companies access to significant EU co-financing opportunities. Structural demand for Dutch expertise is growing, especially as Spanish primes seek complementary capabilities in procurement and R&D.

Why join this mission?

For companies in civil aviation, aerospace, and defence, the mission provides a unique chance to:

• Meet new partners and stakeholders in Spain
• Explore the market at the ADM Aerospace & Defence Meetings in Seville
• Participate in exclusive B2B matchmaking sessions tailored to participants

Tentative visits to Airbus and Aernnova may also be included.

Concrete examples of the growing Dutch-Spanish cooperation include:

• Airbus Helicopters — Orders up 20% in 2025, including a €4 billion contract from the Spanish Ministry of Defence for 100 helicopters
• GMV & the Royal Netherlands Air Force — Spanish technology company GMV providing space domain awareness software to the Dutch Air and Space Force, already operational in Spain and Germany

How to Participate

• Registration deadline: 25 March 2026
• Cost: €1,200 per organisation (includes one participant)

Join the Dutch delegation and explore where collaboration is possible in civil aviation, aerospace, and defence — in one of Europe’s most strategic and rapidly evolving markets.

Interested? Send a message or email mark.reijndorp@nag.aero