The Aragon Defense Hub is presented with 113 companies

The opening ceremony began with the Mayor of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, who stated, "We want this Hub to promote research and manufacturing of systems that protect our people; to generate skilled employment and attract young people to public service and the defense sector; and to be an example of how public-private collaboration can strengthen collective security."

The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, attended the presentation ceremony, highlighting the need to invest in the future and "open a new window for those of us who believe in a more just, freer society in which we all work toward achieving peace," regardless of political affiliation, to create "a country we can all be proud of." She was accompanied by the Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce.

The lines of activity that will seek to promote innovation and technology, as well as Spanish industry and job creation, will require the support of universities and companies to be an important driving force in Aragon.

A total of 113 companies are already part of the hub, developing their defense-related activities. The Aragonese aeronautics, space, and defense clusters (AERA), the technology cluster (TECNARA), and the logistics cluster (ALIA) are also participating.

Alejandro Ibrahim, president of AERA and general manager of Teruel Airport, emphasized that "Aragon's development has been linked to its technological capacity over the last two centuries." Likewise, at the end of his speech, he emphasized, "Aragon not only participates in defense innovation: it leads it, turns it into a driver of progress, and projects it toward the future of Spain and Europe."

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Defense announced a €42 million investment at the end of August to launch a training center in this enclave, following a visit by the Minister of Defense to the Teruel facilities.

Another positive aspect of the new defense hub is its activity related to HAPS and stratospheric flight systems, which will be carried out in Teruel, where a €40 million investment will be made.

At the hub's presentation, Lieutenant General Miguel Ivorra explained that Aragon particularly meets three of the 10 points contemplated in the 2023 Defense Strategy: territorial cohesion, innovation, and attracting talent. He also emphasized that "defense is not built alone, but in collaboration with the business community and society. Nothing will be possible without public and private collaboration."
This is a commitment from the Government of Aragon, where its president, Jorge Azcón, has positively assessed the launch of this initiative, which also occurs at a "good moment for the community, extraordinary prosperity" due to the attraction of investment in areas such as technology, agribusiness, and logistics, with more than €54.7 billion announced in various projects. He also emphasized that "It is investing in the future for young people and transforming the future of society and Aragon. The defense industry is a historic opportunity."
At the closing ceremony, Margarita Robles wished to pay tribute to Aragonese society and citizens during her visit to Zaragoza this Wednesday. Robles presented the president, Jorge Azcón, with a plaque of gratitude for the support that Aragon has provided to the Armed Forces.

The Aragon Defense Hub will be officially presented on September 10, 2025, in the Corona Room of the Pignatelli Building of the Government of Aragon in Zaragoza. This marks the start of the strategy to be developed and its subsequent objectives. These objectives have already led to more than a hundred companies, research institutes, business organizations, and major institutions joining this initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense.

This initiative allows Aragon to fully harness its potential within the field of Defense, with the aim of further development within a series of objectives.