Catalonia’s space sector: a strategic opportunity for European security and defence

Barcelona hosted the presentation of a new report by Spain’s National Defence Studies Centre (CESEDEN) and the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE), focusing on the role of space in security and defence. The event highlighted Catalonia’s potential to contribute to European space capabilities through its business, scientific and technological ecosystem.

The event featured a welcome address by Admiral Santiago Bolibar, President of Hisdesat; opening remarks by Lieutenant General Miguel Ballenilla, Director of CESEDEN; and a presentation by Brigadier General Víctor Bados, Director of IEEE. The panel brought together Pedro Duque, President of Hispasat; Ana Molina, CEO of Hisdesat; and Volunteer Reserve Lieutenant Luis V. Pérez Gil, IEEE analyst and coordinator of the report. The discussion was moderated by Luis Mayo, CEO of Hispasat. Nuria Monserrat, the Catalan Government’s Minister for Science, delivered the closing remarks.

Catalonia’s NewSpace ecosystem comprises nearly 100 companies—three times as many as five years ago—with a combined turnover of around €250 million and 1,800 jobs. This growth places the sector in a strong position to explore new opportunities arising from the convergence of civilian and defence applications of space technologies.

Discussions highlighted the essential role of space infrastructure in communications, infrastructure protection and security. Participants also noted that this dependence makes resilience against potential threats a priority.

For Catalan companies, the challenge lies in connecting talent, universities, research centres and industry, and turning existing capabilities into competitive projects and services. Participation in European tenders and programmes offers a key route to securing new contracts and strengthening Catalonia’s position in an increasingly strategic sector.