President of FEINDEF 2025: ‘Innovation is the soul of the Spanish Defence Fair’

The fourth edition of the International Defence and Security Fair of Spain, FEINDEF 2025, is about to open its doors. The biennial exhibition, organised by the FEINDEF Foundation with the unconditional support of the Ministry of Defence, will take place on 12, 13 and 14 May at the Madrid Exhibition Centre, IFEMA.

With four pavilions and an area of more than 60,000 m2, the 2025 edition is consolidating its position, according to its organisers, ‘as the benchmark showcase for the sector for the promotion of Spanish aerospace and defence companies and organisations in the international market’. 

The president of the Foundation is Ángel Olivares, a politician from Burgos who was the first Secretary of State for Defence under Margarita Robles, after she was appointed in June 2018 by Pedro Sánchez as the new head of the Ministry of Defence. Olivares held the post for two years, during which time he promoted military programmes of the importance of the 8x8 Wheeled Combat Vehicle, the NH90 helicopters, the F-110 frigates, the S-80 submarines, the modernisation of the Eurofighter fighter jets and the new generation of Spainsat NG communications satellites. 

Ángel Olivares left his senior position at his own request in mid-2020, citing family reasons, and returned to his native Burgos. However, in May 2024, he was called back by Minister Robles to chair the FEINDEF Foundation, a position he now holds as the successor to former Defence Minister Julián García Vargas, aged 80.

President, what are the main opportunities that FEINDEF 2025 offers to the defence industry in Spain, the rest of the EU and other countries? 

It represents a unique strategic platform for the national and international defence industry. In its fourth edition, it will feature more than 600 exhibitors and 35,000 professional visitors, consolidating its position as one of the leading global venues for innovation, collaboration and capacity building in the field of security and defence. 

The Fair promotes an ecosystem in which large driving companies coexist with highly specialised SMEs, fostering synergies that drive technological innovation and internationalisation. It is undoubtedly the ideal setting for generating business opportunities, strengthening strategic alliances and showcasing the talent and technology of the sector.

What sets FEINDEF apart from other similar exhibitions around the world? 

It stands out for its cross-cutting nature and strong commitment to integration. It is not just a commercial showcase, but also a strategic forum for the exchange of ideas, innovation and institutional dialogue. 

With the support of the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the active participation of European institutions, FEINDEF offers a vision committed to technological sovereignty, European strategic autonomy and the promotion of a culture of defence in society. In this sense, FEINDEF not only exhibits, it also inspires and transforms.

What are the main new features of the fifth edition, which will open its doors on 12 May, in five days' time? 

It is the most ambitious edition to date. For the first time, it will occupy four pavilions at the Madrid Exhibition Centre, with an exhibition space of over 60,500 m², representing a growth of more than 50% compared to the previous edition. This edition reinforces its global dimension and its role as a meeting point for the industry, in a context marked by technological transformation, the strengthening of European capabilities and the impact of geopolitical tensions.

Why has Israel been banned from this edition of FEINDEF?

FEINDEF invites countries and companies that meet ethical and humanitarian criteria to participate in the exhibition. We align ourselves with the guidelines set by the Spanish Government and maintain our independence within the current legal framework. In future editions, the participation of any country will be evaluated based on the international context and the principles governing Spanish foreign policy.

What is the importance of research, development and innovation at the Fair? 

R&D&I is a strategic pillar of FEINDEF 25 and innovation, in addition to being a thematic focus, is the soul of the event and its main driver of transformation. The Fair promotes meetings between companies, universities and public research bodies to boost the development of emerging technologies with high added value. It also encourages technology transfer, entrepreneurship and the creation of synergies that strengthen the sector's competitiveness.

Have any initiatives been launched to attract talent?

This edition reinforces its commitment to young talent and innovation through initiatives such as INNOVA for Def & Sec, a space designed to promote entrepreneurship, technology start-ups and connections between universities, research centres and companies in the sector. It is a meeting place to showcase disruptive projects, facilitate access to the defence ecosystem and promote scientific and technical vocations, which are key to generational renewal and the long-term sustainability of the sector.

From your perspective, what are the main strengths of the European defence industry?

Well, it stands out for its strength and innovative focus. It is made up of a broad and well-structured industrial base, combining large integrators with a dynamic network of SMEs and emerging technology companies that generate a highly competitive and resilient supply chain. The incorporation of disruptive technologies, public-private partnerships and European funding programmes are enabling progress towards greater integration, efficiency and international outreach.

How many countries have organised national pavilions? 

While we have one international pavilion for the 2023 edition, we have seven for the 2025 edition, which we cannot reveal because we have signed a confidentiality agreement with some of them, whereby they reserve the right to announce their presence. I can add that this year we have seen a notable increase in the participation of companies from third countries interested in learning first-hand about European solutions, establishing strategic alliances and accessing new business opportunities. 

We have companies from 30 leading countries in the sector, which are key strategic partners for Spanish and European industry, both because of their technological capabilities and their institutional weight in NATO and the EU. This reflects FEINDEF's position as a global meeting point in an increasingly demanding and dynamic security environment. 

Is there any area that stands out at FEINDEF 2025? 

The Fair has a multi-domain approach that comprehensively covers the major operational environments: land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. This cross-cutting vision allows global security challenges to be addressed from a holistic perspective. Each of these domains will have specific representation at the Fair, showcasing emerging technologies, dual-use capabilities and interoperable solutions. 

Who will be the authority opening FEINDEF 2025? 

We are currently confirming attendees, which will determine the authorities who will participate in the opening ceremony. As in previous editions, we expect to welcome senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and other ministries. 

In which areas of aerospace, defence and security are there expectations for enhanced European cooperation? 

There are many opportunities for industrial and technological cooperation in Europe. Particularly noteworthy are the fields of cyber defence and unmanned systems or drones, as well as energy applied to defence and space. In addition, interoperability, battlefield digitalisation and cooperative defence programmes are natural areas for collaboration. 

What does FEINDEF 2025 offer SMEs to encourage them to attend? 

Without a doubt, unprecedented visibility on the international stage. Their role in the defence supply chain is key, and FEINDEF gives them direct access to major integrators, institutional buyers and potential partners. Small and medium-sized enterprises will have a privileged showcase to demonstrate their capacity for innovation and their contribution to the development of advanced solutions. 

Which European Commission bodies will be represented? 

Representatives from the European Commission and other bodies will be attending, such as the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, DGDEFIS, and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, DGConnect. 

What are the main themes of the conference programme running alongside the exhibition? 

The most important topics that will be addressed in the presentations and round tables are artificial intelligence as a vector for strategic autonomy; investment in defence as a driver of technological innovation and industrial development; the key role of female talent in the defence industry; cyber defence in the new strategic environment; cyberspace as an operational domain; and dual and disruptive technologies. 

What are the reasons for organising FEINDEF in Madrid? 

The Spanish capital offers unique conditions as the venue for FEINDEF. In addition to being the political and administrative epicentre of Spain, it is home to a significant part of the industrial and technological fabric of the defence sector. Its international connectivity and first-class infrastructure facilitate the participation of foreign delegations and strategic players from around the world. Holding FEINDEF in Madrid maximises its institutional, media and commercial reach, while positioning Spain as an international benchmark in the field of security and defence.