Spain, Unknown – January 23, 2026 — Villadangos del Páramo, Spain – Indra Group has announced a significant €12 million investment to establish a cutting-edge drone production facility in the Villadangos del Páramo industrial zone of León province, poised to generate 350 skilled jobs and bolster Spain’s position in advanced aerospace manufacturing by 2027.

The initiative, detailed during a key meeting on 15 January 2026 between Indra’s Executive Chairman Ángel Escribano, Chief Executive Officer José Vicente de los Mozos, and Secretary of State for Defence Amparo Valcarce, marks a strategic expansion for the company’s Weapons & Ammunition division. This new centre will centralise the assembly and integration of Class 1 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) under 150 kg, suitable for both defence and civilian applications. Dedicated production lines will handle systems such as the TARSIS tactical platform, the versatile VALERO aerial vehicle, and innovative loitering munitions developed in partnership with EDGE, a UAE-based defence firm.

Serial manufacturing of munition-equipped drones is scheduled to commence in 2027, aligning with Spain’s Special Modernisation Programmes for its armed forces. The facility’s design emphasises efficiency and scalability, incorporating specialised assembly processes to meet rising demand across European markets. “This drone production centre in León will manufacture advanced unmanned aerial vehicle systems, ensuring national technological sovereignty and addressing the evolving requirements of the Armed Forces,” Escribano stated, highlighting the project’s role in fostering self-reliance and innovation.

Beyond the factory’s 200 direct positions in manufacturing and operations, Indra commits to recruiting 150 additional engineers at its existing León engineering hub. These roles will enhance expertise in critical domains including cyberdefence, command and control systems, intelligence gathering, software development, communications, counter-UAS technologies, and air traffic management. Such expansions promise to transform the region into a vibrant hub for high-tech employment, drawing talent and stimulating local economic growth.

Community leaders in Villadangos del Páramo and León have welcomed the development with enthusiasm. Local authorities note the investment’s potential to revitalise the industrial area, building on its established logistics advantages near major transport links. Collaboration with León Airport and the Army’s Air Systems Acquisition Group (GROSA) will create a dedicated testing and validation centre nearby, enabling rapid prototyping, flight trials, and certification of drone and counter-drone solutions. This integrated ecosystem supports seamless progression from design to deployment, accelerating innovation cycles.

Amparo Valcarce praised the partnership, saying: “Indra’s commitment and strategic vision deliver the innovative solutions Spain’s security and defence sectors need. Their trust in León underscores our dedication to modern, technologically advanced forces and a defence industry poised for global leadership.” The project builds on recent acquisitions, including Aertec Defence & Aerial Systems in 2025 – which brought the TARSIS family into Indra’s portfolio – and unmanned technologies from Wake Engineering, enriching the company’s capabilities.

This endeavour positions León as a cornerstone of Spain’s aerospace ambitions, contributing to broader European goals for sovereign production. By localising manufacturing of precision systems and directed-energy technologies, Indra addresses market urgencies while creating sustainable opportunities. The factory’s focus on multipurpose drones extends to civilian sectors like environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response, broadening its positive impact.

Local businesses anticipate ripple effects, with suppliers gearing up for increased orders in components and services. Vocational training programmes in León are already adapting curricula to prepare workers for roles in drone assembly, quality assurance, and systems integration. “We’re excited to partner with Indra to skill up our workforce, ensuring long-term prosperity for families here,” remarked a representative from the regional employment council.

Looking ahead, the facility’s ramp-up to full capacity by 2027 will not only secure jobs but also drive exports, leveraging synergies with Udrume, Spain’s specialised military drone unit stationed in the province. Indra’s joint efforts with EDGE further exemplify collaborative progress, establishing in-country production for loitering munitions to support NATO-aligned programmes.

This investment exemplifies how targeted industrial strategies can yield widespread benefits: economic vitality, technological advancement, and community empowerment. As construction progresses through 2026, Villadangos del Páramo stands ready to embrace its role in shaping the future of aerial innovation, fostering pride and opportunity across León.

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