Spain Authorises Some €4.2 Billion in Defence Contracts Led by Navigation Systems and Aircraft Modernisation
Spain's Council of Ministers authorised seven Defence Ministry contract files on November 3 totalling some €4.2 billion, one of the largest single batches of defence procurement approvals in recent Spanish history.
The largest item is €2.303 billion for robust military positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems, reducing the armed forces' dependence on external satellite navigation such as GPS. Next is a €1.438 billion contract for the modernisation and evolutionary development of the Air and Space Force's air platforms. The remaining files include a €269.2 million framework for 155mm extended-range field-artillery ammunition, a €102.2 million framework for private security services at defence facilities, a €37.9 million amendment to the MH-60R multipurpose helicopter programme, a €30 million framework for pyrotechnic, search-and-rescue and training materiel, and €20 million for sonobuoys for maritime patrol aircraft.
The government said the authorisations serve the armed forces' modernisation programme, with the emphasis on navigation resilience, air power and ammunition stocks. The contracts will proceed under Spain's public procurement procedures.
Spain has been steadily raising defence spending in recent years to meet its NATO commitments and replace ageing equipment.
Source: La Moncloa
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Photo: 图：西班牙空天军战机（资料图）。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons（CC BY-SA 2.0），作者：Contando Estrelas from Vigo, España / Spain。 / Photo: A Spanish Air and Space Force jet (file photo). Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0), by Contando Estrelas from Vigo, España / Spain.
