Defence, specialised talent and upskilling: a strategic challenge for Spain

October 20, 2025

A new growth cycle for the defence industry

Spain’s defence industry is undergoing a profound transformation. The country’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2 % of GDP has triggered a new cycle of investment, industrial growth and technological modernisation, with a direct impact on the talent market.

This momentum is driving strong demand for highly specialised profiles in areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, electronics, aerospace, legal and compliance. These roles are critical to sustaining the sector’s development amid rising regulatory, technological and geopolitical complexity.

A highly competitive talent market

One of the sector’s main challenges is the growing imbalance between supply and demand. The need for specialised professionals far exceeds available talent, creating intense competition not only within the defence industry, but also with other technology-driven sectors seeking similar capabilities.

As a result, traditional recruitment approaches are no longer sufficient to fill strategic positions within reasonable timeframes.

Upskilling and international talent as strategic levers

As highlighted by Carlos Benjumea, Managing Director of Catenon in Madrid, addressing this challenge requires a combined strategy. On one hand, investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes to develop internal talent. On the other, embracing international talent to broaden the available talent pool.

This dual approach enables organisations to reduce dependency on local markets and increase flexibility in a highly competitive environment.

Talent as a foundation for competitiveness and sustainability

The defence industry’s growth cannot be sustained without a strong talent base. Identifying, developing and retaining critical profiles is essential not only for growth, but also for regulatory compliance, innovation and long-term operational continuity.

A strategic perspective on how specialised talent is shaping the future of Spain’s defence industry.