ARPA participated in the information day on the European Defence Fund (EDF), organised by AREX and IAF as part of #AragónDefenceHub, which brought together more than 100 companies interested in learning about opportunities to access major European programmes in the field of defence.
The aim of the meeting was to provide Aragonese SMEs with the keys to participating in projects financed by the EDF, an instrument that will mobilise €8 billion until 2027, to which will be added an additional €1.5 billion through the EDIP between 2026 and 2028. These figures consolidate the European Defence Fund as one of the main levers for technological development, industrial cooperation and European strategic autonomy.
Real experience from Aragon in the European ecosystem
Representing ARPA, Francisca Hernández, International Business Development, spoke as a panellist to share the company's practical experience in the programme. During her speech, she explained how an Aragonese SME can not only participate in, but also lead European consortia and play an active role in strategic projects within the EDF.
ARPA's participation highlighted the capacity of Aragon's industrial fabric to compete in highly demanding international environments, as well as the importance of specialisation, technological cooperation and long-term strategic vision.
Keys to accessing European programmes
The event allowed participating companies to gain first-hand knowledge of:
- The financing instruments available under the EDF.
- The keys to structuring competitive proposals.
- Requirements for forming international consortiums.
- Success stories of Spanish companies already positioned in the European defence ecosystem.
These types of initiatives help to strengthen the knowledge and preparedness of the regional business community in the face of the major challenges facing the European defence industry.
Commitment to European strategic programmes
ARPA's presence at this event reaffirms its commitment to promoting innovation, international cooperation and strengthening the technological and industrial defence base in Europe.
We continue to work to consolidate ARPA's position in major European strategic programmes and to actively contribute to positioning Aragon's industrial fabric in high-impact initiatives with international reach.