FEINDEF 2025 Day 1 Highlights: New Defense Technologies and Innovations Unveiled in Madrid Spain.

Day 1 coverage by the Army Recognition editorial team at FEINDEF 2025 captures the vibrant start of Spain's premier defense and security exhibition, held at the IFEMA Madrid exhibition center. Running from May 14 to 16, 2025, this year’s edition marks the largest in the event’s history, solidifying its stature as a cornerstone for international defense cooperation, innovation, and strategic dialogue.
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Day 1 at FEINDEF 2025: International defense and security leaders gather in Madrid, Spain, to unveil cutting-edge military technologies and forge strategic partnerships. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Among the major headlines of Day 1, the announcement of a strategic partnership between Spain and Ukraine drew considerable attention. In a landmark move, Ukrainian defense firm Practika and Spanish company TECNOVE confirmed a joint venture to build a 25,000 m² armored vehicle production facility in Herencia, Ciudad Real. The plant is set to manufacture the Kozac (11-ton) and Djura (6-ton) armored vehicles, both originally developed in Ukraine. With production expected to reach up to 40 vehicles per month, and key contributions from Spanish suppliers like EM&M for turret systems, the project underscores Spain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities while enhancing European defense industrial cooperation.

FEINDEF 2025 showcases a remarkable increase in scale, spanning four massive halls over 66,690 m², and hosting more than 600 exhibitors from 65 countries. The exhibition floor features an expansive array of innovations in land, naval, aerospace, cyber, and AI-driven defense technologies, reflecting the growing drive toward European strategic autonomy and digital transformation in defense systems.

In a notable debut, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) unveiled two major artillery systems for the first time. The company introduced the Piranha Artillery Gun Module, an advanced wheeled self-propelled artillery concept based on its renowned Piranha vehicle family, designed to deliver high mobility and precision fire support with modular adaptability. In parallel, GDELS also presented the NEMESIS tracked artillery system, engineered to provide heavy indirect fire capabilities in a fully digitalized and network-integrated platform. These two systems reflect a strategic push to enhance NATO-compatible mobile firepower and underline GDELS’s commitment to addressing future battlefield requirements.

Indra, Spain’s flagship defense technology group, also made headlines by unveiling cutting-edge systems including the VALERO multi-role air vehicle, the Maestre integrated mission management system for armored vehicles, and the ECYSAP cyber-situational awareness platform. These developments emphasize Spain’s rising influence in the European defense R&D landscape and its dedication to maintaining operational superiority through innovation.

Day 1 also featured high-profile policy discussions and industrial panels exploring topics such as the European Defence Fund’s latest opportunities, the application of artificial intelligence in military logistics and operations, and the broader vision for a resilient and sovereign European defense industry.

As FEINDEF 2025 continues through May 16, attendees can expect more major unveilings, contract announcements, and collaborative agreements. The event reaffirms its vital role in shaping the future of global defense cooperation and technological progress at a time of shifting geopolitical realities.