The Spanish government will lend 2.14 billion euros to the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to stimulate the production of military drones and helicopters in Iberian plants. This was announced in an official statement published in the past few hours by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Reyes Maroto. 

"Spanish industry is at the forefront of the transformations of the 21st century". This decision "will strengthen the role of industry in the economic and social structure, strengthen strategic sovereignty and improve the competitiveness of industry on an international level", highlighted the minister.

The two multi-year loans include 1.43 billion Euros for Airbus Defense and Space as part of the military drone development programme: the Euromale RPAS (European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) which is expected to be delivered in 2028, generating 3000 jobs in 15 years.

A further 707 million Euros will be lent to Airbus Helicopters for the modernization of the Spanish and French air force Tiger military helicopter fleets. Specifically, the investments are used to build 42 helicopters for Paris and 18 for Madrid in the period 2022-2028.