Carlos M. Martin
From unmanned maritime systems to joint naval exercises, Spanish defence hubs are quietly building a long-term partnership with New Delhi.
The Vadodara Anchor
The primary geostrategic reality of India-Spain defence ties is defined by the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara. This is India's first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft. The first 'Made in India' C-295 is expected to roll out before September 2026, and the ecosystem already involves Indian PSUs like BEL and BDL, as well as private MSMEs. The project has already opened new doors for the arrival of other European companies. The programme provides the manufacturing depth, technology transfer, and industrial ecosystem required to sustain India's broader indigenisation goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Maritime Surveillance and Unmanned Systems
Spanish defence hubs are not waiting idly. In February 2026, Spanish technology firm Marine Instruments signed an MoU with Indian company Globaz Technologies at the World Defence Show. The agreement focuses on maritime surveillance, security missions, and unmanned systems, specifically Marine Instruments' AirFox unmanned aerial system. This represents a direct, recent attempt by a Spanish defence technology firm to enter the Indian market under the 'Make in India' framework. The deal signals a shift towards genuine co-production in the high-growth sector of unmanned platforms, where both nations have complementary strengths.
Naval Cooperation and Interoperability
Spanish defence interest is not limited to manufacturing. In September 2025, the Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez docked in Mumbai and conducted joint training exercises with the Indian Navy frigate INS Teg, including replenishment manoeuvres, helicopter operations, and gunnery practice. The Spanish frigate Navarra, operating under EU Operation Atalanta, also conducted joint activities with Indian Navy vessels in the Indian Ocean. A Spanish Rear Admiral noted these as "a valuable step towards building closer ties with the Indian Navy." These are not ceremonial port calls alone. They are operational statements. By developing naval interoperability and joint procedures, both navies are building a credible platform for future coordinated responses in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Shipbuilding Dimension
Beyond visible exercises, Spain possesses world-class capabilities in amphibious assault ships, combat logistics vessels, and other naval platforms. While the P-75I submarine programme has moved forward with other partners, Spain's broader shipbuilding expertise remains relevant to India's long-term naval modernisation plans. A future joint venture with an Indian shipyard for non-submarine naval assets could bypass the political hesitancy often attached to Russian or American hardware, while giving Spain access to India's vast shipbuilding capacity and market.
Conclusion
From the established C-295 manufacturing line in Vadodara, to the February 2026 Marine Instruments-Globaz MoU for unmanned maritime systems, to active naval exercises with the Méndez Núñez and Navarra in the Indian Ocean, Madrid is demonstrating a clear, multi-sectoral commitment to building a long-term defence partnership with New Delhi. The year 2026 marks 70 years of diplomatic relations, and Spain's formal accession to India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative in January 2026 provides the framework. But the real story is on the factory floor and at sea. The prospects are not merely bright. They are already operational.
Seema Sanghosh English: May 2026
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