The Ministry of Defense plans to mobilize in the coming years an investment of between 1.6 billion and 2 billion euros in the "Multiorbit Satcom" program, integrated into the European Iris2 constellation of secure satellite communications. In parallel, it will launch 15 new Special Modernization Programs (PEM) in 2026, with the aim of strengthening military capabilities and advancing towards the commitment to allocate 2% of GDP to defense.
According to the department headed by Margarita Robles, these initiatives add to the projects already underway and constitute the largest modernization plan undertaken by the Armed Forces, with a total spending ceiling of 34 billion euros until 2042 and a forecast of generating 155,436 jobs in that timeframe.
The PEM "Multiorbit Satcom," structured as a national constellation within the Iris2 program of the European Commission, contemplates an estimated investment in that range of between 1.6 billion and 2 billion. The funds will be allocated to the development of the space segment, the ground control and management segment, as well as to the operation of the system throughout its lifecycle.
With this initiative, Spain aims to strengthen its secure communications systems and its contribution to the European satellite program, providing the Armed Forces with advanced and resilient links in different orbits.
Defense details that it currently manages 79 modernization programs, of which 35 correspond to the PEMs launched under the 2025 Plan. The portfolio will be expanded with the incorporation of the 15 new PEMs planned for 2026 and with the "National LEO Capacity" program in 2027, as Spain's contribution to the European secure satellite communications program.
In this way, a total of 95 active programs will be reached, which the Ministry defines as "the largest modernization effort undertaken by the Armed Forces."
The 15 PEMs that will be activated in 2026 are aimed at developing cross-cutting capabilities in communications, cybersecurity, intelligence, and electronic warfare, relying on new technologies, data exploitation, and artificial intelligence.
To this end, the development and acquisition of communication systems, cryptographic equipment, and cybersecurity solutions are planned, along with systems for intelligence collection, analysis, and exploitation, and advanced planning and simulation tools.
These programs also encompass the updating of the command, control, and communications systems of the Army, the Navy, the Air and Space Force, and the Military Emergency Unit, in addition to the improvement of positioning and navigation capabilities.
At the same time, and in light of the challenges posed by offensive artificial intelligence, national capabilities will be strengthened through the development of detection and protection systems for critical infrastructures and the responsible use of AI to anticipate, identify, and mitigate threats.
More than a year after the approval of the Industrial and Technological Plan, Defense assesses the situation of the 35 PEMs launched within that framework, which it considers a "fundamental pillar" of the plan, with a joint spending ceiling of 34 billion euros until 2042.
The estimated creation of average annual employment from all these programs is 22,073 jobs, totaling 155,436 jobs throughout their duration, something that the Ministry emphasizes as having a "profound impact on employment and the economic cohesion of the country."
Financing and industrial effect of the PEMs
In the financial section, and in accordance with the eight royal decrees from the Ministry of Industry that regulate the granting of pre-financing, Defense specifies that in 2026 an additional 2,318.80 million euros will be advanced on top of the 4,500 million planned for 2025.
The Ministry emphasizes that "if the PEMs constitute the core of the transformation of our military capabilities, the Industrial Participation Plans represent the instrument that ensures that this investment effort translates into economic development, innovation, and strengthening of the Spanish industrial fabric."
According to the department, these plans have been designed to reinforce the security of Spain, modernize its operational capabilities and technological evolution, accelerate digital transformation, enhance cyber defense, ensure the sustainment of systems and equipment in service, and consolidate a competitive defense industry in the most demanding international markets.