Spain expects to reach 1.2% of GDP in defense spending in 2023

MADRID, 7 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Spain expects to reach 1.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in military spending in 2023 with the 25.8 percent increase in the allocation allocated to Defense policy in the General State Budget project (PGE), approved by the Government this week.

In total, the Defense Budget will reach 12,825 million euros in 2023. As justified by the Ministry led by Margarita Robles, it is "a budget for peace and a boost for military capabilities and the industrial and technological base of defense and employment."

Defense explains that the increase in its endowment will allow the Armed Forces to maintain the operational capabilities currently available and also acquire new weapon systems and replace those that are becoming obsolete.

The section that rises the most is that of the so-called special modernization programs (previously special weapons plans), which increase 72% more than what was budgeted in 2022. Defense maintains that it is "a stimulus" for the military industry and job creation.

Specifically, the Budget project contains 4,902 million for these programs, which Defense assures will contribute to creating 22,667 jobs directly or indirectly.

Among the projects planned for next year are the EF-2000 program in Getafe; the A-400M program, which has allowed for a final assembly line in Seville; the S-80 program, in Cartagena; the BAM-IS program in the Bay of Cádiz; the associated programs F-110, in Ferrol or the associated programs VCR 8x8, distributed between Asturias, Seville, Guipúzcoa and Madrid.

But in addition, new investments are expected to be launched, such as the program for the MPA Maritime Patrol Aircraft, the program for Hydrographic Vessels or the program for the VIGMA Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, among others.

In addition, the item allocated to personnel expenses experiences a rise of 6.2% compared to the base budget for the year 2022 when including the 3.5 percent growth forecast for all public employees.