Madrid. Alpha Unmanned Systems, a leading Spanish company in the development and manufacture of unmanned tactical helicopters and dual-use subsystems, has closed a financing deal totalling €4 million. The deal is backed by Cesce, as Spain’s export credit agency, with the participation of Banco Santander, Bankinter and BBVA.
The funds will be used to increase production capacity at a new plant in Madrid, expand the team with highly qualified professionals and accelerate the innovation cycle for its unmanned platforms, strengthening its internationalisation strategy in key defence and security markets.
Alpha already has customers in 14 countries, including the US Department of Defence (US DoD), the Hellenic Navy and the Bulgarian Border Police. In Spain, its platforms are in service with the Guardia Civil, the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) and, more recently, the Spanish Navy. With this financing, the company plans to step up its expansion into new strategic markets, mainly in Europe, the United States, Latin America and Asia.
This deal reflects the support of the country’s leading financial and internationalisation institutions for Alpha Unmanned Systems’ growth and expansion plan, and consolidates the company as a strategic player in the Spanish defence and security ecosystem.
Eric Freeman, CEO of Alpha Unmanned Systems, said, “We are proud to receive the support of Cesce, Banco Santander, Bankinter and BBVA. This financial backing will allow us to grow much faster in a sector as critical as drones. Spain has a lot to offer the international defence market, and every day our customers and partners endorse our approach and the reliability of our technology.”
Pablo de Ramón-Laca, Executive Chairman of Cesce, stated, “Supporting Alpha Unmanned Systems reflects our commitment to the internationalisation of the Spanish defence industry, and is a sign of the high level of innovation and international reach of this sector.”
Jaime Mateo, representative of Banco Santander, remarked, “Banco Santander is committed to the growth of the defence sector in Spain, and Alpha Unmanned Systems has exactly the profile we look to support: differentiated technology, a solid team, proven experience and first-class customers.”
Dayana Carreño, representative of Bankinter, commented: “Alpha is a leading, professional company competing in a highly demanding market and, with the right financial support, it has everything it needs to keep growing. It is an honour to accompany them on this journey.”
“At BBVA we are committed to supporting companies in their growth, innovation and internationalisation projects, providing them with the financial solutions they need to seize new business opportunities. The signing of this agreement is an example of our commitment to businesses. We want to be a strategic partner that boosts their competitiveness and helps them take their ambition beyond our borders,” said Fernando López-Romero López, of BBVA.
