# Sánchez Quietly Secures Massive Defense Spending Before Election The government commits billions to military modernization and Ukraine peace missions before November elections. - **Source:** [El Mundo – España](https://www.elmundo.es/espana) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/57bcfa12-5364-4d37-bbfc-8f3639d3ee70 ## Strategic Defense Spending Surge Since calling elections on October 5, the Spanish government has committed 16.437 billion euros to the armed forces. These funds, approved during weekly cabinet meetings, aim to modernize military capabilities. This spending ensures Spain meets its 2% GDP defense commitment to NATO while binding future administrations to long-term financial obligations. ## Modernization Programs Authorized The government recently approved 11.860 billion euros for 15 new Special Modernization Programs. Key investments include 3.396 billion for air defense and 1.450 billion for anti-drone systems. Additionally, the Navy will receive 2.373 billion for S80 submarines and 591.2 million for electronic warfare vessels, significantly upgrading Spain's overall military technological infrastructure. ## Commitment to Ukraine Mission Spain has joined the Multinational Force-Ukraine, a coalition led by France and the UK. Seven Spanish soldiers are currently participating in the Koalicja training exercise in Poland. This deployment signals Spain's intent to lead peace missions and guarantee Ukrainian independence once the ongoing conflict against Russia eventually reaches a conclusion. ## Satellite and Armament Upgrades Defense investments extend to aerospace and missile technology, including 361 million euros for a third SPAINSAT NG satellite with payments extending until 2045. Furthermore, 792 million euros are allocated for submarine-launched missiles, while 480 million support the industrial development of Taurus NEO missiles, ensuring the military maintains advanced strike and surveillance capabilities. ## Discreet Policy Execution Unlike social welfare measures, the government has kept defense spending largely out of the public spotlight. Defense Minister Margarita Robles has not held a press conference following a cabinet meeting since March 2023. This silence contrasts sharply with the high-profile promotion of socio-economic policies like housing and pension reforms. ## Political Sensitivity of Spending The massive defense outlay creates friction within the ruling coalition, particularly with Sumar, which opposes such high military expenditure. By keeping these investments quiet, the PSOE avoids alienating its base during the election sprint. They prefer focusing on social issues like minimum wage hikes to mobilize voters before November 29. ## Comparison with Social Budgets The defense spending significantly outweighs other recent legislative commitments. For instance, the housing decree involves 6.5 billion euros over five years, while support for vulnerable families totals 820 million annually. Only the Youth Action Plan, with a broad 59.191 billion euro scope, exceeds the scale of recent defense-related financial allocations. ## Legacy for Future Government By locking in these multi-year contracts, the current administration ensures that defense modernization continues regardless of the election outcome. These commitments effectively dictate the fiscal priorities for the next government. Spain is now firmly positioned to meet NATO requirements while maintaining a permanent, albeit quiet, presence in European security operations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2026/11/11/6af48f33e85ece74488b45b2.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._