The technological transformation currently underway in the defense industry also has a distinct Aragonese flavor. Instalaza, one of Zaragoza’s historic industrial companies, is involved in all three projects selected by the Ministry of Defense to advance the national development of loitering munitions, unmanned aerial systems capable of remaining in an area for a period before engaging a target.
The resolution published in the Official State Gazette includes three proposals under the theme known as LOIMUN, aimed at «leveraging technological advancements for the development of new capabilities in loitering munitions»: MAMMA, MILPRO, and MURADE. Instalaza is linked to all three. In MILPRO, it shares the status of applicant with Swarming Technologies & Solutions (STS), while in MAMMA and MURADE it is listed among the participating entities.
€805,000 to develop MILPRO
The project in which Instalaza has a more direct role is MILPRO, Milvus PRO Loitering Munition.
The Zaragoza-based company and STS, which belongs to the Zelenza group, have formed a joint venture to develop the project. According to the award documentation, the Ministry of Defense will allocate €805,000 for the development of a national technological demonstrator of medium-range loitering munition.
Seadrone and EINSA are also participating in the initiative, as stated in the official resolution published by the Defense Ministry.
MILPRO will build upon the MILVUS system developed by STS and will incorporate various capabilities related to sensors, navigation, communications, image processing, and artificial intelligence.
Instalaza is also involved in MAMMA and MURADE
The Official State Gazette confirms that Instalaza is also listed as a participant in MAMMA —Advanced Medium-Range Loitering Munition—, with Arquimea Advanced Systems as the applicant, and in MURADE —High Dynamic Experimental Loitering Munition—, alongside UAV Navigation and the company responsible for the project.
The known awards indicate that MAMMA is financed with €803,000 and MURADE with approximately €241,000. Together with the €805,000 for MILPRO, the three initiatives mobilize around €1.85 million in R&D funding.
A Zaragoza-based company in a transforming industry
Founded in 1943 and based in Zaragoza, Instalaza has been linked to the design and manufacturing of defense systems for decades. However, its catalog and technological strategy demonstrate how a traditional industrial company is also evolving into areas related to unmanned vehicles and new precision weaponry.
The defense industry is undergoing a cycle of technological transformation and increased investment in Europe. In this context, competition no longer solely relies on manufacturing complete platforms. Sensors, electronics, navigation systems, artificial intelligence, communications, propulsion, and warheads are increasingly part of more specialized industrial chains.
