The Ministry of Defense and the Consortium of the Teruel Airport have signed a collaboration protocol to establish the Comprehensive Air Mobility and Training Center (CIEMA), a project aimed at making Teruel a reference point for training within the Air and Space Army. This initiative, with an investment approaching 42 million euros, marks a significant step in the strategic and economic development of the region.
A Strategic Boost for National Defense
CIEMA is poised to become a key infrastructure for the training of air transport units within the Air and Space Army, as well as for supporting force deployment. The Secretary of State for Defense, María Amparo Valcarce, underscored the importance of the center in enhancing the preparedness of the Armed Forces and Spain’s contribution to European and Atlantic security. Additionally, the project opens up to cooperation with European allies, thereby strengthening Spain’s strategic capabilities.
The investment will equip CIEMA with modern facilities that are adapted to new operational methods, which will positively impact the economic, technological, and industrial development of Teruel and Aragón. Valcarce emphasized that security and defense are also drivers of innovation and skilled employment, contributing to territorial cohesion.
Meanwhile, the president of the Teruel Airport Consortium, Octavio López, stated that this agreement reinforces the alliance among institutions to put public resources at the service of the general interest, advancing the technological and industrial development of the country. López highlighted that Teruel offers ideal conditions for the training and development of the Army and the Ministry of Defense.
Progress on Project Phases
The signed protocol coincides with significant administrative advances, such as the granting of land to the Ministry of Defense by the Teruel Airport Consortium. This concession, covering eight hectares, will allow for the construction of the first facilities for CIEMA, with works expected to be completed by 2027. The area will include an office building and a parking platform for military aircraft connected to the airport runway.
Furthermore, the Airport’s Governing Council has submitted the necessary documentation to process the Declaration of Autonomous Interest, a crucial step to address Phase II of the project. This phase will include facilities such as a natural terrain runway, parking platforms, and hangars, among others.
The Ministry of Defense and the Teruel Airport Consortium will work together to expedite the project’s development, establishing a Monitoring Committee to coordinate the necessary actions.
Consolidating Teruel as a Strategic Hub
The establishment of CIEMA will solidify Teruel Airport as a strategic hub for advanced military air mobility training. This project will not only enhance its role as a leader in aeronautical activities but will also promote the economic and industrial development of Teruel and Aragón, attracting investments and generating skilled jobs in the aerospace and defense sectors.
With this agreement, Teruel Airport expands its capabilities and diversifies its activities, integrating a new area of specialization that complements its current business lines. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense is making strides in modernizing the necessary infrastructure to improve the preparedness of the Armed Forces and strengthen national security and cooperation with international allies.
