ITE at BACSI 2026: Technological innovation in the service of Defence

Within the context of ITE’s forthcoming participation in BACSI 2026 – Connected, Sustainable and Intelligent Air Base, a technological demonstration day and professional meeting promoted by the Spanish Air and Space Force, we spoke with Oven Martín Acedo, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

BACSI 2026 will take place on 18 and 19 March in Albacete (Castilla-La Mancha) and constitutes a benchmark space where industry, the Armed Forces, technology centres and universities test real solutions in demanding operational environments. In this interview, we analyse ITE’s vision of innovation applied to defence and the importance of validating technology against the reality of the field and the needs of the end user.

Innovation with operational impact: ITE’s vision

Question. In the field of innovation in defence and aeronautics, what today makes the difference between developing technology and generating real capability?

Oven Martín Acedo. When we talk about innovation in defence and aeronautics, it is not enough to develop technology from a theoretical environment. The real difference lies in taking it into the field, validating it against operational reality and listening to those who use it every day. Only in this way can it be verified whether a solution truly responds to the needs of the end user and to the scenarios in which it is going to operate.

Q.Why is it relevant for a company such as ITE to participate in forums such as BACSI 2026?

O.M. For ITE, taking part in BACSI 2026 is not a matter of visibility, but of coherence. BACSI represents exactly the type of environment we believe in: a space where industry, the Armed Forces, technology centres and universities work together to evaluate and test real solutions under real operational conditions. That direct contact with the operational environment is essential in order to evolve as a defence technology company.

Q. From your experience, what do this type of meeting contribute to the development of new capabilities?

O.M. At ITE we combine extensive experience in Defence with solid expertise in Engineering and Aviation, covering everything from parts design to the manufacture of assembly tooling, one of our main strengths. This integration allows us to offer a comprehensive portfolio of services, which includes technical assistance, maintenance and modernisation of systems and equipment, spare parts management, and the development of our own products and collaborative products with national and international partners. BACSI allows us to validate this approach with real users and demanding scenarios, ensuring that our capabilities are useful and effective in the field.

Q. What does ITE gain from direct contact with users and operators in these environments?

O.M. Being at BACSI means listening, learning, validating and improving. It allows us to understand first-hand the current and future challenges of the defence and aerospace sector, and to continue developing solutions aligned with those real needs. It is not only about showcasing capabilities, but about gathering critical information in order to evolve technologically with practical and operational purpose.

Q. To close this section, what message would summarise ITE’s philosophy regarding innovation in defence?

O.M. We firmly believe that innovation only makes sense when it is put at the service of those who operate in the most demanding environments. That is why we consider it essential to be present at forums such as BACSI: because it is where the present and future of technology applied to defence are defined.

Oven Martin, ITE CEO — BACSI 2026

Medium-term perspective

Q. How would you like ITE to be perceived within the defence sector over the next five years?

O.M. I would like ITE to be perceived as a benchmark technology partner: reliable, innovative and committed. A company that not only develops advanced solutions, but also understands the strategic context, anticipates needs and provides real value to the security and sovereignty of Spain and our allies. I aspire for us to be recognised for our technical excellence and quality, but also for our ethics, our collaboration with the industrial ecosystem and our ability to generate long-term impact.

Q. What message would you like to convey to young engineers and professionals who see the defence sector as a future option?

O.M. I would tell them that the defence sector is one of the fields where engineering and technological talent today have the greatest sense of purpose. Work is carried out on complex challenges, with cutting-edge technologies and with a direct impact on the protection of people and our values. It is a demanding sector, yes, but also enormously rewarding, where one can grow professionally while contributing to the common good.

Q. Finally, what does it mean to you to continue contributing to the defence supply chain in Spain?

O.M. Above all, it is an honour and a responsibility that I assume with humility. Contributing to Defence means placing accumulated experience at the service of a collective project, providing vision and helping to strengthen a strategic sector for the country. For me, it is a coherent way of giving back to Spain part of what it has given me, working every day with commitment, rigour and a vocation for service.