ITE at BACSI 2026: Francisco González-Espresati Amián’s strategic vision for the Defence Sector
We interview Francisco González-Espresati Amián, following a career spanning more than 46 years in the Spanish Air and Space Force, now linked to Integración Tecnológica Empresarial, to gain insight into his strategic vision of the sector, technological sovereignty and the role of industry in the new geopolitical environment.
On the occasion of BACSI 2026, Integración Tecnológica Empresarial continues to carry out a series of communication actions aimed at highlighting the role of the national defence industry and its alignment with the operational needs of the Armed Forces.
Transition and a New Stage
1. After more than 46 years in the Air and Space Force, how are you feeling and how has your adaptation to the business environment been, and specifically to your role at Integración Tecnológica Empresarial?
The transition has been relatively quick, as my responsibilities are closely linked to the defence sector from which I come. Perhaps the most complex aspect has been gaining an in-depth understanding of how the business environment operates and its organisational structure, which is quite distinctive and very different from that of the Armed Forces.
2. What does your operational experience bring to the design of the defence strategy of a company such as ITE?
From the outset, my experience has contributed to the design of a medium-term strategy that clearly defines where ITE should position its interests within the defence sector. Always bearing in mind that ITE is an SME and that a fundamental part of its strategy lies in forming partnerships with PRIME companies, with which it can collaborate on major defence programmes, which are the true drivers of growth for any company in the sector.
Francisco González-Espresati Amián at ITE
Strategic Vision of Defence
3. From your new position, what do you believe are currently the main strategic needs of the defence sector in Spain?
In my view, the main need is to move towards greater technological autonomy in the design and manufacture of national weapons systems and, at a second level, through collaboration with other European companies. From there, numerous needs arise across very diverse areas, such as raw materials, technology and talent retention. However, there is one aspect that I consider particularly relevant, and which I was able to observe during my operational career: the need for the entire national Defence Industrial and Technological Base (DITB) to work together in a united and collaborative manner, avoiding overlaps and facilitating real growth opportunities from PRIMEs to SMEs.
4. How should the national industry position itself in order to respond to an increasingly complex geopolitical context?
The national industry has sufficient capabilities to be at the forefront. To achieve this, it is essential to make a firm commitment to R&D, to invest what is necessary to develop next-generation systems that provide our Armed Forces with modern and technologically advanced assets, and to work in full alignment with them so that they are properly prepared to operate effectively in any scenario.
5. What role do companies such as ITE play in strengthening Spain’s technological and operational sovereignty?
Like any other SME, ITE must consolidate that industrial base on which large companies rely in order to reinforce strategic autonomy. It does so by providing the services it already delivers and by researching and evolving towards less explored areas. One example is the current development of a system based on acoustic technology for the detection, identification and classification of unmanned aerial vehicles, which can contribute significantly to improving C-UAS systems or to the future surveillance and control of low-altitude UAV traffic. Also noteworthy is the development and integration of drone-based systems that facilitate inspection and calibration tasks in the aeronautical sector.
6. Which two capabilities do you consider critical for the Armed Forces in the coming years?
Limiting it to just two is difficult, as there are numerous critical capabilities already identified in various Ministry of Defence documents. Nevertheless, if I had to highlight two, I would point to space capabilities, particularly those aimed at protecting our critical infrastructure in space, and cybersecurity capabilities, without overlooking the decisive role that electronic warfare may play in future conflicts.
BACSI 2026 and Real Operational Environments
7. Why do you consider BACSI 2026 to be a particularly relevant event for the defence industry?
BACSI 2026 will be one of the few events dedicated to the defence industry to be held in Spain this year, and the Air and Space Force has made a significant organisational effort. It will bring together a large number of companies and experts from the DITB and will address topics of the utmost relevance and interest for both the Armed Forces and the defence industry.
8. What message do you believe BACSI conveys to the Spanish industrial, technological and academic ecosystem?
The message is clear: the Air and Space Force is committed to its national industry, supports it and works to give it visibility. BACSI serves to present its needs and offers industry the opportunity to showcase solutions in an open manner, also acting as a platform both nationally and internationally.
9. How does ITE’s participation in BACSI fit into its defence strategy?
BACSI forms part of one of the pillars defined within ITE’s defence strategy, acting as a springboard to present top-tier products and to establish future lines of business that increase the company’s output and presence within the Armed Forces. It represents a growth opportunity, provided that we are able to deliver the solutions demanded in line with real needs.
Technology, Innovation and Operations
10. How important is the advanced maintenance carried out by ITE at the different Air Force Maintenance Depots for the operational availability of Air and Space Force aircraft?
The operational availability of Air and Space Force aircraft is underpinned by rigorous and meticulous maintenance. ITE meets all the required standards and is demonstrating this in such a critical phase as aircraft maintenance.
11. From your experience as Commander of the Air Combat Command or as a fighter pilot, what added value do these tasks bring to day-to-day air operations?
The key word is trust. Pilots’ trust that there is professional, well-executed work behind the scenes, ensuring that everything functions correctly from take-off to landing.
Territory and Local Commitment (Albacete)
12. Albacete is a strategic enclave for the Air and Space Force. How important is it for ITE to strengthen its presence in this area?
ITE is already positioned in Albacete through its activity at the Air Force Maintenance Depot, but the major programmes on the horizon will require greater capabilities within the local defence ecosystem. This is where ITE must strengthen its presence, alongside leading industries such as Airbus Helicopters, in order to support the volume of work that will be required to successfully deliver these programmes.