The Galician company Vig-Sec Drone, a participant in the Acceleration track of the 5th edition and the Consolidation track of the 6th edition of the Business Factory Aero (BFAero), has been selected by the technology accelerator DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) to take part in its Mission Track phase (a phase focused on operational adoption). Only 15 companies from the 2026 cohort – comprising 150 innovators selected from over 3,600 proposals – have progressed to this new phase of the programme.
The company is participating with Suite ACRE, a technology platform developed for the tactical management and coordination of medium- and low-altitude airspace, which enables information from the company’s own drones, counter-drone (C-UAS) systems and other aerial assets to be integrated into a single coordination layer.
Mission Track is the follow-on phase of NATO’s DIANA acceleration programme, aimed at technologies that have demonstrated strong relevance to defence and a clear alignment with the operational needs of allied countries. Its aim is to bring the selected solutions closer to operational readiness and to facilitate pathways for their adoption at scale.
The selected companies can access up to 300,000 euros in additional non-dilutive contractual funding, as well as continuing to use the NATO DIANA network of test centres and receiving specific support to advance their adoption and scaling-up processes.
Validation in international operational environments
Alongside this new development within NATO DIANA, the ACRE Suite is taking part in REPMUS26 over the coming weeks, a multinational exercise dedicated to the testing and integration of unmanned systems, which is taking place in Troia and Sesimbra, Portugal, between 31 August and 25 September.
The exercise brings together 36 countries and more than 130 dual-use technology suppliers to NATO, as well as organisations such as the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and provides a benchmark environment for testing the interoperability of new technologies in operational scenarios.
According to Vig-Sec Drone, the ACRE Suite is being used during the exercise to coordinate airspace at medium and low altitudes, thereby further validating the platform in international scenarios with high operational demands.
A career linked to BFAero
Founded in Galicia in 2019, Vig-Sec Drone has built a track record closely linked to the Galician ecosystem of innovation and technological entrepreneurship. The company took part in BFAero, joining the Acceleration programme in the 5th edition and the Consolidation programme in the 6th edition, stages during which it was able to drive the development and growth of its project within an environment specialising in the aeronautical, aerospace and unmanned vehicle sectors.
Their progress reflects the potential of the projects supported by BFAero to move from technological development to operational validation, to forge links with major players in the sector, and to expand into international markets.
ACRE Suite currently has over 2,000 users and is in use by public bodies, emergency services and units of the Armed Forces. The platform has already taken part in national and international exercises such as ATLAS, Steadfast Dart and Spring Storm, and at the end of September it will also be taking part in Drone Shield 2026 in the Czech Republic.
Participation in REPMUS26 and selection for NATO DIANA’s Mission Track thus represent two milestones in Vig-Sec Drone’s international track record and highlight the ability of companies linked to the BFAero ecosystem to develop technological solutions with international applications in strategic sectors.
Business Factory Aero, promoted by the Galician Regional Government through IGAPE and XesGalicia and managed by the CEL Iniciativas por Lugo Foundation, supports projects in the aeronautical, aerospace and unmanned vehicle sectors during their incubation, acceleration and consolidation phases. The 8th call for proposals from BFAero is open to new projects and companies wishing to develop and scale up their solutions within this specialised ecosystem.
BFAero took part in the seventh interregional meeting of the European projectMAE (Moving Towards Aerospace) cas a benchmark for a vertical accelerator model. This is an Interreg Europe initiative in which ten regions from seven countries, including Galicia, are working together to build more competitive, innovative and connected aerospace ecosystems.
Europe is turning its attention to Galicia through an exchange programme that is attracting increasing interest and has three objectives:
The development of a robust aerospace ecosystem
Transforming talent and innovation into viable businesses
The design of a public incubation and acceleration programme with a real impact.
During the event, the team behind the aerospace accelerator – backed by the Galician Regional Government and run by the CEL Foundation – shared some key elements of its model. Representatives from the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine and Ireland expressed interest in the five elements underpinning the BFAero model:
Governance
Involvement of leading companies
Public-private partnership
Sector-specific expertise
The ability to generate economic and industrial impact in the region.
Now in its seventh year, BFAero has established itself as one of the key drivers of aerospace entrepreneurship in Spain. Its track record demonstrates the value of combining institutional support, strategic vision and industry connections to support technology start-ups as they grow and consolidate their position.
The results speak for themselves:
Creation of more than 275 skilled jobs
A total of €14 million raised by the supported projects
Establishment of a collaborative network comprising more than 55 organisations from the aerospace and technology sector.
Behind these results lies the sustained commitment of the Xunta de Galicia, which has driven the programme by integrating it into a long-term strategic vision known as the Strategic Initiative on Security, Defence and Aerospace 2025–2030 (Iesda), which has been allocated €183 million in public investment and is estimated to be capable of mobilising around €900 million through public-private partnerships.
BFAero plays an active role in this strategy, helping to strengthen Galicia’s aerospace ecosystem and promote the region internationally as a hub for innovation, industry and technology.
This specialised training programme, aimed at professionals, managers and companies seeking to strengthen their capabilities in the field of security and defence, forms part of the regional government’s commitment to establishing Galicia as a region with competitive industrial and technological capabilities in this strategic sector.
Specialised training for a growing sector
The programme, which began on 17 April in a blended learning format and runs for a total of 128 hours, offers participants a comprehensive overview of the defence industry ecosystem, covering aspects such as financing, programme management, innovation and business opportunities within the sector.
The involvement of projects from the BFAero ecosystem in this initiative is enabling their teams to gain a deeper understanding of how the sector operates, learn about new management tools and analyse existing opportunities within a highly technological and regulated environment.
Training and strategic vision
The participation of Drone Silencer, Kreios Space and Binarial in this programme reflects the BFAero ecosystem’s commitment to continuous training, specialisation and the development of strategic capabilities in fields linked to the aerospace, technology and defence sectors.
In addition to the knowledge gained during the sessions, this experience is fostering the exchange of knowledge and networking with professionals, institutions and companies in the sector, broadening the strategic vision of the participating projects and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
BFAero and fostering innovative talent
BFAero remains committed to integrating high-value-added training initiatives into its projects, with a view to fostering business growth, technological specialisation and links with emerging and strategic sectors.
The participation of startups from the ecosystem in programmes such as the one promoted by the Xunta de Galicia and the EOI reinforces Galicia’s position as a leading hub for aerospace and technological innovation, as well as BFAero’s commitment to fostering talent and business competitiveness.
The School of Industrial Organisation (EOI), in collaboration with the Galician Regional Government, is offering its Executive Programme in Defence Industry (Galicia), a training course aimed at professionals, managers and companies wishing to strengthen their capabilities in one of the strategic sectors with the greatest growth potential. This initiative forms part of the Regional Government’s commitment to consolidating Galicia as a region with strengthened industrial and business capabilities to access the security and defence market.
The registration deadline is today, 23 March, and the course will begin on 17 April in a blended learning format, with a total duration of 128 hours.
What will you learn on the programme?
The programme is structured around four key thematic blocks, designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the defence industry ecosystem and its opportunities:
Ecosystem and structure of the sector. Understanding how the defence sector is organised, its public and private stakeholders, and governance mechanisms.
Funding instruments and business opportunities. Learn about the main funding mechanisms and models for accessing strategic contracts and programmes.
Programme and contract management. Operational tools for managing contracts and projects within a highly regulated environment.
Innovation and business collaboration. Case studies and strategies to foster innovation, cooperation and business growth within the sector.
High-calibre teaching panel
The Executive Programme features professional experts from the institutional and business sectors, with extensive experience in advocacy, funding and programme management. The involvement of these lecturers provides a practical and up-to-date perspective that facilitates an understanding of the real challenges and opportunities within the sector.
How to register
Interested companies and professionals should submit their application via the programme’s landing page.
The total cost of the programme is €4,400, and thanks to the support of the Xunta de Galicia, the subsidised amount payable by the participant is €660.
Companies linked to the BFAero ecosystem will be eligible for special enrolment terms, enhancing access to this strategic training.
Key training for business growth
This programme represents a unique opportunity for companies and professionals in the aerospace and technology sectors who wish to enhance their skills, expand their network of contacts and access new business opportunities in the defence industry. Make the most of the final day to register and be part of this strategic initiative
The Regional Government of Galicia, through the Regional Ministry of Economy and Industry, has opened the call for applications for grants to help Galician companies position themselves as suppliers in the field of security and defence. This line of support, with a budget of €1.5 million, is aimed at strengthening the presence of Galician businesses in these strategic sectors.
The deadline for submitting applications is 13 May at 2 p.m., or until the available credit has been exhausted. Applications must be submitted electronically using procedure IN519G.
Facilitating access to the defence and security supply chain
The call for proposals aims to support Galician companies in implementing key actions to position themselves in the fields of defence and security. Specifically, it funds actions such as:
The first entry in the Register of Companies of the Directorate-General for Armament and Material (DGAM).
The preparation of technical proposals to participate in national or European defence tenders.
Technical approval of systems and products through trials and tests in accredited laboratories.
Processing security clearances and authorisations with the CNI, both for companies (HSEM) and establishments (HSES).
The implementation of quality management systems in accordance with PECAL/AQAP standards, including consultancy and certification.
The ultimate goal is to prepare Galician companies to advance or diversify into becoming suppliers of goods and services in the security and defence sectors, facilitating their integration into strategic industrial programmes.
Up to €75,000 per beneficiary
The aid is granted on a non-competitive basis and covers up to 80% of the eligible amount, with a maximum of €75,000 per beneficiary. The minimum budget required per action is €3,000.
Eligible items include specialist advisory and consultancy services, technical assistance, laboratory testing and trials, audits and certifications in specific standards, compulsory training and public fees.
In addition, an advance payment of up to 25% of the grant awarded may be requested, subject to the provision of a guarantee. Expenditure may be incurred until November 2026 or October 2027, depending on the corresponding year.
Private companies with legal personality that carry out economic activity and have a place of work in Galicia may benefit, provided that they take the necessary steps to diversify into defence and security through the required certifications, approvals or authorisations.
Call for proposals aligned with the 2025-2030 Strategy
In this context, the 2026 Guide to Certifications in Security, Defence and Aerospace becomes a key complementary tool. The document provides an understanding of the role of certifications in the different links of the value chain and facilitates strategic planning for companies wishing to benefit from IN519G aid, offering a clear overview of requirements, standards and relationships between regulations.
Strategic opportunity for the BFAero ecosystem
For start-ups and companies linked to Business Factory Aero (BFAero), this call represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen their competitive positioning and advance in certification and approval processes that are essential in highly technologically demanding sectors.
The launch of the IN519G grant and the availability of tools such as the Certification Guide thus consolidate a favourable environment for the Galician ecosystem to continue growing and positioning itself as a benchmark in security, defence and aerospace.
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