Spanish manufacturer of unmanned tactical helicopters and dual-use subsystems Alpha Unmanned Systems has closed a €4 million financing round backed by export credit agency Cesce alongside Banco Santander, Bankinter, and BBVA.
The capital will be deployed to expand production capacity through a new facility in Madrid, recruit qualified technical personnel, and accelerate the development cycle for the company’s unmanned platforms and subsystems. This growth plan directly supports the firm’s broader internationalisation strategy across core defence and security markets.
Alpha Unmanned Systems currently supplies operational platforms to clients across 14 countries, with institutional customers including the US Department of Defense, the Hellenic Navy, and the Bulgarian Border Police. Domestically, the company’s tactical helicopters are in service with the Guardia Civil, the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), and the Spanish Navy. The new capital will support further market penetration across Europe, the United States, Latin America, and Asia.
Eric Freeman, CEO of Alpha Unmanned Systems, said, “We are proud to receive the support of Cesce, Banco Santander, Bankinter and BBVA. This financial backing will allow us to grow much faster in a sector as critical as drones. Spain has a lot to offer the international defence market, and every day our customers and partners endorse our approach and the reliability of our technology.”
Pablo de Ramón-Laca, Executive Chairman of Cesce, commented, “Supporting Alpha Unmanned Systems reflects our commitment to the internationalisation of the Spanish defence industry, and is a sign of the high level of innovation and international reach of this sector.”
Jaime Mateo, representative of Banco Santander, added, “Banco Santander is committed to the growth of the defence sector in Spain, and Alpha Unmanned Systems has exactly the profile we look to support: differentiated technology, a solid team, proven experience and first-class customers.”
Dayana Carreño, representative of Bankinter, said, “Alpha is a leading, professional company competing in a highly demanding market and, with the right financial support, it has everything it needs to keep growing. It is an honour to accompany them on this journey.”
“At BBVA we are committed to supporting companies in their growth, innovation and internationalisation projects, providing them with the financial solutions they need to seize new business opportunities. The signing of this agreement is an example of our commitment to businesses. We want to be a strategic partner that boosts their competitiveness and helps them take their ambition beyond our borders,” commented Fernando López-Romero López, of BBVA.
