StartupsNov 9, 2026, 12:31 PM UTC·1 min read

Alpha Unmanned Systems Secures €4 Million for Drone Production

Spanish drone maker Alpha Unmanned Systems has closed €4 million in financing backed by Cesce, Santander, Bankinter and BBVA to open a new plant in Madrid.

An unmanned tactical helicopter drone in flight, representing Alpha Unmanned Systems' defense platforms. — Image: El Referente

Alpha Unmanned Systems, a Spanish developer and manufacturer of tactical unmanned helicopters and dual-use subsystems, has closed a financing deal worth a total of €4 million. The operation is backed by Cesce, Spain's export credit agency, with Banco Santander contributing €2 million, Bankinter €1 million and BBVA €1 million.

Where the money will go

The company will use the funds to expand production capacity at a new plant in Madrid, hire highly qualified staff and speed up the innovation cycle for its unmanned platforms. The round also supports its internationalisation strategy in key defence and security markets.

Alpha says it already has customers in 14 countries, including the US Department of Defense, the Hellenic Navy and the Bulgarian Border Police. In Spain, its platforms are operational with the Guardia Civil, the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) and, more recently, the Navy. The firm plans to push into new strategic markets, mainly in Europe, the United States, Latin America and Asia.

Backers' comments

CEO Eric Freeman said the support will let the company "grow much faster in a critical sector like drones" and argued that Spain has much to offer the international defence market.

Cesce executive chairman Pablo de Ramón-Laca described the deal as a sign of the agency's commitment to the internationalisation of Spain's defence industry. Representatives of Santander, Bankinter and BBVA highlighted the company's differentiated technology, solid team and international ambition.

The deal positions Alpha as a strategic player in Spain's defence and security ecosystem, with the Madrid plant set to be the base for its next phase of growth.

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Tags:alpha unmanned systemsdronesdefensefinancingcescemadrid