SAPA to Establish a New R&D Technology Center in Jaén

Madrid, February 6, 2025. 

SAPA reinforces its commitment to innovation and technological development with the installation of a new R&D center in the Nuevo Jaén industrial park. With an estimated investment of between 12 and 18 million euros, this project will create approximately 60 highly skilled jobs over the coming years, positioning the province as a key hub for defense and mobility technology.

The new center, covering 6,000 square meters, will be located next to the Technological Development and Experimentation Center (Cetedex), fostering synergies in the development and testing of advanced mobility, autonomous driving, and onboard energy management technologies for military vehicles.

As part of its capabilities, the center will include a specialized test bench for the evaluation of advanced mobility systems, automation solutions, and autonomous driving technologies for defense applications.

This announcement further strengthens SAPA’s commitment to the province of Jaén, following the recent establishment of the ‘SAPA’ University Chair at the University of Jaén (UJA). This chair aims to promote education, research, and knowledge transfer in Mechanical Engineering, with a particular focus on mechanical transmissions and their applications in both defense and civilian automotive industries.

The project has received support from the Spanish Ministry of Defense and local authorities, highlighting its positive impact on regional industry and the economy. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the center set to be fully operational by 2026.

The project presentation in Madrid was attended by Secretary of State for Defense, Amparo Valcarce; the President of the Jaén Provincial Council, Francisco Reyes; the Mayor of Jaén, Julio Millán; and representatives from the Ministry of Defense.

With the creation of this chair, SAPA reaffirms its commitment to innovation, education, and technological development in collaboration with academic institutions, contributing to the academic and economic growth of the Jaén region.