Led by the Regional Development Agency (INFO) under the Smart Specialisation Strategy RIS4, CAETRA aims to promote R&D, technology entrepreneurship, and international cooperation in dual-use technologies for defence, security, and post-disaster rebuilding.
Historically, the Region of Murcia has maintained a profound commitment to the defence sector. Our geography hosts critical military infrastructure including bases in San Javier (Air Force), Alcantarilla (Paratroopers), and Cartagena (Navy).
This presence illustrates how deeply rooted the armed forces are in our region, creating the perfect “sandbox” environment to test new approaches on technological projects.
CAETRA boosts a strong industrial and technological ecosystem, uniting innovative SMEs, startups, research centers, and global players like Navantia.
Leading business organisations including CROEM, COEC, the Cartagena Chamber of Commerce, and the Naval Maintenance Association representing key defence companies.
A robust network of 9 entities including the Marine (CTN), ICT (CENTIC), Metal (CTMETAL), and Construction (CTCON) centres providing specialized technological solutions.
Deeply rooted presence of the Spanish Navy, Air & Space Force, and Military Emergency Unit (UME), alongside national Law Enforcement Agencies operating within the region.
Academic excellence driven by the Public University of Murcia, the Polytechnical University of Cartagena, and the specialized University Defence Centre.
Strategic support from local City Halls (Cartagena, San Javier, Alcantarilla), the Cartagena Port Authority, and the Regional Training Service (SEF).
Home to world-leading marine and defence engineering companies like NAVANTIA, SAES, GRUPO OESÍA, INDRA, and others, exporting cutting-edge technology globally.
