Indra launches “The FCAS Challenge” to involve Spanish startups and SMEs in the development of disruptive technologies within the framework of the future European air combat system

In its aim to drive and boost the innovative capacity of the entire Spanish industrial ecosystem to the full, Indra has launched 'The FCAS Challenge', a call for Spanish technological startups and SMEs to contribute to the challenge of developing emerging and disruptive technologies within the framework of the FCAS, the program developing the future European air combat system for which Indra is the national industrial coordinator.

The call, which opened today, October 23, will last until December 22. Startups and SMEs wishing to submit their proposals can do so at https://www.indracompany.com/thefcaschallenge, where they’ll also find all the details of the initiative and the rules for participation.

The purpose of The FCAS Challenge is to attract small and medium-sized enterprises with cutting-edge technologies and highly innovative projects in order to collaborate in the development, promotion and maturation of their technological proposals, based on the following topics:

1.    Mission Sensors. Technology for the sensorization of the future combat air systems (radar, electronic warfare, electro-optics, digital and software-defined sensors, etc.)
2.    Signal Intelligence. Signal processing to convert information into knowledge (RF signals, optical signals, images, sensor fusion, etc.)
3.    Smart Communications. Smart and secure communication systems for the new generation of airborne platforms 
4.    Combat Cloud. Distributed services for combat air systems with a collaborative approach

Artificial iIntelligence, data management in distributed clouds, technologies for low-observability sensors, simulation and representation of information, optical technologies, radio frequency (RF) and microwaves are just some of the most attractive technologies for the initiative.

“Indra, as the program’s national coordinator, is taking on the challenge of structuring a new collaboration model and creating a highly innovative national defence ecosystem, one that also attracts small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, spin-offs and research organizations, bodies that have not always been part of the industry. Our goal is to maximize innovation and the development of currently unimaginable disruptive technologies which, in many cases, will have a dual military and civilian application”, emphasized Daniel de Lorenzo, Business Director of Indra’s FCAS program.

The FCAS program is the largest collaborative defence program in Europe and involves Germany, France and Spain. It’s a system of systems consisting of a new-generation fighter teamed up with a series of remote operators, all of them connected and working as a single entity thanks to the combat cloud, which interconnects the ensemble and other air, ground, naval and satellite platforms in real time. The result will be a paradigm shift in the sector with a major technological and industrial impact.

The FCAS Challenge intends to hold an event in January, during which a jury of experts will announce the selected proposals that will be able to undertake collaboration with Indra within the framework of the program.

About Indra

Indra (www.indracompany.com) is one of the leading global technology and consulting companies and the technological partner for core business operations of its customers worldwide. It is a world-leader in providing proprietary solutions in specific segments in Transport and Defence markets, and a leading firm in Digital Transformation and Information Technologies in Spain and Latin America through its affiliate Minsait. Its business model is based on a comprehensive range of proprietary products, with a high-value, end-to-end focus and with a high innovation component. In the 2022 fiscal year, Indra achieved revenue totaling €3.851 billion, with almost 57,000 employees, a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.