“Indra’s new radar factory in San Fernando de Henares represents a clear commitment by the company to the design and production of these systems, in which Indra is a world leader, largely thanks to its 3D technology for both civilian and military use,” says Jorge Estevez, Director of Transport and Defense Operations at Indra. Indeed, Indra has been awarded every 3D radar tendered by NATO since 2005 and has supplied 40 units in various configurations worldwide: long-range radars (fixed or transportable), medium-range radars, high-mobility tactical radars, and naval radars. The order book is extensive. Indra’s radars incorporate the most advanced digital beamforming technologies and include enhancements to improve their operational flexibility and reliability throughout their lifecycle.
Indra has consolidated the production of all its radar systems into a single 7,000-square-meter plant. Nearly 200 professionals work there to cover the entire radar manufacturing cycle, from the production of electronic boards to the final assembly. The vast majority of these state-of-the-art radars will be exported to countries around the world.
Jorge Estévez emphasizes the competitiveness and innovation that characterize the factory: “The capacity of this plant will allow us to absorb the sales growth we anticipate for the coming years in both national and international markets. This factory integrates everything from the manufacturing processes of highly complex electronic boards to final testing, and has allowed us to introduce substantial improvements in production processes, incorporating elements of lean manufacturing and automation.”.
The manufacturing catalog includes everything from fixed, tactical, and mobile radars to airborne and naval radars, drone detection radars, and components for space exploration radars. Furthermore, this new factory is developing innovation projects related to Lanza radars, in conjunction with Torrejón.
The new factory is fully integrated into the digital and cultural transformation the company is undergoing. The professionals at the new San Fernando factory operate according to the "lean manufacturing" philosophy, which not only seeks excellence by eliminating processes that do not add value, but also minimizes waste, resulting in reduced use of raw materials and other resources. The goal: to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainable radar production.
In 2019, the Spanish government nominated Indra as the national industrial coordinator for the European defense program FCAS (Future Combat Air System), the largest joint European defense program to date and the most ambitious in terms of technological development.
FCAS is a critical program for Spain in terms of sovereignty, technological and industrial development and the creation of highly qualified employment.
