Isdefe takes part in the 5th Edition of SYMDEX

Under the “Universe 4.0, the digital transformation in defence” slogan, the 5th edition of the Defence Maintenance and Modernisation Workshop (SYMDEX) was held in Madrid, at the Army’s Advanced Technical School, from 2 to 4 April.

This workshop was organised by IDS, in concert with the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, the three branches of the armed forces and the General Directorate for Armaments and Materiel. The sessions were organised such that 2 April was devoted to the Army, 3 April to the Navy and 4 April to the Air Force.

The Deputy Director to Isdefe’s CEO, Lieutenant General (R) Juan Manuel García Montaño, moderated the discussion on “How do public and private institutions enable the digital transformation of the armed forces?”, where ministry representatives presented their strategies on the digital transformation and underscored the training needs and the impact on changes to future jobs. They also discussed how to leverage financing mechanisms with a view to European initiatives (EDAP), innovative public purchasing and mechanisms for helping SMEs. They also proposed and developed specialised innovative strategies in the areas of space, artificial intelligence, the blue economy and health.

In addition, Isdefe’s Director of Operations, Mr José Manuel Hesse Martín, moderated a discussion on “Technology project for the logistical base of the Army: a unique chance to innovate”, where this project was presented as a real example of industry 4.0 through the application of new, disruptive technologies to baseline operations.