Spain’s INDRA Unveils 'VALERO' A New All-Spanish Light Remotely Operated Air Vehicle at FEINDEF 2025
At the prestigious FEINDEF 2025 defence exhibition in Madrid, Spanish technology company INDRA introduced an impressive new air system named VALERO, which stands for Vehículo Aéreo Ligero Español Remotamente Operado — meaning Light Spanish Remotely Operated Air Vehicle. This multipurpose unmanned air system is designed to support manned aircraft, reduce risks in combat zones, and enhance mission success rates. What makes VALERO special is that it’s a completely Spanish-developed system aimed at both current and future generations of fighter aircraft.
What Is the VALERO System?
The VALERO is not just a single drone but a full operational system made up of four key components:
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VAM (Vehículo Aéreo Multipropósito): The main air vehicle.
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LSC (Lanzador de Superficie Configurable): A flexible surface launcher system.
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EPC (Elemento de Planificación y Control): A planning and control system.
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Air Platform: Can be integrated with current Eurofighter Typhoons, F-18s, and in future, the European FCAS (Future Combat Air System).
Design & Specifications of the VAM
The VAM features a sleek, rectangular fuselage with foldable wings hinged towards the rear. Its compact design includes:
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Turbojet Engine: Mounted at the back with side air intakes.
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Foldable Wings: Designed to maintain a low sweep angle when extended.
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Payload Bay: Positioned at the front for electronic systems or warheads.
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Speed: Capable of reaching transonic speeds — at least Mach 0.8 at high altitudes and around 420 knots (778 km/h) at low level.
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Launch Compatibility: Sized to fit inside the internal weapon bays of both the F-35 and future FCAS aircraft.
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Payload Capacity: Around 250 kg, allowing for decoys, sensors, and combat payloads.
The displayed model at FEINDEF wasn’t full-scale, but it accurately represented the shape and launch configuration.
The Launcher and Control System
The LSC (Surface Launcher) can carry up to four canisters, each loaded with a VAM. It’s adjustable, enabling launches from various terrains and angles. Initially, flight tests will be conducted from this surface launcher using a booster to quickly propel the VAM into flight, after which the turbojet will take over.
The EPC (Planning and Control System) can be deployed either in a fixed building or a mobile shelter. It manages the drones through a secure data link with artificial intelligence assisting both onboard and at the control centre, ensuring fast decision-making in dynamic combat situations.
Purpose and Future of VALERO
Although the VALERO concept aligns well with the upcoming FCAS programme, INDRA clarified that it’s an independent Spanish initiative designed to meet the current needs of the Spanish Armed Forces while boosting Spain’s defence industry’s strategic autonomy.
The first operational goal for VALERO is to act as an active dynamic decoy with a warhead, capable of simulating different aerial threats like enemy fighters, transport aircraft, or cruise missiles. This makes it useful for both defensive and offensive roles.
A demo video shown at FEINDEF depicted swarms of VALERO drones operating alongside manned aircraft, performing complex coordinated tasks like electronic warfare, decoy missions, and simulated attacks — all managed via swarm AI and intra-drone communications.
When Will It Be Ready?
The first test flight for VALERO is planned for this summer (2025), launched from the surface-based LSC. INDRA has already finished the initial design reviews and aims to complete the Preliminary Design Review by the end of the year. The system is expected to become fully operational by 2029, well ahead of the future FCAS aircraft’s introduction.
Why VALERO Matters
VALERO represents a major step forward for Spain’s defence technology, being one of the first fully Spanish-developed unmanned air systems intended for both standalone operations and integration with manned fighters. Its versatility, speed, and modular design — along with swarm capabilities and artificial intelligence — put it on par with similar systems being developed in other European and NATO countries.
This initiative not only strengthens Spain’s aerial warfare capabilities but also enhances its defence industry’s technological independence, opening the door for future collaborations and exports.
