INTA-Andalusia Drone Testing Center: What Opportunities Does It Open for UAS Companies

Key data

Drone manufacturers and unmanned systems operators in Spain have had since May 5, 2026 a new pathway to certify and develop their products: the Unmanned Systems Testing Center, activated through the agreement between the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) and the Andalusian Regional Government, published in the BOE on May 11, 2026 through Resolution 420/38242/2026.

The agreement is not a mandatory regulation for companies, but rather an opportunity to access accredited public infrastructure. For those operating in the UAS sector, this has direct implications for certification timelines and costs of new products.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement regulates four specific areas of the relationship between INTA and the Andalusian Regional Government for center management:

The nature of the agreement is public-public: no private company is involved in the ownership or management of the center. The stated objective is to strengthen the Andalusian and national aerospace ecosystem, with the center serving as a reference infrastructure for testing in a controlled environment.

The center enables testing and certification of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), covering both product development phases and formal homologation processes required by European aeronautical regulations.

Economic and operational impact

The agreement does not impose direct costs on sector companies. Its economic impact is primarily one of cost reduction and improved competitiveness for those needing to certify UAS products:

• Access to accredited infrastructure in Spain: until now, many manufacturers had to resort to foreign facilities or private centers with high costs to conduct testing in a controlled environment.
• Shared public financing: as an infrastructure sustained by INTA and the Andalusian Regional Government, access fees for companies can be more competitive than private alternatives.
• Reduced certification timelines: having an accredited national center can shorten access times to testing, especially for companies based in Andalusia.
• R&D potential: collaboration with INTA, a reference organization in aerospace technology in Spain, opens possibilities for joint technology development projects.

The agreement does not specify access fees or specific amounts of shared financing between institutions. This information should be consulted directly with INTA or the Andalusian Regional Government once the center is operational.

Who does it affect?

The agreement has direct impact on the following business and professional profiles:

• Drone and UAV manufacturers that need to conduct technical testing or certification processes for new models.
• UAS systems operators that must accredit technical capabilities of their equipment to the aeronautical authority.
• Aerospace sector technology companies that develop components, software or systems for unmanned vehicles.
• Andalusian aerospace startups and SMEs seeking access to testing infrastructure without assuming the cost of their own facilities.
• National UAS sector companies interested in a reference center in Spain for product certification.

Practical example

A cargo drone manufacturing company based in Seville is developing a new model for logistics use in urban areas. To obtain the operational certification required by European aviation regulations (EASA), it needs to conduct testing in a controlled environment that meets technical homologation requirements.

Before this agreement, this company had two main options: contract testing time at a private center (with high costs and possible waiting lists) or travel to facilities in other European countries with greater tradition in UAS testing.

With the Unmanned Systems Testing Center activated by INTA and the Andalusian Regional Government, this company can access accredited infrastructure in Andalusia, with institutional support from INTA as a reference aerospace organization in Spain, and with access conditions regulated by the agreement. This reduces both logistical costs and access time to the facilities needed to complete its certification process.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company needs to certify or test UAS products in the next 12-24 months. If you have an ongoing or planned development, this center may be relevant to your roadmap.
2. Contact INTA to learn about access conditions to the center, fees and availability. The agreement has been in force since May 5, 2026.
3. Contact the Andalusian Regional Government, especially if your company is based in Andalusia, to explore possible support programs or preferential access linked to the regional aerospace ecosystem.
4. Review your product certification plan in light of this new infrastructure available in Spain, comparing costs and timelines against current alternatives.
5. Evaluate R&D collaboration opportunities with INTA, given that the agreement establishes a public collaboration framework that can open pathways for joint projects for sector companies.