SAES Strengthens its Strategic Role in Maritime Protection and the Defence of Critical Infrastructure from Cartagena and San Fernando

After 35 years of innovation and commitment, SAES, the publicly owned technology company specialising in underwater systems, is reaffirming its strategic role in defence, maritime security and marine environmental protection. At a time when safeguarding the sea and vital offshore infrastructure is an increasingly prominent national concern, the company is scaling up its capabilities from its bases in Cartagena and San Fernando (Spain) and has shared its story and future outlook in the documentary “SAES: Memories of a Sound Adventure”, which premiered in December.

 

14 January 2026

SAES is an established public technology company with core expertise in underwater acoustics and electronics applied to defence, maritime security and environmental protection. The monitoring of the marine environment and essential underwater infrastructure now places these technologies at the heart of the national security and protection agenda.

The company supplies proprietary technology and critical capabilities to key programmes — S80-class submarines, F110 frigates, MPA C295 maritime patrol aircrafts and NH90 helicopters — as well as to initiatives under the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence. (by the Spanish Government). These contributions strengthen strategic autonomy for Spain and Europe in defence and maritime security.

With headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Cartagena (Spain) and a site in San Fernando (Cádiz, Spain), SAES maintains close ties with its local environment and works continually with a broad ecosystem of strategic partners: Navantia, Thales and Indra (shareholders), Airbus; the Spanish Navy and other international navies; technology centres and universities (UPCT — Polytechnic University of Cartagena, UMU — University of Murcia, UCA — University of Cádiz); public institutions and private suppliers at both local and national level. This collaborative network drives talent development, innovation and industrial growth across the region.

SAES continues to expand its workforce of skilled employees and is consolidating its operations around sustainability and corporate social responsibility — including the use of 100% renewable electricity at its Cartagena plant and initiatives to promote equality and talent. Over the past year the company has doubled its turnover, reflecting its commitment to innovation and to working with strategic partners.

The company’s 35th anniversary celebrations in 2025 culminated with the premiere of the documentary “SAES: Memories of a Sound Adventure”, which features testimony from professionals, authorities and partners. The film is available on SAES’s official YouTube channel:

“As a public-technology company, we are strengthening our role in service of the nation to protect the marine environment and the critical infrastructure that underpins our daily lives — from submarine cables to ports, coastal areas and offshore wind farms,” says José Javier Mármol Peñalver, President of SAES. “From Cartagena and San Fernando we will continue to develop strategic capabilities that contribute to the security and wellbeing of society.”