Santa Cruz de Tenerife will play host this Saturday, 7th June, for the second time in its history, to the central event of Armed Forces Day. This occasion, presided over by the Spanish Royals, marks the largest military display in the capital in over forty years, featuring a parade with over 3,260 military personnel, 35 aircraft, and 67 vehicles. It’s an annual tribute to the dedication of military personnel, set against a backdrop of global political turbulence, including conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza, as well as debates over defence spending. Within Spain, armed forces members are raising concerns about personnel and equipment shortages.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has proposed a 5% GDP defence investment at the upcoming summit in The Hague, though Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles insists that a 2% GDP expenditure suffices. On her visit to the Canary Islands for Armed Forces Day 2025, Robles emphasised the importance of industrial and technological plans to bolster Spain’s capabilities. She advocates for continued defence investments to ensure peace, support military personnel, and bolster the defence industry, reiterating that a 2% budget is adequate.
During a ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Spain led the argument that discussions should focus on meeting capability goals rather than on static percentages. Conversely, the US, reinstating Trump’s proposal, supports a 5% GDP commitment.
In the context of the Santa Cruz celebration, the Professional Association of Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Officers called for increased defence spending, wage rises, and recognition of military service as hazardous. Criticising the government’s new plan as misleading, the association highlights that only 6.48% of the defence budget benefits personnel directly, while other European nations rejuvenate their military forces.
The message from Robles today overshadows these concerns, celebrating the Armed Forces Day nationally in Santa Cruz, honouring all military members, especially those who died in service. Her remarks paid tribute to the Canary Islands’ hosting this year and acknowledged those in active missions, particularly the Canary Brigade in Lebanon. Santa Cruz is fully prepared to secure this event.
