The Spanish Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it has achieved its objective of increasing the number of active military personnel, following a sustained expansion of public recruitment offers aligned with current and future operational requirements.

According to the Defence Planning set by the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff (JEMAD), the Military Capabilities Objective establishes a target of 127,500 active service members by 2029, representing an overall increase of 7,500 personnel. This growth includes officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted troops and sailors.

TDB keeps you informed. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Ministry of Defence meets its target to increase military personnel strength

The 2026 Public Employment Offer includes 11,913 new positions, nearly doubling the number of vacancies offered in 2017. Of these, 2,863 positions are allocated to entry into military training academies for officers and NCOs, while 9,050 positions are earmarked for recruitment as enlisted personnel through two planned intake cycles.

This expansion consolidates the growth process launched in 2018, reversing the decline experienced in previous years, when recruitment levels failed to offset personnel losses. During the 2010–2014 period, replacement rates fell to almost negligible levels, covering only around 10% of net losses.

Through this personnel planning strategy, the Ministry of Defence ensures the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and addresses emerging strategic capabilities such as cyber defence, new operational domains within the Air and Space Force, and the growing demand for personnel in command and control structures within international security organisations, including NATO and the European Union.