In Lorca hosted the REBUILDING International Forum CAETRA on 20 October 2026. The event, organised by the Region Murcia and the Instituto de Fomento brought together representatives of the European Union, delegates from NATO, contacts from Ukraine as well as researchers, emergency response leaders and around 30 companies from the Region of Murcia. The focus was on dual-use technologies for prevention, emergency management and reconstruction after disasters and conflicts.
Presentations included artificial intelligence systems for image and risk analysis, digital situation-awareness and coordination platforms for emergency command teams, and medical technology solutions for rehabilitation. Companies from the region demonstrated video-analysis prototypes, early hazard detection methods and modular rehabilitation technology. Transport concepts for hard-to-reach areas were also discussed; local reports mentioned a gyrocopter as a possible platform for emergency transport. According to the organisers, discussions with delegates from the European Union and NATO mainly offered an opportunity to review technical requirements at an early stage and identify potential avenues for operational testing. Contacts from Ukraine outlined needs relating to reconstruction and civil protection.
The organisers pointed to the city’s particular experience: the 2011 earthquake which claimed nine lives, permanently focused Lorca and the region on reconstruction and shaped research and business networks. According to the regional government and the Instituto de Fomento, the network CAETRA includes more than a hundred participating companies and research institutions; around thirty suppliers presented their solutions at the forum. CAETRA thus brings together regional expertise, connects it with European organisations seeking such capabilities and serves as a contact point for dual-use projects from the Region of Murcia.
Experts also highlighted outstanding issues for deployment in a real emergency: transferring civilian developments to security-sensitive environments requires robust certification, clear liability rules and strict data protection. The available announcements did not list any government contracts awarded or binding export agreements. Nevertheless, the organisers see the gathering as a spur to developing the Region of Murcia’s industrial base as a potential European hub for dual-use technologies.
The REBUILDING International Forum CAETRA therefore served as a showcase for regional expertise and a networking platform for public-sector organisations seeking solutions and suppliers. Several discussions on cooperation were announced, but according to those involved, many projects are still at the evaluation and negotiation stages.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).