In line with the process of further strengthening the European Defence Agency (EDA), two leadership appointments will be reinforcing the Agency’s industrial outreach, procurement and corporate functions.
As of today 1 June 2026, Major General Antonio Armada Vázquez takes up his duties as Director for Industry, Synergies and Enablers (ISE). A senior Spanish Army officer with extensive experience in multinational operations, military leadership and defence cooperation, Maj. Gen. Armada Vázquez most recently served as Director of the Army War and Leadership College in Madrid.
Throughout his career, he has played a critical role in developing coordination between the armed forces, academia and the defence industrial sector, notably during his tenure as Director of the Infantry Academy in Toledo. He previously held senior positions at Eurocorps Headquarters and within the EU Training Mission in Somalia.
“Without a defence industry, there is no defence. A strong and resilient European defence technological and industrial base is therefore essential to safeguarding the security, values, and freedoms of our citizens in the future. This is why the defence industry is a strategic capability in its own right. I am deeply honoured to contribute, through EDA, to supporting Member States in strengthening their capabilities - with a strong focus on collaborative procurement - and to deepening cooperation across the EDTIB as a vital pillar of Europe’s defence readiness”, said Armada Vázquez.
Gianluca Serra was promoted to Director of EDA’s Corporate Services Directorate (CSD) on 16 May 2026, responsible for enabling the Agency’s work across human resources, procurement, finance, IT, security, infrastructure, and legal affairs.
He brings extensive expertise in procurement, governance and EU defence-related legal affairs, following previous roles at the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems (eu-LISA) and at EU civilian missions in Georgia and Afghanistan. Since 2022, Serra was CSD Deputy Director and Head of the Procurement & Contract Unit, notably contributing to the joint procurement initiative for 155mm artillery ammunition.
“Enabling collaborative procurement and innovation activities through corporate services is essential to delivering defence capabilities rapidly and effectively. I look forward to supporting the Agency’s operational ambitions and Member States’ needs through a set of lean and reliable corporate services,” said Serra.
EDA Chief Executive André Denk commented on these appointments: “Antonio Armada Vázquez and Gianluca Serra bring outstanding expertise, leadership and commitment to the Agency. Their appointments come at a crucial time and will further strengthen EDA’s ability to support Member States in delivering stronger defence capabilities and cooperation”.
You can find their biographies at:
Gianluca Serra, Director for Corporate Services.