The Chief of Defense addressed the closing ceremony of the 53rd National Defense Course and the 13th National Defense Course for Young People

•  Following the conference, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, closed the four courses that were taught during 2025

The Chief of Defense, Admiral Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, today gave the final lecture of the 53rd National Defense Course and the 13th National Defense Course for Young People, which have been taught this past semester at the Higher Center for National Defense Studies (CESEDEN).

Upon arrival, the Chief of Defense was welcomed by the director of CESEDEN, Lieutenant General Miguel Ballenilla y García de Gamarra, and then proceeded to the auditorium to give the final lecture, entitled “The current strategic environment and its impact on the Spanish Armed Forces.” In it, he highlighted, among other issues, that "the new strategic scenario is not something alien to the daily lives of our citizens.

Afterwards, they moved to the Aula Magna, where the closing ceremony was held, presided over by Minister of Defense Margarita Robles. The ceremony began with a welcome speech by the director of CESEDEN, followed by a speech from Brigadier General Luis Torcal Ortega, director of the Department of Culture and Defense Diplomacy (DCDD).

Subsequently, diplomas were awarded to the 145 students. Of these, 40 are participants in the 52nd National Defense Course; 40 in the 53rd National Defense Course; 35 students in the 12th edition of the National Defense Course for Young People; and another 30 in the 13th edition.