José Antonio Paramio: “SICUR 2026 marked a turning point in Cotelsa’s technological growth strategy”

What’s Cotelsa outlook on the world of security?

At Cotelsa, we do not view security as a purely reactive concept, but as a fundamental strategic pillar for the stability of our society. We play an active role by implementing a strategy we call ‘Layered Security’. Our primary mission is to provide security and defence professionals with the most advanced tools on the market. This enables us to raise protection standards and, most importantly, to measure success by our ability to neutralise threats before they materialise.

 What are the main product in your company’s catalogue?

We offer one of the most comprehensive and integrated technology portfolios in the sector in Spain, organised into key areas of focus. Firstly, the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) technology at checkpoints or airport security screening points represents the greatest qualitative leap in civil aviation in recent decades. Using state-of-the-art systems such as Leidos’s ClearScan®, Cotelsa brings to market a solution that simultaneously optimises high security and the smooth flow of passengers.

In the field of advanced X-ray inspection, we offer everything from conventional parcel screening using automatic detection algorithms provided by the manufacturers Gilardoni and Polimek, to disruptive, highly mobile solutions such as the portable scanners from Videray.

For cargo inspection (Multicontrol CanisMatic Gantry Flex Angle), we have a high-energy X-ray system designed for the non-invasive inspection of lorries, containers and large consignments. It combines exceptional image quality with operational flexibility and low maintenance costs, optimising security at seaports, land border crossings and logistics centres.

And then there is Unival’s MBX mobile scanner, an X-ray backscatter inspection system that combines unique, patented technologies to deliver superior detection performance against narcotics, explosives, cash and contraband. Smart access control, featuring security filters that combine the traditional robustness of Garrett walk-through metal detectors with the innovation of APSTEC Falcon Plus, capable of detecting explosives, metals and drugs in real time using active radio waves. The detection of traces and liquids, using portable and desktop solutions (Leidos and Kumahira), is essential for identifying microscopic particles of threats in critical environments such as airports or government buildings. And, to complete the security picture, we supply state-of-the-art tactical equipment like the highly ergonomic explosive disposal suits from Garant and portable tactical X-ray solutions from Vidisco.

What did your presence at SICUR 2026 mean for Cotelsa?

SICUR 2026 marked a turning point in Cotelsa’s technological growth strategy. Our presence at the trade fair was more than just a commercial exhibition, but a statement of intent. At Cotelsa, we have been anticipating market needs for years, and what we are presenting at this year’s event is the result of significant investment in R&D. We are very proud to showcase solutions that not only protect infrastructure, but also provide our customers with intelligence and operational efficiency. "In a global environment where threats are evolving rapidly, our response is total technological integration and reliability."

How did your presence at the trade fair help you boost your business and your knowledge of the sector?

SICUR 2026 provided an unbeatable platform for consolidating our position as the leading company in the distribution and implementation of high-security systems in Spain. The trade fair enabled us to showcase our unique range of technology in person and demonstrate our ability to partner with the world’s leading manufacturers. As well as boosting our business through direct contact with key clients, customs authorities, law enforcement agencies and logistics centres, SICUR helps us gauge the market’s real needs at first hand, ensuring that our R&D strategy remains one step ahead of global challenges.

What technological innovations did they showcase at the trade fair?

SICUR 2026 saw Cotelsa, a member of the Zelenza Group – a leader in distribution and implementation of high-security systems in Spain – showcased one of the most comprehensive technology portfolios on the market. The company firmly committed to a ‘layered security’ strategy, presenting comprehensive solutions ranging from access control to the direct neutralisation of explosive threats (EOD), in partnership with leading global manufacturers.

As for the sector itself, what other strategic security-related issues do you consider to be most important at this moment in time?

We consider two factors to be crucial in the current landscape: tactical mobility and non-invasive real-time detection. Smuggling, chemical threats and improvised explosives are evolving rapidly, meaning that fixed systems are no longer sufficient; operators need technologies that allow them to ‘see through’ surfaces on the ground or analyse pedestrian flows from a distance without holding up traffic. True technological sovereignty in the field of security requires the integration of artificial intelligence and operational flexibility to protect both human lives and the country’s critical infrastructure.

With company's participation in the event, I must highlight the transformative role these technologies play within the national and corporate security ecosystem. In today’s complex and ever-changing global landscape, security and defence are not merely reactive concepts, but fundamental strategic pillars of stability and progress. We believe that success and true strength in security are measured by the ability to neutralise threats before they occur, and we have made this not just a strategy, but our core mission. Equipping security and defence professionals with the most advanced tools to detect risks – such as tactical mobility and non-invasive real-time detection – before they materialise is crucial to protecting lives, critical infrastructure and peace of mind in society.

Our presence at SICUR 2026 consolidates our position as a trusted partner in Spain and enables us to strengthen our ties with the world’s leading manufacturers. By gaining first-hand insight into the operational needs of law enforcement agencies, customs authorities and the logistics sector, we ensure that our technological solutions always stay one step ahead of global challenges.