Spanish Defence Ministry signs Airbus drone contract

Airbus has signed a contract with the Spanish Ministry of Defence for the development and acquisition of SIRTAP, a High Performance Remotely Manned System that will reinforce the tactical capabilities of the Army and the Air and Space Force.

This contract includes a total of nine unmanned aerial systems (UAS), each consisting of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and a ground control station. In addition, two simulators will be supplied for the training of the Spanish Armed Forces.

“This new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment will serve to reinforce national sovereignty, in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Defence. SIRTAP will be completely developed in Spain, being an example of integration of national technological capabilities. Thanks to its versatility and the use of ITAR-free components, we also expect it to play a key role in the international market,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

SIRTAP, with a payload of more than 150 kg, has been designed for advanced surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions, both on land and at sea. Its range of more than 2,000 km and its autonomy of more than 20 hours will provide great flexibility and a great capacity for reaction, allowing day and night operations in the most demanding environments. The system will be certified to fly in segregated airspace.

This tactical UAS may, in the future, operate jointly with other platforms to integrate. The development of SIRTAP will provide the national industry with experience and key competencies in the field of Remote Carriers for FCAS.

The first flight of the SIRTAP prototype is expected to take place in 2025.

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