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Spain Advances In SIRTAP Program First Fully Locally Made Tactical Military Drone.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence has announced a little milestone in the country’s aerospace and defense sector with the progress of the SIRTAP Programme (High-Performance Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft System). One of the most ambitious defense projects in Spain, the SIRTAP marks a major step forward in the country’s strategic independence in military aviation systems. The program, which is on schedule, aims to deliver Spain's first fully indigenous military drone, with the prototype and its inaugural flight expected in 2025. This follows the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) in June 2024.
The SIRTAP is set to become an asset for the Spanish armed forces, offering an advanced, reliable, and entirely indigenous system for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions. (Picture source: Spanish MoD)
The SIRTAP is set to become a revolutionary asset for the Spanish armed forces, offering an advanced, reliable, and entirely indigenous system for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The drone, designed to enhance the operational capabilities of both the Army and the Spanish Air and Space Force, will be capable of operating in highly demanding environments. Its design allows it to conduct both day and night missions while withstanding extreme weather conditions, ranging from high temperatures to intense cold.
The SIRTAP Programme represents a major technological leap for Spain’s defense industry, with the development of Class II/III Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). As the first drone of its kind fully developed in Spain, it highlights the country’s commitment to strengthening its technological and industrial base in the defense sector. The drone’s impressive specifications, including a length of 7.3 meters, a height of nearly 2.5 meters, and a wingspan of 11.3 meters, demonstrate its capabilities to carry out long and complex missions. With a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers, the SIRTAP will significantly enhance the tactical reach of the Spanish armed forces.
This advanced drone will be equipped to carry out a wide range of ISR operations, providing real-time intelligence to commanders in various operational theaters. The sophisticated sensor suite of the system will allow continuous surveillance and reconnaissance over vast areas, making it an essential asset for both peacetime monitoring and combat operations.
The SIRTAP project represents a decisive breakthrough not only for Spain’s defense capabilities but also for its aerospace industry. The assembly and production of the drones will take place at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Getafe, Madrid, which will play a key role as the industrial leader for the program. This facility will be instrumental in integrating many Spanish companies through the program’s Industrial Participation Plan, ensuring that the project drives innovation and job creation within Spain’s aerospace sector.
The program envisions the production of nine systems, each consisting of three unmanned aircraft, a ground control station, and two simulators. The first system and simulator are scheduled for delivery in 2026, with serial production to begin the following year. The program is expected to conclude by 2030, marking the deployment of a high-tech, self-sustaining military UAV system.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence views the SIRTAP program as a key element in its efforts to modernize and diversify its defense capabilities. By developing a fully indigenous drone system, Spain not only strengthens the tactical capabilities of its armed forces but also establishes itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of UAV technology. The SIRTAP program is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future defense projects, providing a platform for upcoming technological advancements and the evolution of military aviation in Spain.
As the program progresses towards its 2025 prototype flight and beyond, the development of SIRTAP underscores Spain’s commitment to ensuring its defense independence while fostering innovation in aerospace technology. The SIRTAP program is poised to make a significant contribution to Spain’s defense posture, providing cutting-edge capabilities for a range of operational scenarios and solidifying Spain’s position in the global defense market.