Airbus Signs Contract with Spain to Acquire 9 SIRTAP Advanced Tactical Drones.

On November 29, 2023, Airbus announced the signature of a contract with the Spanish Ministry of Defense for the development and acquisition of SIRTAP, a state-of-the-art High Performance Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This initiative is set to significantly enhance the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Army and the Air and Space Force.
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Artist rendering of Airbus SIRTAP Advanced Tactical Drone. (Picture source Airbus)

The contract includes the delivery of nine systems, each comprising three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control station. Additionally, the deal also provides for two simulators aimed at training the Spanish Armed Forces.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed his views on this collaboration: “This new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment with the Spanish Ministry of Defence is a leap forward in reinforcing national sovereignty. SIRTAP, fully developed in Spain and integrating national capabilities, is expected to also play a pivotal role in the international market due to its versatility and the use of ITAR-free components,” he said.

SIRTAP is designed for advanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions, suitable for both land and sea operations. With a payload of over 150 kgs, a range of more than 2,000km, and an endurance of over 20 hours, SIRTAP offers exceptional flexibility and responsiveness, facilitating day and night operations in the most demanding environments. It will also be certified to fly in segregated airspace.

The development of SIRTAP not only promises to revolutionize the tactical UAS landscape but also aims to enable the system to operate in conjunction with other platforms, integrating into a system of systems. This venture is expected to endow the national industry with crucial experience and skills in the field of Remote Carriers for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Airbus anticipates the first flight of the SIRTAP prototype in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of tactical drone technology for the Spanish Armed Forces.

Defense News November 2023