Ground tests begin for SIRTAP drone bridging Intelligence capability gap for Spanish Air Forces
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According to an official announcement by Airbus on June 17, 2025, in Madrid and Le Bourget, the assembly of the very first prototype of the SIRTAP, a next-generation tactical unmanned aerial system developed by Airbus, has been completed. The aircraft is now ready to begin a comprehensive ground-testing campaign at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Getafe, Spain. This testing phase will include structural evaluations, system checks, and software tests, and is set to continue until the maiden flight, which is scheduled by the end of 2025 at the Unmanned Systems Test Centre (CEUS) of Spain’s National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Huelva, southwestern Spain.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Designed to meet increasing demands in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support, SIRTAP stands out for its advanced capabilities and operational flexibility. (Picture source: Airbus)
Airbus confirmed that the subsequent flight-test campaign, beginning in 2026 at CEUS, will be crucial to obtain type certification for airworthiness and to verify the aircraft’s compliance with applicable safety and performance standards. This certification will enable the delivery of the first operational system to Spain in 2027, following the established timeline.
Designed to meet increasing demands in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support, SIRTAP stands out for its advanced capabilities and operational flexibility. It can fly for over 20 hours at a maximum altitude of 21,000 feet, operating both day and night in adverse weather conditions, including maritime environments. The drone is equipped with anti-icing systems and thermal management for extreme temperatures, making it suitable for demanding mission profiles.
Its modular design allows for quick disassembly, including wing removal, which facilitates transport aboard aircraft such as the C295. This enables rapid field deployment, an important factor in modern military operations. With a payload capacity exceeding 180 kg, SIRTAP can carry a variety of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared/laser designator (EO/IR/LD) systems, SAR/GMTI radars, and electronic warfare equipment (EW, ELINT, COMINT). It is also equipped with maritime detection and target designation systems, increasing its adaptability to multiple mission types.
The SIRTAP program was officially launched in November 2023 when the Spanish Ministry of Defence ordered nine complete systems. Each system includes three remotely piloted aircraft and one ground control station, amounting to a total of 27 drones and nine stations, aimed at enhancing the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Armed Forces. Airbus Defence and Space will also provide two simulators for operator training, both of which have passed the Critical Design Review (CDR), confirming their final design.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, stated that this technical milestone demonstrates Airbus’s ability to deliver within timelines in cooperation with industrial partners. Fully designed and manufactured in Spain, the SIRTAP is intended to strengthen national capability and support the development of a sovereign European defence aerospace framework.
The ITAR-free design of SIRTAP also facilitates export potential and adaptability to international requirements. Airbus is planning future developments, including a naval variant and the integration of armament systems, as part of its strategy to build industrial capacity in unmanned aerial systems within Europe. The program reflects Spain’s strategic objective to enhance its technological and industrial autonomy in defence, modernize its armed forces, and support the growth of its domestic defence sector.
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According to an official announcement by Airbus on June 17, 2025, in Madrid and Le Bourget, the assembly of the very first prototype of the SIRTAP, a next-generation tactical unmanned aerial system developed by Airbus, has been completed. The aircraft is now ready to begin a comprehensive ground-testing campaign at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Getafe, Spain. This testing phase will include structural evaluations, system checks, and software tests, and is set to continue until the maiden flight, which is scheduled by the end of 2025 at the Unmanned Systems Test Centre (CEUS) of Spain’s National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Huelva, southwestern Spain.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Designed to meet increasing demands in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support, SIRTAP stands out for its advanced capabilities and operational flexibility. (Picture source: Airbus)
Airbus confirmed that the subsequent flight-test campaign, beginning in 2026 at CEUS, will be crucial to obtain type certification for airworthiness and to verify the aircraft’s compliance with applicable safety and performance standards. This certification will enable the delivery of the first operational system to Spain in 2027, following the established timeline.
Designed to meet increasing demands in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support, SIRTAP stands out for its advanced capabilities and operational flexibility. It can fly for over 20 hours at a maximum altitude of 21,000 feet, operating both day and night in adverse weather conditions, including maritime environments. The drone is equipped with anti-icing systems and thermal management for extreme temperatures, making it suitable for demanding mission profiles.
Its modular design allows for quick disassembly, including wing removal, which facilitates transport aboard aircraft such as the C295. This enables rapid field deployment, an important factor in modern military operations. With a payload capacity exceeding 180 kg, SIRTAP can carry a variety of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared/laser designator (EO/IR/LD) systems, SAR/GMTI radars, and electronic warfare equipment (EW, ELINT, COMINT). It is also equipped with maritime detection and target designation systems, increasing its adaptability to multiple mission types.
The SIRTAP program was officially launched in November 2023 when the Spanish Ministry of Defence ordered nine complete systems. Each system includes three remotely piloted aircraft and one ground control station, amounting to a total of 27 drones and nine stations, aimed at enhancing the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Armed Forces. Airbus Defence and Space will also provide two simulators for operator training, both of which have passed the Critical Design Review (CDR), confirming their final design.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, stated that this technical milestone demonstrates Airbus’s ability to deliver within timelines in cooperation with industrial partners. Fully designed and manufactured in Spain, the SIRTAP is intended to strengthen national capability and support the development of a sovereign European defence aerospace framework.
The ITAR-free design of SIRTAP also facilitates export potential and adaptability to international requirements. Airbus is planning future developments, including a naval variant and the integration of armament systems, as part of its strategy to build industrial capacity in unmanned aerial systems within Europe. The program reflects Spain’s strategic objective to enhance its technological and industrial autonomy in defence, modernize its armed forces, and support the growth of its domestic defence sector.
