Airbus to Unveil First Two SIRTAP Drone Prototypes by 2025
Airbus has announced significant progress in developing the first high-performance SIRTAP drones for the Spanish Armed Forces.
Two SIRTAP prototypes have entered the final assembly stage at Airbus’ Getafe facility near Madrid. They will undergo an extensive ground and flight-testing campaign scheduled for next year.
“The design, development and manufacturing of this remotely piloted vehicle provides Spain with national sovereignty in the technological, industrial and tactical fields,” the company stated.
In 2023, the Spanish Ministry of Defense signed a 495 million euros ($539 million) contract with Airbus to procure nine SIRTAP systems, each including three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control station.
Airbus SIRTAP
The SIRTAP is a high-end UAV designed primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
It is also equipped for additional applications, including remote search and rescue missions, monitoring illegal activities such as piracy and drug trafficking, and supporting firefighting efforts.
SIRTAP is designed to withstand critical and extreme weather conditions, featuring ice protection systems and a high-temperature amplitude capability.
It offers a flight endurance of over 20 hours, with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) and a flight ceiling of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet).
The UAV has a payload capacity of over 150 kilograms (330 pounds) and can simultaneously integrate an electro-optical turret and a multi-mission radar.
