Airbus signed a contract with the Spanish Ministry of Defense for the development and acquisition of the SIRTAP, a modern High-Performance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). This strategic move is intended to strengthen the tactical power of both the Spanish Army and its Air and Space Force.
Details of the Acquisition
The comprehensive contract includes a total of nine systems. Each system consists of three unmanned aerial vehicles and a single ground control station. Additionally, the agreement includes the provision of two simulators, aimed at efficiently training the Spanish Armed Forces in the operation of these advanced systems.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. «This new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment, together with the Spanish Ministry of Defense, will reinforce national sovereignty. The SIRTAP will be fully developed in Spain, integrating national capabilities. However, thanks to its versatility and the incorporation of ITAR-Free components, we also foresee a crucial role in the international market,» he stated.
What is an ITAR-Free system?
The United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) control the export of defense and military-related technologies to protect national security and the foreign policy objectives of the United States and restrict the disclosure of defense information and materials, unless authorized by the State Department.
The term «ITAR-Free» refers to products, especially in the aerospace industry, that are marketed as not subject to U.S. export controls like those of such regulation.
SIRTAP capabilities
The SIRTAP, with a payload capacity of over 150kg, is designed for advanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions, both on land and sea. Its range of over 2,000 km and a endurance of more than 20 hours give it exceptional flexibility and responsiveness.
Capable of operating both day and night, the SIRTAP is designed to function in the most challenging environments and will be certified to fly in segregated airspace.
Looking to the future, this tactical UAS is expected to operate in conjunction with other platforms, integrating into a broader weapon system. The development of the SIRTAP is expected to enhance the experience and skills of the Spanish industry in the field of Remote Carrier / Loyal Wingman for the FCAS, one of the fighter projects that will replace the venerable Eurofighter.
The first flight of the SIRTAP prototype, expected to take place in 2025, will mark the formal start of the career of a revolutionary system that will proudly carry the «Made in Spain» seal.
