SIRTAP is a High-Performance Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that will strengthen the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Army and the Air and Space Force. On November 29, Airbus inked a deal with the Spanish Ministry of Defence to develop and buy SIRTAP.
Each of the nine systems included in this contract comprises three unmanned aerial vehicles and one ground control station from each of the nine systems. Additionally, two simulators will be provided to the Spanish Armed Forces to facilitate their training.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence and this new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment will strengthen national sovereignty. With the integration of Spain’s national competencies, SIRTAP will be developed in its entirety in Spain. Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasised the aircraft’s adaptability and that its components do not require ITAR certification.
SIRTAP, which carries a payload of more than 150 kilograms, was developed for advanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance operations, and it may be used both on land and at sea. High levels of flexibility and reactivity will be provided by a range of more than 2,000 kilometres and an endurance of more than 20 hours. This will make it possible to conduct operations during the day and night in particularly tough settings. As soon as the technology is certified, it can fly in segregated airspace.
Eventually, this tactical UAS will be able to work in conjunction with other platforms to be included in a system of systems. SIRTAP will deliver the national industry essential experience and competencies in the field of Remote Carriers for FCAS.
It is anticipated that the demonstration flight of the SIRTAP prototype will take place in the year 2025.
