January 28, 2025

Airbus and Navantia partner to equip Juan Carlos I with SIRTAP unmanned aerial systems

By Defence Industry Europe

Airbus has announced an agreement with Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to explore upgrades to the operational capabilities of the Spanish Navy’s flagship vessel, the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L 61). The collaboration aims to integrate SIRTAP unmanned aerial systems (UAS) onto the ship, marking a significant step towards advancing its aviation and operational capabilities.

The initiative will begin with modifications to the ship’s command and communication systems, as well as updates to navigation equipment to support unmanned flight operations. These changes will pave the way for the future use of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class drones, expanding the vessel’s operational flexibility.

Airbus and @NavantiaOficial sign an agreement to explore the integration of #SIRTAP into the Spanish Navy Juan Carlos I flagship.
This aims to be the first step to guarantee the interoperability of SIRTAP with the rest of systems of the carrier, such as the SCOMBA combat system.… pic.twitter.com/iCka8Ccdjr
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) January 28, 2025

The SIRTAP project, under development for several years, features drones capable of flights lasting up to 20 hours while carrying payloads of up to 180 kilograms. With a maximum take-off weight of 750 kilograms, SIRTAP drones are designed for missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and target designation for manned aircraft.

Commissioned into service on 30 September 2010, Juan Carlos I is a versatile vessel capable of deploying various aircraft, including CH-47F Chinook, NH90TTH, and SH-60B/F Seahawk helicopters, as well as AV-8B+ Harrier II jets with short take-off and vertical landing capabilities. The ship’s aviation capabilities could also expand in the coming years with the potential addition of Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, expected to replace the ageing Harrier fleet.