Spain advances SIRTAP programme: development of first fully indigenous tactical military drone

The SIRTAP will be Spain’s first fully domestically developed military aviation system in the Class II/III category. Designed to enhance the tactical capabilities of both the Army and the Air and Space Force, the drone will operate in demanding environments. It is equipped for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in day and night operations, withstanding extreme weather conditions, including high and low temperatures.

The project envisions the production of nine systems, each comprising three unmanned aircraft, a ground control station, and two simulators. The first system and simulator are slated for delivery in 2026, with serial production to begin the following year and the project expected to conclude by 2030.

All aircraft will be manufactured and assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space plant in Getafe, Madrid. This facility serves as the programme’s industrial leader, integrating numerous Spanish companies through its Industrial Participation Plan. This initiative is expected to be a catalyst for growth in Spain’s aerospace sector.

The SIRTAP drone, measuring 7.3 metres in length, nearly 2.5 metres in height, and boasting a wingspan of 11.3 metres, has a range exceeding 2,000 kilometres. This state-of-the-art system underscores Spain’s commitment to advancing its defence capabilities while fostering domestic technological innovation.

Source: Spanish Ministry of Defence.