Image reproduced from 風傳媒

On November 17, Airbus Group, the European aerospace giant, announced that the first prototype of the SIRTAP drone system tailored for Spain has been completed and is set to undergo a series of ground tests. According to Airbus's press release, the completed SIRTAP prototype has been moved to a facility in Getafe, Spain, where it will conduct intensive ground evaluations over the coming months, including structural assessments, main system component tests, and software testing, with the goal of making its maiden flight at the Spanish National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) by the end of the year.

In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus Group in November 2023 to procure nine sets of SIRTAP drone systems. Each system consists of three drones, a ground control station, and communication equipment, which will be operated by the army and air force respectively. The Spanish military is expected to receive the first complete system by 2027.

The SIRTAP drone, developed by Airbus, is a high-end unmanned system with diverse mission potential, capable of executing both combat and non-traditional tasks in all weather conditions. This drone system is equipped with advanced cooling systems and de-icing technology, enabling it to operate in harsh environments, with an operational temperature range of minus 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. The maximum flight altitude of the SIRTAP can reach 6400 meters, with a maximum endurance of 20 hours and a payload capacity exceeding 150 kilograms. It can be equipped with various modules to carry out missions such as surveillance, maritime patrol, and homeland observation, enhancing Spain's national defense capabilities.