Prototype of Airbus’ high-performance tactical uncrewed aerial system readied for ground tests
The French manufacturer confirmed this morning during Paris Air Show that it has concluded the assembly line of its first SIRTAP prototype and the aircraft is now…
June 17, 2025
The French manufacturer confirmed this morning during Paris Air Show that it has concluded the assembly line of its first SIRTAP prototype and the aircraft is now ready to start ground tests at Airbus’ Defence and Space facilities in Getafe, Spain.
Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said the technical achievement “demonstrates Airbus’ agility to drive technological innovation with our aerospace industry partners in a timely manner.”
Ground testing, comprising structural evaluations, main-systems components and software testing is due to take place in the coming months culminating with the first flight slated for the end of 2025 in Spain and deliveries of the first system anticipated for 2027.
To secure airworthiness type certification, a subsequent flight-test campaign at Spain’s national Institute of Aerospace Technology’s (INTA’s) Uncrewed Systems Test Centre (CEUS) in Helva throughout 2026.
Dumont added that with the SIRTAP being both designed and manufactured in Spain “it will strengthen national sovereignty and will be a benchmark in the tactical unmanned aerial systems segment worldwide.”
The Spanish Ministry of Defence acquired nine SIRTAP systems in 2023, each consisting of three remotely-piloted aircraft and a ground-control station. Meanwhile, a total of 27 drones and nine ground-control stations will reinforce the tactical capabilities of the Spanish Armed Forces. Airbus is also supplying two simulators for training Spanish operators.
