SANTIAGO, Chile — April 10, 2026 : Airbus Defence and Space has formally unveiled its high-end tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS), SIRTAP (Sistema Integrado de Respuesta Táctica de Altas Prestaciones), at the FIDAE 2026 airshow in Santiago. The platform is being presented publicly for the first time as part of Airbus’ effort to expand its unmanned systems portfolio for defence, security, and governmental operations.
Platform Overview and Mission Profile
SIRTAP is designed as a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE-type tactical) UAS optimized for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, alongside broader tactical roles. Airbus positions the system as suitable for operations in complex and demanding environments, including maritime, border security, and high-altitude regions.
A defining feature of the platform is its dual-payload capability, enabling simultaneous integration of an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret and a multi-mission radar, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) or ground moving target indication (GMTI). This configuration allows continuous surveillance and target tracking in both day and night conditions within a single sortie.
The aircraft is also engineered for all-weather operations, supported by advanced ice protection systems and high-temperature resilience. It is capable of operating in temperature ranges from –40°C to +50°C, enabling deployment across diverse climatic zones.
Performance Specifications and Technical Characteristics
Airbus has released detailed performance parameters for SIRTAP, highlighting its endurance, payload flexibility, and deployment efficiency:
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Maximum Takeoff Weight: 750–800 kg
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Payload Capacity: More than 150–180 kg (multi-payload configuration)
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Maximum Speed: Over 110 knots (true airspeed)
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Endurance: More than 20 hours
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Operational Altitude: Above 20,000–21,000 feet (approximately 6,400 meters)
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Range: More than 2,000 km, including line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) via SATCOM
The system’s extended endurance and altitude profile enable persistent ISR coverage, particularly for long-duration missions such as maritime domain awareness and remote border monitoring.
SIRTAP incorporates an advanced inertial navigation system supplied by Exail and a wideband LOS datalink developed by Patria, supporting reliable communications and navigation in contested or GPS-limited environments.
Modularity, Transport, and Deployment
The UAS features a modular design that allows rapid disassembly and transport. A complete SIRTAP system can be carried within an Airbus C295 tactical airlifter, enabling deployment to forward operating bases and remote areas with limited infrastructure.
In addition to ISR roles, Airbus has designed the platform with four underwing hardpoints, allowing for potential integration of light precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and missiles. This configuration would enable armed ISR missions, convoy escort, and force protection roles, depending on customer requirements.
Development Timeline and Program Status
The SIRTAP program is primarily developed in Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Defence signed a contract in November 2023 for nine systems, comprising 27 unmanned aircraft, nine ground control stations, and two simulators.
The first prototype completed assembly in mid-2025 and entered ground testing at facilities of the National Institute of Aerospace Technology. The maiden flight was scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, with flight testing continuing through 2026. Initial deliveries to Spain are planned for 2027.
Airbus is also studying the integration of SIRTAP with the Spanish Navy’s Juan Carlos I amphibious vessel, which could expand its operational scope to naval and expeditionary missions.
Export Positioning and Certification
SIRTAP has been developed as an ITAR-free platform, meaning it is not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations. This allows Airbus to offer the system to a wider range of international customers without export restrictions tied to U.S.-origin components.
The platform is currently progressing toward military airworthiness certification by Spanish authorities for operations in segregated airspace. Airbus has not disclosed pricing details or additional customers beyond the Spanish contract.
Regional Relevance and FIDAE Display
At FIDAE 2026, Airbus is presenting SIRTAP alongside its smaller unmanned platforms, including the Flexrotor and Aliaca, to demonstrate a layered UAS offering tailored to Latin America’s operational requirements.
The company highlights the platform’s applicability to regional challenges, including surveillance of mountainous terrain such as the Andes, maritime monitoring, border security, and environmental missions such as wildfire tracking and disaster response.
The unveiling of SIRTAP marks Airbus’ entry into the high-end tactical UAS segment, complementing its broader portfolio of unmanned and crewed defence systems.
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