Airbus Defence has announced a significant partnership with Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to explore the integration of the SIRTAP unmanned aerial system (UAS) aboard the Spanish Navy’s flagship, the Juan Carlos I. This collaboration could pave the way for SIRTAP to become the next drone capable of operating from a short runway carrier, following in the footsteps of the Bayraktar TB3 and the U.S. Mojave drones.
The announcement was made via X (formerly Twitter), where Airbus highlighted that this project marks the beginning of efforts to ensure the SIRTAP’s interoperability with various systems on the Juan Carlos I, particularly the SCOMBA combat system. The integration will focus on enhancing Command and Control (C2), ensuring smooth combat system integration, and providing crucial navigation support, including facilitating the drone’s take-off and landing operations on the carrier’s limited runway.
SIRTAP is expected to bring a versatile and advanced unmanned capability to the Spanish Navy, expanding the operational reach of the Juan Carlos I. The drone’s ability to operate from a short runway could significantly improve the carrier’s flexibility, allowing it to deploy additional aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat capabilities.
As the integration process moves forward, Airbus and Navantia will continue evaluating the technical and operational requirements needed to optimize the SIRTAP’s performance within the carrier’s existing infrastructure. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of incorporating unmanned systems into naval operations, reflecting broader military trends towards automation and enhanced operational efficiency.
The development of SIRTAP’s carrier integration further solidifies Airbus Defence’s position in the evolving field of unmanned naval systems, and the success of this project could set the stage for similar integrations in other international navies.
