On the 17th, European aerospace giant Airbus announced that the first prototype of the SIRTAP drone system, tailored for Spain, has been assembled and is preparing for a series of ground tests. The completed prototype has been moved to the Airbus facility in Getafe, Spain, where it will undergo structural assessments and rigorous ground testing of main system components and software over the next few months, with the first flight expected at the Spanish National Aerospace Technology Institute (INTA) drone testing center by year-end.

In November 2023, the Spanish Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Airbus to procure 9 SIRTAP drone systems, each consisting of 3 drones, 1 ground control station, and communication equipment, which will be operated by the Army and Air Force. The Spanish military is expected to receive the first complete system by 2027.

The SIRTAP developed by Airbus is a high-end unmanned system capable of diverse missions, capable of performing operations and non-traditional missions in all weather conditions. It features a cooling system and advanced de-icing technology, enabling it to operate in extremely low temperatures, ranging from -40 to -50 degrees Celsius. It can reach altitudes of 6400 meters, have a flight duration of up to 20 hours, an effective payload of over 150 kilograms, and can be equipped with different modules for various missions, including surveillance, maritime patrol, and homeland monitoring, enhancing the Spanish military's national defense capabilities.