Spanish SIGINT study advances with Airbus and Indra

The 18-month project will identify a suitable platform and intelligence systems for a three-aircraft capability to serve the Spanish Armed Forces.

Airbus Defence and Space and Indra Group have been selected by the Spanish Ministry of Defence to carry out a conceptual definition study for the future Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft of the Spanish Air and Space Force.

The 18-month study is defining the aircraft platform and intelligence system integration, to support a three-aircraft national signals intelligence capability for Spain. These aircraft are expected to detect, track, classify and identify targets of interest to the Spanish Armed Forces.

Airbus will draw up a proposal for an aircraft tailored to Spanish operational needs and, alongside Indra, will examine the integration of electronic intelligence and communications intelligence systems. This work forms a preliminary step toward future programme development and implementation.

At a later stage, Airbus is expected to modify the selected platform to implement and industrialise the SIGINT system proposed by Indra.

Airbus brings experience in converting commercial aircraft into military platforms, such as the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport, completed at its Getafe facility. It also has expertise in integrating sensors and mission systems into various aircraft types.