Spain is Reinventing Aircraft Carriers with Unmanned Drones

Spain is transforming its aircraft carrier, Juan Carlos I, for drone operations as its fleet of Matador II fighter jets nears retirement.

Airbus and Navantia are leading the integration of the SIRTAP UAV, ensuring it is fully compatible with the carrier’s systems for command, control, and navigation.

Unlike traditional fighter jets, the SIRTAP drone is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, operating for over 20 hours at altitudes of 21,000 feet.

One major challenge is the carrier’s lack of catapults or arresting cables, raising questions about how the SIRTAP will be launched and recovered.

Despite these limitations, the drone will enhance Spain’s maritime awareness and could play a role in targeting, network relays, and airborne early warning.

Spain has already committed to acquiring 27 SIRTAP drones, with the first prototype set to take flight by the end of 2025, signaling a major shift in naval aviation. Spain has already committed to acquiring 27 SIRTAP drones, with the first prototype set to take flight by the end of 2025, signaling a major shift in naval aviation.

By embracing drones, Spain joins Turkey and the UK in revolutionizing carrier operations—ushering in a new era where unmanned systems take the lead at sea.