Airbus, Indra to study Spain SIGINT aircraft

Artist’s impression of the SIGINT aircraft proposal for Spain | Image: Airbus Defence and Space

Airbus Defence and Space and Indra Group have been selected by Spain’s Ministry of Defence to carry out a conceptual definition study for a future Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft for the Spanish Air and Space Force. The 18-month study will examine potential aircraft platforms and signals intelligence systems to support a national solution based on three aircraft.

According to the companies, the study will assess options to detect, track, classify, and identify targets of interest for the Spanish Armed Forces. Airbus Defence and Space will propose an aircraft adapted to Spanish requirements, while Airbus and Indra will jointly examine the integration of electronic intelligence and communications intelligence systems. At a later stage, Airbus is expected to modify the selected aircraft to support the industrialisation and implementation of the SIGINT system developed by Indra.

Separately, the Spanish Ministry of Defence has also selected Airbus Defence and Space to lead the development of the Spanish Air and Space Force’s new Integrated Training System for Combat (ITS-C). The programme is intended to replace the service’s current F-5 aircraft and cover advanced combat pilot training.

HÜRJET trainer aircraft | Photo: Turkish Aerospace

The training system will be developed jointly by Airbus, acting as national coordinator, and Turkish Aerospace, the manufacturer of the HÜRJET jet trainer. The programme includes the acquisition of 30 HÜRJET aircraft, the creation of an aircraft conversion centre in Spain, refurbishment of the training centre at Talavera la Real Air Base, and integrated operational and maintenance services.

Deliveries of the aircraft in an initial configuration are planned for 2028 and 2029. Conversion work with Spanish systems and content will follow, with final deliveries scheduled between 2031 and 2035. The first two conversions will take place at Airbus facilities in Getafe, with the remainder carried out at the new conversion centre.

“This ambitious programme seeks to create a state-of-the-art combat training system in Spain that addresses the immediate needs of the Air and Space Force. It will also boost national industry participation, return on investment and capability development, ensuring Spanish sovereignty throughout the entire process,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.

Artist’s impression of C295 aircraft for Spain | Image: Airbus Defence and Space

This comes a week after Spain placed additional orders for Airbus C295 aircraft, acquiring 18 transport aircraft to replace CN235 and C212 fleets used for training and transport roles. The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft will be delivered in two batches between 2026 and 2032 and will include integrated training and long-term fleet support packages. Dumont said at the time, “With this contract, the Spanish Air and Space Force will operate a fleet of 46 C295s in transport, maritime patrol and surveillance configurations.”