Airbus and Indra Selected to Conduct Definition Study on Future Spanish Intelligence Aircraft
•February 10, 2026
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Companies Mentioned
Airbus
Indra Group
Why It Matters
The programme bolsters Spain's strategic autonomy in intelligence gathering while creating a foothold for European aerospace firms in a niche defense market.
Key Takeaways
- •18‑month study to define Spain's future SIGINT fleet
- •Airbus and Indra to assess platform and sensor integration
- •Program targets three aircraft for detection, tracking, classification
- •Airbus may modify commercial airframe for SIGINT role
- •Study strengthens Spain's indigenous intelligence capabilities
Pulse Analysis
Europe’s defence landscape is increasingly prioritising home‑grown intelligence assets, and Spain’s decision to launch a dedicated SIGINT aircraft programme reflects that trend. By commissioning a definition study, the Spanish Ministry of Defence is seeking a platform that can seamlessly blend electronic and communications intelligence capabilities, ensuring real‑time situational awareness across land, sea, and air domains. The three‑aircraft concept underscores a balanced approach: sufficient coverage for national missions while maintaining a manageable fleet size for sustainment.
Airbus Defence and Space brings a deep portfolio of airframe conversions, most notably the A330 Multi‑Role Tanker Transport, which demonstrates its ability to retrofit commercial platforms with mission‑critical systems. Partnering with Indra, a leader in defence electronics and data analytics, adds indigenous sensor expertise and software integration know‑how. This collaboration not only accelerates the study phase but also positions the consortium to deliver a cost‑effective solution that leverages existing production lines in Getafe, reducing development risk and lifecycle costs.
The broader market implications are significant. A successful Spanish SIGINT aircraft could become a template for other NATO members seeking similar capabilities, opening export opportunities for both Airbus and Indra. Moreover, the project reinforces Europe’s strategic push to reduce reliance on non‑European technology for critical intelligence functions, fostering a more resilient defence industrial base. As the study progresses, stakeholders will watch closely for platform selection, which could shape future procurement strategies across the continent.
Airbus and Indra selected to conduct definition study on future Spanish intelligence aircraft
Airbus and Inda selected to conduct definition study on future Spanish intelligence aircraft
Getafe, December 30 2025 – 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.
This 18‑month study will cover the analysis and definition of the most suitable platform and signals‑intelligence equipment to provide a national solution based on three aircraft to detect, track, classify, and identify targets of interest to the Spanish Armed Forces.
Airbus Defence and Space will draw up a proposal for an aircraft adapted to the Spanish customer's needs and, together with Indra, will study the integration of electronic intelligence and communications intelligence systems as a preliminary step to defining the development and implementation of the programme.
At a later stage, Airbus is expected to carry out the necessary modifications to the selected aircraft to implement and industrialise the signals‑intelligence system proposed by Indra.
Airbus has extensive experience in converting commercial aircraft into military aircraft, such as the A330 Multi‑Role Tanker Transport, which is converted at its facilities in Getafe. It also has extensive knowledge in the integration of sensors and mission systems in different aircraft configurations.
@AirbusDefence @Defensagob @EjercitoAire
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