Airbus and Indra to Define Next-Generation Capabilities in Spain's Intelligence Reconnaissance Program

Spain’s Ministry of Defense has entrusted Airbus Defense and Space and Indra Group with a critical mission: architecting the future of national signals intelligence operations. The partnership, spanning an intensive 18-month research initiative, will establish the technical foundation for Spain’s next-generation SIGINT aircraft platform—a sophisticated system designed to serve the Spanish Air and Space Force’s most demanding reconnaissance requirements.

Strategic Mission and Scope

The collaboration between Airbus Defense and Space alongside Indra will define next-generation intelligence gathering capabilities through comprehensive systems analysis. The research phase encompasses platform evaluation and advanced signals intelligence equipment integration, ultimately delivering a specialized solution tailored to Spain’s operational priorities. The solution centers on developing capabilities for target detection, tracking, classification, and identification across the electromagnetic spectrum.

The project reflects a broader defense modernization strategy, with three distinct aircraft configurations under evaluation. This multi-platform approach ensures Spain’s defense establishment can select optimal solutions balancing operational flexibility, technical sophistication, and strategic autonomy.

Execution and Implementation Path

Following the conceptual design phase, Airbus Defense and Space will proceed with platform modifications and industrialization of the signals intelligence system developed by Indra. This phased approach separates the critical early-stage design work from implementation, allowing for rigorous validation before deployment.

The initiative underscores Europe’s commitment to developing indigenous defense capabilities. By combining Airbus’s aerospace expertise with Indra’s signals intelligence prowess, the partnership creates a competitive intelligence platform while maintaining European technological independence in a critical defense domain.

This contract award signals growing confidence in Airbus SE’s defense portfolio and positions the Franco-Spanish industrial partnership as a key player in next-generation military reconnaissance systems across NATO and allied nations.