On Monday, 21 July, Clara Arpa and Jorge de Rentería took part in a technical conference held at the CEUS (Centre for Testing of Unmanned Systems) facilities, managed by INTA in Huelva, on the occasion of the official presentation of the SiRTAP programme and the planning of its first flight tests, scheduled for late 2025 and early 2026.
A strategic infrastructure for UAV development
The session highlighted the importance of CEUS as a first-class strategic infrastructure for testing and validating unmanned aerial systems. It also underscored Spain’s potential to lead dual-use Defence programmes with both military and civilian applications.
Key institutional interventions
The event featured several high-level speakers, including:
- Amparo Valcarce, Secretary of State for Defence, who emphasised the importance of programmes like SiRTAP to strengthen strategic defence autonomy in Spain and Europe.
- Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura, President of Airbus Spain, who presented the current status of the SiRTAP system, its operational capabilities, the prototype’s flight plan, and upcoming project milestones, placing particular emphasis on the role of national suppliers.
ARPA’s role in the SiRTAP programme
In a spontaneous roundtable discussion with the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and other institutional representatives, ARPA had the opportunity to share its experience as a strategic supplier. Clara Arpa explained the company’s long-standing collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, particularly with the Spanish Army, through the supply of field kitchens and mobile hospitals. She also highlighted ARPA’s role in the SiRTAP programme, which Airbus praised as a model of professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment — especially remarkable for a SME.
Minister Robles also expressed her appreciation for ARPA’s collaboration with Sister Lucía in providing a field hospital for Ukraine.
Final message: national sovereignty and industrial commitment
In her closing remarks, the Minister highlighted:
- The need to reinforce the national industry to achieve technological sovereignty.
- The importance of supporting SMEs, which bring innovation, agility, and flexibility.
- The need to invest in young talent as a driver of the future.
- The Ministry’s commitment to dual-use programmes that foster synergies between the civil and military spheres.
- The goal of reducing technological dependence on countries like the United States or Israel, through a gradual and realistic transition.
Visit to CEUS facilities
The day concluded with a guided tour of the CEUS facilities, including a full-scale mock-up of the SiRTAP. The visit reaffirmed the strategic value of this programme for Spain’s industrial, technological, and defence ecosystem, and ARPA’s key role in its development.
