Minister for Defence reiterates importance of not underestimating space dominance on the anniversary of the war in Ukraine

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, visits the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA)

Drones are intelligent, multi-domain devices, whose constant and fast-paced technological development, coupled with potential disruptive use, has made them a key player in the current geopolitical context, as is clear from the war in Ukraine.

It is precisely three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a country to which "Spain is firmly committed. The just and lasting peace that Ukrainians deserve cannot be achieved without them and the European Union. Our country's defence of democratic values is beyond doubt and, for this reason, we will continue to help Ukraine in the face of the injustice they are experiencing", said the Minister for Defence during her visit to the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA).

INTA is a leading centre for researching, developing and implementing projects that make a security scenario possible for our country, also advising the public authorities on decision-making.

But it is not just about minimising the threat that drones have opened up, making space dominance even more important, we're talking about enabling everyday communications or taking data on water and air quality. All of these are issues in which the duality and cross-cutting nature of the satellite technology with which INTA works is fundamental.

During the visit, the Minister for Defence had the opportunity to view satellite images of, for example, the evolution of the La Palma volcano or the Valencia DANA, as INTA also provides support for emergencies and disasters.

In short, dual technology at the service of our country and its citizens, which makes INTA a space for research and innovation that provides an opportunity for the creation of skilled jobs, as is the case with CETEDEX in Jaén.

New satellites and drones

Among the most important milestones in the history of INTA, founded in 1942, is the launch of the first Spanish satellite, INTASAT, in 1974. Since then, the Institute has continued to work on this technology, which has evolved into the one currently employed. PAZ was launched in 2018 and, thanks to its ability to deliver high-resolution radar imagery consistently, even in adverse weather conditions, it has become an indispensable tool to meet the intelligence and strategic planning needs of the Armed Forces.

It is due to be replaced by PAZ-2 in 2031, which, as major innovations, features two satellites with advanced radar technology and independent launch to increase its resilience, as well as electronic jamming protection measures.

Drones are another high-tech device in which INTA has considerable experience. Currently under development are the AVIZOR programme, which improves the capabilities of its predecessor, SIVA; and MILANO, which is expected to be able to perform missions of up to 20 hours with a range beyond the horizon and a payload of up to 150 kilos.

In addition, work is also being carried out on the design of a specific communications network for drones, which will improve their security, robustness, reliability, scalability, flexibility and interoperability; and on DIANA, a high-speed aerial target to simulate threats to current and future weapon systems.

Non official translation