Airbus Defence and Space has been named the prime contractor for the development and manufacture of two new PAZ-2 radar satellites. This next-generation Earth observation programme, led by Hisdesat on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Defence, marks a significant step forward in Spain’s space capabilities. The new satellites will ensure continuity of the existing PAZ mission, operational since 2018, while delivering a quantum leap in performance.
Representing a milestone for the Spanish space industry, around 65% of the PAZ-2 satellites’ content will be developed domestically, spearheaded by Airbus and supported by a consortium of more than 15 Spanish companies. The satellites will be assembled and tested at Airbus’s facilities in Getafe.
The PAZ-2 system is among the most advanced of its kind. With improved resolution to better than 25 centimetres and expanded daily coverage of up to 6.7 million square kilometres per satellite, the new constellation will orbit the Earth 16 times daily. The enhancements will significantly bolster the Spanish Armed Forces’ intelligence and surveillance capabilities, while also supporting a wide range of civilian uses—including infrastructure monitoring, risk management, border control and disaster response. Thanks to its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload, PAZ-2 will be able to deliver reliable imagery in all weather conditions, day or night.
“In the current geopolitical context, with the PAZ-2 satellites, Airbus reaffirms its commitment to strengthening technological sovereignty in security and defence, as well as its leadership in the national and European space sector,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Airbus Space Systems.
The first PAZ-2 satellite is expected to be operational by mid-2031. Through this programme, Airbus and Hisdesat aim to maintain leadership in high-performance X-band radar services, reinforcing Spain’s strategic autonomy in Earth observation and contributing to Europe’s collective resilience.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: AIRBUS
