Aviation News, July 9, 2025 — Airbus Defence and Space has been selected by Hisdesat as the main contractor for the development and production of two next-generation PAZ-2 radar satellites. This initiative ensures continuity for Spain’s current Earth observation capabilities, following the original PAZ satellite launched in 2018. The program is being carried out on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Defence and marks a major advancement for the Spanish space sector, with approximately 65% of the satellite components to be developed domestically—led by Airbus and supported by the national industry.
The PAZ-2 satellites will feature enhanced capabilities, offering image resolution of under 25 centimeters and the ability to cover up to 6.7 million square kilometers per satellite each day. Orbiting the Earth 16 times daily, the satellites will deliver high-resolution radar imagery 24/7, in any weather conditions. These upgrades will significantly reinforce intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capacities for the Spanish Armed Forces, while also supporting a range of civilian uses—including infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, border security, and risk management.
Airbus will design, assemble, and test both satellites at its facilities in Getafe, Spain. In addition, the company will apply its advanced expertise in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies for very high-resolution and large-area imaging. Airbus will lead a consortium of over 15 Spanish companies to deliver the project.
The first PAZ-2 satellite is scheduled to be operational by mid-2031. This contract strengthens the long-standing collaboration between Hisdesat and Airbus in delivering high-value, X-band radar services. It also reinforces Spain’s strategic independence in space and contributes to Europe’s broader resilience in Earth observation capabilities.
