Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat Extend Strategic Partnership to Commercialise Next-Generation PAZ-2 Radar Earth Observation Satellites

TerraSAR-X Radar image over Barcelona, Spain.

(IN BRIEF) Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat have signed an agreement to extend their strategic partnership for the commercialisation of radar Earth observation imagery, covering the future PAZ-2 satellite constellation. Building on their collaboration since 2018, the agreement supports the delivery of next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar capabilities for defence and commercial markets. The PAZ-2 programme, led by the Spanish Ministry of Defence, will consist of two advanced satellites offering significantly improved resolution, expanded coverage and near-real-time data delivery. With Airbus Defence and Space as prime contractor and strong national industrial participation, the programme reinforces Spain’s leadership in radar Earth observation and is scheduled to begin service by mid-2031.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID/ BRUSSELS, 28-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat have agreed to extend and expand their long-standing collaboration in the international radar Earth observation market by signing a new agreement covering the future commercialisation of imagery and applications from the PAZ-2 radar satellite programme. The agreement was formalised during the European Space Conference in Brussels and marks a significant step in strengthening joint offerings for both defence and commercial users worldwide.

The renewed partnership builds on the successful cooperation established in 2018 for the commercialisation of radar imagery from the current PAZ satellite, operating in constellation with the German TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites. By extending this alliance to the next-generation PAZ-2 system, Airbus Defence and Space and Hisdesat aim to further advance Synthetic Aperture Radar-based Earth observation and respond to rising global demand for high-performance, all-weather imaging capabilities.

PAZ-2 is led by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in cooperation with Hisdesat and represents one of the most advanced radar Earth observation programmes globally. The programme comprises two twin satellites that will replace the existing PAZ satellite, which has been in service since 2018, while ensuring continuity and significantly enhancing current operational capabilities. Funding is provided by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism, with the primary customer being the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

Satellite PAZ-2

In July 2025, Hisdesat awarded Airbus Defence and Space the contract to manufacture the two PAZ-2 satellites, reinforcing Airbus’ role as prime contractor for the space segment. The programme also consolidates the strength of Spain’s space industry, with approximately 65% national industrial participation under Airbus Defence and Space’s leadership.

The PAZ-2 satellites will operate in constellation and incorporate advanced technologies designed to deliver a substantial leap in performance. The system will achieve image resolutions of up to 10 centimetres, significantly expand daily coverage to approximately 6.7 million square kilometres per satellite, and offer a maximum swath width of up to 500 kilometres. These capabilities are intended to support a wide range of operational scenarios, from persistent surveillance to large-area monitoring.

To address the needs of time-critical missions, the PAZ-2 system will provide near-real-time services with a latency of just five minutes from image acquisition to data availability. This rapid responsiveness will enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, while also supporting civil applications such as infrastructure monitoring, risk and disaster management, border control and environmental assessment. The first PAZ-2 satellite is expected to enter operational service by mid-2031.

Contacts for the media

Bruno Daffix
AIRBUS | Defence and Space
+33 6 48 09 96 50
bruno.b.daffix@airbus.com

Beatriz Lozano
AIRBUS | Defence and Space
+34 651 862 435
beatriz.lozano-mendez@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS