NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has selected Thales to provide its next-generation Deployable Tactical Air Navigation (D-TACAN) system to the Spanish Air & Space Force, enhancing air navigation capabilities.
This cyber-resilient European sovereign solution provides a critical operational capability enabling safe navigation, approach and landing operations from both permanent and temporary airfields.
It will be manufactured by Thales in Italy, at its Gorgonzola (Milan) facility, the European Union’s only TACAN navigation aid manufacturing site.
Thales in Spain has been awarded a contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply a Deployable Tactical Air Navigation (D-TACAN) system for the Spanish Air & Space Force. This contract includes a comprehensive integrated logistic support package covering spare parts, training, product information and electronic documentation in order to ensure the system’s long-term supportability. Manufactured by Thales in Italy, at its Gorgonzola (Milan) facility, and integrated and maintained by Thales in Spain, the D-TACAN system demonstrates Thales’ contribution to strengthening European industrial cooperation and supporting European sovereignty.
Thales’ TACAN technology was identified to meet the stringent requirements for this key Aeronautical Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) capability, supporting resilient and secure air operations across NATO airspace, including through a robust alternative navigation capability in GNSS-denied or GNSS-jammed environments.
Based on Thales’ latest-generation Ground Based TACAN 553 system, the D-TACAN delivers a fully autonomous and rapidly deployable navigation capability for the Spanish Air & Space Force. Transportable by air, sea, rail and road, this system is designed to support military operations in a wide range of environments, while improving operational flexibility, efficiency and cyber resilience.
Through the NSPA framework, other NATO member states and NATO entities with similar operational and technical requirements will also be able to acquire additional D-TACAN systems, reinforcing interoperability and collective defence capabilities across the Alliance.
Integrated into a 20-foot ISO shelter, the D-TACAN system is designed for continuous 24/7 operations in challenging conditions. It includes all required operational equipment, including an uninterruptible power supply, power generation systems and communications capabilities, enabling rapid deployment in demanding environments. The delivery will also include a comprehensive integrated logistics package covering spare parts, training and documentation to ensure long-term supportability.
As a key contributor to European sovereignty, Thales in Italy is the only European manufacturer of TACAN systems and the only company worldwide producing both ground-based TACAN beacons and airborne TACAN interrogators.
“Through this contract, NSPA is enabling the Spanish Air & Space Force to rapidly acquire a critical air navigation capability while benefiting from the Agency’s proven procurement and technical expertise” Juan Tarazona, Communications, Air and Missile Defence Programme Manager, NSPA.
“This contract demonstrates Thales’ ability to deliver sovereign, cyber-resilient and mission-ready navigation solutions that strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. Building on decades of expertise in TACAN technology, our team in Spain is proud to support locally the Spanish Air & Space Force and NATO allies with a deployable system designed to operate wherever missions require. In particular, our team will provide local engineering expertise, maintenance and training services, ensuring the system remains fully operational throughout its lifecycle and delivering the close, long-term support that is essential to the Spanish Air & Space Force’s operational readiness.” Jésus Sanchez-Bargos, Vice-President Iberia & Türkiye and CEO Spain, Thales.
