Strengthening Geospatial Intelligence Capabilities
In response to ongoing geopolitical challenges, Spain is significantly augmenting its military geospatial intelligence capabilities. This initiative is particularly timely given the recent migrant crisis experienced at the border with Morocco during the summer months. In August, the Defense Staff (EMAD) announced a framework agreement valued at €7.43 million aimed at acquiring high-resolution images from commercial satellites, while also accelerating funding for the PAZ 2 program, which is intended to become Spain's primary sovereign radar Earth observation capability. These advancements come on the heels of a substantial influx of migrants into Ceuta on July 30, which tested Spain's border alert and surveillance mechanisms.
The recently declassified documents released by the government on September 9 shed light on the communication and coordination processes among the Police, Civil Guard, National Intelligence Center (CNI), and the Military Intelligence Center (CIFAS) before and during this crisis. While the official documentation does not explicitly link these government actions to the events in Ceuta, it does coincide with a marked increase in resources allocated for obtaining and exploiting geospatial information for defense purposes.
Investment in Advanced Surveillance Technology
One of the significant developments occurred on August 19 when the EMAD's Economic Affairs Department issued a new tender to procure very high-resolution images from commercial Earth observation constellations. This tender, published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE) five days later, has an estimated value of €7,438,016 and spans a duration of two years. The procedure allows for the inclusion of up to ten operators, and it is designed to gather information using three types of sensors: visible, infrared, and radar. Currently, this contract has not been awarded, as the deadline for submissions remains open until September 21, with the economic opening scheduled for the following day.
This new agreement marks a significant leap from a similar contract issued just a year prior, which was valued at €1,652,892 and had a much shorter duration of only 15 days. The new tender thus represents a 4.5-fold increase in funding while also changing the classification under which the Defense Department operates. The previous procurement was categorized simply as “Photographs,” whereas the new framework is categorized under “Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance” (ISR), reflecting a broader scope of military capabilities.
The integration of imagery from private operators enhances the capabilities of the armed forces by supplementing their own resources with data from various constellations and sensors. While Spain currently maintains its sovereign radar observation capacity through the PAZ system, preparations are underway for its replacement with a significantly more advanced system.
The PAZ 2 program entails the development of two new Earth observation satellites equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, alongside the necessary ground segment and operational services. The government has allocated €1,011.85 million for the development of this system in collaboration with the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA). The radar technology provides a key advantage for intelligence operations, as it allows for day-and-night observations, irrespective of weather conditions that may hinder optical sensors. The Royal Decree that governs PAZ 2 states that SAR images facilitate operations “in any weather, day or night, whether cloudy or clear.”
In light of recent events, the government has explicitly noted that PAZ 2 will enable the analysis of “traffic and movement patterns on roads, borders, and coasts,” which were crucial during the crisis on July 30. The declassified reports detail movements toward the border perimeter, coastal activities, and gatherings of individuals near Ceuta. They also include a signal intelligence report sent to CIFAS on the same day, along with further military intelligence assessments.
While the documents do not identify satellite imagery as a source for anticipating these movements, the government has indicated that such information is protected to avoid revealing operational capabilities of the involved agencies. With the introduction of additional funding for PAZ 2, expected to reach €245.57 million for 2026, the strategic importance of these advancements cannot be overstated, especially as Spain navigates evolving security concerns at its borders with Morocco.
As reported by theobjective.com.
