Spain Expands Air Force with 25 New Eurofighter Jets
Spain has significantly bolstered its military capabilities with the recent acquisition of 25 additional Eurofighter jets, as announced on December 20, 2024. This purchase is part of the Halcon II program, which aims to modernize the Spanish Air and Space Force by replacing older F-18 Hornet jets with the latest generation of Eurofighter aircraft. The deal, ratified by Spain’s Council of Ministers in September 2023, includes 21 single-seat and four twin-seat jets, enhancing Spain’s tactical airpower.
This agreement with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), based in Munich, not only increases the Spanish Eurofighter fleet to a robust 115 aircraft but also underscores Spain’s strategic defense commitments within NATO. With the first of these new aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2030, Airbus has highlighted that these advanced fighters will significantly upgrade Spain’s operational capabilities and reinforce its industrial and defense landscape.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the Eurofighter’s role as the pinnacle of European fighter jet technology and a linchpin for air superiority on the continent. “The Eurofighter is the most advanced and the most successful fighter jet from European production and is the backbone of European air superiority,” Schoellhorn stated, praising the collaborative industrial efforts across nations that the Eurofighter program embodies.
The acquisition is seen as a pivotal investment for Spain, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of its defense infrastructure. Schoellhorn expressed gratitude for the Spanish government’s trust in Airbus and its products, noting that this order not only represents a significant demand and defense signal but also secures the supply chain within Spain and across Europe.
The Spanish Eurofighters are assembled, tested, and delivered at the Airbus Getafe site near Madrid, a critical hub that supports over 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in Spain. This facility is integral to the local economy and involves major national defense and technological firms in the manufacturing process.
More About the Halcon Program The Halcon program is strategically designed to transition Spain’s fleet from the aging F-18s to a more contemporary air force with enhanced capabilities. Including this latest acquisition, Spain has ordered a total of 45 Eurofighters since 2022. The new jets will be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, electronically scanning radar, enhanced weapon systems compatible with Brimstone III and Full Meteor, upgraded sensors, and improved connectivity features.
Spain, which has operated Eurofighters since 2003, will integrate these new jets into its existing fleet of 70 aircraft from 2026 onwards. The Eurofighters are currently stationed at Morón (11th Wing) near Seville and Los Llanos (14th Wing) in Albacete, with plans to expand operations to Gando (46th Wing) in the Canary Islands.
Airbus reports that over 700 Eurofighters have been ordered by eight nations thus far, a testament to the aircraft’s global appeal and reliability. The program not only supports more than 100,000 jobs across Europe but is also expected to benefit from continued technological advancements, ensuring its relevance and efficacy in the future defense landscape.
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