Key Takeaways
- Spain's Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed its future fighter jet strategy will focus exclusively on the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), explicitly ruling out the Lockheed Martin F-35 (LMT).
- Spain recently finalized a €2.043 billion contract for 20 Eurofighter Typhoons under the Halcon I program and an additional 25 jets under Halcon II, bringing its total ordered Eurofighter fleet to 45 new aircraft, with deliveries extending to 2035.
- The commitment to FCAS, a collaborative program with France and Germany, underscores Spain's long-term vision for a European-developed sixth-generation combat system, despite reported internal preferences for the F-35 by some military commanders and delays in the FCAS program.
Spain's Dual-Track Fighter Jet Strategy: Eurofighter and FCAS
Spain's Ministry of Defence has unequivocally stated its strategic direction for future fighter jet acquisitions, confirming that its options are strictly limited to the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This declaration firmly excludes the Lockheed Martin F-35 (LMT) stealth fighter from Spain's procurement plans, despite persistent rumors and reported internal preferences within the Spanish Air and Space Force for the American jet. The Spanish government has reiterated its budgetary commitment solely to existing projects, specifically the European-led FCAS initiative.
The decision reinforces Spain's dedication to European defense industrial collaboration. Spain is a key partner, alongside France and Germany, in the ambitious FCAS program, which aims to develop a cutting-edge sixth-generation fighter and associated unmanned combat air vehicles. This long-term program is projected to see its advanced combat systems enter service around 2040.
In the interim, Spain is significantly bolstering its current aerial capabilities with further investments in the Eurofighter Typhoon. Under the Halcon I program, Spain previously secured a contract worth €2.043 billion for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoons in June 2022, intended to replace its aging EF-18 Hornet fleet. Building on this, Spain formalized the Halcon II agreement in December 2024, ordering an additional 25 Eurofighter jets, comprising 21 single-seat and four twin-seat variants. These new aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics, electronically scanning radar (E-Scan), and enhanced weapon systems, are slated for delivery between 2030 and 2035. The combined orders from the Halcon programs will expand Spain's total Eurofighter fleet to 115 aircraft, solidifying its role as the backbone of European air defense.
Despite the Ministry's clear stance, the F-35 had been considered by some as a potential solution for replacing not only the EF-18 Hornets but also the Spanish Navy's AV-8B+ Harriers, particularly given the anticipated delays in the FCAS program. However, the Defence Ministry has consistently denied any plans to acquire the F-35, emphasizing that Spain's investment priorities remain firmly with the FCAS. The Eurofighter program, meanwhile, continues to be a significant economic driver, supporting over 100,000 jobs across 400 companies throughout Europe.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.