The Spanish government has contracted with Munich-based, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) to acquire 25 Eurofighter aircraft. Known as the Halcon II program, the order will cover the delivery of 21 latest-generation single-seat and four twin-seat Eurofighter aircraft to replace part of the F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force, Airbus reports in its public release.
The agreement, which follows a contract signed in 2022 for a batch of 20 fighter jets, will see the Spanish Eurofighter fleet grow to 115 aircraft. With the first delivery due in 2030, these new aircraft will: boost Spain’s air-power capabilities and operations; reinforce its prominent position at the heart of NATO, and secure the program’s industrial footprint.
Designed to replace the country’s F-18 fleet, the Halcon program means a significant upgrade of Spain’s airpower capabilities: a total of 45 (20+25) Eurofighter jets ordered since 2022, equipped with advanced avionics, electronically-scanning radar (E-Scan), enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Full Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity. They will join the current Spanish Air Force’s 70 aircraft fleet from 2026 onwards.
In service with Spain since 2003, the country’s air force operates the Eurofighter from the air bases at Morón (11th Wing), near Seville, and Los Llanos (14th Wing), Albacete. Gando (46th Wing), on the Canary Islands, will soon become the next operating base.
In total, the Eurofighter program secures more than 100,000 jobs in Europe, which will be boosted through the latest-generation aircraft, as well as in the future, through technological advances within the Eurofighter development.
To date, more than 700 Eurofighters have been ordered by eight nations.
