Spain's air force will replace the F-18 fighter jets stationed in the Canary Islands with 20 more Eurofighters. The procurement takes place via the NATO agency Netma. The Spanish Armed Forces will in future operate 90 military aircraft of this type.

The new Eurofighters will significantly upgrade the Spanish Air Force's fighter jet fleet and enable them to join the NATO alliance with the most modern fighter jet developed in Europe. At the same time, the order ensures industrial activity at least until 2030.

“This additional order underscores Spain's commitment not only to the Eurofighter, but also to its development and industrial environment. Our thanks go to the customer for their resolute stance on European defense at a time when it is particularly needed,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space.

The transaction, valued at 2,043 billion euros, was approved by the Spanish cabinet on December 14, 2021 and includes the aircraft and engines, a simulator and the necessary support services.

The Spanish Air Force has been operating the Eurofighter since 2003. The fleet is stationed at the air bases in Morón (11th squadron) and Albacete (14th squadron) and secures Spanish sovereign territory from there. With its Eurofighters, Spain was also involved in various air policing missions in the Baltic States and most recently also on the Black Sea. With the arrival of these new aircraft, Spain can equip a third base, Gando in the Canary Islands, where the 46th Squadron is based, with Eurofighters.

The Spanish Eurofighter is assembled, tested and delivered at the Airbus site in Getafe (Spain), directly and indirectly securing more than 20.000 jobs in Spain alone. The main national defense and technology companies are involved in its manufacturing process. Various changes have been made at Getafe in collaboration with the Spanish Air Force's Equipment and Testing Logistics Center (CLAEX), such as the introduction of the new CM02+ software package for Tranche 1 Eurofighters Air-to-ground weapons via integration of the Litening III target marker. New air-to-air, air-to-ground and communications capabilities were also added.