Spain orders 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft

The Spanish government has signed a contract with Munich-based, Germany, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) for the acquisition of 25 Eurofighter aircraft, Report informs via Airbus website.

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.

The agreement, which follows a previous 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.

“The Eurofighter is the most advanced and the most successful fighter jet from European production and is the backbone of European air superiority. It is also a symbol of industrial cooperation between nations and companies - an example of how Europe can work in our current defense context. We are grateful for the trust of the Spanish government in our Eurofighter and in Airbus Defence and Space. Not only is this order an important demand and defense signal, it secures the supply chain in Spain and across Europe,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.

All Spanish Eurofighters are assembled, tested, and delivered at the Airbus Getafe site (Madrid-Spain) and its industrial footprint translates into more than 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in Spain alone. The main national defense and technological companies are involved in the manufacturing process.

The acquisition was approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers in September 2023 and includes the aircraft, engines, and the necessary support services.