Madrid, August 7 - In a significant shift in defense strategy, Spain has officially ruled out acquiring the U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, opting instead to focus on European-manufactured alternatives, specifically the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This decision, confirmed by a Spanish Ministry of Defense spokesperson on August 6, 2025, marks a deliberate pivot toward bolstering European defense industries and aligns with Spain’s broader commitment to regional autonomy in military procurement. The move follows reports from the Spanish newspaper El PaÃs, which noted that the government had indefinitely suspended preliminary discussions with Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturer, to explore these European options. This strategic choice reflects both economic and geopolitical considerations, as Spain seeks to modernize its air force while prioritizing investments within Europe.
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The Spanish government had initially allocated €6.25 billion in its 2023 defense budget to replace its aging fleet of McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, with the F-35 previously considered a leading candidate due to its fifth-generation stealth capabilities and interoperability within NATO. The F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, was particularly appealing for the Spanish Navy’s Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier, which currently operates the Harrier II, set to retire by 2030. Similarly, the F-35A was eyed as a potential replacement for the Air Force’s Hornets. However, Spain’s decision to channel the majority of an additional €10.5 billion defense budget increase in 2025 toward European suppliers has rendered the acquisition of U.S.-made jets untenable. This shift underscores Spain’s intent to support domestic and European industries, with 85% of the new defense investment package earmarked for European platforms.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter produced by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, is a familiar choice for Spain, which has operated the aircraft since 2003. Spain has already ordered 115 Typhoons, with an additional 25 Tranche 4 models under the Halcón II program, slated for delivery between 2030 and 2035. These aircraft are assembled at Airbus’s facility in Getafe, near Madrid, sustaining jobs and expertise in Spain’s aerospace sector. The Eurofighter’s advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE) variant, featuring upgraded radar and electronic warfare capabilities, offers a robust interim solution while Spain awaits the FCAS, a sixth-generation fighter program developed collaboratively by Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Indra Sistemas. The FCAS, intended to enter service by 2040, represents a long-term investment in cutting-edge technology, though its development has faced challenges due to disputes between Airbus and Dassault over technological priorities.
Spain’s decision carries significant implications for its military capabilities, particularly for the navy. Without the F-35B, the Juan Carlos I may be limited to rotary-wing operations post-2030, as the FCAS is not expected to offer STOVL capabilities. This could curtail Spain’s ability to project airpower in NATO carrier strike operations, a concern raised by defense analysts. Meanwhile, the commitment to Eurofighter and FCAS reinforces Spain’s role in European defense collaboration, aligning with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s pledge to meet NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target without endorsing a proposed 5% increase, a stance that has drawn criticism from U.S. leadership. By prioritizing European platforms, Spain is not only modernizing its air force but also signaling a strategic preference for regional self-reliance in an era of evolving global alliances.