It will equip the Air Force with combat aircraft equipped with electronic scanning radar, 16 single-seaters and 4 two-seaters | Defense and Airbus sign this contract within the so-called ‘Halcón program’
The Ministry of Defence and Airbus have signed this Thursday a contract that exceeds 2,000 million euros for the acquisition of 20 Eurofighter fighter aircraft that will replace the current F-18 that operate in the Canary Islands.
the so-called ‘falcon program’ was authorized by the Council of Ministers last December and will provide the Air Force with combat aircraft equipped with electronic scanning radar (E-Scan), 16 single-seaters and 4 two-seaters.
Under the contract, with which the Spanish Eurofighter fleet will increase to a total of 90 aircraft, the first delivery is scheduled for the year 2026. The operation includes, in addition to the combat aircraft, engines, a simulator and the necessary support equipment.
“This additional order rreinforces Spain’s commitment not only to Eurofighter, but also to its industrial and development environment. We would like to thank the customer for their strong position on European defense at a time when it is most needed,” said Airbus Defense and Space CEO Mike Schoellhorn after the signing.
Currently, The Air Force operates the Eurofighter from the air bases of Morón (Ala 11) and Albacete (Ala 14). With the arrival of the new aircraft, Spain could equip a third base with Eurofighter aircraft, specifically in Gando (Canary Islands) which houses Wing 46.
The Spanish Eurofighter is assembled, tested and delivered at the Airbus facilities in Getafe (Spain) and its industrial footprint translates into more than 20,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs in Spainaccording to the company.