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13h ago

Spain Suspends F-35 Procurement, Commits to Eurofighter and FCAS

The move reflects Madrid’s drive for European industrial sovereignty by directing most of its €10.5 billion defense package to Eurofighter and FCAS programs.

Italian Navy F-35B (Image credit: Author)
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Overview

  • Spain’s defense ministry announced an indefinite suspension of preliminary talks with Lockheed Martin for F-35 fighter jets in favor of European platforms.
  • The government plans to acquire 45 Eurofighter Typhoons under its Halcon I and II programs as an interim solution for air force and naval aviation needs.
  • Madrid reaffirmed its participation in the Future Combat Air System consortium with France and Germany to develop a next-generation fighter by 2040.
  • The decision leaves the Spanish Navy without a clear replacement for its AV-8B Harrier II jets by 2030 and has prompted feasibility studies for carrier upgrades.
  • President Donald Trump publicly criticized Madrid’s procurement stance and threatened additional tariffs, escalating transatlantic tensions over defense spending.