Spain has formally abandoned its plans to procure U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, opting instead to invest heavily in European defence projects, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This strategic pivot underscores Madrid’s commitment to bolstering defence sovereignty, supporting domestic industry, and reducing reliance on American military hardware.The Economic TimesFinancial TimesElHuffPost
The decision marks a significant reversal in Spain’s defence planning. Previously, the 2023 budget allocated approximately €6.25 billion for a fighter jet acquisition to replace both Harrier AV-8B aircraft operated by the Navy and F-18 Hornets of the Air Force. Preliminary steps, including a non-binding Request for Information (RFI) with Lockheed Martin, had been initiated.Reutersarmyrecognition.comBreaking Defense
However, in prioritizing European defence, the government committed that roughly 85% of the additional €10.5 billion defence budget would be spent within Europe, effectively precluding any deal with the U.S.ReutersElHuffPostarmyrecognition.com
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, reaffirming Spain’s pledge to invest 2% of GDP in defence, declined to endorse NATO’s more aggressive 5% target—a position that drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened tariffs in response to Spain’s refusal.Reuters+1Wikipedia
Strategic and Industrial Implications
With the F-35 out of the picture, Spain looks instead to European-built aircraft. The Eurofighter Typhoon — already in its “Halcón” procurement phases — offers a mature, readily available platform. Meanwhile, FCAS, a next-generation sixth-generation combat system developed with France and Germany, remains a long-term project with expected service entry around 2040.Financial TimesWikipediaElHuffPostBreaking Defense
This strategic shift reflects a broader push for European strategic autonomy, aligning military spending with industrial policy and political independence—especially as doubts grow over U.S. reliability under the Trump administration. Other countries like Canada, Portugal, Switzerland, and India are also reassessing their F-35 commitments.Financial TimesBusiness InsiderThe Economic Times
Operational Impact on Spain’s Navy
The Navy faces particularly acute challenges. Its AV-8B Harriers are slated for retirement by 2030. Since the F-35B variant—a short takeoff and vertical landing model—was the only viable replacement, its cancellation leaves Spain’s flagship vessel, the LHD Juan Carlos I, without fixed-wing jet capability. It will operate only helicopters unless a conventional aircraft carrier with catapult and arrestor gear is designed and built—a process already being studied by state shipbuilder Navantia but unlikely to be completed before the Harriers are decommissioned.ElHuffPost+1armyrecognition.comThe Aviationist
Indeed, Spain may face a decade-long gap in naval fixed-wing aviation, potentially weakening its maritime strike and power projection capabilities. The feasibility of a new carrier and interim measures are under consideration, with options including temporary use of Rafale M jets if infrastructure allows.ElHuffPost+1The AviationistEl País
Air Force Transition and Long-Term Defence Vision
On the air force side, the F-35 was seen as a transitional step toward FCAS. With this option off the table, Spanish defence planning must now rely on existing fourth-generation platforms and the delayed realization of FCAS. This could slow advances in stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities, though Eurofighter upgrades may fill part of the gap.ElHuffPostFinancial TimesBreaking Defense
Political Fallout and Industry Gains
Domestically, the decision has triggered political debate. Opposition parties accuse the government of sacrificing national security for ideological reasons. Yet analysts argue the move serves long-term strategic and industrial interests. Supporting European industry could enhance autonomy and control over sensitive technologies.Financial TimesThe Economic Times
Fiscal Rationale
Spain’s rejection of NATO’s 5% target in favour of maintaining 2–2.1% of GDP in defence spending reflects broader concerns. Prime Minister Sánchez argues that increasing spending drastically would displace welfare investments and deepen reliance on foreign suppliers. A 2029 review will assess whether Spain delivers defence capabilities under the more modest spending framework.Wikipedia
Conclusion
Spain’s cancellation of the F-35 deal signals a strategic realignment—favoring defence autonomy, European industrial strength, and political sovereignty. While operational vulnerabilities will need mitigation, particularly for naval aviation, the commitment to Eurofighter and FCAS promises long-term dividends. As Europe pushes ahead on its own military capabilities, Spain seeks to be aligned at the forefront of that transformation.
