Spain’s Consideration of F-35B Fighter Jet Purchase for Naval Expansion
In early August, reports indicated that Madrid had “indefinitely suspended” discussions with Washington regarding a potential order for F-35A/B fighter jets. These jets were intended to replace some of the F/A-18 Hornets of the Ejército del Aire y Espacio and, more critically, the EAV-8B Harrier II of the Spanish Navy (Flotilla de Aeronaves – FLOAN).
Despite the government’s approval of a €10.471 billion defense plan in April, which includes a commitment to allocate 2% of GDP for security and defense, the decision to invest 85% of these funds in European initiatives has raised concerns about the compatibility of acquiring an American aircraft model. A preliminary allocation of €6.25 billion was earmarked in the 2023 budget specifically for replacing the EAV-8B Harrier II and F-18 Hornet.
This information was subsequently confirmed by a spokesperson from the Spanish Ministry of Defense to various media outlets. The spokesperson emphasized that Madrid’s priority lies in European collaborations, particularly with the Eurofighter and the Future Combat Air System (SCAF) project, which is being led by France, Germany, and Spain.
In response, the opposition, particularly represented by the Popular Party (PP), has urged Defense Minister Margarita Robles to appear before the Congressional Defense Committee to explain the reasons for not pursuing the F-35 acquisition, outline the implications for FLOAN’s capabilities, and discuss alternative options to prevent a capability gap.
Currently, there is no alternative to the F-35B (the short takeoff and vertical landing variant) to replace the EAV-8B Harrier II, which has been operated from the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I.
Two weeks after El Pais’s revelations, which were confirmed by other media, Minister Robles publicly denied any abandonment of the F-35 program in an interview broadcast by the public news agency EFE on August 20. “There has been no communication from the government regarding the abandonment of any program,” she stated concerning the F-35.
Robles further asserted that neither the Ministry of Defense nor the government is at odds with any country. “All NATO member countries are partners; we are allies, and we are working together, which is our primary position at this time,” she added.
Regarding the F-35, the Spanish minister emphasized that its acquisition is “not a priority for the navy at this time,” as the focus is on submarines (S80), frigates (F-110), and the combat supply ship (Buque de aprovisionamiento al combate – BAC). “We are working on these programs, and when the time comes, we will see,” she highlighted.
In summary, the purchase of the F-35B is not ruled out, but a decision will be made at a later date.
Nonetheless, for FLOAN, the renewal of the EAV-8 Harrier II is a priority, given that these aircraft will reach the end of their operational life by 2030. The US Marine Corps and the Marina Militare, which also operate Harrier IIs, have already begun their transition to the F-35B.
In November 2020, Admiral Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, then commander of the Spanish Navy and now Chief of the Defence Staff, supported the idea of launching a program “within the next five to six years” to replace the FLOAN’s “Matador” aircraft to avoid a capability gap.
Furthermore, the Spanish minister indicated that she would meet with her German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, next week in Berlin to “promote” the SCAF project, in which “Spain is firmly involved.” Notably, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, has not been invited to this meeting.