In recent years, Spain has fluctuated between enthusiasm and hesitation regarding the potential acquisition of the F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of Lockheed Martin’s strike fighter. This aircraft is considered as a replacement for the EAV-8B Harrier II, also known as Matador, which has been in service with the Spanish Naval Aviation (Flotilla de Aeronaves, FLOAN) aboard the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos.

In the absence of the F-35B, the Spanish Navy aims to extend the service life of its EAV-8B Harrier II aircraft at least until 2032.