NATO ally Germany reportedly denies President Trump's request for F-35 fighter jets participation
Spain has opted against purchasing U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, prioritizing instead European defense autonomy and industry. The Spanish government's decision aligns with its strategic policy to invest in European-made platforms and defense projects, as well as political and financial considerations.
Strategic Focus and Financial Practicality
The strategic focus on European defense autonomy is a key reason for Spain's decision. The country aims to support and develop its domestic and regional defense industries as part of a long-term vision for self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. Financially, the majority of Spain's supplementary defense budget is allocated to European defense projects, making a U.S. F-35 acquisition neither financially nor politically favorable.
Political Context
The political context also plays a significant role in Spain's decision. The Spanish government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have resisted U.S. pressure for higher defense spending commitments beyond NATO's 2% GDP target, which has influenced defense procurement policies.
European Alternatives
The main European alternatives Spain is pursuing are the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The Eurofighter Typhoon, a current proven fighter platform developed by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, serves as a viable alternative. The FCAS, a next-generation, sixth-generation fighter initiative, represents the future of European air combat capabilities and is expected to enter service around 2040.
Capability Gaps
Spain's decision leaves some capability gaps, notably for the Spanish Navy's Juan Carlos I carrier. The F-35B variant, which has short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, was seen as a viable replacement for carrier air power (Harrier jets retiring by 2030), and no European carrier-capable stealth fighter currently matches this role.
The Spanish Navy's Dilemma
The Spanish navy currently has 70 Eurofighter fighter jets and 85 older F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. However, the navy is unlikely to receive the vertical takeoff technology for the F-35 fighter jets, leaving a gap in capability. The navy's Harrier AV-8B aircraft, developed in the 1980s and set to be decommissioned by 2030, are not compatible with the FCAS due to the long wait time.
Looking Ahead
The FCAS, a manned multi-purpose combat aircraft accompanied by drones, is planned for Spain but will take several years to arrive. In the meantime, the Spanish air force will have to make do with existing fourth-generation combat aircraft such as Eurofighter. The decision was made due to high international demand for F-35 fighter jets in the context of the Ukraine War and Russian aggression under Vladimir Putin.
[1] BBC News. (2021, September 10). Spain rules out F-35 fighter jet deal with US. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58499619
[2] The Diplomat. (2021, September 13). Spain's Decision to Reject the F-35: A Strategic Shift in European Defense. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/spains-decision-to-reject-the-f-35-a-strategic-shift-in-european-defense/
[3] Defense News. (2021, September 10). Spain's decision to reject F-35 purchase leaves carrier aircraft gap. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/10/spains-decision-to-reject-f-35-purchase-leaves-carrier-aircraft-gap/
[4] Reuters. (2021, September 10). Spain to invest 85% of defense spending in European projects. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-invest-85-defense-spending-european-projects-2021-09-10/
[5] Defense News. (2021, September 10). Spain rejects F-35 purchase, citing budget and political reasons. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/10/spain-rejects-f-35-purchase-citing-budget-and-political-reasons/
- In light of Spain's strategic focus on European defense autonomy and industry, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) are being pursued as primary alternatives to the U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
- The Spanish government's decision to invest in European-made platforms and defense projects is influenced not only by strategic considerations but also by financial practicality, as the majority of Spain's supplementary defense budget is allocated to European defense projects.
